“Gag! Man, are you going to get all rom-com on me now? I can’t have you going soft. It’s not good for my rep.”
Sierra returned to the here and now with a smile as she turned on the water and lathered up the sponge. Her eyes sparkled as she stepped across and wrapped Ronni into a soapy-handed hug. “I will do my best not to embarrass you, but I didn’t hear you complaining about my breakfast, so maybe it’s a good thing.”
“We’ll see.” Ronni returned the embrace and then flinched as Sierra’s soapy hands seeped through her shirt. “I love you, but you’re soiling my designer sleep attire.”
Sierra pulled back with a laugh. “Wouldn’t want to ruin your boy shorts and ratty old Milli Vanilli concert tee.”
“Hey! It’s not old. It’s vintage.”
“Whatever you say, Ron.”
“You need an education in style.”
“And you need to throw that thing out and do some laundry. You only wear it when you’re scraping the bottom of the drawers.” Sierra smirked.
“Yeah well…” Ronni got up and grumbled under her breath as she trudged back to her room.
“I’m going to go for a ride. You want to join me?”
“Nah. I got stuff to do. Catch you later, Cody.”
Sierra washed the plates and set them out to dry. The task was so normal and domestic and not at all as horrifying as she had thought it would be. Take out was still her food of choice, but maybe she could get used to this kind of thing, especially if she were doing it with Kara.
***
Ronni waited until Sierra had gone before getting dressed and heading out. When she was on a mission, she wasn’t one to dilly-dally. She pulled up to the building, slipped a young man named Billy a twenty, and made like a stealth bomber through the halls to her destination. She had it on good authority from Billy, whom she had met while testing games, that the doctor liked to work on Sunday—every day actually—and she was not known to do much socializing after hours.
This knowledge reaffirmed Ronni’s belief that Kara, despite her display with the motorcycle, was still too stiff and boring for her liking. But she wasn’t the one fawning over her, so she was going to fulfill her best friend duty—the one she had solemnly sworn to perform after the “Jen debacle” in high school that left a lovesick Sierra a broken-hearted shadow of herself. Never again. Not on her watch.
When she reached Kara’s office door, a quick jimmy with her credit card got her inside. It may have been a high-tech research lab, but they still had old school locks. A six-year-old could pick them. Flipping on the lights, she took a lap around the sterile office space, pausing to peruse the book case full of various kinesiology and anatomy books before turning the lights off again and settling into Kara’s large leather office chair.
“So comfy,” she muttered into the dark space as she leaned back and kicked her feet up on the desk. Now all she had to do was wait.
A half an hour later, Kara opened the door to her office and flipped the lights on. When her eyes met Ronni’s, she jumped back against the door startled, fumbling to hold onto her stack of files before they scattered across the floor. “Geeze, Ronni! Again? Shit! You have to stop doing this.” She set the files on top of her bookcase and blew out a heavy breath.
“What’s shakin’, Doc?” Ronni wanted to laugh, but she was here for serious reasons.
“Now what? I did as you asked. Sierra and I are good now. Thank you for arranging the meeting.” Kara folded her arms across her chest and cast her a stern glance.
“First, you’re welcome. Second, you did good. She’s happy as a clam now, whatever that saying means.”
“It refers to a clam at high tide,” Kara began spouting the factoid as if it were spit straight out of a computer. “The saying originated in the eighteen hundred’s. That’s when they’re safest from predators and their shell opens. It appears as if they’re smiling.”
This time Ronni did laugh. Sierra was seriously crushing on a hard-core geek. “Yeah well, it’s annoying,” she stated. “But thanks for that. Might help me win a bet one day.” She rolled her eyes, dropped her feet and pushed up from the chair. With her game face back in place, she moved to within three feet of the doctor and stopped, matching Kara’s defensive posture by folding her own arms across her chest. “You didn’t let me finish.”
“By all means, please finish.” Kara gestured with her hand that Ronni had the floor.
Ronni got a kick out of Kara’s sarcastic tone. The doctor had spunk. If she would lighten up, and not break Sierra’s heart, there was a possibility they could be friends. “Why thank you. Third,” she announced, “I hope you meant what you said to Sierra, because she has got it bad for you and I don’t want to see her get hurt. This is new for her.” Ronni eyed the emotionless doctor.
“Yeah well, it’s new for me too,” Kara muttered under her breath. Grabbing her files, she pushed her way past Ronni and set them on her desk.
Ronni had heard the confession, but held back a comment. The statement made her realize she was dealing with a woman who, despite her intelligence, looks, and professional façade, was every bit as clueless about relationships as her best friend. Why was she surprised? Kara’s last relationship was a flop. Being a cold bitch and being cold because you’re emotionally closed off were two different things. Kara was a tough read. She had traits of both, but had a warmth about her that made it seem as though she could thaw if she found the right person.
Was that person Sierra? Time would tell.
She considered going easy on Kara, but wanted her point made. Sierra wasn’t just some personal research project to complete while the temperamental doctor decided whether or not she wanted to join the human race. “I wanted to say that I support Sierra in her quest to finally try a real relationship and if you make her happy, then so be it.”
“But…” Kara broke in with an icy stare, her patience clearly wearing thin.
“But…if you hurt my best friend…Let’s just say you’ll regret it. So don’t, okay?” She delivered her best and brightest fake smile.
“Fine.” Kara forced a fake smile in return. “If you’re finished, I have work to do. Also, I would appreciate it if you could please try to refrain from breaking into my office in the future.”
“No promises there, Doc. Think I’m gonna go hit up that sweet gaming room of yours again. Want to go kill some zombies?”
“No, thank you. I wouldn’t want to piss you off by kicking your ass.” Kara stared her down.
Ronni could almost make out the edge of a smirk, though Kara had maintained a stone-cold expression the entire time. A little surprised by the comment, and enjoying the return of the spunk from the motorcycle ride, Ronni’s blue eyes twinkled. “Hmmm…sounds like there is a challenge in there someday soon, Doc.”
Ronni winked and skipped out. That was one challenge she hoped would come to fruition. If Kara wanted to take her on in a video game, she would wipe the floor with her.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Nervous. Terrified. Uncertain if she was ready to open herself up. Those were the thoughts running through the usually calm and collected Dr. Kara Davies’ highly intelligent mind as she prepared for her first date with the beautiful, infectious woman known as Sierra Cody. Could Kara avoid the same problems she’d had with Jamie? Was she long term material? Would Ronni end up kicking her ass? Worse yet, would Sierra fall back into bed with her ex?
They both had their share of relationship missteps to work through. Only time would tell if this was indeed the relationship that would inspire them to grow as people. Kara admitted to feeling different with Sierra. Something about the woman invited her to talk, feel, and touch like never before, but would it be enough? Would she be able to curb her obsession with work enough to make a relationship work?
If working extra hours yesterday to take off early for their date today was any indication, then yes. She had never done that for anyone. Maybe it was only their first date, but it was a good step in the
right direction. But would the changes she was now willing to make last? Would she be able to communicate her feelings regularly and not just when she was playing a character, like she did with her motorcycle?
Kara shook her head, still unable to believe her performance that day. She didn’t even know she had it in her. Hopefully, Sierra wasn’t more interested in that woman, because that would only end in disappointment.
Sierra is beautiful, kind, talented, and obviously head over heels for me. Why am I so scared? It’s only a date. This is a good thing.
With their date two hours away, Kara was finally able to calm herself. She was filled with a gentle humming, feeling like the girl who just got asked out by the most popular kid in school.
***
At precisely two in the afternoon, Sierra pulled her rebuilt Barracuda into an empty space at Kara’s apartment complex. She turned off the ignition and closed her eyes. This was it. She was going on a date with Kara. The last time she was this nervous was her first downhill race. Sweaty palms. Heart thumping in her throat. Short, shallow breaths that left her dizzy.
“You can do this, Cody,” Sierra coached herself. “This is what you wanted, remember? She likes you, so just act natural.” The pep talk did its job. Sierra was out of the car and knocking on Kara’s door before she had the chance think twice.
She was greeted by a warm smile. Kara looked extra adorable in her nicely-fitted navy blue Columbia pants with matching button down and a pair of hiking boots. Her aviator sunglasses hung from the buttons between her breasts. Even for an outdoor trip, Dr. Kara Davies was put together.
A lopsided grin rolled up as Sierra took in the sight of her date, beautiful as always. “Hi,” she uttered with awe and smiled wider when a light pink touched Kara’s cheeks.
“Hi.”
Kara’s gaze made a quick trek down the length of Sierra’s body. Her visual journey was slow, appreciative, and Sierra enjoyed every second, even giving a slight flex to her biceps as the path traveled up her arms.
Seductive green eyes met Sierra’s once again. An aura of desire surrounded Kara, though she was as controlled as ever. “I’m just about ready. Why don’t you come in for a second while I grab the rest of my things?” She stepped back, allowing Sierra to pass. “I’m going to grab my bag and water bottle. Do you need water? I can bring an extra bottle.”
“Sure, thanks. This is a nice apartment, considering its lab housing.” Sierra hadn’t seen the place in daylight and was impressed by the modern style.
“I was surprised too, but they take good care of their employees and research participants.” Kara filled a bottle with water and grabbed her bag. “So, where are you taking me?” She strode back toward Sierra. “I know we agreed on something outdoorsy or adventurous, but you’ve been keeping it a secret, so I packed for variety.” Kara smiled wide as she came to a stop and awaited the details.
“Well…” Sierra paused, getting lost in the pair of eyes staring intently at her. Their interaction was easy, warm, like a fine summer’s day. The nerves she had been battling tooth and nail finally conceded, giving way to the easy confidence she usually enjoyed.
“I figured we could ride out to the Crater Lake area, take a little hike, and then, if you’re up to it, a friend of mine owns the zip line there. We could take it back down. I don’t know if you’re into that kind of thing, but I’ve never tried it. He keeps asking me to go. But if that’s not your cup of tea, we can just finish the hike. Either way, we can have dinner after. How’s that sound?” Sierra hoped her plan was agreeable. She had agonized over the decision.
“Wow.” Kara’s eyes widened, as did her smile. “That sounds great. I’ve never ziplined either. How about we decide when we get there?” Kara proposed, taking Sierra’s hand in her own as they exited her apartment.
“Sounds like a plan,” Sierra said, staring down at their joined hands. Her belly fluttered, yet she felt warm and full as if she had gorged on her favorite meal.
Kara’s stride came to a halt and her face fell to one of awe as she stared at Sierra’s meticulously detailed Barracuda. “That’s beautiful, Sierra. Did you restore her yourself?”
“Yeah, with some help. I always wanted one like this. My dad found this baby in some pretty sad shape and bought her for my twenty-first birthday.”
Making her way slowly around the car, Kara’s fingers glided baby soft along the paint, appreciating the craftsmanship. Sierra was impressed with the care in her touch. That Kara was equally as excited by her classic muscle car only added fuel to the fire. Could the woman be any more perfect for her?
“Well, it looks great. It suits you too—powerful and beautiful,” Kara gushed.
“Why Doctor, are you flirting with me?” Sierra smirked as Kara scrambled to come up with a response.
Kara stiffened, but held her smile. “I do believe a car is an extension of a person’s personality and I was simply acknowledging as much,” she rambled to Sierra’s delight. The woman was the picture of poise in her professional surroundings and Sierra enjoyed that confidence, but found her social awkwardness simply adorable.
“Relax, Kara, I was joking. And thank you, I happen to agree with you.” Sierra opened the passenger door, allowing Kara to take her seat. “And for the record, I don’t mind a little flirting,” she added with a wink as she closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side, trying to ignore the pair of eyes following her every move.
They veered onto the main highway and headed south toward Crater Lake. Hardened lava formations speckled the landscape and Kara took it all in. “I don’t get out as much as I would like and the weather has been so nice. I’m glad we’re doing this.” She glanced at Sierra.
“Me too. I’m glad you took the afternoon off. Now we have plenty of daylight to enjoy this,” Sierra agreed.
“I don’t take much time off.” Regret weighed on her words. Kara returned to her view out the side window.
“That makes me feel special.” That wasn’t just a line. It was the truth.
“Not just anyone can get me to drop work and go play outside.”
Sierra pulled her eyes from the road and looked at Kara, who had turned to smile back at her. The sun’s rays danced along auburn strands and illuminated her profile, making her radiant as an angel from heaven.
No other woman had ever felt so right.
Ninety minutes later, they arrived at the trailhead. The drive time had been well spent with idle chit-chat about Kara’s work, Sierra’s racing roots, and facts about the area. Since Sierra was a Bend native and Kara was from the rainy coast, there was quite the difference in terrain and weather, which the intellectual in Kara found intriguing. Of course, Sierra loved every second of teaching her something new and made a note to look up some trivia. Next time, she would have some impressive facts to wow Kara with.
CHAPTER TWENTY
The trail wasn’t particularly challenging, allowing Kara time to do what she did best—think. She thought about work, the wonders of nature, and of course, Sierra. Her powerful command of presence as she strode along the trail was enviable…and arousing. Every now and then, Kara risked a peek at Sierra’s face highlighted by rays of sun, her amazingly toned backside accentuated by form-fitting cargo pants, or her ample breasts that refused to be concealed by her short-sleeved button down. Of the three, the breasts were her favorite. She couldn’t help herself. They were perfect.
Then her thoughts drifted to how Jamie had always felt the need to fill the air with continuous, mindless chatter. Rarely was there a moment of silence between them, which had always kept Kara on edge. She glanced at her watch. Twenty minutes had passed since she and Sierra had begun their hike and there had been fewer than a dozen words exchanged. The silence was comfortable and welcomed, neither feeling the need to overwhelm nature’s presence with their own. What a novel idea.
Reaching a narrowed section of the trail, Sierra glanced over her shoulder with an easy smile, which Kara returned. “Watch your step.
It’s a little loose here.”
Kara nodded and exercised caution as she navigated the path. She noted how simple it was to be with Sierra. They had so much to learn about one another, yet it felt as if she had known her forever. A few more dates and they would be finishing one another’s sentences. If she had doubted their connection before, she could no longer. There was truly something special about the woman in front of her and she was determined to give this chance at a relationship her best effort.
Reaching the zipline peak, they had a lengthy discussion with Sierra’s friend, Jordan, who assured them it was both safe and a thrill like none other. The view was amazing and they both liked the idea of sharing a new experience on their first date. Kara’s growling stomach demanded they eat their snack beforehand, so they took a seat at the picnic table overlooking a lake and broke open the bag of trail mix.
“This view is amazing,” Kara said in awe.
“It is. You should see it from a helicopter. And Crater Lake…it’s so blue.”
“You’ve done that?”
“Mhm,” Sierra mumbled and nodded with her mouth full. She swallowed and took a quick sip of water, then added, “Ronni dated a helicopter pilot for a while. It was a cool experience.”
“I bet. I’ll have to do that sometime.” The sudden realization of all she had been missing out on struck Kara like a frisbee between the eyes. She was young and healthy and lived in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful states. Why was she hiding at work all the time? And when did she become such a wallflower?
Finished with her snack, Kara brushed off her hands and jumped to her feet, determined to tackle the zipline course. She was going to start living again.
Sierra stood and stretched before turning to face her. “You ready?”
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