by Becky Harmon
Kathleen frowned at her in response.
“I need to brush my teeth and besides kissing is not allowed.” Cassie narrowed her eyes. “Remember?”
“I remember, but I think we should talk.”
“Hmm. I like the sound of that.” Cassie climbed out of bed and headed for the shower.
“Later,” Kathleen said over her shoulder as she left the room.
* * *
Kathleen helped Chase wake the girls and sent them off to the shower. She talked with Dillon and Shelley, who headed out to get food for the party. Then she went into the office and checked the voice mail messages. She called both of the cabins with guests and spoke with them, giving them a brief recap of the previous night and inviting them to the party.
Deciding she had delayed making her call as long as she could, with a deep breath she dialed Fosters, Inc. She spent a few minutes catching up with Tiffany and then asked for Joyce. Joyce had already heard some of the details because the Amber Alert had reached her office.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t call you sooner,” Kathleen apologized when Joyce said she had tried to reach her earlier.
“I wasn’t too worried once I heard Chase had been found. I figured you guys were probably sleeping after being up all night.”
“Yes, we just got up, and we’re planning a party. Would you like to come?”
“Tempting, but probably not the best use of my time.”
“You could come up on Friday for the cookout. Cabin One is empty so you could stay.”
“Now that’s a good idea. Dave and I could come up after work.”
“That would be great.” Kathleen liked Joyce’s husband Dave.
“Okay, thanks for the details. Send me a written report when you get a chance, and I’ll get the police report from the deputies. Talk to you later.”
Joyce hesitated when Kathleen didn’t respond. “What else?” Joyce asked.
Kathleen took a deep breath. “I want to date Cassie.”
“Okay.” Joyce paused. “Are you asking for my permission?”
“Yes, I mean no. I guess I’m resigning.”
“Why are you resigning?” Joyce asked, puzzled.
“I can’t chaperone the girls if I’m dating Cassie.”
“Kathleen, I have worked with you for years and I trust your judgment. You’re a professional and I trust you will be discreet with your sex life. I’m confident it will be fine.”
“Thank you, Joyce.”
“This woman has really gotten to you?”
Morgan stepped into the office and leaned against the doorframe. Kathleen made eye contact with her before answering Joyce. “Yes, I really like her.”
“Well, I look forward to meeting her on Friday. Let me know if there is any problem with us renting the cabin.”
“Okay. Talk to you later.” Kathleen pressed the off button and pocketed her phone before looking at Morgan.
“You should know by now that we’re too smart for you to hide something like this from us.” Morgan snickered at her.
Kathleen smiled back at her. “I should have known.”
“We like her too and Chase needs a family.”
“Let’s not jump the gun, Morgan. We’re only dating.”
“Yeah. Okay. Whatever.” Morgan crossed to the outside door. “Greg took the kids to the beach so you guys do…” she waved her hand around. “Whatever.”
Kathleen laughed as Morgan closed the door behind her. She ran back through the house and up the stairs to Cassie’s bedroom. As she entered the room she ran into Cassie on her way out. She threw her arms around Cassie’s neck, pushing her back into the bedroom and kicking the door closed behind her.
“What?” Cassie asked in surprise.
“Greg is watching the kids at the beach, Dillon and Shelley are getting food, and I’ve checked in with all the guests.” She continued to push Cassie toward the bed, unbuttoning her shirt as they walked.
“What about our no-kissing rule?”
Kathleen pressed her lips to Cassie’s before pulling away again. “There are no rules now.” She kissed her again. “I’ve changed my mind and I need you in so many ways.” She slid Cassie’s open shirt down her shoulders, past an eye-catching blue sports bra, and pushed her onto the bed before climbing on top of her.
Cassie pulled Kathleen’s shirt over her head and ran her hands down her chest, lifting one eyebrow. “No rules, huh?”
“No rules,” Kathleen said as she leaned in for another kiss.
Bella Books, Inc.
Women. Books. Even Better Together.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: 800-729-4992
www.bellabooks.com