Finding Shayla

by M C Wilson

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Cayenne had spent the better part of the morning in Shayla’s cell, talking with her about everything and nothing. She was back at her desk, pretending to concentrate on work when Mr. Kane walked in.

  She stood and shook his hand.

  “What’s the good news, Kane?”

  “She appears in court in a couple of hours. Is there a place around here she can buy some clothes?”

  Cayenne had no idea. She never shopped for clothes in Lazu. She went to Casa Grande if she needed new duds.

  “I’m not sure, to be honest. I think most people go to Casa Grande to buy clothes.”

  “We don’t have that kind of time. Can you run out and buy her a brush? Maybe some makeup?”

  “I wouldn’t know the first things about buying those things. I’ll take her to the local store and she can buy whatever she needs.”

  “Thank you. Can you do it without handcuffs?”

  “Of course.”

  Cayenne followed Kane down to Shayla’s cell. Shayla stood when she saw them.

  “You both look so serious. What’s going on?”

  “Sheriff O’Leary is going to take you shopping. You appear in court in a couple of hours. We need to get you a nice outfit, maybe some makeup and a brush.”

  Cayenne unlocked the cell. “Come on. We don’t have much time.”

  Cayenne escorted Shayla to the closest thing Lazu had to a department store. They found a suitable brush and Shayla picked out some makeup.

  “I don’t wear makeup usually, so I’m not really sure what I’m doing. But I think this will work.”

  They found a clothes aisle and Shayla picked out a black skirt with a gray blouse. Cayenne thought she would look wonderful but didn’t say anything. She paid for the items then got Shayla back to the station.

  “Here. This is the women’s room. Go in there and do your thing,” Cayenne said.

  Shayla was out fifteen minutes later looking positively radiant. It was nice to see her in something besides the dress she’d been wearing since Chicago.

  “Do I look okay?” she said.

  “You look great.” Cayenne smiled at her.

  “Okay,” Kane said. “Let’s get to the courthouse.”

  “I’ll see you there,” said Cayenne.

  “You’ll be there?” Shayla brightened.

  “Of course.”

  Cayenne drove to the town square and went into the courthouse. She wanted to cross her fingers, toes, eyes, legs, everything. She hoped Shayla would be released until it was time to stand trial.

  Kane and Shayla came in and took their places.

  Judge Carlton was a crotchety old man and when he appeared, Cayenne’s heart sank. He wasn’t a nice man and was anything but sympathetic. She was sure Shayla was going back to jail.

  But Carlton surprised her. He heard the case Kane presented. He asked questions and listened intently to the answers. In the end, he released Shayla, admonishing her not to try to run, and told them he would see them in court again.

  Cayenne waited and then hugged Shayla tight. She was free. Sort of. This was good. So why was she crying?

  “You okay?” Cayenne said. “Are those happy tears?”

  “Some are. I’m also afraid. I have nowhere to go.”

  Kane seemed unmoved.

  “I’m going to call Jazz,” he said. “Where should I have her send your clothes?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “I need an address.”

  Cayenne gave him her address.

  “At least that way she’ll have them. We’ll work out where she can stay.”

  “Great. I’ll leave you two to figure that out. Shayla, I’ll be in touch and I’ll see you in a couple of months if not before.”

  “Thank you for everything, Mr. Kane,” Shayla said.

  “Just doing my job and repaying a favor to Jazz. Keep your nose clean.”

  He turned and left. Cayenne watched him go. She knew what she wanted to happen then but wasn’t sure Shayla would go for it. She’d have to be careful how she presented it.

  “You know,” she began, “I have a spare room at my house.”

  “You do?”

  “Sure. You could stay there. It’s kind of out of the way so you wouldn’t be able to get out or do anything, but you’d be safe and secure until your trial date.”

  “I’d hate to impose on you.”

  “No imposition. I’d love to have you around. You know, it would give us a chance to get to know each other better.”

  “Cayenne!” Shayla threw her arms around her. “Thank you so much.”

  Cayenne allowed herself to wrap her arms around Shayla’s firm body.

  “It’s my pleasure. Now, let’s get you to your new home.”

  They pulled up in front of her house and Shayla’s eyes widened.

  “It’s nice, Cayenne. I don’t know what I expected, but this is a nice place.”

  “You expected a hovel?” Cayenne laughed.

  “Not exactly. I didn’t know what to expect.”

  “Well, come on in. Remember, I’m a bachelor, so the place is a bit of a sty. But it’s safe and it’s where you’ll be staying for the next two months.”

  “Okay. I’m excited. Let’s get inside.”

  Cayenne opened the door and let Shayla in. She was embarrassed at the state of things, but that couldn’t be helped. It was home and she was sharing it with Shayla. She’d never been happier.

  “First things first,” Cayenne said. “I’ll make some coffee while you take a shower. I’m sure it’ll feel good to get clean.”

  “That would be wonderful.”

  Cayenne led her down the hall.

  “This is your room.” She showed her the guest room. “And this is the spare bathroom. It’s all yours. I’ll get some shorts and a T-shirt for you to put on.”

  “I can’t wear your clothes.” Shayla laughed.

  “Well, you don’t have anything here. Here.” She handed her a robe. “Put this on when you come out and then we’ll get you dressed and go looking for clothes for you.”

  Cayenne thought long and hard before saying what she was thinking.

  “We may have to go to Casa Grande.”

  Shayla shrunk into herself.

  “I don’t think I can, Cayenne. Let’s just go back to that department store.”

  “Okay. If you’re sure.”

  “I am. I only need a few items. I’m sure Jazz will ship me my clothes soon.”

  Jazz. Cayenne hated that name. She hated everything to do with the woman who was probably going to show up and take Shayla away from her. She couldn’t let it show.

  “Okay. That sounds good. Now, you shower, and we’ll have coffee on the deck.”

  Shayla closed the door to the bathroom and held the robe against her nose. It smelled like Cayenne. Fresh and woodsy and clean. She set it down, stripped, and got in the shower. The hot water felt amazing and she relished the feeling of scrubbing her hair and skin.

  She rinsed, dried, and put on the robe. It was way too big, but she did her best to tie it so as to give herself a modicum of modesty. She padded down the hall and found Cayenne in the kitchen, two cups of steaming coffee on the counter.

  “I didn’t know how you took yours,” she said.

  “Milk, please.”

  She doctored her coffee and followed Cayenne through a messy living room to a sliding glass door. They stepped through it and sat on a wonderful deck with a gorgeous view of pine trees and desert.

  “Is all this property yours?” Shayla said.

  “Yep. I need to do something with it. But I don’t know what yet. I’ll come up with something.”

  “It’s beautiful as it is. Very breathtaking.”

  “Thanks. But I want some plants or flowers or something here along the house.”

  “Mm. I could see that. Maybe I’ll work on that while I’m here.”

  Cayenne laughed.

  “Suit yourself. You
know, I feel terrible leaving you here with no transportation. Then I remembered my truck. You can use it and I’ll use the Bronco. So you can come and go as you please.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that. But I’d feel more secure having you with me.”

  Cayenne smiled fondly at her.

  “That works, too.”

  Shayla swallowed hard and braced herself for rejection. She had to let Cayenne know how she felt about her. Somehow, some way. Not necessarily the extent of her feelings for her, but her gratitude and attraction.

  She stood and walked over to stand in front of Cayenne. She put one hand on either of Cayenne’s armrests.

  “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you,” she said.

  “Nonsense.” Cayenne looked nervous. “I’m happy to help.”

  “I really like you, Cayenne. I have since that night we met.”

  “I like you too.”

  Her robe fell open and Cayenne glanced at her breasts then quickly looked back to her eyes. Shayla didn’t cover herself.

  “I want to kiss you, Cayenne. Now that I’m not your prisoner anymore, can I do that?”

  Cayenne let out a long sigh. “Please, Shayla. You don’t owe me any—”

  But Shayla didn’t let her finish. She kissed Cayenne then and felt Cayenne’s initial hesitancy which soon faded away and then she was kissing Shayla back. The kiss was intense, and Shayla’s legs could barely hold her.

  She broke the kiss and looked into Cayenne’s eyes which were deep blue, dark with lust.

  “That was nice,” Shayla said.

  “Yes, it was. Now cover yourself up before I take you into my room.” Cayenne’s voice was husky.

  “Please do, Cayenne. Please take me to your room.”

  “You’re not ready.”

  “Not for everything. But I’d love to lay down and kiss you and show you how I feel about you.”

  Cayenne stood and took Shayla’s hand. She led her back down the hall to her large master bedroom. The sleigh bed in the center of the room made Shayla’s pulse quicken. She longed for the day she would be ready for everything Cayenne could do to her in that bed.

  Shayla eased out of the robe and lay naked on the bed. Cayenne stripped and joined her. They lay skin to skin as Cayenne kissed her anew. This time, Cayenne allowed her tongue to meander into Shayla’s mouth and when their tongues met, Shayla felt an unfamiliar throbbing between her legs.

  Cayenne’s hand was all over her, rubbing her shoulders and arms, and running through her hair. Shayla took it and placed it on her breast. She inhaled sharply when Cayenne began to knead it and finally gently squeezed a nipple.

  With a force of their own, her hips arched into Cayenne, brushing against her and creating a need deep in Shayla’s center. They kissed and kissed and finally Cayenne nibbled down Shayla’s neck and chest until her mouth was poised above Shayla’s nipples, which ached for her to suck.

  Cayenne looked at Shayla questioningly.

  “Please,” Shayla said. “I need you.”

  The feel of Cayenne’s warm, moist mouth on her nipples was almost too much. She almost begged for Cayenne to take her. Once and for all. And then she got scared. Would Cayenne be gentle? Would she hurt her?

  She pulled away.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Sh. It’s okay.” Cayenne gathered Shayla in her arms. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

  “You didn’t,” Shayla sobbed. “You made me feel so good. I thought I was ready for more even. And then the flashbacks started.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I wish I could make you forget your evil husband and anyone else you’ve been with. I want you to be mine, Shayla. I’m not going to pretend I don’t. But I’ll wait. I can be patient.”

  “Can I be yours, Cayenne? Can I be yours even if I can’t have sex right now?”

  “Shayla, when you give yourself to me, we’re going to make love. Not have sex. There’s a big difference. And I plan to prove that to you.”

  “I should go to my room now.” Shayla was embarrassed.

  “Nonsense. This can be your room, too, now. I want to share it with you.”

  “But I can’t…”

  “That’s okay. I still want you with me.”

  “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”

  Epilogue

  It had been six months since Shayla had been found not guilty. And eight glorious months of sharing her house and life with Shayla. Cayenne had never been happier. She’d won re-election in that time, so she was Sheriff for another four years. Life was wonderful.

  Yes, she hoped every day that Shayla would be ready to consummate their relationship, but she wasn’t. Cayenne knew someday she would, and she couldn’t wait. However, unlike other women in her life, Cayenne was willing to wait. She knew Shayla would be worth it.

  After much discussion, they’d agreed that Shayla didn’t need to work. She took care of the house and brought Cayenne hours of pleasure. That was enough. And Shayla was a marvelous cook. Cayenne marveled at the masterpieces she whipped up every day.

  “Do we have to go?” Cayenne had just gotten home from work. It was stifling outside, and she didn’t want to go back out in it.

  “We have to,” Shayla said. “I made my chicken enchiladas. And Farris is counting on us. He loves his Diamondbacks even more than you do. We need to go watch the game.”

  “Fine. But can’t we make out first?”

  “No time, my dear. We need to get going. Put some shorts on and let’s head out.”

  Cayenne grumbled but put on some cargo shorts and a T-shirt and met Shayla in the kitchen. She would have loved to stay home with Shayla, but also knew Shayla was really looking forward to this. She was a born social butterfly and Cayenne had no right to keep her penned up.

  They arrived at Farris’ house and went around back to put the beer in the ice chest. Farris’ wife squealed when she saw Shayla and enveloped her in a big hug. It made Cayenne’s heart swell with pride. Everyone loved Shayla. No one questioned Cayenne’s obvious devotion to her. Everyone seemed happy for them. Some were a little too happy.

  “When are you going to bring your luscious girlfriend over for dinner and games?” Linda said. Karen stood by her beaming.

  “I don’t share,” Cayenne said.

  “Oh, come now. She’s much too gorgeous to be kept by one woman. Maybe you’ll even learn something from us.”

  Cayenne bristled at the suggestion. She didn’t need tutelage from Mrs. and Mrs. Kink. She would do just fine on her own when the time finally came.

  “Sheriff,” Farris approached the three women. “It’s almost game time. Grab a beer. Get inside.”

  Relieved, Cayenne got a beer and followed Farris inside. The game was exciting, a real home run fest, but it hardly held Cayenne’s attention. She kept looking toward the kitchen where Linda and Karen had cornered Shayla. Shayla was smiling brightly, so Cayenne was sure they hadn’t made their true plans known.

  Cayenne said good-bye during the seventh inning stretch. It was getting late and she had to be at work the following morning. She gathered Shayla from the dining room, where she was sipping wine with Farris’ wife.

  “Thank you for a wonderful time,” Shayla said.

  “Thank you both for coming.”

  “See you next time,” Cayenne said.

  They drove home and Shayla didn’t stop talking.

  “I had so much fun, did you?”

  “I did.” Cayenne laughed. “I saw Linda and Karen talking your ear off.”

  “They really want us to come over for dinner and games. Do you play board games, babe?”

  “That’s not the kind of games they mean.”

  “No?”

  “No. They’re into kink. You know, bondage, whips, and the like. They want to have sex with you. Kinky sex.”

  “That’s not going to happen.” Shayla looked shocked.

  “No. No, it’s not.”<
br />
  They arrived home and Shayla moved into Cayenne’s arms.

  “You’ve made me so very happy,” Shayla said. “Thank you for making me a part of your life.”

  “Thank you. You’ve brightened my life so much. I can hardly stand it.”

  Shayla kissed Cayenne then and nibbled on her ear.

  “I believe I promised you a make out session.”

  “I believe you did.”

  They made their way down the hall and Shayla surprised Cayenne by stripping.

  “Oh? This is a naked make out session?” Cayenne throbbed.

  Shayla smiled wickedly.

  “I believe it is.”

  Cayenne quickly undressed and lay on the bed with Shayla. The feel of Shayla’s silky soft skin against hers had her hormones running amuck. She kept her hands above her waist though and, although Shayla was laying on top of her, she fought the urge to bring her knee up and rest it against her wetness.

  She wanted to wrap her legs around Shayla and let her feel how desperately she needed her, but she refrained from that as well. She simply kissed her and relished any contact she could get.

  Cayenne ran her hand over Shayla’s full, firm breasts. She opened her eyes and looked at Shayla, who only smiled back at her. Cayenne tugged on a nipple, longing to take it in her mouth, take all of Shayla in her mouth.

  Her need was all consuming, more so than usual and it was killing her not to claim Shayla one hundred percent. She was about to take a break. She needed some space before she did something she’d regret when she heard Shayla whisper.

  “Touch me, Cayenne.”

  “What?” Cayenne couldn’t believe her ears.

  “Please. Before I change my mind.”

  Cayenne didn’t need to be told twice. She cautioned herself to move slowly and be prepared to stop. She ran her hand down Shayla’s leg. It quivered at her touch. She slowly dragged her fingers up Shayla’s inner thigh and Shayla spread her legs.

  Shayla was terrified. Every stroked set her aflame and yet what would happen when Cayenne finally touched where Shayla needed it most? Would she allow her? Would she chicken out? She tried to turn her thoughts off and only feel but couldn’t.

  Cayenne was close. So very close. Shayla’s legs spread of their own accord.

  “Are you sure?” Cayenne whispered.

  Her soft breath against Shayla’s ears only spurred her on. “Positive.”