Just a Touch Away

by Chris Paynter

  As if Fred understood what she was saying, he wagged his tail and let out a quiet “woof.” They laughed.

  Cloe was thankful Fred helped lighten the mood.

  “I’m sorry,” Lindsey said. “I didn’t mean to get all dark and heavy on you. This was supposed to be a nice, happy hike.”

  “Please don’t apologize. I feel we’ve already become friends, and because of that, I hope you know you can tell me anything.”

  Lindsey held her gaze then stared at Cloe’s lips for several heartbeats. A light blush dusted Lindsey’s cheeks. She cleared her throat. “Thank you.” She waved down the trail. “How about we try to make it to the end and take a rest there.”

  Cloe’s heart slid back into normal rhythm as she tried not to dwell on Lindsey staring at her lips. “I’m ready if you are.”

  They stayed quiet the rest of the way down the trail. Bird song serenaded each footstep. Fred barked and yanked on the leash when a chipmunk skittered in front of them, but Lindsey reined him in. They finally reached a clearing where a large log stood like an invitation to take a seat. They slipped their backpacks off their shoulders and settled onto the log. Lindsey pulled out a small bowl and poured water into it for Fred. She held out a granola bar. “Want one?”

  “Thanks.” Cloe tore into the package. She took several bites then uncapped the lid on her bottle and took a long drink. She sighed as the peace of their surroundings eased her worries that maybe she’d gone too far earlier in her conversation with Lindsey.

  “You’re thinking pretty hard over there.”

  Cloe glanced at Lindsey. She picked at the label of her water bottle. “Sorry if I came across too strong earlier.”

  Lindsey put her arm around her shoulders. Cloe’s body warmed even more with the move. “Please, Cloe. What you said makes a lot of sense to me. It was good to have someone else validate how I’ve been feeling.” She eased her arm away, and Cloe missed the touch. Lindsey stared up at the trees. Her eyes sparkled in a shaft of sunlight that framed her face.

  Mesmerized by the view, it was Cloe’s turn to drop her gaze to Lindsey’s lips. She quickly looked away when she realized what she was doing. This attraction wasn’t easing. In fact, it grew stronger with each minute she shared with Lindsey. She thought the feeling was mutual. She rubbed her hands across her thighs, mainly to keep from reaching out to Lindsey.

  “How about we lighten the mood a little?” Lindsey said.

  That sounded like a plan to Cloe. “What do you suggest?”

  “Tell me how you became interested in art.”

  Cloe winced because she still felt somewhat like a failure. Lindsey must have sensed she stepped into something uncomfortable.

  “Is that too personal?”

  “No, it’s not that.” Cloe gathered her thoughts. If Lindsey could open up to Cloe, she should do the same for Lindsey. “I’ve always liked to draw. When I was kid, if someone asked me, ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ I always answered, ‘an artist.’ I would get disbelieving looks from adults and some even outright said that it wasn’t a realistic profession.”

  “Damn. Nothing like coming down on a kid’s dreams.”

  Cloe thought back to those times and had to agree. The comments made her feel inadequate at first. That is until her parents stuck up for her.

  “My mom and dad always had my back. They’d say, ‘Cloe has the talent to be whomever she wants to be when she’s older.’ And they always met my eyes when they answered. That’s what was so cool. It’s like I could feel their pride and their love by looking in their eyes.”

  “Your parents are special. I’ve never met your father, but Fiona has always been so helpful and kind when I’ve gone to the store.”

  “What about your parents? Are you close?”

  Lindsey shook her finger at her. “Nuh-uh. We’re talking about you.”

  “All right. You got me there.” Cloe continued. “I took as many art classes as my schools offered growing up. Out of high school, I went to IU in Bloomington. It’s not that I was afraid to leave this area. They have one of the better art programs. After I graduated, my parents wanted me to take a little break before I started on my M.A. I took off a year and then completed my master’s.”

  “What did you focus on in school?”

  “I tried all the mediums, but I’m best at sketching with a pencil.”

  “You need to show me your work.”

  Cloe ducked her head. “I don’t know if it’s good enough.”

  “Hey.” When Cloe didn’t look at her right away, Lindsey lightly squeezed Cloe’s knee. “I have no doubt of your talents.”

  Cloe’s cheeks warmed at the compliment. She could see the honesty of the statement in Lindsey’s eyes. “How can you be so sure?”

  “Easy. I’m an expert at reading people.” Lindsey gave her a crooked grin that caused Cloe’s heart to flip over.

  “Maybe I’m a little shy about it because I’ve only had moderate success selling my pieces in Nashville.”

  “Cloe, do you know how many people would be envious to say they could even draw, let alone sell their work to someone?” Lindsey patted her leg and stood up. “Let’s head back. On the way, I’ll boost your confidence.”

  They trudged up the incline, not talking until they reached flatter ground. Thank God, Cloe thought, as she huffed to keep up with Lindsey. Lindsey reached the top first. Cloe stumbled when her foot hit an unseen rock. Lindsey grabbed her hand and kept her steady until she stood beside Lindsey.

  Cloe bent over and clutched her knees. “Th-thank you,” she gasped.

  Lindsey rubbed her back. “Are you okay?”

  Cloe relished Lindsey’s touch and didn’t straighten right away. When she did, she stifled a sigh of disappointment when Lindsey’s hand fell away. She took a few more breaths and said, “Let’s just say going down the trail is a hell of a lot easier than going up.”

  “Fred and I are kind of used to it. I’m sorry I didn’t let up on you.”

  “It’s okay. I’m beginning to see how you keep your body in such great shape.” Oh shit. Did I actually say that? She chanced a glance at Lindsey. By the blushing of her cheeks, yes, Cloe had said those words out loud. “I mean, you know, you can tell you must work at your figure. I mean, I could tell when—”

  “Cloe?”

  Cloe closed her eyes and peeked at Lindsey who grinned at her. “Yeah?”

  “Thank you for the compliment. I’m flattered you noticed.”

  “Well, it was hard not to when I saw you in your bikini.” Cloe slapped her hand over her mouth then released it. “God. Please tell me to shut up.”

  Lindsey’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Hell, no. They’re the first compliments I’ve gotten in some time. At my age—”

  Cloe grabbed her hand. “Stop right there. Don’t qualify it.”

  Lindsey gave a slight nod. “All right. I accept your compliments, but only if you accept mine. You’re a very attractive young woman, Cloe.”

  “Thank you, but please don’t say I’m young. I don’t think our ten-year age difference is that significant.”

  “You know my age?”

  Crap. “Um, I might’ve looked you up on Wikipedia. Remember I told you I googled you? It’s not that I was specifically searching for your age.”

  “You’re right. Ten years isn’t significant.”

  Cloe was relieved. She didn’t want Lindsey hung up over their age difference. She wanted to come in on this on an even playing field. Whatever “this” was. Fred tugged on his leash, so they started walking again.

  “I’m curious,” Lindsey said. “Did my Wikipedia page mention any personal stuff? I mean, I think they do, but I’ve never checked it out.”

  “It was on there.”

  Lindsey looked over at her. “And?”

  “It talked about where you grew up, what school you went to. Northwestern, right?”

  “Right. Anything else?”

  Cloe scuffed her foot at
a rock. “It said you had been in a five-year relationship with a professor at IU.”

  “Elise Brougham.”

  “Yes.”

  “Does that surprise you?”

  “That you’re gay?”

  Lindsey nodded.

  “No.” Cloe didn’t offer any more. She wasn’t sure why she held back. It was a perfect time to admit she was a lesbian, too.

  They grew quiet as they finished up their hike and drew close to the cabin. Cloe walked her to the screen door but stopped there.

  Lindsey had her hand out, about to open the door. She turned to Cloe. “Would you like to come in?”

  Cloe glanced at her watch. “No, I think I’ll head home.” She shifted in place. “I’ve really enjoyed our time together.”

  “Me, too.”

  Cloe was about to turn away but one look into Lindsey’s eyes stopped her in her place. There was a question there. It was time for her to answer it. She leaned forward into Lindsey’s space and lightly gripped her hips. With one more glance at Lindsey’s eyes, she brushed her lips to Lindsey’s. When she pulled back, Lindsey licked her own slightly parted lips, and she blinked a few times.

  “In case you were wondering,” Cloe murmured.

  Lindsey’s mouth curved into a slow, sexy smile—one that Cloe hoped to see again.

  Chapter 7

  “And?”

  “And that’s how we ended it.” Cloe took a sip of her milkshake to hide her smile, knowing Paige was about to jump over the table if she didn’t provide any further information about her outing with Lindsey.

  “Cloe! Come on.”

  Cloe burst out laughing. “You’re so easy to tease.” Cloe held up her hand to stop another rant. “Seriously. I left after the kiss.”

  Paige sat back in the booth. “You’re kidding.”

  Cloe stirred her milkshake with her straw. “Nope.”

  Paige seemed at a loss. “Cloe. Do I need to give you pointers? I mean, I know it’s been awhile since we kissed, but I—”

  Cloe almost reached over to slap her hand over Paige’s mouth. “It was perfect. Nothing more was needed.” She paused dramatically. “For now.”

  Paige smirked. “That’s good to hear.” She slid a spoonful of her ice cream into her mouth. “Because if you don’t get some of that, I wouldn’t mind a try.” She chuckled when Cloe glared at her. “I’m kidding. In fact, I met someone.”

  Something in Paige’s voice made Cloe pay closer attention. “Yeah? Tell me.”

  “She came into the hardware store to have a key made, and I am the best key maker.” Paige brushed her fingernails against her chest. An elementary school teacher during the school year, she worked at the local hardware store in the summer months.

  “But of course.”

  “Anyway. We chatted while I made the key. She’s an attorney from Bloomington who needed an extra key made for her cabin. Believe it or not, we have a date tomorrow night.”

  “Wow, Paige. That’s fast even for you.”

  Paige pushed her now empty bowl of ice cream aside. “This feels different.”

  Cloe could tell from Paige’s expression she was sincere. “Tell me about her.”

  “She’s pretty but not in a model kind of pretty. Sort of wholesome pretty, you know? About my height, blonde, and oh my God, she has the prettiest dark brown eyes, the kind you get lost in and don’t want to be found.”

  “Paige, I’ve never heard you sound so poetic.”

  Paige shrugged. “I can’t help it. Hell, if we start dating regularly, I might even start writing poetry for her.”

  Cloe was happy to hear her friend so smitten. “Who knows? We might be double-dating soon.”

  “That’d be pretty cool. In the meantime, tell me when you and Ms. Hot Stuff are getting together again.”

  “We kind of left it open-ended. I mean, I was wobbly kneed after that kiss, so I really couldn’t formulate the thoughts to ask her out.” As the words left her lips, her phone on the table dinged with a text message. They both leaned over to see who it was from.

  “What do you know?” Paige said. “Seems that kiss was memorable enough for Lindsey to text you first.”

  Cloe’s fingers trembled as she picked up her phone to read the message.

  Have plans for Saturday?

  Cloe couldn’t hold back a smile as she replied. Nothing on my schedule.

  Feel like going out on the water with me and Fred?

  I’d love to. Maybe this time, we can keep Fred in the boat.

  Lindsey typed a laughing emoji. As long as you’re with us, I don’t think he’ll jump in, followed by a winky face. I’ll call you tonight.

  Great. Look forward to it.

  Cloe set her phone back down and sighed.

  “That good, huh?” Paige asked.

  “It has the potential to be. She asked me to go out on her boat.”

  Paige waggled her eyebrows. “Wear your red bikini.”

  * * *

  Lindsey slipped a T-shirt over her swimsuit. As she gathered everything she normally took on a boat outing—suntan lotion, Wayfarer sunglasses, beach towel, snacks, and water—she wondered again about how quickly she’d let Cloe in. She’d isolated herself so much in the past few months, barely making contact with anyone but her brother and Gayle. Yet here she was, about to go on a second outing with Cloe, a beautiful, thoughtful woman who intrigued her.

  “And she can kiss,” she murmured.

  She checked the clock, seeing it was time for Cloe to arrive. Eventually, she needed to be the one to pick Cloe up instead of Cloe always driving to the cabin. But with the cabin located not far from the dock where Lindsey berthed her boat, Cloe insisted she drive over. A knock sounded at the door. Fred scooted past her. His toenails slid on the hardwood floor as he scurried to the front of the cabin. She shook her head. She wasn’t sure who was more excited—she or her dog.

  Cloe faced away from the door when Lindsey opened it. She turned back and gave Lindsey a warm smile. Then she dropped her gaze to Lindsey’s legs which peeked out from under the long T-shirt she wore. Lindsey cleared her throat and almost laughed out loud at the blush Cloe sported for being caught looking.

  “I’ll be a minute,” Lindsey said and motioned behind her. “Let me grab my stuff.”

  “No problem. Fred and I will hang together.” Cloe knelt on the floor and cradled Fred’s face. “Won’t we, boy? Yes. Yes, we will.” Fred licked her face, and Cloe giggled.

  Lucky dog, Lindsey thought as she went to retrieve her bag. When she reentered the living room, Cloe had already leashed Fred.

  “I wasn’t sure where you kept his life preserver,” Cloe said.

  “Hang on. I normally keep it on the boat, but I set it out back after his little escapade.” She went to get it and hustled to the front door. She was excited to go on this excursion with Cloe, and she knew why. It wasn’t because it was a chance to be out on the lake again. It was because of the woman standing by the door. She grinned widely.

  “What’s that look for?”

  “I’m excited to be out on the lake today. It’s good to get out of this cabin.” They walked outside, and Lindsey locked the cabin door. “It’s more than that, though. I’m excited to share this time with you.” Lindsey leaned in and gave Cloe a soft kiss.

  Cloe’s eyes fluttered open when Lindsey backed away. “Feel free to do that anytime,” she whispered.

  They started toward the drive. “Why don’t we take my Jeep? That way, if Fred happens to get wet again, he can mess up my backseat and not yours.”

  “Okay. Let me get my bag.” Cloe retrieved her bag and what looked like a sketchpad and pencils held in a large, clear-plastic bag.

  Lindsey motioned at the sketchpad. “Doing some work today?”

  Cloe seemed a little embarrassed as she stared down at her sandal-clad feet. “If you don’t mind,” she said softly.

  Lindsey raised Cloe’s chin with a touch of a finger. “I don’t mind at all.”


  They put their gear in the back of the Jeep, and Lindsey got Fred situated in the backseat.

  She put her hand on the keys and looked at Cloe. “Ready?”

  Cloe fastened her seatbelt. “Ready.”

  * * *

  It didn’t take Lindsey long to maneuver the boat out of the docking area. She kept it at idle speed until they cleared the no wake zone. As soon as they were clear, she told Cloe, “Time to open her up. Hang on.”

  Cloe clutched her seat bottom and let out a loud shout as Lindsey increased the speed until they were gliding over the water. Lindsey glanced at Cloe who was grinning from ear to ear.

  “When’s the last time you were out on the water like this?” she shouted.

  “It’s been since undergrad,” Cloe shouted back. “Your boat is faster.”

  They didn’t speak until Lindsey approached the cove where she anchored the boat last time and where Fred decided to take a plunge. He sat between them, his tongue lolling out, looking very content.

  Lindsey slowed the boat to a stop and dropped the anchor. When she turned back around, she almost stumbled. Cloe had stripped off her T-shirt and shorts. Technically, it was a conservative bikini. But it was still a bikini, and it hugged Cloe’s body perfectly.

  “Are you getting in the water?”

  “Uh. . .”

  “Lindsey?”

  “Huh?”

  “Water?” Cloe quirked her lips, obviously sensing the effect her swimsuit was having on Lindsey.

  “Um. You go ahead.” She gave her head a little shake. “Do you want an inner tube?”

  “Sounds like fun.” Cloe dove overboard. Lindsey tossed her an inner tube and tried not to gawk as she watched Cloe wiggle her way into the middle. The move made her breasts thrust out a little more. Good God. Was Lindsey simply horny because it had been awhile since she’d been with a woman? She didn’t think so. She found Cloe just as interesting and intriguing as she did attractive. She didn’t realize how long she stared at Cloe until Cloe repeated what she said.

  “Tell me I’m not going to be the only one in the water. It feels wonderful.”