The love songs continued, and the sound drifted through the open door. Neither spoke as they shed their clothes. Lindsey pulled back the covers and gently laid Cloe down. She covered Cloe with her body, leaned up on one elbow, and gazed at her.
“You’re so beautiful,” Lindsey whispered.
Cloe was so overcome with emotion, she couldn’t speak. She did what was natural. She pulled Lindsey to her for an open-mouthed kiss. She moaned as Lindsey began moving against her. Their hips danced together as surely as the dance they shared in the living room.
“Touch me,” Cloe choked out. “Please. Please touch me.”
Lindsey shifted up and trailed her hand between Cloe’s legs. She parted her wet folds and dipped her fingers between her lips. Cloe gasped as Lindsey stroked her clitoris. Just as she was about to beg for Lindsey to go inside, Lindsey entered her with two fingers. Crying out at the feeling of fullness, Cloe moved with each thrust.
“Oh, God. Oh, God, Lindsey.”
“Come for me, love.” Lindsey stroked Cloe’s clit with her thumb, and that pushed Cloe over the edge.
She shouted her release, slamming her eyes shut as her orgasm rushed through her body. She thought she could take no more, but Lindsey wasn’t through. She pulled her fingers out and slid down Cloe’s body. Before Cloe had recovered, Lindsey trailed her tongue through Cloe’s wetness and captured Cloe’s clit between her lips. With the move, Cloe surged to another orgasm.
“I love you, I love you,” Cloe cried out as tears ran down her cheeks.
Lindsey quickly moved back up Cloe’s body and kissed her. It was a gentle kiss that spoke of the passion they had just shared. Shifting to the side, Lindsey pulled Cloe into her arms. Cloe wondered if she’d spoken the words too soon, but Lindsey’s voice stopped her worries.
Lindsey whispered, “I love you, too.” She stroked Cloe’s hair as Cloe’s tears continued to flow.
She heard Lindsey sniffle and raised her head to see Lindsey’s eyes shimmering in the dim light that filtered into the room from the hallway. Cloe wiped the wetness from Lindsey’s cheeks. “You don’t think it’s too soon to feel this way?”
“Sweetheart, love doesn’t have a timeline. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that. Love has its own agenda. I couldn’t fight this if I tried.” She gently kissed Cloe again. “And I don’t want to try.”
Cloe could see only open honesty shining back from Lindsey’s eyes. “I don’t want to fight this, either. I want to embrace it with everything I am.”
“Good. Then we’re agreed that we love each other.”
Cloe giggled and cuddled back into Lindsey’s arms. “Yes, we agree.” She cupped Lindsey’s breast.
Lindsey placed her hand over Cloe’s. “Sleep. We have all night.”
As closed her eyes, she thought about the ending words to “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” She was ready to give the rest of her life to this woman who held her so gently. That thought drifted in her mind as she fell into a peaceful slumber.
Chapter 21
The following weeks passed with Lindsey and Cloe hard at work on the first Fred the Dog book. They took time to enjoy a day at the lake, even inviting Paige on a few outings. Cloe found herself staying over more and more at Lindsey’s cabin, making love sometimes until early morning. They talked during those hours. Talked about anything and everything, about their hopes for the future. As long as her future included Lindsey in every day, Cloe was ready to face it head on.
By September, they finished up the last page of Fred the Dog. With pride, Cloe watched as Lindsey put everything into a large, cushioned packet to send to Dunham. Sylvia and the art team had been thrilled with everything they’d sent them, anticipating another big hit not only for Lindsey, but for the publishing house, as well. In a phone call, Sylvia reminded Cloe to be ready for the flood of offers to illustrate for other authors.
Cloe wasn’t worried about her career. She loved working with Lindsey and eagerly looked forward to their next book in the series. She wondered about Lindsey’s desire to return to her other series, but she kept quiet, waiting for Lindsey to come to that decision on her own.
Later that month, as they waited for the page proof to arrive from Dunham, David called to invite them to a cookout. Cloe stayed over Friday night, and on Saturday afternoon, they drove into Bloomington.
“You won’t know anyone there except David and Gayle, but they love you,” Lindsey said as she glanced over at Cloe.
Cloe warmed at the sentiment. “I’m glad they love me. The feeling is mutual, and I’m looking forward to seeing them again.”
Lindsey parked her Jeep behind the line of cars on the street in front of the two-story home. After grabbing the bottle of wine from the backseat, ever the gentlewoman, Lindsey quickly got out and opened the passenger door for Cloe. She reached for Cloe’s hand and led her to the front door. She paused as laughter and music rang out from the backyard.
“Sounds like most people are out back, but let’s take this inside first.” Lindsey opened the front door and gently placed her hand on Cloe’s back to guide her into the living room. A few couples sat there engrossed in conversation. Lindsey gave them a slight nod and smile and continued on to the kitchen.
Gayle was lifting a bowl of potato salad out of the refrigerator. She looked up. “Oh, good. You’re here. We were getting a little worried.”
“We ran into an accident on the way that held us up.” Lindsey waved the bottle. “Do you want me to open this?”
Gayle’s eyes widened when she saw the bottle. “You don’t mess around, do you?”
Lindsey shrugged her shoulders. “I thought others here might enjoy it. I know you can’t drink, but I didn’t want to come empty-handed.”
Gayle set the potato salad down, snatched the bottle from Lindsey, and quickly put it into a cabinet next to the sink. “Are you kidding? We’ll store this until after the baby is born. Then we’ll all drink a toast.”
Cloe stepped forward and pointed at the bowl of potato salad. “Would you like me to take that outside?”
“Would you? That’d be great. Lindsey, why don’t you go with her?” She smiled at Cloe. “I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed with everyone.”
Lindsey said, “Wouldn’t hear of it.” Cloe took the bowl in two hands, and Lindsey hooked her palm under Cloe’s elbow.
They stepped through the French doors that led out to the large deck and backyard. Miniature lights hung in the trees. Off to the side, David manned the grill. A volleyball game was going full force in the back of the yard. Others stood in groups or sat in chairs scattered around the lawn. David spotted them.
“Hey. About time you got here.”
Cloe slid the bowl onto one of the picnic tables and joined Lindsey on her way over to David.
Lindsey nodded at the burgers, steaks, and brats on the grill. “I see you’re still trying to burn everything, as always.”
David harrumphed. “I’ll have you know that everyone here has been quite complimentary of my grilling prowess.”
“Clearly they need to get out more.”
“You know what? Go grab a beer and mingle.” He turned back to the grill and flipped the burgers. “Your presence is making me nervous.”
“Fine.” Lindsey leaned over and opened up the cooler. She held up a Samuel Adams. “This okay for you, Cloe?”
Cloe reached for the beer. “Yes.”
Lindsey took Cloe around and introduced her to those she knew. Cloe greeted each person but admitted to herself she was horrible at the art of holding onto names. When it came time to eat, they joined Gayle and David at one of the picnic tables.
David raised an eyebrow at Lindsey. “So?”
Lindsey finished off a bite of her steak. “So?”
“How’s the steak?”
“It’s edible.”
“Oh, come on.”
Lindsey decided to cut him a break. “It’s great, Davey. I just like giving you a hard time.”
>
Cloe and Gayle quietly chatted about how Gayle was feeling.
“I’ve had more morning sickness with this one.”
“You couldn’t tell from looking at you. You’re simply glowing.”
Gayle beamed at the comment. “Thanks, Cloe. Are you both finished with the book?”
“We sent the final pages to Dunham early this month. According to Lindsey, we should be receiving the preliminary page proof any day.”
Gayle reached across the table for Cloe’s hand. “I’m so happy for you.” She glanced at Lindsey, who was deep in conversation with David. “And not only about the book. It’s good to see Lindsey smile again. You’ve done that, Cloe. Welcome to the family.”
Cloe teared up at the words and swallowed the lump in her throat. “Thank you, Gayle. That means the world to me.”
They finished their meals. David waved them off when Cloe and Lindsey started to gather the plates. “You guys stay out here. We’ll run these in, and I’ll crank up some music.”
He headed into the house with Gayle. Cloe noticed the speakers set up on either side of the house. As the music drifted out to the backyard, Lindsey grabbed Cloe’s hand.
“I feel like dancing, don’t you?” Lindsey said as she instantly moved to the fast beat.
Dancing in the privacy of Lindsey’s cabin was one thing. Dancing with others watching was another.
“Uh. . .”
“You’re not going to chicken out on me, are you?” Lindsey spun around and wiggled her butt.
How can I say no to that?
In answer, Cloe started moving to the music, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach and the voice in her head saying, “You’re not a good dancer.” Thankfully, the song ended. Just as Cloe thought one dance would be enough, Lindsey snatched her hand when the next song started.
“Oh, my God. I love this song.” ZZ Ward’s “Blue Eyes Blind” drifted out of the speakers.
Cloe couldn’t resist Lindsey’s own blue eyes as they flashed in mischievous delight. Mesmerized, she moved into Lindsey’s arms. Lindsey spun her around so that Cloe’s back was flush against Lindsey’s front. It was as if everyone else disappeared as Lindsey gripped her hips and pressed her breasts into Cloe’s back. She vaguely wondered if it was a good idea to be dancing like this in front of a mixed crowd. But when Lindsey spun her around again so that they were face-to-face and she saw the desire in Lindsey’s eyes, it really didn’t matter.
The song was winding down when Lindsey’s movement faltered. Her gaze focused on something or someone over Cloe’s shoulder.
“Lindsey? You okay?”
Clearly, she wasn’t. The color had drained from her tan face.
The song ended, and Cloe turned around to see who had captured Lindsey’s attention. A tall, leggy, curvaceous woman had stepped out on the deck. She had short, wispy, brown hair with highlights that had obviously cost a lot of money. Jesus. She looked like a Victoria’s Secret model, albeit with clothes on. Clothes which hung on her quite nicely. Oh, no, Cloe thought. Please, God. Don’t let this be Elise.
The woman walked up to them and barely glanced at Cloe before focusing all her attention on Lindsey.
“Lindsey.”
“Elise.”
Well, isn’t this just fucking great? What are the odds of her being here, Cloe wondered. In fact, why is she here?
Another woman, blonde and butch in appearance, strode over.
Lindsey seemed to shake herself out of her stupor. “Cloe, this is Elise.”
“Hello,” Cloe said as she held out her hand.
Elise briefly gripped it and motioned to the woman beside her. “This is Glenn.”
Glenn first shook Lindsey’s hand. Hard, if Lindsey’s grimace was any indication. Then she shook hands with Cloe while blatantly ogling her from head to toe. Cloe quickly released her hand and edged back.
“You look good, Lindsey.”
“Thanks.”
Cloe was secretly pleased when Lindsey didn’t offer the same comment back.
The four of them stood there awkwardly until Cloe felt the need to escape the situation.
“Hey, I’m going to run inside for a minute and grab a bottle of water. Can I get you anything?” Cloe asked Lindsey, who still looked shell-shocked.
Lindsey gave her a brief smile. “Water would be nice, thank you.”
Cloe barely held back from grabbing Lindsey and yanking her inside. But she thought maybe she and Elise needed a little privacy. Apparently, Glenn did, too, because she strolled over to the cooler.
As soon as Cloe entered the kitchen, Gayle pulled her out of earshot of anyone standing close by.
“I did not know Elise would be here. I hope you’d know I’d never invite her. I work with Glenn and invited her, along with some other work friends. Glenn asked if she could bring a date. I told her sure. The more the merrier, but I didn’t have a clue—”
Cloe cut in before Gayle could continue taking the blame for something that was clearly not her fault. “Whoa, whoa, Gayle. It’s okay. I wasn’t thinking you did anything intentional. I was wondering where she came from, though.”
They crowded together and stared out the window over the kitchen sink. Cloe didn’t want to appear to be spying, but she couldn’t help it. What were they talking about? She glanced over at Glenn who was engaged in a conversation with a man by the cooler. Cloe’s gaze landed back on Lindsey. She watched the conversation for a couple more minutes. Then, Lindsey’s stricken expression was enough to spur Cloe into action. She hurried through the French doors.
“You need to think about it,” Elise was saying as Cloe walked up to them.
Lindsey didn’t answer but stared down at her feet.
“Here’s your water, Lindsey.”
Lindsey barely met Cloe’s gaze as she took the bottle of water. “I’m going to head inside to thank Gayle and David for everything. If you don’t mind, I’d like to leave.”
“Okay.”
Lindsey started to walk away but stopped when Cloe didn’t follow her.
“I’ll be there in a second,” Cloe said.
Lindsey stared back and forth between her and Elise then headed inside.
Elise made a move toward the back door.
Cloe grabbed her arm. “Hold on.”
Elise stared at Cloe’s hand. She dropped it. Elise raised her eyebrows in question.
“What did you say to her?” Cloe didn’t try to keep the anger from her voice.
“I think that’s between Lindsey and me.”
“It’s not if you’ve hurt her. That also affects us.”
Elise wouldn’t meet her eyes. “I told her that it surprised me she was able to move on to someone else. I might have reminded her how she shut herself off from me.” She met Cloe’s gaze. Cloe almost stepped back from the venom she saw there. “And I told her to think about it before she hurt you.”
“You what?” Cloe didn’t realize how loud she was until others standing nearby stared at her. This woman was a snake. “Why would you say something like that?”
“Maybe I’m only looking out for her, and you, too, for that matter.”
“Oh, give me a fucking break.”
Elise stepped back at Cloe’s words.
Cloe saw she was only bringing more attention to their conversation and realized she didn’t want to cause a bigger scene. She leaned close and poked her index finger toward Elise’s chest. In a lowered voice, she said, “You’re upset because Lindsey has moved on. You’re upset because she’s happy. And you’re upset because it’s not with you. Big reminder, Elise. You walked away.”
The last comment caused the most reaction. Elise looked like she wanted to slap Cloe.
Glenn took that moment to stroll over. Swagger might be the better word. “Problem?”
“No,” Cloe said. “I’m done with little Miss Sally Sunshine here.”
Cloe spun on her heel and stalked back inside. David and Gayle were huddled in the kitchen. When they saw Clo
e, they waved her over.
“Where’s Lindsey?” Cloe asked.
“She’s on the front porch. I think she’s ready to go.” David tipped his head toward the back door. “How did that go?”
“About as well as you could expect.”
Gayle had tears in her eyes as she gripped Cloe’s hand. “Please tell Lindsey that I didn’t have a clue Elise would be here. I tried telling her, but she seemed to be in a daze.”
Cloe hugged Gayle and patted her back. “I’ll talk with her. She doesn’t blame you for any of this.” She looked at David. “Or you, either, David.”
Cloe pulled out of the hug and gave one to David.
He whispered in her ear, “Have her call us.”
“I will.”
* * *
The drive home was a quiet one. Cloe tried to engage Lindsey in conversation but she didn’t have much luck. They pulled into Lindsey’s drive. Lindsey cut the engine. She turned to Cloe.
“If you don’t mind, could we call it a night?”
Cloe’s stomach fell. “If that’s what you want. I thought maybe we could talk about what happened.”
Lindsey grimaced. “To be honest, I have a splitting headache and should probably just lie down in the dark.”
Cloe didn’t doubt the headache excuse. Lindsey seemed to be in pain. But she knew this was about more than a headache.
“Okay,” she said softly.
They got out of the Jeep, and Lindsey walked Cloe to her truck.
“I’ll call you in the morning,” Cloe said as she got into the front seat.
“Not too early.”
“No, of course.”
Lindsey leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. Cloe watched her walk to the front porch. Lindsey waved and went inside.
Cloe started the truck and bit her lip in an attempt to keep the tears at bay as she backed out onto the road.
Chapter 22
Cloe was true to her word and called at ten the next morning. Lindsey, being the chicken shit she was, didn’t answer. She needed to sort through her feelings. She felt guilty as she listened to Cloe’s tentative voicemail. I caused that, she thought. Instead of calling Cloe back, she moped around the cabin until afternoon. Finally, unable to stand her own restlessness any longer, she grabbed Fred’s leash.
Just a Touch Away Page 19
