by D G Barnes
Pausing for a moment longer, she turned back toward Doris. Lowering her voice, she asked, “Now, what was it you wanted, Doris?”
“I am having a get together to celebrate Stanley’s birthday. I would expect that Ellie will want to be there for her grandfather.”
Mac wanted to tell Doris to go pound sand, but the truth of it was, Stanley was a nice person. Nothing at all like Doris. Sweet and kind and down to earth. It amazed Mac how he put up with his wife’s crap. Also, they were Ellie’s grandparents, and she didn’t feel she had the right to stop Ellie from seeing them if she wanted to.
“I will certainly let Ellie know and have her call you about the details.” She gave her a fake smile.
Then without a word, Doris turned and walked importantly toward the exit.
“Oh, and Doris,” Mac called after her, “do have a nice day.” Sarcasm dripped from her words, and Doris gave an indignant humph as she pushed the door open and left.
“Man, she is a piece of work.” Ricky shook his head. “I thought for sure you were going to bounce that coupler off her head.”
Mac snorted. “The thought had crossed my mind, believe me.” She set off to find the replacement coupler and gave Ricky a pat on the shoulder. “I’m glad you were here to stop me. Now let’s get these lines flushed so we can enjoy the rest of our Sunday.”
***
Dana pushed her chair back from the antique desk and stretched her arms and legs. The late morning sun shone brightly through the bay window, and she had drawn one of the blinds to keep the light from blinding her while she typed. Before closing the document, she saved it and check the word count. Forty-five thousand three hundred and twenty-six. Nice. That meant she had typed over 2500 words this morning as she crafted the romantic rendezvous which led to the first love scene between Jessica and Cassandra. Pleased with herself, she closed the laptop and made her way into the kitchen and poured a cup a coffee.
She liked this kitchen; it was bright and spacious with warm colors on the walls and cupboards. The entire home had a cozy country feel to it and still had all the modern amenities one could want. She grabbed her phone from the counter and strolled out onto the porch, her favorite place to relax now. She set her coffee and phone on a small decorative wrought iron table and folded her legs under her after sitting on the swing. Watching the ocean, her mind wandered to Mac, and she wondered what she was doing.
It had been a few days since they had gone to dinner. Dana fondly remembered the playful banter of the evening, how with every passing moment she realized how much she liked Mac and wanted to be near her. Then there was the kiss. Better than she imagined it would be. She had surprised herself when she pulled Mac in and kissed her. Totally spontaneous without fear. Well, maybe a little.
When Mac had lifted her up and placed her on the car, an excitement she hadn’t felt in a long time had raced up her spine. Then there were Mac’s hands on her skin, sliding up her legs to her hips. Everything had happened so fast she thought she was going to explode. That was until the panic set in. So, she did the only thing she could do. She had to stop or at least slow things down. And that’s what she did.
She had worried about Mac’s reaction to the sudden change in attitude, hoped she wouldn’t think she was a tease and walk away from her. But Mac stayed, and as she explained her fear, Mac understood. It seemed a little more of the wall Dana had erected around her heart was crumbling away, thanks to Mac Mackenzie, the hot bartender from The Rusty Anchor.
Her phone buzzed, and she wasn’t at all surprised at seeing the text from Mac. Right on time.
Good morning, sleepy head. Are you up?
She sent a quick reply. Been up for hours. Just relaxing on the porch with a coffee.
Nice. Like some company?
Would love some. Know anyone who would be interested?
I just might. She’ll be there soon.
Can’t wait. Dana added a couple of smiley faces and hit send.
Putting her phone down, she settled into the cushion not trying at all to suppress the excited feeling that rushed through her. It had taken longer than she thought, but the sound of footfalls on the walkway caught her attention. She turned and gazed at the corner of the house where she expected Mac to appear. Except it wasn’t her. A momentary wave of disappointment washed over her when Ellie came into view. She watched the corner for a moment longer, hoping Mac was behind her. She wasn’t.
Ellie was all smiles as she climbed the three steps to the porch. She wore jean shorts and a tee shirt and carried a brown paper bag. “Hi, Dana,” she said, a bounce in her step. “Mac said you would like some company.”
“I did say that. I was expecting Mac, but your company is just as welcome. Come. Have a seat.” Dana sat up and patted a spot on the swing.
“Mac said to say she was sorry.” Ellie sat beside her. “She ran into some issues with the draft beer system while they were cleaning it. Ricky’s gone to get parts so they can have it working by lunch.”
“That’s okay.” Dana motioned to the paper bag in her hand. “What’s in the bag?”
“Oh! Almost forgot. Blueberry muffins. Mac sent them over. They’re homemade.” Ellie handed her the bag and glanced at the ocean, watching a seagull soar by.
She took the bag and found it warm. Opening it, she peered inside, and the most delicious aroma of blueberry wafted from the bag. “These muffins smell divine. Did you make them?”
She nodded proudly. “I did. With Mac’s help.”
“Well, I am going to have one. Want one?” She tilted the open bag toward her.
“No thanks. I’ve already had two this morning.”
“How about something to drink then? I have juice, milk, water, or maybe a nice glass of white wine?” Dana offered with a playful wink.
“No thanks. I’m good.” She took her phone from her pocket, checked the screen, then put it away. “Not sure Mac would be down with the whole giving alcohol to a minor thing.”
“Umm, good point. Ixnay on the wine then.”
Tearing off a piece of muffin, Dana popped it into her mouth and let it melt on her tongue. She closed her eyes and gave a soft moan as the flavor washed over her taste buds. “Damn,” she murmured.
“Should I leave you two alone?” Ellie giggled.
Dana took a swallow of coffee. “Not necessary,” she said, giving the teen a wink. “So, Ellie, what’s new with you? Still jotting down story ideas?”
Her face lit up. “Actually, I am entering a short story contest that is being put on by the library. The winner will get a fifty-dollar gift certificate from Between the Covers bookstore.”
“That sounds awesome. What sort of stories are they looking for?” She was glad to see her excited.
“Well, there are different age groups and suggested word counts. Any genre is accepted, and bonus points will be awarded if it has an Emerald Bay connection in it.”
“Have you decided on anything yet?”
“Not sure. Maybe a love story?” She looked up at her shyly, her green eyes sparkling.
Dana couldn’t help but give her a big grin. “A girl after my own heart.” She patted her knee. “If you like, I could look at it after you've finished your first draft. Give you some pointers.”
Her eyes went wide. “Really! You would do that?”
“Sure, I would love too.”
Ellie jumped to her feet and bounced around the porch unable to contain herself. “Oh, wow! This is awesome. I must tell Mac. I need to go and get started.” She moved quickly to the steps, then abruptly turned. “Um. Yeah. Mac also wants to know if you can make it to our place for dinner tonight. It’s okay if you can’t.” Then she was gone.
Dana laughed out loud as she watched the girl disappear around the corner of the house. Picking up her phone, she sent Mac a text. Warning: One very excited teenager inbound.
Should I be afraid? Came the immediate reply.
Probably. Dinner invitation accepted. See you tonight.
&n
bsp; Dana arrived at Mac’s door promptly at 5:00 PM carrying a bottle of Merlot. She knocked, and a moment later the door opened for her.
“Hi, Dana.” Ellie greeted her. “Come in. Mac’s in the kitchen.”
“Hi, Ellie.” Dana watched the girl retreat to her desk and plop down in front of her laptop.
“Hey, you,” she said to Mac as she entered the kitchen. The most tantalizing aroma of tomato, herbs, and spices filled the air prompting her stomach to rumble in response.
Mac turned from the pot she was stirring on the stove, smiling brightly. “Hi, yourself. Glad you could make it. Spaghetti, garlic bread, and a garden salad for dinner.”
“Sounds wonderful. I brought you a gift.” She moved dangerously close with only the bottle she held in her front of her separating them. She gazed into beautiful green eyes and could have easily lost herself in their brilliance. Mac took a quick peek at Ellie before leaning in and kissing her, lingering there for only a moment. Dana’s breath hitched, and she tasted the cherry of her lip gloss.
Mac stepped back, giving her that killer smile. “Thanks. There are glasses in the cupboard over there. If you would like to pour us a glass.” She pointed to Dana’s left.
Dana opened the bottle and poured the wine, handing a glass to Mac. “Anything I can help with?”
“Would you mind grabbing the salad from the fridge? The pasta will be done in two minutes.” She set her glass down after taking a sip, then took the garlic bread from the oven. Moments later they were sitting at the table enjoying the delicious meal and pleasant conversation.
“Ellie tells me she’s entering a writing contest at the library,” Dana said, setting her fork down and dabbing her face with a napkin. She looked over at the teen and winked.
“Yes, so she said. I think it’s a wonderful idea. She also told me that you offered to look at her work. That’s very generous of you.” Mac took a sip of her Merlot.
Dana caught Mac’s eye. They seemed to sparkle, and her pulse quickened. That’s when she felt the sexy redhead's foot touch her ankle. A gentle pressure moved slowly, deliberately against her exposed skin, and it sent a delicious shiver up her spine. The heat rose in her face and in other places, and she stared at Mac in wide-eyed disbelief. The corner of Mac’s mouth pulled up, and she gave her a wink. Her throat had gone dry, and she had to clear it before she spoke. “Umm…always glad to help a budding young author.” She took a large swallow of her wine. “Maybe Ellie will turn out to be the next Jane Austen.”
“Or the next Dana Lawson,” Ellie said, oblivious to what was happening under the table.
Dana chuckled. “Thank you, Ellie. I’m flattered.” She raised her glass. “Here’s to our young author in the making.”
Ellie and Mac raised their hands and three glasses, two of wine and one of water, clinked together as they toasted.
With dinner done and the dishes cleared away, Dana and Mac took their wine into the living room and sat on the sofa, one on either end. Dana wanted to close the distance between them but resisted the urge as Ellie was once again at the desk, typing rapidly on her laptop. She had shooed her out of the kitchen earlier, insisting she help with the dishes. It was a ploy to be close to Mac of course, and Ellie knew this. Ellie had given her a devilish grin as she handed over the dish towel and left the kitchen.
“I really love this loft, Mac. It’s so spacious with the open concept living, dining and kitchen. And it’s so beautifully decorated. Warm and inviting.”
“Thanks. Jack and Melissa renovated it themselves. Took a dirty old loft, which used to house fishing nets and lobster traps, and turned it into this.” Mac gestured around the space. Pride filled her voice. “Most of what you see is Melissa’s handiwork. I didn’t have the heart to change any of it.”
As they talked, Dana noticed Ellie was sneaking peeks at them every so often. Finally, she closed her laptop and turned to face them. One eyebrow raised as she studied them or more precisely, the wide gap that was between them. “I’m going to leave you two alone and go read for a while.” She stood and headed for her room. “Good night,” she said and gave an airy wave.
The women called a good night after her retreating form. “Perceptive girl,” Dana said with a chuckle.
“Very.”
Unwilling to wait any longer, Dana moved down the sofa, not stopping until she eliminated the space between them. She leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for supper. It was superb.”
Mac turned and faced her, and once again she lost herself in those eyes. She studied her for a moment. “You’re welcome,” was all she said before capturing Dana’s mouth with hers. Dana responded immediately, and her hand found Mac’s neck. Her fingers tangled in her hair and she pulled her in closer. She moaned softly as their mouths moved together in an unhurried kiss.
Dana teased her tongue across Mac’s lips until they parted. She swiped through her mouth, and when their tongues met, they danced together. One of Mac’s hands caressed her side while the other rested on her shoulder, easing her onto her back. Now they lay in the same position they had found themselves in the night they first met. That spark she had felt then was still there stronger than ever. Her heart raced at the same speed as that first night. Mac’s body pressed against her, and she closed her eyes at the sensation. She breathed in her scent and relaxed into her touch.
A kiss to her lips, then her cheek. Across her jaw and along the column of her neck. Mac nibbled on her ear as she undid the first two buttons of her blouse. Her body trembled at the touch of fingers on the slope of her breast.
She made a quiet sound as Mac found her mouth again, but Mac only stayed for a quick second before placing kisses down her throat and over her collarbone. Her hips raised against Mac as she trailed her tongue between her breasts and planted small kisses on each one before returning to her mouth.
Again, the kiss was unhurried. It was soft and sweet, and Dana loved every second of it. She pulled at Mac’s lip with her own, urging her on, but Mac remained in control, and after several more wonderful minutes Mac moved to her side and did up the buttons of her shirt.
“I think we better stop now.” She brushed a hair from Dana’s face. “No need to rush.”
Dana blinked at her in disbelief but with maybe a bit of relief too. “Okay.” Mac gave her swollen lips a quick kiss and sat up. Dana pushed herself up and watched Mac retrieve their wine glasses, handing one to her. As the heat of the moment slowly faded, she checked with herself to see if she would have gone all the way if Mac hadn’t put on the brakes. Her body was certainly all in, the traitorous thing that it was. As for the rest of her, she was leaning toward yes.
They sat in silence for a long moment before Dana spoke. “Thanks.”
Mac gave her a puzzled look. “For what?”
“For thinking about me. Not wanting to rush. I appreciate that.” She took Mac’s hand into hers, rubbed her thumb over her knuckles and smiled at her. When Mac smiled back, it tugged at her and made her feel things she hadn’t in a long while.
“You’re welcome. I don’t want to ruin anything that there may be between us.” She watched Dana’s thumb moving back and forth. “I haven’t dated anyone in a long time, so I’m kinda new to it too.”
“Really?” Dana said, finding it hard to believe.
“You sound surprised.”
“I am. You’re beautiful, funny, charming, and a world class kisser. Any woman would be lucky to have you,” she answered in all sincerity.
Mac laughed. “World class, huh?”
“For sure. If you had kissed Alfred Nobel, he would have given you a prize.”
Dana scooted closer and put an arm around her. “But if it is all right with you. I would like to keep those kisses to myself for now.”
“But if they’re really that good, shouldn’t I be sharing them with all the lonely women in the world?” Mac chuckled, and Dana rewarded her with a poke in ribs.
“Nope, I will accept all your kisses in the name of lonel
y women everywhere.” She kissed her cheek.
“Pretty tall order to fill. Sure, you’re up for the challenge.”
“Try me.”
Dana waited as she pondered the challenge. Mac snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her near. She met Mac’s mouth with hers and melted into the most sensual, languid kiss ever. The kinda kiss that made your toes curl, the kind they wrote songs about, the kind she wished would never end.
But it did, and she found herself gulping in air. Mac gazed into her eyes and gave her that killer smile. Damned if she didn’t feel like a school girl again in the back seat of her mother’s Chevy with the first girl she ever kissed. Except this with Mac was a hundred times better.
“It’s still early. Want to watch a movie?” Mac asked.
“Um, sure,” she said, still woozy from the kiss. “A comedy maybe?”
“One comedy for the lady, coming right up.”
Dana chuckled and settled into the sofa, her eyes following Mac’s movements across the room. With the movie in the machine, Mac sank onto the couch, and she snuggled into her, pulling her legs beneath her. When the title screen for Groundhog Day appeared, she gave Mac a squeeze. “How did you know this was my favorite?”
“One of mine too. Then again, anything with Bill Murray is a favorite.”
“Ghostbusters?”
“Un-huh.”
“Oh, we so have to watch it sometime,” Dana said with a giggle.
“It’s a date. Now hush, the movie’s starting.” Mac gave her a playful slap on the butt.
“Yes, dear.”
As the movie progressed, they laughed together and made comments about the film. At some point, Mac had put her arm around Dana’s shoulders, holding her, and every now and again, she placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. Dana didn’t respond, instead reveled in the feeling and enjoyed the closeness.
When the movie ended, neither of them moved. The credits scrolled by until finally, the DVD switched back to the main menu. Dana didn’t want this evening to stop, and she was sure Mac felt the same, but after several minutes of cozy silence, Mac reached for the remote and switched off the TV.
