Between the Lines

by KD Williamson

  The doorbell rang.

  Haley moaned in protest. Just a few more minutes, that’s all she needed. She walked Tonya toward the back of the couch while Tonya worked frantically to unbuckle her belt and unzip her.

  It rang again and again, as if someone had taped the fucker down. If she didn’t answer soon, Nate was going to use his key.

  If he did, she was going to kill him.

  They broke apart. Tonya was breathing heavily. Her eyes were unfocused and her lips swollen. Dear God, Haley was going to kill Jen too.

  “You okay?” Haley asked as she sucked in a ragged breath.

  Tonya closed her eyes and nodded.

  Haley stepped away completely and headed toward the door. When she got there, she glanced at Tonya, giving her a few more seconds. “Hold on!” While she zipped and buckled up, she counted to twenty in her head and then opened the door.

  Nate pushed his way through and stared at Haley. “Damn, did you forget the way to the door?”

  Jen rolled her eyes and came in after him.

  “I mean, really, what were you doin’?”

  Jen smiled at Haley and turned her gaze toward Tonya. She paused for a second and looked back and forth between them.

  “We were out there for—”

  Jen moved quickly to grab her husband’s arm. “Shut up,” she growled.

  Haley gave them both a glare before moving back toward Tonya.

  “Why are you growlin’ at me?” Nate looked up and around. “Ohhhh, we interrupted somethin’.” He paused. “Oops?”

  Kill him to death.

  “At least we’ll be memorable now.”

  Jen shoved him. “Will you shut it! God.”

  Haley laughed and glanced at Tonya. She was smiling as well.

  “I’ve only seen him for two minutes, and I can already tell he should’ve been your brother,” Tonya whispered.

  “I know, right?”

  Jen stepped forward and held out a hand. “Hi, Tonya. I’m Jennifer. You can call me Jen or Jenny. Doesn’t matter.”

  Haley put her hand at the small of Tonya’s back for support, for emphasis, or maybe she just wanted to keep on touching her.

  Tonya’s smile was huge, dimples and all. “Nice to meet you.”

  “If you say so after all that. We’re not the comic relief, I promise.” Jen cut her eyes at Nate. “That one is my husband, Nate.”

  He waved.

  “He’s an adult most of the time, but when these two get together…”

  “I can imagine.” Tonya leaned forward and whispered, “There are lightsabers under the bed.”

  Jen’s eyes twinkled. “I know.”

  Haley groaned. “Can you two wait at least until I turn my back to make fun of me?”

  “No.” Jen laughed.

  Nate wrapped his arm around Jen’s waist. “Sorry about all that.” He grinned at Tonya and reached out a hand.

  “The hell you are,” Haley said.

  “Well, no, but it sounded nice.” Nate smiled.

  “Ass.”

  Tonya chuckled as she shook his hand.

  Haley watched the whole thing and exhaled shakily. Maybe she had been nervous too, but this was a bang-up beginning. “So we ready to bowl? Tonya’s friend Stephanie is going to meet us there.”

  “I’m ready. Let’s do girls versus boys,” Nate chimed in.

  Haley glanced at Tonya. “You okay with that?”

  Tonya grinned. Her gaze dropped for a second. Haley knew exactly where it went. “That’s fine.”

  Even Haley’s toes tingled. “It’s on. Let me get my keys—”

  “Just ride with us. Plenty of room,” Jen said.

  “Okay.” Haley shrugged.

  Tonya and Jen started talking again on their way out the door. Nate bumped Haley with his shoulder. She glanced at him.

  “So? Nuclear winter?”

  Haley searched for the right words. “More like an extinction-level event.”

  Nate blinked. “Damn.”

  “Yep.”

  Nate touched her elbow. “The way you look right now, it’s not about the sex, is it?”

  Haley smiled softly. “No, no, it’s not.”

  * * *

  Classic rock music played in the background, but it wasn’t overly loud. Tonya watched as Haley and Nate tested the weight of the bowling balls. Haley threw her head back and laughed at something Nate said.

  “I really am sorry. That’s not the impression I wanted us to make on you.”

  Tonya glanced at Jen. She was smiling sheepishly.

  “But I bought you a glass of Pinot Grigio to help ease any nerves you might have left over.”

  “Thanks, but you didn’t have to, and it’s okay.”

  Jen just stared at her.

  Tonya laughed and took the wine. She liked Jen; she was very direct. “Okay, it could have gone better, but I’m over it, and Haley seems to be too. Any nerves I had are gone as well.” Her gaze swung back Haley’s way as she sipped from the plastic cup.

  “Well, she doesn’t let much bother her.”

  “True.”

  “And it’s nice to finally put a face with the name we’ve heard about a million times now.”

  She felt warm all over. Tonya met Jen’s gaze. “That many?”

  “I may be exaggeratin’ by about a hundred. Haley is nowhere near the stereotype of the aloof butch.”

  That was true too. “I’m—”

  “Don’t even say you’re surprised, since you’re sufferin’ from the same affliction,” Jen interrupted.

  “Affliction? What?”

  Jen smiled slowly. “You can’t keep your eyes off her.”

  Extremely direct.

  Tonya took the opportunity to look in Haley’s direction again. “You’re right.”

  Jen laughed. “I usually am.” Then she sighed. “Okay, now that we got that all outta the way. I should probably tell you that I already like you. Hard not to after what Haley’s said about you, and I know everythin’ is true because it’s, well, Haley.”

  Tonya smiled. “You totally just made up for the first impression.”

  Jen brought her own cup to her lips and took a brief drink. “Glad to hear it. I was willin’ to put in the extra work. My husband, on the other hand, is the male version of Haley, so he’s pretty much irresistible. I’m sure you’ve already forgotten he started this mess.”

  Tonya laughed. “Irresistible, huh? Don’t tell her that. She’s—”

  “Already aware. I know.”

  “I’ve already told her that her ego should have its own registered zip code. Unfortunately, it just made the situation worse.”

  Jen groaned. “So it’s your fault, then?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “I want my wine back.”

  Tonya finished her remaining drink with a flourish.

  Jen laughed. “She was right about you. You’re hot, smart, and funny. Poor thing never stood a chance.”

  Tonya smiled. Maybe she hadn’t either. Her heart expanded, making room for the past, present, and future. The result was a hammering rhythm that robbed her of breath. Once again her gaze fell on Haley. Everything within her stopped and started again when Haley smiled at her.

  She was like a runaway train. Her impact on Tonya’s life was inevitable.

  “I joke, but that night she called to ask you out the first time, I was there. I told her not to stop tryin’. I’m glad you gave in.” Jen said softly.

  Tearing her gaze away from Haley, Tonya gave Jen her full attention. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “No, thank you. She cares about you, and it looks good on her. I can tell you feel the same.” Jen sounded relieved.

  Yes, she cared. More than she’d ever thought was possible. Tonya didn’t say anything out loud; she figured that she didn’t have to. Nate and Haley were walking toward them. She looked so happy. It was written on her face and in her every movement.

  Seconds later, Tonya was in Haley’s arms
, and before she could utter a word, Haley kissed her. Tonya wrapped her arms around Haley’s neck and reveled in their connection, smiling as Haley nipped at her bottom lip. When she pulled away, Tonya used her thumb to wipe away lipstick at the corner of Haley’s mouth.

  “What was that fo—”

  “You, and the way you were lookin’ at me.”

  Tonya’s insides puddled at her feet. As if they didn’t have an audience, she stepped farther into Haley’s embrace to smell her, feel her, and solidify her place inside.

  There was a flash of light. Tonya turned toward it. Nate was holding up his phone. He had a goofy smile on his face, but it was filled with so much emotion.

  “Sorry, I just couldn’t help it,” he said.

  Jen sighed. “He means well.”

  Tonya grinned. “I know he does. I can tell.”

  “Send me a copy,” Haley told him.

  “Already did.”

  Nate cleared his throat and clapped his hands together. “Okay, everyone’s on the scoreboard. We’re just waitin’ for Stephanie, right?”

  “Yes, she’s caught in traffic. There was a wreck.”

  “No problem. I’ll go get drinks. Anybody else want?”

  Everyone gave Nate their drink order, and a moment later, Stephanie showed up, a little out of breath.

  “Okay, I’m here. Sorry.” She smiled and thrust out a hand toward Jen. “Hey, I’m Stephanie. You must be Jen?”

  Jen nodded. “That’s me. Nice to meet you. Do you want somethin’ to drink? My husband’s at the bar.”

  “Sure. Spiced rum and Coke.”

  “Got it. Be right back. I’m sure he’s gonna need help carryin’ all that.”

  Stephanie sat down on one of the benches and took her shoes off. “I didn’t mean to hold things up.”

  “Stop it. It’s not a big deal,” Tonya said.

  “She’s right,” Haley chimed in.

  “Thanks.” Stephanie flashed a smile. “Look at you two all hugged up.”

  Tonya rolled her eyes.

  “Keep those eyes in your head,” Stephanie said.

  “It’s hard to do with you around.”

  Haley chuckled. “Good to see you again, Stephanie.”

  “You too, Miss Biceps.”

  “I’m much more than that, thank you.” Haley grinned.

  “I have no doubt. So what did I miss so far?”

  So very much. Tonya smiled.

  Stephanie narrowed her eyes, but she didn’t say anything.

  “You know what? I guess I shoulda asked.” Haley looked down at Tonya. “Do you know how to bowl?”

  “Well, no, but how hard can it be?” Tonya split her gaze between Haley and Stephanie.

  Haley grinned slowly. “I’ll teach you.”

  Stephanie groaned, but her expression was playful. “You guys are like a walking cliché. Any excuse to put your hands on each other.”

  “That’s not true at all.” Haley’s smile was huge.

  Tonya gave her a light shove.

  Stephanie laughed. “Uh-huh.”

  “Okay!” Nate smiled as he and Jen joined them. “I have a white wine for you.” He angled himself toward Tonya.

  “Thanks.”

  Nate winked.

  “Blue Moon for you.” He handed it to Haley. “And a spiced rum and Coke for you.” He gave the final drink to Stephanie. “Nice to meet you. I’m Nate.”

  Stephanie smiled, but it faltered a bit as she looked from Nate to Haley and back again. “Holy shit.”

  Haley laughed.

  “If it wasn’t for the eyes…” Stephanie’s voice trailed off.

  “And the breasts,” Nate chimed in.

  Tonya took a sip of her wine and joined in on the laughter, soaking it all in, letting it warm her from the inside out. She was pretty sure this night couldn’t get any better.

  “Okay, now that everybody’s here. Let’s bowl. Ladies first,” Nate announced.

  Jen pulled Tonya and Stephanie to the side. “Okay, since you just got here, you need to know that it’s us against them.” She glanced at Stephanie. “Nate sucks, but Haley’s good.”

  Stephanie snorted. “Figures. I’m okay, but it’s been a while.”

  “I’m—” Tonya started to say.

  “Bait,” Jen interrupted and grinned. “We can totally use her to distract Haley.”

  Tonya scowled.

  Stephanie grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”

  Clearly, Stephanie and Jen were going to make great friends.

  Jen bowled first and ended up with a spare. She threw her hands up and hooted as she walked back to the group. Stephanie clapped, and so did Tonya, albeit not enthusiastically. Jen scoffed at her.

  “Oh come on, perk up. It’s a win-win situation. You get what you want, and maybe we get what we want.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “You get to be near Haley, and we get a chance to win.” Jen smiled.

  “You’re pimping me out.”

  Jen stared at her for a second before nodding. “Yep, I am.”

  Tonya laughed, short and loud. She really, really liked her.

  Stephanie rolled her eyes.

  “You have like a superpower or somethin’. It’d be a shame not to use it.”

  Tonya sighed and waved them both away. “Fine.”

  Haley chose that time to approach. “You’re up.” She looked at Tonya. “I’ll walk you through it. Let’s find you a ball first.” She reached out her hand.

  Tonya stepped forward and took it.

  “Let’s start with something that’s medium in weight.” Haley paused and leaned in. “So what is Jen cookin’ up over there? Nate is awful, so I’m gonna have to win this on my own.”

  Tonya glanced at Haley and laughed uproariously.

  “You’re scarin’ me.” Haley smirked.

  “Me.” Tonya smiled. “I’m the plan.”

  Haley blinked. “She’s an evil genius.”

  “I know. I’m enjoying it.”

  “So what are you gonna do to distract me?” Haley continued to fiddle with the balls. She grouped three of them together. “This one is perfect, I think.” She eased up behind Tonya. “I put them in order from lightest to heaviest. Give it a try.”

  Sweet. She really was so sweet. Tonya picked up the first ball.

  Haley wrapped an arm around her. Tonya arched into the embrace. “Well?” she whispered into Tonya’s ear.

  Tonya shivered. “I like this one. I think.”

  “Mmm, I like this one.” She squeezed Tonya slightly.

  “Corny.” Regardless, Tonya was warmed by Haley’s words.

  “And? You didn’t answer my question.” She pushed Tonya’s hair out of the way and kissed her ear.

  “Nothing. I’m not going to do anything.” Tonya glanced up at Haley. She looked so confused. Tonya smiled. “Let’s get started. We’re holding things up.”

  “The clock is tickin’, lovebirds,” Nate called out.

  Tonya didn’t respond to him, and neither did Haley.

  “Okay, this part is obvious.” Haley cupped Tonya’s hand. “You put these three fingers in the holes.” She traced the digits in question.

  It was hard for Tonya to ignore the tingle that shot up her arm, but she did what she was told. Haley guided her toward the alley. She pointed at the floor. “The space between where the wood starts and that line is your startin’ point. Don’t ever cross that line.” She pointed at where the alley began. “You’ll probably end up fallin’ on your ass, and even though it’s a very nice ass. I’d hate to see it hurt.” Haley grinned.

  Tonya rolled her eyes.

  “Okay, you’re a beginner. So take as many steps as you need to get you a couple inches from that line because that’s where the real technique comes in. You ready?”

  She nodded.

  “Go ahead. Take your steps.”

  Tonya walked three steps forward. Then, Haley was right behind her, pressing into her. “Good girl.”r />
  She shivered again. “You say that like I’m not always one.”

  Haley chuckled. “No comment. Now follow my body. I’ll guide you.” She slid a hand over Tonya’s hip, bringing her closer.

  Tonya gasped sharply.

  Haley cleared her throat. “She really is a genius.” She paused. Her voice was still low, scratchy. “And you’re right. You don’t have to do a damn thing except stand there and look like you do, smell like you do.”

  In one wet whoosh, arousal flooded Tonya, as if it had been waiting for the dam they’d created earlier to break open. It truly was amazing what Haley could do to her.

  “Feel like you do.” Haley’s grip on her tightened.

  Tonya felt the minute shift of Haley’s hips as she pressed and rubbed against her. “Haley.”

  Haley exhaled shakily. “Bowlin’, yeah. Just stay in the position you’re in but bend forward. Aim and swing your arm back, then forward, and release the ball on the follow-through.” She stepped away.

  Tonya took a deep breath and let it fly. The ball went straight into the gutter. She stepped back toward the bin and waited for it to return. Haley’s eyes were on her. She glanced over her shoulder and sure enough.

  Haley stepped forward.

  Tonya’s heart slammed against her chest and her breathing grew shallow. “I think…I got it.”

  Haley licked her lips and nodded.

  Her body refused to calm down, but when she took her second turn, Tonya knocked down two pins. She walked back toward Stephanie and Jen and refused to look at Haley. She couldn’t.

  Stephanie and Jen scooted over, making room in the middle for Tonya. They didn’t say anything. Jen retrieved Tonya’s wine and handed it to her.

  Tonya was definitely thirsty.

  She wasn’t sure what Jen and Stephanie bowled. It was hard to pay attention, but when it was Haley’s turn, Tonya couldn’t turn away. She watched as Haley’s muscles, especially her arms, pulled and contracted with her movements. It was truly a thing of beauty.

  Jen whooped as Haley only got four pins on the first pass and two on the second. Nate threw his hands up as Haley walked back toward their bench. She sat down, and her gaze zeroed in on Tonya, who meant to look away.

  They stared at each other, scorching the air around them.

  Jen cheered and laughed, but Tonya wasn’t sure what about. Right now, she didn’t much care. The initial hour they paid for was up in no time. Haley managed to win, but it wasn’t by much. She needed to breathe. She needed to cool off, because watching Haley and not being able to touch her was torture. Her heartbeat refused to slow and her level of awareness and arousal vacillated between a hum and raging. If they’d had a chance to finish what they started earlier…