Sheltered Love

by Mj Williamz

  “Hey, I’ve got an idea,” Boone said. “Why don’t you go and represent The Boonies?”

  “Because these aren’t for the hired help. They’re for the owners. And that, like it or not, is you.”

  *

  Grey stepped out of the shower after a long day at work and dressed in a red skirt and a short-sleeved white blouse. She checked herself out in the mirror and was pleased that she looked professional yet casual. She looked approachable, yet nice enough to represent Serene Pathway and all that meant. She slipped on some red pumps, grabbed her purse, and headed out the door.

  She arrived at the convention center and found her name tag on the table. She proudly taped it to her blouse and walked in the room. She felt good, her confidence in place. She just needed to start mingling.

  Most people were congregated around the drink table, so she walked over and helped herself to a glass of white wine. A tall balding man who looked to be in his early forties was the first to speak to her.

  “Mike Thomas from Valley Bank.” He offered his hand.

  “Grey Dawson from Serene Pathway.”

  “So I see. What is that?”

  “We’re a shelter for abused women.”

  “Is that right? How come I’ve never heard of you?”

  “We’re more a word of mouth kind of place. For the protection of our residents, we don’t publicize our place.”

  “And yet you’re here,” Mike said.

  “I’m looking for sponsors and donations. We always need those.”

  “What kind of advertising do your sponsors get?”

  “Unfortunately, we can’t offer anything like that.”

  “That’s too bad. You sound like a good cause.”

  “We count on people wanting to help the good cause,” Grey said.

  “Do you have a card or something? I can always ask the bean counters if we could sponsor you.”

  Grey handed Mike a business card.

  “I hope you can convince them. We can always use more financial support.”

  “I’m sure you can.”

  Mike walked off and Grey turned toward the door. Her breath caught. In walked the most handsome woman Grey had seen in a very long time. Tall and trim, with short dark hair, she carried herself with ease and comfort. Grey was intrigued.

  *

  Boone entered the room, full of dread and already counting down until she’d be able to leave. She’d promised Christopher to press some flesh and she would. But not much. These didn’t look like her type of people. But she understood Christopher’s point. New people meant potential new customers, which meant more money. She took a deep breath and started toward the drink table.

  As she neared the table, she felt herself being watched. It was then she noticed the woman with the shoulder length auburn hair and dark green eyes. Boone’s mood improved. She asked for a beer and turned to the woman, who was by then involved in a conversation with another woman. Patience, Boone told herself. She’d get there.

  A man walked up to Boone.

  “Hi, I’m Jeff Holiday, Holiday Hardware.”

  “Nice to meet you. Boone Fairway, The Boonies.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s a sports bar over on Hawthorne.”

  “Nice. Any specials you have?”

  “Happy hour every day from three to seven and two-for-one burgers every Thursday night.”

  “Right on. I’m always looking for a new place to check out.”

  “Well, please check us out. And bring some friends.” She smiled.

  “I will. Nice to meet you, Boone.”

  “Nice meeting you, too.”

  As he moved past her Boone saw the attractive woman standing by herself. She quickly closed the distance between them. She saw the woman’s eyes brighten and watched a flush cover her cheeks, both good signs.

  “Hello…” She read her name tag. “Grey. What an unusual name.”

  “Thank you. I see you have an interesting name, as well.”

  “I do. So, let’s make it official.” She offered her hand. “Boone Fairway.”

  “Grey Dawson.” She shook her hand.

  “And, Grey, you’re with Serene Pathway. I’m not familiar.”

  “We’re a shelter for abused women.”

  “What a fantastic cause. Although that must be such hard work.”

  “It’s very hard work. But so rewarding.”

  “What exactly do you do there?”

  “Well, I run the place, so I do whatever’s necessary. But I also counsel the residents.”

  “My hat’s off to you. I’m honored to have met you.”

  “And, Boone, you own The Boonies,” Grey said. “What’s that?”

  Boone puffed out her chest with pride.

  “It’s a sports bar over on Hawthorne.”

  “A sports bar?” Grey’s demeanor changed.

  “Sure. Why?”

  “Do you have any idea how many of my residents end up there as a result of their husbands or partners coming home from a sports bar?”

  “Hey, now,” Boone said. “That’s not fair.”

  “What’s not?”

  “To color me as the bad guy for what a few people have done.”

  “A few people? Domestic violence is an epidemic. One in four women will have experienced some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. That’s not a few, Ms. Fairway.”

  “And you’re telling me that hanging out at a sports bar is going to make a person abusive?”

  “I’m telling you I’ve heard of that happening more than once. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

  “Wait. I really don’t think you’re giving me a fair shake,” Boone said.

  Grey reached into her purse and pulled out a business card.

  “If you ever want to see what your innocent patrons are doing to women, give me a call.”

  Boone stood fuming as she watched her leave. She tucked the card in her pocket, knowing she’d never look at it again.

  Her mood spoiled, she was determined to put on a smile and work the crowd some more, but it wasn’t easy. Not only had those beautiful eyes and warm smile turned hard and cold against her, Grey had brought up memories Boone fought hard to keep buried deep.

  She found herself wondering where shelters like Serene Pathway were when she was growing up. Her mom could have used their services, to be sure. Maybe they’d been around, but no one told her mom where they were.

  She shook the thoughts from her mind and grabbed another beer. She mingled and talked up her bar for another hour before giving up and heading home.

  *

  Grey sat in her car trying to compose herself. She couldn’t believe she let herself get so riled up at that Fairway woman. Grey knew there was a lot of ambiguity in the connection between alcohol and abuse. Alcohol didn’t necessarily cause the abuse; men just used it to justify their behavior. Still, she’d seen too many cases of women abused at the hands of a man who just got home from a bar not to come to her own conclusions.

  And that Boone woman seemed to think she was innocent in the whole scheme of things. Like her patrons would never do anything like that. Grey wondered how many of Boone’s patrons went home at night and beat up their wives. But as long as Boone didn’t see it, she probably didn’t care.

  Well, let her stay all smug and handsome and happy. Grey vowed not to give her a second thought, but the whole drive home, she thought of those haunting blue eyes and dimpled smile. It almost made her sad to think she’d never see them again.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Boone got to the bar early Saturday morning, since the Ducks game started at ten, when the bar opened. She made sure everything was ready and greeted the partiers as they poured in as soon as she opened the doors. She was in a good mood, though thoughts of Grey and her words still haunted her. She tried not to think about her patrons abusing their partners and spouses, but couldn’t help but wonder now. She cautioned her bartenders against overserving, just in case.


  She settled at a table with some regulars and watched her Ducks again rout their opponents. She was proud of her team and was in a fantastic space by the end of the game. She invited the regulars to come over to her place for a swim and barbecue. She knew the nice weather wouldn’t be around much longer, and she wanted to take advantage of it by keeping the party going.

  Boone was working at the grill when she noticed a woman she didn’t recognize climb out of her pool. The woman had long blond hair that curled around her ample breasts. Boone was mesmerized by the drops of water rolling down her breasts. Or maybe she was just mesmerized by the breasts. Either way, she knew she had to meet the beauty.

  She crossed to the pool and squatted next to the woman, who was now perched on the edge of the pool.

  “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Boone.”

  “Oh, this is your place, huh? I’m Sasha. I’m friends with Dante. He said you wouldn’t mind if I came over, too.”

  “I don’t mind at all. You’re more than welcome here.” She flashed her best smile.

  Sasha smiled back.

  “I’d better get back to my grilling,” Boone said. “I’ll talk to you later?”

  “Count on it.”

  Boone walked back to her grill and flipped the dogs and burgers.

  “She’s hot,” Dani said.

  “Hey, Dani. I didn’t know you were here.”

  “I never miss a Boone Fairway pool party.”

  “True.”

  “So, do you think she’d like to join us?”

  “Join us?”

  “Sure. I was thinking the three of us might have some fun later on,” Dani said.

  “Hey, Dani, I like you a lot and all, but every time we see each other, it doesn’t mean we’re going to end up in bed.”

  “Oh, I know. And if you want her to yourself, that’s cool. I just thought it would be fun. Think about it.”

  Boone did think about it and thought that having two lovely ladies in her bed did sound like fun.

  “I’m just not sure she’d go for it. I mean, it sounds good to me, but I don’t want to blow a chance with her.”

  “Let me feel her out,” Dani said.

  “As long as I get to feel her up.” Boone laughed.

  Dani walked off as Boone pulled the meat off the grill. She placed everything on a platter and let everyone serve up at their leisure. She walked back over to Sasha, who was now lying on a lounge, sunning herself.

  “The food’s ready,” Boone said. “Would you like me to fix you a plate?”

  “I’ll get it when I’m ready. Why don’t we just visit for a while?”

  “Sure thing. So what do you do, Sasha?”

  “I’m a financial analyst.”

  “Wow. Sounds important,” Boone said.

  “It’s actually exciting. I get to play games with other people’s money. It’s fun.”

  Boone had to laugh at the mention of games. Although the games she was planning on playing with Sasha had nothing to do with money.

  “Well, I guess that’s one way to look at it. Still, sounds like a lot of pressure.”

  “Sure, but there are lots of ways to relieve pressure, too, you know.”

  “I’m aware. And I’m a fan of many ways to relieve pressure.”

  “What’s your favorite?” Sasha asked.

  Boone felt the blush before she said a word.

  “I really feel like I should get to know you better before I tell you that,” she said.

  “Oh, I think I know you well enough to hear it.”

  “I need to go check on other guests now.” Boone stood. “It was nice chatting with you.”

  “I’m sure we’ll chat again soon,” Sasha said.

  Boone circulated through the group, stopping to chat with her regulars and meet some guests they’d brought. The mood was festive and people had started to help themselves to the food. She loved her life.

  Dani was by her side again.

  “Things look promising for you,” she said.

  “So far, so good,” Boone said.

  “She’s been watching you, you know.”

  “I didn’t know, but thank you.” She was all smiles.

  Dani left her to mingle, and Boone turned and literally bumped into Sasha. The feel of that warm, soft flesh pressing into her made her crotch clench.

  “I’m sorry,” Boone said.

  “Don’t be.” Sasha smiled. “So is she your date?”

  “What? Who?”

  “That redhead. I’ve seen her watching you all afternoon.”

  So Sasha really had been watching her. She smiled at the thought.

  “So is she your date or not?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “But she has been.”

  “Sure. But there’s nothing between us. I mean, nothing serious, you know.”

  “Okay. I just wondered if you were taken.”

  “No, I’m not. At all.”

  “Well, I’m thinking she wants you tonight,” Sasha said.

  Boone thought long and hard about how to answer. This was the opening she’d been hoping for.

  “She might.”

  “She’s cute.”

  “She is. Why are you asking? Are you interested?”

  “In her or you?” Sasha asked.

  “Either. Or both.”

  “Both?” Sasha raised her eyebrows. “Now that’s an interesting proposition.”

  “Is it?” Boone’s heart raced. She realized she was holding her breath and warned herself to play it cool.

  “It really is.” Sasha walked off in the direction of Dani, leaving Boone to wonder what her night might turn into.

  She turned back to the food but found she was too excited to eat. She grabbed another beer, hoping to calm her nerves. She drank it fast and grabbed another one. She scanned the crowd hoping she wasn’t obvious, looking for either of her prospects for later that evening. She saw neither and wondered if that was a good sign or not.

  One of the guys, a regular from the bar, walked up behind her and pushed Boone into the pool. He jumped in after her, calling, “Water fight!”

  Several others jumped in, and soon Boone found herself engaged in a battle of splashing between close to twenty people. She splashed and was splashed for the next ten minutes, when people finally got tired of water in their faces.

  She laughed as she climbed out of the pool and gladly accepted the towel that was handed to her. Everyone else got out of the pool as well, and soon people were lounging around again, drinking beer and drying off.

  “You should get out of those wet clothes,” Sasha whispered in her ear.

  Boone felt her nipples tighten under her wet T-shirt and hoped they weren’t too obvious.

  “I’ll dry off out here in the sun.”

  “So when does the post party start?” Sasha asked.

  “When everyone else is gone.”

  “And whoever’s left gets to play?”

  “I guess that depends on who’s left.”

  “I certainly hope I’m invited.”

  “I’d love to engage in a little post-party play time with you.”

  “Good. Because I’m planning on that.”

  The guests left and Boone started cleaning up, with Dani and Sasha helping her. She was shaking in anticipation of what was to come, but tried to focus on the task at hand. She was washing a plate when Sasha walked up behind her, wrapping her arms around her middle. Boone couldn’t focus. All she knew was the feel of Sasha’s breasts pressed against her back.

  Sasha kissed the back of Boone’s neck, and Boone felt her legs go weak. Her stomach fluttered. She needed this woman intensely.

  Boone turned and took Sasha in her arms. Dani was forgotten as she kissed Sasha’s soft lips, prying them open with her tongue. She was dizzy with need as their tongues met. She placed her hand on the back of Sasha’s head and held her in place as their kiss heated up.

  Boone felt a hand on her breast at the same time she felt Da
ni licking her earlobe. The sensations were almost overwhelming. Dani spun her around and kissed her, leaving Sasha to run her hands under Boone’s shirt and along her taut belly. Boone felt her stomach muscles twitch at the touch.

  Boone found her mouth alone when Dani moved her out of the way to kiss Sasha. Watching the women kiss did little to ease the fire burning deep inside her. She wanted them both and wanted them at that moment.

  “Let’s go to my room,” Boone said.

  “We’re still getting warmed up,” Sasha said.

  “I don’t know how much warmer I could get,” Boone said.

  Dani laughed. “Easy, Turbo. We’ll get there.”

  Boone didn’t like being put off, but she had to admit, she could watch them make out for a little longer. And make out they did. Dani kissed Sasha again, this time removing her bathing suit top as she did.

  Not wanting to be left out, Boone turned Sasha away from Dani and placed her hand over a large bare breast. The skin was soft and filled her hand perfectly. She bent and licked the nipple, watching it grow. Dani bent to take the other nipple in her mouth and Sasha mewled, letting them know how they were making her feel.

  Boone let Dani continue to suckle Sasha. She stood and unhooked the back of Dani’s bikini top. When her breasts fell free, Boone reached out and coddled them. She twirled the nipples between her thumbs and forefingers. She tugged and twisted them and felt Dani sag against her in her excitement.

  Sasha pulled Dani to a standing position and pressed their breasts together so they were nipple to nipple.

  “Oh shit, that’s hot,” Boone breathed.

  Dani moved side to side to rub her nipples against Sasha’s. Boone watched in amazement at the sheer sexiness of it.

  “It feels so good,” Dani said before kissing Sasha again.

  They broke the kiss and Sasha pulled Boone to her, kissing her and running her hand down the back of Boone’s swim trunks. Boone shivered at the feel of Sasha’s hand on her flesh.

  “You’re so toned,” Sasha whispered against her mouth.

  Boone felt her trunks being lowered and felt Dani reach around to massage her slick clit. Her knees buckled and she fought to remain upright.

  She struggled to get Sasha’s bottoms off her and reached between her legs to stroke her.

  “Holy shit, you’re wet,” Boone said.

  “Let me feel,” Dani said, pressing against Boone’s back as she moved her hand to Sasha.