Sheltered Love

by Mj Williamz

  “Good, because I’m jonesin’ for a really good margarita, and I know just where to get one.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Grey said.

  They arrived at the restaurant and each ordered a Cadillac margarita. They were relaxing and enjoying each other’s company, and Grey felt her insides melt every time she looked into Boone’s eyes. She felt like her body was betraying her. She fought to maintain her professional decorum.

  “So how was the rest of your day?” Boone asked.

  “Uneventful. And yours?”

  “Nice. Tanner didn’t show up at the bar this afternoon, so that was a good thing.”

  Grey was sorry Boone had had to experience the ugliness that was domestic abuse, but she was glad they at least had some common ground now.

  “That’s good. You know, if I haven’t emphasized it enough, I’m really glad you came to visit Phoebe today. It’s nice for these women to know they’re not alone in the world. So many of the women feel completely disconnected.”

  “I’d hate for Phoebe to think she lost her family. Just one ugly member of it, and that’s no great loss.”

  They sat in silence for a few moments as they munched on chips and salsa.

  “So, how did you get into the business you’re in?” Boone asked.

  “That’s an awfully personal subject.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “Well, I suppose it’s fair for you to know.”

  “Only if you want to share,” Boone said.

  “My father hung out in bars when I was a kid.”

  “Oh, no. This isn’t going to be good.”

  “He’d come home in a foul mood every night. Drunk as a skunk.”

  “Grey, I’m so sorry.”

  “And he’d take out his anger on anyone. My mom was his favorite target, of course, but kids weren’t above it.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “I was his favorite, so I didn’t get as much as the others, but I got my fair share. And even when I wasn’t being beaten, I had to watch my mother and siblings taking it from him. That’s why I went into domestic abuse counseling and finally opened Serene Pathway.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Boone said again.

  “It’s not something many people fully understand.”

  “My father was the same way,” Boone said. “Obviously, in Tanner, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

  “I’m sorry for you, too, Boone.”

  “Yeah, since I’ve met you I’ve spent a lot of time wishing I’d known of places like yours for my mother back in the day.”

  “They weren’t as prolific back then. Women were supposed to stay with their husbands, no matter what.”

  “A lot of women still feel that way,” Boone said.

  “What led you to open a bar then? With that history? And now with your brother? It seems like a bar would be the last business you would want to own.”

  “I told you. My bar isn’t like other bars. It’s a social gathering place. People don’t get sloshed and go beat up their spouses or partners.”

  “But you don’t know that.”

  “But I think I do.”

  “But you can’t. But still, you haven’t answered the original question. Why a bar?”

  “I saw a need for a sports bar in the neighborhood and thought I may as well be the one to open it. It was strictly a business decision in the beginning.”

  “And now?”

  “Now it’s my pride and joy.”

  “So you see why I can’t be in a relationship with you, Boone.”

  “Not really. I know now that we have more in common than either of us thought. But again, like I said, I’m not asking for a relationship anyway.”

  “You probably have your choice of women at the bar,” Grey said, not really wanting to hear the answer.

  “I’m not sure exactly how to answer that.”

  “Honestly.”

  “There are always women at the bar.”

  Grey felt her heart sink. She felt like her body was betraying her mind. She found herself wanting Boone desperately, but knew it could never happen.

  “Now, on to lighter subjects,” Boone finally said. “Being a Beaver, do you follow your team? Or are sports not your thing?”

  “I’m not a die-hard or anything, but I do try to listen to the games on the radio if I’m home.”

  “What about other sports?”

  Grey laughed outwardly, while cringing inwardly, hoping she wouldn’t be judged.

  “I’m not a big sportsaholic, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “Maybe not, but I’d love it if you’d come to the bar with me to watch a game sometime.”

  Grey pondered the offer. A sports bar was not someplace she really ever saw herself, for many reasons, not the least of which being the abuse factor. But if it meant more time with Boone… She shook her head, unwilling to consider it.

  “I don’t think that would be a good idea,” Grey said.

  “Why not? I mean, I know you’re not big on sports bars and all, but I’d like you to experience where I work since I’ve experienced where you do. And I’d like you to see it’s not the den of iniquity you seem to picture it as.”

  “I don’t think I can put aside my prejudice and be open-minded. Not even once.”

  “That’s too bad,” Boone said. “I really think it would be a good experience for you.”

  Grey pondered what Boone was saying. Would it be a good experience? How could it be? It was against everything she believed in. But it was intriguing to think of seeing Boone in her environment. She thought it must be the margarita going to her head. She wasn’t thinking clearly to even consider it.

  “Convince me.”

  “You could come with me, watch a little football, see the crowd of nice people, and feel better about having expanded your horizons.”

  “I suppose one trip wouldn’t hurt.”

  “So it’s a date.”

  “Sure, why not?”

  “Really? It’s a date?”

  “Sure. Just because I don’t like what you do doesn’t mean I don’t like you.”

  The words were out before she could stop them. She regretted saying them in the silence that followed.

  Boone stared at her and finally smiled. “Great. Because I really like you.”

  Grey’s heart thumped in her chest. She couldn’t believe she’d said that out loud. She felt like she needed to clarify. “But know I don’t believe there’s any chance of anything happening between us.”

  “Nothing?” Boone smiled.

  Grey blushed deeply. She desperately wanted something to happen, and that was so out of character for her. But she wanted Boone Fairway. She just hoped she could keep her hormones in check. She knew there could never be a future between the two of them, and she felt it would be unfair to lead Boone on. But she wasn’t sure she could control herself.

  After dinner, they climbed back into Boone’s truck. Grey was a nervous wreck. She wanted Boone so badly, but didn’t want to push too hard or appear too easy. She vowed to let Boone set the pace for them.

  “What’s on your mind?” Boone asked.

  “Just thinking how nice the past two evenings have been.”

  “They really have been. I enjoy your company, Grey.”

  “Thank you. I enjoy yours, too.”

  They reached Grey’s house, and Boone walked her to the door.

  “Would you like to come in for another drink?” Grey was hesitant to ask, but longed to prolong the evening.

  “That would be great. Thanks.”

  Grey led Boone inside and showed her to the living room, where Boone took a seat on the brown leather couch. Grey was proud of her house, painted in soothing earth tones.

  “I like your place,” Boone said.

  “Thank you,” Grey called from the dining area where she was pouring Boone a bourbon and herself a glass of white wine.

  She returned to the living room
and sat on the couch with Boone, far enough away not to appear obvious.

  “So, tell me your deepest, darkest secret,” Boone said.

  Grey felt the blush creep up her chest to cover her face. Her secret was she wanted Boone and wanted her now. She wasn’t about to say that. The blush must not have escaped Boone as she arched an eyebrow.

  “That good, huh?” Boone said.

  Grey blushed harder and laughed.

  “No. I don’t really have a deep, dark secret.”

  “I don’t know if I believe you. What happened to that trust?” Boone teased her and leaned closer. She reached out a hand and ran her fingers through the ends of Grey’s hair.

  Grey felt her nipples harden at the light touch. She hoped they didn’t show through her blouse. She was more excited than she had been in years, and she would do anything to have Boone.

  “Okay. So my secret is I like you. A lot. Even though I shouldn’t.”

  “That’s a great secret,” Boone said. “I like you, too.”

  “I feel like a silly schoolgirl,” Grey said.

  “You’re not, though. You’re a grown woman.” Boone’s face was now within inches of hers and Grey felt her breath catch. She felt the heat radiating from Boone, smelled the rugged scent of her cologne. She watched as if in slow motion as Boone’s mouth moved closer to hers. She closed her eyes as their lips met.

  Her head grew light and her heart leapt as they kissed. It wasn’t a long kiss, but the need was apparent in it. She felt her thighs dampen.

  Boone pulled away and set her drink on the coffee table.

  “That was nice,” she said.

  “Yes, it was.” Grey wanted to shout that it was amazing, the best kiss she’d ever had.

  Boone took Grey’s glass and set it next to hers. She leaned over again, this time with her hand behind Grey’s head. Grey was about to burst and their lips hadn’t even met again yet.

  Grey felt Boone’s lips on hers and opened her mouth, welcoming Boone’s tongue inside. The kiss was powerful and intense. She wrapped her arms around Boone’s broad shoulders and held on while the kiss deepened.

  Grey was lost in the sea of sensations that flooded her body. Boone was an excellent kisser, and she never wanted the moment to end. She leaned back on the couch, pulling Boone on top of her. She opened her legs and felt Boone’s leg slip between hers.

  Boone was grinding into her and Grey thought she’d surely lose control any minute. She was certain she’d come fully clothed. She pulled Boone closer and was rewarded with a deeper kiss.

  Finally, Boone broke the kiss and sat up, pulling Grey with her. Grey was light-headed and breathing heavily. Thankfully, Boone seemed to be having a hard time catching her breath as well.

  “I’m sorry,” Boone said. “I don’t know what got into me.”

  Grey was crushed. And embarrassed. There was no need to apologize. She decided to be brave and call Boone on it.

  “You’re sorry? Is that an honest statement?”

  Boone stared at her.

  “No. No, it’s not. But yes, it is. I’m sorry to try to push too hard too fast. But I’m not sorry I kissed you like that. It was wonderful.”

  “Okay. Well, no apologies necessary, Boone. I’m a big girl and I’ll let you know if things are at a pace I’m not comfortable with, okay? Honesty and trust, Boone. You’ve got to trust me.”

  Boone nodded.

  “You’re right. So we’re okay?”

  “We’re fantastic,” Grey said, then blushed again.

  “I should get going,” Boone said.

  “Is that what you want?” Grey grew bolder by the moment. Her hormones seemed to have taken control of her mouth. Her brain kicked into gear then. “You’re right, of course. You should go.”

  “It’s what I think would be best, too. We’ll leave it at this for now.”

  “Okay, I agree.”

  “Good.”

  They walked out to Boone’s truck. She pulled Grey to her and kissed her again. Grey felt her knees grow weak.

  When the kiss ended, Boone said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Me, too.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Boone drove back to Serene Pathway the next day filled with trepidation. Sure, Grey had said the make-out session the night before was fine, but she still felt she lost control, and she knew Grey was still hesitant about her. Although, Grey had a point, too. She was a grown woman and could say stop whenever she wanted.

  There was something about Grey, though. Boone felt like maybe there could be more. She didn’t know if it was Grey’s professionalism, her sense of humor, or what, but Boone felt like she wanted to see how far she could go with her. And not sexually. This was uncharted territory for her. Her gut instinct was to take it slow. Wasn’t that the rule? But damn, she wanted Grey Dawson!

  She pulled up at the shelter and knocked on the door. She was led to the office by Cecilia and stopped short when she saw Grey seated at her desk. She was facing away from Boone, but turned when the door closed.

  “Hi, Grey.”

  Grey stood and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Hi, Boone. You’ll be happy to know Phoebe is doing better today.”

  “Really? That’s great. How so?”

  “She took a shower without being reminded and helped out in the kitchen serving lunch today. Socializing with the others is a very good sign.”

  “It means she’s not afraid of the whole world, right?”

  “Right. Although it’s a far cry from being okay with the outside world, it’s nice to know she’s comfortable around other survivors.”

  “That’s great,” Boone said, happy for a topic of conversation not related to the previous night’s events. She was very impressed with Grey. The light kiss on the cheek showed that she thought of her as more than just another visitor, but the conversation showed she could keep it professional when the situation dictated. Yet another plus for Grey Dawson.

  “She’s in the living area now, if you want to go see her.”

  “Thanks, I’ll do just that.”

  “Oh, and, Boone?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Tonight’s my treat.”

  “Again tonight, huh?” Boone’s heart soared.

  “Is that okay?”

  “It’s great. I’ll pick you up at six again.”

  “Sounds wonderful. Only I’ll be cooking, so you won’t be picking me up. Just come hungry.”

  Boone doubted her hunger for Grey could be much more apparent than it had been.

  “I’ll be hungry, all right.”

  She walked down the hall and found Phoebe watching television with a couple of other women.

  She sat on the couch next to her.

  “How you doing, Phoebs?”

  “I’m okay.”

  “You look good.” It wasn’t a complete lie. Her face still looked horrible, but her eyes weren’t filled with the fear of the past couple of days.

  Phoebe smiled.

  “I look a mess.”

  “Not true. Your lips even look like the swelling’s gone down.”

  “I guess.”

  “So, how’s today been? Better?”

  “I guess.”

  “How are you feeling, Phoebs? Be honest.”

  “I’m tired, Boone. I’m exhausted. I just want to lie in my bed and cry.”

  “Why don’t you do that?”

  “The tears hurt my cuts.”

  Boone nodded.

  “And I have to live. If I don’t, he wins.”

  “Good attitude. I like that. You do have to live. You’ll come out of this stronger, better. Trust me.”

  “I’ll come out of this a lesbian or a nun. Except Grey says lesbians hurt each other, too. Did you know that?”

  “I guess I never really thought about that.”

  “So I guess I’ll be a nun.”

  Boone pulled Phoebe close and held her.

  �
��No, sweetheart. You’ll find someone who really loves the sweet and wonderful person you are and who’d never dream of doing this to you.”

  Phoebe pulled away.

  “I don’t know. If I made Tanner this mad, I could make somebody else this mad, too.”

  “Phoebe, this wasn’t your fault.” She was careful not to raise her voice. “Please don’t ever think that. Tanner’s got a screw loose to do this to you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  Phoebe’s bottom lip trembled.

  “But I made him mad. I never should have made him mad.”

  “What he did was inexcusable. Men don’t hit women. Hell, people don’t hit other people just because they’re mad. It’s just not done. You couldn’t prevent this from happening, Phoebs. Trust me.”

  “Trust. There’s that word again.”

  “It’s important. And you need to trust me and Grey when we tell you this wasn’t your fault.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Good girl. Okay. I’m gonna head out now. You have fun with your friends and I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

  “What day’s tomorrow?”

  “It’s Saturday. Why?”

  “You don’t have to come out here on your weekend.”

  “Phoebe, I love you. I want to come see you.”

  “Will Grey be here tomorrow?”

  “I honestly don’t know. You should ask her.”

  “If she’s not here, I’ll be really glad if you come.”

  “I will, Phoebs. I promise. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She drove back to the bar and grabbed a beer. It was a jumpin’ Friday afternoon, and happy hour was in full swing. She sat on a bar stool to watch the Mariners playing the Yankees. The Mariners were losing. How appropriate.

  “You haven’t been around much the past couple of days.” Dani sidled up next to her.

  “No, I’ve been pretty busy. How you doing?”

  “You weren’t even here last night for the football game. What’s up with that?”

  “I had things going on. I know. It was weird not to be here, but life goes on.”

  “Well, you’ll be here for the Ducks game tomorrow, won’t you?”

  “I sure plan on it.” Boone hoped to bring Grey to the Ducks game, but didn’t want to share that with Dani.

  “Good. I’ll see you there. You want to shoot some pool or something now?”

  Boone couldn’t explain it, but she felt guilty even talking to Dani. She told herself she was being ridiculous. Grey had made it perfectly clear there was nothing between them. But then last night had happened…