Sheltered Love

by Mj Williamz

  “Where would you like to sit?” Boone asked.

  “This is your territory,” Grey said. “You take me with you where you’d normally go.”

  Boone searched the room and saw a table of regulars.

  “Let’s go sit with them.”

  She introduced Grey to her friends, including Dani, which was awkward for her, but Dani was cool. She was happy and proud to see Grey interact with everyone as they settled in to watch the game.

  Boone was pleasantly surprised at Grey’s knowledge of football. She participated in the conversation and rooted as loudly as anyone, which Boone knew had to be hard for her.

  “How you doin’?” Boone leaned over and whispered in her ear.

  “I’m having a great time,” Grey said.

  “You sure?”

  “Positive.”

  Boone smiled at Grey and felt her heart soar. She’d really found someone special. She leaned in and kissed her.

  “What was that for?” Grey asked.

  “Just ’cause. Was it not cool?”

  “It was wonderful.” Grey’s eyes were bright as she looked at Boone.

  “Good.” Boone kissed her again, this time holding her lips longer. She could get used to this.

  They watched the game, and as it entered the fourth quarter, Boone was thinking about a post party.

  “Hey, babe, how would you feel if I invited a few people over to my place for a barbecue after the game?”

  Grey didn’t miss the pet name. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it. It made her heart happy, but logically, she was still undecided. Still, she wasn’t the one-night stand type, and if she was going to sleep with Boone, she had to be willing to see where it would go. “Is that what you normally do?”

  “I do early in the season. It’ll probably be too cold for that by next week, I’d imagine. But it’s up to you.”

  “That sounds like fun.”

  “Great.”

  “So, everyone,” she said to the table. “Post party at my place.”

  As the game ended with yet another Duck victory, Boone grasped Grey’s hand and led her back to her truck.

  “You sure you’re okay with people coming over?”

  “I’m fine with it. Let’s keep the party going.”

  “You’re pretty awesome.”

  “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  “Are you having fun?”

  “I’m having a great time. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun.”

  “Good. Again, if it ever gets too much, just let me know.”

  “And what? You’ll leave the party and take me home?”

  “No, I’ll kick them all out.”

  Grey laughed, which was music to Boone’s ears.

  “You don’t think I’ll do it?” Boone asked.

  “I don’t think I’d ask you to do that. But I’m not worried. I think it’s going to be fun.”

  Grey helped Boone get things set up for the party. She formed burgers from the ground beef and seasoned them while Boone lit the grill. She was looking forward to meeting Boone’s friends at the party. She’d met a few at the bar, but the game distracted them from actual conversation. She wondered how many people would show up. She heard voices outside and knew it was time to join Boone.

  She stepped out onto the patio and was surprised at the crowd that had gathered. There had to be over thirty people in and around the pool. She located Boone over by the grill and noticed Dani talking to her.

  Boone was smiling and shaking her head. Grey wondered what they were talking about.

  As she walked up, she heard Boone say, “It ain’t gonna happen.”

  “What’s not going to happen?” Grey asked.

  “Oh, hi, sweetheart,” Boone said. She reached out and took Grey’s hand. “Are you ready to meet some more people?”

  “Sure,” Grey said.

  “Excuse us,” Boone said to Dani.

  Boone walked Grey around the pool area and introduced her to doctors and lawyers, business men and women and construction workers. It was quite a melting pot.

  “You have an interesting combination of friends,” Grey said.

  “I do. We have all sorts that come to the bar. It’s nice to have a variety.”

  “Lots of men, but quite a few women, too. That’s interesting to me.”

  “Well, it’s a sports bar, babe.”

  “True. I’m actually surprised at how many women are here.”

  “Not all sports fans are men. Just the majority of my clientele.” Boone laughed.

  “And the women run the gamut. They’re certainly not all lesbians.”

  “Nope. We serve a lot of straight women, too.”

  “How fun.”

  “Thanks. I’m glad you think so,” Boone said.

  The afternoon passed with much drinking and merriment. The burgers were a hit and people stayed until the sun began to fade and the chill of the evening made the pool less attractive. Grey was exhausted, yet exhilarated when the last of the guests left.

  “That was amazing.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Boone pulled Grey to her and wrapped her arms around her.

  Grey snaked her arms around Boone’s neck.

  “What happens now?” She smiled.

  “Well, technically, we should clean up a little.”

  “I cleaned the kitchen as I went,” Grey said.

  “So there’s not much to do, then. That’s a good thing.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Would you like to enjoy the hot tub with me?” Boone asked.

  “I didn’t bring my suit.”

  “You won’t need it.”

  “I do like the sound of that.”

  Boone led Grey to the hot tub and pulled her blouse over her head.

  “You have goose bumps. Are you cold?”

  “A little. The goose bumps could be from something else, too, you know.”

  “I like that.” She rubbed her hands over Grey’s arms before reaching around to unhook her bra. She slid it off and tossed it to the ground.

  “You’ve got the nicest breasts,” Boone whispered. She cupped them, running her thumbs over the taut nipples. “And they’re so responsive.”

  “They like you.”

  “I’m glad.” She helped Grey out of her skirt then stripped down herself. “Shall we?”

  Grey stepped into the hot tub, the heat of Boone’s gaze on her making her wet. She sat down and Boone sat next to her, pulling her close.

  “I could get used to this,” Boone said.

  Grey didn’t know how to respond. The logical side of her told her things were moving too fast, but the rest of her loved to hear it.

  “It is nice, isn’t it?”

  “Very.” Boone nuzzled Grey’s neck and kissed her earlobe.

  Grey turned her head and met Boone’s lips with her own. The kiss was intense, with Boone’s breath hot in her mouth. She couldn’t contain herself. She climbed into Boone’s lap and pressed her breasts against Boone’s. The feeling was electric. She knew her center was moist and ready and she craved Boone’s touch. She took one of Boone’s hands and placed it between her legs, not willing to wait for Boone to get there in her own time. She was rewarded by feeling Boone’s fingers probing deep inside.

  “Oh my God, yes,” she said. “Yes, Boone. Please.”

  Boone stroked all her needy places and in no time, Grey held on tight as the orgasm tore through her body.

  “You’re amazing,” Boone said.

  “That was all you.”

  “No. You’re so much fun to love.”

  Grey turned to straddle Boone’s legs and ran her hand between them. She ran her hand over Boone’s slick clit and smiled at Boone’s intake of breath. Grey moved her fingers inside Boone and delved deep over and over before pulling them out and stroking her clit again. This time it was Boone who cried out when her climax hit.

  Boone struggled to catch her breath and Grey snuggled in
to her chest, smiling with pride. It was such an honor to make another woman feel that, and she was blissfully happy to do that for Boone.

  “You ready to get some sleep?” Boone asked.

  “I am.”

  “Let’s get dry and get inside. Are you okay sleeping here or would you rather go back to your place?”

  “I’m fine staying here.”

  Boone got them towels and they dried each other off before tucking in for sleep.

  *

  Boone awoke the next morning groggy but aroused. It took her only a moment to come fully awake and realize Grey was licking her nipple.

  “Good morning to me,” Boone said.

  Grey smiled and sucked Boone’s nipple deep in her mouth.

  Boone ran her hand lazily over Grey’s hair, loving the soft, silky smoothness of it.

  Grey released the nipple and kissed down Boone’s belly. Boone spread her legs as Grey reached the place where her legs met. She felt her insides tighten as Grey worked her tongue over the length of her. She felt her dip inside and arched her hips to urge her on. She was barely hanging on and when Grey moved back to her clit, she lost it, crying out Grey’s name as she came.

  “Thank you for that.” Boone pulled Grey close. “What a way to wake up.”

  “I was watching you sleep and you looked too good to just let you be. I had to have you.”

  “Well, I’m glad you did. I’m always here for your taking.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  Boone rolled over and slid her hand between Grey’s legs, intent on returning the favor. She found Grey excited, clearly having enjoyed making love to her.

  “Mmm. You’re so wet, baby.”

  “Imagine that.”

  She deftly stroked Grey’s swollen clit until Grey was gasping for air.

  “Oh yes, Boone. Oh dear God, yes.”

  Boone kept at it until she felt Grey tense up, then issue a guttural scream as she reached her orgasm.

  Boone held her again, loving the feel of Grey’s naked skin against hers. She’d meant what she’d said the night before. She could easily get used to this. She didn’t understand all she was feeling, but she was determined not to fight it. She just didn’t want to scare Grey off with her intensity, so she kept her thoughts to herself.

  “So what should we do today?” she asked.

  “I hate to do this, but I really should get home so I can get some things taken care of and get ready for the week ahead.”

  Boone fought to hide her disappointment. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Can I take you to dinner tonight?”

  “I’d like that.”

  Boone drove Grey home and headed for the bar to check on everything. Her stomach turned when she saw Tanner’s truck in the parking lot. She parked in the back and used the rear entrance, hoping to go unnoticed by her brother. No such luck.

  “Hey, sis. Can I talk to you?”

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  “Look, I’ve gotta come clean with you. Phoebe and I had a fight and she left me. I’m really sorry about our argument and want to tell her. Will you please help me find her?”

  Argument? Argument? Boone wanted to slap her brother senseless. How dare he refer to beating Phoebe up as an argument?

  “Look, I’m really sorry you and Phoebe had words.” It turned her stomach to say that, but she knew she had to play along. “But I have no idea where she is. And I wouldn’t even know where to start looking for her. You know all her friends. I don’t. Have you checked with them?”

  “I’ve asked everyone. No one has seen her. I’m at a loss. I miss her and am worried about her.”

  “Did you try her folks? Maybe she went to stay with them for a while.”

  “I haven’t tried them.”

  “Well, that’s my suggestion.”

  “Okay. Thanks. But if you see her, send her home, okay?”

  “Sure thing.” She lied. There was no way she’d ever let him find her.

  Seeing Tanner made her realize she’d missed seeing Phoebe the day before. She’d been too wrapped up in Grey. So she cut her time at the bar short and drove out to Serene Pathway.

  She found Phoebe in her room.

  “What’s going on, Phoebe? How are you feeling?”

  “I’m tired today.”

  “Yeah? Well, if you need a nap or something, kick me out.”

  “No. I’m glad you’re here, though. I feel so alone. Grey’s not here on weekends, and I didn’t know if I’d see you either.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday. But I’m here now.”

  “How am I ever going to make it on my own, Boone? Should I just go back to Tanner?”

  “After what he did to you? No way!” Boone couldn’t believe her ears.

  “I’m sure he’s sorry.”

  “Sorry doesn’t cut it, Phoebs. You know you can’t go back to him.”

  “So what do I do?”

  “You stay here, get counseling, and get better.”

  “How long will that take?”

  “As long as it takes. Listen, Phoebe, Grey and her staff are trained to help women who have been hurt. Let them work their magic on you. I’m sure you’ll come out of here stronger and ready to take on the world.”

  “I wish I had your confidence.”

  “Mine hasn’t just been shattered. What you went through was a blow to you mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. Put it in your past, though. Commit to yourself to get better and move on.”

  Tears trickled out of Phoebe’s eyes and she pulled Boone to her in a hug.

  “How could you possibly be related to that asshole I married?”

  “I’ve been asking myself that since he was born,” Boone said. “So what did you do yesterday?”

  “I spent a lot of time reading. They have a great library here.”

  “Oh, good. I like to hear that you relaxed for a bit.”

  “I’m trying. I feel so isolated here.”

  “You’re supposed to be. Nothing to distract you from getting better.”

  “I need to think of it that way.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “Thank you for coming to visit me, Boone.”

  “My pleasure. I’ll try to come back tomorrow, too, okay?”

  “Hey, Boone, what do you think of Grey?”

  “I think she’s a smart, capable woman, why?”

  “Do you think she’s gay?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “I think she’d be good for you.”

  Boone tried to fight the blush she felt creeping over her cheeks.

  “Oh.” Phoebe smiled. “It looks like you might have thought the same thing a time or two.”

  “On that note, it’s time for me to head out. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks again, Boone.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  It was time for Boone to pick up Grey and she smiled widely in anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see her again. She was really into her and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.

  She knocked on the door and waited impatiently for Grey to open it. When she did, Boone wasn’t disappointed. She was wearing a green dress that clung to her curves, while still looking casual. Boone’s hormones surged. She kissed Grey’s cheek.

  “You look amazing.”

  “Thank you. But what kind of kiss was that?” She pulled Boone close and kissed her passionately.

  “That was nice,” Boone said. “Kind of makes me want to skip dinner.”

  “Oh, there’s plenty more after dinner.”

  Boone smiled and took Grey’s hand as they walked to her truck.

  “So, Grey, I had an interesting conversation with Phoebe today,” Boone said when they had ordered dinner.

  “Is she okay?” Grey looked worried.

  “Well, she’s still freaking out and scared, but I figure that’s normal. It was something else she said that I wanted to talk to you about.”

  “Do
tell.”

  “She thinks you and I would make a good couple.”

  Grey choked on her wine.

  “She said that?”

  “She did.”

  “And what did you say?”

  “It’s more what I did.”

  “And what did you do?” Grey asked.

  “I blushed.”

  “You did?” Grey laughed. “That’s too funny.”

  “Yeah. So, what do you say? We’re out at my place of work. What about yours?”

  Grey sat silently for so long, Boone began to wonder if she’d pushed too hard.

  “I don’t know, Boone,” she finally said. “I have always strived to keep my business and personal life separate. Plus, I’m still not sure what we’re doing is such a good thing.”

  “I understand,” Boone said, though she didn’t really. She was crestfallen.

  “No, I’m not sure you do. Because I’m not sure I do anymore. I don’t suppose it would hurt for people to know I’m seeing someone. And don’t get me wrong. I’m not embarrassed or anything. I simply try to keep things separate, as I said. And I think I need to figure out what I’m doing here.”

  “So that was just a yes and a no at the same time,” Boone said.

  Grey laughed uneasily.

  “I know. I’m sorry. Let’s just say okay and see what happens.”

  “Okay? So like I can tell Phoebe about us?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  Boone broke into a wide grin.

  “That’s great! Thank you.”

  “Oh, Boone. I’m sorry if I made you worried.”

  “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I don’t want to push you too hard, but I really like you.”

  “I like you, too. And I don’t understand it. Because you represent everything I’m against.”

  “But you’ve been to the bar. It’s not a bad place. And I’m not an abusive alcoholic. I’m not going to hurt you.”

  “I’m still leery, Boone.”

  “Well, if you’re not in this for the long haul, what the hell are we doing? Just sleeping together? Because it feels like more.”

  “It feels like more to me, too, Boone. Honest. I’m sorry. I just get so confused when I try to sort things out in my mind.”

  “Good. So, we’ll agree that it’s more than just sex and you’ll quit overthinking it.” Boone smiled.

  “I promise I’ll try.”