Take Your Time

by VK Powell

  “Okay, I won’t push on the walk, but I can’t let you go to Connie’s for a haircut.” Grace ushered Dani into the alley between the drugstore and the old hardware store where Clay’s latest mural adorned the walls.

  “Grace?” Dani gave her a what-the-hell-are-you-doing look. “Why not? Brenda said they’re the best in town.”

  “Brenda said that because they’re the only place in town and Connie is her cousin, not because they’re actually any good. Most of the hairstylists belong to Hair Whackers Anonymous. They don’t know when to step away from the scissors. I don’t want you to come out with a shaved head or worse.”

  “Is it really that bad?”

  “You have met Doreen Divine-Dot at the florist’s.”

  Dani’s eyes widened in comprehension. “Bowl haircut slash mullet. Where do you go?”

  “Savannah. I wouldn’t trust these tempting tresses to just anyone.” She flipped the hair off her shoulders, and Dani stared at her neck. They were almost toe-to-toe in the tight alley and their proximity felt intimate, the air between them thick. Grace’s body hummed like a taut string stretched between the tuning head and bridge of a guitar. She eased back but had nowhere to go.

  “Backed yourself into a corner, Grace?”

  Dani’s grin was pure mischief, an expression Grace hadn’t seen before, but rather enjoyed. “Very funny. I was only trying to be helpful.”

  Dani leaned closer, gazing into Grace’s eyes. “How can I ever repay you?”

  Grace enjoyed being close to Dani more than she wanted to admit, but an alley in the center of town while she was in uniform wasn’t a good idea. “Come to my place tonight?”

  “What did you have in mind?”

  Grace could tell by Dani’s grin that she was enjoying her discomfort. The grin turned into a full smile, and Grace wanted to trace the space between her front teeth with her tongue. “To check me…my place…out…for Harry.”

  “Of course, for Harry. What time?”

  Grace swallowed hard, the idea of Dani in her small cottage too provocative. “After six?” She placed her hand on Dani’s chest to ease her back so she could leave but liked the feel of Dani’s heart galloping between her breasts.

  Dani edged closer and stared at Grace’s mouth. Any minute she was going to kiss her, and Grace was so ready. She opened her mouth slightly and licked her lips in invitation.

  “Grace? Are you all right?” Clay Cahill stood at the entrance of the alley with her arms crossed over her tight T-shirt scanning Dani suspiciously.

  Grace debated throwing her arms around Clay to thank her for the save or yelling at her for the interruption. She was flustered being so close to Dani and needed a way out but didn’t really want one. She hated when her head and heart gave her mixed messages. “I’m good.”

  “You sure?” Clay’s aw-shucks demeanor hid her depth of passion and protectiveness for the people she loved. She eyeballed Dani again.

  “She’s sure, sport,” Dani said as she pushed her way past Clay.

  Clay moved aside, and when Grace headed toward the street, fell in beside her. “Mind if I walk with you a bit?”

  “Course not. I’d love the company.” Grace looped her arm through Clay’s, and they walked slowly down Main Street like a couple out for a Sunday stroll. She started to explain what Clay had interrupted but wasn’t sure how to decipher something that had been so emotionally charged and unexpected.

  “Wasn’t that Trip’s new vet you were trapped in the alley with?” Clay smiled in her handsome way that had captivated several hearts since they were in high school.

  “Yes, but I wasn’t exactly trapped. I sort of pulled her in there, by accident, to warn her about the Clip ’n Curl. Love your mural by the way.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be painting a few more around town once the council chooses the scenes. Pre-drawn works are the only thing I can paint right now. It’s like color by numbers, no creativity required. So…just doing your civic duty with the new girl?”

  “Exactly.”

  Clay stopped and turned to face her. “Be careful, Gracie. She’s a player and not long for our little town.”

  “What have you heard?” Grace wasn’t naïve, but she wanted Clay’s impression of Dani because her interest was definitely piqued. And after their chat in the kitchen last night and the teasing bout in the alley, she felt Dani was warming to her as well.

  “A friend called from Savannah yesterday and went on and on about a woman she’d met at a club, a vet from up North, currently living in Pine Cone. She asked if I knew her. Do I need to spell it out?”

  “I’m not the innocent kid you and Trip protected in high school.”

  Clay nudged her, and they continued to walk. “But we still try. That’s what friends do.”

  “And that’s one of the reasons I love you both like sisters.”

  “I’m serious, Grace. I know your instincts about people are good, but any one of us can be fooled when our hearts are involved.”

  The sadness in Clay’s tone reminded Grace how badly Veronica had hurt her when she was in New York. Her recovery had been lengthy and agonizing. She squeezed Clay’s arm tighter. “So, how’s it going with sexy gallerist River Hemsworth?”

  Clay looked away as color painted her cheeks. “Slow.”

  “Well, it’s not because she’s not attracted to you. Chemistry poured off you two like August heat in Georgia.”

  “She’s just passing through too, so I should probably take my own advice. But we’re going to Howard Station for dinner.”

  “Excellent news. You haven’t been that attracted to a woman since…when exactly?”

  “Can’t remember,” Clay said.

  “Right. My advice, as one of your dearest friends, is to go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose.” Grace tried to quiet the voice in her head telling her the same thing, but she wasn’t rushing into anything with Dani. If something happened between them, it’d be because they both wanted it and understood the consequences. She’d learned her lesson about chasing women who didn’t want her. Bad for her health, self-respect, and future. Not again. Thank you very much.

  “Nothing to lose except my heart when she leaves,” Clay said.

  “Isn’t love worth the risk?” The question echoed inside, but Grace refused to consider her response.

  * * *

  Dani rushed back to the B and B after work, showered, and pulled on a clean pair of jeans and a fresh T-shirt. She loved the smell of her patients, but what if Grace wasn’t an animal person? She certainly had a hard time getting along with Harry. Anyone who couldn’t tolerate animals was a definite red flag date-wise. Snap out of it, Wingate. Grace was never going to be a viable dating option. Maybe Dani could downplay her attraction into a friendship or possibly friend with benefits situation. Would Grace settle for that? Would she? Dani dabbed a bit of styling gel in her hands and tousled it through her short hair for the desired messy effect.

  As she bounded down the stairs two at a time, she reviewed her behavior with Grace in the alley and in the kitchen last night but couldn’t explain either. Grace threw her off kilter with her compassion, soothing tone, and casual touches, touches that seeped under her skin and burrowed into her soul. She’d wanted, no, she’d needed, a touch like that for ages, but it also terrified her. Why had she practically invited herself to Grace’s tonight? That damn alley. Being so close. Her first glimpse of nervousness in Grace emboldened Dani and brought out her softer side. And feeling Grace’s hand on her chest, she’d wanted it everywhere else.

  On her way through the kitchen, Mary Jane said, “Supper in five minutes.”

  “I appreciate it, but I’m not hungry.”

  “I’ll leave a plate warming in the oven in case you change your mind later.”

  “Thanks.” She marched across the backyard toward the cottage. This visit was all about Harry, a professional assessment. This wasn’t a date and she couldn’t forget it. The turmoil in her stomach was nothing more than t
he usual case of nerves she got with any challenging case. She tapped lightly, then more forcefully.

  Grace opened the door wearing a pair of shorts that revealed shapely legs and a sleeveless blouse that accented her breasts but not in a slutty way like Michelle’s clothes. Dani’s mouth dropped open as she ogled Grace’s body once and then twice. She’d never seen Grace out of uniform and never wanted to see her in it again.

  “So, you approve of the outfit?” Grace’s voice cut through her lusty haze.

  She nodded, unable to find words that didn’t sound like a pickup line or a cry for mercy.

  Grace waved Dani in and preceded her into the small space, but she couldn’t move, her gaze fixed on the cheeks of Grace’s ass when she walked. “Damn, you look great.”

  Grace grinned over her shoulder, obviously enjoying the effect her attire was having on Dani. “It gets hot, as you’ve probably noticed, and I don’t like air conditioning, so I raise the windows in the evening and use the ceiling fan and a small portable.” She shrugged. “Do you plan to come in at some point?”

  “Oh, yeah.” Dani stepped awkwardly over the threshold, closed the door behind her, and shoved her hands in her pockets. The small space shrank around her, and no matter where she stood, she was too close to Grace’s tempting body. Her earlier thought of friendship vanished in favor of friends with benefits.

  “Would you like a cold drink? I have beer on ice or several choices of wine.”

  “Beer, please.”

  “I figured you for a beer woman, like Clay and Trip. They won’t go anywhere near a glass of wine but put an ice-cold beer in front of them and you’re friends for life. You’ve met Clay, right?”

  Dani accepted the beer and took a long swig to lubricate her parched throat, a recurring condition when Grace was close. “Not officially, but doesn’t she work at the service station? And wasn’t she the one who rescued you in the alley this morning?”

  “Yeah, but don’t let the grease monkey gig fool you. She’s an accomplished artist, made quite a splash at her first New York show.”

  “Then what the hell is she doing—” Dani stopped before insulting Grace again.

  “What’s she doing in Pine Cone? I get how you wouldn’t understand, but that’s her story and she’ll have to tell it.” Grace poured a glass of wine, took a sip, and waved her hand around the room. “So, let’s deal with business first. I don’t want you thinking I lured you here under false pretenses.”

  Dani’s mind blanked. She took another gulp of beer and made an obvious show of studying the room. Focusing on Grace’s outfit or her auburn hair that shifted provocatively around her face when she moved wasn’t why she was here.

  “Do you see anything particularly offensive…to an African gray parrot?”

  Oh yes, Harry. “Not really, but as I’ve said, I’m not a bird psychologist.” She pointed with her bottle to the large aviary against the wall between the living and kitchen areas. “Is that where he is most of the time?”

  Grace nodded.

  “So, no view outside?”

  “I keep the blinds closed during the day because it gets so hot.”

  “Do you keep the air conditioning on in the daytime?” The minute the question was out she regretted it and the accusatory tone of her voice.

  Grace propped a hand on one of her shapely hips and glared. “You still don’t have a very high opinion of me, do you? I don’t know much about birds, but I wouldn’t leave any animal in a confined space during a Georgia heat wave without some type of relief.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.” She turned up her beer bottle, got nothing, and placed it on the kitchen counter. “I’m in assessment mode, just asking questions. Can I get another one of those, please?” She nodded toward the empty bottle.

  Grace seemed to relax and gave her a partial grin before bending over the cooler to pull out another icy beer. Dani didn’t even try to look away. She zeroed in on Grace’s well-rounded ass and felt a jolt in her center as she imagined grabbing Grace from behind and bringing their bodies together. When Grace turned around, Dani felt heat rush to her face.

  “Are you all right?” Her wicked grin said she knew exactly where Dani’s mind had wandered.

  “Yeah…fine.”

  “Other suggestions? About Harry?” Grace offered Dani the beer but held on to the bottle when Dani reached for it, purposely grazing her fingers over Dani’s when they separated.

  The touch was a match, fiery and dangerous, and Dani wanted it over and over again. No more touching, she reminded herself. “Music?”

  “You’d like some music? What kind?”

  Dani shook her head, still reeling from Grace’s soft skin against hers. “No…for the bird…for Harry. He might enjoy music or television during the day when you’re gone.”

  “Hadn’t thought of that. Good idea, Doctor, but this whole me and the bird thing is probably not going to work out.”

  “Why?” Dani guzzled her beer and started feeling a buzz. Drinking plus Grace equaled trouble. She had to focus on the bird situation, not on how delicious Grace looked or how much she wanted her right now.

  “As you’ve said, he needs interaction, stimulation, and I’m not here to provide that for him. Maybe we should consider other options. Surely someone would enjoy a communicative addition to their home.”

  “Perhaps, but he’ll still have a tough transition. Michelle said he’s thriving in the clinic, enjoying the comings and goings, and isn’t bothered by anyone…”

  “You mean the way he’s bothered by me.”

  Dani nodded.

  “The clinic is out. I’ve already asked Trip and got a definite no.”

  Dani finished her second beer and placed the empty beside the other on the counter. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. It might not work, but it’s worth a discussion.”

  Grace moved to her side of the counter and placed her hand on Dani’s forearm causing an immediate surge of arousal so strong she flinched. “Let’s hear it. Why don’t we sit?” Grace pulled the sofa cushions onto the floor, settled cross-legged, and motioned for Dani to join her.

  Dani told herself not to let Grace touch her while praying she would. She swallowed hard, fighting the chemistry between them as she lowered herself a few inches from Grace on the cushions. She’d never been around anyone who made her feel equally aroused and comfortable. “How about the B and B sunroom?”

  “Could that actually work?” Grace leaned back, resting with her arms behind her and exposing an easy view of the pale flesh at the tops of her breasts. Dani focused on the pulse point at Grace’s neck and then shifted her gaze to her cleavage. “Having trouble concentrating, Doc?” Grace’s voice was light and teasing, but Dani felt like she’d been stroked.

  “Serious trouble.” Dani forced herself back into professional mode. Her idea had possibilities, and she wasn’t sure if she was more pleased about it for Harry’s sake, Grace’s, or her own because of Grace’s interest. “Think about it. He’d be around people almost all the time. He’d have a great view of nature, and when those massive French doors are open, he’d practically be outside.”

  “I’d have to talk with MJ.” Grace took a slow sip of wine and licked her lips, and Dani had to look away. “I couldn’t ask her to take on more responsibility. Harry can be a handful.”

  Without thinking, Dani inched closer to Grace and heard a rapid intake of breath. The beer had dulled her control and spiked her libido or maybe she just needed an excuse for her actions. “You really are a very thoughtful person, Grace. And so damn hot.” Grace’s light flowery perfume filled Dani’s senses and accelerated the slow burn in her body. She could seduce Grace right now, and the dreamy look in her eyes said she wouldn’t resist.

  Grace stroked a finger down the side of Dani’s face and traced her bottom lip with the pad of her thumb. “I try.”

  “Grace…I—”

  “Don’t talk.” Grace leaned in and angled her head for a kiss.

  Gra
ce’s kissable mouth mesmerized Dani, and she licked her lips as Grace opened slightly.

  “Dani,” Grace whispered.

  Her name sounded so heartfelt, so intimate, that Dani jerked away just before their lips met. Getting involved with a woman who wanted so much when she could give so little just wasn’t fair. She couldn’t do that to Grace or to herself. “I have to go.”

  Grace rested her hands on Dani’s chest just above her breasts, and the touch burned Dani’s skin, just like it had in the alley this morning. “Okay, I understand.”

  What did Grace understand? That Dani wanted her so much her insides ached? Or that she’d promise anything to have sex with her right now? Or maybe she somehow knew she made Dani want things she’d never considered possible. She was afraid Grace saw all those things, and it terrified her. “I can’t.” She stood, hoping Grace knew why they could never happen, but certain she didn’t. “I’m sorry, Grace.” As she ran from the cottage, Dani heard Grace’s frustrated response.

  “So am I.”

  Leaning against the doorframe, Grace watched Dani sprint across the backyard like a rabbit chased by a fox. One minute they were discussing possible solutions for the Harry problem, and the next Dani bolted. Maybe Grace’s touch and the near kiss made her skittish and scared her into escape mode.

  Grace sighed, closed the door, and settled back on the cushions with her wine. Dani was definitely conflicted, but Grace sensed a connection the first time they met, and it kept growing stronger. Dani had initiated their closeness for the first time in the alley this morning and inched within kissing distance tonight. They’d both leaned into that kiss, both wanted it. But Grace probably shouldn’t have touched her, but the pull had been so strong.

  She didn’t want to let Dani push her away like she probably had other women when they got close. And Grace didn’t want another fling with a passerby. She needed something deeper and believed Dani did as well, but they’d both have to be willing to embrace their feelings. She sat quietly for a while, finished her wine, and then walked to the B and B.

  Mary Jane closed the dishwasher as Grace entered and gave her a raised eyebrow. “You’re a little late, but I’ve got leftovers if you’re hungry.”