A Shot at Love

by T. B. Markinson

  “Is this the part where you blame me?”

  Josie squeezed her mum’s hand. “I don’t blame anyone. I’m just telling you how I feel.”

  “I’m listening. I mean really listening to whatever you want to say. This hasn’t been the best day, and I regret some of the things I said.”

  “Only some?”

  “Maybe all. I’m not sure I remember everything. Anger has a way of doing that to me. I’m worried about you.”

  “What about Clive?”

  “Yes, I’m concerned about his situation. You’re my daughter, though. You’ll always come first.”

  Josie sat up, crossing her arms. “I’m waiting for the but.”

  “No buts.”

  “Since when?”

  “Since now.”

  Josie took a healthy slug of the tea. “In that case, I’m off to bed. I’m having breakfast with Harry tomorrow.”

  “Why?”

  “Don’t start. I like Harry.”

  “But—”

  “I knew there’d be one before the night was over.” Josie shook a finger at her mum.

  “That’s not fair. You haven’t even heard me out.”

  “Life isn’t fair. Didn’t your mum teach you that? Mine did.” Josie heaved a sigh. “Please, stop taking everything out on Harry. She’s a good person. Harry had absolutely nothing to do with the blotter.” Josie kissed her mum’s cheek. “Good night. You can continue plotting against me without me sitting here.”

  “I’m not plotting against you.” Her mum made harrumphing sounds.

  “Sure, you aren’t.”

  “You make me so mad sometimes.”

  “I can say the same about you, but I won’t.”

  “You just did.”

  “You’re right. See, I don’t always have to be right.” Josie left her mum sputtering, not wanting to enter a useless debate that wasn’t winnable. She’d learned long ago her mum was as stubborn as a mule and tangoing with her could leave Josie metaphorically battered and bruised.

  In bed, Josie’s mind decided to kick into hyperdrive in a maddening way. Every time she closed her eyes, Josie pictured Harry from the previous night. Or standing on the bridge that first night. Stumbling upon her in the café. The woman even had Josie looking forward to each week’s crossword puzzle to discover another adorable way Harry flirted with her. Harry, Harry, Harry. How had she gotten inside Josie’s head and heart? The last thing Josie needed was a woman to cause ripples. Josie craved calm. Like a summer day with the slightest breeze. She could practically feel the sunshine on her skin. Hear the birds chirping, squirrels foraging in the leaves, kids laughing.

  Oh, shit. Josie lurched up in bed. She’d totally blocked out that Camilla was preggers.

  Josie’s life would be perfect if she were the only person on the planet.

  Then she’d get the calm she craved.

  Josie rolled onto her side and pulled the pillow over her head to blot everything out.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Harriet rose earlier than usual, unable to sleep past five. Camilla had been up a few times during the night, watching the telly. At one point, Harriet thought she’d overheard Camilla on the phone, but she wasn’t positive. So far, a knocked-up Camilla was proving even more taxing than teenage Cam. Yet, Harriet really didn’t mind. What caused her more distress was not being able to fix the problem for Camilla. When they were younger, Harriet had always bailed Cam out of whatever trouble she got herself into. This was one situation that Harriet couldn’t solve for Camilla. It made her feel helpless.

  Adding the Josie situation on top of that drove the logical Harriet insane. Why couldn’t Josie see how good they were together? Or trust that no matter what, they could work things out? While it was early days in the relationship, Harriet was convinced they were meant to be together. How she knew, Harriet had no idea, but she believed it wholeheartedly.

  She had to laugh, because that was illogical.

  Harriet slipped on a blue pair of wellies, needing to stretch her legs and clear her mind. For the first time in days, when she left the cottage, it was raining outside. Harriet pulled her warm hood up over her head and headed for her favorite walking path. Given it was early on a rainy Saturday days before Christmas, Harriet had the path to herself, much to her relief. After dealing with Camilla, Clive, and Eugenie, Harriet needed time and space. She’d always been the type to crave alone time to sort out her thoughts. Some of her former colleagues could write in busy cafés. Not Harriet. She’d always been drawn to peace and quiet.

  On her way back, the rain eased, allowing Harriet to remove her hood, her body now warm from the exercise.

  She rounded a corner and nearly crashed into someone.

  “My apologies. I wasn’t expecting—” Harriet stopped when she realized Josie stood right in front of her. Harriet finished, “Anyone to be out this early.”

  “Me neither.” Josie, in leggings and a running top, hugged her chest. “I’m just starting out and haven’t warmed up yet.”

  Harriet took off her jacket. “You’re freezing.”

  “Won’t you get cold?” Josie balked.

  “I’m warm enough from walking.” Harriet shoved the jacket into Josie’s hands.

  Josie gratefully slipped it on. “You always seem to be rescuing me.”

  Harriet shifted on her feet. “I don’t mind.”

  Josie elevated an eyebrow, but Harriet thought she detected a slight grin. “Says the understated woman.”

  Harriet rolled her eyes.

  “An eye roll. I didn’t know you had it in you.” Josie jabbed her elbow into Harriet’s side as if saying no hard feelings.

  “I’m sure I’m capable of much more than that if given the chance.”

  “Is that a challenge? You want me to press your buttons to see what I can bring you to?” Josie pressed a finger into Harriet’s arm.

  Harriet didn’t know how to respond, so she reacted instead, pulling Josie into her arms and kissing her. Much to Harriet’s surprise, Josie didn’t push her away, but deepened the kiss.

  A snap of a tree branch reminded them they were visible on the path to all weekend ramblers. Harriet’s eyes panned the area, seeking out the widest tree, that also happened to have a cluster of bushes offering some privacy. She took Josie’s hand, leading her to the secluded spot.

  “What do you have in mind?” Josie asked, her eyes wide with bewilderment.

  “This.” Harriet kissed Josie again.

  Josie hesitated at first but succumbed to the moment. “Are you sure no one can see us?”

  “Not entirely. In all probability, the sound we heard was an animal, although I have to admit I don’t care right now. All I care about is this.” Harriet kissed Josie again, and Josie’s cold hand slipped under Harriet’s jumper.

  Josie’s other hand sought Harriet’s warm flesh, her fingers digging into Harriet’s back as their tongues participated in a sensual dance, causing the two of them to ramp up their need to touch the other person. Harriet buried her nose into the crook of Josie’s neck, smelling her natural musk. Harriet’s tongue tasted the saltiness of Josie’s skin before she nibbled Josie’s earlobe.

  “Harry, if we don’t stop now, I’m not sure I will be able to. And we can’t go to your place because of Camilla. The pub is off-limits. No way we can check into an inn without spurring the gossips. I rather stay out of that mess in this place. I swear no one here has enough to do, ensuring all they talk about is who’s doing who. Or who they think is doing who.”

  “What’s wrong with here?”

  Josie looked around at the dirt and detritus underneath them. “Here?” Her falsetto voice displayed her complete shock.

  “You asked when I’d been illogical. This seems like a good opportunity.”

  “Oh, I see. You’re just trying to prove me wrong,” Josie teased. “Such a woman.”

  Harriet kissed Josie, her tongue forcefully claiming space in Josie’s mouth. “It’s not that. I n
eed you, Josie. If I can’t be inside you soon, I may explode.”

  “Harry, I’ve never done this before. Not out in the open.”

  “Neither have I, but I’m game.”

  Josie stared at Harriet, the desire in her emerald eyes burning bright. “This is crazy.”

  “You drive me crazy. So much so, and I love it.” Harriet slipped her hand under Josie’s shirt, cupping Josie’s breast. Harriet pinched Josie’s nipple through the sports bra, causing Josie to moan. “If you want me to stop, you need to tell me.”

  “I don’t.”

  Harriet’s knee separated Josie’s legs as she lightly pressed Josie against the tree. Harriet’s eyes queried Josie’s face to see if she was uncomfortable, but Josie responded by capturing Harriet’s lips as if she could never get enough of kissing. Not that Harriet was complaining, because she could never get her fill of Josie.

  Harriet’s hand slipped under the band of Josie’s shorts, heading downward. Josie was warm and inviting. Harriet cupped Josie’s pussy, not ready to take the next step. She wasn’t far from reaching it, though, considering the surroundings. It was only a matter of time before visitors tumbled out of their rooms to experience the great outdoors, the weather be damned.

  Josie slipped her hand under Harriet’s bra, pinching a nipple between two fingers. Harriet reciprocated in kind with Josie’s nipple. Josie sunk her teeth into Harriet’s neck, biting just hard enough to really get Harriet’s engine revved. Her fingers eased under Josie’s knickers, finding Josie slick with wanting.

  Harriet moaned into Josie’s shoulder. “I love that I turn you on this much.”

  Josie separated her legs farther, allowing Harriet’s fingers full access. “Don’t stop now.”

  Harriet plunged two fingers deep inside Josie. “I don’t plan on it.”

  Their mouths found each other, and with each thrust inside Josie, they reciprocated the passion with the kiss. Both of their chests heaving with the exertion. Moments before, Josie had been shivering, but Harriet could feel the heat coming off her. Josie pulled her mouth away, burying her head into Harriet, holding on tighter. Harriet positioned her legs to give Josie the support she needed, while not letting up on her finger thrusts.

  “Oh, Harry,” Josie moaned. “Oh, God.”

  Harriet went in deeper, her other hand stimulated Josie’s nipple under the sports bra that had been shoved up nearly to Josie’s throat.

  Josie, her body quivering, held on even tighter to Harriet.

  Harriet’s wrist throbbed from the awkward angle, but she pushed through the pain, sensing Josie was edging ever closer to where Harriet wanted to take her.

  Josie shuddered, her fingers gouging Harriet’s back. Fuck, it felt good. To get a woman as fantastic, exciting, and sexy as Josie to come—was there a better experience? Harriet couldn’t think of one.

  Josie’s grip on Harriet ratcheted up to the point Harriet struggled to breathe, but she didn’t relent with her fingers. One final finger thrust brought Josie to bliss. Harriet curled her fingers upward, and Josie let out a satisfied growl. Fitting, considering they were in the open and Josie sounded more animal-like. Perhaps if there were people nearby they’d stay away, thinking Josie was some feral beast that would shred them.

  Josie went limp in Harriet’s arms, making her seem so much less dangerous. Not that passersby would know that.

  “Wow,” Josie said.

  “Yes. Wow.” Harriet held Josie close to her.

  “I should challenge you more if this is the outcome.”

  “Challenge away.” Harriet’s hand was still inside Josie’s knickers, her wrist throbbing now. Slowly, she eased it out.

  Josie took Harriet’s hand, massaging it, the wrist making popping sounds. “Poor you.”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Such a Brit.” Josie kissed Harriet’s cheek. “I’m freezing.”

  “We should get you home and in a hot shower.”

  “I wish you could shower with me.”

  “Would it be that terrible if Camilla knew we showered together?”

  “Given all the drama, I think it’s best not to add to it.”

  “Fine,” Harriet grumbled. “Can I still take you to breakfast?”

  “Oh, a quickie in the woods doesn’t get you out of that obligation, dear. I still haven’t forgotten about Clive and Camilla and us being in need of an action plan.”

  “Wouldn’t dream of shirking my duties. As you like to keep pointing out, I’m very British in that regard.”

  “I had no idea a Brit would seduce me in the outdoors.”

  “I’m learning it’s best not to have expectations. Just let things be.”

  “Oh really?” Josie squeaked. “When did you adopt this mantra?”

  “About ten minutes ago.”

  Josie tilted her head back, laughing.

  It was the best sound on the planet. Well, second best. Harriet could still hear Josie’s gasp when Harriet had entered her moments ago. That was the most amazing thing she’d heard.

  Josie looped her arm through Harriet’s, resting her head on Harriet’s shoulder. “You’re so warm.”

  “You’re absolutely beautiful, Josie Adams.”

  Josie stopped in her tracks and gazed into Harriet’s eyes. “What are we going to do?”

  Harriet brushed her lips against Josie’s. “I may not have the answer at my fingertips, but I know everything will eventually work out if we want it to.”

  “I want to believe you. I really do.”

  Harriet held Josie close, but another snap of a twig wrenched them apart.

  “I should jog back,” Josie said, not going into more detail, but Harriet suspected Josie wanted to return on her own to keep people from discovering their secret. Given everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours and that they’d just shagged in the woods, Harriet couldn’t fault Josie.

  “I understand. I’ll see you soon.”

  Josie kissed Harriet’s cheek.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Josie slipped through the back of the pub, taking the narrow and winding stairs to the living quarters two steps at a time, hoping to return undetected. Why, she didn’t know. It wasn’t unusual for her to go for a run early in the morning.

  “There you are!” Her mum stood in Josie’s bedroom.

  “What are you doing up so early?” Josie asked, her eyes glancing about as if trying to determine if there was any incriminating evidence, as if she were a teenager.

  “Is that a new jacket?”

  Shit. She’d forgotten to return it to Harry. “Uh, yeah.”

  “It looks expensive. Where’d you get it?”

  “What did you need, Mum?”

  “I wanted to chat about the dating show we discussed.”

  “What dating show?” Josie shrugged out of the jacket and casually hung it on the hook on the back of her bedroom door.

  “For the pub. We’ll have bachelors and bachelorettes with three contestants vying for a date. I’ve decided to go all in after the ginger ads and now the blotter.”

  “But you despise both.” Josie shook her head. “I’m not following.”

  “What I’ve learned from yesterday is this village loves relationship drama. Instead of fighting it, why not embrace it.”

  “To make a buck.” Josie didn’t like the sound of this idea or the look of greed in her mum’s eyes.

  “What can I say? Living in America rubbed off on me.”

  “Okay, but this is the type of thing I left behind in America.”

  Her mum plowed on, not seeming like she’d heard Josie. “I was watching this show last night about two people who were getting married the first time they met. It’s addictive.”

  “You want to marry people off in the pub?” Josie’s voice nearly reached hysterical screeching level.

  “Oh, I don’t think we can take that on,” her mum said in all seriousness, with a resigned sigh.

  Josie was aghast her mum was actually
disappointed by this.

  Eugenie pressed on. “I mean, the liability would be too much. But we can host dating nights. The more I think about it, the more I think it’d be a hoot.”

  “A hoot?” Josie could only see bad things coming from this.

  “I think it’s important for us to include lesbians.” Her mum avoided looking directly at Josie.

  “You want to include lesbians in this sham?”

  “Yes. You’re close with Harry. Maybe she could be our first bachelorette. Do you think you can convince her?”

  No! “Let me get this straight. You woke at seven on a Saturday and rushed in here to tell me about this dating game and enlist me to get Harry, who you know I like, on board as the test lesbian in your dating show gambit to capitalize on all the drama you’ve been against since day one? This is your solution? If you can’t beat them, join them?”

  “Yes.”

  Josie placed a hand on her mum’s forehead. “Are you ill?”

  “Don’t be stroppy.”

  “Stroppy. You haven’t used that word since I was a surly teenager.”

  “Who stole my car.”

  “It was very stroppy of me.”

  “The word doesn’t work that way.”

  “I know. I was being belligerent using it that way. You aren’t the only word lover in the family.”

  Her mum groaned. “Harry? Will you talk to her?”

  Oh, Josie wanted to do more than talk to Harry, which was a confusing idea for an entirely different reason. “I don’t know, Mum. It doesn’t seem like her thing.”

  “Exactly. That’s why it’s so perfect.”

  Josie crossed her arms. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s such a bumbling priss. It’ll be comic gold.” Her mum pressed her hands together.

  “You want Harry involved so everyone will laugh at her.”

  Her mum bobbed her head.

  “That’s mean. I know you don’t like her, and you keep ignoring the part that I do, but putting that aside for now”—Josie made a motion of sticking a pin into her hand—“which I can’t believe I have to, it’s just wrong. How do you not see that?”