Love Came Calling

by C. A. Popovich

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I couldn’t stay away. I would’ve come sooner, but I had to make arrangements at work and for Pogo. Have you heard anything more?” Kelly stood on the first step facing her.

  She shook off her shock and found her voice, thrilled to see her. “Come sit. Can I get you anything? Some water?”

  “I’ll get some in a bit, thanks. Tell me what’s going on.” Kelly climbed the steps and sat on one of the rockers.

  “I told you Abe changed the exchange date, didn’t I? He’s doing it Wednesday.” Josie sat on the edge of the rocker with her hands clasped in front of her to keep herself from reaching out to touch her. To make sure she was real.

  “You told me yesterday.” Kelly sat back and slowly rocked before leaning forward and matching Josie’s pose. “Why do you think he chose Wednesday?”

  “Barb and the police think he’s dumb enough to believe he won’t be caught, and he’s securing his hideout.”

  “Are they planning to find him before Wednesday?”

  “If they can. Barb knows approximately where he is, but not the exact cabin.”

  “I talked to her once for a minute while she was in her office, but she didn’t have time to chat. How’s she doing?”

  “Good. She’s back to work today doing as much as she can to help.”

  “It must be frustrating to have to wait here while they search.”

  “You have no idea.” As Josie said the words, she wondered if they were true. Kelly came to be with her and help her get through this. She could have stayed home, worked, lived her life, and called occasionally. But she drove hours to support her. Maybe she’d found waiting frustrating too. “I’m going to get some water, and I’ve got leftover pizza. Want a piece?”

  “Thanks. I’m starved.” She followed her into the kitchen. “I left early, right after breakfast, but that was six hours ago.” She pulled two water bottles out of the refrigerator. “Do you have a cabin available for a few days?”

  “I have six. But if you’re asking to stay, I have a better idea.” She turned and pulled Kelly into her arms. “Stay with me?”

  Kelly stood silently in her arms holding two cold bottles of water, searching her face. “I’d like that.”

  Josie placed a light kiss on her lips, unprepared for the need that exploded and wound through her body like ivy vines. She took a step back searching Kelly’s gaze for rejection and saw emotions even scarier. She took a deep breath and vowed to attempt to face her fears. Kelly was worth it. “Thank you for coming. It helps having you here.” She wrapped her in her arms, the warmth of her body a salve to her heartache.

  Kelly kissed her back and then pulled away. “Let me get my bag and freshen up, okay? I’ll be right back.”

  Josie watched the way she moved. She was so elegant, so light on her feet. So beautiful. She went inside and Josie stayed on the porch, determined to take it slow.

  Barb pulled in behind Kelly’s car. Josie squelched a wave of jealousy. Kelly was here to see her. To stay with her. Jealousy wasn’t necessary. “Hey, Barb.”

  “Hi. Is that Kelly’s car?” She climbed the steps with barely a limp.

  “It is. She got here about an hour ago. Your leg feeling better?”

  “Yes. Much. Thanks again for your help.” She settled in the chair next to her. “Brent and I are taking an ATV out to the woods this afternoon. We can get to most of the cabins that way. I’ll let you know what we find.”

  Kelly appeared in the doorway carrying slices of pizza, and Barb stood.

  “Hi, Barb.” She set the plate on the small porch table and they hugged. “Looks like you’re moving okay.”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m going back to work to find Ruth this afternoon. I’m glad you made it back. Josie can use the support.”

  Kelly placed a hand on Josie’s shoulder. “Ruth became very special to me while I was here. I couldn’t stay away. Would you like a piece of pizza?”

  “Thanks, but Brent’s waiting for me. You guys try to relax. We will find her.” Barb looked between them and smiled.

  Josie watched Kelly and Barb, sensing a comfortable, friendly distance between them. Barb hadn’t kissed her and even the hug had seemed quick. She wrestled with her reaction. If she was still dating Barb, it was none of her business, but a small twinge of hope worked its way into her heart. Kelly saying she’d grown fond of Ruth was nice, but it made it sound like that was the only reason she was there. Was she softening it for Barb, or because she didn’t want to give Josie the wrong idea?

  “I’ll be in touch.” Barb waved as she took the stairs one at a time.

  Josie didn’t miss the fact that Barb left without another hug, and she didn’t deny the elation it gave her. Maybe there was some hope after all.

  Chapter Thirty-four

  “Let’s go for a walk by the water.” Kelly stood and held out her hand.

  They strolled to the bench where they’d shared a kiss weeks ago. Kelly relished the feel of Josie’s hand in hers and in the way Josie seemed so glad to see her. It validated her fantasy, confirming Josie felt more for her than she’d admit.

  “I’m glad you came back, Kelly. I missed you.” Josie didn’t look at her when she spoke.

  “I missed you, too, and I couldn’t stay away while Ruth is held hostage somewhere. It must be hard for you.” She rested her head on her shoulder. She’d let Janis know she’d be gone for a few days because of a “family emergency.” To her, this qualified.

  “Yeah. It is. I keep wondering if he’s treating her well. What she’s eating, and if she’s comfortable. She doesn’t have her cane, you know. I found it on the office floor the day she went missing. I swear I’ll kill him if he hurts her.”

  Kelly felt the tension in Josie’s body and couldn’t argue she didn’t feel the same. “They’ll find her, lover,” she whispered.

  They watched the few ducks propel through the water, their little feet paddling silently below the surface, and Kelly wondered what Josie was thinking. Her endearment had slipped out unexpectedly. She knew she couldn’t keep her feelings for Josie quiet forever, but Josie had asked her to stay with her. She’d continue to support her and be patient. Keeping her expectations in check could prove to be more difficult.

  “I need to get back to the building in case someone calls.” Josie stood and pulled Kelly up with her.

  Kelly took Josie’s hand as they walked. She enjoyed the physical connection. It was enough for now.

  Josie checked the voice mail when they got back to the lodge while Kelly waited on the porch. “Nothing yet. Do you have any preference for dinner?”

  Kelly laughed. “If I say pasties would you groan?”

  “No. Actually, it sounds pretty good. Would you mind getting them? I want to stay by the phone. I’ll make us a salad to go with them.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll be back soon.” Memories surfaced as Kelly drove the route to the restaurant. Her stay on the island had begun as a vacation and a new job and had ended in heartache. She vowed this return trip would bring either love or final closure on what might not be meant to be. She picked up the food and made another important stop before heading back to the lodge.

  “Hello. I’m back.” Kelly handed her the bag of food and turned to head back to her car.

  “Where’re you going?”

  “I’ve got a surprise.” She brought in a bag from the Teepee. “Chocolate for us, and vanilla for Ruth.” She put the ice cream in the freezer, pleasantly surprised when she returned to see Josie had set an extra place at the table. “I’m glad you set a place for her. She’ll get her ice cream when she gets home.”

  Josie pulled her into her arms, and Kelly relaxed against her chest, comforted by the feel of her heartbeat. “Thank you.”

  She wondered if the warm breath on her ear carried love or only gratitude.

  * * *

  Josie stretched her legs out on the couch and leaned back into a corner. Kelly lay on the opposite end and intertwined their le
gs. They each had their individual books, but Josie had never felt so united. And safe. She sighed and Kelly looked up and smiled. She held her place in the book with her finger before speaking. “You know what I’m wondering? I guess, I mean, worrying about. What if there’s a shoot-out with Abe? Nooko could get caught in the cross fire.”

  Kelly set her book on the end table and shifted to lie on top of her. “You need to quit worrying. The police know what they’re doing, and they won’t take chances with Ruth’s life.” She snuggled into her, and Josie kissed the top of her head.

  “Yeah. You’re right. I just need this to be over.” She wiggled to adjust their position and softly pressed her lips to Kelly’s. Their kiss deepened and their tongues met. She pulled Kelly’s shirt out of her jeans and slipped her hands under it, desperate to feel the soft skin of her back. Kelly squirmed on top of her, pushing her thigh between her legs, kneading her center.

  They slid off the couch with tangled legs and arms, and rolled on the floor with Josie on top. She nuzzled Kelly’s neck. Her quiet whimpers shot waves of need throughout her body, to her groin, to her heart. She rolled to her side, pulled Kelly against her, and quietly held her. Kelly nestled against her and stilled in her arms.

  “Bed?” Kelly mumbled against her shoulder.

  “Yeah. This floor isn’t too comfortable, is it?” Josie kissed her and slowly disentangled herself to stand and pull her up.

  Josie sat on the side of her bed, captured both of Kelly’s hands, and kissed her fingers. “I want this, Kelly. Are you sure you do?”

  “Absolutely.” Kelly pushed her back on the bed, straddled her hips, and leaned with her arms on either side of her.

  Josie reached under Kelly’s shirt, unclasped her bra, and pushed it up to cup her breasts. She squeezed her nipples between her fingers as Kelly leaned back, grabbed her hands, and pressed them against herself. She pulled off her own T-shirt and bra, and they crawled onto the bed and shed the rest of their clothes. Her reservations fled as she stroked the soft flesh of Kelly’s belly and moved her hand lower to the curly patch of blond glistening with evidence of her desire. Desire for me. She slowly circled her clit with her fingers and stroked faster as it hardened. She increased the pressure and massaged, frantic to match the intensity of Kelly’s whimpers. “Oh, yes. Don’t stop.” She stiffened and pushed against her hand as she clung to her and shuddered. Josie reveled in the feeling of Kelly’s heart beating in sync with her own and rested her lips on the delicate skin covering the pulse in her neck. “You’re beautiful.”

  Kelly shifted to rest her head on her chest and Josie ran her silky hair through her fingers, awed by the feeling of contentment. Angst for her nooko wasn’t gone, but there was nowhere else she wanted to be that moment than right where she was.

  She awoke with Kelly holding her immobile as her tongue flicked her nipple and her fingers worked to bring her to the edge of orgasm, then draw back. Kelly coated her clit with her juices and slowly teased her opening and pulled out. Josie bucked off the bed, fisting the sheets, her muscles taut. “Oh, yes, I’m coming.” She didn’t hear herself cry out as she came, but something she thought unmovable had moved. A part of her wall had fallen away and exposed a part of her heart that had opened to the possibility of love. She welcomed it as she drifted to sleep in Kelly’s arms once more.

  Josie woke with Kelly wrapped around her, and she never wanted to move. Her bladder convinced her she didn’t have that choice, so she brushed her lips over Kelly’s forehead and extricated herself. She returned to find Kelly grinning at her, leaning on one elbow with her head on her hand. She lifted the bedding so Josie could slide in, then covered her and wrapped her arms around her.

  “Hmm. This is nice.” Josie pushed back against Kelly, enjoying the feel of her embrace.

  “Yes. It is.”

  Josie rolled onto her back and pressed Kelly’s hand to her chest. “Why did you leave without saying good-bye?”

  Kelly stiffened and a tear rolled down her cheek, but she didn’t pull away. “Because I couldn’t. I knew how you felt.”

  Josie waited. Scenarios raced through her mind. Kelly is leaving again. She’s sorry about last night. She raised Kelly’s hand to her lips and held it until she continued. She quieted the voices and listened to the one that mattered.

  “I was scared because I already knew I was in love with you, and I couldn’t put myself through seeing you, knowing you didn’t feel the same way.”

  “Why are you here?” She still didn’t release Kelly’s hand.

  “Because I don’t care anymore.”

  Josie flinched as if she’d been punched in the gut. I’ve done it. I’ve scared her away. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Unexpected tears formed and spilled over her eyelashes.

  “Oh, lover.” Kelly framed her face with her hands and kissed her. “I mean I don’t care anymore that I’m in love with you and you’re not in love with me. I’ll continue to love you anyway, and I want to spend as much time with you as you’re willing to give me. If you never love me, at least I’ll have had this.”

  Kelly’s hand was warm where she placed it over her heart, and she felt it stir. Maybe she could try.

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Josie beat the eggs after she tossed vegetables into a pan to sauté.

  “Something smells good.” She caught the scent of Kelly’s shampoo as she stepped behind her and kissed the back of her neck. “Can I help with anything?”

  “You can set the table. The omelets will be done soon.” Desire weakened her knees as she watched Kelly reach for the plates and coffee cups in the cupboard. Her hair was still damp from the shower and she wore a pair of worn jeans, a T-shirt, and no bra. She poured the eggs into the pan, trying to ignore how wet she was with arousal.

  They sat at the table with Nooko’s place setting, Kelly’s words of love hanging heavy on her mind.

  “Could I review all the information you have on Abe?” Kelly took a bite of her omelet. “Mm. This is wonderful. Thanks for making it.”

  “You’re welcome. The police and Barb have reviewed all of it, but it couldn’t hurt to have fresh eyes. It’ll give me something to do, too.” Josie longed to tell Kelly what she wanted to hear. To speak her own words of love. But they kept getting stuck in her throat. After breakfast, she held Kelly’s hand as they went to her office. She wanted the constant physical connection, even if she couldn’t say so out loud. Yet.

  Josie emptied the envelope with all Abe’s notes onto one of the round tables.

  “He likes to write messages, doesn’t he?” Kelly asked.

  Josie shrugged. “I guess.”

  “The last one sure implicates him. He practically admits he shot at Barb and he’s definitely threatening to hurt Ruth. What I can’t figure out is how in the world he thinks he’ll get away with it.” Kelly shook her head and put the notes back in the envelope.

  “I’m going to call Brent and see what’s going on.”

  “Who’s Brent?”

  “He’s one of the Michigan State troopers on the case. Come on.” Josie put the strongbox on the desk for Kelly to look at.

  Kelly sat at her desk looking through the strongbox when she finished her call. “There’s some valuable things in here.” She lifted the same coin Barb had examined. “I know in 1933 President Roosevelt issued an executive order recalling all gold. They needed to restock the treasury after the Great Depression. Obviously, whoever put this box together meant for it to be hidden a while. There’s Canadian money in the bottom, and the stones in the jewelry appear to be precious gems. I think they’re rubies and diamonds. I see why he wants this, but why does he think it’s his?” Kelly closed the box and Josie locked it in the safe.

  “I don’t know. I need a distraction. How does the hot tub sound?” Josie gave her a tired smile. As much as she loved having Kelly there, she was still exhausted from worrying about her nooko.

  Kelly grabbed her hand and led the way.

  Josie pulled Ke
lly to her and kissed her as she unbuttoned her jeans. Kelly toed off her shoes, stepped out of her pants and panties, and pulled off her T-shirt. The desire simmering all morning burst into flames, and Josie sucked one nipple into her mouth and moved to the other. Kelly yanked at her pants, and Josie hopped on one foot, pulling off her sneakers and disrobing. Kelly climbed into the tub and Josie followed. Kelly leaned back, floating on the bubbling water. Her breasts swayed with the frothing movement and she waved her arms slowly and spread her legs, an invitation Josie couldn’t resist. She glided over Kelly so their breasts met, their nipples touched, and she gasped. She cupped her sex and Kelly thrust against her hand. “Yes!” She grabbed Josie’s hand with both of hers and bent forward, urging her to claim her. She wrapped her arm around Kelly’s waist and entered her with one finger while compressing her clit with her palm. Kelly writhed, splashed water out of the tub, and collapsed into her arms. Feelings that were becoming familiar stirred as she wiped the water drops from her face and kissed her chin before moving to her lips. Kelly floated to her feet and rested her arms on her shoulders as their kiss deepened and their breasts, suspended in the frothing water, caressed and touched like leaves in a gentle breeze.

  Josie wrapped her legs around Kelly’s waist and leaned back to hold on to the side of the tub. Kelly supported herself with her legs on the tub floor and began her exploration. Kelly’s touch was gently demanding, possessive, as she kneaded her thigh muscles and stroked the sensitive skin where her legs met her groin. She rested her head on the edge of the tub, and Kelly lifted her legs over her shoulders and took her clit in her mouth. All thoughts fled as she squirmed in time to Kelly’s circling tongue. She clutched the side of the tub and raised her hips out of the water as her orgasm rippled through her, and she cried out.

  Kelly’s firm nipples tickled her back as she shifted to lean against her. The natural feel of her arms wrapped around her waist, lightly caressing her belly, surprised her. How could it feel so comfortable and right to be with someone you were afraid to love?