by G S Binkley
“Ryan White.” Lacy supplied, crossing her legs. “Ryan directed a lot of commercials for David’s ad agency.”
“Something about a deal they had to make a movie and David tried to circumvent their plans. Instead of making the movie for Griffen Studios….”
“That must be my movie with Koda Kannon.” Lacy interjected.
“Well, David planned to sweeten the deal with this other studio in hopes of them carrying the spin off of your show starring…”
“I know…. Hayston Rawlings. A pregnant, by my husband, Hayston Rawlings.” She spat.
Oh, I think I see her fangs now.
Reading the expression on Gage’s face, Lacy corrected her. “I’m not upset that he got her pregnant, or that they’re together, not in the least. Here he tried to browbeat me bringing up our relationship in order to get his way and he has a few dirty little details lurking around him of his own.” Lacy said as she let her fuming ramblings spill out unchecked.
Astonished, Gage forced the next words out. “You think what we have is… dirty?”
Stunned by the insensitivity of her words, Lacy rushed to Gage, kneeling at her feet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s not the way I feel at all.” Sorrowful blue eyes gazed into hurt green ones. “I didn’t mean to compare his relationship to ours. I don’t know what I was thinking.” Lacy’s pleading blue eyes begged Gage for absolution. “It was insensitive, but surely….. what I said was not… unforgivable?”
In that moment, Lacy proffered an opportunity for Gage to rise above her own hurt feelings. I would forgive you anything. Stunned by this prevailing and very true thought that resonated deep in her soul, Gage vocalized her resolve. “I would forgive you anything.”
Lacy leaned forward capturing exonerating lips and sent all the love she felt for this woman who so easily traipsed past her tactless remarks, offering nothing but love.
Chapter Twenty-One
Lacy chased Gage into the bedroom, throwing both her arms around Gage’s neck as their lips met passionately. The force of the embrace sent them onto the bed, wrapped in each other’s arms.
“I’ve got you now.” Lacy husked.
Gage smiled. You had me the first moment I saw you.
Smothering each other with kisses, lips moved in harmony savoring the sweet taste being offered. Melting in the intensity of their kisses fueled the jolts of pleasure that shot through Lacy’s body, now on fire. With a light feathery brush of the star’s lips, the writer’s demanding tongue asked and received entrance to explore at will.
Lacy tugged at Gage’s unwelcome shirt, invading fingers deftly manipulating the buttons and opened the offending shirt for her own exploration. The star’s hands caressed the supple skin below it memorizing this new territory in which she was staking claim. The writer’s breast ached in pleasure allowing a deep sigh to escape her lips as Lacy’s fingers slid over the firm yet soft mound.
Temporarily unnerved by Lacy’s roaming hands, Gage continued her own assault on the willing woman above her letting her hungry lips migrate down Lacy’s sexy neck, leaving a trail of soft, tantalizing and, oh, so provocative kisses.
Yanking the star’s top then pulling it over her head, Gage’s eyes immediately zeroed in on the beautiful breast dangling above her. As Gage took possession of a mouthful of the delicious nipple before her, the star moaned at the contact, distracting her own journey further. Suckling the breast caused Lacy to push forward while pulling the writer even closer. Gage’s lips took advantage of this contact, twirling her tongue around the firm nipple, sucking, kissing….. worshiping it.
Running her hands through the writer’s short blonde hair, Lacy gasped when Gage nipped ever so lightly planting slow, teasing kisses as she moved to give the other neglected breast the same attention. The pleasing tongue snaked out and playfully flicked the corral colored nipple. Her tongue continued to trace a lazy path over Lacy’s beautiful breast, reveling in the riot of sensations permeating both lovers.
The writer flipped the star over, catching Lacy’s piercing blue eyes for a brief moment. With a sultry, predatory smile, Gage nibbled her way over the star’s soft, flat stomach pausing to languidly circle Lacy’s navel with her tongue.
The writer’s eager hands traveled along the curve of the star’s hips down her leg, pushing her jeans down as her fingers grazed over the supple skin. Lacy felt a liquid rush of fire between her legs as Gage’s fingertips danced up her inner thigh. Having rid the stunning woman of her clothes, the writer engaged in a full frontal attack. The blonde glided up the star’s tingling body, returning her hungry lips to take possession of Lacy’s mouth.
Breathlessly, Lacy pulled back to catch her breath. “I love you.”
As Lacy reached up to claim the mouth she relished kissing, Gage stopped her, meeting a disappointed frown. “Lacy, you remember when you asked me what you were wearing the day I first met you?”
“Yes.” Lacy reached again to take possession of those enticing lips a mere breath away.
Frustrating the star one more time, Gage continued. “There’s something I didn’t tell you.”
This statement got Lacy’s full attention. “What?” Almost afraid to ask.
“I remember having this notion crash over me, filling the depth of my soul.” Sincere green eyes pinned blue.
Lacy arched a perfect sculptured eyebrow in question.
Simply stated, Gage revealed. “There stands before me the woman I love.” Between soft, tantalizing kisses, Gage declared in a whisper over and over again. “I love you, Lacy, so very much.”
Losing herself in the love and passion she felt, captivating every sensation, Gage luxuriated in the feelings that ran rampant through her being. Capturing the inviting lips of the dark haired woman again, roaming hands had their way bringing Lacy on the verge of unimaginable heights.
“I’m gonna love you till you scream out my name in passion.” Gage declared, capturing her lover’s lips again, tongues dueling in a heated exchange.
Breaking from an intense kiss, heaving, Lacy countered. “And you’re so sure I’ll do that, huh?”
With a wicked grin, Gage’s tone held a promise. “Well, you will if I do it right.” With that, coaxing hands slithered across Lacy’s body while pleasing lips did their part driving the woman in her arms into a sensual vortex to a never before reached precipice, making good on that the pledge.
The last conscious thought prevailing in the star’s mind left no doubt that the promise offered had been delivered. Oh, you did it right, sweetheart, so very right. A satisfied smile framed the star’s beautiful face all night long, wrapped tightly in the possessive arms of her lover.
************************
Morning found Lacy draped over the writer, happy and content. Lazing against the warm body next to her, Lacy climbed over Gage, settling her lower body between the writer’s legs.
Soft lips brushed against still sleeping ones. Gage smiled at the intoxicating contact. “Hmmmm. Do I get to wake up like this every morning?” Sleepy eyes opened, gazing at the gorgeous woman who took up residence on top of her.
Serious blue eyes stared into suddenly concerned green. “You are going to marry me.” It was more of a command than a question.
Completely taken aback by the insistent request, Gage allowed only a millisecond to recover before responding. “Anytime, anywhere, anyway.”
“Good.” Lacy sealed the vow with a kiss before either one had time to think about the near impossible quest.
Both refused to allow uncertain invading thoughts such as: She’s not even divorced yet. Is there a place where two women can actually get married or will we just have a commitment ceremony? What will my parents think? How will her kids react? What about my career? What about her career?
“Lacy?” Gage gathered the woman on top of her closer; planting a soft kiss on her head, allowing only one disrupting thought to intervene. “Are you sure?”
The dark head popped up. “Sure about
what? Us?”
“No, not exactly. Me.” Gage swallowed. “You deserve the very best.”
“I have the very best.” Dipping her head, capturing Gage’s lips in a passionate, reassuring kiss.
When the soft wet lips she craved pulled back slightly, Gage vowed. “Whatever happens, I will always love you no matter what. And, I’ll be there…through your divorce, custody of the kids. Everything. I promise.”
Laying her head on Gage’s chest, Lacy closed her eyes and whispered. “I know.” And I know things won’t be easy. Lacy rose up, staring into lover’s eyes intently. I will always love you, too, no matter what…..I promise.
Her blue eyes told Gage what she didn’t say out loud. “I know.” Gently laying Lacy’s head back to her chest, Gage sucked in a deep breath knowing their lives had been irrevocably changed the moment they met that day on the beach. Destiny had rode up and carted them away, forever entangling their lives and the soul they shared.
Chapter Twenty-Two
After dragging herself out of bed, Lacy made an early morning call to David’s partner, Ryan White, asking him to confirm the information Mark Calico supplied Gage the previous day.
When Lacy noted a raised eyebrow from Gage, she explained. “It’s not that I don’t believe Mark. I need to be sure of the facts before I go accusing David of anything. I can’t take chances where my kids are concerned.”
Cocking her head sideways and displaying a lopsided smile, Gage took her lover into a warm embrace. “Then we won’t.”
“I want to hang around here in case he calls back today.” Lacy said, returning the hug fiercely. “Thank you.”
Totally lost in the moment, sharing tender kisses, they didn’t notice a mischievous three-year-old sneak up on them until he tugged at his mother’s leg. “Momma.” Derek reached up. “Want hug, too.”
Lacy dipped down, retrieving her son, sandwiching him between the two lovers. “That better?”
“Unn hunnn.” Wiggling between them, securing his place amongst two of the three most important people in his young life, Derek giggled when he saw the perplexing look his sister wore as he peeked over his mother’s shoulder. “Dani.” He pointed then quickly hid his head, burying it between his mother and Gage.
With her back to her daughter, Lacy chilled to the bone, allowed every imaginable thought run through her mind of what Dani must be thinking. Lacy slowly turned around to face an expected accusation, meeting an annoyed expression instead.
“Derek!” Dani cocked her hands on her hips. She pointed back at her brother. “That is my whistle.” She sauntered up to her mother and Gage. Reaching up she reclaimed it. “Thanks for trying to get it from him.” Dani walked off, ignorant of the shared lover’s embrace. “We going swimming today?”
The breath she held escaped slowing, relieving the mounting tension Lacy had felt rise. “No. I’m expecting a call.”
As if on cue the telephone rang, Lacy bolted for it. “Hello.” A pregnant pause. “Oh, hi, mom.” She sat down on the edge of the couch. “No, I was expecting someone else. What’s up?”
“You still coming to visit us after your vacation?” Lynn asked, avoiding what was really on her mind.
Lacy threw a quick look to Gage before she answered. “Yes. Yes, we will.”
Hesitant, Lynn continued. “I take it that David won’t be coming along.”
Silence reined between them as Lacy processed the implication of her mother’s words. “David called you, didn’t he?” Connecting with concerned green eyes, Lacy gave Gage the only cue she needed. Gage gathered the kids up, herding them out the door on their way to the boathouse.
“Yes.”
This simple reply left no doubt about what her mother was thinking. “What did he tell you? No, I have a fair idea.” Summoning her courage, This isn’t the way I wanted my parents to find out. Lacy said. “He told you about the divorce, I take it.”
“To be honest, honey, I’m more concerned about…..” Lynn started to say.
“You don’t sound surprised about the divorce.” Delaying the inevitable discussion between mother and daughter regarding Gage.
“Not really. I’ve seen it coming for a long time.” Lynn decided not to beat around the bush. “What I didn’t see coming was David’s claim….” She emphasized that last word, not really believing it. “That you were cheating on him.”
“What!” Lacy was livid, jumping off the couch only to pace around the room. “He cheated on me.”
“With your co-star?” Lynn asked.
“Did you see that, too?” The question held a biting sarcastic edge.
“Lacy Marie. I am still your mother.” Lynn admonished her actor daughter.
“I’m sorry. My emotions have been on a roller coaster ride this last week.” Lacy admitted.
“I’m sure they have. Now, tell me about this friend of yours.” Her voice offered no judgment.
“Her name is Gage. She’s a writer and she saved both of your grandchildren’s lives.” Lacy offered hopefully in a symbolic gesture to put Gage’s best foot forward before she realized the impact her words had.
Drawing in a deep breath, Lynn asked quietly. “They’re okay?”
“Yes. Absolutely perfect. Really.”
“Then we’ll put that aside for now, but I will want every detail nothing left out. Understand? Now tell me about Gage.”
Mother and daughter talked for the next hour. Lacy relating the highs and lows their vacation served up only leaving out the most intimate details of her relationship with the writer. Although her astute mother ploughed through Lacy’s evasive explanation, zeroing in on the concealed information her daughter refused to supply.
“Lacy, I just want you to know you can tell me anything. I am your mother and I love you. Your father and I both do…. no matter what.”
No matter what? I’m gonna hold you to that mom. “I know and I love you, too.” Lacy suggested a compromise. “How bout we talk when we come to visit?”
“Will I meet Gage?” Like a bulldog reluctant to let go of the bone, Lynn held firm.
“Yes.” With that, the conversation ended.
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Early afternoon brought the call Lacy was expecting. “Ryan, thank you.” She hung up the telephone. All her suspicions confirmed. Walking outside, she met up with the happy trio fishing from the dock. Lacy took a seat next to Gage.
“Mom, look.” Dani shoved the cooler full of fish at her mother. “Guess what’s for dinner?”
Unexpectedly, Lacy pulled her daughter into a hug, squeezing her tightly, which practically knocked the cooler from the young girl’s hands.
“Hey.” Dani complained.
“Sorry.” She watched Dani move back to her original fishing position on the edge of the dock.
Covertly, the expert fishermen watched her mother’s sad expression turn even gloomier. I bet it’s because of dad. Why does he have to work all the time? And I won’t even think about the broken promises. Determined to bring a smile back to her mother’s face, Dani vowed to be the very best daughter she could. Suddenly, she rose, walked over to her mother and kissed her. “I love you.”
Welcoming the unexpected gesture, Lacy kissed her daughter’s cheek. “What’s this all about?”
Having watched Dani, Derek wanted in on the action. He almost missed the early morning hug between his mother and Gage and would not be left out of this either. Derek carelessly tossed his fishing pole in the water, climbing up on his mother’s lap; he gave her a sloppy wet kiss.
Astonished by her brother actions, Dani yelled out while pointing to the murky water below. “The pole. Get the pole!”
If Gage would have taken the time to think, she would have realized ‘it’s just a fishing pole and we can get others’ but, no, spurred on by Dani’s hysterical screaming, Gage dove in.
A short while later Gage surfaced to find three concerned faces looming over the dock’s edge. Holding up the pole, the writer lifted herself up
out of the water. Soaked, she sat on the dock, handing the discarded pole to Dani.
Taking it, she perused it carefully. “Oh, this is his old one. It was kinda broke.” Giving it back to Gage, Dani casually said over her shoulder. “Thanks anyway.”
A frustrated glance found its way from daughter to mother then to a happy three year old who decided Gage needed a kiss, too. The fact that it was a sloppy wet one just like the one he gave his mother didn’t have as much impact on the writer as trickles of water fell from her hair, sliding down her face. “You’re welcome.”
*************************
A warm shower later along with dry clothes altered Gage’s mood considerably. As the kids watched some videos Lacy had brought with them, the star recounted to Gage her earlier conversation with Ryan White.
“It’s all true. Ryan was a bit shocked that David went behind his back. My next movie is with Griffen Studios.”
“And that Casanova chap Koda Kannon.” I won’t be jealous. I won’t be jealous.
Lacy covered the writer’s hand, squeezing it. As the kids were enthralled in the Derek’s favorite cartoon, Lacy took the opportunity to steal a quick kiss from her lover. “Griffen is financing it. Ryan’s producing it and David’s connected with it through some of his client’s products that help with the financing. David would have some financial interest in it as well. Ryan was also scheduled to direct it.”
“And now?”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen now. Anyway, secretly planned with Griffen to do a TV movie of the show then do a spin off. They didn’t want to just let it go since it was such a big success. Griffen tied me into doing a movie to make up for quitting. Now, as Mark found out and Ryan confirms, David went to MegaCom behind everyone’s back in an effort to get more control of the show’s spin off, sweetening the deal with the movie Koda and I are scheduled to do.”
“How can he wheel and deal like that? Who holds the rights to the show anyway?” The business end of show business was foreign to Gage.
