Descent

by Julie Cannon

  Shannon had to remember to put one foot in front of the other as she followed Caroline out of the room and across the atrium to the patio. She was stunned by Caroline’s admission that she wanted to see her. She had as much as told her to drop dead months ago. Whatever could she want to say to her now?

  Caroline was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She was sophisticated, lovely, and every degree a very successful woman. It took everything she had to wait for Caroline to speak.

  “Are you still riding?”

  Shannon chuckled. She hadn’t been on a bike since the finals. “Not much. I own a bike shop in Big Bear, California. It’s just a small place. You know, a few bikes, some gear, that sort of thing. It doubles as a ski shop in the winter.” Shannon had bought the shop several years earlier as an investment and had barely stepped foot in it. Until recently. She had taken to spending more and more time in it trying to occupy her mind from persistent thoughts of Caroline.

  “Sounds perfect for you.”

  “Yeah, well a girl’s gotta do something to make a living.”

  Good God, Caroline thought. We’re standing here talking as if we were long lost lovers who’ve just run into each other on the street. They were anything but, and she was not about to tiptoe around it again. “I’ve missed you.” Caroline’s declaration came out of nowhere and she was not prepared for its powerful simplicity.

  “Caroline—”

  “Shannon, please, let me talk.” Caroline stepped closer, Shannon’s familiar scent drifting in the air. “You were the best thing that ever happened in my life. You were when we were seventeen and you were again during the championship.”

  “And you came all this way just to tell me that?”

  Caroline bit back the pain at the sarcasm in Shannon’s voice. It wasn’t much but it was there nonetheless. It hurt but she knew she deserved it. She closed the distance between them. Her hands trembled as she took Shannon’s.

  “No, not really. I came because when Marci said that you were going to be here I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to see you again. I needed to see you.”

  Caroline couldn’t take her eyes off Shannon even if she wanted to—and she didn’t. She never wanted Shannon out of her sight again, but Shannon’s restraint and body language told her she didn’t want the same. Her nerve fluttered and before she had a chance to change her mind she spoke again. “I was stupid. I didn’t give you a chance. I didn’t think we had anything special, anything that we could build a future on. All we did was dance around each other and when we stopped moving all we did was fight. I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. I pushed you away.” Caroline stopped and let her words sink in. “And I’ve regretted it ever since.”

  Shannon said nothing, her face betraying nothing as well. She couldn’t give up, not when Shannon was this close. “I love you, Shannon. I loved you in high school and I love you now. I didn’t know it ten years ago or even three months ago, but I know it now.”

  Caroline took Shannon’s hands in hers. A shiver of familiarity melted through her body where the hard calluses had caressed her, worshiped her, brought her to orgasm time and time again, loved her. “I have nothing to lose because if I don’t have you then I don’t have anything. You’re in my heart, under my skin, in every breath I take. I need you in my life. You make my life complete. You make me happy, you make me angry, and you make me feel loved.” Caroline took a half step back so she could look directly into Shannon’s eyes. Caroline could feel the heat coming off Shannon’s body, smell her, taste her lips. She sensed Shannon’s emotions were barely in check and took advantage of the situation. “I love you and I want to build a life with you. If you’ll have me.” It wouldn’t be easy. They lived in different places, had careers they were devoted to. But they’d figure it out.

  Shannon was not prepared for Caroline’s declaration and it felt as if the rug had been pulled out from under her again. Her stomach was somewhere in the vicinity of her throat battling for position with her hammering heart. She had wanted exactly this. In Australia she had declared her love and wanted Caroline to say exactly what she just did. But she tossed her aside like yesterday’s newspaper and Shannon had been devastated. She couldn’t go through that again. Hell, she was nowhere near through it now. What if Caroline changed her mind again? What if they couldn’t agree on anything and it didn’t work? What if it did?

  Suddenly her mind shut down and she was looking into the eyes of the most beautiful woman in the world. The woman who had taken her heart when she least expected it was looking at her, waiting for her answer. It was her decision and hers alone that would shape the rest of their lives. Caroline’s hands held hers tightly giving her the strength she never thought she needed. There was only one answer. She leaned in and whispered, “I love you too, Caroline.” Then she kissed her.

  About the Author

  Julie Cannon is a corporate stiff by day and dreamer by night. She has six other books published by Bold Strokes Books: Come and Get Me, Heart 2 Heart, Heartland, Uncharted Passage, Just Business, and Power Play. Julie has also published four short stories in Bold Strokes anthologies. A recent transplant to Houston, Julie and her partner Laura live on a lake with their two kids, two dogs, and a cat.

  Visit Julie at www.juliecannon.com.

  Books Available From Bold Strokes Books

  The Devil be Damned by Ali Vali. The fourth book in the best-selling Cain Casey Devil series. (978-1-60282-159-0)

  Descent by Julie Cannon. Shannon Roberts and Caroline Davis compete in the world of world-class bike racing and pretend that the fire between them is just professional rivalry, not desire. (978-1-60282-160-6)

  Kiss of Noir by Clara Nipper. Nora Delany is a hard-living, sweettalking woman who can’t say no to a beautiful babe or a friend in danger—a darkly humorous homage to a bygone era of tough broads and murder in steamy New Orleans. (978-1-60282-161-3)

  Under Her Skin by Lea Santos. Supermodel Lilly Lujan hasn’t a care in the world, except life is lonely in the spotlight—until Mexican gardener Torien Pacias sees through Lilly’s facade and offers gentle understanding and friendship when Lilly most needs it. (978-1-60282- 162-0)

  Fierce Overture by Gun Brooke. Helena Forsythe is a hard-hitting CEO who gets what she wants by taking no prisoners when negotiating— until she meets a woman who convinces her that charm may be the way to win a battle, and a heart. (978-1-60282-156-9)

  Trauma Alert by Radclyffe. Dr. Ali Torveau has no trouble saying no to romance until the day firefighter Beau Cross shows up in her ER and sets her carefully ordered world aflame. (978-1-60282-157-6)

  Wolfsbane Winter by Jane Fletcher. Iron Wolf mercenary Deryn faces down demon magic and otherworldly foes with a smile, but she’s defenseless when healer Alana wages war on her heart. (978-1-60282- 158-3)

  Little White Lie by Lea Santos. Emie Jaramillo knows relationships are for other people, and beautiful women like Gia Mendez don’t belong anywhere near her boring world of academia—until Gia sets out to convince Emie she has not only brains, but beauty...and that she’s the only woman Gia wants in her life. (978-1-60282-163-7)

  Witch Wolf by Winter Pennington. In a world where vampires have charmed their way into modern society, where werewolves walk the streets with their beasts disguised by human skin, Investigator Kassandra Lyall has a secret of her own to protect: She’s one of them. (978-1-60282-177-4)

  Do Not Disturb by Carsen Taite. Ainsley Faraday, a high-powered executive, and rock music celebrity Greer Davis couldn’t be less well suited for one another, and yet they soon discover passion has a way of designing its own future. (978-1-60282-153-8

  From This Moment On by PJ Trebelhorn. Devon Conway and Katherine Hunter both lost love and neither believes they will ever find it again—until the moment they meet and everything changes. (978-1- 60282-154-5)

  Vapor by Larkin Rose. When erotic romance writer Ashley Vaughn decides to take her research into the bedroom for a night of passion with Victoria Hadley,
she discovers that fact is hotter than fiction. (978- 1-60282-155-2)

  Wind and Bones by Kristin Marra. Jill O’Hara, award-winning journalist, just wants to settle her deceased father’s affairs and leave Prairie View, Montana, far, far behind—but an old girlfriend, a sexy sheriff, and a dangerous secret keep her down on the ranch. (978-1- 60282-150-7)

  Nightshade by Shea Godfrey. The story of a princess, betrothed as a political pawn, who falls for her intended husband’s soldier sister, is a modern-day fairy tale to capture the heart. (978-1-60282-151-4)

  Vieux Carré Voodoo by Greg Herren. Popular New Orleans detective Scotty Bradley just can’t stay out of trouble—especially

  The Pleasure Set by Lisa Girolami. Laney DeGraff, a successful president of a family-owned bank on Rodeo Drive, finds her comfortable life taking a turn toward danger when Theresa Aguilar, a sleek, sexy lawyer, invites her to join an exclusive, secret group of powerful, alluring women. (978-1-60282-144-6)

  A Perfect Match by Erin Dutton. The exciting world of pro golf forms the backdrop for a fast-paced, sexy romance. (978-1-60282-145-3)

  Truths by Rebecca S. Buck. Two women separated by two hundred years are connected by fate and love. (978-1-60282-146-0)

  Father Knows Best by Lynda Sandoval. High school juniors and best friends Lila Moreno, Meryl Morganstern, and Caressa Thibodoux plan to make the most of the summer before senior year. What they discover that amazing summer about girl power, growing up, and trusting friends and family more than prepares them to tackle that all-important senior year! (978-1-60282-147-7)

  In Pursuit of Justice by Radclyffe. In the dynamic double sequel to Shield of Justice and A Matter of Trust, Det. Sgt. Rebecca Frye joins forces with enigmatic computer consultant J.T. Sloan to crack an Internet child pornography ring. (978-1-60282-147-4)

  The Midnight Hunt by L.L. Raand. Medic Drake McKennan takes a chance and loses, and her life will never be the same—because when she wakes up after surviving a life-threatening illness, she is no longer human. (978-1-60282-140-8)

  Long Shot by D. Jackson Leigh. Love isn’t safe, which is exactly why equine veterinarian Tory Greyson wants no part of it—until Leah Montgomery and a horse that won’t give up convince her otherwise. (978-1-60282-141-5)

  In Medias Res by Yolanda Wallace. Sydney has forgotten her entire life, and the one woman who holds the key to her memory, and her heart, doesn’t want to be found. (978-1-60282-142-2)

  Awakening to Sunlight by Lindsey Stone. Neither Judith or Lizzy is looking for companionship, and certainly not love—but when their lives become entangled, they discover both. (978-1-60282-143-9)

  Fever by VK Powell. Hired gun Zakaria Chambers is hired to provide a simple escort service to philanthropist Sara Ambrosini, but nothing is as simple as it seems, especially love. (978-1-60282-135-4)

  High Risk by JLee Meyer. Can actress Kate Hoffman really risk all she’s worked for to take a chance on love? Or is it already too late? (978-1-60282-136-1)

  Missing Lynx by Kim Baldwin and Xenia Alexiou. On the trail of a notorious serial killer, Elite Operative Lynx’s growing attraction to a mysterious mercenary could be her path to love—or to death. (978-1- 60282-137-8)

  Spanking New by Clifford Henderson. A poignant, hilarious, unforgettable look at life, love, gender, and the essence of what makes us who we are. (978-1-60282-138-5)

  Magic of the Heart by C.J. Harte. CEO Susan Hettinger and wild, impulsive rock star M.J. Carson couldn’t be more different if they tried—but opposites attract in ways neither woman can resist. (978-1- 60282-131-6)

  Ambereye by Gill McKnight. Jolie Garoul is falling in love with her assistant. The big problem is, Jolie is a werewolf. (978-1-60282-132-3)

  Collision Course by C.P. Rowlands. Tragedy leaves Brie O’Malley and Jordan Carter fearful and alone. Can they find the courage to take a second chance on love? (978-1-60282-133-0)

  Mephisto Aria by Justine Saracen. Opera singer Katherina Marov’s destiny may be to repeat the mistakes of her father when she becomes involved in a dangerous love affair. (978-1-60282-134-7

  Battle Scars by Meghan O’Brien. Returning Iraq war veteran Ray McKenna struggles with the battle scars that can only be healed by love. (978-1-60282-129-3)

  Chaps by Jove Belle. Eden Metcalf wants nothing more than to flee from her troubled past and travel the open road—until she runs into rancher Brandi Cornwell. (978-1-60282-127-9)

  Lightbearer by John Caruso. Lucifer dares to question the premise of creation itself and reveals that sin may be all that stands between us and living hell. (978-1-60282-130-9)

  The Seeker by Ronica Black. FBI profiler Kennedy Scott battles ghosts from her past, deadly obsession, and the evil that haunts her. (978-1- 60282-128-6)

  Power Play by Julie Cannon. Businesswomen Tate Monroe and Victoria Sosa are at odds in the boardroom, but not in the bedroom. (978-1-60282-125-5)

  The Remarkable Journey of Miss Tranby Quirke by Elizabeth Ridley. When love enters Tranby’s life in the form of a beautiful nineteen-year-old student, Lysette McDonald, she embarks on the most remarkable journey of all. (978-1-60282-126-2)

  Returning Tides by Radclyffe. Insurance investigator Ashley Walker faces more than a dangerous opponent when she returns to the town, and the woman, she left behind. (978-1-60282-123-1)

  Veritas by Anne Laughlin. When the hallowed halls of academia become the stage for murder, newly appointed Dean Beth Ellis’s search for the truth leads her to unexpected discoveries about her own heart. (978-1-60282-124-8)

  The Pleasure Planner by Larkin Rose. Pleasure purveyor Bree Hendricks treats love like a commodity until Logan Delaney makes Bree the client in her own game. (978-1-60282-121-7)

  everafter by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam. Valentine Darrow is bitten by a vampire on her way to propose to her lover Alexa Newland, and their lives and love are placed in mortal jeopardy. (978-1-60282-119-4)

  Summer Winds by Andrews & Austin. When Maggie Turner hires a ranch hand to help work her thousand acres, she never expects to be attracted to the very young, very female Cash Tate. (978-1-60282- 120-0)