by Renee Roman
Blaze glanced at the clock on the corner of her massive oak desk. It was almost eight o’clock and her stomach rumbled. She’d barely eaten the last two days, opting for yogurt, apples, and vitamin drinks. Now she was ready for real food. She quickly showered and put on clean clothes, then headed to Maxi’s for one of her favorite meals, a black and blue burger with hand cut seasoned fries. Her mouth watered just thinking about it.
With the doctor’s okay, she was back on her bike, after promising she’d wear the brace when she drove. She’d been relieved to find out the Harley hadn’t needed any major repairs. It had jumped the curb and landed in six-foot-tall hedges. The small dents and dings had taken a month to fix, but her mechanic assured her the machine was sound.
She hadn’t expected the sudden anxiety when she’d first gotten on, and it had shaken her. That’s when she called one of her Harley buddies who’d crashed and totaled her bike. Blaze asked how she’d gotten back on after that. Twenty minutes later, she’d driven it up and down the driveway until she was certain she could handle the machine again. Being at ease in traffic had taken her a bit longer, but she’d been determined not to give in to the fear.
The motorcycle purred beneath her as she took the familiar curves before cruising into the city of Lake George. It had been the hub of everyday life since returning from college. Even though she lived only four miles from town, the house she’d built was set near the side of the mountains she now spent time hiking in, and Blaze scoured the landscape for pieces for her craft. She’d had to ask the Park Commission for permission to remove fallen trees in the Adirondacks. The six-million-acre protected forest relied on Mother Nature to give back to the earth, and its decomposing foliage fed the wildlife in a multitude of ways. The commission had agreed to let her remove two hundred pounds a year, and she was required to catalog the location and weight of each of her finds. She gladly complied with the strict regulations as they made for the lush landscape she’d decided long ago she never wanted to leave.
Maxi’s lot was half-empty when she pulled into a space along the side of the building. She strapped down her helmet and finger-combed her hair. The late October evening was brisk; the colder temperatures came early in the mountains, and she loved how alive it made her feel. She always wore a leather jacket and she welcomed the temperature change. She strode in and glanced around the familiar space. With Thanksgiving still a few weeks away, Maxi hadn’t decorated for Christmas, and Blaze appreciated slowing down and not rushing into the holidays even though she loved them.
“Blaze.” Maxi’s enthusiasm traveled through the dining room as it always did when she was greeted by her longtime friend and owner of the restaurant. She gave Blaze a bear hug, making her laugh. For a tiny little thing, she still gave the best hugs ever.
“Maxi. How are you, darling?”
“Still kicking.” Maxi’s smile lit up the room. “To what do I owe the honor of a visit?”
Blaze remembered when the restaurant had opened back when she was in high school. She’d saved her allowance for a month and brought her then sweetheart to Maxi’s for her first “official” date. It was a night she’d never forgotten. The food had been great, and way better than her date. Unfortunately, the girl she’d been crushing on for more than a year told her she appreciated Blaze and her good manners, but she saw her as a friend—not someone she’d date. Blaze had been crushed, but she got over it, and they remained friends until college separated them.
“I was craving one of your burgers.” Blaze sat at her usual table near the cozy fireplace that had a small fire burning to chase away the chill. She loved the atmosphere, though she wished she had someone to share it with. Maybe she’d bring Trinity there. Maxi’s voice jarred her back.
“Black and blue and a draft?” Maxi stood—all five feet of her—next to the table with her hands on her hips.
Blaze nodded. “Sharp as ever.”
Maxi snapped the kitchen towel that was ever present at her hip. “Such a sweet talker.” Maxi disappeared behind the swinging doors, and one of the waitresses who’d been there since Blaze had returned to town brought her a stein of her favorite Belgian wheat beer. It was ice cold with just the right amount of foam. Not knowing what else to do while she waited, she pulled out her phone and checked her email. She scrolled through and glanced at a notice from her supplier about a two-day delay in a shipment and sighed. There was a newsletter from her carpentry group that she marked to read later when she could concentrate.
Blaze took in her surroundings, wondering what she was doing there. Alone again on a Saturday night without a clue what to do next. DJ would always be up for getting together, but after her last show of possessiveness, she wasn’t in the mood to go down that road tonight. She needed to find out what else was bugging DJ and decided to ask her point-blank the next day.
“Here you go, sugar.” Maxi slid a heaping platter in front of her and smiled.
Blaze kissed her cheek, making her blush. “You always know how to brighten my…” Blaze glanced out the window. “Night.”
Maxi lightly slapped her arm. “Save some room. I made raspberry pies this morning.”
Blaze groaned. “You should have told me before I ordered all this food.”
“You can always take it home.”
She thanked Maxi and made her way through most of the burger and some of the fries before stopping. She was nearly full and hated feeling stuffed. As much as she didn’t want to waste it, she pushed the plate away. She’d have the kitchen bag it up to feed some of the strays that frequented her warehouse. Once her beer was gone and her leftovers wrapped, she went to the register to pay her bill. Maxi rounded the corner.
“You weren’t going to sneak off without saying good-bye, were you?”
Blaze admitted to being a bit distracted and promised to try not to let it happen again.
Maxi placed a large container inside her bag. “Let me know how you like it. I expect to see you again sooner rather than later.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She stowed her package inside a reusable market bag and strapped it to the back of her bike. Blaze slipped her helmet on, but instead of turning the key she sat. Lost and unsure, she had no desire to go home to sit alone. Her phone dinged. Convinced it was probably DJ, she almost ignored it before checking the screen. Trinity had sent a text.
I know it’s late and not sure what you’re up to, but we’re heading to EroZone if you want to join in.
It was as though wishing had actually worked.
Her father had told her to trust her gut, and her gut told her she wanted to spend time with Trinity wherever she might be. She revved the engine and roared out of the parking lot.
Thirty minutes later, Blaze kicked down her stand and inhaled deeply. She zeroed in on the only reason she was there. Somewhere inside these walls Trinity waited for her. Her earlier ambiguity over what to do next had been replaced by the anticipation of seeing her again.
The familiar thrum of the music’s bass comforted her, and her shoulders dropped. She hadn’t realized how much tension she’d been holding. She checked her jacket and helmet and surveyed the bar, then checked out the dance floor, not seeing Trinity anywhere. Maybe she wasn’t there yet. She tipped her head and caught the bartender’s eye. “Neat.” The drink slid to a stop in front of her and she tossed money into the tab glass.
She took a minute to settle in. This place didn’t fit her the way it used to. Or maybe she didn’t fit it anymore. Blaze realized her days of casual sex and forgettable women had come to an end, and she was okay with the knowledge. She wanted to be done with her membership in the “Lonely Hearts Club.” There was still the question of Trinity’s level of interest and she briefly thought she might have to resort to fucking her worries away by letting her body take over for a while. Blaze shook her head. That wasn’t going to make her feel better.
She sipped her drink and glanced at the person beside her.
“Blaze?”
I
t took her a minute to remember the name of the woman with the intense blue eyes. “Mindy,” Blaze said. “How are you?”
Mindy smiled. “Much better, thanks to you.”
She set her drink down. “How so?” Blaze followed Mindy’s gaze to a handsome butch a few barstools away who nodded and smiled in their direction.
“Kyle is thoughtful and sweet and kind.” Mindy blushed. It suited her.
“I’m happy for you. You deserve a good person in your life.”
“I never had a chance to thank you for—”
“You don’t have to thank me. I meant it when I said being with you was my pleasure.”
At least their night together hadn’t been meaningless sex for Mindy. That was something.
Mindy kissed her cheek, then stepped back. “I hope you’re happy as well.”
She gazed around the familiar space again, then stopped when she caught a flash of red hair. Trinity.
“I’m working on it. Take care, Mindy.” Blaze watched Trinity as she leaned on a table and laughed with the friend she’d been with the last time. Her gaze met Blaze’s, as though she’d called her name out loud. Her lips moved into a slow, seductive smile. Blaze’s pulse raced, and she knew she’d found her release for the night. All she had to do was find out if Trinity was interested in taking the next step.
Chapter Sixteen
Trinity had argued with herself throughout the day as to whether she should text Blaze or let the chips fall where they may. Perhaps she’d stalled to see if Blaze would be there with DJ again. Maybe her lack of action had more to do with her own fears of involvement rather than whether there was something going on between the two of them. In the end she’d given in, and ten minutes before they left the apartment, she texted Blaze about her plans.
As she drank her beer something drew her attention to the bar, and there she was. Blaze had been invading her dreams for weeks. Now she was standing on the other side of a sea of bodies tossing back their heads and shaking their asses. The primordial mating dance. Blaze smiled. She didn’t miss the haze in her eyes, and Trinity’s pulse galloped in response as she made her way across the room. She stayed planted in her seat, unable to move. The black 501s Blaze wore had no right to look that good, and the black and gray pinstriped shirt accentuated her eyes.
“Good evening.” Blaze waited a beat. “I’m glad you messaged me. I’ve been thinking about you.”
Trinity forced herself to remain calm, but she wanted Blaze to kiss her. Touch her. Squelch the fire smoldering inside of her. It was there whenever she thought of her, and all she did was think of her. She had to remember whatever happened from this moment on, Blaze’s intentions were still unknown. There was no reason to be nervous. “Hmm…why is that?” A slow song came on and Blaze leaned in.
“Dance with me.”
Trinity nodded, unable to form words since her mouth had gone dry with desire.
Blaze turned to Kelly. “We haven’t been formally introduced. I’m Blaze.”
“Kelly.”
“You’ll excuse us while we share a dance?” Blaze cut her gaze to Trinity.
Kelly stared at them and Trinity fought an urge to stomp her foot to get her attention while Blaze patiently waited.
“Sure,” Kelly finally said. She laughed and grinned at Trinity before giving her a wink and taking a sip of her drink.
Blaze took her hand. “Shall we?”
Maybe it was Trinity’s imagination, but it appeared as though the throng parted, and a spot meant just for them opened in the center of the floor. Heat wafted from Blaze, scorching her skin. When their bodies touched, the flame inside her flared. The seductive sway of Blaze’s hips against hers made her yearn for more. She backed away enough to relieve the pressure and found her hypnotic eyes.
“Are you here alone?” Trinity asked.
Blaze’s irises darkened. “I definitely am,” she said before pressing her thigh between Trinity’s again, making it clear they shared similar thoughts. “I’d never be that rude after getting your invitation.”
Trinity contained a groan and pressed closer, imagining herself as the match that set Blaze’s body on fire. She sucked in a breath and held it.
Blaze’s lips brushed her ear. “I have you.” She spun them in another slow turn. “I know we haven’t seen much of each other, but I’ll take care of you if you’ll let me.” Even though the music hadn’t stopped, Blaze did.
Trinity drank in the smoky depths of her gaze. Did she mean on the dance floor, or had they moved on to a more intimate meaning? God, I want to say yes. The room dipped, and she fought the feeling of vertigo. Had she ever been this attracted to another person? In the next moment they stood embracing as the dance floor emptied. Trinity bit her lip. Desire, hot and deep, coursed through every cell in her body. She had to move. “Let’s finish our drinks.” She took Blaze’s hand and led her back to the table. She liked the sudden feeling of power as Blaze willingly followed.
Kelly stared at her. “Glad to see you two got reacquainted.”
Trinity grinned. “We did.” She picked up her beer and pretended to be pacing herself, but she really wanted to down it and leave. Blaze stood next to her sipping a dark brown liquor. “What are you drinking?”
“Scotch. Neat. I prefer the feel of a slow burn. I enjoy when the heat hits my stomach and explodes to the ends of my fingers and toes.” Blaze’s eyes reflected her words and she finished it off.
She watched Blaze swallow, and her throat contracted with the motion. And those lips. Dear Lord, her mouth was made for kissing. “Would you like another?”
“Thank you, but no. I’m driving.”
“Will you have more when you get home?” She was stalling to give her time to calm down, but she didn’t want her time with Blaze to end.
“That depends,” Blaze said, her voice throaty and deep, and her gaze questioning what she was really asking.
“On?”
Blaze lifted her hand to her lips and kissed her knuckles. “If I’m otherwise occupied.”
She turned to Kelly, who was staring unabashedly. “If you’re okay, we’re heading out.” Kelly would understand her leaving, and she was glad they’d decided to take separate cars.
“Okay.” Kelly appeared to have recovered. “Blaze, it was nice to meet you.” Kelly turned to her. “I’ll see you at home.”
Blaze’s eyebrow rose but she didn’t say anything and followed her through the crowd. Once they were outside, she felt a need to clarify. “Kelly and I are housemates.”
“Glad to know I’m not encroaching. I guessed as much since she didn’t mind us leaving together.” Blaze took her hand and led her down a row of cars until they stood beside a big Harley. “My ride. Want to join me?”
The thought of riding snugged up against Blaze with the rumble of the engine between her legs was tempting, but for practical reasons, she needed to have her car. “Another time?”
Blaze nodded.
“I’m parked over there.” She pointed to her Jeep Liberty. “I can follow you.”
“Let me have your phone so I can put in my address in case we get separated.” She made quick work of updating her contact info, then straddled the machine like she’d done it a million times. She probably had. “I’m a few miles away on the side of a mountain. It’s secluded and a little tricky to find. Stay close if you can.” Blaze pulled her helmet on and revved the engine. The roar of the powerful motor filled the night.
Trinity got in her car and took a deep breath, then pulled around to where Blaze waited. She nodded at Trinity and she tipped her head in return. Blaze slowed the bike to the stop sign and Trinity concentrated on the motorcycle in front of her, not the person driving it. All her focus was on the drive, which was good, since she couldn’t think about what she was about to do. A couple of miles later, they took a right turn and began a steep climb with switchbacks. Blaze was making an effort to keep her close, but it couldn’t have been easy. She didn’t know much about motorcycles,
but she knew speed helped to keep the machine upright, and she watched her gun through some tight sections. The single headlight on the otherwise empty road let her zero in on the bike’s location, but she was relieved when Blaze pulled onto a long, single lane road. Trinity followed her for what seemed like an eternity, but the odometer displayed she’d traveled less than a mile before they turned into a wide, paved driveway then up to a double garage. A motion light above the building came on to dispel the darkness. Blaze dismounted and met her at her car. Of all the times she’d pictured being alone with Blaze, now that the moment had arrived, she stood immobilized. She wasn’t afraid of being in the middle of nowhere with her. Trinity feared intimacy. Kelly had pointed out her lack of experience when it came to sex, and she doubted the same could be said for Blaze. What if she couldn’t satisfy her? What if she fumbled as though this was her first time having sex with someone older than she was? What if… Blaze’s voice chased the “what-ifs” away.
“Glad you were able to keep up.” Blaze held out her hand until they were standing together. “I really want to kiss you.” Blaze pulled her closer when she didn’t protest.
Trinity held her breath before their lips met. Please don’t make me regret this.
Chapter Seventeen
Blaze took her time, enjoying Trinity’s soft lips and the sweet taste of her mouth. She could have kissed her for an eternity. Blaze pulled away first and hoped she’d enjoyed it, too. She moved her hand down Trinity’s arm and laced their fingers. “Let’s go inside.” They walked up the short set of steps to the door. She entered her code and waited for the chirp, then a click, and guided the way. The lights came on automatically, bathing the open space in soft illumination.
“Wow.” Trinity slowly turned, taking in the open floor plan. “It’s beautiful.”
