Bonded Love

by Renee Roman

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

  How could Trinity explain how her thoughts bounced between wanting to knock Blaze off her feet and not wanting anyone distracting her from professional success? Relationships demanded time and energy, two things she wasn’t willing to give if it meant sacrificing her goals. She practically ripped the dress from her body, close to tears and treading in waters she’d never had to navigate before. She didn’t fall for women, she just slept with them. Trinity was no longer sure she liked the person she’d become—all for the sake of pride. In herself, her work, and her ability to boast to her family that, despite the odds against her, she’d risen above the squalor she’d been raised in.

  “I just didn’t want it on anymore.”

  Kelly stood dumbfounded. She didn’t look angry or hurt. Just confused. Trinity was confused, too. But she wasn’t ready to admit, even to her closest friend, that she felt like she was on uneven ground these days and wasn’t sure who she wanted to be anymore. She pulled on her clothes and turned.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. You did a fabulous job with my hair. Maybe I’m getting sick.” She forced a smile she didn’t feel. “Would you take some pictures of the style with my phone so I can show the hairdresser exactly how I want it?”

  Kelly took a tentative step forward. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

  Her heart squeezed when she realized she’d been acting like a jerk. It was only a date. And not even that. A fundraiser. Nothing intimate and no reason to be so crazy over it.

  “I really do love it.” Trinity glanced in the mirror. Her hair was perfect for the gown. She glanced at Kelly in the mirror and smiled. This time she meant it. Kelly nodded and went to get her phone. She really needed to get her shit together and stop letting her imagination conjure up baseless thoughts about Blaze. She was just another woman and there was no reason to think there was anything between them except sex. She’d never let it go any further.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  “Hello.” The word came out sharper than Blaze had meant. She’d been high-strung ever since asking Trinity to join her for Thanksgiving.

  “So, you are still alive,” DJ said.

  “Yeah. Sorry. There’s been a lot going on. What’s up?” Blaze asked.

  “I’m calling to make sure you’re still coming to the dinner party.”

  She groaned. “You know I’m not into stuffy hobnobbing, but I’ll be there.”

  DJ chuckled. “Again with the enthusiasm.”

  “Be happy I said yes.”

  “I am. Are you bringing a date?”

  “No.” Blaze didn’t want to get into it. Maybe it was a good thing Trinity wasn’t joining her since there was still friction between her and DJ. She promised to show up a little early, even though DJ wouldn’t be involved in the cooking aspect of entertaining. She’d hire a caterer to prepare all the food. She wondered who else would be invited. DJ moved in affluent circles, surrounding herself with upper class individuals who could advance her career and drop her name as someone who could sell even the worst real estate properties. Some were nice enough, but none of them could hold a candle to Trinity in terms of appeal, and she wasn’t talking just sexually. Her attractiveness went without saying. It was a shame she was working again, but at least Blaze’s invitation had received a counteroffer, one she was excited about taking her up on.

  “So, I’ll see you Friday at six?” DJ asked.

  The things you did for friends. She sighed. “I’ll be there.”

  * * *

  “Hope I’m not too early.” Blaze brushed her lips over DJ’s cheek and stepped into the lush apartment. One DJ could afford, and the type Blaze would never consider living in. It was too modern and too minimalist, even if it was well decorated.

  “You’re never too early, but you’re the first to arrive.”

  She set the bottle of wine on the bar and headed for the kitchen, not that she needed to bother, knowing the food would likely be delivered soon. “Need help with anything?” She didn’t plan on staying late, wanting to save her energy for her evening with Trinity tomorrow.

  “Not really. I’m sorry your date couldn’t make it.”

  Blaze slid two wine glasses from the ready supply and opened the bottle she’d brought, then poured a healthy dose. “Her name is Trinity, and I doubt it.”

  “That’s rather crude. What did I do?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing. Sorry.” Blaze wasn’t about to admit she would have canceled if she didn’t think DJ would have been pissed. Having to be solo for the night didn’t suit her mood. She never used to mind. In fact, before Trinity she often preferred it, because she hated feeling like she was expected to perform, but that wasn’t who she was. She no longer cared what others thought. Her foul mood likely had more to do with the event. She wasn’t fond of DJ’s gatherings. They were attended by pretentious people whose only interest was spreading the latest gossip or talking about a recent conquest. She never understood why DJ surrounded herself with the likes of them, but then, ever since college, they’d moved in different social circles. She tipped the bottle toward her. “Want some?”

  “No, thanks.” The doorbell rang and she went to answer it in full DJ fashion, swaying her hips while balancing on stilettos with heels long enough to be considered lethal weapons.

  Blaze didn’t want to sour everyone’s mood. She took another swig and went to greet the arriving guests. Her stomach dropped when she saw two of the women she’d slept with in the past. Why the hell would DJ invite them? She pushed her annoyance away.

  “Blaze,” Grace said. “It’s good to see you after so long.” She leaned in.

  She hugged Grace tenderly. They’d dated for a while several years ago after meeting at the gym where Blaze and DJ had memberships. Both knew it wasn’t going to last, but she’d enjoyed their time together and wasn’t about to make Grace feel like she didn’t matter just because they were no longer together. “It’s wonderful seeing you, too. Are you still at the gym?” Blaze asked and took her coat. She hadn’t gone back after her surgery and had no immediate plans to return.

  “Yes, but it’s not the same without you there.”

  When Grace moved away, Fagan sidled up next to her. She’d made the mistake of sleeping with her after she and Grace ended their relationship, and she was the main reason Blaze never slept with the same woman twice. Fagan had left a sour taste in her mouth.

  “Blaze, darling. Where have you been hiding?” Fagan swept in for a full-on kiss, but Blaze offered her cheek and backed away. She was going to escape this den of iniquity as soon as possible. She tossed DJ a severe stare before DJ turned back to the rest of her arriving guests.

  Two hours later, Blaze stormed through the front door of her cabin. It hadn’t taken her long to figure out DJ had invited most of the eligible women she knew in hopes one of them would connect with Blaze, even though she wasn’t alone by choice. She’d left pissed off and without a word to DJ.

  Baxter blinked, stretched her long body, and looked up expectantly, likely hoping Blaze had forgotten she’d already been fed.

  “Nice try, fur bag, but you’re out of luck.”

  The cat turned and strutted away to check out her bowls. One was always full of dry food, but she gave one last meow to show her displeasure.

  Upstairs, Blaze hung up her pants and tossed her shirt in the laundry, then grabbed her robe. She longed to hear Trinity’s voice, but she didn’t want to disturb her, and sent a text instead.

  Hope your shift is going well. Looking forward to tomorrow.

  She stared at the phone and waited as though she expected an immediate answer, which was crazy. Trinity was probably inundated with emergencies. Blaze sighed. Coffee would make her feel better. She slipped the phone in her pocket, prepped the Keurig, then pushed the start button. That’s when her phone pinged and displayed Trinity’s icon, along with a brief message telling her it was going okay for a
Friday and she was looking forward to tomorrow too before she had to go.

  She smiled. Whenever she thought about Trinity, that’s what happened. It had to mean something. The text had been the highlight of her evening. She planned to have a sit-down with DJ and ask point-blank what the hell she had been up to tonight, though she had a pretty good idea.

  While her coffee cooled, Blaze went for a shower and stepped into the steam-filled enclosure. The hot water sluiced over her tense muscles and eased her into a better frame of mind, though her irritation persisted. DJ always played matchmaker, so she shouldn’t be surprised. She’d expressed wanting a relationship, so maybe DJ had stepped up. Why DJ hadn’t told her the party was for Blaze’s benefit was what really annoyed her. She would have declined before she’d been paraded out like a stud on the auction block. She shook her head and decided to let it go. For now. She was too tired to try to decipher DJ’s reasons. A good night’s sleep was what she needed to enjoy her first official date with Trinity.

  She slid into the cool sheets and pulled up the blanket, snuggling into the softness. Even though she’d changed the sheets, Trinity’s scent lingered in her bed. Baxter jumped up, circled a spot several times, then lowered herself on the corner. She blinked twice and began to purr, letting her know she was settled for the night.

  Closing her eyes, Blaze envisioned red hair flowing over her in soft waves, and green eyes hazed by lust. She flexed her inner muscles as the blood surged through her. Her body and mind craved more of Trinity, and it was a craving she had finally begun to understand.

  * * *

  Blaze held the stem of an ivory rose and lifted the bloom to her nose, inhaling. She hadn’t thought twice about the color or the variety of flower, though she wanted to arrive with something that simply stated she was looking forward to spending the evening with Trinity. She smoothed her hand over her Armani tux and the emerald green pocket square she’d made it her mission to find. She rang the doorbell, looking down one last time at the rose before the door opened and she lifted her gaze. Any witty words she might have said stayed on her lips as she stared at the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen.

  “You’re a goddess.”

  Trinity’s face turned a pale shade of pink. “Thank you for saying so, but I’m not. Come in.”

  Blaze somehow managed to make her feet move though it felt more like gliding than walking. Once inside, she turned in time to see the open back of Trinity’s flowing gown. There was nothing she could do to stop her mouth from dropping open in total awe.

  Trinity grinned. “You might catch something you don’t want in there,” she said as she lifted Blaze’s chin with a manicured fingernail and smiled seductively.

  What could she possibly say when nothing above her neck was functioning?

  “Is that for me?” Trinity asked. A knowing smile lifted the corners of her mouth just enough to let Blaze know she was aware of the effect her attire was having.

  “Yes,” she said. “But it’s not nearly as beautiful as you.” She ran the soft petals down Trinity’s cheek and along her neck, then stepped behind her and followed the path of her spine. The resulting gooseflesh was exactly what she hoped for. They were back on even ground. At least for the time being. Blaze slowly spun her until their eyes met and she took a deep breath to steady herself.

  “Let me put this in water, then we can go.”

  Trinity went toward the kitchen and Blaze followed. She didn’t want to miss any of this night, not one single chance to look at Trinity.

  When she turned, Trinity moved closer. She looked deep into Blaze’s eyes, as if wanting to know all her most intimate thoughts. “You’re very handsome in everyday clothes, but you’re magnificent in this tux.” Trinity fingered the lapel and her hand brushed over Blaze’s breast. Her nipples tightened at the light touch, one she remembered well.

  Blaze swallowed hard. “I have no way of telling you how gorgeous you are. And this gown…” Blaze slid her hands over the sleeves then took Trinity’s hands in hers. “It’s stunning and perfect on you.” She didn’t want to want Trinity as much as she did in that moment, but she couldn’t deny the need to touch her. To make love to her in, and out, of the gown. She had to rein in her desire. Blaze had no idea if Trinity was interested in dating, but since she’d been the one to ask Blaze to join her tonight, she was encouraged. Against her better judgment, she leaned in and covered Trinity’s mouth with hers, gently tasting her. It stoked the fire already burning, and after Trinity moaned, it was all she could do to pull away. She shuddered in her arms before her eyes slowly opened.

  “God, you need to stop kissing me like that.”

  “Why? Didn’t you like it?” Blaze asked.

  Trinity took a step back. “Oh, I did, but I paid a lot of money for these tickets and we need to leave now, before…” Her eyes never left Blaze’s.

  “Before?”

  “Before we end up being late.” Trinity smiled and she laughed, breaking the sexual tension thick in the air around them.

  Blaze couldn’t keep from touching her again, and she placed her hand on the curve of Trinity’s hip. “Well, we wouldn’t want to miss the festivities, would we?” Her insides felt like molten lava that flowed throughout her lower body, filling her with its heat.

  “I just need to get my purse and wrap.”

  Reluctantly, she let her hand slide away. Her breath froze when she was once again given a view of Trinity’s exposed flesh from her neck to below the small of her back. I’m going to need to remember we aren’t a couple. Otherwise she might become possessive of what wasn’t hers.

  Trinity folded the matching pashmina over her arm and picked up a sparkling silver clutch before glancing up. Excitement twinkled in her eyes.

  Blaze opened the door, afraid if they lingered, she’d lose what little resolve she had left. She would make tonight’s attendance at the event one Trinity would remember for a long time. “Shall we?” She held out her hand and Trinity’s smaller one slid into it.

  “Yes.” Trinity turned, then glanced back and forth between the car and Blaze. “Is this your car?”

  “No. I didn’t think a motorcycle or an SUV were appropriate transportation for this evening, so I rented it.” She opened the passenger door of the Audi and Trinity slid onto the heated leather seat. Blaze took a breath as she rounded the front of the car. Somehow, she knew how much going to the fundraiser meant to Trinity, and she’d wanted her to feel as special as Blaze would with Trinity on her arm.

  Trinity’s eyes widened. “You rented an Audi just for tonight?” she asked. Her tone relayed her incredulity.

  Blaze reached for her hand. “Not for tonight. For you, Trinity. You deserve to be treated well, and I’m honored you asked me to escort you. I’d never want to do anything to embarrass you.” She squeezed her hand and let go, though letting go was the last thing she wanted to do. She pushed the button and the engine purred in response. “Besides, I didn’t think a Harley would be quite the ride you had in mind tonight.” She smiled and Trinity laughed again.

  “No, it wasn’t. I don’t think this dress would let me spread my legs that far.” Trinity’s cheeks pinked.

  All kinds of erotic visions bombarded her. Trinity had a knack for making her lose control. Blaze rested her head on the steering wheel and closed her eyes.

  “That’s not quite what I meant. Climbing on the back of that beast would require me to hike up my gown…” Trinity stopped talking, then groaned. “Well, I’m going to stop right there.”

  She chuckled. The GPS got her started on their journey, announcing they should reach their destination at 7:02 p.m. Blaze didn’t want to be the first to arrive because she wanted the other attendees to ogle when they walked in together. They made a striking couple and she would like nothing more than to convince Trinity to share her view—even if it was only for one night.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Trinity glanced at Blaze’s profile. The strong jaw and full lips added to her a
ndrogynous looks. Along with her almond shaped eyes and a regal nose, Blaze was cover model material. To look at her tonight in her well-cut tux and designer pique shirt, she appeared gender-neutral, though she did little to hide her breasts. Her looks suited Trinity’s taste to perfection. Even with three-inch stilettos, she was shorter than Blaze, and she could only imagine how they looked standing next to each other. She’d been too preoccupied to glance in the hallway mirror before they left.

  Butterflies batted her insides as she tried to relax and listen to the music softly playing. She remembered how formal the gala was and was happy she’d be there with Blaze.

  “You know what I do for a living, but we’ve never talked more about your job.” Blaze looked over at her and smiled as she easily handled the sedan. It was likely a kitten compared to the beast of a motorcycle she seemed to maneuver without any difficulty.

  “What do you want to know?” She was proud of what she did.

  “Have you been there long?”

  “Five years in the ED. I was on surgical floors for a year before that. It wasn’t for me.” In-patients faced a different type of tragedy. Many times overwhelming, but she didn’t want to go into that right now.

  “Wow. You must have graduated young.” Blaze took the exit ramp and glanced at the GPS.

  “Not really. It took me a while to save up enough that I wouldn’t be in debt for the next decade. I still had to get a student loan, but I didn’t live on campus and I went to a state university, so it wasn’t outrageous.” She chewed her lip before going on. “I actually got my master’s degree a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve applied for the trauma head nurse position. I should know soon if I’ve gotten it.”

  Blaze gave her a warm smile. “Congratulations. I can’t believe you didn’t say anything so we could celebrate. And I’m sure you’ll get the position you want. From everything I’ve witnessed, you’re excellent at what you do, and you’re determined. I don’t see what could possibly hold you back.”