“Ewww gross, Sierra. That’s an image I don’t need in my head. I’m hanging up now. Enjoy your lady.”
“You know I will. And have a good day with Blake. Catch ya later.”
“Okey dokey smokey…and Sierra?”
“Yeah, Ron?”
“I’m happy for you guys.”
“I know. Thank you for the tough love.”
“It’s what I do. Now go. It’s getting too heavy in here.”
“Love ya.” Sierra blew a kiss into the phone before ending the call. She laid back and thought about their conversation. Her smile stretched wider. Putting herself out there had been terrifying, but rewarding—more than she had ever dreamed. Now she hoped Ronni would practice what she had preached by taking a leap of her own.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Eager to get back home, Kara signed what was needed at the lab and then hurried off to the store. When was the last time she had ditched work to spend time with someone? Oh yeah, her first date with Sierra. Would that be a recurring theme? No. Definitely not. She wasn’t that kind of woman. But for today, knowing Sierra was waiting for her, wanting her, possibly naked…it was all consuming. Her mind was on some kind of primal autopilot and her body screamed to get the whipped cream and get home already.
Wasting no more time, she hurried through the store grabbing a few needed items, including the now mandatory whipped cream. The fun, but nutritionally-void food product, had supplanted vital sustenance on Kara’s list and the ache between her legs wholeheartedly approved.
In and out of the store in record time, Kara quickly loaded the bags into her Jeep and jumped into the driver’s seat. In the rear-view mirror, the top of the whipped cream peeking out of the bag caught her eye. Her heart raced and her core throbbed. “Good Lord! What’s she done to me? I’m getting horny over a can of whipped cream.” She smiled at the unexpectedly welcomed change in her behavior as she started her car and sped toward home.
Arriving home to silence, Sierra was nowhere to be seen. After putting the groceries up, Kara padded to the bedroom and peeked inside. There lay Sierra, sound asleep on her right side. The light blue sheet ended at her hip, leaving her naked upper body exposed for Kara’s viewing pleasure.
A soft smile graced her lips. Sierra looked even better in her bed in the light of day. It was a sight she could get used to. The whipped cream forgotten, Kara slipped out of her clothes and slid under the covers to snuggle against the warm body of her lover. Sierra reflexively folded back into her, making Kara sigh in delight. She draped her arm over Sierra’s hip and pulled them closer, their bodies forming a perfect spoon.
Kara hadn’t realized how much she could enjoy being physically close to someone until she had met Sierra. Now, she couldn’t get close enough. Having finally cleared some of her emotional cobwebs, she could finally let herself accept that she wanted to share herself with someone else in mind, body, and soul—as long as that someone was Sierra Cody. As scary as it was, she was ready and willing to fight her habits, fears, and insecurities to give their relationship an honest chance.
Willing her mind to shut down completely, Kara drifted off to sleep, feeling more at peace than she ever had before.
***
When morning arrived, Kara was surprised to find she and Sierra worked well in tandem. Never once had they gotten in one another’s way as they showered, dressed, and made breakfast. Even more surprising, was how she had been able to resist pulling Sierra into the shower for a quickie. She had never considered herself a slave to sexual desires, but when it came to Sierra, everything she thought she knew about herself had been tossed away like week-old milk.
Kara smiled as she washed the dishes. She had believed herself to be a creature of habit, but with Sierra, she was enjoying the discovery of a whole new self. Well, maybe not a “new” self. More like one that had gone into hibernation. But still…spontaneity had been absent since her accident and Kara hadn’t felt so alive in a very long time. While she had plenty of work to do at the lab, she was already counting the hours until she could see Sierra again.
Ten. It was ten hours until she could see Sierra again.
“I’m going to take Ronni out for lunch to make up for skipping yesterday,” Sierra said as she openly appraised Kara’s backside from her kitchen chair.
“That sounds nice. I’d say I’m sorry I ruined your plans, but I’d be lying.” Kara glanced over her shoulder, saw the look Sierra was giving her, and smirked.
“You’ll get no complaints from me. I enjoyed spending the day with you.” Sierra stood and closed the distance. Her arms wrapped around Kara from behind and she peppered Kara’s neck with kisses, earning her a hum of enjoyment. “You are delicious,” she whispered, her warm breath tickling Kara’s ear.
Kara turned and draped her arms around Sierra’s neck. Her gaze darted between Sierra’s twinkling eyes and enticingly parted lips. “And you, are devastatingly gorgeous.”
“Are you sure you have to work today? We could do a repeat of yesterday or even venture outside,” Sierra finished, sounding hopeful.
Kara’s sense of responsibility was saying one thing, but her body was nudging her in the opposite direction. Sierra was tempting. So agonizingly tempting. Kara was certain she could hole up in a room with her for days and never tire, but there were deadlines to meet and patients to be seen. Life was calling and Kara never failed to answer. Although, truth be told, today was the closest she had ever come to saying, “Fuck responsibility.”
It was very evident that she would need to find a balance between work and Sierra.
Disappointment rolled out in the form of a groan as she declined the offer. The light dimmed as Sierra’s expression fell at the realization that their twenty-four hour love bubble had finally burst. As adorable as Sierra’s pout was, Kara much preferred the sparkle of happiness in her eyes, so she set forth to make it reappear as fast as possible. “But I’m all yours again at six.”
A wide grin appeared and then there it was, shining like stars in the Oregon sky on a dark night, the brilliant twinkle in a pair of golden eyes that sent Kara’s heart aflutter. Seeing Sierra happy made her warm all over and knowing she was the cause of that joy was priceless.
“Okay. I will see you soon, Doctor.”
“Yes, you will.”
With one last parting kiss, they went their separate ways.
***
Sierra quietly slipped through the front door of her home and tiptoed through the living room to the kitchen. The clock read 9:15 and, as a rule, Ronni would be asleep until at least ten. The only exceptions being race days and travel days. And apparently, today.
Sierra looked up as Ronni’s door creaked open. A witty remark popped into her head—because nothing was as much fun as aggravating her best friend first thing in the morning. In the old saying “poking the bear,” the bear had nothing on Ronni. As soon as her mouth opened, the words backed up in her throat like a five-car pileup. She coughed them free and smiled wide.
This was going to be good.
“Morning, Blake.”
“Uh…hey, Sierra.” He folded his arms in a failed attempt at covering his naked, chiseled torso.
A ruckus from Ronni’s bedroom was followed by mumbled curses. Ronni poked her head out, her hair a jumbled mess and a sheet covering her chest. She scowled and grumbled, “Blake, get your fine ass back in here and put some clothes on. Those abs are for my eyes only.”
Sierra broke into a boisterous laugh. “I thought best friends shared everything?”
“Don’t even go there. I doubt you’d want to share Kara…ya know…if I was into that sort of thing.”
No. Sierra wouldn’t want to share, but she had no concerns about that and laughed even harder at Ronni’s attempt to stifle her. Oh, how the tables had turned. Now she would be the one doing the teasing over a crush.
A blushing Blake hurried back into the bedroom and Ronni quickly shut the door behind them. The wall between them muffled the voice
s, but Ronni was clearly chastising Blake for having been caught, which only prolonged Sierra’s enjoyment. She didn’t know why Ronni kept denying her interest in Blake, but she was glad they had finally broached the subject. And apparently, they had done it in a big way.
Sierra prepared a pot of coffee. As she poured herself a cup, Ronni reappeared. Her hair was still a mess, but at least she was dressed, wearing a pair of red and white polar bear boxers and a blue tank top. She plopped unceremoniously onto a stool across from Sierra and leaned her elbows on the island.
“Helloooo there,” Sierra sang, enjoying the flustered look on Ronni’s face.
“Hi,” was her curt reply. “Why in the world are you home this early? You usually sleep late after sex, much less a twenty-four hour sex-a-thon.”
“Kara had to work, so I got up with her. I must say, if these are the things I miss by sleeping in, I may have to start getting up earlier.”
Ronni narrowed her eyes and scrunched her face. “Ha, ha. Damn Doc McHottie and her early bird hours.” She accepted a hot cup of coffee from Sierra without meeting her eyes. “If you must know, this is the first time we’ve hooked up, so you haven’t been missing anything.” Leaning forward, she whispered, “Except those abs. Did you see those abs?”
Sierra chuckled and nodded. Blake had been gifted with a perfect six-pack, although she preferred Kara’s toned midsection.
Ronni’s eyes closed as she hummed in delight. “Oh. My. Gawd!”
“They are impressive.” Sierra set her cup down and stepped around the island to wrap Ronni up into a tight hug. “I’m happy for you guys. It’s about time.”
“Thank you. And I know, right?” When Sierra released her hold and stepped back, Ronni took a sip of coffee and stared at her over the brim of her cup. “So, I guess you guys are doing well?”
“Yeah. And it looks like you and I hit the jackpot.” She raised the mug in a toast.
Ronni tipped hers in return and winked. “Totally.”
“Ahem.”
Sierra and Ronni broke their moment to find a fully clothed Blake with his hair perfectly swept to the side, as usual. He ran his hands down his thighs and then slipped them into his jean pockets, unsure of how to proceed.
“Relax, Blake,” Sierra said, hoping to calm his nerves. “I’m happy for you guys, but I couldn’t resist a little teasing.”
“It’s cool,” he said, but he was obviously not feeling very cool at all. He made a slow approach that ended with a kiss on Ronni’s cheek. “I should get going. I’ll see you tonight?”
“Yes, you will,” Ronni answered. Her cheeks reddened under his open appraisal.
“See you later, Sierra.”
“Bye, Blake.”
As he headed for the door, Ronni tore her eyes away and turned to Sierra. She mouthed, “Look at that ass,” and rolled her eyes as if she had just taken a bite of the most delicious thing in the world.
Sierra glanced down and wiggled her brows in jest.
Blake turned quickly, hitting them with a suspicious stare. Sierra wore an innocent smile upon her lips, which Ronni matched. He glanced between them, then narrowed his eyes. “You two behave.”
“No worries, I’m going to take her to lunch,” Sierra said and then winked at Ronni. “Can’t get into too much trouble with that, can we?”
Blake turned in the doorway and laughed. “Please. I’ve known you two long enough. You can always get into trouble.” He shut the door behind him, leaving the grinning duo alone.
Ronni finished off her cup of coffee. “How about brunch instead? I could go for some pancakes.”
“Sure, whatever you want.” Sierra replied. “I bet after all that physical activity you could use some carbs and proteins to replenish.”
“What the-?” Ronni feigned disgust, but the corner of her lip quirked into a smirk. “Has the Doc brainwashed you? What kind of language is that? Really, Sierra. I’m afraid of what might happen if you two keep going out.”
Laughing, Sierra gave Ronni a playful shove in the shoulder. “Get used to it. I plan on her being around for a long time. She’s the one, Ron.” The statement was meant as a joke, but after saying the words out loud, something inside Sierra clicked and she fell silent.
Ronni stared at her with one brow arched. Sierra wasn’t sure if it was a look of surprise or confirmation. Had Ronni already known Kara was her match or was she just as surprised to hear her speak the words? Ronni always seemed to know things long before she did, but if she was being honest, Sierra had known the moment she’d met Kara that she would be the one who would change her life forever.
***
“Good morning,” Kara greeted Christie, but was lost in thoughts of Sierra. Maybe it’s time for a vacation. I can’t remember the last time I took one. Maybe somewhere warm and sandy. I bet Sierra would look amazing in a bikini.
“Good morning, Doctor Davies.”
The unusually upbeat tone drew Kara’s attention. Christie was smiling at her. She never smiled at her. Confused as to the change in demeanor, Kara glanced around before she settled her gaze back on the cheery receptionist. “What? What’s going on?”
“Nothing.”
Not satisfied with the answer, Kara narrowed her eyes. Christie grimaced at the stare and held up her hands. “Nothing. It’s just…”
“Just what?”
“It’s just that you never smile when you come in and today, well…you’re beaming. That’s all. Sorry. It’s nice to see you in a good mood, that’s all.”
Softening her expression, Kara shifted from agitation to embarrassment. “Oh.” Her eyes fell away, drifting to her feet as she offered an apology. “I’m sorry. I never realized.” She looked up again and smiled. “Thank you. I hope you have a good day.”
“Thank you. Same to you, Doctor Davies.”
Kara hurried down the corridor, ashamed of her behavior. How long had she been walking around with whatever look it was that made everyone assume she was unhappy? Sure, she was in a fantastic mood right now, but she hadn’t been in a foul mood before. She loved her work and took it seriously. Maybe too seriously for others to comprehend. Yes, her mind was constantly occupied with one of the ten irons she kept in the fire, but she had never considered herself unhappy.
Though, if she were being truthful, she hadn’t been happy with her personal life in a long time. But professionally? Yes. So much so, that she had forced work to spill into her personal life until it encompassed everything. Besides Nicole, Kara had no friends, didn’t socialize, and rarely engaged in any of her old hobbies. None of that had bothered her until now.
Meeting Sierra stirred something deeper. Color now invaded a life that had consisted of muted grays. She needed more, wanted more. She missed riding her motorcycle and hiking and going out for a beer. Life was passing her by and for what? There was plenty of time for work and play. All she had to do was let go and she had one very special woman to thank for showing her the light.
CHAPTER TWENTY -EIGHT
Fall had given way to winter and snow now covered the trails. Though spring wasn’t far off, this season’s heavier than usual precipitation meant the mountain wouldn’t be rideable until late May. Sierra had saved up to make a few trips south where she and Ronni could get some riding in, but until then, she was taking some cues from her girlfriend.
Sierra stood atop the snow-covered summit of Mt. Hood with her snowboard in hand and stared at the horizon. So much had changed since this time last year. Kara’s strict daily regimen had rubbed off on her. Her once random and half-assed off-season workouts had been transformed into a dedicated routine of healthy eating combined with high intensity and endurance exercise in a way best suited for her sport. With Kara’s research project completed, the doctor had found a whole new experiment in Sierra’s fitness sessions. She was constantly on the phone and internet to find the most cutting-edge techniques to help Sierra reach her goal.
At first, Sierra thought it was weird that Kara had taken such a v
ested interest in her off-season training routine. That deep insecurity that Kara was only concerned with her success because she had a financial stake had risen its ugly head again. Sierra was a stubborn soul anyway and her insistence on doing things her own way had led to several walk-offs. Kara never followed. She never pushed. She let Sierra know that success was all on her own shoulders, but she was there to help if Sierra wanted. Then Kara would do the workouts herself and go about her day, leaving Sierra to her own devices.
If Kara had been hurt or angered by the rejections, she never let on. She never once commented on Sierra’s refusal to do the routine. She would give her a kiss, say she was proud to be a part of “Team Cody,” and then be on her way. That bugged the crap out of Sierra. She had let it fester for two weeks before she realized Kara enjoyed the challenge all on her own. Whether Kara was mad at her or not, didn’t seem to matter. She may have started the program for Sierra, but Kara liked to push herself and the limits of her own body. A few times, she had even brought equipment to perform a before and after analysis on herself. Every day she worked her way through the exercises that were intended to increase Sierra’s stamina and control, upping the ante each time she learned something new. The doctor dove head first into everything with a passion and that was something Sierra envied.
Watching Kara’s hardcore pursuit of perfection in herself renewed Sierra’s own quest for excellence. Her eyes opened to the fact that her resistance to accepting help would only keep her from reaching her goal. Kara was just like Ronni. She wanted to give Sierra access to everything she needed to be the best. It was up to her to take advantage of the tools at her disposal. So, at long last, she did.
On a Wednesday morning, Sierra surprised Kara by meeting her at the gym and agonizing through the first of many brutal workouts. That had led to Kara negotiating with Volden to rent the virtual lab to riders during the off season as a means of staying in shape. Sierra had logged many long sessions and had even taken Ronni up on her offer to analyze her Go Pro race footage. Having taken a page from her girlfriend, Sierra began her own attack on perfection. She had to admit she was feeling really good—not only physically, but mentally—and she had never been happier.
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