by Becky Harmon
“Dillon!” Cassie frantically shoved him. “Stop it.” She squeezed a piece of aluminum foil into a ball and whipped it at him. Both dogs dove to retrieve the ball when it bounced off his shoulder. When the second ball connected with Dillon’s head, he finally stopped dancing and took cover behind the kitchen’s center island. Cassie launched several more balls over the counter and she could hear the dogs’ nails on the floor as they raced to retrieve them. Dillon slid around the counter and launched a barrage back at her. Several of the balls hit her in the chest, leaving wet spots from the dog drool.
“Honestly! A drool ball?” Cassie yelled at him. “I’m going to kick your ass.”
Cassie and Dillon froze as Kathleen and Shelley came around the corner. Shelley stared at both of them.
“What’s going on down here?” Shelley asked with a stern face, biting back her laughter.
Cassie stood and pointed at the wet spots on her chest. “Dillon drooled on my shirt.”
“Dillon?” Shelley looked inquiringly at him.
Dillon stood to face her. “You know she lies, Shell. It’s not my drool and I didn’t technically put it on her shirt.”
Cassie laughed. “Well, he’s right. It’s dog drool and it got on my shirt from an aluminum foil ball.” Cassie pointed at Dillon. “That he threw.”
“I think I’ve heard enough,” Shelley said. “It’s time to carry the food outside.”
Dillon stepped around Shelley and whipped another ball at Cassie, hitting her between the shoulder blades. Kathleen, who had moved into the kitchen to help Shelley pull containers from the refrigerator, took a couple steps away from Cassie.
“I was talking to you, Dillon!” Shelley shoved several stacked food trays into his arms.
“Yes ma’am.” He hung his head and followed Shelley, throwing an evil smile over his shoulder at Cassie.
Cassie grinned at Kathleen. “You can come back over now.”
Kathleen stepped beside her, running her hand over Cassie’s back. “You have a little bit of drool on your back too.”
Cassie watched Kathleen’s bottom lip start to quiver as she tried to hold back her laughter. Cassie gave her a gentle push. “I thought you were on my side.”
“Oh, I am, but I can still appreciate the drool spots on your shirt.”
Cassie stepped into the pantry and filled two dog bowls with kibble, setting them in the elevated feeder. “That should stop them from eating aluminum foil.” Cassie took a step toward her. “Did you have a nice tour?”
“I did.” Kathleen backed into the counter. “Did you have a nice drool ball battle?”
“I did.” Cassie placed her hands on the counter on either side of Kathleen and stared into her eyes. She wasn’t sure what she was searching for, but the smoldering look of desire she found in Kathleen’s face pulled her forward. Gently their lips met and their tongues entwined. Unlike the earlier kiss, this one deepened immediately. The soft lips were familiar to Cassie now and she longed for more. Kathleen’s fingers slid up her neck and into her hair, sending bolts of lightning through Cassie’s body. She slid her leg between Kathleen’s and felt the vibration of Kathleen’s moan. The front door slammed, and Cassie spun, concealing Kathleen with her body.
Shelley glanced at them and quickly pulled the last container from the counter. “I’ll just grab the potatoes and go.” She stopped in the doorway her back to them. “Dillon started the grill so no need to hurry.”
Cassie didn’t move until she heard the door close behind Shelley.
“Sorry about that.” Cassie turned and pulled Kathleen against her.
“Nothing for you to be sorry for. I don’t think Shelley was upset and I’m certainly not.”
“I guess we should head outside.” Cassie reluctantly picked up the bottle of wine and started toward the front door.
“Or upstairs?” Kathleen’s voice was soft but teasing.
Cassie stopped, taking a deep breath and Kathleen walked past her onto the porch, bumping Cassie’s shoulder as she passed. “Maybe I can get the full tour later?”
Chapter Ten
Cassie glanced around at the crowd as they approached the large brick grill surrounded by picnic tables. Dillon turned the grilling duties over to Cassie with a wink, but to her relief he didn’t offer any additional harassment. Unfortunately, she knew he would save it for later but she didn’t care—the kiss had been worth it.
Shelley took Kathleen by the arm and began introducing her to everyone. Unable to keep her eyes off her, Cassie watched as she chatted comfortably with the guests, occasionally looking back to meet Cassie’s eyes. She was still dressed in the borrowed jeans from the earlier horseback ride. She had joked about their length earlier, but in the dark jeans, Kathleen’s legs looked long and lean.
“What are you smiling about?”
Cassie was surprised to find Kathleen next to her. She struggled to think of something cool to say, but when smoother words wouldn’t come she blurted the truth. “I was admiring your legs in those jeans.”
Kathleen smiled, offering her wineglass to her.
“Thank you.” Cassie took a sip and passed the glass back.
“Thank you.” Kathleen dipped her glass at Cassie before putting it to her lips.
Cassie stepped away from the grill and put her arm casually around Kathleen, speaking softly. “No, thank you.”
“I get the feeling we’re talking about a lot of different things here.”
“Well, I appreciate you sharing your wine and for you being here with me.”
“Not so different then. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.”
Cassie couldn’t remember feeling so happy. She looked around at the group of people, talking and laughing, her gaze taking in Ryan and Judy’s oldest son, David, sitting at the farthest picnic table with his sister. Cassie frowned when their eyes met and he continued to stare in their direction. She leaned in close to Kathleen’s ear. “I think we’re being watched.”
“I noticed some interest.”
“Do you think it’s us together or one of us individually?”
“I’m not sure.”
Cassie took the wineglass from Kathleen and drained the remaining liquid in it. “How about a refill?”
Kathleen took the empty glass. “Clever.”
She watched Kathleen walk toward the picnic table covered with drinks and food. When she glanced over at David, she saw that he too was focused on Kathleen. Watching his eyes follow Kathleen on her path back, Cassie dropped her gaze from him and relaxed.
She greeted Kathleen with a smile. “Oh, it’s you, baby.”
Kathleen laughed. “Baby…really?”
Cassie couldn’t stop the blush from covering her face so she turned to flip the meat on the grill. She hadn’t meant to say that. “Sorry, that just slipped out,” she said softly as Kathleen stepped close.
“I like that you say what comes to mind. Honesty is not overrated.”
“Except at poker. Which is why Dillon says I’m never allowed to play.”
“I can see how that could be bad for you.”
Cassie called to the group. “I have rare ready to go. Any takers?”
Pete and Ryan jumped up from the table and grabbed plates.
“I was starting to worry you were making rubber out of that luscious looking piece of meat,” Pete berated Cassie.
“Some folks don’t like to chase their meat on their plate,” Cassie joked back at him.
Turning the remaining steaks, she allowed them to cook a little longer before calling the next group. Kathleen appeared with two plates, and Cassie gave her a huge smile. “You read my mind.”
Kathleen gave her a wink as she walked away with their plates balanced in her hands.
Cassie spread a small amount of sauce on the remaining steaks and looked around to see where Kathleen had settled. She stood beside the farthest picnic table with the two oldest Jackson kids. Cassie smiled when Kathleen took each of them by the han
d and led them over to join the rest of the group.
“Looks like you lost your assistant,” Shelley said as she handed Cassie the remaining plates. She nodded toward Kathleen. “I’m really starting to like her.”
“What’s not to like?”
Shelley distributed the remaining plates as Cassie filled them. Kathleen passed on her way to the cooler and slid her hand across Cassie’s lower back. Goose bumps erupted on her arms and Cassie couldn’t fight the shiver that ran down her body.
To distract herself from the erotic thoughts the touch had sparked, Cassie began stabbing potatoes from the depths of the charcoal and passing them around. She found an empty spot between Kathleen and Shelley and happily took it. Kathleen was attempting to engage David in conversation.
“You guys are from Louisiana?” Kathleen asked, glancing at Judy for assistance when David only nodded.
“Yes, just outside Shreveport,” Judy answered.
“School must release early for the summer there?”
“We start early in the fall to allow days for hurricanes, but this year we didn’t have any.”
“Our kids don’t get out until the first week of June.” Kathleen took a bite of her steak. “Oh, this is good.” She moaned, nudging Cassie with her elbow. “And she can cook.”
“I’m not sure grilling qualifies as cooking.” Dillon jumped in before Cassie could answer.
“I made the burgers too,” Cassie added, making the group around her laugh.
“I was tempted to try both, but I couldn’t resist this steak.”
Dillon leaned around Shelley and Cassie. “There are plenty so you can have one of them too.”
“Oh, I don’t think I could, but thank you.”
Cassie bumped her shoulder. “Then it will be lunch tomorrow.”
“I may never go home.”
Kathleen’s voice was soft, and Cassie wasn’t sure anyone else had heard her comment. She pressed her thigh a little harder against Kathleen’s and felt her return the pressure. Giving up on paying attention to the conversations around them, Cassie reveled in the closeness of the woman beside her. She was definitely getting used to having Kathleen around and there wasn’t anything she could do about the smile she could feel stretching from ear to ear.
* * *
Cassie lit citronella candles and placed them on the tables as the evening light began to fade. The old-fashioned streetlights around the lake came on automatically, bringing muted light to the picnic area and drawing moths. Cassie saw Darby and Derek follow Dillon to gather firewood, and she knew the evening would be ending shortly. She looked around the group, searching for Kathleen. She hoped to have a moment alone with her and see what her plans were for the next day. Did she need to rush back to Pensacola or could she talk her into hanging around for a while? Cassie wanted to convince her to stay as long as she could.
When she finally spotted Kathleen, she was pleased to find her looking in her direction. Cassie forgot everything around her as her body responded to the intensity of her gaze. When Kathleen turned to acknowledge a comment from Judy the connection was broken. Cassie felt the loss; she needed to be near her. She crossed to the food table and began helping seal plastic containers as she listened to their conversation.
“David seems to prefer watching from the outside rather than participating.” Kathleen glanced in David’s direction as he watched Derek and Darby, returning with their arms full of firewood.
Judy nodded. “Derek and Darby have their father’s natural athleticism, but unfortunately David is exactly like me. We’re still hoping he’ll have a growth spurt before school starts.”
Kathleen’s hands rocked the half-full wine bottle back and forth. “That doesn’t have to be a bad thing as long as he understands everyone is different.”
Cassie took the wine bottle from Kathleen’s hands, substituting a water bottle. Even in the dim light, she could see the strained look on Kathleen’s face and she wanted to ease it. “You’re on vacation. Relax.”
Kathleen smiled at her.
“Contrary to what Shelley believes, I don’t think wine goes well with s’mores.” Cassie passed a bottle of water to Judy.
Judy laughed, taking the bottle and turning to watch her squealing boys as the flames from the fire stretched toward the sky.
“I’m not sure I can eat any s’mores after that steak,” Kathleen moaned, laying her head against Cassie’s shoulder.
“What?” Cassie stepped back, pretending to be offended. “You have to eat a s’more.”
“I’ll give it some thought, but first, I think I’ll take a walk.”
“I need to supervise the marshmallow distribution, but I’ll save you a seat. Pandy will go with you though.”
Cassie smiled as if on cue Pandy appeared at their feet. Kathleen stroked her head as they walked toward the path.
Judy had silently watched the interaction between them. “She’s a very intuitive woman. I enjoyed talking with her.”
“She works with foster kids.” Cassie watched Kathleen stop beside David. “She’s one that really cares.”
“It seems like she might care about you too.”
Cassie’s heart gave a flutter. She tried to keep her face neutral, but a little smile slipped out.
“I asked Kathleen if my son was making her uncomfortable, but maybe I should ask you the same question.”
“Not at all.”
“He seems to be quite taken with Kathleen. She has a very gentle approach, and he is clearly drawn to it.”
“His infatuation will pass and Kathleen doesn’t seem uncomfortable.” Cassie watched as Kathleen, David and Pandy began walking around the lake.
“We’ve had a wonderful vacation and I certainly wouldn’t want it to end on a bad note.”
“There’s nothing to worry about. You guys are welcome back anytime.”
“Ryan and I have already talked about booking for next summer. Since you only have one cabin that will hold us all, I’d like to book it before we leave tomorrow.”
“Next summer is still pretty open, so if you know what dates you want we can do it when you check out.”
“The boys would like to visit the zip line place in Milton next summer.”
“Remind me and I’ll pick up some coupons before you arrive.”
“Thanks, again, for everything.”
“My pleasure.” Cassie put her arm around Judy’s shoulders. “Shall we join the fire bugs?”
Cassie picked up several bags of marshmallows, chocolate bars and a box of graham crackers as they moved closer to the fire. After distributing the marshmallows and sticks, she took a seat in one of the chairs Dillon had pulled from the storage shed. As she placed her marshmallow on the end of a stick, she tried to locate Kathleen around the lake, but the glow from the fire reduced everything outside its range to a blur. Trying to scan the dim light around the lake, she stood, sticking her marshmallow into the fire in the process.
She felt Kathleen’s breath on the back of her neck before she spoke and the goose bumps emerged on her arms again.
“You’re on fire,” Kathleen whispered softly into Cassie’s ear.
“Yes.” Cassie turned to face her. “And you’re to blame.” She pulled the burning marshmallow up to her face and blew out the flame. Pulling the black glob from the stick she held it up, offering Kathleen the first bite.
“It’s burnt.” Kathleen took a step back and Cassie followed her. “No, it’s not just burnt, it’s charcoal.” She glanced over her shoulder as she took another step back.
“It’s supposed to be burnt. It’s the best way to eat them. Otherwise they’re just a sugary glob.” Cassie narrowed her eyes as they passed under the light and she caught a glimpse of the desire on Kathleen’s face. “This way,” she continued breathlessly, “they melt in your mouth.” She took another step, pushing Kathleen into the shadows behind the shed. Sandwiching Kathleen’s body between her and it, Cassie held the marshmallow up between them.
Kathleen raised her eyebrows. “Why do I get the feeling I’m going to eat it or wear it?”
“Oh, you’re going to eat it all right.” Cassie shoved the marshmallow into her own mouth and licked her fingers clean. She almost choked with laughter at the surprised look on Kathleen’s face.
She braced her hands on the shed with Kathleen centered between them and brought their lips together. Opening her mouth, she felt Kathleen slide her tongue inside. The sweetness of the marshmallow mixed with the succulent taste of Kathleen’s mouth, and Cassie lost all sense of control. Kathleen’s hands slid inside her shirt, and she felt a jolt of arousal pulse through her as her thumbs stroked across the thin layer of cloth covering her hard nipples. Distantly she heard Dillon call to her and she broke the kiss, remembering they were barely concealed behind the shed. She collapsed against Kathleen, stilling her hands between them.
“Seriously.” Cassie exhaled roughly.
“Seriously, I’ll never eat another marshmallow the same again.”
“Cool.” Cassie mumbled, her face buried in Kathleen’s neck.
“Not cool. Very hot, in fact, and you need to stop breathing on my neck or we’re headed back to your house right now.”
Dillon yelled again, and they laughed when Shelley told him to shut up.
“I think our absence has been noticed.” Cassie pulled her head from Kathleen’s neck.
“I was thinking about calling it a night anyway, but I guess I should say goodbye to everyone first.”
“I’ll grab you some clothes to sleep in and meet you by the office with the key to the cabin.”
“Leaving me to face the firing squad alone?” Kathleen groaned.
“Believe me, they’ll go a lot easier on you without me there.” Cassie squeezed her hand and turned before Kathleen could convince her to change her mind.
Cassie walked toward the house, resisting the urge to shake her head. The number of times she had lost control today was growing fast and she wasn’t sure she recognized her own behavior. Normally quiet and reserved, she was not the kind of person who pushed a woman against a wall and devoured her mouth. Yet that’s what she had done more than once today and, honestly, it was what she wanted to do right now.
