“I’ll pass.” Stevie felt anger trying to spill over. “You go and do what you need to do. I have nothing to say to her.”
“You’re sure you’re up for that, sweetie?” Jamie asked.
“Don’t have a choice.”
“You need sleep.” Jamie stood and offered her hand to her wife. “It’s almost dawn, and I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel like hell. Try to get some sleep, Stevie.”
“I’ll try. Don’t forget to close the connecting door.”
“I thought we might leave it open.” CC seemed flustered while she glared at Val. “You know, to be on the safe side.”
“Close the door,” Stevie said. “The last thing I need is to hear the two of you. I swear you’re worse than a couple of horny teenagers.”
Stevie smiled when Jamie winked at her before closing, but not locking, the door that connected the two homes. She turned her attention to the brunette who was still stalking around her living room.
“So, Deputy Val. Now that we’re dating, mind telling me where you’re planning on sleeping?”
The question hung in the air as Val stood in the middle of the living room with her jaw hanging open. “I’m… I’m…” she stammered before she shook her head and managed to speak like a normal person. “I’m not.”
“Oh?” Stevie poured herself another drink.
“I’m on duty,” Val reminded her charge. In her heart, she was also reminding herself. “I won’t be sleeping tonight. I’m here to ensure your safety.”
“Thank you.”
Val checked that the house was indeed secure. She told herself she was performing her duty and not trying to avoid the attractive woman who was watching her every move. When she had checked and rechecked every nook and cranny of the modest home, she finally sat down. Stevie’s brow furrowed when Val chose to sit as far away from her as possible without being in another room.
“So,” Val absently said. Her mind turned completely blank.
“Yes?”
“Uh…” Val hesitated, still unable to conjure up anything remotely intelligent to say. “Uh,” she repeated, feeling the heat of Stevie’s gaze. “Were your parents Fleetwood Mac fans?”
The chuckle Stevie released informed Val it wasn’t the first time someone had asked her that question. Val rubbed her hands along her slacks while Stevie just sat there looking at her.
“Yes,” Stevie finally answered. “My mother is or was. I have no idea how her taste in music runs these days.”
“Aren’t you curious?” If Val were given the chance to see her mother again, she would jump at it.
“No.” Stevie’s head fell slightly back. She blew out an exasperated breath before continuing. “A long time ago, my sister was wounded. You probably already know that, since you’ve been checking us out.”
“She was shot.”
“At the time, I was living in Rhode Island with my parents. The department contacted them. I had no idea what had happened. They never said anything about it. The department called again. Caitlin wasn’t doing well, and the doctors feared the worst. This time I answered the call. I told my mother, unaware that she already knew. She didn’t care. I hitchhiked all the way up to Boston. I sat by Caitlin’s bedside, praying for her. All through the ordeal, I tried repeatedly to get my mother to come and see her. She refused. The last time I tried, she hung up on me. I accepted something that day. Something that I had long suspected. It really was Caitlin and me against the world. So, no, I think I’ll pass on seeing her. I don’t really have anything to say to her. Are you planning on sitting way over there all night?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Let’s see. I’m on a case, you’re a little drunk, and you have a heavily armed, overprotective sister who already pulled a gun on me once.”
“Is that all?”
“Works for me.”
“She does have that effect on people.” Stevie stifled a yawn.
“It’s late.” Val couldn’t help feeling concerned for the overwrought woman. “Why don’t I help you up to bed?”
“Now, that’s the best idea I’ve heard all day.”
“To sleep,” Val quickly amended, while helping the slightly inebriated woman to her feet. “Like I said before, you’re sobriety is in question.”
“And you’re on duty.”
“I’m on duty.” She helped Stevie climb the staircase. “Lead the way,” she said, resting her hand against the small of Stevie’s back. Internally, she told herself the action was only to ensure that Stevie wouldn’t stumble. Deep in her heart, she knew it was a lie.
“This is my stop.” Stevie leaned against the doorway to her bedroom. “I’d feel better if you stayed.”
“I need to…”
“I know.” Stevie held up her hand. Much to Val’s joy anddiscomfort Stevie’s hand came to rest on her chest. “You can watch over me just as easily from my bedroom as my living room. I just don’t want to be alone. The house is too quiet with Emma gone. I promise, no funny business.”
Val could only nod in response as she followed Stevie into the dark bedroom. She released a terse breath after she helped Stevie lay down. She tightened her blazer and shoved her hands in her pockets. She shifted nervously when Stevie gazed up with a curious look in her eyes.
“I wasn’t planning on sleeping in my clothes.” Stevie climbed off the bed.
“Oh? I’ll just…”
“No need.”
Before Val could bolt out of the room, Stevie lifted her dress over her head. Val willed her feet to move, or tried to at least look away. Stevie continued to undress, revealing her toned body. Val remained riveted to the sight. Her eyes scanned the length of Stevie’s naked form. Please just put your pajamas on! her mind screamed while her heart raced. Val’s stomach clenched when Stevie turned to her and climbed back into bed, forgoing the need to put on any clothing.
Val continued to stand there in the darkness long after Stevie had covered her body with the bedspread. Stevie rolled over onto her side and still Val stood there staring. She fought to control her erratic breathing. Nothing was working. All she could do was look down at Stevie who she prayed had fallen asleep.
“Are you just going to stand there all night?” Stevie’s weary voice startled her.
She jumped when the younger woman moved and looked over at her. Val was unaware of what she was doing. Before her mind could catch up with her body, she had shed her blazer and climbed onto the bed.
“Take your shoes off.” Stevie chuckled when Val stiffly moved beside her.
“Sorry.” Val kicked off her shoes. She sat there for a moment completely at a loss. Stevie seemed unfazed by the events. She simply laid back down and curled up under the bedding.
Val clenched her fists before curling up behind the somber brunette. I can do this, she mentally chanted over and over again. She bit back a yelp when Stevie nestled closer to her.
“What’s a bug?”
“Excuse me?”
“You said Caitlin had a bug strapped to her ankle.”
“Bug.” Val blew out a breath of relief. Shoptalk was something she could handle. “B-U-G is an acronym for a backup gun. Based on the size of the bulge beneath the cuff ofyour sister’s jeans, I’m guessing her backup is a forty-caliber Smith and Wesson.”
“Oh.” Stevie yawned. “I know she owns a second gun. I’ve just never known her to wear it. Not around the house anyway. If Caitlin is scared, this has to be bad. I’m afraid,” Stevie said with a sniff. She rolled over, and the fear in her eyes bore into the normally controlled deputy.
“Don’t worry,” Val said in an effort to calm Stevie. Her mistake was reaching down and caressing Stevie’s arm. The feel of flesh prickling beneath her touch or perhaps the pleading look in
Stevie’s eyes was her undoing. Her mind screamed for her to stop, but her body took over. Leaning down, she brushed her lips lightly against Stevie’s soft, trembling lips.
It was meant to
be innocent, she lied to herself. The feel of Stevie’s arms wrapping around her body invoked memories of earlier that day. Memories of the two of them fumbling on the sofa. She gave into the feel of Stevie urging her closer. She moved slightly, half of her body now lying on top of Stevie’s. The chaste, reassuring kiss morphed into a sensual exploration.
Val was lost in the feel of Stevie’s tongue parting her lips. She gave into the sweet sensation. She returned the kiss with a passion she hadn’t felt in a long time. Her hands refused to remain idle. She tugged the covers down, her body shivered from the feel of Stevie’s naked body pressed against her own.
“You said you’d behave.”
“I lied.”
Instead of heeding the warning to remain professional, Val gave in to the desire that had been building since the first moment she had laid eyes on this woman. She cupped Stevie’s breasts. She released a deep moan from the feel of Stevie’s nipple hardening against her touch. She slowly explored the warmth of Stevie’s mouth. Her hands tugged the sheet away from Stevie’s body.
Val shifted and pressed her thigh between Stevie’s legs. Their hips swayed in demanding rhythm. Unable to curb her desire, her kisses drifted lower. She took her time kissing and licking the supple curve of Stevie’s neck. She was spurred on by the short needy gasps her lover released. Passion rolled off her body. Her lips blazed a determined path to Stevie’s exposed breast.
Slowly her tongue circled the rose-colored bud, teasing it before capturing it between her eager lips. She suckled it eagerly. Pleased when she felt Stevie urgently rock against her, she nudged her lover’s thighs farther apart. The scents and sounds of their passion filled her senses. Her body took over. She teased one nipple between her fingers while she taunted the other with her teeth and tongue.
If not for the sudden sound of displeasure from her lover, Val would have continued ravishing her. Startled, she slightly lifted her body. Her heart was pounding as she gazed down at the beautiful woman lying beneath her.
“This has to go,” Stevie playfully demanded, tugging on Val’s belt.
Confused for a moment, Val realized that her utility belt was the problem. “We need to stop.” She tried to pull away.
“Just lose the gun.” Stevie undid the offending belt that held Val’s gun, handcuffs, and various other tools of her trade. Val was prepared to protest when she heard the thud of her equipment hitting the floor. Still she braced herself for an argument while Stevie tugged her white dress shirt out of her slacks.
Val was mystified as to why she wasn’t stopping what was happening. Instead she gave in, allowing Stevie to undress her. Instead of voicing her objections, she let her clothing fall from her body. She failed to stop what could possibly be the stupidest thing she had ever done in her lengthy career. She slipped her hand between Stevie’s quivering thighs.
Her lover’s wetness pooling between her fingers drove away any objections of common sense. Eagerly, she glided her fingers along Stevie’s swollen lips. She teased the opening of her warm, wet, center, before she began teasing her throbbing clit. Her heart beat wildly when her actions were greeted enthusiastically as Stevie passionately thrust against her.
Her pulse quickened from the feel of strong hands that ran down her back to her sides. Stevie’s hands rested on her hips and drew her closer to the tantalizing body beneath her. Their lips united once again. Val was beyond thinking. Her body reacted solely on instinct. She teased her lover’s engorged nub. Urgently, she thrust two fingers deep inside Stevie’s wetness.
Her body shivered when Stevie cried out for more. Val answered her pleas, taking her harder. Stevie’s body trembled as Val watched her ride against her touch. Stevie’s body arched, and she cried out with pleasure as she climaxed. Val cast aside her doubts about what she should or shouldn’t have done that evening.
She willing allowed Stevie to guide her down onto the bed. The last of her clothing was cast aside, and Stevie kissed and licked her way down Val’s body. Val parted her thighs and guided Stevie lower, trembling from the feel of Stevie’s warm breath caressing her thighs. She cried out when Stevie parted her with her tongue.
Val watched Stevie eagerly feasting upon her. She wrapped her legs around her lover’s shoulders and gave all of herself. Stevie suckled her throbbing clit. Val begged for release. Losing the battle to hold on, she cried out before collapsing. She gathered Stevie in her arms, her heart still beating wildly.
“I swear, if you say this was a mistake…” Stevie murmured against her chest.
“I can’t.”
* * *
Next door, Jamie had escorted her wife up to the bedroom. She instructed her to secure her weapons in the lock box. CC complied and Jamie slowly undressed CC before removing her own clothing. She pulled back the covers and guided her to bed. Then she held CC and let her do the one thing she really needed to do. CC wept in her arms, finally allowing the floodgates to open. Once CC had cried herself out, she reached up and caressed Jamie’s face. Jamie leaned into her touch.
It was like a dream, somehow being touched by this woman could wash away all her fears. She dipped her head and gently claimed CC’s soft, inviting lips. Their bodies melted together. The kiss slowly deepened. There was nothing hurried in their movements. They explored the warmth of each other’s mouth, while their hands slowly and softly caressed the other’s body.
“I love you,” CC softly whispered and drew Jamie closer.
“I’m yours.” Jamie’s hands glided along the supple curves of CC’s body. Slowly she explored her way down then back up again. She laced her fingers through CC’s long, silky hair. She suckled CC’s bottom lip. CC leaned into her, and the feel of CC’s exposed flesh brushing against her own drove her insane.
She relished the gentle exploration, yet her body demanded more. Instinctively, she understood CC’s need to be held. To be loved. She lowered her own body and pulled CC down on top of her. Their tongues engaged in a duel for control as the kiss deepened. CC parted Jamie’s firm thighs with her leg. Her body tingled as their bodies moved in perfect rhythm.
“I want you, Jamie. I need you.”
“Take me.”
Jamie guided CC’s hand down her body allowing her to caress her along the way. She moaned when CC’s fingers dipped into her wetness. Slowly, CC touched her and teased her.
“Yes.” Jamie’s body rose off the bed as CC entered her slowly. She felt CC’s fingers reaching her very core. CC wiggled her fingers inside of her before retreating slightly. Jamie fought to steady her breathing, and her hands caressed CC’s body. She smiled when she felt her lover tremble. She bit her bottom lip and gave in to the feel of CC steadily gliding in and out of her wetness. Not to be outdone, she cupped CC’s mound and parted her, before mirroring her lover’s ministrations.
Held captive by each other’s fiery gaze, they pleasured one another slowly before giving in to the passion. Making love came so natural to them. They rode against one another, until they released strangled cries.
Chapter 29
Val awoke naked and confused. It was not a new experience for the world-weary deputy. Beside her, Stevie was caught up in a fitful sleep. The grim look on her face tugged at Val’s heart. Val wanted to smack herself for being an idiot. Instead, she slowly slipped out of bed. Everyone would be there soon. She needed to make herself presentable. The problem was, she didn’t have any clothing. Brenda had promised to drop some off while posing as a plumber.
She checked her watch. Brenda wouldn’t be there for another hour or so. She glanced over at Stevie’s closet. They were about the same height, and Stevie was more toned than the average stay-at-home mom.
She stole a pair of jeans and a plain blouse and went looking for the bathroom. She caught a glimpse of herself in the bathroom mirror. She growled. Anyone could take one look at her and know what she had been doing. Her sister is going kill me.
She took a quick shower, and filled with apprehension, she headed downstairs, pausing when she s
pied a familiar figure planted on the sofa.
“Crap.” She quickly sought an exit plan.
“Might as well get down here.” The harshness in CC’s voice made Val fear for her life. “I can see you.” Val stifled a yelp. No two ways about it, she was a dead woman. She learned a long time ago, that when someone tells you not to sleep with their sister, you should probably heed their warning.
Jamie stepped into view. “Honey, don’t pick on her. Val, please join us? I’ve made coffee and Caitlin was just about to start breakfast.”
“Thank you, Caitlin,” Val said meekly and cautiously descended the staircase.
“Don’t call me that,” CC said.
“She has to call you something.” Stevie snuckup behind her. “Stick with CC.”
CC didn’t buy the innocent smile Val offered. She returned it with an icy glare and stomped out of the room.
“Coffee ladies?” Jamie said.
“Yes, thank you.”
“Thanks, James,” Stevie said. “How pissed is she?”
“Let’s just say I’m glad I have to go to the hospital and I hope that Val won’t end up being one of my patients.”
“I thought you were sleeping,” Val whispered to Stevie while Jamie poured the coffee.
“Someone’s banging on the roof.”
“That would be Mills. She’s posing as a roofer.”
“Any chance she’ll really fix the roof?”
“Knowing Mills, yes.”
There was a knock on the door, and Jamie and Stevie froze. Val checked the window, and CC rushed into the room. Val waved that everything was all right.
“The plumber’s here,” she explained in as normal a tone as she could muster. She nodded for Stevie to answer the door. It was her friend Brenda, who was dressed in work clothes and toting a tool box and a couple of heavy bags.
“Miss Calloway?” She set her tool box and a bag down. She handed one to Val and dug out equipment. “I hear you’ve been having some problems.” CC peered over Val’s shoulder and nodded when she realized what was going on.
Checkmate (Caitlin Calloway Mystery Book 2) Page 22
