Two Hearts–One Mind

by RJ Nolan

  Two Hearts—One Mind

  by RJ Nolan

  Published by Ylva Publishing, legal entity of Ylva Verlag, e.Kfr.

  www.ylva-publishing.com

  Copyright 2014 Ylva Publishing

  Smashwords Edition

  Edited by Judy Underwood

  Cover Design by Amanda Chron

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, and locations are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons or events, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Other Stories in the L.A. Metro Series

  The Wish

  L.A. Metro

  A Treat for Halloween Tricksters

  In a Heartbeat

  Table of Contents

  Other Stories in the L.A. Metro Series

  Author’s Note

  Two Hearts—One Mind

  About RJ Nolan

  Other books from Ylva Publishing

  Coming from Ylva Publishing

  Author’s Note

  This short story, “Two Hearts—One Mind,” takes place after the events in my novel L.A. Metro but before the events in the second book in the series, In a Heartbeat.

  “Two Hearts—One Mind” was previously published in the anthology Connected Hearts. Four Lesbian Romance Stories in 2013.

  Two Hearts—One Mind

  RJ Nolan

  “Hey, McKenna.”

  Sam’s fingers froze on her uniform shirt buttons. She stepped to the end of the row of lockers and peered toward the door.

  Kowalski, a fellow officer, stood with the locker room door propped open with his foot. He motioned Sam over.

  Buttoning her shirt as she went, Sam made her way to the door. “What’s up? I already signed out.”

  Kowalski smirked. “You’re a sly dog, McKenna. You better hope Christy never finds out.”

  Sam scowled. Just the mention of her girlfriend was enough to sour Sam’s good mood. She waved Kowalski out into the hallway and followed him. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  A smile that could only be termed lecherous covered Kowalski’s face. “There’s a smoking-hot blonde asking for you at the front desk.”

  Sam wasn’t expecting any visitors. “What does she look like?”

  “She’s got a killer body.” He brought his hands up and mimed the woman’s breast size. “Hot damn.”

  Sam smacked him on the back of the head. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “Kill joy,” Kowalski muttered. “Fine. About five-nine. Shoulder-length curly blond hair. Blue eyes.” He waggled his eyebrows. “And like I said, she’s smoking-hot.”

  She knew one woman who fit that description perfectly. Kim. “Did you leave her in the lobby?”

  “Yeah. I—”

  Sam waved him off. “Thanks.” She headed for the front desk at a fast walk. What’s Kim doing here in the middle of the week? Fear shot through Sam. Has something happened to Jess? Even as the thought crossed her mind, Sam discounted it. There was no way Kim would be anywhere but at Jess’s side if that were the case.

  She shoved open the door to the lobby and scanned the packed room. Every chair was filled, and people were lined up in front of the main desk. Kim was sitting in a chair against the far wall. A poster on domestic violence hung on the wall above her head. The woman sitting to Kim’s right was leaning way too far into Kim’s personal space for Sam’s comfort.

  Sam quickened her pace. “Hey, Kim,” she said as soon as she got close enough to be heard.

  The woman next to Kim jerked back. Her gaze bounced between Sam and Kim.

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Sam gave the woman a stern look.

  With one last glance at Kim, the woman got up and scurried away.

  Sam tried not to smile at the relieved look on Kim’s face. While Kim dealt with more than her fair share of strange characters as a psychiatrist working in L.A. Metro’s ER, she looked uneasy and out of place in the police station.

  “Sam,” Kim said. She smiled as she rose from her chair.

  “Everything okay?” Sam gave Kim’s hand a quick squeeze.

  Kim hesitated, then nodded. “Um...sorry to just show up like this without talking to you first. I tried to call you last night, but your phone went straight to voice mail. I tried again this morning but just got your voice mail again.”

  “Sorry about that. My phone got broken last night at volleyball practice. I haven’t had a chance to replace it.”

  “Oh. Okay.” Kim shifted in place and stuck her hands in her jean pockets. “I planned on coming down regardless.” Her gaze dropped to the floor. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  Sam peered at her. What’s going on? Something was off. It wasn’t like Kim to sound so unsure of herself. She knows how much I care about her. I’m always happy to see her whether my sister can come with her or not.

  A commotion broke out near the front desk before Sam could question her further.

  Sam stepped in front of Kim, shielding her from the fracas. She made sure her fellow officers had the trouble-maker under control before turning back to Kim. “Come on. You can wait for me in the back while I change and secure my gear. Then we can go grab a cup of coffee and you can tell me what’s going on.”

  * * *

  “I need to do some shopping,” Kim said.

  “Shopping? But...” That didn’t make any sense to Sam. She couldn’t think of anything that would be available in San Diego that wouldn’t be in Los Angeles, where Kim and Jess lived. Before Sam could ask any questions, Kim headed toward the back of the coffee shop. Sam trailed in her wake.

  Kim settled into an overstuffed chair in a quiet corner of the shop.

  Sam pulled the chair next to hers closer and angled it so they could talk somewhat privately. Thankfully, at this time of the afternoon, the coffee shop wasn’t crowded. “So Jess couldn’t get the day off to come with you, huh?”

  Kim shook her head. She looked everywhere except at Sam. Kim popped out of her chair, making Sam jump. “I’ll go get our coffee.” She practically bolted from Sam.

  What the heck? Between Kim coming to San Diego alone for a shopping trip and her unusual behavior, things just didn’t add up for Sam and that stirred her cop instincts. I hope she’s not upset with Jess.

  Jess had been keeping a secret from Kim for weeks now. Please don’t let anything mess up Jess’s plans. She was drawn out of her thoughts by Kim’s return.

  “Here you go,” Kim said. She handed Sam a cup of coffee and a small brown bag.

  Opening the bag eagerly, Sam smiled. Oh, yeah. She knows me well. Unlike Jess, Sam shared Kim’s chocolate addiction. She pulled out the chocolate croissant and took a big bite. Sam groaned, and her eyes closed as the rich chocolate and pastry melted in her mouth. She opened her eyes and grinned at Kim. “Are you trying to bribe me into going shopping with you?”

  Kim flushed. “Maybe.” Her expression turned serious. “I really do need your help.”

  “Anything,” Sam said. “You know that.”

  “I know.” Kim touched Sam’s knee. “And I appreciate it.”

  “Tell me what I can do to help.” It bothered her to see Kim, who was usually so outgoing and vibrant, acting so subdued.

  “Well, Valentine’s Day is next Friday.�
��

  Since that’s all Jess has talked about for the last month. Oh yeah. I know. She couldn’t wait to see Kim’s reaction to Jess’s surprise. Sam fought to tame a smirk. “Really? That’s next week?”

  “Sam!” Kim’s tone left no doubt she wasn’t in the mood to be teased.

  “Okay, sorry. Go ahead.”

  Kim scrubbed her hands up and down her thighs, then sighed. “The Valentine’s Day present I planned for Jess,” her voice hitched, “well, it didn’t work out.” She looked up at Sam with tears glimmering in the corners of her eyes.

  What the hell is going on? This has got to be about more than a present. Sam leaned close. “Hey. It’s okay. I’m sure Jess will understand. She’ll love anything you get her.”

  As Kim brushed her hair back from her face, she blew out a breath. “I know. It’s just...complicated. Anyway, I want this Valentine’s Day to be extra special—for both of us.” She met Sam’s gaze, and the confident spark Sam was used to seeing in Kim’s warm, blue eyes finally made an appearance. “I’m going to buy her a ring and ask her to marry me.”

  Holy smokes, Batman! There go all of Jess’s plans up in smoke. Now what do I do? “Um...Well...”

  Kim’s expression fell.

  Ah. Crap. “That’s great. I’m sure Jess will be thrilled.”

  “You’re sure?” Kim’s brow furrowed. “Do you know something I don’t?”

  Oh, shit! Jess warned you Kim was getting suspicious. Sam put on her best cop face. “No.”

  “You’re positive?” Kim stared at her hard as if trying to gauge her sincerity.

  “Absolutely positive.” Sam was sure Kim would forgive her once she found out why Sam lied. Jess will kill me if I blow the surprise she’s been planning for weeks.

  “Then you’ll help me?”

  “Of course,” Sam said, finally over her shock at what Kim was proposing—literally. A little half-smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Looks like Jess is about to get a surprise of her own.

  “Great. Thank you.” Kim’s smile lit her face. “You’re the same ring size as Jess, so I wanted you to make sure the ring would fit her.”

  Well, now I know why she wanted to come to San Diego. “Did you have a specific jeweler in mind?” I know a good one, but I’m sure as hell not suggesting that one.

  “Yes,” Kim said. “That’s the other reason I needed to come down here. I want to go to Aberdeen Jewelers in La Jolla.”

  Panic raced through Sam. Aberdeen was the same jeweler where Jess had purchased Kim’s ring. Could this get any worse?

  * * *

  “It must be around here somewhere?” Kim glanced at the piece of paper in her hand, then up at the number on the store nearest them. “We’re still twenty numbers off. Must be farther on.”

  Sam knew they needed to go to the end of the walkway where they were and then around the corner, but she couldn’t very well say that. Aberdeen’s was tucked into the back corner of an outdoor mall filled with run-of-the-mill tourist shops. It was not in a location you would stumble upon by accident. “So where did you hear about this place?”

  “Do you remember Lindsay Bower? She’s the social worker you met at Sid’s.”

  “Right.” Sam nodded. “I remember.”

  “She bought her partner a ring here last year. She just raved about the place.”

  Ah. Same way Jess heard about it. Thanks a lot, Lindsay. They must get lots of word-of-mouth business because the place sure doesn’t fit in with the rest of the low-end shops here.

  “There it is!” Kim said.

  Sam kept a smile plastered on her face as she held open the door to the exclusive jewelry store for Kim. She scanned the small store. Oh great. Sam bit back a groan. You just had to ask if things could get worse. There, standing behind the counter, was the same salesman that had waited on Jess.

  The man’s smile brightened when he spotted Sam. “Welcome ba—”

  Sam coughed loudly. “Excuse me. Hello.”

  A frown marred the salesman’s face. “Here to pick—”

  A coughing fit overtook Sam. Or at least that’s what she hoped Kim thought.

  Kim was instantly at her side. She stroked her hand soothingly up and down Sam’s back.

  Sam straightened up and cleared her throat. She met Kim’s concerned blue eyes. Guilt stung her for worrying Kim and taking advantage of her caring nature. But under the circumstances she had little choice.

  “You okay?” Kim asked.

  “Yeah. Don’t know what happened there.” Sam motioned toward a water cooler she had spotted on her initial perusal of the room. “Would you mind getting me a drink of water?”

  “Of course, Sam.”

  As soon as Kim walked away, Sam moved close to the counter and the salesman. She had to be quick; the shop wasn’t that big, and Kim would be back momentarily. She lowered her voice. “You don’t know me. I’ve never been in the store before. Got me?”

  “Here you go, Sam.”

  Sam jumped and spun around toward Kim. “Thanks.” She took the small cup, grateful for the chance to regain her composure.

  “It everything okay?” Kim asked.

  “Good. Everything’s good.” Sam barely resisted the urge to squirm under Kim’s sharp gaze. Calm down. She’s way too perceptive, but it’s not like she can read your mind. “Mr....” She turned to the salesman. “I’m sorry. I didn’t get your name.”

  “Redmond. David Redmond.”

  “I was just telling Mr. Redmond.”

  “David. Please. Call me David.”

  “Okay, David. That you are interested in seeing some wedding bands without stones. That’s what you wanted. Right?”

  Kim looked back and forth between Sam and Redmond.

  Please don’t ask questions. Sam held her breath.

  “Yes. I’d like to see some wedding bands in white-gold and platinum if you have any,” Kim said.

  “Great.” Sam caught herself before she walked straight to the case where the bands were. She looked at Redmond. “Where would those types of rings be?”

  When Redmond pulled two trays of rings from a display case, Sam moved away. She stared unseeingly into a display case several feet away. You know she’s going to ask your opinion. So how do I keep from giving it without hurting her feelings or making her suspicious? Her brain was running a mile a minute, trying to come up with a solution. As much as she loved her sister and Kim, Sam couldn’t help cursing her involvement. How the hell did I end up in the middle of this?

  “Sam. Come take a look. Please.”

  Damn. Here we go. Sam made her way toward Kim as if she were dragging a fifty-pound weight.

  “I’ve narrowed it down to these rings,” Kim said. “Which one do you like?”

  Two rings lay on a piece of black velvet on the counter.

  When she got a good look at the rings, Sam struggled to hide her reaction. No way! She glanced at Kim.

  Kim’s bright smile abruptly faded. “You don’t like either of them.”

  “That’s not true.” Sam picked up each ring and made a show of examining it. “They’re both beautiful.” And it was true. The rings were fantastic.

  “So what’s wrong then?”

  All these rings and those are the two you picked. Just kill me now, ‘cause there is no way in hell I’m giving my opinion. “Nothing—”

  “Sam.”

  She flinched at the irritated tone in Kim’s voice. She knows you too well. Sam forced herself to meet Kim’s gaze. Don’t ruin this for her. “They’re both beautiful rings. I’m sure Jess would be thrilled and proud to wear either one. It’s just that...It’s such a personal thing.” Sam shifted and stuck her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “I mean this ring is supposed to be your expression of your love for Jess. I don’t feel comfortable giving an opinion.” Especially not on those two rings. She tensed, waiting for Kim’s reaction. Her breath almost whooshed out in relief when a stunning smile graced Kim’s face.

  “You’re abs
olutely right.” Kim placed a quick kiss on Sam’s cheek. Without hesitation, she reached for one of the rings.

  Sam bit her cheek to keep from laughing. Unbelievable. Looks like you’re in for more than one surprise, Jess.

  * * *

  Come on. Kim tapped the pen against her teeth. It shouldn’t be this hard. She stared at the blank sheet of paper, willing the words to come to her. The din of the busy hospital cafeteria was not helping her concentration any. Blocking out the sights and sounds around her, she focused on what she wanted to say. It’s not like it’s the proposal. Jess had almost caught her twice trying to write that. You just don’t want her to worry that you left work early.

  Kim had been surprised that morning. She had expected more of a protest when she suggested they take separate vehicles to work. While it had made things easier for her plans, it also worried her. Jess had been uncharacteristically distracted and a little distant over the last two weeks. Ever since she found out you weren’t pregnant—again. Kim wanted it so desperately that she convinced herself that this time she was going to be able to fulfill her and Jess’s wish for a child. That was to be her Valentine gift to Jess. She had been devastated when once again she failed. Anxiety twisted Kim’s stomach. Maybe she’s regretting her commitment now that she knows I can’t give her a child.

  Sliding her hand into her pants pocket, Kim felt for the ring box. She had taken to carrying it with her like a talisman. Her fingers tightened around the box. Now you’re just projecting your own fears onto Jess. She’s never been anything but sympathetic and encouraging that you try again.