by Oliva Lucas
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Sophie woke up in the morning, bleary eyed and on a mission. When she was ready, she headed down the stairs and hurriedly rushed past a perturbed Leah in the corridor.
“Well, if it isn’t miss blondie-locks looking all high and mighty today. Got any more trouble planned for the day?”
“Oh, give it a rest Leah. Have enough on my plate without you adding your two cents.”
“I warned her about you.”
Sophie stopped walking, turned around and walked right back until she stood in front of Leah. She snapped her head towards her. “I am not fucking my ex. Since you like gossiping so much, maybe you can tell her that.”
Leah blew out her breath as she watched Sophie march off into the parking lot.
As Sophie reached her car door, she heard Jack call out. “Soph, you heading into town?”
Sophie closed her eyes. The last thing she wanted was company, even it was just Jack. “Yeah,” she said flatly.
“Any chance I could grab a ride?”
“Sure. Jump in.”
Sophie turned on the ignition and backed out of the parking lot. She knew Jack was looking at her. “Don’t ask Jack. So much crap going on at the moment. It’s been a rough, few days.”
“Anything you want to talk about?”
“No. sorry.” She rubbed the back of her neck as she let out a long held in sigh. They drove along in silence for a few minutes.
Sophie looked in her rear vision mirror, and squinted her eyes. “Some idiot it tailing me. He is right up my rear.”
Jack swung his head around. “Yeah he is way too close.”
“Oh my god. It’s my ex. Is he crazy?”
Just then Sophie swerved as a car flew up the inside and swung into their lane.
“Holy shit. He’s trying to hit me.”
“Farrrr out!” Jack whistled as he threw his hands onto his head. “What an absolute jerk!”
Sophie clenched her jaw. “He’s been harassing me for weeks. I have to do something about it.”
“You do. The guy’s a full-blown lunatic.”
A few minutes later they pulled into the parking lot outside Sophie’s work.
“Thanks for the lift Soph. And be careful.”
As they got out of the car, a man came charging across the lot toward Sophie. Jack ran across and pulled in front of Sophie, spreading out his arms defensively.
“Hey. I need to speak to my girlfriend,” yelled the unkempt, unshaven man.
“Matt, go home to LA.” Sophie barked.
“She wants you to leave her alone mate.” Jack added.
Matt spat out. “Who the fuck are you? Gee you get around Sophie. One is never enough for you.”
Sophie raised her voice. “Matt, go! I’m going to call the police, I swear.”
Jack rolled up his sleeves and pushed out his chest as he stepped towards him. “You heard her, rack off.”
“This isn’t over Sophie,” snarled Matt through clenched teeth and with clenched fists. “And get out of my face, pretty boy.” Matt thumped his hands against Jack’s chest pushing him back, before he finally turned away.
“You okay, Sophie?” Jack looked concerned. “How long have you been dealing with this psycho?”
Sophie blew out a breath. “Too long.”
“Come on. I’ll walk you inside.”
◆◆◆
Once inside, Sophie had a quick word with her boss, and got some paperwork together. She was getting an Uber to the county court house and obtaining a temporary restraining order against Matt. She had mostly prepared it last night, and today was just the icing on the cake. She couldn’t ignore it any longer. It was getting dangerous now. Even poor Bella had become a casualty of his wrath.
At the end of the day, she only had one more thing to do. She had made a couple copies of the temporary restraining order and placed one inside a large envelope and slipped it under Bella’s door. Maybe Bella wouldn’t hate her so much if she saw this. She honestly had no idea anymore. She slumped her shoulders and walked inside her apartment.
◆◆◆
Sophie stood in the shower for what seemed like an eternity. She let the steam envelop her in an intimate embrace. It was just what she needed.
When she finally stepped out, she toweled off, slipped on her fluffy white robe, and towel dried her hair. She poured herself a glass of chilled white wine, and took a long sip. She walked over to the couch, and let her body sink back into the cushions. Thank god this day was almost over.
She was surprised when she heard a knock on the door. She picked up her cell, in case it was Matt, and opened the door.
It was Bella. She was standing there with a small suitcase. She held up the envelope.
“Bella.”
“Hey.”
“You put this under my door?
“Yeah I thought you should know.”
She frowned when she saw Bella’s left eye still had a dark ring around the corner.
“Why didn’t you tell me all of this was going on?”
“Honestly, I thought I could handle it myself. I didn’t realize you were going to be dragged into it.”
Bella looked straight at her.
“Do you want to come in?”
“Yeah I don’t have long. I am heading off to the airport.” Bella walked in.
Sophie felt her heart sink. “Oh okay. Business or pleasure?” Doubt suddenly flooded her mind. Had she already replaced her?
“Writers conference in Seattle.”
Sophie breathed an internal sigh of relief at her response. She extended her arm. “Please take a seat. Would you like a wine?”
“Yeah thanks.” Bella settled into the couch.
Sophie grabbed a bottle from the fridge and poured a glass. She brought the glass over, and handed it to Bella.
“Thanks.”
Sophie sat down next to Bella and looked up at her. “I wasn’t sure if you would ever speak to me again.”
“I didn’t think I would,” Bella said honestly.
Sophie nodded, before adding softly. “You know I didn’t sleep with him, right? I never would.”
“According to Leah.”
Sophie reached out and touched Bella’s arm. “No, according to me.” Sophie exhaled heavily. “I did meet him that night. In the hotel lobby of where he was staying. Just to talk. I needed to tell him to stop contacting me.”
“But you lied to me.”
“Yes.” Sophie ran her hand over her face and looked down. “I should never have done that.”
Bella narrowed her eyes. “Then why did you?”
“Honestly, I thought it would upset you if you knew I was meeting him, and I didn’t want you to feel that way.”
“So, you thought it better to lie? Wow we are totally on two different tangents.”
Sophie winced. “Bella, I stuffed up. I hate lying myself so I don’t know why I did it. I didn’t think things through. But there is no excuse, and I am sorry.” Sophie lowered her gaze to the floor. “I spoke to him for ten minutes max, and I left and went straight to the office where I worked until the early hours.”
Bella watched her. “What did you guys talk about?”
“Actually, I’m glad you asked. I told him not to contact me anymore, and that I met someone and was happy. He laughed, and told me I would come crawling back. So, I told him I was with a woman named Bella, and she made feel better than he ever did.”
Bella looked surprised. “Ouch.” She paused. “No wonder he was pissed. I am surprised you said that.”
“Why because you think I am embarrassed to be associated with you?” Sophie picked up Bella’s hand, and looked into her eyes. “Bella…. I was never embarrassed to be with you, a woman, or to be gay. I was having trouble accepting how I was feeling. I tried to push it away, but I couldn’t it. It was too real. Can’t you see that?”
“I think I am starting too.”
“Good.” Sophie pushed Bella’s hair behind her e
ar, then stroked her cheek. “How’s your eye?”
“Still sore.”
Sophie shook her head in disgust. “I still can’t believe he did that.”
“It may have had something to do with the fact that I called him a loser, and told him to get lost.”
“Bella! You what?” Sophie covered her mouth with her hand. “That was such a dangerous thing to do.”
“Well he was screaming in my face.”
Sophie screwed up her forehead. “Do you have any idea how much I care about you? I hope you can forgive me one day.” She placed her hand on top of Bella’s. “Do you still want me to go away?”
“I don’t know Sophie. The more I hang around you, the more injuries I sustain.” Bella said seriously before letting a small smile form.
Sophie returned her smile and nodded. “It’s true. I am sorry. Can we sort this out somehow?” Her heart was in her mouth praying that Bella wanted this as much as she did.
Bella looked into her eyes and placed her hand on her cheek. “Let’s try.” She let out a breath. “I’ve missed you.”
Sophie sighed as her voice croaked with emotion. “No more than I have missed you.” She picked up her hand and tenderly kissed it.
“You don’t have anymore crazy ex’s hiding anywhere do you?” Bella looked over her shoulder.
Sophie let out a little laugh. “God, no. One’s enough.” Sophie turned Bella’s face to her. “I’ve been dying for you to kiss me.” Her eyes dipped to her lips.
Bella put her hand behind Sophie’s head, and pulled her mouth towards hers.
Sophie let out a small moan as their lips pressed together in a tender kiss. “Mmm I’ve missed your taste.” She pressed her forehead against Bella’s.
“I have to go or I’ll be late.”
“Can I see you again?”
“Yes.” Bella smiled, cupped her face with her hands and kissed Sophie one final time. She got to her feet, grabbed the handle of her suitcase and headed toward the door, before turning and smiling back at Sophie. “I am back Saturday. See you soon.”
“See you Bella.” Sophie let out a sigh.
The door closed behind her, and Sophie threw her head back onto the couch as she heard the wheels of Bella’s suitcase run and skip across the pavement. This was going to be a long, few days. She missed her already.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Sophie put her head down the next few days at work as she motored through a back log of cases. It was the perfect distraction from the perfect human. There had been a handful of messages exchanged between them, but they had kept it short and light.
Sophie was craving so much more. She missed Bella’s touch, her lips, her everything. She recalled the way their naked flesh had pressed together and felt an instant tingle between her legs. Stop it.
Just when she thought she couldn’t last any longer without any contact, her cell lit up with a message from Bella. “Hey. I was thinking if you were free Sunday, maybe we go away for the night? My brother has a little ranch in the country and he will be away. Could be just what we need?”
Sophie smiled. She had forgotten that it was a holiday on Monday. She quickly replied to the message. “Sounds perfect. Let’s do it x”
And that alone would help her get through the last few days. Just knowing they would be together is all that she needed right now. She tapped her pen on her lip.
Well that wasn’t entirely true. She also needed to ravish Bella’s body. Feel her skin against hers. She let out a small laugh and shook her head. Her sex drive had surprised her lately. It was through the roof. She hadn’t been this horny in like forever. Not even as a hormonal teenager. Well, better late than never.
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Bella’s flight had been delayed so she got home just before midnight which was super annoying. She really wanted to see Sophie but she was just beat. Oh well, she was going to see her tomorrow morning, bright and early.
They had planned to meet up at 7am. Bella wanted to leave early to make the most of their time together, and also to avoid the prying eyes of the resident spies, namely Leah and Jack. She didn’t feel like explaining herself just yet.
She quickly undressed and changed into her pajamas before crawling under the covers of her duvet. She felt a strange wave of contentment laying in her bed knowing that Sophie was on the other side.
As she closed her eyes, she heard a little tap on the bedroom wall. Sophie must’ve heard her come in. Bella smiled, and gave a little double tap back.
Good night Sophie.
◆◆◆
A few minutes before 7am and Bella was in front of Sophie’s door. She was about to knock when Sophie opened the door.
Bella could not help but beam in her direction as her stomach happily skipped around. “Hey you. Ready to go?”
“I sure am.” Sophie flashed a big smile and kissed her on the lips.
They quietly headed down to the parking lot and popped their bags into the trunk of Bella’s red SUV, before climbing inside.
Bella slapped the steering wheel with her hands. “I am so excited to be driving you have no idea. First time in two weeks.” Bella voice was a hive of excitement as she turned on the ignition, and accelerated out of the parking lot. “No freaking moon boot can hold me back now.”
Sophie giggled as she looked at her. “Okay lead foot, calm down.” She leaned across and picked up Bella’s hand and interlaced her fingers with hers.
“Funny that we both have red cars.”
“Doesn’t red mean that you are an attention-seeker?”
“Well I’m not.” Bella added cheekily, before looking across at Sophie. “I don’t know about you.”
Sophie laughed and made a face at Bella. “Be very, very careful.” Sophie looked out the window. “So, miss random, where exactly are we going?”
“Well, Mike has a small ranch two and a half hours from here, close to the Arizona border. I think you will love it. It’s super quiet and relaxing. A great place for writing. I try to get there once a month but sometimes life gets in the way, you know. He and his wife spend a fair bit of time with her parents in Arizona, so he always lets me know so I can come and stay if I want. I let him know that we were staying the night.”
“Do they have a lot of animals?”
“No, not really. Couple of horses, some chickens, a goat. I thought I could take you horse riding today if you like?”
“Sure. That sounds like fun. I am not an athlete like you…” Sophie began, then winked as Bella looked across.
“Hey, low blow.”
Sophie laughed. “Come on it’s to be expected.” She gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m up for anything as long as it’s with you.”
“Okay, good answer.”
The drive was relaxing and scenic. Along the way, they stopped off for coffee and breakfast and became lost in conversation. They spoke of their childhood, and family, and shared stories of the twists and turns their lives had taken.
It wasn’t long before Bella was turning off onto a long dirt road that wound its way up to a charming country home perched on a hill.
“Wow, it sure is beautiful here.” Sophie beamed as she took in the vista of the surrounding mountains, and grassy, open fields.
“Told you.” Bella smiled across at her as she switched off the ignition.
They climbed out, and took their bags inside. Here are the bedrooms.” Bella pointed into a bright, airy room. “I’ll probably stay in this one.”
Sophie smacked Bella’s butt. “If you make me sleep in another room, I am going to walk back home now.”
“You are not going anywhere.” Bella grinned, pulling her close and wrapping her arms around her. “I couldn’t live with myself if you did that, you know.” She kissed her lips gently. “So, what do you want to do now?”
Sophie knew exactly what she wanted to do now as her hormones surged through her body. She had not been able to think of anything but their first time together. There was
plenty of time for that though. They still needed to get to know each other. She bit the inside of her lip. “Let’s go horse riding.”
Bella clapped her hands together. “Yes!”
Sophie loved seeing Bella happy and clearly horses made her happy, so what was a girl to do? She was going to do this one way or the other.
◆◆◆
Bella got straight to work as she strapped the horses, and fixed their saddles in place.
Sophie stepped back against the fence. “What are you like some regular cowboy? You look like you know what you are doing.”
Bella laughed. “Told you we used to visit our aunt and uncle in Texas a bit. Well our favorite thing was to ride horses. From sunrise to sunset.”
“So, what you are trying to say is that you are a pro?”
“No. I just know my way around horses.” Bella smiled as she looked over to Sophie.
Sophie had her arms crossed and was freaking out internally. She had been on a horse, a miniature horse, when she was six and that was the extent of her riding capabilities.
“So, come over here and I will help you get up.”
“Can you give me some tips? I am a novice.” Sophie wondered over cautiously and bit her lip. She patted the horse’s nose. “Okay nice horsey.”
Bella laughed. “Her name is Princess. And I will be right beside you. So, just put your foot in the stirrup, grab the saddle with your hands, then swing your other leg over. I’ll help you if you need.”
Sophie did as she was told and lifted herself into the stirrup. Bella pushed her ass up, unnecessarily, and she swung her leg to the other side.
“Hey, I don’t think you needed to feel me up.”
Bella smiled mischievously. “Only trying to help the beginner.”
“I know you,” Sophie said laughing. “Well I have no idea what I am doing. Do I need to steer this thing?”
