When Gwen arrived at The Dive at eight thirty, CC had not arrived yet. She was dying to find out what she had found out from the hairstylist, but would have to wait until after they left The Dive.
Gwen ordered a beer and wondered if she should be worrying about CC meeting this guy. After all, who knew what kind of unsavory characters Meg had latched onto. Gwen had been surprised many times by the men whom seemingly straightforward and intelligent women fell in love with. No, she reasoned to herself, CC could take care of herself as well as any other woman Gwen had met on the force. And meeting at Starbucks was hardly dangerous. It wasn’t like he had asked to meet her in a dark alley.
“Spaceship back to earth,” Ben said and laughed, breaking her reverie. “Girl, you’re way out there tonight.”
“Sorry. Just daydreaming, I guess,” Gwen said, embarrassed.
“It’s night now, honey. No daydreaming allowed. The dart team will be here in a half hour or so. I want to see some good play tonight.”
“I think we could all use that.”
“You know, I was afraid folk would quit coming in with all the freaky stuff going on, but it’s just been the opposite. Seems like the family is sticking closer together. I’ve been busier than hell the past week. Sure, some of ’ems just nosy and coming around to see what’s the latest, but mostly, people are real concerned.”
“Ben, you realize that’s a compliment to you, don’t you? You make everyone feel safe, comfortable and taken care of,” Gwen told him.
“Well, thank you, Miss Gwen. I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me. Now go have yourself some fun,” he said, nodding to the group coming in the door.
“Yes!”
It was after ten and they were on their second game of darts when CC walked in and sat at the bar. Her face was flushed, almost glowing, and Gwen could tell her meeting had gone well. CC was nearly bursting at the seams to talk, but Gwen could only nod, acknowledging her presence.
Gwen finished the third game and lost miserably. He mind was not on the game. She took the ribbing from her teammates with good humor, laughing with them about her off center shots, and went to the bar to finish her beer.
It was almost midnight and Gwen stifled a few yawns and said her goodbyes. While Ben walked her to her car, she caught CC leaving with TJ at her side. “See you tomorrow,” she said, and waved to Ben as he turned to walk inside.
“You be damn careful out there,” he grumbled in return.
Gwen’s phone rang before she had a chance to fire up her engine. “Your place or mine?” CC giggled. “I’m dying to talk to you.”
“Mine?”
“Okay. Race you there?” CC teased.
“No,” Gwen laughed. “Take it easy and get there in one piece. I missed you too much to have to wait for an accident report to be written for an unnecessary fender-bender.”
As soon as they were inside the door, Gwen grabbed CC by the waist and pulled her close. “Umm, you smell good,” she said and kissed her fervently.
“I missed you too, but…” CC said, pushing away. “I’m going to burst if I don’t tell you about my meeting with Kyle…I mean Kinky. God, do you believe that’s what he wants to be called? Can we sit and have a cup of coffee for a few minutes?”
“Sure,” Gwen agreed. “Come into the kitchen and tell me everything.”
“Well,” CC said, plopping onto one of the kitchen chairs, slipping out of her shoes, and folding her legs under her buttocks. “He’s bisexual, or at least was when he dated Meg. He has a boyfriend now, so I guess you’d say he’s living the gay lifestyle, although he’s monogamous and his boyfriend isn’t. He was Meg’s friend up until the time she disappeared. You know how everyone said Meg was a good friend and listener? He credits Meg for bringing his feelings for other men out in the open, and even introduced him to the partner he’s sharing his life with now. He’s not sure it will work out, but at least he’s been able to explore his feelings and be honest about who he is.”
She leaned forward and propped her head in her hands. “About two weeks before Meg disappeared, she invited him for dinner. When she got up to clear the dishes, she looked out the window above the sink and let out a shriek that he said would have woke the dead. Kinky thought she’d cut herself on a knife or something. She was staring at a black Mercury Cougar…he’s sure that’s what it was. The man was staring back and…oh, God, Gwen…I think we have sort of a description.”
“Sort of a description?” Gwen repeated, as she placed one of the steaming cups in front of CC.
“Well, it was dark, but Kinky said it was an older man with very short hair, almost military style. Of course, sitting down, he couldn’t judge the man’s height, but was sure he weighed about two hundred or so.” CC sighed and her voice dropped to a whisper as she distractedly combed through her hair with her fingers. “I sure hope he can remember something more about the man.”
“Well, at least it’s something to go on. Would he be able to work with a sketch artist?”
“He doesn’t think he saw the facial features that clearly. Another car came down the street and the man sped off. What he was one hundred percent sure of was that the man was there only to stare at Meg through the window.”
“What about hypnotism?” Gwen suggested. “Maybe he’d remember more that way?”
“Could be. I’ll call him tomorrow and suggest it.”
“Anything else?” Gwen asked.
“Yep.” CC slid off her chair and snuggled onto Gwen’s lap. She kissed her lips gently and leisurely, making Gwen dizzy with desire.
“Good thing I’m sitting down, woman,” Gwen said softly. “You make my knees go weak.”
“And I’ve only just begun.”
* * *
Gwen awoke with her nose nestled in CC’s long blond hair and one arm draped across her shoulders. She lay very still so as not to wake CC, remembering the fireworks of their lovemaking. Every time with CC was better than the last. They were now completely comfortable in each other’s arms and were learning the other’s likes, fine-tuning their dance and bringing each other to heights Gwen had only dreamed of.
Gwen knew without asking that CC was still tentative about making a commitment. Understandably, after being in a relationship where she had felt boxed in and trapped, she enjoyed the freedom of having her own place, and coming and going as she pleased. Gwen would jump at the chance to claim CC as her partner, and be proud to marry her if that were a legal option, but she already loved her too much to force her into making a decision. Not being a patient person by nature, Gwen forced her feelings to the side and just let things be. She enjoyed being with CC whenever possible, and loved watching her bloom and knew she would grow with their relationship in her own time.
CC snuggled closer in her slumber and Gwen pulled her tightly against her body. She stifled a yawn and soon was sound asleep again.