Morgan woke to an empty bed, Shawn up obviously long ago given the coolness of the sheets. The sun was shining through the slats of the window. It looked to be another glorious day in Lake Tahoe. Morgan stretched the soreness of her body and limbs, evidence of her workout with Shawn the night before. Morgan had had some great sex with other women, but with Shawn, it was out of the stratosphere hot, hot, hot. Shawn knew her way around Morgan’s body. Morgan hadn’t had so many orgasms in so little time as she’d had with Shawn. She smiled and became wet while thinking how Shawn had fucked her hard the previous night. She slipped her fingers into her sex, tempted to make herself come when her clit twitched, but she wanted to savor the feeling for the rest of the day until Shawn could take care of the problem herself. And, oh, what a problem to have. Morgan felt like she’d been rebirthed.
In the week and a half that she’d been in Lake Tahoe, Morgan felt like she’d become a new woman, like she had shed the skin of her former self. Almost. She still had feelings of insecurity that kept some of the walls up around her heart. She’d love to admit that she fully trusted Shawn, but if she was being honest with herself, Jess had done such a number on her, she sometimes didn’t trust her own judgement. She was trying though. It was part of her self-discovery. She’d learned to quiet her mind, to slow down, to pause long enough to enjoy the true beauty, both of nature and people. Morgan had a sense of home here with her new friends, and she felt the sting in her eyes when she thought about returning to Sacramento in a few days. She’d miss her walks down to the lake, the smell of the clean air, her new friends at the diner, and especially Shawn.
She shook her head to escape the negative feelings that crept into her mind. She wasn’t leaving forever. Morgan and Shawn were dating now. She’d be back. Morgan realized that she wouldn’t mind to be the one always doing the traveling because that would mean she’d get to see her new friends more often.
It wasn’t like she was unhappy in Sacramento. Her best friends were there. Her job that she loved was there. However, she’d been feeling stagnant, like sitting water that was attracting pesky mosquitos. Even when she was living with Jess, her life was vanilla, plain. No time for fun. Morgan had needed a shake-up in her life. She’d needed to for quite some time. And she got it in Tahoe. Her life would be better now that she’d come here.
Morgan got out of bed and dug a T-shirt and sweatpants out of Shawn’s dresser. She had her own sweats to wear that she’d left there, but having Shawn’s clothes on made her feel closer to her lover. Morgan wasn’t sure if “lover” was the right word to use now. She was a great friend, and they were now officially dating. But it was more. Morgan’s feelings and affection were growing. Dare she say she may be falling hard for her kind, gentle mountain woman? Yes. Morgan was teetering on the edge, and she hoped Shawn was strong enough to catch her when she fell and wouldn’t break her heart.
Morgan heard Jameson barking and it sounded like it was coming from the backyard. She made her way to the back door where she saw the dog going ballistic at a juvenile black bear that was standing on Shawn’s fence. His hackles were raised, and he held an aggressive stance toward the bear. Shit! What was she supposed to do? The only thing she could think of was to get the dog out of the dangerous situation. She opened the back door, her heart pounding, her entire body shaking, and her voice quavering as she yelled at the bear to leave. She screamed and yelled over and over until the bear finally jumped down on the other side.
Danger aborted, she came down from her adrenaline rush, her legs gave out from under her. She plopped down on her behind, body shaking violently now, and tears spilled over and down her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around Jameson when he ran to her and sat by her side, licking her tears away.
“You crazy dog. Don’t scare me like that again. I don’t know what I’d do if anything bad happened to you.”
It was then that Morgan realized she did love everything about Shawn, including her incredibly brave dog. After plenty of kisses from Jameson, Morgan’s heart rate slowed and she felt the strength in her legs return. They went back inside so Morgan could call Shawn and tell her what happened. When Shawn answered, Morgan started crying again just from the relief she felt in hearing her voice.
“Baby? What’s wrong?”
“A bear.” Morgan tried to squeak out the words in between sobs. “Jameson.”
“Are you okay? Is Jameson?”
Morgan took a deep breath and tried to calm down because there were in fact okay.
“Yes, we’re both fine. It just scared the shit out of me.”
“I’ll be right there.”
The fact that Shawn was about to drop everything to come home for her and the dog made Morgan fall a little harder and a lot deeper for Shawn.
“No, sweetheart. We’re okay, really. I was just so scared, but the bear left. Really, don’t come home.”
“Are you sure? The crew could manage without me.”
“I’m sure. But the fact that you’re willing to come home to be with us means so much.”
“Morgan, I care about you. Of course, I’d want to help.”
“I care about you too, honey. Stay at work, but if it’s okay, I’ll just stay here with Jameson until you get home. I don’t want him to have another encounter.”
“If you have other things to do, don’t feel you need to stay. Jameson stays home alone all day all the time.”
“I’m not doing anything, so it’s no problem.”
“Okay. Listen, I’ll be home in a little while, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”
Morgan hung up and went over to sit on the couch with the dog. Jameson laid his head in Morgan’s lap, and she ran her fingers over his head. She recalled how scared she was to find him and the bear that morning.
“For being a sleepy little town, there is some excitement around here, huh, doggo.” She smiled when Jameson beat his tail on the couch cushion.
Now that her adrenaline crashed, she was exhausted and she was tempted to take a nap. She instead grabbed the remote and turned on the television. She was halfway through an episode of a game show when the front door opened. Morgan turned around to see Shawn come through the door. Although Morgan had told her she didn’t have to come home, now that she was there, Morgan’s relief almost felt palpable.
“What are you doing here?” Jameson left her lap to greet her, and Morgan followed.
“I live here.” Shawn laughed and opened her arms, inviting Morgan in.
“Smart-ass.” Morgan slapped Shawn’s stomach before Shawn could wrap her arms around her.
“We weren’t that busy, honestly, and it was either I leave or I send a server home. I hate to take away potential tip money from any of my workers, so I opted out. Besides I only have four more days before you go home, and I want to spend every second I can with you.”
Morgan stood on her tip toes and kissed Shawn like she hadn’t seen her in months. “You are just the absolute sweetest person I’ve ever met.”
A blush crept across Shawn’s cheeks, and she ducked her head. “Aw, shucks.”
“Now that you’re home, what do you want to do for the rest of the day?”
Shawn waggled her eyebrows, which made Morgan laugh. “I was gonna say let’s go take a nap, but for the activity I wanted before the nap, I think we should have lunch first to give us energy.”
Morgan squeezed Shawn and took in a deep breath to smell Shawn’s scent.
“I’m craving pizza. Anywhere near that’s good?”
“I know just the place. Then we can walk around town and just make a day of it. What do you think?”
“Sounds perfect.”
Once Morgan got dressed, Shawn drove them to Tahoe City and parked in the parking lot beside the small pizza place that looked like a log cabin. They stepped inside and were greeted immediately by the woman behind the counter.
“Well, well. If it isn’t Shawn Evans. What brings you here?”
Shawn guided Morgan up to the counter with her hand on the small of her back. The place smelled like tomato sauce, spices, dough, garlic, and pepperoni. Morgan was in heaven, and she already liked the motherly figure behind the counter with her silver-streaked hair in a bun and flour on her red-and-white checked apron that matched the plastic tablecloths throughout the place.
“The best-looking woman who owns the best tasting pizza place. How’s it going, Ronnie?”
“Better now that you’re here, sweetheart. Who’s this woman that’s too good-looking to be seen with the likes of you?”
Morgan smiled at Shawn. “No truer words, Ronnie. This is Morgan Campbell. Morgan, Veronica Sellars, Ronnie to her friends.”
Morgan and Ronnie shook hands over the counter. “It’s so nice to meet you. Shawn assures me this is the place to satisfy my pizza craving. Please tell me she’s telling the truth.”
“She is honestly telling the truth. We’re the locals’ favorite, or so says the banner out front.”
“See? I told you.” Shawn wrapped her arm around Morgan’s waist and pulled her closer.
“Ronnie, it all looks and smells so good. What do you recommend?”
“The combo. Everything on it.” Without hesitation, Morgan went with Ronnie’s recommendation, and ordered the combo.
“Coming right up. It might be a little chilly to sit out on the back deck, but go show it to her anyway, Shawn.”
Shawn led Morgan through a side door that opened to a walkway that connected to the back patio overlooking the Truckee River flowing below them. Each side of the river was decked with tall pine trees and other greenery. The river was lazily flowing, but Shawn assured Morgan that in late spring and summer, the river would be raging from the snow melt.
“It’s beautiful out here, but Ronnie is right. It is a little chilly. Let’s eat inside if it’s all right with you.”
“Of course. Let’s go back in and get our drinks.”
They’d spent the better part of an hour eating pizza, drinking iced tea, and talking to Ronnie and her husband, who’d been busy making the pizzas. Once they’d finished off the pie, they hugged Ronnie and her husband good-bye, Morgan promising she’d be back. Shawn had been right. That pizza had been one of the best Morgan had ever had, and now she was stuffed to the gills.
Shawn took Morgan’s hand as they strolled through town, going into different shops. Morgan was interested in buying something from a local artist, either a piece of artwork or jewelry. In the third store they went into, a woman came up to Shawn, threw her arms around her, and kissed her on the mouth. Morgan may have growled, and her claws may have come out. Who the hell was that woman kissing on her girlfriend? Um, okay. Morgan could use that term. Maybe. Kind of.
“Morgan, this is my best friend, Marcy.”
Marcy hugged Morgan so hard that she nearly lost her balance. Morgan’s claws retracted knowing that she was Shawn’s best friend.
“I’ve heard so much about you. I’m so happy to finally meet you.”
Morgan tried to recall if she’d heard about Marcy, and she didn’t remember Shawn mentioning her. Weird since they’re best friends. Morgan didn’t want to say she’d never heard of her before because…well…rude.
“Likewise. Is this your store?”
“It is.” The pride in Marcy’s smile was evident.
“It’s fantastic. I can’t wait to look around.”
“Anything you want. I’ll give you the Friends and Family discount.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind. I’m going to take a look.”
Shawn kissed Morgan on the cheek. “I’ll catch up to you. I want to talk to Marcy.”
Shawn watched Morgan walk away and she could feel her smile grow wider as she kept her eyes on Morgan’s ass that filled out her jeans in such a good way. The punch to her shoulder took her attention away, and she rubbed the sore spot.
“What’s the big idea? That hurt.”
“Stop being a baby. I barely touched you. So, that’s the woman you told me about? The tourist?”
Shawn felt her cheeks warm, as well as the rest of her body, as it did anytime she thought of Morgan. She took off her jacket and tucked it under her arm.
“It is. What do you think?”
“She’s gorgeous. Is she why I haven’t talked to you lately?”
Shawn ducked her head, embarrassed she hadn’t made the effort to call her friend that she normally spoke to at least every other day.
“Guilty. I’m sorry. She’s only here until Saturday and I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.”
“It’s okay, buddy. I understand. How’re things going with her?”
“Jesus, Marce. Morgan’s amazing. We’re having such a great time together.” Shawn told Marcy all of the adventures she and Morgan had.
“Is she good in bed? She looks like she’d be good in bed.” Marcy whispered low enough that Morgan wouldn’t hear her.
Shawn didn’t say anything but fanned her face instead.
“You dog! Snagged another one without even trying.”
Shawn chuckled and held her finger up against her lips, telling Marcy to keep it down. “Believe me, I’ve been getting A’s for my effort, but she’s worth it. I’m hoping I’m done snagging women because Morgan has become very special to me.”
“You’ve fallen in love with her.”
Shawn didn’t know what to say. Marcy was her best friend, and she usually told her everything, but she didn’t want to do anything to jinx her relationship with Morgan. Besides, it was too early to be in love.
“I don’t know if it’s that far yet, but it could be heading that way.”
Marcy hugged her again because that was the type of person Marcy was. A hugger. Very tactile. At first, it made Shawn a little uncomfortable, but she was now used to it, and she’d become a hugger herself.
“Have I given you enough time to catch up?” Morgan walked up and kissed Shawn on the cheek, and Marcy laughed.
“I like her, Shawn. Did you find anything you like?”
“So many things. You have a great shop, Marcy. I’ll definitely be back before I leave. I might buy one of everything in here if I can fit it all in my car.”
Marcy’s smile got bigger. “I like you even more now. I hope we get a chance to hang out soon.”
“Likewise. I’ll be back.”
They said good-bye and continued on their stroll.
“Ooh, ice cream. Let’s get some.”
Shawn started to panic. They were coming up on Paige’s shop and Shawn would not take Morgan in there. They had great ice cream, but the way Paige behaved in the grocery store a few days ago, Shawn didn’t trust her to not say something or shoot daggers at Morgan. Shawn actually thought about letting go of Morgan’s hand, but it felt so good, she knew she’d feel the loss. Even if it was only for ten seconds, it was too long for Shawn. Maybe Paige wouldn’t see them.
“Okay, but not here. I know a better place.” Shawn glanced in the window and saw Paige watching them. Shawn felt the need to dodge the imaginary dagger Paige was shooting her way. Shit. That’s going to cause some words next time I run into her. Shawn prayed that Paige wouldn’t come running out of her shop after them. They turned a corner and went into an art gallery Morgan got excited about.
The farther into the gallery they got, the more Shawn relaxed. Her phone buzzed, and she took it out of her pocket to see she’d had a text from Paige. Fucking Murphy’s Law.
Who’s that woman you’re with?
Did Shawn ignore her or text back? If she didn’t, would Paige blow up her phone with more texts? If she did answer, would Paige still blow up her phone? Shawn decided to put the phone on Do Not Disturb and put it back in her pocket. She’d deal with it later. She didn’t want to think about Paige. The only person she wanted on her mind was Morgan.
They meandered their way through a few more shops before Shawn took Morgan to the only other ice cream shop in town that wasn’t owned by Paige. They had both settled on single scoop cones, Shawn with pistachio and Morgan with peanut butter and chocolate, and they ate them on the way back to the car. Once they were in the car headed back home, the stress that plagued Shawn for the previous hour miraculously released from her shoulders. That is, until she read the texts she knew Paige sent. But that would be for another day, another time, when Morgan was gone. Until that time, except for work, her time would be happily filled with Morgan and only Morgan.
When they went to bed that night, there was a different air between them. Shawn could feel it. The previous nights had been filled with lust-craved sex. Tonight, they stood before each other next to the bed, slowly undressing. When they were completely naked, they stepped into each other’s arms, kissing slowly, deeply. There’d been no rush. No frenzy. Each kiss, each touch was deliberate.
They got under the sheets and faced each other on their sides. Shawn caressed Morgan’s cheek. Shawn wanted to kiss Morgan, but the desire to look into her eyes, to try to look in her soul while she touched her was greater. She traced Morgan’s eyebrows with her fingers, ran her thumb across Morgan’s bottom lip. They followed the contours of her jaw, down the slender lines of her neck, across her collar bone. Morgan’s eyelids fluttered closed with the delicate touches.
“Look at me, Morgan. Keep your eyes open and look into mine.”
When Morgan’s blue eyes, darkened with arousal, opened and connected with Shawn’s brown eyes, she continued her tactile journey over Morgan’s body. She ran the palm of her hand over Morgan’s exposed flesh, causing goose bumps in the wake. Down her arm, back up to her shoulder, between the valley of Morgan’s breasts. Morgan’s lips made an O when Shawn rimmed her nipple with her index finger, bringing it to a rigid peak and a shade darker.
Shawn moved her hand lower down Morgan’s belly, over the trimmed blond hair at her center, and Morgan bent her knees to open up for Shawn. No words had been spoken during this journey, but so much had been said. Shawn’s fingers slid through Morgan’s folds, spreading the abundant wetness over her clit.
“Oh, Shawn.”
“Keep looking at me, baby.”
Morgan obeyed but Shawn saw she was heavy-lidded. With each slow stroke Shawn’s fingers made over her clit, Morgan’s hips moved with them. Shawn entered her with two fingers, curled them up to rub that magical spot, then withdrew to spread more wetness around Morgan’s sex.
“What are you doing to me?” Morgan’s voice was raspy and breathless, and Shawn knew she’d never heard anything sexier in her life.
“Making love to you.”
Shawn continued the same rhythm until Morgan’s hips started chasing the orgasm Shawn was waiting to give her. Shawn loved seeing Morgan this submissive to her touch, so open to what Shawn wanted to give her. And Shawn wanted to give her everything. Morgan gripped Shawn’s ass and held on as Shawn gave Morgan her release. Shawn never took her eyes off Morgan as she came, and to witness such exquisite beauty nearly brought her to tears.
The rest of the night was spent slowly making love. It was a night of meticulous exploration, and long after Morgan had drifted off to sleep in Shawn’s arms, she continued to caress Morgan’s skin, memorizing the feel of it beneath her fingertips. It was too early to voice her words, but if she didn’t expel them, she felt like she might die. She kissed Morgan on the cheek and whispered in her ear.
“I love you.”