Shawn brought the plate of greens topped with grilled chicken to the table where Paige was sitting alone. She was a fairly new resident of the west shore, having moved to the lake last spring. She’d seen her around on her bike while riding through town and stand-up paddle boarding while Shawn had been out kayaking. Shawn didn’t know a lot about her other than she opened an ice cream shop not too far from the diner. Paige came in occasionally, and Shawn had caught her looking at her more than a few times. They’d had a few pleasant exchanges about the food or weather, but nothing overtly flirty. Shawn found Paige attractive, but there hadn’t been a huge pull for her to ask her out. She knew from her best friend, Marcy, that Paige was gay, but she hadn’t seen her spend time with anyone.
“This looks great, Shawn. So do you.” Paige held Shawn’s gaze. The lower octave in Paige’s voice let Shawn know that she may have been flirting, however Shawn wasn’t sure if she wanted to return the gesture. Plus, this was new for them. Shawn had thought Paige might be shy, but she wasn’t being that shy now.
“Enjoy your lunch. Let us know if you need anything else.”
Shawn went back to work, taking and picking up orders. They were short-staffed today, which played a part in Shawn not encouraging further flirting from Paige. She didn’t know why it made her uncomfortable. She usually had no trouble flirting with vacationers so it shouldn’t be any different with Paige. The difference was that Paige was a local now, and if things didn’t work out, it might make things uncomfortable between them. With tourists, Shawn could have some fun and move on. She was getting ahead of herself though. Paige hadn’t said anything about being attracted to Shawn. That wasn’t entirely true—it was mostly nonverbal. First the glances, then some harmless touching. Hell, who was she trying to fool? She knew exactly what Paige wanted. Maybe it was time to get into the game. After all, that’s what she really wanted was to actually be in a relationship with a woman who could be more than a fling.
Shawn had decided then and there that she’d cast a line to see if Paige wanted to get caught. As if on cue, Paige got up from her chair and headed toward Shawn to pay her bill. Shawn took the time to openly appraise the soft sway of her hips and her tanned, toned legs that were probably the byproduct of her active lifestyle. The fringed denim cutoffs were just long enough to cover the lower swell of her bottom. Paige smiled, obviously pleased that Shawn was checking her out. Shawn had placed her hand on the counter next to the register and leaned in, trying her best to look cool.
“So, were you satisfied?”
“Almost.” The coy smile Paige gave her made Shawn’s insides flutter a little bit. Flirtation always got Shawn a little hot.
“Almost? What can I do to make your experience better?” Shawn leaned a little closer, and Paige mirrored the move.
“You can finally ask me out.” Paige’s eyes darkened with desire, and Shawn wondered if hers did the same.
“You’d say yes if I did?”
Paige handed over her cash to pay her bill but held on tight when Shawn went to take it. “Why don’t you come by the ice cream shop when you get off work, and I’ll let you know.”
“Do you have pistachio ice cream?
Paige bit her bottom lip and nodded.
“Then I’ll see you soon.” Shawn’s gaze followed Paige out the door until she was out of sight. She looked behind her and caught Shorty and Melvin, her chefs, watching her. They both gave her a thumbs-up, which made her laugh.
“Get back to work.”
Later that afternoon, Shawn walked down the street toward town, toward Paige. Shawn tried to rid her nerves by shaking her hands out. It was a gorgeous day. The sky was deep blue, the sun was shining but making its way over the western mountain range. The lake was calm, and the birds were chirping. There was no reason to be nervous. It was fun flirting with Paige earlier, but she still wasn’t too sure about dating her. Well, technically, it would only be one date. Paige might think Shawn was a dud and realize it was a mistake. That was why it was easier having flings with the tourists. If they didn’t click, it didn’t matter as she’d more than likely never see them again. The little bell on the door chimed as Shawn entered the shop. She immediately saw Paige behind the glass casing that held large containers of ice cream. Paige looked up from scooping and smiled brilliantly at Shawn.
Paige wasn’t the type of woman Shawn was normally attracted to. Paige was more of a tomboy/athletic type whereas Shawn was mostly attracted to femmes. Shawn’s memory flashed back to the blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty who had breakfast at her diner the week prior. She couldn’t remember her name, but she thought it had started with an M. A lost opportunity with that one, but Paige was there, standing in front of her, waving her up to the counter.
“Hey, you! I was wondering if you were going to come by.”
“I told you I would. When I make a promise, I keep it.”
The look in Paige’s eyes spoke loud and clear about future promises and caused Shawn to avert her stare. “So, what’s good?”
“Well, you said you wanted pistachio. Do you want a cone, a sundae, maybe a little whipped cream?”
Shawn had the urge to fan herself. Was it hot in there? She wanted to continue the flirting, but no comeback came to her. “I think I’ll have a cone. I might go for a ride later, so I don’t want to feel bogged down.”
“Right. Maybe later for the whipped cream?” Paige winked at her, and Shawn could feel the heat rise in her face.
Paige scooped an extra-large portion of the pale green ice cream on a sugar cone and handed it to Shawn refusing her money. “So, are you going to ask me out, or what?”
Damn, this woman did not beat around the bush. She certainly seemed to know what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask for it.
“I mean, unless you’re seeing someone, but I thought I’d heard you were single, and it just so happens I’m single. We could go out, get to know each other. Who knows? You might just like me.”
Shawn took a lick of her ice cream, trying to buy a little time. She still wasn’t sure if it was such a good idea to date Paige. Maybe there’d be a connection once they got to know each other better. That was the purpose of dating, right? She mentally nodded, coming to a decision.
“Paige, may I take you to dinner?”
“Why, Shawn, that was so sudden. I’ll have to think about it.”
“Whaaa?”
Paige laughed and Shawn decided she liked that sound.
“Gotcha. I would love to have dinner with you. Does Saturday work?”
“I don’t know, Paige. I mean, making me work for it, and all.” Shawn smiled to let her know she was kidding.
“I promise that I’m worth it.”
Jesus. Shawn liked her confidence. The more she talked with Paige, the more she thought that maybe she would like to get to know her better. She handed her phone to Paige and asked her to put in her number. When Paige handed it back, Shawn looked at the contact information. Paige Jackson.
“Okay, Paige Jackson, I’ll call you with a time. Thanks for the ice cream.”
“No, Shawn, thank you. I look forward to Saturday night.”
Shawn waved as she walked out the door and headed back to her car. I have a date!
❖
Shawn picked up Paige Saturday night for dinner at a local steak and seafood restaurant. Shawn had worn pressed khakis with a black button-down shirt. Paige had dressed similarly except her shirt was a shade of green that brought out the color in her eyes. Paige had worn some light makeup, and Shawn had to admit that she cleaned up well. Maybe tonight might be the start of something nice. They followed the hostess to their table and took their seats.
“I’m glad we’re finally doing this.” Paige raised her water glass to Shawn and they clinked them together.
“Me too. So, tell me about yourself. Where did you live before you moved up here?”
“I lived in Southern California. I liked it, but when I came up here a couple of years ago for vacation, this placed called to me, and I knew I had to live here. Once my girlfriend and I broke up, there wasn’t much keeping me from moving up here. I felt like I needed a change.”
“I hear ya. My grandparents lived here, and even though I lived in Sacramento growing up, I always felt like this was home.”
They spent the rest of their meal discussing family, hobbies, and work. Shawn had to admit she was having a really nice time. When Shawn took Paige home, she walked her to her door.
“I had a really great time tonight.”
Shawn smiled when Paige stepped closer. She placed her hands on Paige’s hips and brought her even closer. “I did too.” Shawn leaned down and kissed Paige softly on her lips. Paige put her arms around Shawn’s shoulders and pulled her toward her. Paige’s kiss had more heat, and when she whimpered, Shawn pulled away.
“Do you want to come in?”
Shawn shook her head. “Not tonight. I have to get home so I can let my dog out, but maybe we could go out again?”
Paige smiled. “I’d like that.”
“Good night, Paige. I’ll talk to you soon.”
During her drive home, Shawn reflected on her evening with Paige. They’d had nice conversation, some laughs, really good food, and the good-night kiss had been pleasant. Shawn cringed when she thought of that word to describe their first kiss. It wasn’t toe curling, no fireworks, but pleasant. Maybe it was first date, first kiss jitters that prevented the toe curling. Hopefully, the next kiss they’d share would be more than pleasant.
When Paige asked Shawn to come in, she surprised herself by saying no. With a non-local, she wouldn’t have hesitated, but if she was going to give this dating thing a shot, she didn’t want to muddle things up by jumping into bed too soon with Paige. She wanted a chance to get to know her better, and after tonight, Shawn thought they were off to a good start.
* * *
After a few dinner dates, some time spent on the water kayaking, and hiking part of the Tahoe Rim Trail, Shawn liked Paige. They got along great, had a lot in common, but there still hadn’t been a huge spark when they kissed and touched each other. Shawn kept trying to force her feelings to change, which was why Shawn hadn’t rushed into sleeping with Paige. She wanted there to be more between them. Paige certainly wanted more. She’d been up front with Shawn about taking their relationship to the next level, and she certainly wasn’t making it easy for Shawn to say no.
Shawn and Paige had dinner at the steakhouse where they’d had their first date. Paige looked especially lovely that night, her hair had a slight curl to it, she wore a little more makeup, and her light cashmere sweater hugged her full breasts and trim waist. Shawn had to force herself to keep her eyes up during dinner and not let them linger too long on Paige’s breasts. At some point during their dinner, Shawn felt Paige’s stockinged foot inch her way up Shawn’s pant leg, and she let out a surprised yelp. Paige looked at Shawn like she was ready to devour her. She traced her bottom lip that shone with gloss with her index finger and gave Shawn a slow wink. Shawn shifted in her chair, now fully aware of the wetness pooled in her boxer briefs and the seam of her pants rubbing against her hardened clit. Shawn raised her hand to get the waiter’s attention and asked for the check. Even though Shawn had been getting to know Paige better and didn’t want things between them clouded with lust, she was only human. Paige pulled her shoulders back, thrusting her chest forward, and that was all she wrote.
During the drive back to Paige’s house, she kept moving her hand up and down Shawn’s tightening thigh, exploring higher with each stroke, raking her nails against the thin material covering Shawn’s legs. Shawn shivered as her body craved to be touched by Paige’s hands. They’d spent the next few hours teasing and pleasing each other. Shawn had come a few times that night, but it left her feeling empty inside. She would have to look into what that meant later. She had to try to dress without waking Paige. She sat on the edge of the bed while she tied her shoes and felt arms wrap around her waist.
“Where are you going, lover?”
Shawn startled and touched Paige’s hand that was rubbing small circles on Shawn’s stomach.
“I have to get home to Jameson, then I have to get up early for work tomorrow.”
“Can’t you stay with me?”
“Sorry, I can’t tonight.” Shawn turned her head and kissed Paige’s forehead. “Go back to sleep, and I’ll call you soon.”
Shawn entered the near-dark house, save for the lamp in the corner, and she was greeted by Jameson. He whined and turned in circles as Shawn gave him pats.
“I know, buddy, I’m sorry for being out so late. I’ll try not to let it happen again.” She took Jameson out back so he could go to the bathroom. He ran back in the house and down the hall to her bedroom as she locked up and turned off the hall light. By the time she walked in her room, Jameson was on his bed in the corner, curled up in a ball and snoring. She was always amazed at how quickly he could fall asleep. Unless he was faking. Shawn chuckled to herself as she brushed her teeth before getting into bed. She needed to explore why she felt so empty after having sex with Paige, but that would have to wait. Her alarm would wake her before too long. Luckily, she had the same skill as her dog, and within minutes of closing her eyes, she was fast asleep.