The Woman I Love: Book One (The Woman I Love Series 1) Read online

  The sheriff hesitated. Damn, I wanted to get this done tonight.

  The sheriff’s frown did not go unnoticed by the deputy. “Sheriff, I’ll do it. I could come back by early and go with Mrs. Levine. Take care of the reports and everything.” Deputy Simmons betted the sheriff would take up his offer. He knew the Sheriff had plans for his day off.

  “You sure? You’re off tomorrow.” The sheriff questioned, but was silently pleased.

  Throwing the raven-haired star a charismatic smile, the deputy said. “Absolutely, it would be my pleasure.”

  Shaking his head at this deputy’s relentless flirting ways, the sheriff redirected Ted’s attention. “And your job.”

  Donning a serious professional demeanor, the deputy clipped his heels and assured his boss. “Yes, sir.”

  “Okay, Mrs. Levine, my deputy will need to get some information.” Seeing her nod okay, the sheriff looked at his deputy. “Ted, I’ll go seal the door on the cabin that way in the morning you’ll know if anything’s been disturbed.”

  Familiar with the procedure, the deputy nodded, turning his attention to Lacy. “Ma’am?”

  Lacy answered the handsome deputy’s questions stating that they had only arrived the day before and knew no one in the area except for Sally Raye, the landlord, who rented her the cabin, and, of course, Gage. She further explained that they had been out all day boating.

  He stated that he would inform Sally about the break in then the deputy provided the results of the search they had conducted earlier. “Other than the broken glass from the front door, we couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary. Though, it does look like someone went through your belongings, but we won’t know if anything is missing until we check it tomorrow. You know, money or personal effects.”

  “They didn’t get any money. I had my purse with me all day.” Lacy supplied, smiling at the young man.

  “Great then.” He touched her knee reassuringly and smiled, spawning a jealous glare from Gage. Oblivious to the writer, the deputy offered. “Can I take you to a motel or something…. for tonight?”

  Gage inserted quickly. “They’re staying with me.” She bolted off the chair, herding him out the door. “I think I heard the sheriff drive up.” With a sigh of relief, Gage closed the door, ridding the over zealous officer out of their lives. At least until morning then he’ll be back… smiling, touching. Great! This jealous thought weighed heavily on Gage’s mind.

  Rubbing her forehead in deep contemplation, Gage was drawn from her thoughts at the sound of Lacy’s soft velvety voice. “Gage, are you sure? We could get a motel room.”

  “No!” Gage shouted, reeling her alarmed emotions back in at the idea of them leaving. “I mean, you don’t have to….I… I want you to stay. That is if you want.”

  “I want to stay.” Dani jumped in, somewhat surprised to find she had no desire to leave especially after having been determined not to like the stranger. I mean Gage. Wanting to cement her plan, she added. “And Derek does too.” She nudged him off her lap toward Gage.

  Derek happily complied. He ran to the writer’s arms as she swooped him up. An imploring smile sent to his mother capped her decision. Of course, Lacy had no desire to part company with Gage and was easily swayed.

  “It’s settled then.” Lacy contemplated her next thought. “Though we don’t have anything to sleep in.”

  “Our swimsuits.” Dani suggested seriously.

  A shared chuckle from Lacy and Gage filled the room. “I think we can come up with something that will do…. at least for tonight.”

  Chapter Seven

  Gage clumsily helped Lacy prepare her children for bed. Having no experience with raising young children, she was in awe of Lacy’s infinite patience with her energetic off springs as they cheerfully splashed through their bath and scampered around the room while both Lacy and Gage tried to corral the racing children into their nightclothes.

  Even the smallest tee shirts Gage had tented the young boy and his sister. Although, Dani’s borrowed nightwear fit more like a baggy shirt, Derek simply got lost in his loaned tee shirt. But it didn’t faze either child, happy to be fed and clean. Lacy slipped into an extra pair of jogging clothes Gage had brought along.

  Settling her charges in the spare bedroom, Gage said her goodnights at the door. “If you need anything, I’m right down the hall. Although, I wished you would have taken the master bedroom.”

  “Nonsense, Gage. We’re perfectly fine here. Derek can sleep with me and the other twin bed will be fine for Dani.”

  “Are you sure? It has a huge bed and you could all sleep together.” Gage felt bad about the arrangement. The master bedroom offered not only more space, but also a private bathroom and she thought the family would feel safer sleeping together especially after the break in at their cabin. Suddenly, a loud clap of roaring thunder filled the air, startling everyone. And then there’s the storm outside.

  Lacy summoned her courage, reaffirming. “Really we’re good here.”

  Reluctantly, Gage waved goodbye. “Okay, I’ll check the doors and windows before I go to bed. Goodnight.”

  With Dani tucked in her bed, Lacy pulled the covers up, burying herself and her son in their bed. She listened to Gage’s soft footsteps travel throughout the cabin until silence filled the room. She must be in bed now. I don’t know what we would have done without her tonight. Another deafening slap of thunder on the heels of a lightning bolt shrouded the room in light. Dani stirred, Derek pushed closer and Lacy wished Gage was there with them. My God, what am I thinking? She’s right down hall. Yet, I want her here… with us. I feel so, I don’t know, protected with her near.

  Gage yanked the covers, snugly fitting them around her. The storm outside beat against the cabin relentlessly. I better check the boathouse first thing in the morning. Suddenly, remembering. No, that will have to wait. That young deputy will be here for Lacy bright and early. She can’t handle the kids and search for missing belongings. So, I’ll have to go with her. That settled, Gage smiled and turned on her side facing the opened doorway. After a few moments, Gage slipped into a light sleep.

  ************************

  The piercing boom of thunder broke Gage from her light dozing. Dragging her sleepy eyes open, a flash of lightning silhouetted a small figure dwarfed by a taller one holding something in its grasp, framed within the doorway. Rubbing her eyes, Gage alertly sat up.

  “Gage?” A soft velvety voice called.

  “Lacy. What is it?” Gage pushed back the covers, edging near the side of the bed.

  “Can we sleep with you?” Lacy was relieved by her daughter’s request.

  Hopping back, Gage allowed plenty of room in the king size bed for her welcomed and, apparently, eager guests as Dani lunged forward. “Of course, get in here.”

  Dani crawled in the middle of the bed, planting herself. Lacy eased Derek down who then immediately climbed on top of Gage. After Lacy lay down, she reached for her son. “Derek, honey, come sleep over here with me.” He refused to budge, wanting to be in the middle. “Dani, you sleep on the other side of me, okay?”

  She frowned. “I want to sleep next to Gage.” Having secured a new first mate, Dani wanted to keep close ties to the owner of the boat to which she had become the self-appointed captain.

  “Come on, Dani. I want Derek in the middle.” Her mother commanded.

  “Then I’ll sleep on the other side of Gage.” Before another word was spoken, she vaulted over the writer.

  Derek settled in between his mother and Gage while Dani made herself comfortable. Worried a bit by their uninvited intrusion and her daughter’s stubbornness, Lacy questioned Gage. “Is this okay? I mean…”

  Feeling a bit awkward with both kids on either side of her, yet at the same time Gage savored the hominess she felt with them near. “Yeah, I think I’ll live.” Cemented firmly between the two human walls. “Won’t be able to turn, but I’ll manage.”

  For some reason, even as the storm outsid
e continued in its fitful rage, the kids seemed oblivious to it. Dani started spieling out question upon question to Gage about when could they ride in the boat again and if tomorrow would be a good day to explore the cave while Derek giggled at his sister’s non-stop queries.

  Lacy turned toward Gage, trying to settle her wiggling son between them. The ambient light from the stormy sky fell softly on the trusting features of the writer. “Sorry. She’s rather inquisitive. And he…” Tickling her son. “…won’t stay still.”

  “It’s okay.” Gage had an idea. “Hey. If you two settle down and go to sleep, tomorrow night I’ll tell you a story of the Shanglon Master and the woman he loved. What’d ya say?”

  “You tell stories?” Dani sat up.

  “Yeah. Mostly I just write them though.”

  Derek clapped his hands. “Stories…yea.”

  “What kind of stories?” Lacy inquired.

  “Good ones, I’d like to think.” She smiled at Lacy who in turn did the same. “It’s been a long day, so tonight we sleep and tomorrow… a story.”

  “First, tell me about the story.” Excited, Dani couldn’t contain herself.

  “Dani. Sleep.” Her mother’s voice brooked no argument.

  “Jeez. I just wanted to know about the Shanglon Master.” She pouted, but did as she was requested.

  For a few moments silence reigned until Dani turned on her side, propping her head up with her arm. “Gage, how did you get your name anyway?”

  A dark memory came barreling to the forefront of her mind. “My mother.”

  Seriously, Dani asked. “Didn’t she like you?”

  A hearty laugh escaped Gage as Lacy scolded her daughter. “Dani, that’s not nice.”

  “Sorry.” Dani scooted back down, tucking the covers around her. Mumbling, she couldn’t help, but add. “Jeez, it is a weird name, you know.”

  Chapter Eight

  Through the night as the storm fizzled out, Gage, Lacy and the kids fell into a restful sleep. Sometime in the night a drowsy three year old climbed on top of Gage leaving a vacant space between Lacy and the writer which did not remain empty for long as they naturally gravitated toward each other.

  As dawn peeked its radiant head, Gage woke from a peaceful sleep. She immediately felt the warmth of Lacy’s body curled up against her. Gage stretched, adjusting the small boy lying on her stomach, twisting her body on her side slightly as she turned away from Lacy, she glanced at Dani who slept quietly. I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be. Naturally a late sleeper, Gage acquiesced the urge to fall back to sleep easily. With a satisfied smile, happy, content and feeling the love of a real family, Gage closed her eyes.

  Sometime later, Lacy not fully awake, burrowed closer to the writer next to her. Fitting her long, slender form next to Gage like a glove, Lacy sighed in contentment. She smiled in the warmth that greeted her. Blue eyes popped open as she realized just whom she was snuggling up against. As shock dawned into comprehension of how they ended up together in the same bed, Lacy eased back away from the writer. But the immediate sense of loss overwhelmed her drawing her back next to Gage, snuggling even closer. I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be. This unexpected thought startled the star, but she didn’t budge from the place she had secured next to the writer, which strangely felt like home.

  Lacy refused to dwell on these invading thoughts that could threaten her present way of life. Instead, she tucked them away, blaming them on the stressful events of the last few days. Naturally an early riser, Lacy fought the urge to get up. Happy, content and safe surrounded by the ones she loved Lacy closed her eyes.

  A few long moments passed when small giggles woke Lacy from her light sleep. She met her son’s bright smile as he leaned over Gage, grabbing at his mother. Propping herself up on her elbow, Lacy reached over Gage and kissed her son good morning. He smiled then fell back between Gage and his sister, giggling. “Come on. Give me a kiss.” She said.

  “No.” His small hands hid his face.

  “Please. Just one little kiss. Okay?” She encouraged her son to return the good morning kiss.

  Shaking his head, Derek wiggled.

  Still sleeping, Gage shifted slightly back toward Lacy away from the small boy causing mother and child both to giggle at having almost awakened the writer.

  “Shhhhh.” Lacy waited for Gage to finally settle. “Now, come on, sweetheart, how bout a good morning kiss. Please.” She implored.

  From the depths of a light sleep, Gage heard the inviting plea. With eyes slowly dragging open, she turned to the sound of an intoxicating voice calling her. Kiss me. Is that what she said? Sleepy green gazed into waiting blue, debating the proffered request. Gage wetted her lips in anticipation.

  Lacy swallowed hard at the realization of what Gage was thinking. She thinks I want her to kiss me. Do I? My God, where did that come from? Lacy dismissed the thought as easily as it had come.

  Suddenly, Derek bolted up and over Gage at his mother, placing a wet kiss upon her cheek. He fell between them laughing at his antics, disrupting what may have been.

  Gage pushed back away from Lacy, bumping up against Dani. “Hey, what you doing trying to push me outta bed?” Dani protested. “If you wanted me to move, you coulda just asked.”

  Thankful for Dani’s early morning grumbling, Gage negotiated her way out of the huge bed. My God, I almost kissed her. What the hell would she have thought? What the hell was I thinking? She only wanted to kiss her son….not me. Gage stumbled around the room a bit, searching for something, anything to divert her thoughts from what almost happened. Tripping over a chair, Gage swooped up her clothes, then headed for the connecting bathroom. “I’ll be right back.”

  Lacy watched in amusement as Gage frantically recoiled from the near kiss. I wonder how she would have reacted if we’d actually kissed. That consideration drove Lacy deeper into her musings, questioning her own feelings.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Dani asked, wiping the sleep out of her eyes.

  ***********************

  “I’ve got it.” Lacy whipped around Gage, grabbing the sausage filled skillet as the writer filled several glasses of orange juice. The kids waited patiently. Well, as patiently as Dani could.

  “We’re going to explore the cave today, right?” Dani asked her mother. “Mom? Right?”

  Lacy filled the plates full of food, ignoring her daughter. Her mind still lingering on the kiss she almost shared with Gage. As she sat a plate in front of Dani, she felt a tug at her arm. “Hmmmm?”

  “Are we going to go to the cave or not?” Dani demanded. But soon regretted her sharp tone when her mother’s blue eyes met her own in disapproval.

  Gage quietly sat next to Derek, helping him as he ate his breakfast. Her thoughts lingered on the early morning events. She could still feel the longing, the tingling at the mere idea of brushing her lips up against the sweet smile that now adorned the star’s face. Catching herself staring at Lacy, Gage reined her emotions in at the sound of Dani’s question.

  “Gage, can we go to the cave today?” Dani decided to redirect her inquiry as her mother’s mind was obviously on something else only to find that Gage was equally not in the present.

  Before Gage could answer, Lacy spoke up. “No, honey. The sheriff will be by today. I’ve got to go back to the cabin and see if anything is missing and….” She looked poignantly at Gage. “Maybe get some of our things, I guess.”

  Gage immediately heard the reluctance in her voice. “You’re not going back there. I mean you’re going to stay here, right? I mean, the window’s broken and who ever it was might come back and….” Great! Now she won’t want to stay.

  A knock at the door temporarily prevented Lacy from answering. Lacy rose from the table to let the young deputy in. “Deputy. Please come in. Would you like some breakfast?” She walked back to the kitchen, the deputy close on her heels.

  “No….no, thanks. And please call me Ted.” He smiled sweetly.

&n
bsp; “I’ll be right with you.” Lacy called, stopping him from venturing further into the kitchen area where the family was enjoying their breakfast. Gage had been closely watching the interaction between the star and the deputy when Lacy leaned down to her. “Are you sure you don’t mind if we stay a little longer? At least until….”

  “No. I mean, stay as long as you like.” Gage released a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

  Lacy squeezed the writer’s shoulder in thanks. “Then would you mind staying with the kids while I go? I don’t want them to have to go back there.”

  Casting a quick glimpse at the unreasonably handsome deputy, Gage reluctantly agreed with her. “Sure, we’ll find something to do.” Standing up, concerned green eyes looked deeply at Lacy. “I’d rather you didn’t go alone though….maybe I could go instead.”

  Without thinking, Lacy hugged Gage briefly. “Thank you.” Her blue eyes filled with appreciation for the concern her new friend had shown. “But, you wouldn’t know if something was missing. Believe me, knowing you are taking care of the kids while I do this…. well, I appreciate it.”

  Gage walked Lacy and the deputy to the door. After watching them drive off, she returned to the kitchen table wishing Lacy was back already.

  ************************

  The young deputy led the way, searching the cabin thoroughly before allowing Lacy inside. “It’s okay to come in now. Everything looks about the same as last night.”

  Lacy scanned the living room and adjoining kitchen. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until she entered her bedroom. Her clothes and some personal items were scattered haphazardly on the floor and bed. Some of her painting and sketch supplies were dumped out of the carrying case. The actress had hoped to take up her nearly long forgotten hobby while they were on vacation. Lacy immediately began sorting through them, picking up the items off the floor.

  Trying to be of help, the deputy reached for a few items pulling up a pair of red panties offering it to her.