Finding Shayla Read online

  She nodded curtly and went back to her desk. The light on her phone was blinking indicating a voice mail. She punched the button and listened.

  “Hey sheriff.” Cayenne recognized Linda’s voice so quickly snatched up the phone rather than broadcast her message to everyone in the station. “Karen and I are going to Casa Grande Friday for a little fun and excitement. We’re wondering if you’d like to meet us at the bar?”

  She left her phone number, which Cayenne didn’t jot down. Maybe she wouldn’t go to Casa Grande after all this weekend. Or maybe she would. The women were nice enough. And maybe in the safety of her motel room, they could make some magic.

  She picked up the phone, listened to the message again and jotted down Linda’s number. Just in case. She erased the message and sat back in her chair wondering just what that weekend might have in store for her.

  ***

  Shayla finally relaxed and allowed Jazz to lead her back downstairs to the pool. She slowly slipped off her clothes. And stood wrapped in a towel. She looked over at Jazz, who stood there in all her glory.

  She was gorgeous. Her arms were muscular, and her legs toned. And everything in between made Shayla’s mouth water. Her small breasts were pert, and her stomach rippled. The dark patch of hair where her legs met was trimmed and neat.

  Jazz walked over to where Shayla stood. She took her hand.

  “You sure you’re okay?” Shayla nodded. “If you’re really all right, you’ll drop the towel and get in the pool. I’ll tell you what. I’ll dive in and you can get in while I’m underwater.”

  “That makes sense. I think I can do that.”

  “And don’t worry. The water is warm. So you’re not going to freeze or anything.”

  Shayla watched Jazz’s tiny butt as she walked to the deep end.

  “Going in now,” Jazz said. And she dove into the water.

  Shayla hurried and walked down the steps and into the water. The water felt great and she sat on one of the steps and watched Jazz cut through the water toward her. She was a fine specimen, but as she got closer, Shayla’s stomach got knots in it. She was naked. With a woman. Not just any woman. With Jazz.

  Jazz was in front of her now. She sat down on the step next to Shayla. Close to her without touching her.

  “How’s the water?” Jazz said.

  “It’s nice.”

  “Good. How are you feeling?”

  “A little weird, but I’ll be okay, I think.”

  “You look fantastic. I mean, I think your body is perfect. I think you’re perfect. And I really want to kiss you, but I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable.”

  “I think it would help me relax.”

  Jazz leaned toward her and Shayla forgot her worries and discomfort. She leaned forward and met Jazz’s lips with her own. She soon lost herself in the kiss and didn’t even care when Jazz had moved closer to her, so their hips touched. When she felt bare skin on bare skin, Shayla’s whole body came alive.

  The next thing she knew, Jazz had lifted Shayla and placed her on her lap, straddling her hips. And still the kiss went on. Finally, Jazz ended the kiss.

  “Why’d you stop?” Shayla said.

  “Because if I don’t stop now, I’m not going to be able to. Would you like to swim?”

  “No. I’m fine just sitting here.”

  “As much as I enjoy you sitting here, too…”

  “Oh. That’s not what I meant. Oh my God. I’m so embarrassed.” She buried her face in Jazz’s shoulder not even realizing the act would press their breasts together. Shayla jumped back as if she’d been burned.

  “I tell you what. Let’s go sip champagne in the hot tub,” Jazz said. “I’ll turn the bubbles on so you can have some modesty.”

  “I’d appreciate that. Though it’s a little late for that, isn’t it?”

  “Anything to keep you from getting uptight.”

  “I’m trying, Jazz.”

  “I know you are. And I appreciate it. I really do.”

  She kissed Shayla again then lifted her off her lap. She stood and extended a hand which Shayla took. They walked the few steps and stepped into the steaming jets of the hot tub. It felt fantastic. Shayla immediately relaxed and gratefully took the glass of champagne Jazz offered her.

  Shayla sipped her champagne and stared into the eyes of Jazz, who sat safely across the hot tub from her.

  “You really do care about me, don’t you, Jazz?” There. She’d said what had been on her mind all day.

  “Of course I do. You believe me, don’t you?”

  “I do. And I really care about you. I just want you to know.”

  “I appreciate that, Shayla. That’s great to hear.”

  “I realized we’ve never talked about feelings,” Shayla said.

  “I’ve tried to make mine apparent, but you’re right. It’s good to talk about them.”

  “Did you mean it when you called me your girl?”

  “I did.”

  “Am I really your one and only?”

  “You are,” Jazz said. “Which is very unusual for me, but you deserve all of me, not just part of me.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate that more than you could know.”

  “May I come sit next to you?” Jazz said.

  “I’d like that.”

  Jazz walked across the hot tub and sat next to Shayla. She draped her arm across her shoulders.

  “Is this okay?”

  In answer, Shayla snuggled closer to Jazz. They were touching in parts that Shayla didn’t think she was ready for, but it felt natural. Her breasts weren’t large per se, but they seemed ginormous next to Jazz’s tiny ones.

  “Mm,” Jazz said. “I could get used to this.”

  “I like you so much, Jazz. And I’m perfectly comfortable right now, but I have to be honest with you. I don’t know that I’ll be able to… you know… tonight.”

  “And that’s okay, babe. Tell me about your relations with your husband.” It was barely a whisper.

  “What? And ruin the mood?”

  Jazz ran her hand over Shayla’s arm.

  “I need to know what I’m up against, Shay. Please?”

  Shayla took a deep breath and said a silent prayer to the universe that she wouldn’t cry.

  “We didn’t have relations, really.”

  “You didn’t? Was he impotent?”

  “Far from it.”

  “Well? Please explain,” Jazz said.

  One more deep breath and Shayla thought she could hold it together.

  “He raped me, Jazz. Every day. Several times a day. He told me I was frigid.”

  Jazz pulled away and turned to face Shayla.

  “He what? Are you fucking kidding me? Let’s find him. I’m going to hunt him down and hurt the bastard.”

  “Thank you, Jazz. But that really isn’t necessary. He left me. I’m happy. He’s history. I’d rather forget about him.”

  “Now I get your hesitation to be intimate with me. It makes perfect sense. Come on babe, let’s go to bed. I promise just to hold you tonight. The temptation to bring you pleasure is great, but the reality is, you need to be held. And your needs are my top priority.”

  Shayla couldn’t stop the tears. She hugged Jazz tight.

  “I don’t deserve you, Jazz.”

  “Wrong. It is I who is undeserving. I’m going to make you forget your past. From now on it’s roses and sunshine. Do you understand?”

  “Roses and sunshine. Sounds wonderful,” Shayla said.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Shayla was dreaming about Robin. He was raping her and punching her and spitting vile insults at her. She fought to wake up and when she did, she was disoriented. Where was she? Her heart raced in panic. It took her a minute to realize she was in Jazz’s bed. And Robin was dead. She was safe.

  The hazy sun through the window told her it was still early. She climbed out of bed and, embarrassed at her nudity, slipped on her underwear and bra. She looked down at Jazz who
was sleeping with a smile on her face. When was the last time Shayla had smiled in her sleep?

  Probably during her college years. Maybe even when she’d dreamed of Robin those early years. Happy days. They seemed so long ago and far away now. But maybe with Jazz she’d learn to relax. Maybe even make love. Really make love, the way love should be made. Gentle, sweet, and oh so satisfying.

  True, she’d never been with a woman, but she wanted to. God how she wanted Jazz. She had no idea what to do, but she knew she wanted to try. Someday. Hopefully soon. She needed to get over her guilt and her past and move on. It was easier said than done.

  Jazz opened an eye and her smile grew.

  “What are you looking at, sweetheart?”

  “You. You look so peaceful sleeping.”

  “I’m still sleepy. Come back to bed, babe. Let me hold you some more. Even if you are practically dressed.” She laughed.

  Shayla climbed back into bed and, feeling Jazz’s arms around her, fell back asleep. The next time she woke she was alone. Where was Jazz? She sat up in bed just as Jazz walked into the room.

  “Breakfast awaits you, my love.” Love? That was a big word. The shock must have shown on Shayla’s face because Jazz quickly clarified her statement. “Just a term of endearment. No need to panic, okay?”

  Shayla smiled at her, embarrassed at having overreacted.

  “What’s for breakfast?” she looked at her dress, folded neatly over a chair. She didn’t feel like putting it back on to laze around the house.

  “Omelets. And fruit. It’ll be good. And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. Oh, and I’ve got some sweats you can put on.” She pulled out a pair of sweats that were too long for Shayla, and an oversized hoodie. Shayla was comfortable and remarkably hungry.

  They ate at the kitchen bar where Jazz’s cook served them. It was delicious and, after, Jazz suggested another swim.

  “Only if you promise me more champagne in the hot tub,” Shayla said.

  “Done. I’ll get everything. You head downstairs and get in the pool.”

  Shayla stripped and stepped into the nice, warm water. It felt wonderful. She allowed herself to relax and swam down to the deep end. She even climbed out of the water and used the diving board. She felt like a little kid.

  She heard the door close and smiled to see Jazz bearing a bucket with champagne, two glasses, and a bowl of something else. She didn’t know what, but she was suddenly too shy to get out and check on what it was.

  Shayla watched Jazz get undressed. She marveled again at her wonderfully tight body. She wanted to run her hands all over it. And? Then what? She had no idea. She felt herself blush at the thought.

  Jazz dove in the water and swam to where Shayla was standing in the four-foot section. She walked up and kissed her, and Shayla grew dizzy as their tongues danced. She never knew kissing could be so tender, so loving. There was that word again. She stepped back.

  “You okay?” Jazz said.

  “Beyond.”

  “Good. Because I’m going to kiss you again now.”

  And this time when Jazz kissed Shayla, she pressed their bodies together. The feel of Jazz’s soft yet firm breasts against her made Shayla throb with need. Jazz’s stomach was silky smooth, and Shayla tried to focus on that. Not on how well they fit together or the fact that their bottom halves were touching too.

  Shayla was on fire. Every inch Jazz touched ignited sparks that Shayla knew only Jazz could extinguish. She shivered to think of how good Jazz’s touch would feel between her legs. It had been too long since she was touched softly, lovingly. As a matter of fact, it had been too long since she’d been touched anyway but violently.

  She fought the growing nausea that came with thoughts of Robin, both alive and dead. She’d killed a man. How would Jazz feel if she knew that? Shaya shuddered and Jazz leaned back to look her in the eye.

  “Was that a good shudder?”

  Shayla could only nod. She didn’t trust that if she opened her mouth, she wouldn’t vomit in the pool. All over Jazz. That would put an end to everything fast.

  “You don’t look so good,” Jazz said. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

  Shayla nodded again and took Jazz’s hand. She sat on the steps with her and the tears started flowing.

  “I’m sorry, Jazz. You’re so sweet. And kind. And tender. And sometimes it’s overwhelming. Because that is so not what I’m used to. But I love it. Believe me. Please don’t stop. Ever.”

  “Oh, baby.” Jazz hugged Shayla tight. “There’s plenty more where that came from. Plenty. When you’re ready. Now, no more tears, okay? Only happy, joyful times when we’re together.”

  “Okay.” Shayla brushed the tears away. “I promise.”

  “Would you like to go for a swim?”

  “I want to dive. Let’s go play in the deep end.”

  “Sounds wonderful,” Jazz said. “Though I make no promises to keep my hands off you.”

  “I should hope not.”

  ***

  Cayenne was almost sad to see Rick Nemeyer go. Almost. He’d been a fixture there the past few days, but she knew she’d see him again. At trial. Where hopefully he’d do time for what he’d done.

  “Thanks for the hospitality, Sheriff,” he said.

  “Happy to do it. Take care of yourself. No more drinking and driving. And I’ll see you at trial.”

  “You got it.”

  The next few days were uneventful, just how Cayenne liked them. The cousins were finally released which resulted in another almost brawl, but she got them all out in one piece.

  It was finally Friday and Cayenne had nothing to do but search for Shayla. She filled her every waking thought, and some nasty sleeping thoughts as well. Cayenne realized she was obsessed but didn’t care. She needed to find her. To have her stand trial. To have a shot with her.

  She Googled her, checked on all the social media sites, even checked Omaha obituaries. No mention of a Shayla Gardner anywhere. Maybe Cayenne should go back to Omaha. Maybe Shayla was still there, and her mother had been lying.

  She knew it wasn’t feasible, so instead she sent an email to Chief Bremer asking him to have his men do occasional drive-bys at Shayla’s mom’s house. She received a confirmation email and sat back in her chair. What else could she do?

  The day wound to an end and Cayenne was ready to go home. She was restless and really needed to go to Casa Grande. What was holding her back? The night could be exciting. It held potential. She called the number Linda had left on her voicemail.

  “Hello?” Her soft, sultry voice sent shivers of pleasure coursing through Cayenne’s body.

  “Linda? It’s Cayenne.”

  “Oh, Cayenne. How lovely to hear from you. Will we see you in Casa Grande tonight?”

  “I’m thinking about it.”

  “We’d love to see you again. I was hoping we didn’t scare you off for good.”

  “No such thing. I’ll meet you guys at the women’s club. I’ll be there around nine-ish.”

  “Wonderful. I’ll let Karen know. See you tonight, Sheriff.”

  Cayenne hung up and drove home. She showered and dressed in black jeans with a green sweater. The temperature would be in the fifties that night and she wanted to be comfortable. She knew she looked good and she certainly felt good as she drove to Casa Grande.

  She stopped off at The Watering Hole for a couple of drinks before meeting Karen and Linda. She stayed there for a couple of hours and should have felt nice and relaxed as she drove to the outskirts of town.

  But Cayenne was anything but. The Watering Hole reminded her of Shayla, as did everything. She longed to have that night back. To have been kinder, gentler. If only she’d known at the time what Shayla had gone through. But if she’d known she was a murderess, would she have taken her back to her motel?

  Cayenne checked into her hotel and walked down the street to the club. The walk helped clear her head. She had almost forgotten Shayla as she walked into the club at nine f
ifteen. Almost.

  The sights and sounds soon engulfed her and she let herself relax and be present in the moment. She did a cursory glance around the place and didn’t see Karen or Linda. Oh well. No great loss. There were plenty of women there. She could take her pick.

  She spotted a woman alone at a table. She had blonde, shoulder length hair and a voluptuous figure. Cayenne’s mouth watered as she approached her.

  “Are you here alone?” Cayenne said.

  “I’m with a friend.” The woman smiled. “But she’s on the dance floor.”

  “Would you like to be on the dance floor?”

  “I’d love it.”

  Cayenne offered her hand and the woman took it.

  “My name’s Cayenne.” She guided the woman to the floor.

  “I’m Riley.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  They danced several songs and then Cayenne offered to buy Riley a drink.

  “I’d love that. I’ll have a rum and Coke, please.”

  Cayenne was at the bar waiting to order. She felt arms slip around her from the back and heard a familiar voice in her ear.

  “Hey, baby. Come here often?”

  She turned to see that Karen was the culprit.

  “Hi,” Cayenne said. Just then the bartender came over to her. She ordered her drinks then turned back to Karen. “Did you just get here?”

  “We’ve been here a while.”

  “Oh. I didn’t see you when I came in.”

  “Must have been in the restroom. You know women’s restrooms in a club like this is where the actions is.” She winked.

  Cayenne nodded slowly.

  “Ah. I see.”

  “Who’re the drinks for?” Karen said.

  “A friend. I need to get back to her. I’ll check in a little later.”

  Cayenne went back and handed Riley her rum and Coke.

  “Is she a friend of yours?” Riley said.

  “Who? Karen? Yeah. More of an acquaintance really. She lives next door to one of my employees.”

  “Employees? Ooh. So you’re a boss lady. That’s hot.”

  Cayenne laughed but cringed at the use of lady. She didn’t classify herself as a lady. Woman? Sure, but lady? Not so much.

  “I do have employees. Several.”

  “And what do you do?”