Finding Shayla Page 13

  “If you must know, I’m a sheriff.”

  “Even hotter. Where? Here?”

  “No. In Lazu.”

  “Is that place big enough to have a sheriff?” Riley said.

  Cayenne laughed again.

  “That’s about all it’s big enough for. Have you ever been there?”

  “Nope. Am I missing anything?”

  “Not a thing,” Cayenne said. “Not a damned thing.”

  “But you live there. That’s a definite plus.”

  “Why thank you.” Cayenne was tired of talking about herself. “And you? You live here?”

  “I do. The thriving metropolis of Casa Grande. Where women have to meet in a nondescript brick building to avoid being drawn and quartered.”

  “Ah yes. This place is more than a little redneck.”

  Riley shrugged.

  “Which is why I’m getting out. I’m applying for jobs in Tucson and Phoenix. I wouldn’t want to leave Arizona. I love it here, but I need a bigger, more diverse city.”

  “I get that.” They’d finished their drinks and danced to a few more songs. When they decided to take a break, they walked back to their table to find Karen and Linda waiting for them.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Fancy meeting you here,” Cayenne said.

  “Oh, these are your friends,” Riley said.

  “Riley, meet Linda and Karen. Karen, Linda, meet Riley.”

  Cayenne looked at Karen and Linda. They made a striking pair. There was no denying that. Karen had chestnut hair that she wore just above her shoulders and Linda’s silver bob flattered her and accentuated her blue eyes. Linda was wearing a black sweater with tan slacks and Karen had on a long, flowing skirt and a red peasant blouse. They were a couple of lookers and had Cayenne wondering if she should lose Riley and just go home with them.

  But she could be with them any time. If that’s what she really wanted. She doubted she’d ever have another shot at Riley. She was young, sure, but she was beautiful, and Cayenne wanted at that body.

  “Where are you from?” Linda asked Riley.

  “Casa Grande. Born and raised.”

  “And soon to leave,” Cayenne added.

  “Yes,” Riley beamed at her. “Soon to start a new life somewhere else.”

  The conversation went on around her, but Cayenne had tuned out. Moving to a new city. Starting a new life. That’s what Shayla had done. But where? Cayenne had to find her. But how? She was at a dead end and wondered if she should just let Shayla go. She could be the one that got away. The thought made Cayenne’s stomach hurt. She wasn’t ready to let her go. She didn’t know if she ever would be.

  “Are you with us, Cayenne?” Karen said. “We’re going dancing. Are you coming?”

  Needing to get out of her head, she nodded and followed them to the dance floor. The four of them moved together to the music and Cayenne wondered if she’d ever danced with three more beautiful women. Not at the same time. That was for sure.

  They danced, they laughed, they jived, and soon they were all ready for more drinks. Cayenne signaled to the waitress who took their order and headed to the bar.

  “This round is my treat,” Cayenne said. She was having the time of her life and wanted to let the three women know how much she was enjoying herself.

  “Nonsense,” Linda said. “A sheriff can’t make that much. We’ll buy. Besides, there are two of us.”

  “Nope. I’ve got this round. You two can get the next.”

  Their drinks arrived and more merriment ensued. It turned out Riley was quite amusing and kept the other three in stitches. Karen also told some wild stories, but Linda and Cayenne mostly kept quiet and laughed a lot.

  “Your turn, Sheriff,” Riley said. “Tell us a story.”

  “What kind of story?”

  “Tell us about your younger days. Certainly you were a wild one,” Karen said.

  Cayenne shrugged.

  “I don’t know. I was in college in my younger days.”

  “Oh,” Riley said. “I can just imagine a young Cayenne sleeping her way through the dorms.”

  Linda and Karen laughed at this. Cayenne tried to join in but could only remember the heartbreak of her girlfriend leaving.

  “So how old were you when you came out, Cayenne?” Linda said. “Ten?”

  This brought more laughter and this time Cayenne joined in.

  “Actually, I was a junior in college. I was a little slow.”

  “I guess,” Riley said.

  “And you, Riley?” Cayenne smiled at her.

  “Fifteen. My best friend from high school kissed me and there was no looking back for me.”

  Cayenne let out a low whistle.

  “Fifteen, huh? Good for you.”

  She raised her glass and Riley clinked hers against it.

  “What about you ladies?” Riley asked Linda and Karen.

  “We were each other’s first,” said Linda. “We met when we were twenty-five. It was love at first sight for both of us.”

  “Now that’s impressive,” Riley said.

  “Indeed. Here’s to lifelong partners,” Cayenne said, thinking of Shayla.

  “Do you think you’ll ever settle down, Cayenne?” Riley said.

  Cayenne shrugged.

  “Who knows? Never say never.”

  They spent the next several hours dancing, talking, and laughing. Cayenne was actually bummed when she heard the last call. She’d had no idea it had gotten that late.

  “You two want to come back to our room for a night cap?” Linda said.

  Cayenne knew what they really wanted. A foursome. Would Riley be up for that? Would Cayenne?

  “Sure,” Riley said. “I’m all over it. Let’s keep the party going.”

  Cayenne smiled at Riley, thinking of all the fun they were about to have. She would let down her guard, stop being paranoid, and let loose a little. With Riley. And Karen. And Linda. Even though the night was cool, Cayenne felt hot with the combination of drinks, dancing, and anticipation. She was ready for a good time.

  They found that Karen and Linda had rented a suite for the night. It was large with two king sized bedrooms.

  “Did you bring your accoutrements?” Cayenne didn’t know how else to put it.

  “Nope. Nothing kinky tonight.”

  “Ooh,” Riley said. “I love kink.”

  Linda approached her and ran her hands up and down Riley’s arms.

  “How many women have you ever been with at once?” she said.

  Riley blushed.

  “One.”

  “Do you think you could handle two? Three even?” Linda arched an eyebrow at Cayenne.

  “Bring it,” Riley said. “I can handle anyone and anything.”

  “Good answer.” Linda stepped closer to Riley and planted a solid kiss on her mouth.

  Cayenne was at once jealous and aroused. She wanted to kiss Riley like that, but she was sure her time would come. Linda stepped back and pushed Riley toward Cayenne, who claimed her mouth in a passionate kiss. Their tongues tangoed to a beat of their own and Cayenne felt the moisture pooling between her thighs.

  The kiss lasted an eternity and they only came up for air when Karen walked into the room bearing drinks.

  “What have I missed?” Karen said.

  Linda took her drink, kissed Karen, and patted her ass.

  “We’re just getting warmed up, dear. You really haven’t missed a thing.”

  ***

  Saturday morning, Shayla was up at nine and hopped in the shower. She got ready to meet Daisy for lunch. The past few days had been heavenly, and she’d had a hard time sleeping in her own bed the night before.

  But she’d kissed Jazz and promised to go out with her that night. Jazz said she had something special planned and Shayla was excited to see what it might be. But, first things first, she needed some Daisy time or girl time as Jazz called it.

  Jazz was so understanding, and patient, and wonderful. Shayla thanked her luc
ky stars yet again that she’d decided to stop in Chicago and that she’d run into Daisy at that pizza place. If not, who knew where she’d be? New York? Alone and scared in a new city? That didn’t sound like much fun. And, boy, was she having fun in Chicago.

  She and Daisy met at a place known for their southwestern cuisine. Shayla wasn’t sure that sounded good. She didn’t really need to be reminded of Arizona, but she didn’t argue. She agreed to meet her there at eleven.

  The place smelled divine when Shayla walked in. Daisy wasn’t there yet, so Shayla perused a menu and waited. Ten minutes later, Daisy showed up.

  “So sorry I’m late,” she said. “Well, sort of.”

  She winked at Shayla.

  Curious, Shayla walked with Daisy as they followed the hostess to their table. Daisy seemed to be in an inordinately good mood and Shayla was happy for her. Yes, she was intrigued as to why Daisy was walking on air.

  “What gives?” she stage whispered to Daisy. “Why are you on cloud nine?”

  “Oh, Shayla. I think I’ve met Ms. Right.”

  “Do tell.”

  It turned out while Jazz and Shayla had been playing house, Daisy had been painting the town red. She’d gone to a women’s club the night before to drink and dance and there she’d met Mica. Mica was tall, dark, and handsome, and apparently quite good in bed, according to Daisy.

  “She is wonderful. We’re having dinner tonight. Oh, Shayla, I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

  Shayla was shocked but tried not to let it show.

  “So you spent the night with her and you think she’s the one?”

  “Welcome to the wonderful world of lesbians, honey. And speaking of finding the one, how’s Ms. Jazz?”

  A slow smile spread across Shayla’s face that she couldn’t wipe off.

  “She’s wonderful. Just wonderful.”

  “And you still haven’t moved in with her? You’d better act quick before she has time to change her mind.”

  The idea scared Shayla but she just laughed out loud. Jazz wouldn’t change her mind. She was crazy about Shayla. Wasn’t she?

  “I doubt she’s changing her mind,” Shayla finally said. “We spend every minute together.”

  Daisy raised her eyebrows.

  “Do tell. Come on, dish, sister.”

  “What do you want to know? She’s fantastic and her place is to die for.”

  “And? Come on.”

  Shayla knew what Daisy was asking but she didn’t have an answer for her.

  “What?” she said.

  “How is she in bed? I need to know.”

  “If you must know, we haven’t done that yet.”

  “What?” Daisy sat back against her chair. “You’re not putting out and she hasn’t moved on? Color me shocked.”

  “You make her sound so shallow.” Shayla was defensive. “There’s more to a relationship than sex.”

  “Not much.”

  Shayla’s mind drifted back to an exceedingly horrible night with Robin. He’d invited some coworkers over, and Shayla had played happy hostess. Robin seemed to be enjoying himself which made Shayla let down her guard. Big mistake.

  As soon as his coworkers had left, he turned on her, anger and disgust in his eyes.

  “How dare you flirt with my coworkers! Think you can emasculate me? Think again.”

  He’d slapped her hard across her face, jarring a tooth loose. Then he’d ripped her dress, the one she’d bought for just that evening. She tried to protest, to claim she hadn’t been flirting, but he covered her mouth with his hand. And then he’d raped her.

  No, to Shayla sex wasn’t vital to a relationship. It was something to endure. She tried to cast her memory back to before Robin. But she’d been a virgin when they met, and she had no one to compare it to.

  “You okay?” Daisy brought her back to the present. “You look like you’re going to cry.”

  “Excuse me.” Shayla found the ladies’ room and splashed cold water on her face. She blew her nose, inhaled deeply, and walked back to the table. “Sorry. Flashbacks.”

  Daisy grabbed her hand.

  “It’s okay honey. I’m sorry if I kicked them off. I forget your last relationship wasn’t ideal. I’m glad you’ve found Jazz, if you want to know the truth. She looks good on you.”

  Shayla blushed and forgot all about Robin.

  “Thanks. I think she’s pretty special.”

  “So tell me, how long are you going to hold out on her? Just to satisfy my morbid curiosity.”

  “Until I’m ready. I need to be ready. And sometimes I think I am and then a flashback hits and I’m unable to move forward. I’m trying though, Daisy. I’m trying so fucking hard.”

  “I’m sure you are, honey. And you’ll get there. Jazz is not afraid of going after what she wants. And if it’s you she wants, then she’ll wait. I’ve no doubt about that. Have you heard about your screen test? And yes, I’m changing the subject.”

  Shayla laughed. It felt good. Daisy was good for her soul.

  “No. Not yet. And it’s driving me crazy. I’m sure there were a lot of women trying out, but I want to believe I was head and shoulders above the rest, and they couldn’t possibly sign anybody else.”

  It was Daisy’s turn to laugh.

  “I’m sure you were. Now they just need to figure that out.”

  “Well, they’re taking their sweet time.”

  “Patience, my dear.”

  “To hell with patience. Give me the damned part.”

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Saturday morning, Cayenne woke in a strange bed with a pounding head. Where the hell was she? Slowly but surely the night before became less foggy. Things had started heating up between the four of them.

  Linda and Karen took turns making out with Riley and Cayenne. Then they made out with each other while Cayenne and Riley got hot and heavy. They made their way into one of the bedrooms where clothes started coming off.

  It was then that paranoia struck, and Cayenne excused herself, saying she’d be right back. She went to her room to drop off her wallet and badge. She lay down just for a minute and voila. She was just waking up now.

  She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. Damn it. She’d certainly missed a good time. But then, she had no regrets this morning. And no one had her wallet or badge. So, there was that to be thankful for.

  Cayenne showered and changed her clothes then got in her car and drove home. Home. Alone. Again. This was getting old. Maybe she was getting old. Random pickups didn’t seem to work for her anymore. She wanted something more. With Shayla.

  She needed to get over that and just give it up. She wasn’t going to find Shayla. Maybe she could find someone like Shayla. Not at some women’s club in Casa Grande. How could she meet women though? Linda and Karen were the only two other lesbians in Lazu, and they were taken.

  She’d think of something. Maybe she’d open a social media page. Besides the official page for the sheriff’s department. But that didn’t appeal to her. Maybe she’d join one of those online dating sites. No. She didn’t want to put a public profile out there.

  She was frustrated and disgusted when she pulled into her dirt drive. Damn it, Shayla. If it wasn’t for her, Cayenne wouldn’t even be thinking about that white picket fence. She’d been perfectly happy flying solo until Shayla had awakened something inside her.

  Cayenne wanted someone to care for. To take care of. To be the strong one someone leaned on. And not just for a night. She wanted it for the rest of her life. Where was Shayla? Cayenne had to find her. Sure, maybe she’d meet a woman someday, but she wouldn’t be Shayla. She’s the one that had touched her heart, a place that had been walled off for years.

  Shayla had been scared, used and abused, lacking in self-confidence. All the things that she didn’t deserve to be. A woman as kind and beautiful as she was deserved to be told how wonderful she was. She should hold her head high as the goddess she is.

  But Shayla was broken. May
be that was what drew Cayenne to her. Maybe she saw her as a project she needed to work on. She needed to fix Shayla. But no. It was deeper than that and she knew it.

  She was sure Shayla was terrified of being picked up by the police. She had to be looking over her shoulder everywhere she went. What kind of life was that? Plus, she had to feel horrible for actually killing her husband. She probably was just fighting him off. Yeah. That’s probably what happened. It hadn’t been intentional. Cayenne was sure of that.

  She drove into town to find some breakfast then headed for the station. She checked the reports from the night before. Deputy Farris walked up to her.

  “What can I do for you?”

  “You got out of here quick last night. I was going to invite you over to watch another game. Can you come tonight? Low key. Not as many people will be there.”

  Cayenne wanted to beg off. She wasn’t in the mood to socialize. But when she opened her mouth, “Sure. I’ll be there,” came out.

  “Great,” Farris said. “We’ll see you around seven. Not serving food, but if enough people are interested, we may order a pizza. Bring your beer.”

  “Will do.”

  She finished her day at two and left to wind down before going to Farris’. She wondered if his neighbors would be there and, if so, what would she tell them? She’d figure it out if she saw them.

  Cayenne pulled up at Farris’ at seven fifteen.

  “You’re just in time.” His wife opened the door. “The game’s about to start. Here, let me take your beer.”

  Cayenne grabbed one, said thank you, and walked down the hall to the expansive game room. Farris was right. There was nobody there but him, his wife, and his neighbors.

  “We missed you last night,” Karen whispered in her ear.

  “I bet you did.”

  “Where did you go? You said you were going to your room and then you never came back.”

  “Embarrassing though it is, I passed out.”

  “Get out of here.” Linda laughed.

  “I’m dead serious. I was just going to lay down for a minute and woke up this morning having no idea where I was or why I was fully dressed.”

  “Well, you missed a lot of fun,” Karen said. “That Riley was something else.”