Just a Touch Away Read online

  “I need to finish making the salad,” Fiona said. “Why don’t you and Cloe take a seat in the living room?” She winked at Cloe.

  They headed to the couch and sat down. Lindsey liked that Cloe sat close enough for their bodies to touch.

  Cloe patted Lindsey’s leg. “Sorry about my mom. I’m assuming you saw that wink. She’s not too subtle.”

  Lindsey covered Cloe’s hand with her own. “It makes me feel good. I think it means she approves.”

  “They both approve of you, Lindsey.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yes.” Cloe kissed her cheek.

  They chatted for a few minutes about the book when Fiona called them into the dining room.

  “You two sit there.” Fiona pointed to the two place settings next to each other. “Chuck and I will take our usual seats.”

  Soon, they were enjoying a scrumptious salad and a delicious stew. Lindsey took a sip of water and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Fiona, Chuck, this is wonderful. I would say I’d like the recipe for your stew, but I wouldn’t do it justice.”

  Chuck beamed at the compliment. “I couldn’t tell you anyway, Lindsey, because then I’d—”

  “Have to kill you,” they all said together. They shared in the laugh.

  “Tell me about the book you two are working on,” Chuck said.

  For the next several minutes, Lindsey described the storyline, while Cloe chimed in about her sketches.

  Lindsey took her last bite of stew and sat back in her chair. She caught Cloe’s eye and smiled. “Your daughter is very talented, but I’m sure you both know that.”

  “We do,” Fiona said, obviously proud of Cloe’s artistic skills.

  Chuck said, “We’ve been telling her that since she was a kid and picked up her first pencil to draw.” He took a drink of his iced tea. “Sometimes she’s been slow to believe us. I think maybe she lost a little faith after school.” He looked across the table at Fiona. “Her mother and I never stopped believing.”

  Lindsey reached for Cloe’s hand. “I feel blessed having her illustrate my book.” She squeezed Cloe’s hand. “I feel blessed we met.”

  Cloe blinked away tears and held Lindsey’s gaze.

  Chuck cleared his throat and stood up. “Time for us to clear the table. Fiona, do you want to get the desserts?”

  Lindsey didn’t have time to offer to help out. Chuck was already stacking all the dishes, and Fiona had left for the refrigerator.

  Cloe lifted Lindsey’s hand to her lips. “I feel the same, Lindsey. Blessed that we met.”

  Lindsey took a peek toward the kitchen doorway and leaned in for a kiss.

  “I hope you like fresh strawberries and angel food cake,” Fiona said as she approached the table.

  Lindsey stood to help with the two dishes. “Love it. Who doesn’t?”

  Chuck carried in the plates.

  “I’ll get the whipped topping,” Fiona said. “Anyone want coffee? I know you don’t like it, Cloe. Tea okay?”

  “Yes.”

  Lindsey and Chuck spoke up for cups of coffee. The younger women waved Chuck back into his chair. Cloe said, “We got it, Dad. I know how you like your coffee.”

  They each carried in two mugs and handed them out.

  Lindsey dug into her strawberries and cake and made a yummy sound. “I love strawberries, especially fresh ones in the summer.” After a couple of bites, she asked about their store.

  “We do just fine,” Chuck said. “Right, honey?”

  “We have since we opened. It helps we’re the only store near the lake.”

  “We hired a new employee.” Chuck kept his head lowered.

  Cloe set down her cup of tea. “What?” She was clearly surprised.

  “She starts Monday,” Fiona said.

  “But what about me?”

  Chuck said, “Honey, you have another job now. One you’re meant to do.”

  “Yeah, but—”

  He waved off her words. “But nothing. You’ve been a big help at the store, and we thank you for it. We’ve been praying for this break. You grab hold of it with both hands and don’t let go. This will lead to other illustrating jobs.” He looked at Lindsey. “Right?”

  “Cloe is that good.”

  Cloe appeared to be about to object again, but her mom patted her hand. “It’s time for you to fly, sweetheart.”

  Chuck added, “And we expect to see some of those drawings.”

  “I can bring some over this week,” Cloe told him.

  Fiona picked up the plates, and Chuck helped clear the table.

  After they left the dining room, Lindsey leaned close to Cloe. “You okay?”

  “I wasn’t expecting that. I mean, I haven’t been helping out lately, obviously. But I figured I’d go back to working there.”

  Lindsey raised an eyebrow. “When?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Your parents are right. This is your job now. You only need the self-confidence to accept it.”

  They all retired to the living room to chat for another hour. Lindsey glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was already nine-thirty.

  “I’m sorry, but I need to head home. Fred’s probably holding his legs together.”

  They laughed. “Wouldn’t want there to be an accident,” Chuck said.

  Lindsey rose to her feet, and the others stood with her. “Fiona and Chuck, thank you again. The meal was delicious.”

  “We expect you to come back over,” Chuck said.

  Fiona hugged her. “Yes, promise you will.”

  “Only if you’ll come to the cabin soon. I can’t cook that well, but I’m a great grill master.”

  “We’ll do that,” Fiona told her.

  Cloe walked Lindsey to the door and stepped outside with her. She didn’t turn on the outside light. Once she shut the door behind her, she pulled Lindsey in for a long, deep kiss. “I’ve been wanting to do that all night.”

  Lindsey leaned in for another kiss. “I’m glad I wasn’t the only one.”

  “Do you mind if I come over again tomorrow?” Cloe stared down at her feet. “I mean, I can do the sketching here. But I—”

  Lindsey tapped Cloe’s nose with her index finger. “Of course I want you to come over.”

  “Great. How about eleven? I’ll get some work done here to finish up that last sketch. Then we can move on to the next page.”

  “Eleven is fine.”

  Lindsey started toward her Jeep. She walked backwards a few steps and waved.

  “Good night, Lindsey.”

  “Night.”

  * * *

  Another week of working on the book passed. Cloe finalized the art on more pages. Lindsey sent off the art, along with the text for each page. They were now more than ten pages into the book, making great progress in a relatively short time. Lindsey told Cloe again that it helped when they worked closely together.

  Friday morning, Cloe showed up at Lindsey’s cabin and Lindsey answered the door dressed in a tank top and shorts. Cloe saw the straps of Lindsey’s swimsuit peeking out near her shoulder. Before she could even ask about Lindsey’s plans, Lindsey spoke.

  “I thought since it’s such a nice day and we’ve been working so hard without a break, it’s time we give ourselves a reward.”

  Cloe set her art supplies down. “Oh, really?” She tried to keep a stern face to go along with her level tone, but she laughed when Lindsey’s face fell. “It sounds like a great idea, Lindsey.” She waved at her own jeans and T-shirt. “I don’t think I’m dressed for an outing on the water, though.”

  “No problem. We’ll swing by your place before we head out to the dock.”

  “Sylvia and Barry are that happy with what we’ve sent them that we can take a break?”

  “They are. They especially love your watercolors.”

  Cloe felt the heat rise to her cheeks with the compliment.

  “Let me grab my gear and the cooler, and I’ll be right back.”

&nbs
p; Cloe watched Lindsey hustle away, her gaze falling to the way the shorts hugged her shapely ass. She blew out a breath. Fred tapped her foot with his paw and seemed to arch his eyebrow, as if to say, “Are you checking out my mom?”

  “Why, yes, Fred. Yes, I am.”

  “Did you say something?” Lindsey carried in her bag and set it on the floor.

  “Just asking Fred if he was going with us.” Fred woofed. She stared at him. He wasn’t calling her out on the lie, was he? Too weird.

  “You don’t mind, do you? We’ll be gone for a while. It’s better if he goes with us. I can always dock for him to do his business then take us back on the water.”

  “I don’t mind at all.”

  Lindsey hooked the leash to his collar and grabbed his life jacket when she picked up her bag. “Let’s head on over to your place.”

  * * *

  Cloe trounced down her apartment stairs to Lindsey and Fred waiting in the Jeep. It hadn’t taken long to change into her one-piece swimsuit. She covered up with shorts and a T-shirt until they would be out on the water.

  She opened the passenger door and settled into her seat.

  Lindsey grinned. “This will be fun.”

  About fifteen minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot at the dock. Lindsey led them down to her slip. She took their bags and stored them on board. Next came Fred in his doggy life vest. Then Lindsey held out her hand for Cloe to step on board.

  Cloe slipped off her shirt and shorts and settled onto the cushioned lounge seat in the bow of the boat. Fred jumped up beside her.

  “If he’s bothering you, we can go ahead and leash him in,” Lindsey shouted over the boat motor.

  Cloe slung her arm around Fred’s shoulders. “He’s fine. We’re enjoying the sun.”

  Lindsey took them on a wide loop around the lake, slowing down when other watercraft swung nearby. Cloe closed her eyes and basked in the heat suffusing her body. Eventually, Fred settled beside her and placed his head on her knee. She stroked behind his ears, the hum of the motor lulling her into lassitude.

  She opened her eyes sometime later when Lindsey cut the engine. “This okay?”

  Cloe sat up and looked around. Rather than being in the cove, the boat sat in the middle of the lake. She glanced back at Lindsey who was smiling.

  “I thought we could get more sun out here, enjoy a lunch, then head back to shore.”

  Although they were in the center of the lake, passing boats were far enough away to not cause any wake to rock them. It was later in August, and some of the schools had started, so not as many boats were out. Paige, in fact, had two teacher’s days this week, and her elementary school year began Monday.

  “This is fine.”

  After Lindsey payed out the fluke anchor from the bow, she waited until the boat drifted a bit and gave the line a big tug. She hooked the rope around a cleat, and when it became taut, she knotted it and dusted her hands together. “That should keep us in place.”

  She walked aft, lifted her cooler, and carried it to the front of the boat. “Cold cut sandwiches okay?” She chuckled. “As your dad would say, a little late to be asking.”

  “I’d love a sandwich. Whatever you have.”

  Lindsey held up two wrapped sandwiches. “Ham and swiss or ham and swiss?”

  “Hmm. You make it a hard choice. I’ll take ham and swiss.”

  Lindsey handed her a sandwich and a bottle of water, grabbed a sandwich and water for herself, and poured water in a bowl for Fred. She sat across from Cloe in the other side of the round seat. After Fred finished drinking, he moved so he was equidistance between them. His head swiveled back and forth with each bite they took. A little bit of drool dripped down from his mouth. Cloe had pity and gave him a piece of ham.

  “You’re a softie,” Lindsey said then handed him a bite of her own sandwich.

  “And you’re not?” Cloe quirked an eyebrow.

  “Nooo. Fred’s my boy. I have to feed him.”

  Cloe snorted.

  They chatted while they ate, watched the boats go by, and waved at the people who waved at them.

  “My mom and dad haven’t stopped talking about you since that dinner,” Cloe said.

  “I enjoyed myself that evening.”

  “They can’t wait until they see you again.”

  “I’ll have you all over soon for a cook-out.” Lindsey finished with her sandwich, balled up her trash, and tucked it into the cooler. “That reminds me. David called and wanted to know if we could get together for dinner this week. Thursday evening?”

  “I’d love to.”

  “I’ll let him know.”

  Lindsey took them to the shore for a short walk with Fred before they went for one more trip around the lake. “You ready to head in?” Lindsey asked as they drew close to the dock again.

  “Yeah, I think I’ve had enough sun for today.”

  By the time they docked the boat, it was four o’clock.

  Cloe thought of something. “Hey. Do you feel up to an ice cream?”

  “I could never turn down ice cream. What do you have in mind?”

  “Let’s take Fred home, and I’ll show you this diner that Paige and I love.”

  Lindsey drove Fred to the cabin to get him settled. He plopped down on his bed as soon as he entered.

  “I think we might have worn him out,” Cloe said.

  “A day out on the lake typically does that.” Lindsey waved at her clothes. “I’m okay like this?”

  “It’s not a fancy place. Trust me.”

  * * *

  “Oh, dear Lord,” Lindsey said and moaned as the ice cream melted in her mouth. “Is it because it’s hot out? This sundae is out of this world.”

  Cloe pointed at Lindsey with her own spoon full of ice cream. “No, it’s their sundaes. Paige and I have been coming here since high school. Mr. and Mrs. Tomlin retired several years ago, but their daughter still runs it.”

  “We need to come back here. Soon.”

  “You’ll not hear any argument from me. Paige said she’d buy me a month of sundaes if I get steady illustrating work after this book.”

  “Get ready for those sundaes.”

  Cloe dipped in to the last of her ice cream. “I’m glad you two have so much faith in me.”

  “Please. It’s not a stretch. Speaking of work, do you want to come over Monday to get started on the next ten pages?”

  “I’ll be there at ten. Does that work?”

  “Yes.” Lindsey took Cloe’s hand. “Have I told you lately how much I enjoy our time together?”

  Cloe intertwined their fingers. “Yes, but we can keep telling each other that.”

  “Good. Because I’m not going to stop.” Lindsey went back to finishing her sundae, happy for everything in her life. Especially the woman sitting across from her.

  Chapter 17

  “Hey, Mom.” Cloe joined Fiona at the front counter.

  “Sweetheart. You look nice. Hot date?”

  “Mom.”

  Fiona smiled. “You know I’m teasing you.” Her expression grew serious. “If we haven’t told you enough, Lindsey is a special woman, and you make a beautiful couple.” She pointed at Cloe’s clothes. “You are going on a date with her, aren’t you? Because I doubt you’d be dressed like that to come in here to see us.”

  Cloe looked down at her black slacks and purple, short-sleeve blouse, one of her favorites. She polished everything off with small, gold, hoop earrings and a gold pendant necklace that fell just above her cleavage.

  “You’re right,” she said as she smoothed her blouse. “Lindsey will be picking me up soon. We’re going to her brother and sister-in-law’s for dinner.”

  “Ah. Another meeting of the family members.” Fiona leaned across the counter on her elbows and cupped her chin in an open palm. “This is getting serious.”

  “I don’t want to jinx it.”

  “Oh, sweetie. You won’t jinx it. Have you seen the way Lindsey looks at you? You star
e at her with the same gleam in your eyes.”

  Cloe glanced behind her.

  “It’s just us,” her mother reassured her.

  Cloe moved closer and said in a lowered voice, “We haven’t, you know, haven’t. . .” Cloe hoped her mother would get it because she definitely didn’t want to say it out loud.

  “And that’s a bad thing?”

  “No, no. Not at all.” Cloe tapped her fingers nervously on the counter.

  Fiona stilled her hand. “Talk to me, honey.”

  “Mom, remember I’ve never. . . never. . .” Cloe stared down at the wooden counter.

  Her mom squeezed her hand. “That only means you’ve not met the right woman,” she said softly. “I have a feeling Lindsey is that woman. It doesn’t matter when it happens. You’ll know when the time is right. And when it’s right, you’ll be glad you waited.”

  Cloe’s vision blurred at her mother’s words. She blinked a few times to keep the tears at bay. “You’re the best mom in the world.”

  Fiona came around the counter and gathered Cloe into her arms. “I love you.”

  Cloe tightened her hold. “Love you, too.”

  Fiona released her and gently patted her cheek. “Go. Have fun, and quit overthinking everything.”

  Cloe smiled. “Okay.”

  * * *

  “I think you’ll like David and Gayle,” Lindsey said as she turned into a housing development in Bloomington.

  “I’m sure I will. You’re not worried, are you?”

  “No. It’s that. . .”

  “Yes?”

  “You’re the first woman I’ve brought to meet them who’s really meant something.”

  Surprised, Cloe asked, “What about Elise?”

  “We’d been dating about six months before she met David and Gayle.”

  “Why so long?”

  “I didn’t think it would last. Maybe that should’ve been a clue about how things would turn out.” Lindsey flipped the turn signal. “But with you, I’ve felt connected from the very beginning.”

  Her words warmed Cloe’s heart. “I’ve felt connected to you since we bonded over Oreos and milk.”

  Lindsey pulled into the drive of a two-story, brick home. Lights inside glowed warmly, and the porch lights on either side of the door welcomed them in.