Chapter Ten. “Juliet Sullivan, tell me you didn’t walk out of your tight-assed building dressed like that and didn’t call me so I could come witness the resulting

“Juliet Sullivan, tell me you didn’t walk out of your tight-assed building dressed like that and didn’t call me so I could come witness the resulting chaos? ”

Juliet looked down at her ripped jeans and red V-necked T-shirt. “What’s wrong with these? These are my rattiest clothes that you requested that I wear, but they’re still decent.”

Monica paused in her digging and rested on the handle of her spade. “Sweetheart, that T-shirt shows off the kind of cleavage I would kill for, and your jeans have very enticing flashes of flesh. Now, while in and of themselves your clothes are fine and very sexy on you, I just wish I’d been there to see your colleagues’ reactions as you walked past them looking like the truly gorgeous woman I know and love.”

Juliet cocked her eyebrow at her. “Next time I’ll just borrow a pair of Dad’s overalls and save you the show.”

Monica reached over for the extra shovel and picked her way over toward Juliet. She handed it to her as if it were a prized sword. “It’s not me who’s going to want to explore those holes.” She looked Juliet up and down admiringly. “Each and every tantalizing one of them.”

Juliet caught her drift and waved her comments away. “I’m going to be covered in dirt and God knows what when she comes home. I’m not going to be in the least bit desirable.”

“You really don’t see it, do you? ” Monica returned to her digging. “You are the quintessential femme, so perfectly suited to your studly gardening-impaired butch.”

“Do you really think so? ”

“Hey, if she doesn’t want to rip those jeans off by that particular frayed hole in the thigh, then she’s either crazy or too damn shy, and I don’t think she’s either, do you? ”

Juliet considered divulging with Monica Trent’s apparent restraint when a high-pitched voice shouted hello over the fence at them.

“Monica dear, you shouldn’t have! ”

Monica rushed over to the fence to speak with the old lady trying to peer over the fence.

“Mrs. Tweedy, you have the most beautiful Fryclimbdown Crimson Cascade that I’ve ever seen. How could I not help by cutting it back for you? It was wasting its gorgeous flowers over in this yard. Now they can be trained to bloom all in your own again.” Monica reached over the fence to touch at a rose with its dark red petals. “They feel like velvet. It’s the perfect rose for a Goth, the deep red splashed against the black of our dresses.”

“But you’re so busy, you shouldn’t have.”

“It was no problem, a five-minute job. Now it can continue flowering in all its glory for you.” Monica gestured for Juliet to join her. “Mrs. Tweedy, this is Juliet. She’s helping me in the yard.”

Mrs. Tweedy eyed Juliet closely. “So you’re another of Trent’s friends? She certainly knows some pretty girls.”

Juliet liked the old lady on sight. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

“So you’re both working on that yard at last? I’ve told Trent so many times she needed to get it sorted. She can’t have a nice young girl over and have a messy yard. How can you sit and watch the stars together when the yard is so overgrown? ”

Juliet was startled at Mrs. Tweedy being so open about Trent’s sexuality.

“Don’t you think she’s a handsome woman? ” Mrs. Tweedy asked suddenly, her question directed straight at Juliet.

“Yes, she is.”

“ You’re very pretty.”

Juliet was taken aback by her bluntness. “Thank you.”

Mrs. Tweedy nodded at Monica and uttered something like perfect under her breath. “Trent’s coming home around six o’clock tonight, isn’t she? It’s a shopping night. She always brings me a cake when she goes shopping, and whatever else I ask her for. She’s a good girl.” Mrs. Tweedy disappeared from behind the fence. “Anyone deciding to hurt her would have me after them with my walker. I barely use the blessed thing, so it could stand a few dings! ”

Juliet stood open-mouthed at the sound of retreating feet. She turned to Monica. “Why do I get the strangest feeling I’ve just been warned? ”

Monica shrugged. “She already knows about me and Elton, so she must figure you’re in the running for her neighbor’s attentions.”

“You’ve barely been here a day and already you’ve been gossiping with the old woman next door? ”

“What can I say, I’m the friendly sort.” She slipped down from the fence. “Do you know that Mrs. Tweedy very rarely sees anyone go into Trent’s house? ”

“So? She’s private.”

“She says she never seems to have friends over.”

“Monica, she just lives next door. She can’t know everything.”

“She’s the unofficial neighborhood watch. She sees all and reasonably hears all.” Monica began digging at a very stubborn root. “There are already two lesbians living together across the road, with two dogs and a chicken.” Monica paused. “Mrs. Tweedy gets free eggs from it. Can you imagine? ”

Juliet found her own patch of dirt to turn over. “You two together are truly frightening.”

“Want to know what I think? ”

Juliet bit back her sigh. “I’m sure you’re going to tell me anyway.”

“I think you’re either falling for a lean, mean, and downright sexy heartbreaker, or you have someone who is very careful who they let get close to them. From what I understand from the little Elton has revealed, I think you have the latter.”

“She is a marvelous blend of contradictions. So sexy and passionate, yet so sweet and respectful. Kayleigh absolutely idolizes her.”

“And what about you? ”

“I’m falling harder every time she looks at me with those deep brown eyes.” But I’m not pushing. I want to get to know her without frightening her away.

“Your sister and that games tournament have a lot to answer for.”

Juliet had to laugh at the look Monica spared her. “You and Elton are perfect for each other.”

“He’s fiercely loyal to Trent. There has to be a story behind that because he loves her so much. Thankfully, I know it’s nothing to be jealous of, but he’s very protective. It does make a girl curious.”

“They’ve been friends for years; friends are like that.” Juliet was glad to hear Elton was the kind of friend that didn’t spill confidences.

“I’m glad you came back to Baydale to us. I love having you living with me. It’s so cool to have you closer than just at the end of a telephone.”

“I missed you too.”

“Guess you coming back here was all fated. You come here and through you I meet the man of my dreams, and you…”

Monica’s sentence hung in the air. Juliet knew what she was waiting for.

“Do you really want me to say it out loud? ” Juliet said.

“No, I want you to say it to her. She’s the one to hear it. I just want you to realize it.”

Juliet continued to dig. She had already realized what Monica suspected, but realizing and doing something about it were miles apart.

Trent let herself in through her front door and juggled her shopping bags in her arms to hurriedly turn off the alarm beeping out its few seconds’ warning. With a well-placed heel against the door, she pushed it closed. Heading into the kitchen, Trent tried to clamp down on the excitement she could feel simmering away inside her. She laid her bags down and looked out the kitchen window. She saw Monica wrestling with a large overgrown bush. Then Trent’s breath caught in her chest. Juliet was nearby, bending over to tug at something fixed firmly in the ground. Trent’s eyes lingered just a little too long on Juliet’s shapely rear encased in denim. A piece of pale skin was peeking out on Juliet’s thigh. It’s official. She’s trying to kill me! Her elbow hit the bowl in the sink with dishes left in and they clattered together, startling Trent from her pensive staring.

She forced herself to do something responsible and quickly stored the perishable items in the fridge and laid out the makings for the meal she had to prepare. Trent was excited and yet nervous she was about to see Juliet again. Damn, this woman throws me off balance. She smoothed a hand down her tie and made sure her shirt was tucked in smartly, then she ran a hand through her hair. It fell back across her forehead where she left it. Trent unlocked the back door’s multiple locks and then stepped out into her backyard. She was astounded by how much work had already been done. There was more visible light pouring into the yard and it seemed so much bigger. Trent sought out Juliet first and was the recipient of such a welcoming smile that she forgot everything but the need to kiss her. Trent took a step but found her path impeded by a gathering pile of yard debris blocking the path. She kicked at it in frustration.

“Hi, Trent, mind you don’t ruin your clothes on the thorns hidden in that mound.”

Trent dutifully stepped back at Juliet’s warning and had to settle for just looking at her over the pile. Juliet was smudged and grubby and had loose bits of foliage in her hair, but to Trent’s eyes she looked so happy that she could have hugged her, dirt and all. “You’ve done a lot of work. I didn’t expect you to get so much done in such a short space of time.”

“Monica’s done all the hard work. I’ve only been here for an hour or so.” Juliet held up her filthy hands. “But I got stuck straight in to earn my keep.”

Trent wrinkled her nose at the sight of Juliet’s dirt-covered hands. “You can take a shower if you like before I feed you. I’m sure I can find something for you to wear to save you having to put your banker’s garb on again.”

“Are you politely telling me that I smell? ”

“No, I was merely pointing out that you might prefer to sit for our meal refreshed from a shower after your exertion in this warm sun.” Trent folded her arms across her chest at the urge to reach out and wipe away a particularly tantalizing droplet of sweat that was traveling toward Juliet’s cleavage. “I’ll even let you loose with the rubber duck in there.”

Juliet wiped at the sweat on her forehead and inadvertently smeared a streak of dirt across her skin. “Sold.” Juliet paused in what she was doing and ran her eyes up and down Trent’s body until Trent had to shift under the concentrated gaze.

“What? ”

“We’re not exactly the same size. You’re so tall and lean and I’m…”

“Smaller yet much more voluptuous, ” Monica said.

“Thank you, Monica, for your observation.” Juliet gave her a look.

“I have some things that will be suitable, so don’t worry, ” Trent said.

Monica checked her watch. “Time to quit. We’ll start clearing up and I’ll get going.” She picked up her shovel. “We can leave the tools in the shed.”

“I have a shed? ” Trent said.

Monica pointed a sharp finger at her. “You…go inside now! Get back into your house and hang your head in shame! Yes, you have a shed. It was buried behind all the trash in that corner.”

Trent looked over to where she gestured, and sure enough, there was an old wood-paneled shed revealed.

“Well, would you look at that? ” Trent turned to Monica. “I have a shed.”

Monica just scoffed at her. “Yeah, like you’re ever going to use it.”

Trent winked at her as she backpedaled toward her door. “Doesn’t mean I’m not excited to have one.” She leaned against the frame lazily, giving Juliet her full attention. “I’ll go start cutting and chopping, Juliet, so I’ll see you shortly.” She caught Monica’s attention. “Monica, keep the key so you can just come and go as you please back here. And thank you for what you have accomplished so far. It looks so much better already.”

“Thanks, Trent, I’ll do that.”

Trent reluctantly stepped back inside and took off her shoes out of habit. She raced up the stairs to find Juliet some clothing. Though I like her in those jeans, especially that rip that just screams for me to go exploring there. She couldn’t help the length of the sweatpants she found, but she reckoned Juliet could be comfortable in a sweatshirt she had that was a “one size fits all” make that she’d won at a tournament and had never been able to wear. Trent laid out the items on the bed along with a clean pair of socks, then grabbed a clean T-shirt to change into. Loose jeans replaced her black suit trousers, and Trent trotted back down to the kitchen to start their meal. She had everything washed and diced and was just preparing to open a beer when there was a tentative knock at the back door. Trent opened it to find Juliet leaning against the wall tugging her boots off.

“Come on in.” Trent held the door open for Juliet to enter.

“My jeans are filthy. I really don’t want to walk through your house like this, but I didn’t feel right taking them off outside in full view of your neighbors.”

Trent went warm at both the thought and the wicked glint shining in Juliet’s eyes. “If you’d rather leave your jeans down here I promise to avert my eyes so you can escape upstairs.”

Juliet’s hand went to her waistband and she began to undo the button. Trent was unable to turn away, mesmerized as Juliet slid the zipper down slowly.

“There are towels in the bathroom ready for you, and I’ve left clothing on the bed.” Trent could hardly breathe. Her gaze was drawn to the bright flash of color being revealed beneath the denim. “I didn’t think my underwear would be of any use to you.” She swallowed hard as Juliet began to slip her jeans off her hips, and only then did she turn away to give her privacy.

“You not into lace, Trent? ” Juliet’s voice teased from behind her.

Trent had seen the intricate lace that covered Juliet’s skin, and her mind had conjured up images of her running her fingers over it, tracing the patterns, before edging beneath them. “Not on me personally.” Trent was grateful to hear her voice didn’t sound as strained as she thought. “I wear boxer shorts. I didn’t really see you wearing those, and I can see I was right.”

Trent tried to dismiss the vision from her mind of Juliet dressed only in her underwear and bit back the groan that washed through her gut.

“Are you going to show me where your bathroom is? ”

The sound of heavy material hitting the floor by the door made Trent clench her fists. “That would require me turning around, and I’m trying so very hard to be chivalrous.”

“Trent, I have nothing I’m ashamed of, so you might as well turn around.”

Trent did and her mouth grew dry as she took in Juliet’s near nakedness. The T-shirt did little to cover Juliet’s hips, so the pink panties were clearly visible. Trent studied the length of Juliet’s legs. She immediately imagined them wrapped around her hips. “Please let me walk up the stairs in front of you because if I walk behind you looking like that, I’m liable to forget chivalry altogether.”

Juliet waved a hand to let Trent past. “I need to remember next time that I’m going to sweat so a change of clothes would be advisable. Also, I need a sunhat. I can already feel where I got burned today.”

“You need to be careful. Your skin is so pale it wouldn’t take much to damage it. Apply plenty of sunscreen too.” Trent forced herself to make simple conversation, but she could smell the heat on Juliet’s flesh and still had the vision of those pale legs imprinted on her mind. She was thankful she didn’t miss a step and stumble.

Trent reached for the bathroom door and pushed it open. Juliet slipped past her and stopped in her tracks. “Wow! That is some shower.” She reached for the edge of her shirt and Trent beat a hasty retreat.

“My room is right next door. You can change in there.”

“Thank you, Trent.”

Trent barely caught the words as she reached the bottom of the stairs in record time. She wiped at the sweat that prickled on her forehead. She knew it wasn’t due to the seasonal heat. She grabbed for her beer and drank from it long and hard. Hearing the shower go on, Trent sat with a thump at the table at the image of a naked Juliet separated from her by just a floor. Trent ran the cold bottle against her forehead and groaned.

Will this wanting never cease?

Juliet luxuriated under the spray of the water, washing off the sweat from her labor and the accumulated dirt. Squeezing out a handful of shower gel, she recognized the familiar scent she associated with Trent as it filled her nostrils. She lathered the soap all over her body and washed it off under the jets. Then she searched the shelves in the shower for something to wash her hair with, squirted some out, and massaged it into her hair. The suds drifted down her body like gentle fingers and Juliet recalled Trent’s unabashed staring when she had stood pants-less before her. Juliet liked how Trent looked at her, how a mere look from her was almost a physical caress. She quickly rinsed out her hair and turned off the water. She reached for the towels thoughtfully placed within easy reach and rubbed at her long hair before sweeping it up in the towel. She tucked the other towel between her breasts and padded out of the bathroom to find Trent’s bedroom. She pushed the door ajar and peeked inside. Her jaw dropped at the room. No wonder she spends all her time up here instead. Juliet slipped inside and just stood looking around the room in astonishment. Unlike the downstairs rooms, the bedroom was fully decorated. A light blue paint covered the walls. The large bed that dominated the room had a contrasting blue spread. Dark wooden shelves took up a wall and were filled with books and DVDs, all lined up just so. A large screen TV was positioned at the end of the bed. That’s why I didn’t see a TV downstairs, Juliet thought, wondering at the screen’s actual size, as it took up a great deal of space. She realized that Trent had closed the blinds for her sake, so she slipped the towel from her body and began to dry herself off. She caught sight of a photo frame on one shelf, a picture of a much younger Trent with a clean-faced Elton. She guessed they were barely in their teens when the photo had been taken. They were grinning at the camera, arms about each other’s shoulders. Next to it was another photo of them, only they were older. Trent was more serious and Elton was starting to get his facial hair. Juliet leaned closer to see a photo from a newspaper of the Baydale Reapers winning their first tournament. Elton was wearing his Reaper makeup while Trent held up the trophy. Elton’s never far from your side, is he? Juliet wondered at their closeness and the reason behind it. She slipped into the sweatpants and rolled up the excess leg material, chuckling as she did so. Then she pulled on the light sweatshirt. It was just big enough to have her chest not be constricted. She sat on Trent’s bed to pull on the socks. She was highly conscious of the fact she was now bra-less and panty-less, but the items were soaked through with sweat, and she really didn’t like the idea of putting them back on for modesty’s sake. She rolled her clothes and the towels into a ball and tugged a hand through her hair to try to dry out the tangles in its length. Finally, she called down to Trent.

“Do you have a comb I can borrow, please? ” Footsteps came up the stairs immediately.

“Sorry, I just carry it with me.” Trent waited on the landing and Juliet opened the bedroom door so she could pass the comb over.

Trent eyed her in the sweatshirt. “Trident Games has never looked so good emblazoned on someone’s chest.”

“This has to bury you.”

“I’m too slender for it, but it suits you perfectly.” She looked down at Juliet’s legs. “Sorry about the trousers, though. I can’t do much about the length.”

“They’re on and not slipping off. Besides, rolled-up cuffs are very fashionable these days.” Juliet began to run the comb through her hair. “Trent, your bedroom is beautiful.”

Trent shoved her hands in her pockets and looked almost shy at Juliet’s praise. “You think so? ”

“It’s restful, and you have an amazing array of DVDs. Some I’ve never even heard of.” She ran through some of the titles until she named one that made Trent cough slightly.

“That’s not exactly a mainstream film, ” she said.

Juliet reached out to slip the DVD from its slot. The naked women on the sleeve gave away its contents.

“It’s one of the best lesbian erotica films available.”

Juliet blinked and looked at the DVD in her hand. “I see.” She could feel her face burn as she realized she had found Trent’s collection of porn.

Trent was obviously glad she wasn’t the only one embarrassed. “I can’t recommend them highly enough. But if you prefer big budgets and more aliens to your movie watching, then I’d suggest something totally different from another shelf.”

Juliet chuckled softly at Trent’s wry comment. “I’m sorry, Trent.”

Trent just shrugged. “No apology necessary. We’re both adults. We know how sex works.” She rocked back on her heels. “I may be considered a geek in some circles, but I’m no virgin.”

“That’s all a myth, then? ”

“You might want to double-check with Eddie, who is the stereotypical gamer geek who still lives with his mother, but as for the rest of us, we all manage to reasonably function in polite society.”

Juliet was once again drawn to the photographs on the shelves. “These are wonderful pictures of you and Elton.”

“He’s the only guy you’ll ever find in my bedroom and only then in photos.” Trent moved closer to lean over Juliet’s shoulder. “Look at him without all that facial fuzz he sports now. He looks like a baby.”

Juliet leaned back just a fraction and touched Trent’s chest. She was warmed by the way Trent immediately wrapped her arms about her and held her gently. Juliet was drawn closer. Trent’s chin brushed against her hair and her breath caught in her throat when Trent pulled her even closer. For a moment they were silent.

“I have your meal waiting for you. I hope salad is okay. It’s too hot for anything else lately.”

“Salad is fine.” Juliet was loath to have Trent move from her hold. She caressed Trent’s hands where they lay laced across her stomach. She traced the long fingers and solid palm. Trent’s chest hitched behind her.

“Would you believe me if I said you’re the first woman who’s stepped foot in my bedroom? ” Trent began to rub Juliet’s stomach in tiny circles through the material of the sweatshirt.

“I’d be surprised. You don’t strike me as a woman who would lack for feminine company.” Juliet felt Trent shift behind her. “You’re way too gorgeous to be celibate.”

Trent sighed against her hair. “To be honest, it’s been a while.”

Juliet hugged Trent’s arms around her. “No pretty girls to turn your head lately? ”

“No inclination to play the games the women I usually come across want me to play.”

“So, you’re not that much of a player? ” Juliet twisted in Trent’s arms to look over her shoulder at her, intrigued despite herself at what Trent would answer.

“Only in the games I want to play.” Trent nuzzled her lips against Juliet’s neck.

Juliet shivered as Trent’s warm lips trailed up and down her skin. The warmth of her tongue skimmed over Juliet’s pulse point. Juliet bit her lip as Trent’s sharp teeth tugged gently at her sensitized skin. After each nip the sting was soothed away by a swipe of her tongue, and Juliet was conscious of her breath sounding shakier with every exhalation.

“I don’t know what it is about you that makes all my good intentions fly out the window the minute I get too near.” Trent buried her forehead into Juliet’s shoulder and sighed softly. “You do strange things to me, Juliet.”

Juliet ruffled Trent’s dark hair. “Good strange things, though? ” Trent nodded.

“We need to go downstairs before I break another first.”

Juliet all but moaned at the loss of warmth as Trent stepped away from her and headed toward the door.

“I never bed women in my own bed, ” Trent said as she started down the stairs.

Juliet remained still for a moment, her eyes inexplicably drawn toward the large bed in the room. “First time for everything, ” she whispered and smoothed a hand over the sheets before leaving, quietly shutting the door behind her.