Turbulent Intentions(64)

“It seems I have a date to get ready for,” she whispered as she glanced at herself in the mirror. Then to her surprise a giggle escaped.

A new dress was certainly in order. Though time kept on ticking, Stormy ignored it. Because as long as they were together, she wanted to make sure he never forgot her again.

That meant she was going to knock his socks off—and his pants, too.

Rushing to get dressed and ready so she could run out the door the minute Lindsey called, Stormy found herself restless as she sat on the back deck checking her phone every two minutes.

The day was progressing beautifully, bright blue skies with not a cloud in sight. Like a blanket, the warm sun beat down on the landscape of Gig Harbor, reinforcing how much she loved her new home.

I’m here.

Stormy jumped up at her friend’s text message. It was about time. Rushing around front, she smiled as Lindsey stepped from her car.

“Stormy!”

“Lindsey!” Stormy rushed forward and the two embraced. “It’s so great to see you. I can’t believe it’s been months already. I hate how time flies,” Stormy complained.

“I know. It’s been too long. But, from the look of things, your life has sure changed. I couldn’t believe it when you gave me this address,” Lindsey said with a wicked grin. “Did you meet a bank president or something?”

“Let’s go shopping for a fantastic dress and I’ll explain everything on the way,” Stormy offered.

“Okay, how about coffee first, then shopping. My tank is running low,” Lindsey said.

“Agreed.”

They got into the car, drove down the long driveway, waited for the gate, and then sped off.

Lindsey lived in Bellingham, Washington, and the two had been friends since working in a café together back in Seattle when Stormy had first arrived. They’d bonded instantly.

“I want info, woman,” Lindsey insisted as they drove toward the mall in Bellevue.

“My old neighbor, an incredible man, heard I needed a place to live, so he told me his nephew had an extra room. I was wary, of course, but I didn’t have a lot of options,” Stormy began.

“Wait! You were about to be homeless and you didn’t once think of calling me?” Lindsey demanded with outrage.

“You’re in a relationship, living in that tiny place, and I wouldn’t even think about bothering you with my troubles,” Stormy told her.

“Well, if we talked more often, you would know that my relationship ended and I would now love the company. Matter of fact, if you ever want to leave paradise, I have a room open for you,” Lindsey said.

“Oh, Lins, I’m so sorry,” Stormy said, reaching for her friend’s hand.

“I’m not. He hit me and I gave him a black eye and very enlarged testicles,” Lindsey said with a smile.

“Why didn’t you call me when that happened?” Stormy demanded.

“I was embarrassed and, I don’t know, being independent,” Lins told her.

“I wish I were as strong as you, Lins. Dang, I would have paid money to see that man rolling on the ground gripping his balls,” she finally said, a chuckle coming out.

“I can’t believe he thought he would get away with it. I grew up with four brothers.”

“Did you tell them?” Stormy gasped, imagining what they would do.

“No. I saved the pathetic man’s life. If I had told them, he wouldn’t have walked again. I did warn him that I would tell them if he ever came near me again,” Lindsey said. “Not that I’m not perfectly capable of taking care of myself, but just to ensure I never have to see his face again. He went all white and scampered away.”

“You were with him over a year. I’m sure it’s difficult,” Stormy told her.

“Not really. I’m used to being alone. I’ve yet to find a man who isn’t afraid of my brothers. I lose respect for them when they are,” Lindsey said.

“Yeah, I kind of like tough men, too, but relationships are complicated,” Stormy said with a sigh.

“I’m far more interested in hearing about your man,” Lindsey insisted.

“He’s not really my man. I’m living in his house. We had sex at the Anderson wedding six years ago, and I was so embarrassed about it that I didn’t even tell you, and then we’ve been having steaming hot sex now for a while. We’re just . . . I don’t know, we’re just friends with benefits, I guess you would call it,” Stormy told her.

“Yeah, we will see how that turns out,” Lindsey told her with a laugh. “We’re going to find a dress that is bound to drop this guy to his knees.”