Share the Road (Challenge Book 2) Read online

  Share the Road

  By D. Blake

  Share the Road © 2015

  By D. Blake

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in printed or electronic form without permission.

  This story is a work of fiction.

  Synopsis

  Taryn had a new job at the graphic design firm, she was starting classes in the fall, and her relationship with Vanessa was definitely moving in the right direction.

  What she didn’t expect was to run into the mild mannered blond at The Club on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, Vanessa was looking for a hot body while Taryn was looking for a long term relationship that didn’t start with sex.

  Now, driving south on St. Michaels road, Taryn wondered how she was going to survive an entire cycling weekend with her friends AND Vanessa. Especially since her anger was growing with each mile as she drew closer to the Bed and Breakfast.

  Acknowledgements

  I thank AJ Molina for her continued support with comments and editing of this short story.

  “Can you organize another ride for us before we go on the Shore Tour?”

  “Sure. Myla has already suggested it. Let me give her a call to see when Vanessa is available.” Summer replied, watching as Taryn’s smile grew wide with just the mention of Vanessa’s name. “When are you free?”

  “Anytime, just let me know,” Taryn responded coolly.

  “I will. You doing okay? How are you settling in? I hope you’re not working too much.” Summer was referring to Taryn’s new role in her graphic design firm. Taryn’s natural artistic talents were obvious to everyone, making it only natural for Summer and Eddie to give her more responsibilities in their firm, utilizing her creativity and vision to better everyone’s work.

  Taryn returned from the doorway and walked behind Summer’s desk to give her a hug. “No more than you, and you don’t know how happy you’ve made me.”

  “I’m glad; it was fitting. You just needed the confidence to speak your opinion and to get the lay of the land.”

  “Either way, I love my new job,” Taryn said excitedly. “Don’t get me wrong, I liked being your assistant, but this…”

  “I know, I know.”

  “I feel like a part of the family.” Taryn said with tears beginning to well in her eyes.

  “Taryn,” Summer said seriously as she stood from her chair and pulled Taryn into a hug. “You’ve always been a part of our eccentric family, but I think I understand what you’re saying.”

  Taryn laughed and wiped her face with her hands. Summer handed her a Kleenex from the box on her desk and sat down on the edge. “Let me know when you’re ready for more responsibility.”

  “Wait, I’m still figuring things out.” Taryn added, almost in a panic.

  Summer laughed and shook her head. “Hey. We’ve had this discussion. You know what you’re doing, and you probably know this company better than anyone here. In fact, you probably know everyone’s job here better than they do.”

  “I…I just don’t want to disappoint anyone, especially you.”

  “You won’t. We work as a team, remember? If we don’t like your ideas, we’ll let you know,” she said grinning. “But you have to be able to take criticism without getting offended, or upset.”

  Taryn nodded her head in agreement. She had worked with the small graphic design team for almost seven years and knew exactly how things worked. Taryn really did know the business better than anyone, with the exception of Summer. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t doubt herself from time to time.

  To gain more confidence and experience, she enrolled herself in two online courses for the fall, and with Summer’s support, she’d be able to work and participate in the online courses during the day if necessary. “Thank you.”

  Summer smiled and pushed Taryn out of the office. “I’ll let you know when I talk to Myla.”

  At 5:00 p.m., Summer called Myla one more time before leaving the office. When she didn’t get an answer, she scrunched her face and wondered where Myla was. Just as she got to her car, her phone went off and she looked at the screen to see Myla’s face. “Myla’s girlfriend,” she answered.

  Myla laughed into the phone and shook her head. “Hey sweetie. Could you pick me up at the coffee house? I had a meeting there with my boss and didn’t think I would make it back to the office in time to meet you.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll be there in fifteen.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  “Bye Myla,” Summer replied sweetly. Myla and Summer had become very close over the last two months, and Summer knew it wouldn’t be too much longer before she confessed her love. They both knew they were falling, yet neither had actually voiced the words.

  ****

  Friday evening, the girls met Summer at her house again for another bike ride. On this particular summer night, they pushed hard with Taryn and Vanessa taking the lead, while Summer and Myla followed behind. When they weren’t dodging pedestrians or roller bladders, they chatted about the upcoming weekend where they would meet in St. Michaels to begin their Shore Tour journey.

  The ride ended when they pulled into Summer’s driveway, eventually following her to the back pool area where a planned swim was in order. Summer showed Vanessa where the outside shower and changing area were before heading inside to get everyone snacks and drinks.

  Taryn went first, changing into a two piece bikini, hoping that Vanessa would take notice. When she returned to the deck, Vanessa blushed when she caught sight of Taryn, then quickly turned her attention to the ground as she made her way down the path to the shower, holding her bag close to her chest. Both women were obviously interested in one other, but had only spent time together with friends, making getting to know one another more difficult.

  Just as Vanessa returned, Myla and Summer appeared with a tray of light snacks and four glasses of beer. “Back in a second. You two get to hang out while we go change into suits.”

  Taryn turned around not realizing that Vanessa was standing behind her. “Hey, you look…nice.”

  Vanessa smiled and added, “So do you.”

  Taryn gulped and looked back at the table. “Would you like a drink?”

  “Yes, please. That was a nice ride. Probably one of the best that I’ve ridden within the city limits.” Vanessa took a seat next to Taryn and squeezed her hand. “I’m getting excited about our trip next week. I haven’t explored Maryland much, but Myla informed me that the Eastern Shore is flat but gorgeous, especially where we’re going.”

  “Yes, it’s beautiful,” Taryn said while watching Vanessa.

  As promised, Myla and Summer returned in their suits, with Summer going straight for the pool, diving into the deep end with a splash. “Ready for a swim?” Myla asked.

  “So ready,” Taryn said jumping up from the chair. She walked to the side and jumped straight into the water without testing it. “Oh, that feels so good. God Summer, I am so jealous.”

  “You can stop by and use it anytime,” Summer offered pushing the wet hair from her face.

  “Just beware, Summer likes to swim in her birthday suit.” Myla said watching her lover float in the pool.

  Summer grinned and shrugged her shoulders when Taryn gave her a questioning look. “Okay, so maybe not unannounced,” Taryn added as everyone laughed.

  Myla sat down next to Vanessa. “You okay?” Myla asked worried that her friend was uncomfortable.

  “Couldn’t be better,” she replied watching Taryn in the pool. Taryn’s red hair flowed around her shoulders making it difficult for Vanessa not to stare. Her fair skin was beautiful in contrast to her orange bikini; thankfully she was oblivious to Vanessa’
s appraisal.

  When everyone had cooled off, they sat outside and discussed their plans for the following weekend. Each had a room booked at an off the beaten path, eclectic lesbian owned B&B. They decided to meet there at 10:00 a.m., leaving their cars on the street and luggage in a locked room. The longest cycling trip would be on Friday, riding from St. Michaels to Easton, then down Route 333 to Oxford, where they could relax while they enjoyed lunch with a water front view.

  As 11:00 p.m. approached, everyone was relaxed by the pool and a comfortable quiet had come over them. Taryn lightly ran her hand down Vanessa’s arm to get her attention. “I think it’s time we leave these two love birds alone.” Vanessa nodded and stood to gather her things.

  “Thank you for sharing this little oasis with us. I can’t think of a time since I moved here that I’ve felt more relaxed.”

  Summer nodded her head. “We look forward to riding with you next weekend. I think you’re going to make us sweat, but I like it.”

  Vanessa laughed and gave Myla and Summer both a quick hug before turning to leave. Taryn did the same, hugging both Summer and Myla while mouthing a heartfelt “thank you.”

  After shutting the door behind them, Taryn hesitantly walked Vanessa to her car. Vanessa turned around and took Taryn’s hand. “This was nice. I like spending time with you.”

  “The feeling is mutual. I had a great time and would like to see you again, soon. Maybe we can have coffee or dinner one night before the trip?”

  “That sounds great.” Vanessa replied leaning in to meet Taryn for a soft kiss.

  Both were smiling when they pulled apart. Vanessa laughed nervously before turning to open her door and retrieve her phone. Once they exchanged numbers, she waved goodbye and Taryn followed her out of the drive.

  ****

  Taryn called on Saturday as promised, and plans were made to have brunch on Sunday. It was a quick conversation because Vanessa was in the middle of furniture shopping and needed to be an active participant, especially since it was furniture that she and her sister would be sharing.

  The following morning, Taryn sat down and glanced over the menu while she waited for Vanessa to show. The waitress appeared by the table and gave her a once over, before asking what she would like to drink: coffee, juice or water.

  “I’ll just have a coffee now. Can you give me a minute, I’m waiting for someone?” Taryn added smiling up at the waitress.

  “Mhmm. Should’ve known. Someone as cute as you isn’t going to be alone. My name is Naomi and if this someone doesn’t appear soon, I’m going to sit down with you.”

  Taryn blushed and looked up to see Vanessa watching the interaction. “Hey you. You look beautiful.”

  Vanessa had changed three times before picking out a light blue sundress with brown sandals. So far, Taryn had really only seen her in cycling gear or other workout clothes. This morning, however, she wanted more than anything to impress Taryn. According to Taryn’s appraisal she had accomplished her goal. If Vanessa was right, Taryn’s eyes expressed appreciation, and perhaps even desire.

  “Thank you,” Vanessa said looking into Taryn’s bright hazel eyes, before looking back at Naomi. “May I have a coffee as well?” she asked confidently, pulling out the chair to sit across from Taryn.

  “Yes ma’am,” the waitress responded, giving her a once over as well. “You two make a beautiful couple. I’ll just be a minute with those drinks.”

  Taryn and Vanessa watched her leave and then looked at one another, laughing at the forward waitress. Suddenly, both were shy again and didn’t know what to say, so they picked up the menus in front of them, looking them over thoroughly before setting them down on top of each other in the middle of the table.

  Before they spoke again, Naomi had returned with their drinks and asked what they wanted to eat. Vanessa nodded her head for Taryn to go first.

  “I’ll have the pancakes with strawberries and a piece of French Toast on the side.”

  “I’ll have the same,” Vanessa replied.

  “You two are just too cute,” said Naomi while picking up the menus and turning on her heals. They both watched the older woman retreat from their table again, then settled their eyes on one another.

  “How was your day yesterday? Did you find what you wanted?”

  “We did actually. My sister and I don’t exactly have similar tastes in furniture, clothes or really anything, but we managed to agree on a couch and chair set, and a TV stand.”

  “Nice. I can’t wait to see it sometime,” Taryn said before realizing that she was being presumptuous.

  “That can be arranged, maybe after the trip next weekend?” Vanessa said with a hint of flirting in her tone.

  It was obvious that they were both enormously attracted to one another and to anyone else, they really did make a striking couple. Taryn with her long wavy red hair, baby smooth fair skin, and a friendly smile. Vanessa, on the other hand, had straight blond hair that landed just below her shoulders, sapphire blue eyes and a short athletic build with amazing legs. Of course, the attraction between them was evident, but both were being reserved, loving the time they were taking to get to know one another.

  “I can’t wait for Friday. I’ve been to the shore several times, but not to ride. And usually it was with other people so I did what they wanted. Mostly beach stuff.”

  “All new to me. I’m considering staying an extra couple of days to do some additional exploration.”

  “That sounds excellent,” Taryn said a bit hopeful that Vanessa might ask her to stay with her, though she also didn’t want to intrude. However, she wasn’t sure if she could even afford the time off. She’d be working late every night this week, to catch up with her accounts.

  “I have to see if I can get the extra time off, we’ll see. And I only have the one room for two nights. I’m sure they’re booked after that. Have you been to St. Michaels before?” Vanessa asked.

  “I’ve been, but not riding. There are so many great routes, I was having trouble figuring out which one we should do on Sunday.”

  Vanessa smiled and nodded her head in complete understanding. She too had looked up the bikes routes and was overwhelmed, hence the decision to try and stay longer. It was the perfect opportunity to explore more of Maryland.

  “Hi ladies, would you like any syrup or butter with your pancakes?” Naomi said setting their plates in front of them.

  “Butter please,” Taryn responded.

  “More coffee?”

  “Yes,” they replied in unison.

  Naomi topped off their cups and both prepared their food with butter and syrup, before returning to their conversation.

  Choosing to take a walk after brunch, they walked hand in hand for blocks, neither wanting their time together to end. Unfortunately, both had other commitments and things that needed to be accomplished.

  “Have a good day,” Vanessa said, standing on her tippy toes to give Taryn a quick kiss.

  “You too,” Taryn replied with her smile giving way to two dimples. She appraised Vanessa again, finally letting go of her hand and blushing when Vanessa raised her eyebrows.

  ****

  Wednesday night, Taryn and Eddie ventured out to “The Club” for dancing and a drink after an extremely long day. Both needed to relieve some stress. Everyone had been pushing to get as much work completed as possible, knowing they would be short-handed between Lena’s pregnancy leave and the upcoming annual vacations.

  Taryn grabbed a table, while Eddie got himself a fruit drink and her a water. She needed to keep a clear head because she was only going to stay for a little while and wanted to be able to drive herself home. Eddie gulped down his drink and ate the fruit at the bottom, his face scrunching at the sourness.

  “You know that’s soaked with alcohol. Are you going to be able to make it home tonight?”

  “You know me, I’ll only have one or two,” he responded with a wave of his hand.

  “Come on, let’s dance. I need to move.
I can’t believe how much I have to do. How do you and Summer do this, all the time?”

  “We have our moments, and we play to keep our minds clear,” Eddie replied giving her a large toothy grin. “Less talk and more shaking lady,” he said grabbing her hand and pulling her to the dance floor with him.

  After several fast paced songs in a row, Taryn was ready for more water. “Do you want another drink?”

  “I’m good,” he said eyeing the cute boy next to him.

  Taryn weaved her way through the dancing bodies and squeezed herself into a small spot at the end of the bar. While she was waiting to order her drink, she noticed a blond head seated at the bar with a beer in her hand. Taryn was a little surprised because she had offered for Vanessa to join her and Eddie, but Vanessa claimed to be in over her head with the amount of work she must finish before the trip on Friday.

  Moving slowly through the crowd of women and men, zigzagging left and right to avoid getting spilled on, she finally came face to face with the adorable blue eyes. “Hey you.”

  “Hey you back,” she responded seductively, giving Taryn a slow once over. Taryn was wearing tight jeans that sat low on her hips, revealing just a hint of skin across her midriff. Vanessa leaned in and her lips touched Taryn’s ear as she spoke. “You look absolutely delicious. Want to dance?”

  The feel of Vanessa’s mouth against her ear caused a shiver to run down her spine, spreading to her every nerve. Taryn was surprised by her behavior, but also so turned on that she was speechless. She nodded her head yes, and with that incentive, Vanessa pulled her onto the dance floor and into her arms. Their dancing begin as a slow seductive scene, with Vanessa pinning Taryn’s hands to her sides as she thrust and ground her ass from behind.

  Red faced and embarrassed from the display, Taryn turned around to be met with moist lips and hands that were working her body into a frenzy. She was so turned on that her first instincts were to return the kiss with the same fever. It wasn’t long however, before she found herself pushed up against the wall with Vanessa’s hands undoing the zipper on her jeans. Vanessa’s mouth was doing dangerous things to her neck before Taryn snapped back to reality.