“Do it now!”
“Okay… okay. Calm down, Grayson.” Tori lowered her weapon, hands outstretched. “Look, I’m putting it down. Don’t hurt her.”
“No, Tori. Don’t… please,” Sam whispered.
“Shut up!”
Grayson pulled Sam roughly against him, his eyes never leaving Tori as she bent and laid her weapon on the wooden floor.
He grinned, loosening his hold on Sam. “Stupid bitch.” He raised his gun, pointing it at Tori. “Say good-bye.”
Sam screamed at the sound of gunfire, then hit the floor as Grayson was knocked back against the wall, his hand going to his shoulder as blood seeped through his fingers. Tori dove for her gun, dropping it once as it slid from her sweaty hands. Adams fired again, his shot missing badly as he collapsed. Grayson raised his gun just as Tori found hers. She fired four times, each shot jerking Grayson’s body as he was slammed against the wall. His eyes finally went blank as he slid unceremoniously to the floor.
“Tori?”
“I’m okay. You?”
“Yeah.”
Tori stared, meeting her eyes, and nodded. She was shaking so badly, her weapon fell from her hands. Then Sam was there, warm hands stroking her face, arms pulling her close.
“I was afraid,” Tori whispered. “I was afraid he was going to hurt you.”
“I know. I know, sweetheart. It’s over.”
Tori closed her eyes for a second, chasing out old memories. When she opened them, Sam was still there, love and compassion looking back at her.
“Hell of a day,” Tori murmured.
“Yes. Hell of a day.” Sam squeezed her arm, thankful to finally hear cars approaching, doors slamming, feet running. “Backup.”
Tori nodded. “Adams?”
Sam shook her head. “No.”
Tori finally looked at Adams, his lifeless eyes staring past them. Then Sikes was there, bending to Adams, fingers held against his neck, searching for a pulse. He stood up slowly, his eyes finding Tori’s. Then he smiled.
“Just checking out a hunch, huh?”
Tori shrugged. “I hate it when I’m right.”
“Sure you do.”
Chapter Fifty
Sam lazily rolled her head, her eyes adjusting to the bright sunshine. She must have fallen asleep again. The rocking of the boat did that to her. She shielded her eyes, looking for Tori. What she saw stole her breath away. Tori was standing in only a sports bra and shorts, the sun nearly swallowing her as she casually tossed in her line then absently reeled it back again.
As if sensing her watching, Tori turned her head slowly, a smile slashing across her features.
“How was your nap?”
Sam sat up and stretched. “My third nap of the day was great, thanks.” She walked over, slipping her arms around Tori’s bare torso. “You’ve been doing this all day. Catch dinner yet?”
Tori laughed. “No. It’s too hot to catch anything. You’ll have to settle for burgers.”
Ah. The fishing was just therapy. Sam nodded, understanding. They had two days to themselves, two days to recover. Then, interviews scheduled with Internal Affairs. They weren’t worried. It was just a formality, Detective Travis had assured them. Just putting all the pieces in place so they could close the case. She didn’t want to think about it, but Charlotte Grayson’s face kept creeping into her mind. She’d looked so helpless, so frightened when they’d found her chained to the bed right next to three other bodies. Sam knew it would take years for Charlotte Grayson to recover, if she ever did.
The ringing of her cell phone interrupted her thoughts and she moved back to her lounge chair, lazily reached for the phone, frowning slightly when she saw caller ID. Robert. She thought of just letting it go to voice mail. It would be easier. But this had to end. She answered as businesslike as possible.
“Kennedy.”
“Samantha?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, Robert.” Her eyes flicked to Tori, noticing the slight straightening of her shoulders, but nothing else to indicate that she was listening. Sam smiled, knowing without a doubt that Tori hung on her every word.
“Are you okay? I heard there was a shooting.”
“Yes. But I’m fine.”
“I’ve been worried. You haven’t called. I was thinking maybe we could get dinner,” he said hopefully.
“Robert, no. I’m not going to have dinner with you.” She rubbed her eyes, slowly shaking her head.
“But Samantha, you-”
“Robert, listen to me. It’s over. Why can’t you accept that?”
“I love you. Why can’t you accept that?”
“Oh, Robert. I don’t want to hurt you. I really don’t.”
Shit.
“But… there’s someone else in my life. Someone that I’ve fallen in love with. I know you won’t understand, but you’ve got to accept this.”
“What are you saying?”
Sam glanced at Tori, meeting her eyes. “Tori… Tori and I have… well… we’ve…”
“Tori? Your partner? You’re not… oh my God.”
“Yes.”
“Samantha, please, you can’t be serious. She’s a fucking dyke, for God’s sake!”
“I’m in love with her, Robert. I’m sorry. I know you don’t understand this. But she’s what I want. She’s who I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
“I can’t believe this! What the hell happened?”
“Robert, it wasn’t good with us and you know it. I didn’t know why, not until I met Tori. I’ve been living a lie for so long. I won’t live like that any longer. I know who I am and who I love,” she said quietly, her eyes never leaving Tori’s. “You’ve got to let this go, Robert.”
“You expect me to believe that you’re… a fucking dyke?”
Sam bristled. “You know what? I don’t really care what you believe. Let it go, Robert. It’s over.”
“But… no, I don’t believe that. Samantha, please, come to your senses. What has she done to you? You can’t possibly-”
Sam tilted her head, then pulled the phone away from her ear, staring at it as his monologue continued. Without warning, she leaned back, tossing the phone overboard, listening with pleasure at the splash it created in the lake.
Tori lifted an eyebrow, then turned back to her fishing, tossing the line into the lake once again.
Sam nearly laughed at Tori’s indifference. No doubt Tori had been listening to all she said. She got up, walking slowly to Tori, slipping her arms around her from behind. She kissed Tori’s back, squeezing gently. Right now, she didn’t want to think about Robert… or the case. It was their time. Right now, she just wanted to think about them.
Tori turned in her arms, bringing Sam close, burying her head at Sam’s neck. Sam sighed, loving the sensations that washed over her each and every time Tori touched her. She felt the familiar stir-rings of desire, desire that ignited with just the lightest of touches.
Tori squeezed her eyes shut, wondering again, for the hundredth time, what she’d done to deserve this. This beautiful woman loved her, cared about her. This woman, who brought so much joy into her life-really, really loved her.
“Sam?”
“Hmm?”
“Can we make love?” Tori whispered. “I… I need that right now.”
Sam shivered, Tori’s breath tickling her ear. She pulled back, gently placing her lips against Tori’s. The woman had been so quiet, ever since the shooting at Belle’s. She knew that Adams’s death affected Tori more than she let on. She was blaming herself, Sam knew.
“We can make love all day, all night,” Sam murmured. “It would never be enough.”
Tori captured her hands, bringing them up to Tori’s breast, holding them there. Her eyes turned serious and Sam waited, wondering at the sadness in them.
“Sam… Sam, I want to give you something.”
Sam nodded. “Okay.”
“But you have to promise me something first.”
Sam nodded again.
“You have to be gentle with it. It’s very… it’s very fragile, but it’s a gift I’ve never given anyone before.”
Sam felt tears gather as she saw the love in Tori’s eyes. She nodded.
“I want you to have… my heart, Sam. I… I love you. You’re my light in this dark world, you make everything seem okay, no matter what.” Then Tori tilted her head, smiling slightly at the tears she saw. “Oh, Sam. Don’t cry.”
“I’m sorry.” Sam wound her arms tight around Tori. “It’s just… God, I love you so much. I sometimes feel like I’m just going to explode with it.”
Tori nodded. “I know… me, too. So, back to my original question.”
Sam grinned and pulled Tori with her into the cabin.
“Yes.”
About the Author
Gerri lives in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her partner, Diane, and their two labs, Zach and Max. The resident cats Sierra, Tori and now Jordan round out the household. Hobbies include any outdoor activity, from tending the orchard and vegetable garden to hiking in the woods with camera and binoculars. For more, visit Gerri’s Web site at: www.gerrihill.com.
Publications from
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OUT OF THE FIRE by Beth Moore. Author Ann Covington feels at the top of the world when told her book is being made into a movie. Then in walks Casey Duncan the actress who is playing the lead in her movie. Will Casey turn Ann’s world upside down?
1-59493-088-0 $13.95
STAKE THROUGH THE HEART: NEW EXPLOITS OF TWILIGHT LESBIANS by Karin Kallmaker, Julia Watts, Barbara Johnson and Therese Szymanski. The playful quartet that penned the acclaimed
Once Upon A Dyke
are dimming the lights for journeys into worlds of breathless seduction.
1-59493-071-6 $15.95
THE HOUSE ON SANDSTONE by KG MacGregor. Carly Grifn returns home to Leland and nds that her old high school friend Justice is awakening more than just old memories.
1-59493-076-7 $13.95
WILD NIGHTS: MOSTLY TRUE STORIES OF WOMEN LOVING WOMEN edited by Therese Szymanski. 264 pp. 23 new stories from today’s hottest erotic writers are sure to give you your wildest night ever!
1-59493-069-4 $15.95
COYOTE SKY by Gerri Hill. 248 pp. Sheriff Lee Foxx is trying to cope with the realization that she has fallen in love for the first time. And fallen for author Kate Winters, who is technically unavailable. Will Lee ght to keep Kate in Coyote?
1-59493-065-1 $13.95
VOICES OF THE HEART by Frankie J. Jones. 264 pp. A series of events force Erin to swear off love as she tries to break away from the woman of her dreams. Will Erin ever find the key to her future happiness?
1-59493-068-6 $13.95
SHELTER FROM THE STORM by Peggy J. Herring. 296 pp. A story about family and getting reacquainted with one’s past that shows that sometimes you don’t appreciate what you have until you almost lose it.
1-59493-064-3 $13.95
WRITING MY LOVE by Claire McNab. 192 pp. Romance writer Vonny Smith believes she will be able to woo her editor Diana through her writing…
1-59493-063-5 $13.95
PAID IN FULL by Ann Roberts. 200 pp. Ari Adams will need to choose between the debts of the past and the promise of a happy future.
1-59493-059-7 $13.95
ROMANCING THE ZONE by Kenna White. 272 pp. Liz’s world begins to crumble when a secret from her past returns to Ashton…
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SIGN ON THE LINE by Jaime Clevenger. 204 pp. Alexis Getty, a irtatious delivery driver is committed to nding the rightful owner of a mysterious package.
1-59493-052-X $13.95
END OF WATCH by Clare Baxter. 256 pp. LAPD Lieutenant L.A Franco Frank follows the lone clue down the unlit steps of memory to a nal, unthinkable resolution.
1-59493-064-4 $13.95
BEHIND THE PINE CURTAIN by Gerri Hill. 280pp. Jacqueline returns home after her father’s death and comes face-to-face with her first crush.
1-59493-057-0 $13.95
PIPELINE by Brenda Adcock. 240pp. Joanna faces a lost love returning and pulling her into a seamy underground corporation that kills for money.
1-59493-062-7 $13.95
18TH & CASTRO by Karin Kallmaker. 200pp. First-time couplings and couples who know how to mix lust and love make 18th & Castro the hottest address in the city by the bay.
1-59493-066-X $13.95
JUST THIS ONCE by KG MacGregor. 200pp. Mindful of the obligations back home that she must honor, Wynne Connelly struggles to resist the fascination and allure that a particular woman she meets on her business trip represents.
1-59493-087-2 $13.95
ANTICIPATION by Terri Breneman. 240pp. Two women struggle to remain professional as they work together to find a serial killer.
1-59493-055-4 $13.95
OBSESSION by Jackie Calhoun. 240pp. Lindsey’s life is turned upside down when Sarah comes into the family nursery in search of perennials.
1-59493-058-9 $13.95
BENEATH THE WILLOW by Kenna White. 240pp. A torch that still burns brightly even after twenty-ve years threatens to consume two childhood friends.
1-59493-053-8 $13.95
SISTER LOST, SISTER FOUND by Jeanne G’fellers. 224pp. The highly anticipated sequel to No Sister of Mine.
1-59493-056-2 $13.95
THE WEEKEND VISITOR by Jessica Thomas. 240 pp. In this latest Alex Peres mystery, Alex is asked to investigate an assault on a local woman but nds that her client may have more secrets than she lets on.
1-59493-054-6 $13.95
THE KILLING ROOM by Gerri Hill. 392 pp. How can two women forget and go their separate ways?
1-59493-050-3 $12.95
PASSIONATE KISSES by Megan Carter. 240 pp. Will two old friends run from love?
1-59493-051-1 $12.95
ALWAYS AND FOREVER by Lyn Denison. 224 pp. The girl next door turns Shannon’s world upside down.
1-59493-049-X $12.95
BACK TALK by Saxon Bennett. 200 pp. Can a talk show host find love after heartbreak?
1-59493-028-7 $12.95
THE PERFECT VALENTINE: EROTIC LESBIAN VALENTINE STORIES edited by Barbara Johnson and Therese Szymanski-from Bella After Dark. 328 pp. Stories from the hottest writers around.
1-59493-061-9 $14.95
MURDER AT RANDOM by Claire McNab. 200 pp. The Sixth Denise Cleever Thriller. Denise realizes the fate of thousands is in her hands.
1-59493-047-3 $12.95
THE TIDES OF PASSION by Diana Tremain Braund. 240 pp. Will Susan be able to hold it all together and find the one woman who touches her soul?
1-59493-048-1 $12.95
JUST LIKE THAT by Karin Kallmaker. 240 pp. Disliking each other-and everything they stand for-even before they meet, Toni and Syrah find feelings can change, just like that.
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WHEN FIRST WE PRACTICE by Therese Szymanski. 200 pp. Brett and Allie are once again caught in the middle of murder and intrigue.
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REUNION by Jane Frances. 240 pp. Cathy Braithwaite seems to have it all: good looks, money and a thriving accounting practice…
1-59493-046-5 $12.95
BELL, BOOK & DYKE: NEW EXPLOITS OF MAGICAL LESBIANS by Kallmaker, Watts, Johnson and Szymanski. 360 pp. Reluctant witches, tempting spells and skyclad beauties-delve into the mysteries of love, lust and power in this quartet of novellas.
1-59493-023-6 $14.95
ARTIST’S DREAM by Gerri Hill. 320 pp. When Cassie meets Luke Winston, she can no longer deny her attraction to women…
1-59493-042-2 $12.95
NO EVIDENCE by Nancy Sanra. 240 pp. Private Investigator Tally McGinnis once again returns to the horror-lled world of a serial killer.
1-59493-043-04 $12.95
WHEN LOVE FINDS A HOME by Megan Carter. 280 pp. What will it take for Anna and Rona to find their way back to each other again?
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MEMORIES TO DIE FOR by Adrian Gold. 240 pp. Rachel attempts to avoid her attraction to the charms of Anna Sigurdson…
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SILENT HEART by Claire McNab. 280 pp. Exotic lesbian romance.
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MIDNIGHT RAIN by Peggy J. Herring. 240 pp. Bridget McBee is determined to find the woman who saved her life.
1-59493-021-X $12.95
THE MISSING PAGE A Brenda Strange Mystery by Patty G. Henderson. 240 pp. Brenda investigates her client’s murder…
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WHISPERS ON THE WIND by Frankie J. Jones. 240 pp. Dixon thinks she and her best friend, Elizabeth Colter, would make the perfect couple…
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CALL OF THE DARK: EROTIC LESBIAN TALES OF THE SUPERNATURAL edited by Therese Szymanski-from Bella After Dark. 320 pp.
1-59493-040-6 $14.95
A TIME TO CAST AWAY A Helen Black Mystery by Pat Welch. 240 pp. Helen stops by Alice’s apartment-only to find the woman dead…
1-59493-036-8 $12.95
DESERT OF THE HEART by Jane Rule. 224 pp. The book that launched the most popular lesbian movie of all time is back.
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THE NEXT WORLD by Ursula Steck. 240 pp. Anna’s friend Mido is threatened and eventually disappears…
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CALL SHOTGUN by Jaime Clevenger. 240 pp. Kelly gets pulled back into the world of private investigation…
1-59493-016-3 $12.95
52 PICKUP by Bonnie J. Morris and E.B. Casey. 240 pp. 52 hot, romantic tales-one for every Saturday night of the year.
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GOLD FEVER by Lyn Denison. 240 pp. Kate’s first love, Ashley, returns to their home town, where Kate now lives…
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RISKY INVESTMENT by Beth Moore. 240 pp. Lynn’s best friend and roommate needs her to pretend Chris is his ancé. But nothing is ever easy.
1-59493-019-8 $12.95
HUNTER’S WAY by Gerri Hill. 240 pp. Homicide detective Tori Hunter is forced to team up with the hot-tempered Samantha Kennedy.
1-59493-018-X $12.95
CAR POOL by Karin Kallmaker. 240 pp. Soft shoulders, merging traffic and slippery when wet… Anthea and Shay find love in the car pool.
1-59493-013-9 $12.95
NO SISTER OF MINE by Jeanne G’Fellers. 240 pp. Telepathic women ght to coexist with a patriarchal society that wishes their eradication.
ISBN 1-59493-017-1 $12.95
ON THE WINGS OF LOVE by Megan Carter. 240 pp. Stacie’s reporting career is on the rocks. She has to interview bestselling author Cheryl, or else!
ISBN 1-59493-027-9 $12.95
WICKED GOOD TIME by Diana Tremain Braund. 224 pp. Does Christina need Miki as a protector… or want her as a lover?
ISBN 1-59493-031-7 $12.95
THOSE WHO WAIT by Peggy J. Herring. 240 pp. Two brilliant sisters-in love with the same woman!
ISBN 1-59493-032-5 $12.95
ABBY’S PASSION by Jackie Calhoun. 240 pp. Abby’s bipolar sister helps turn her world upside down, so she must decide what’s most important.
ISBN 1-59493-014-7 $12.95
PICTURE PERFECT by Jane Vollbrecht. 240 pp. Kate is reintroduced to Casey, the daughter of an old friend. Can they withstand Kate’s career?
ISBN 1-59493-015-5 $12.95
PAPERBACK ROMANCE by Karin Kallmaker. 240 pp. Carolyn falls for tall, dark and… female… in this classic lesbian romance.
ISBN 1-59493-033-3 $12.95
DAWN OF CHANGE by Gerri Hill. 240 pp. Susan ran away to find peace in remote Kings Canyon-then she met Shawn…
ISBN 1-59493-011-2 $12.95
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE by Lynne Jamneck. 240 pp. Is a killer holding a grudge against FBI Agent Samantha Skellar?
ISBN 1-59493-012-0 $12.95
SEASONS OF THE HEART by Jackie Calhoun. 240 pp. Overwhelmed, Sara saw only one way out-leaving…
ISBN 1-59493-030-9 $12.95
TURNING THE TABLES by Jessica Thomas. 240 pp. The 2nd Alex Peres Mystery.
From ghosties and ghoulies and long leggity beasties…
ISBN 1-59493-009-0 $12.95
FOR EVERY SEASON by Frankie Jones. 240 pp. Andi, who is investigating a 65-year-old murder, meets Janice, a charming district attorney…
ISBN 1-59493-010-4 $12.95
LOVE ON THE LINE by Laura DeHart Young. 240 pp. Kay leaves a younger woman behind to go on a mission to Alaska… will she regret it?
ISBN 1-59493-008-2 $12.95
UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS by Claire McNab. 200 pp. Lee, an American travel agent, goes down under and meets Australian Alex, and the sparks fly under the Southern Cross.
ISBN 1-59493-029-5 $12.95
SUGAR by Karin Kallmaker. 240 pp. Three women want sugar from Sugar, who can’t make up her mind.
ISBN 1-59493-001-5 $12.95
FALL GUY by Claire McNab. 200 pp. 16th Detective Inspector Carol Ashton Mystery.
ISBN 1-59493-000-7 $12.95
ONE SUMMER NIGHT by Gerri Hill. 232 pp. Johanna swore to never fall in love again- but then she met the charming Kelly…
ISBN 1-59493-007-4 $12.95
TALK OF THE TOWN TOO by Saxon Bennett. 181 pp. Second in the series about wild and fun loving friends.
ISBN 1-931513-77-5 $12.95
LOVE SPEAKS HER NAME by Laura DeHart Young. 170 pp. Love and friendship, desire and intrigue, spark this exciting sequel to
Forever and the Night.
ISBN 1-59493-002-3 $12.95
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD by Peggy J. Herring. 184 pp. By nally letting down her defenses, will Dorian be opening herself to a devastating betrayal?
ISBN 1-59493-005-8 $12.95
WILD THINGS by Karin Kallmaker. 228 pp. Dutiful daughter Faith has met the perfect man. There’s just one problem: she’s in love with his sister.
ISBN 1-931513-64-3 $12.95
SHARED WINDS by Kenna White. 216 pp. Can Emma rebuild more than just Lanny’s marina?
ISBN 1-59493-006-6 $12.95
THE UNKNOWN MILE by Jaime Clevenger. 253 pp. Kelly’s world is getting more and more complicated every moment.
ISBN 1-931513-57-0 $12.95
TREASURED PAST by Linda Hill. 189 pp. A shared passion for antiques leads to love.
ISBN 1-59493-003-1 $12.95
SIERRA CITY by Gerri Hill. 284 pp. Chris and Jesse cannot deny their growing attraction…
ISBN 1-931513-98-8 $12.95
ALL THE WRONG PLACES by Karin Kallmaker. 174 pp. Sex and the single girl-Brandy is looking for love and usually she finds it. Karin Kallmaker’s first After Dark erotic novel.
ISBN 1-931513-76-7 $12.95
WHEN THE CORPSE LIES A Motor City Thriller by Therese Szymanski. 328 pp. Butch bad-girl Brett Higgins is used to waking up next to beautiful women she hardly knows. Problem is, this one’s dead.
ISBN 1-931513-74-0 $12.95
GUARDED HEARTS by Hannah Rickard. 240 pp. Someone’s reminding Alyssa about her secret past, and then she becomes the suspect in a series of burglaries.
ISBN 1-931513-99-6 $12.95
ONCE MORE WITH FEELING by Peggy J. Herring. 184 pp. Lighthearted, loving, romantic adventure.
ISBN 1-931513-60-0 $12.95
TANGLED AND DARK A Brenda Strange Mystery by Patty G. Henderson. 240 pp. When investigating a local death, Brenda nds two possible killers-one diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder.
ISBN 1-931513-75-9 $12.95
WHITE LACE AND PROMISES by Peggy J. Herring. 240 pp. Maxine and Betina realize sex may not be the most important thing in their lives.