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    Divergent Interests, A Tale of Threesomes, Romance, and Adventure in the Wilderness
    Divergent Interests, A Tale of Threesomes, Romance, and Adventure in the Wilderness
    Divergent Interests, A Tale of Threesomes, Romance, and Adventure in the Wilderness
    Ebook416 pages7 hours

    Divergent Interests, A Tale of Threesomes, Romance, and Adventure in the Wilderness

    By B.L Wilson

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    About this ebook

    Dr. Claudia Baldwin fails to save her wife’s life on the operating table. Although the hospital clears the doctor of any wrongdoing, her in-laws are pushing for custody, so she takes their baby daughter and, along with her father, she disappears into the northwest wilderness.

    Eight years later, Whitney Daniels, an up and coming cable host, uncovers Claudia’s identity when the doctor saves her life. The cable host is in town looking for a mysterious viewer who presents himself as a wilderness expert named Blackgold. Whitney realizes revealing the doctor’s identity is the big break she needs for entrance into the world of real news reporting that she’s always wanted. The revelation will expose the doctor to unfavorable scrutiny and she may lose her daughter if her identity is revealed. Will Whitney broadcast Claudia’s name and location to the entire world or will she show heart and keep the doctor’s secret?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherB.L Wilson
    Release dateMar 20, 2016
    ISBN9781311210517
    Divergent Interests, A Tale of Threesomes, Romance, and Adventure in the Wilderness
    Author

    B.L Wilson

    B.L. has always been in love with books and the words in them. She never thought she could create something with the words she knew. When she read ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird,’ she realized everyday experiences could be written about in a powerful, memorable way. She wasn’t quite sure what to do with that knowledge so she kept on reading.Walter Mosley’s short stories about Easy Rawlins and his friends encouraged BL to start writing in earnest. She felt she had a story to tell...maybe several of them. She’d always kept a diary of some sort, scraps of paper, pocketsize, notepads, blank backs of agency forms, or in the margins of books. It was her habit to make these little notes to herself. She thought someday she’d make them into a book.She wrote a workplace memoir based on the people she met during her 20 years as a property manager of city-owned buildings. Writing the memoir, led her to consider writing books that were not job-related. Once again, she did...producing romance novels with African American lesbians as main characters. She wrote the novels because she couldn’t find stories that matched who she wanted to read about ...over forty, African American and female.

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      Book preview

      Divergent Interests, A Tale of Threesomes, Romance, and Adventure in the Wilderness - B.L Wilson

      Divergent Interests

      a tale of threesomes, romance, and adventure in the wilderness

      by

      B.L. Wilson

      Divergent Interests

      a tale of threesomes, romance, & adventure in the wilderness

      Brought to you by

      Patchwork Bluez Press

      Divergent Interests copyright 2016 by B. L. Wilson. All rights reserved. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the author.

      Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share

      Edited by BZ Hercules www.bzhercules.com

      Dedication

      I’m dedicating this book to all the women who thought love wasn’t possible for them because they felt they weren’t worthy to be loved or cherished. Every woman on this planet has something in her that is loveable. The real trick is to find that special someone who can see it and then help you see it too.

      What are you doing here in the wilderness? the journalist asked.

      Sometimes you have to get lost to find yourself, the outfitter replied.

      Author’s Note

      Divergent Interests, a tale of threesomes, romance, & adventure in the wilderness was written and takes place in a time when technology was somewhat more simple. You will find references to flip phones and people not being as easy to reach as they are now. Social media was nonexistent, at least not like it is in the present day, and most of my characters did not feel incomplete without a laptop. Updating the technology might change the plot elements, so I have left the old-fashioned ways untouched and request that you enjoy this bit of nostalgia as it is written.

      Thank you.

      B.L. Wilson

      Table of Contents

      ONE … City Slicker

      TWO … Researching women alive and dead

      THREE … A chance at the big time

      FOUR …Takes Three to Tango

      FIVE … Jonathan’s Tale

      SIX … A good bargain

      SEVEN … A little somethin’ somethin’ to occupy my mind

      EIGHT … Deal maker

      NINE … Nightlife

      TEN … On the road again

      ELEVEN … Surprise visits

      TWELVE … Talk to the hand; my ears don’t wanna hear it

      THIRTEEN …Who’s Annie?

      FOURTEEN … Checkers, fish soup and other stuff

      FIFTEEN …Alone again naturally

      SIXTEEN … Reading old articles and revisiting the past

      SEVENTEEN … Breaking up is hard to do

      EIGHTEEN … Secret places

      NINETEEN…Limousines and ferryboats

      TWENTY … Whitney’s Rule Number Five

      TWENTY-ONE … Guess who’s coming for breakfast?

      EPILOGUE … Two years later

      THANK YOU FOR READING!

      More Books by BL Wilson

      ONE … City Slicker

      Hey lady, can’t you read? a tall, big-boned, brown-skinned woman demanded of Whitney Daniels.

      Whitney wondered why the woman sounded so annoyed. She hadn’t done anything to piss anybody off today. The tall woman stood above her on the steep hill and pointed to an old sign that read No Trespassing in large washed-out red letters while the remainder of the sentence had faded into illegible print. This is private property. You can’t stay here! she called out and then glared at Whitney when she didn’t leave quickly enough to suit her. You’re gonna have to move faster than that, Lady.

      Whitney Daniels, cable sportscaster, figured she could charm her way out of the situation. She stood up to wave and smile at the big woman. Good morning, Ma’am. I’m… She suddenly felt the earth move under her feet. She lost her footing on the rocky hill. She floated in space for a second until she landed butt first on the hard, rocky ground and then rolled over onto her stomach before she slid downward. She felt her body tumble and twist around as she moved rapidly down the hill. God! What’s happening to me? There was no time to ask before she lost control of the situation.

      She looks scared, Claudia Baldwin thought as she raced after the woman who was skidding down the hill on her backside. I hope her butt doesn’t scrape against those sharp rocks. Christ! Claudia muttered, racing quickly down the hill. I wonder if she can swim. There was a river at the bottom of the steep hill, but it was below normal levels because of the spring drought. The city slicker would get a little wet and have a sore butt unless she hit her head when she tumbled. If she hit her head against the rocks on the slope and got knocked unconscious, all bets were off if she fell into the river.

      Claudia assumed the woman was from the city. The woman had the look and the attitude of someone from an urban area. It was just like a city slicker to ignore no trespassing signs and keep on going. She should just let the woman continue her torturous journey down the hill and pretend she hadn’t seen it. If the city slicker obeyed the signs, this wouldn’t be happening to her. She deserved what happened. She sighed. As much as she wanted to ignore the woman’s fate, she knew she wouldn’t. She ran after the woman but couldn’t catch her in time to stop her tumble down the hill. The city slicker’s body was moving too fast as it twisted, turned, and then rolled over in an air ballet.

      Claudia reached the woman after she hit the water headfirst with a big splash. The woman floated on top of the water, not moving. Shit! She had probably hit her head on one of the rocks coming down. She yanked on the back of the woman’s vest collar and dragged her out of the creek, then deposited her on the shoreline. Claudia rested her hands on her knees, gasping for breath. She took a series of deep breaths, then blew them out as she studied the woman lying on her back with her eyes closed.

      Damn it to hell!

      Claudia could see the woman was breathing on her own. Better roll her onto her side and get some of that water out of her. She knelt down to listen to the woman’s heartbeat and found it strong and steady. She rolled the woman onto her side.

      Whitney’s eyes popped open. She coughed and then belched up the water in her lungs.

      After checking her pulse, Claudia rested on her knees and watched the city slicker struggle to sit up. How do you feel, Miss? Claudia asked, concerned she could still be seriously hurt.

      Whitney wheezed. Fine, I think, she replied in a low, whispery voice. Could you help me up, please? She tried to rise and suddenly felt strong pressure against her shoulder holding her down.

      Better sit tight for a minute, Miss. Give yourself a chance to catch your body up to your head.

      Whitney shrugged the gentle hand off, rolled into a sitting position, and then stubbornly stood up.

      Claudia stared at the woman thoughtfully. I guess the tumble into the river didn’t hurt you that much.

      Whitney’s legs wobbled, but she remained standing. Remaining upright was a true testament to her willpower. She felt ready to collapse, but she didn’t want to do it in front of the big woman. As it was, she felt incredibly stupid ignoring the solid-looking woman’s warning and taking a rolling tumble down the hill, then almost drowning in what looked like a wading pool. Eyeing her rescuer’s rugged outdoor gear, Whitney wondered if she’d know where to find the owner of the fishing and sports shop that the cable station sent her to find.

      Whitney cleared her throat. The noise caused the big woman to focus unusually dark eyes on her. I’m fine except for a few sore parts.

      Claudia watched a pale brown hand touch and then pat thighs, moving on to hips. She winced as her hands gingerly touched her hips. Mind if I take a look, Miss?

      Whitney hesitated and then nodded.

      I’ll try not to hurt you if I can help it, Claudia promised as her large, warm hands expertly examined Whitney’s legs and then moved up to her thighs, stopping at an area that looked bruised. Does that hurt? A gentle hand lightly touched the area and then heard Whitney’s sudden intake of breath. How about here? Claudia asked.

      Whitney felt a hand on her hips, gently probing. Ooo, yes, that hurts, she said through clenched teeth.

      Claudia sighed and then stood upright. You’ll be sore for a couple of days, but it’s nothing serious. How about your stomach and above? Does it hurt? She pushed the torn vest aside to expose Whitney’s sides, belly, and back. I’m gonna touch your upper torso, Miss, she warned as she looked into Whitney’s face, waiting for her permission before continuing with her examination. I don’t want you to think I’m getting fresh. I just want to make sure nothing’s broken. Is that okay?

      Whitney nodded. She felt warm hands probing her sides under her arms, then moved on to her chest. Her nipples hardened in response to the physical examination. She could feel the heat reach her cheeks.

      Sorry, Miss. Claudia preserved a clinical detachment as she continued exploring the woman’s injuries. I don’t want you suing me later because you had injuries.

      Are you a doctor or something? Whitney asked, surprised that her medical condition mattered to a stranger.

      No, I’m not! Claudia responded nervously and then quickly withdrew her hands. I’m just a woman who likes the outdoors and knows a little first aid.

      Oh. Whitney stared at her Good Samaritan’s face. You look familiar. Don’t I know you from someplace? She had an excellent memory for faces. Given enough time, this woman’s face would come back to her with a name attached.

      The big woman tried to hide her anxiety by shrugging casually. I doubt it. I just have one of those faces.

      I wonder why she’s so nervous, Whitney mused. Humph, the woman should consider herself lucky I’m not here to find out!

      Her station boss wanted her to find the mysterious viewer who sent her e-mail every week from this little town in the middle of nowhere. Whitney glanced around. The area was beautiful with the creek flowing through a green leafy forest and backdrop of mountains to the east and west. Ah yes, this was life in the wilderness in its full glory. She groaned softly. Dear Lord, what she wouldn’t give right now for a cold glass of wine, air-conditioning, cable, a futon, and a day off in the city. The hell with this camping bit. It was for country bumpkins like the pleasant-looking woman who rescued her. She’d bet there was nothing to do for fun in this little jerkwater town.

      She rubbed her sore hip as she glanced at the road in the distance. It didn’t look so far a minute ago. She sighed. A minute ago, she was standing upright and healthy on the slippery slope of a mountain. She exhaled. It was best to get started climbing. She glanced at her wrist to check the time and found her watch missing. Damn it! she exclaimed. That was my best watch. Well, I can forget about that one. I’d better get going. She stared at her rescuer, then shrugged and started her journey up the steep mountainside.

      Claudia watched the city slicker painfully limp slowly up the steep incline. She decided to tag along to make sure she arrived safely at the top. You’re doing great, Miss. Grab on to that branch there and pull yourself up. I’ll give you a push from behind.

      Whitney felt strong hands on her backside, pushing her gently. It took every ounce of willpower not to cry out when the hands touched the bruised area on her hip. She gritted her teeth, but a groan escaped anyway. O-o-o God, that hurts!

      I’m sorry if I hurt you. I just thought that you could use a little help. I should try pulling rather than pushing, Claudia muttered. In five long strides, she was in front of Whitney, reaching down. Two strong, muscular arms pulled her safely up to the top of the hill.

      Whitney landed against a firm chest with a whump. Strong arms held her there against her chest until she regained her footing. It felt nice to be in the big woman’s arms after her slide down the mountain. She forgot where she was for a moment and snuggled into the warm, solid chest. Hmm, this feels good, she murmured.

      She felt the big woman’s heartbeat thundering against her face. One large warm hand rubbed her back, while the other hand gingerly stroked her hips, then pushed them into the woman’s own pelvis. She could feel her nipples starting to harden as the woman’s warm hands continued to stroke her rear end. She closed her eyes as a sudden image of Alicia popped into her head. She stifled a moan.

      This couldn’t be happening to her. Some big, good-looking stranger rescued her and she was ready to screw the woman without so much as a thank you or a first name? What was wrong with her today? This wasn’t some women’s bar in the Big Apple where she’d spend the night checking out the women. She’d select one and go home with her. She’d never learn the woman’s name until they’d had sex. Yeah, that was what she’d do at home in the city, but this peaceful little backwater town deserved better behavior from her. Jonathan was right. She needed rest and time away from the city. She glanced up when she felt the big woman’s body shift against her, then watched her lean down to kiss her with eyes closed. The woman groaned and ground out her feelings against Whitney’s crotch, making Whitney wonder who the big woman thought she was kissing. She didn’t have to wonder long.

      Annie, you came back to me.

      Whitney decided the woman was an excellent kisser when soft lips caught hers and gently pressed against her mouth to slip her tongue inside. The woman’s mouth simulated the same movement as her hips were making against Whitney’s pelvis. God, if she keeps this up, I’m gonna be in trouble in a minute, she thought, following the woman’s easy rhythm.

      Suddenly, Whitney felt a cold draft of air between their bodies. She opened her eyes in time to see the big woman moving away. The woman looked embarrassed with a twinge of anger in her eyes, Whitney noted as she glanced into dark, almost ebony eyes. She saw the raw need in them before the big woman turned away quickly.

      Hey, not so fast, Whitney wanted to say but didn’t. I saw the desire in your eyes and the hard nipples poking out against your T-shirt. What we just did excited you too, even if you need to pretend it didn’t happen. She anticipated the big woman’s next actions correctly.

      Claudia jammed her hands in her pockets, then pretended to search the skyline. She cleared her throat several times, but it didn’t help remove the lump stuck in it. Looks like it’s gonna rain today.

      Whitney looked up at the sky. She didn’t see a dark cloud on the horizon; so much for the big woman’s weather report.

      Can you make to your car? Claudia asked in a hoarse voice.

      I didn’t notice what a sexy voice the woman has, Whitney thought, staring at her profile against the clear Iowa sky. Sorry, what did you say? She was imagining doing something wild with the big woman. She just knew it’d be great sex that left her panting and wanting more. Jesus! What was wrong with her? Jonathan was right. She needed a vacation.

      Claudia repeated her question. Can you find your car or do you need me to help you?

      Car? Whitney frowned.

      Did you hit your head on the rocks? Claudia asked, suddenly concerned the woman she’d just taken advantage of had a concussion. Before Whitney could move away, she felt a gentle exploration of her hairline, then her head. Anything hurt when I touch it there? Long fingers felt a small bump; old scar tissue from a childhood injury.

      No. I’m fine. Whitney reached up to remove the hands that were wandering through her hair. She studied the woman’s hands as she held them. They were large and beautifully shaped, almost like a surgeon’s hand. Long fingers but nicely tapered. If she knew the woman better, she’d kiss her palms. If these were Alicia’s hands, she’d suck her fingers slowly and then nibble at them, making the sexy woman laugh before they had raw, unadulterated sex. That was another story, wasn’t it? She didn’t know this woman, did she?

      Claudia’s soulful dark eyes stared at Whitney and then her throaty voice spoke. I’m sorry for what happened a minute ago. I hope I didn’t offend you. I…thought you were somebody else. Someone that I…I mean that I… She squeezed eyes tightly shut for a moment. When they opened again, Whitney read the distress in them. Tears formed in the corners before they dripped down a prominent cheekbone. She quickly wiped at her tears with the back of a hand, then turned around, striding off in the opposite direction. Your car is that way. She pointed east without turning around. In ten long strides, the big woman disappeared into the woods.

      Whitney thought she’d imagined the entire episode except that she’d torn her hiking shorts and bruised her butt and thighs. Don’t forget about the kiss, she reminded herself, limping in the direction the big woman pointed. It’s one of my better moments in this damned place.

      Humph, that was the only kiss she’d had in a long dry season. Not that she was looking for anything resembling love. As a woman with her own local cable sports show, who had time to think about sex, let alone finding someone to do it? She just remembered that she’d better call Jonathan. She needed to find out if he’d made progress finding the elusive Blackgold e-mail viewer. If she didn’t find the viewer soon, she had an image of her hard-earned cable slot sliding rapidly down the tubes into where-are-they-now segments.

      How did she ever let the station talk her into this crazy adventure anyway? she mused, limping to her rental jeep and easing painfully into the driver’s seat. She’d need a pillow to sit on for the next few days and a good soak in a hot tub tonight. Thank the Lord, the jeep started and she remembered which way to turn to get out of the heavily wooded area. The bumpy road back to town didn’t help her sour disposition, which was growing fouler with each large pothole the jeep hit.

      Oh God. she groaned, then sucked in a breath as her hip came down against the hard seat again. "Don’t they have road repair crews in this joint?’

      For once in her life, Whitney found that she was wishing for the pothole crews that made every New York motorist’s life miserable. Especially if the driver had the misfortune to drive behind them as they slowly filled each hole, some of which were invisible to the naked eye while skipping others big as subway cars. She breathed a sigh of relief as she finally reached the main highway from the rocky, pothole-filled service road and drove into town.

      I wonder if it’s too late to call Johnny. Whitney glanced down at her naked wrist. I’m going back and look for that watch. She sighed. Sure, like hell I will. I’m not going back to that place. I’ll just buy another. She shrugged, pulling into the hotel’s parking lot and nodding to the young man who took her keys to park the jeep.

      Hey, Ms. Daniels, are you okay? You look terrible, he asked, watching her ease painfully out of the front seat.

      Gee, thanks for the compliment, Kid! Whitney muttered. She limped to the edge of the lot. Yeah, I’m fine, just fine.

      Did you find Blackgold yet? the young man asked.

      No. I’m still looking. See you later, Hugh. Whitney waved to the young man. She limped painfully into the hotel’s rear entrance and then took the elevator up to her room. She threw the hotel keys on the dresser and limped into the bathroom to run a tub full of hot water. Ten minutes later, she was soaking in the tub. It felt so good that she found herself drifting off to sleep in the steamy, soothing water. Something awakened her thirty minutes later, which was good because the water was cold and her entire body felt stiff as a board. It took a long moment to realize the noise was somebody knocking at her door.

      Awkwardly, she stepped out of the tub, slipped into a robe, and hobbled slowly to the door. She glanced through the peephole. Yes? It was the female Samaritan standing in front of the door and she looked uncomfortable.

      Can I help you? Whitney asked as she opened the door and stood staring at the woman.

      I thought you might need this. A large hand held her watch by its broken band. It still works. It just needs a new clasp.

      The tumble downhill had scratched the watch face, but Whitney could still read the time. Thank you. Won’t you come in, please? She stepped aside to allow the taller, broader woman to enter her room.

      Claudia sighed and stared at her for a moment. I can’t stay long. I brought something that might help you. She held up a brown paper bag and took a small jar out of it. You look like I interrupted a bath, she remarked, noticing the white robe for the first time. That’s good, since this stuff works best after a hot bath relaxes your muscles.

      What stuff? Whitney asked, surprised the woman would show up to do anything for her.

      It’s a salve, kinda like horse liniment. Stinks like the devil, but it works.

      Whitney stared at the big woman’s outstretched hand, wondering how to continue. Honesty was the best policy here, she decided. I’m stiff. I fell asleep in the tub. My muscles stiffened up when the water turned cold. I hate to ask, she said, hesitating, but could you apply it?

      Claudia rubbed her chin thoughtfully as she studied Whitney. I don’t know you. You don’t know me. How do you know I’m not a serial killer or something?

      I play the odds, Doc.

      Claudia frowned. She didn’t understand what Whitney meant. She didn’t like the title Whitney used either. What’s that supposed to mean?

      Whitney smiled warmly at her rescuer. There’s no way you’d pull my butt out of that big creek just so you could kill me later.

      What makes you think I’m a doctor, Ms. Daniels? Claudia asked, jamming an empty hand into a back pocket.

      Whitney reporter’s nose kicked in again. There it was again. She watched the big woman fidget near the door. Why was the woman so nervous? How did she know my name when I never told her? I don’t know, but I think it was the way you examined me. I know a doctor’s hands when I feel them. She frowned at her rescuer. Hey, how did you know my name when I never told you?

      Claudia shrugged. You didn’t have to. I saw your face on the air couple of days ago. Somebody did a voice-over that said you’d be coming here to do a vacation story.

      Whitney frowned and then started to pace, holding her sore hip. Damn it! That was supposed to be a secret. Jonathan promised me the station wouldn’t say anything. Ouch! She grabbed the back of the nearest chair and rubbed her hip in pain.

      Claudia grew concerned watching Whitney deal with the pain. Why don’t you lie down, Ms. Daniels? It’ll give your hip a rest.

      Whitney shook her head. I will if you put the salve on me. I don’t have much time, so do what you can with it. Where do you want me, Doc? She stared at the big woman.

      Claudia sighed. I guess in the bedroom, face down on the bed, Ms. Daniels. Take this with you. She handed Whitney the small jar. I’ll be there in a minute. Pull your robe up so I can get to your lower torso easily. She strode to the bathroom.

      Whitney could hear her turning on the water and moving around the bathroom. The water was shut off and then she heard the sound of boots walking to the bedroom. The footsteps stopped at the head of the bed. She heard the big woman inhale loudly somewhere above her head.

      I didn’t mean for you to take everything off, just from the waist down, Claudia murmured hoarsely as she breathed through her nose. She stared at the back of the nude shapely feminine form in front of her. Whitney Daniels didn’t look that voluptuous with clothes on. Her clothing hid an attractive shape. These towels are gonna feel hot at first, so try to stand them as long as you can, Ms. Daniels. They’ll relax your hip muscles so I can manipulate them. Then we’ll apply the salve to the sore spots.

      Whitney nodded as she felt the big woman’s warm breath against her back when she leaned over to place the hot towels on the small of her back. Then she spread them out across her hips and legs.

      There, Claudia remarked as she stared at the steam coming off the towels. How does that feel?

      Whitney stifled a groan. Jesus! It’s too hot! she mumbled.

      What? I can’t hear you. Claudia walked over to squat down near her head.

      Whitney smelled a distinctly clean, fresh odor when the woman leaned closer to talk. I said ‘hot.’ It’s too hot. She closed her eyes against the painful feeling.

      I know, Ms. Daniels, but you need those muscles loosened up.

      Whitney felt light pressure when the woman squeezed her shoulder in sympathy.

      A gentle hand reached under the hot damp towel to check her temperature. Good, you’re about ready. I’m taking the towels off to manipulate your muscles and then I’ll be applying the salve.

      Whitney nodded. Her hips tensed up as she felt the cool air against her wet skin.

      Please, try to relax. Noting her tense muscles, Claudia tried to soothe her patient into relaxing before she applied the salve. This stuff works better if your muscles are loose.

      Whitney heard the sound of a jar lid opening. She felt warm hands gliding over her back, then moving down to her hips and thighs. The woman’s large hands felt incredible on her backside. They knew how much pressure to apply on the bruised areas. She felt firm, steady pressure on her back, hip, and thigh muscles as the doctor’s hands firmly manipulated them back into the proper alignment.

      Hold still while I apply more salve, Ms. Daniels. Claudia smiled. Whitney Daniels didn’t look like she could move. She’d placed her arms underneath her head and turned her face to the side. Claudia couldn’t tell if she was asleep or not, but she showed all the signs. She’d closed her eyes. Her breathing was deep and regular.

      Claudia sighed. If the woman slept, it’d be one less problem for her to worry about. She applied the salve with the same gentle pressure as the massage. She couldn’t resist the soft skin under her hands. She ran a long finger gently down Whitney’s spine, causing her to shiver slightly.

      Is that part of the treatment, Doctor? Whitney Daniels asked, then suddenly sat up, holding the towel she used to protect the bed linen to her chest to block the doctor’s view of her frontal nudity as she stood up and faced the big woman. Well, is it? she asked, glaring at her.

      Claudia shrugged and looked down at her hands, which were covered with liniment.

      I don’t think so, Doc. If you wanted to touch me like that, why didn’t you just ask? I’d have said yes. Whitney smiled knowingly and added, You saved my life today. I’m grateful.

      Claudia scowled as she considered Whitney’s words. She was uneasy at the thought of doing anything sexual to this woman. One-night affairs had never been her speed. To make matters worse, Whitney Daniels worked in the news media.

      Once again, curiosity reared its head and Whitney wondered about the doctor’s reaction to her offer. She covered a grin, then caught the big woman’s eye and winked at her. I bet if I let this towel slip down, she’d run out of here like a scared little kid running out of a graveyard at night. It would be a way out of a sticky situation, wouldn’t it? Her cell phone rang just as she was about to go into action. That was even better. The towel could fall down naturally when I answer the phone. She casually strolled around the big woman to answer it. Her towel slipped down her belly and then floated to the ground, landing in a heap at her bare feet. Oops!

      The woman surprised Whitney by simply standing still and studying her from the tips of her bare feet to the top of her short braids. The look in her eyes was priceless, Whitney decided. The woman’s eyes darkened, as if midnight eyes could get darker. Then they glowed with a fiery intensity. Whitney took her time picking up the towel, shaking it out, and then wrapping it around her, all the while watching the big woman, who continued to stare at her. Ah, so the doctor had balls after all.

      Your phone stopped ringing, Ms. Daniels, Claudia remarked as she continued to study the woman standing naked before her without missing a beat. You just missed your call.

      I have voicemail, Doctor. Whitney exhaled deeply.

      You should be lying down to give that hip a rest. Claudia broke eye contact to look down at her salve-covered hands as though she was noticing them for the first time. And I should leave after I wash this stuff off my hands. She held up gooey-looking hands for emphasis.

      Whitney watched her step into the bathroom and then heard the water running. Okay, Doc, you won that round. After I get Jonathan Archer on your case, we’ll see how Round Two goes, she muttered, climbing into bed and tucking the covers around her.

      Claudia came out of the bathroom. She glanced down at the woman lying underneath the bed linen. Try to keep the area warm tonight, Ms. Daniels. You might call down to room service for a heating pad. I’ll see myself out. Ms. Daniels? she called out at the door.

      Whitney groaned and opened tired eyes. Yeah, what is it?

      I hope you enjoy yourself here in our little backwater town, Claudia remarked, then issued a low, sexy chuckle and closed the door behind her.

      Son of a bitch, she let me make a fool of myself! Whitney sat up in the bed, pouting. She decided to listen to her voicemail. Jonathan had called twice to find out how her search for Blackgold was going. She decided to call him back tonight.

      Jonathan, I need you to check on something for me.

      How’s the search for Blackgold going, Girlfriend? Did you try advertising your campaign on the airwaves or hit the local library, grocery stores, and schools with flyers? Maybe try the gas stations. Jonathan snapped his fingers and then spun off a few more locations. The local Wal-Mart and the banks; even a bumble-fuck town has those, right, Whitney? Then you try posting stuff in the local post office. I bet there are churches and a civic center or local Y too. Oh yeah, don’t forget about the bars, liquor stores, and laundromats.

      Whitney sighed, waiting for her friend to run down or run out of breath, but he was like the Eveready bunny tonight. He just kept going and going. Johnny, could you just shut up and listen?

      Using his nickname alerted Jonathan Archer that Whitney was about to ask something important. Oh God, here it comes. You just called me Johnny. What do you want, Whit? It must be something special.

      It is. I need you to look up something for me. See what you can find out about a woman. She’s Black, medium-brown complexion, about five foot ten or six feet…built like…oh, let’s just say she’s well built. She has dark, almost midnight black eyes that can see into a woman’s soul if she chooses to look. Beautiful, tapered hands like a musician or a surgeon. She couldn’t be more than forty. She’s an outdoorsy type, but not a stranger to city life. She acts like she’s hiding something.

      Well, is she a musician?

      I don’t think so. She examined me like a doctor would do.

      Examined you like a …Christ, Whitney. How do you do that? I send you down to some hick town in God-knows-where Iowa to find a viewer to teach you how to fish in the wilderness. Instead, you find a Black Amazon with extensive medical training and try to have an affair with her.

      I didn’t try to have an affair with the woman. Whitney sulked, pretending to be hurt from his accusations.

      Jonathan Archer laughed. Humph, that would be a first. The love-them and leave-them queen remains chaste this time!

      "Johnny, just find out the information. Start

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