DISCLAIMER: Women's Murder Club and its characters are the property of James Patterson, 20th Century Fox Television and ABC. No infringement intended.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
Saved by the Bell
By Ann
Rough lips pressed against hers, and Lindsay knew immediately she'd made a huge mistake. She'd allowed the moment to get away from her, finding herself wanting someone to take away the painful memories. Tom seemed like the perfect candidate, his arms offering the solace she so desperately needed, but that's where she should've drawn the line. The kiss should've never happened.
Tom, as usual, was oblivious to Lindsay's thoughts. All he knew was that the two of them had finally admitted to the hurt and pain they'd kept buried through the years, and he truly believed their coupling would provide the healing balm they both desperately needed. Forcing his tongue deep into his ex's mouth, he slid his hand to the firm ass he'd always loved.
A hand pulled her hard against his body causing Lindsay to flinch. Everything was wrong with this picture from the impropriety of kissing a man who was engaged to someone else to knowing Tom's lips weren't the ones she was craving. Lindsay tried to disengage.
"Tom ..." Her words were cut off by another attack of his lips. It was quite obvious that Tom wasn't going to allow Lindsay to change her mind.
Lindsay tightened her quadriceps and readied her knee, but the ringing of the doorbell saved Tom from a direct strike to his gonads. The distraction allowed Lindsay to successfully pull free of his lips.
"Someone's at the door."
Tom moved his kisses to the long, sexy neck. "Don't answer it."
"It might be important." Lindsay placed her hands on Tom's arms and squeezed as she pushed him away.
"There's always been something more important than us." Tom couldn't keep the hard edge out of his voice.
"I think you should go, Tom."
Realizing he was losing the battle, Tom changed tactics, softening his tone. "Lindsay, we need to talk about this. Let me get rid of whoever's at the door, and then we can continue where we left off."
"We're done, Tom." Lindsay started towards the door.
"Lindsay, wait!" Tom's words fell on deaf ears as Lindsay increased her stride and headed for the stairs. Tom didn't catch up to her until she was unlocking the door.
Lindsay quickly threw the door open before Tom could continue with his protest, and the visitor jumped back at the sudden motion.
"Cindy?" Lindsay stared at the startled woman.
Working to regain her composure, Cindy smiled brightly. "Hey, Lindsay, sorry to intrude. I just thought . . ." She finally caught sight of Tom. "Oh, I didn't know you had company. I'll just be on my way."
"No!" Lindsay reached out and practically dragged the reporter into her home. "Tom was just leaving."
Tom glared at his ex-wife, and then at Cindy. He was certain that he'd be in bed with Lindsay if the busybody hadn't interrupted.
Lindsay opened the door wider. "I'll see you in the morning, Tom."
"Yeah, in the morning." Tom stormed out, and Lindsay slammed the door behind him. She then turned and walked from the room without a word.
Stunned at the exchange, Cindy looked from the door to where Lindsay had disappeared and back again, not sure if she'd just been dismissed. By the time she'd finally decided that she should just leave, Lindsay returned with a couple of beers in hand. She motioned towards the couch.
"What brings you here?"
"I was going to have dinner with Claire and her family, but I changed my mind at the last minute." Cindy moved to join Lindsay on the couch. She reached for the offered beer.
"What stopped you?" Lindsay took a long swig, and Cindy swallowed hard as she followed the trek of the liquid. She spoke without thinking.
"Claire was worried about you, so I thought I'd come by and see if you were okay."
"What is it with everyone? I'm perfectly fine."
"I can see that, ... um, I mean, that you're perfectly fine that is. Um, I mean, well, you know what I mean." Cindy turned a nice shade of red.
Lindsay threw back her head and laughed. It was just was she needed after having to deal with a very trying case, not to mention her awkward moment with Tom. When her chuckles eventually died out, the two sat in comfortable silence, drinking their beer, until Lindsay blurted out her secret.
"I lost a baby." The words were spoken so softly, Cindy wasn't sure she'd heard correctly. Slowly, she reached out and took Lindsay's hand in her own, squeezing gently. She never said a word; she just continued to hold onto the other woman's hand, offering the silent support that Lindsay needed. A few moments later, Lindsay decided she needed more.
Dark, watery eyes turned towards Cindy, and Lindsay inched forward, not sure if she should follow through. Noting the uncertainty, Cindy met Lindsay half-way.
Soft lips pressed against hers, and Lindsay reveled in the touch. This was the touch she was seeking earlier; it wasn't demanding or rough, it was gentle and reassuring. Without hesitation, Lindsay slid her hand behind Cindy's neck, pulling her near as she deepened the kiss.
This time Lindsay knew immediately she'd made no mistake.
The End