Something or Everything Read online

  Something or everything

  Lily St. Michael

  Copyright © 2019 Lily St. Michael

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronice, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied within critical reviews and articles.

  Lily St. Michael Website

  "You know what’s really powerfully sexy? A sense of humor. A taste for adventure. A healthy glow. Hips to grab on to. Openness. Confidence. Humility. Appetite. Intuition. Smart-ass comebacks. Presence. A quick wit. Dirty jokes told by an innocent-looking lady. A woman who realizes how beautiful she is." - Courtney E. Martin

  For all of the women in my life-

  Friends, lovers, confidantes, sisters, and partners in crime. Especially those who have reminded me that my glass is half-full, that I need to keep moving forward and that life should be fun.

  Be nice. Siempre en frente.

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 1

  It was the voice that did her in.

  “A lemon drop martini with a sugar rim, please.”

  Maddie had noticed the woman as soon as she walked in because she was attractive and impeccably dressed, but it was definitely the voice that did her in. Maddie had almost shivered when she heard its distinctively deep and raspy quality. It was the type of voice that Maddie had heard referred to as “whiskey-soaked”, but what she simply considered sexy as hell.

  Maddie smiled as she realized that she couldn’t remember the last time a woman had captured her attention in this way, and that might explain why she was presently celibate and had been for longer than she cared to admit. The celibacy was the consequence of never being able to reconcile her preference for women with the circumstances of her life.

  Maddie had deliberately ignored her natural attraction to women for years and she had assumed that her sex drive had simply gone dormant from neglect. This woman had just blown that theory completely out of the water and that simple realization was enough to make Maddie feel slightly off balance. The instant and intense attraction she felt surprised her, as she had successfully hidden these feelings for longer than she could remember.

  Maddie had found herself giving the woman a very long look as she walked in, something she had trained herself to never do, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. The woman carried herself confidently and wore a beautifully tailored business suit that hinted at her full figure. The fabric was charcoal colored with a classic white vertical pinstripe. The jacket had black and white accents at the collar and pockets, and the skirt had a kick pleat at the back. The starched white blouse beneath was unbuttoned low enough to be tantalizing but the French cuffs with real cufflinks added a nice touch of masculinity. The glimpse of the red soles of her pumps identified the Louboutins gracing her feet and Maddie wondered if they were real or good knock-offs. Her shoulder-length, light brown hair was thick and straight, the cut and subtle blonde highlights suited to her lovely features perfectly, as was her light and understated make-up.

  While taking her drink order, Maddie tried not to become completely distracted by her full lips, straight nose and clear, crystal blue eyes. When the woman smiled, small laugh lines crinkled at the corners of her eyes. She reminded Maddie of an old-fashioned movie star, especially with the Lauren Bacall voice.

  The woman smiled as Maddie placed the lemon drop in front of her. “Thank you. By the way, I really love your earrings,” she purred in that lovely, rich alto tone.

  “Thanks,” Maddie said, self-consciously reaching for one of her large silver teardrop earrings.

  “They’re beautiful but I don’t think I could pull those off,” the woman said.

  Maddie shook her head. “Oh, I think you could pull anything off,” she said flirtatiously before she could censor herself.

  The woman’s laughter was rich and deep. “That might be the best line I’ve ever heard.”

  Maddie smiled. “Not a line. Just my honest opinion.”

  “Well, thank you, Tracy.”

  Maddie looked down at the nametag pinned to her vest and laughed lightly. “Tracy’s not my name. I’m required to wear a nametag when I work here, but I refuse to let any of these people know my real name.” Maddie held her hand out and made sure that her grip was firm, her gaze direct. “I’m Maddie.”

  The woman shook her hand and smiled. “Hello, Maddie, I’m Julia.”

  It was still early in the evening so the lounge inside the elegant Boston hotel held a good number of patrons but was still reasonably quiet. Maddie went back to expertly dispensing another draft beer into a pilsner glass, automatically tipping it to minimize the foam forming at the top. She slid the full glass toward the young man in a wrinkled suit waiting for it and took his offered debit card as he began a stuttered request to buy her a drink after her shift. She schooled her features into a pleasant mask as she started to shake her head in polite refusal, the bogus excuse about already having a date automatic and instantly forgotten. She had grown accustomed to her fair share of unwanted attention while doing this particular job but still found it tedious.

  Maddie watched her rejected suitor as he took his beer and sauntered over to try his luck with the sexy-voiced Julia. He was politely but firmly dismissed, much to Maddie’s amusement. She knew he would be shot down, but she couldn’t blame him for trying, especially with this woman. Even Maddie was having trouble keeping her gaze from repeatedly straying over to her. Julia met Maddie’s gaze and smiled at her, quickly winking at her in solidarity as Maddie smiled back.

  Maddie tried to concentrate while she poured bourbon over rocks but when she glanced over again, Julia was slowly lifting the martini glass to her full lips, her throat moving as she swallowed. When Julia finished the generous sip, she slowly licked her full lips and Maddie felt her breath hitch at the tantalizing sight. Maddie lowered her gaze, reminding herself not to stare, wondering what in the world had come over her.

  When Danny, the bar manager, arrived to relieve her for the last shift of the night, Maddie removed the required bow tie and fitted vest of her bartending uniform and sat at the opposite end of the bar. She unbuttoned the cuffs of her white uniform blouse and rolled up the sleeves, casually gazing over the clientele, once again lingering on Julia. Maddie couldn’t remember the last time she had allowed herself the simple pleasure of looking at a woman with appreciation, and she could not seem to stop looking at this one.

  “Someone caught your eye, Layna?” Danny’s soft voice startled her. Since Danny knew her brother, he used the name her family called her. She answered to Layna reflexively, but she thought of herself as Maddie and always would.

  Maddie smiled. “The lemon drop martini at the end of the bar.”

  Maddie did not often let her guard down in this way, accustomed to automatically concealing her appreciation for women, but she and Danny had worked together for years and he had always been observant, sympathetic and thankfully,
discreet.

  Danny returned her smile. “Ah, the always classy Ms. Sinclair. She’s been in before. I remember her because she’s a good tipper.”

  “Not because she’s gorgeous?” Maddie teased him about his eye for the ladies.

  “Well, yes, that too, and because she attracts a lot of attention whenever she’s in here.”

  Maddie nodded. “She doesn’t seem to want the attention, though. She’s just having a drink…minding her own business.”

  Danny shrugged. “As usual for her, but you must know how it is, Layna, being very easy on the eyes yourself. I’m sure it’s hard for you to have a drink alone in peace. She’s not interested, but a real looker, so they keep trying.”

  Maddie shook her head. “I’m hardly in the same league,” Maddie said as she tried not to stare as the very attractive Julia Sinclair crossed her legs.

  Danny snorted. “Don’t sell yourself short, Layna. You’re like a daughter to me, but I got eyes. I can see how pretty you are.”

  “You need glasses, old man,” Maddie teased him.

  He flicked the bar rag at her playfully. “Why don’t you stick around for a while tonight? Have a drink? Keep me company?”

  Maddie usually refused his offers, but the object of her interest chose that moment to look up and meet her gaze, smiling at her softly. Maddie returned the smile and nodded at Danny. “I think I will, Danny. I don’t need to get home tonight. Gabe is away for the weekend.” She watched as Julia impatiently dismissed another hopeful suitor attempting to start a conversation with her. “Maybe I’ll go keep the classy Ms. Sinclair company.”

  “You know I won’t say a word to anyone,” Danny said quietly, referring to her practice of keeping her personal life private. “And that’d be a pretty view for me.” Danny wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

  Maddie surprised herself as she slowly but confidently approached the seemingly unattainable Julia Sinclair, but her intention was simply to make a friendly offer to share a drink. Besides, what did she have to lose? She watched the woman’s long fingers playing with her martini glass before she found herself caught by the intense blue gaze that suddenly met her own and studied her carefully. Standing this close to the woman, Maddie noticed light freckles sprinkled across her naturally creamy complexion.

  “Excuse me, Julia.” Maddie smiled at her. “I don’t want to intrude, but maybe it would help to dissuade the bar rats if I sat with you for a few minutes and you could at least finish your martini in relative peace?”

  Julia returned her smile easily, cocking her head. “And it’s such a delicious martini. I’d love the company, but I’m not sure it will help. From what I’ve seen, I’d just have to fend them off of you instead of me.”

  Maddie decided that she couldn’t get enough of the woman’s raspy alto voice and she felt her face warming in a blush as she replied. “Well, thank you, but I used to waitress in some pretty sketchy places and I know how to discourage the most persistent Romeos.”

  “Well then, how can I refuse? You’re a bodyguard, as well as the best-looking thing in here.”

  Maddie tried to gracefully slide onto the adjacent bar chair as she ran her gaze slowly and deliberately up and down Julia’s form before she responded. “Thanks, but I beg to differ on that last one.”

  Julia smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners, her bright blue gaze on Maddie. “Thank you. You’re off duty now I take it? Please let me buy you a drink, Maddie.”

  “Thanks for offering, but I’m not angling for a free drink. Believe me, just your company will do nicely.” Danny placed a margarita in front of her and Maddie smiled at him. “Danny, you are a prince, a mensch, meu querido.” Maddie took a long sip of her drink. “Perfect, Danny, as always, thank you.”

  Danny bowed and smiled. “Anything for you, Layna.”

  Maddie held out a $20 bill to Danny, but the woman placed her hand gently over Maddie’s. “Oh, no. It’s Danny, isn’t it? Please put the young lady’s drink on my tab, please. Suite 4802.”

  Danny nodded. “Yes, ma’am, Ms. Sinclair.” He winked at Maddie as he turned and left.

  Maddie watched as she discretely slid some bills over the inside edge of the bar to tip Danny in cash and then turn to her. “I’m confused. Your nametag said ‘Tracy’ but you told me your name is Maddie, so why did he just call you Elena?”

  “My name is Madalena Francisco.”

  “Mad-a-LAY-na?” Julia sounded out her name. “That’s a beautiful name.”

  Maddie smiled. “Thanks. Danny actually called me Layna, short for Madalena, because he knows my brother and that’s what my family calls me. I prefer Maddie.” Maddie held up her glass. “It wasn’t necessary, but thank you for the drink. So, are you staying here or just drinking here?”

  “Both. I attended a conference here today and I knew I’d be too tired to fight the commuter traffic and drive home. How about you? Have you worked here long?”

  Maddie shook her head. “On and off for many years but I don’t actually work here anymore. I have a regular day job, but Danny still calls me to cover shifts for extra cash on evenings and weekends when they’re short-handed. I don’t think I’ve ever actually had a drink here before.”

  “So you don’t make a habit of rescuing bar patrons when you’re off duty?”

  Maddie smiled. “No. I’ve never done anything like this before in my life.”

  “Why me then? Do I look that helpless?” Julia asked as she took a generous sip of her martini.

  Maddie gave Julia a pointed stare, her eyes widening. “We both know that’s not even the slightest bit true. You seem much more than capable of handling yourself. I know what it’s like to just want a drink at the end of a long day with no pressure or expectations.”

  “Well it’s very much appreciated. It does get a bit much when they can’t take a hint. I’m hoping they think I’ve gotten lucky with you.” Julia whispered the last sentence.

  Maddie’s eyes widened at the unexpected compliment. “I think I would be the one getting lucky here,” Maddie whispered back, beyond flattered.

  Julia laughed lightly, the low register sounding sexy to Maddie’s ears. “Okay, that might be the best line I’ve ever heard.”

  Maddie smiled as she shook her head. “Once again, not a line.” Maddie heard Julia release an impatient sigh and noticed the young man in the wrinkled suit she had served beer to earlier sauntering over. He had already struck out with both of them but here he was again. Maddie gave him points for persistence.

  He cleared his throat loudly. “Hey there, Stacy, I thought you said you had a date after your shift?” He was looking at Maddie.

  Maddie winked at Julia. “Excuse me. Yes, I did…and here I am…on the date.”

  The young man frowned, looking bewildered and Maddie tried not to smile as she watched him scramble mentally, his eyes blinking rapidly. Obviously confused, he nonetheless forged ahead. “So, then…not a real date. Who’s your friend?”

  Before Maddie could reply, Julia leaned toward her, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “Would you allow me?” Julia whispered.

  “Go for it,” Maddie answered softly.

  Maddie watched as Julia straightened her posture and turned to look directly at her clueless admirer. “Pardon me, young man, I’m not her friend. I am indeed her real date. So…thanks so much for stopping by and gracing us with your sparkling personality, but Tracy is busy…and quite taken.”

  The young man’s frown deepened as he looked from Julia to Maddie and back to Julia. “You two can’t…you’re not…”

  Maddie was surprised as Julia smiled and leaned closer to her, the scent of Julia’s perfume wafting pleasantly under her nose. “Oh, we can and we do and…” Julia glanced around quickly, as if to ensure that they were alone. “…she’s fucking amazing,” Julia said, her voice lowering conspiratorially.

  Maddie pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh out loud as she heard the young man audibly gasp behind her. She found herself leaning
forward, resting her head against Julia’s shoulder, shaking with silent laughter as Julia moved her hand to gently caress the back of her neck with the tips of her fingers in a blatantly proprietary gesture. Maddie knew they were simply play-acting, but she found that she enjoyed this woman’s gentle caress. It had been too long since Maddie had felt the touch of another woman in this way and it felt good, albeit slightly forbidden.

  “He’s found a clue and he’s gone,” Julia whispered near her ear.

  Maddie lifted her head and looked at Julia, smiling widely. “Well, that was impressive and it worked like a charm. Thank you.”

  “It was my pleasure. What a clueless ass. He couldn’t even get your phony name right. Anyway, I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”

  “What? No. Why would I be embarrassed?”

  “Because I’m sure he’s telling his merry band of drunken revelers over there that the only reason he keeps striking out is because we’re lesbians. I couldn’t care less, but you do have to work here,” Julia said.

  Maddie smiled at Julia’s concern. “If that particular rumor spreads it’d only make my life here easier and I’d be flattered if they think I could actually get a woman like you.”

  Julia stared at her for a long beat, her gaze running slowly over her features. “Oh, trust me, sweetie, you could…easily. I’m the one who looks like a desperate cougar here, trying to pick up the young and beautiful bartender.”

  Julia’s low, deliciously raspy voice calling her beautiful made Maddie shiver. “Just stop it,” Maddie said. “You’re not that much older than me.”

  Julia released a surprised laugh. “You are a very sweet girl.”

  Maddie leaned closer. “I’m afraid I’m neither one of those things…and you smell fabulous, by the way.”

  Julia smiled at the comment. “Why thank you. So do you.”

  “I’m not wearing perfume.”