Connected Hearts - Four Lesbian Romance Stories by Jae, Joan Arling, Rj Nolan Read Free Book Online

afternoon, the coffee shop wasn’t crowded. “So Jess couldn’t get the day off to come with you, huh?”
    Kim shook her head. She looked everywhere except at Sam. Kim popped out of her chair, making Sam jump. “I’ll go get our coffee.” She practically bolted from Sam.
    What the heck? Between Kim coming to San Diego alone for a shopping trip and her unusual behavior, things just didn’t add up for Sam and that stirred her cop instincts. I hope she’s not upset with Jess.
    Jess had been keeping a secret from Kim for weeks now. Please don’t let anything mess up Jess’s plans. She was drawn out of her thoughts by Kim’s return.
    “Here you go,” Kim said. She handed Sam a cup of coffee and a small brown bag.
    Opening the bag eagerly, Sam smiled. Oh, yeah. She knows me well. Unlike Jess, Sam shared Kim’s chocolate addiction. She pulled out the chocolate croissant and took a big bite. Sam groaned, and her eyes closed as the rich chocolate and pastry melted in her mouth. She opened her eyes and grinned at Kim. “Are you trying to bribe me into going shopping with you?”
    Kim flushed. “Maybe.” Her expression turned serious. “I really do need your help.”
    “Anything,” Sam said. “You know that.”
    “I know.” Kim touched Sam’s knee. “And I appreciate it.”
    “Tell me what I can do to help.” It bothered her to see Kim, who was usually so outgoing and vibrant, acting so subdued.
    “Well, Valentine’s Day is next Friday.”
    Since that’s all Jess has talked about for the last month. Oh yeah. I know. She couldn’t wait to see Kim’s reaction to Jess’s surprise. Sam fought to tame a smirk. “Really? That’s next week?”
    “Sam!” Kim’s tone left no doubt she wasn’t in the mood to be teased.
    “Okay, sorry. Go ahead.”
    Kim scrubbed her hands up and down her thighs, then sighed. “The Valentine’s Day present I planned for Jess,” her voice hitched, “well, it didn’t work out.” She looked up at Sam with tears glimmering in the corners of her eyes.
    What the hell is going on? This has got to be about more than a present. Sam leaned close. “Hey. It’s okay. I’m sure Jess will understand. She’ll love anything you get her.”
    As Kim brushed her hair back from her face, she blew out a breath. “I know. It’s just ... complicated. Anyway, I want this Valentine’s Day to be extra special—for both of us.” She met Sam’s gaze, and the confident spark Sam was used to seeing in Kim’s warm, blue eyes finally made an appearance. “I’m going to buy her a ring and ask her to marry me.”
    Holy smokes, Batman! There go all of Jess’s plans up in smoke. Now what do I do? “Um ... Well ...”
    Kim’s expression fell.
    Ah. Crap. “That’s great. I’m sure Jess will be thrilled.”
    “You’re sure?” Kim’s brow furrowed. “Do you know something I don’t?”
    Oh, shit! Jess warned you Kim was getting suspicious. Sam put on her best cop face. “No.”
    “You’re positive?” Kim stared at her hard as if trying to gauge her sincerity.
    “Absolutely positive.” You better hope God’s understanding of the spot you’re in, or you’re going straight to hell for that bald-faced lie. Sam was sure Kim would forgive her once she found out why Sam lied. Jess will kill me if I blow the surprise she’s been planning for weeks.
    “Then you’ll help me?”
    “Of course,” Sam said, finally over her shock at what Kim was proposing—literally. A little half-smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Looks like Jess is about to get a surprise of her own.
    “Great. Thank you.” Kim’s smile lit her face. “You’re the same ring size as Jess, so I wanted you to make sure the ring would fit her.”
    Well, now I know why she wanted to come to San Diego. “Did you have a specific jeweler in mind?” I know a good one, but I’m sure as hell not suggesting that one.
    “Yes,” Kim said. “That’s the other reason I needed to come down here. I want to go to