Hook, Line, and Garter (Bitches and Queens) Read online

  Hook,

  Line,

  and Garter

  By: Rachael James

  Text copyright © 2013

  Rachael James

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any format without written consent from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for insertion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  To anyone who never learned how to color in the lines

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I would like to thank my fabulous editor Cynthia Shepp for bringing out the best in Kate and Sam’s story. If you are interested in learning more about Cynthia, you can find her at www. cynthiashepp.com.

  Table of Contents

  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 1

  It had been a long night. It had been long week. Oh heck—it had been a long year. At twenty-two years old, after spending the previous four years busting her butt to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Texas and then the next six months desperately searching for employment, Kate Logan’s career aspirations were officially dashed. She was forced to accept an assistant manager position at Mulligan’s, a downtown bar in Austin, Texas. She didn’t mind the atmosphere, but it wasn’t exactly her dream job. In her ideal world, Kate would have landed an entry-level IT consulting position—where she worked in an office wearing proper attire. Instead, she bopped around the club in her peek-a-boo heels, low-rise, faded boyfriend jeans, and crocheted sweaters—pretending she was having a blast.

  Before she even unlocked the door to her apartment, the heels had been slipped off her feet and the top button of her jeans opened, as both offending items of clothing felt like they were cutting off essential circulation. She only wanted to slip into her bed with a sweet glass of moscato wine, wearing her plush pajamas. As she stepped inside, she discovered her roommate, best friend, and first cousin, Jenner, had other plans.

  Kate had never met the woman sitting beside Jenner on the couch, but she recognized her instantly. After all, Jenner had been going on for weeks about her fabulous new friend, Sam. It was all she ever talked about. Kate was beginning to worry that her friend was growing a bit obsessive. But one look at Sam, and Kate could understand what all the hype had been about. She was stunningly, startlingly gorgeous. Sam possessed the kind of ethereal beauty that didn’t just take your breath away, it seemed to suck every last atom of oxygen from the room as well.

  “Hello, you must be Kate. I’m so excited to finally meet you,” Sam said with a slightly husky-sounding voice.

  “Hello,” Kate flustered and then grew terribly annoyed with herself. Sam was just an ordinary person; no need to get starstruck. Or was she? Surely, with a face like that she had to be famous. No, Kate would have recognized her.

  “You must be exhausted. Please, sit down,” Sam said and motioned her forward. “Long hours in the club can be draining.”

  The sound of her soothing voice had a magnetic effect upon Kate. She moved forward as if in a daze and sat down in the chair beside the couch. Perhaps she was more tired than she realized. Coming this close, she was barely able to gather her thoughts, and she felt the strangest vibrations coursing through her body—like her heart beat with the heavy thump of a bass and shot tiny jolts of electricity down her nerves. When she looked up, Sam was watching her with unabashed interest, but somewhere deep inside her smoky, green-gray eyes there was an old-soul, kind gentleness that made Kate feel at ease.

  “Sorry,” Kate fumbled with a shake of her head. “Did you work in a club?”

  “No,” Sam answered with a mischievous grin. “But I have closed more than my share of them.”

  Jenner’s phone started blaring. “I’ve got to take this. It’s Michael,” she explained and leaped from the couch.

  Kate watched helplessly as she left her alone with Sam. Considering Jenner had talked about nothing else, she felt like she should have something to say, but Kate couldn’t remember a single thing besides that they had met in a bar.

  “What…” they both started in unison.

  “You first,” Sam insisted.

  “I was just going to ask what do you do for a living?” Kate asked.

  “I’m a photographer.”

  “That’s right. I remember Jenner telling me that now. You have a studio downtown?”

  “Right,” Sam agreed. “What about you? Jenner says you’re brilliant. Did you always want to work at Mulligan’s?”

  “As a little girl, I dreamt of it,” Kate teased. “No, actually I went to school for IT, but the market is pretty tight right now, and the competition is fierce.”

  “It’s tough all around,” Sam commiserated.

  “I guess,” Kate shrugged. “How did you become a photographer? Did you start in modeling?”

  “Do I look like a model?” Sam laughed and then started giving a series of ultra-serious, cover-shot poses.

  “You kind of do,” Kate answered, which only made Sam laugh harder.

  “No, I hate getting my picture taken,” she finally said.

  “Looks like it is just the three of us. Michael won’t come,” Jenner said as she walked back into the front room.

  “I told you he wouldn’t,” Sam chided.

  “Where are you two going at this hour?’ Kate asked curiously.

  “Where are we going,” Jenner corrected and then looked at Sam. “You didn’t tell her?”

  “No, not yet.”

  “We’re going to a club,” Jenner answered.

  “Have fun with that,” Kate retorted.

  “You have to come. You’ll love it. They’re having a drag show,” Jenner said.

  “A drag show,” Kate scoffed. “The last thing I want to see is a bunch of men who look better than me.”

  Sam and Jenner looked at each other and then busted out in a bout of hilarity.

  “What is so funny?” Kate demanded angrily.

  Sam leaned forward and reached for Kate’s hand. “No one will look better than you. You are adorable.”

  Kate looked down at their hands. She felt the most delicious tingling where Sam’s skin touched hers, which was more than a little disorientating. The whole encounter was beyond bizarre. One moment she felt startling aware, and the next she felt warm and fuzzy—as if Sam was her long-lost friend. It was all so confusing. Perhaps, if she were a lesbian it might make more sense, but she wasn’t gay. Kate wasn’t entirely heterosexual either. If hard pressed to define her sexuality, Kate would have to say she was asexual. Or was until a few moments ago.

  “Sam is in the show,” Jenner said coyly.

  “Why are you in the show?” Kate asked blankly and then the truth suddenly dawned on her. “Oh god, you’re a man.”

  “Occasionally, yes,” Sam answered with his natural voice, which was several octaves lower.

  Kate was so flabbergasted her jaw literally hung open. After several moments, s
he finally said, stunned, “You’re good. I don’t think I ever would have guessed.”

  A slight smile wavered on Sam’s mouth. “I think you would have figured it out eventually.”

  “No, I don’t think so,” Kate denied.

  When Jenner had said her cousin, Kate, was some sort of IT whiz, Sam naturally developed a mental image. He had been around enough of those kinds of people to know they spoke their own language, laughed at jokes no one else understood, and dressed as if every day was casual Friday. They were the type of people who still played role-playing games—and not the kind he enjoyed playing. What Jenner failed to mention was that Kate was smokin’ hot gorgeous. His second thought after she walked through the door was, Fuck me, I’m wearing a dress.

  As she came towards him, Sam noticed that her jeans were unbuttoned. How freaking sexy was that? It took an inordinate amount of effort to keep his eyes from straying back down towards her crotch. Surprisingly, it was worth it. A few minutes in her company and he was utterly enchanted, but she was hard to read. Maybe that was why he was so intrigued?

  Sam wasn’t thoroughly convinced until he reached out, touched her hand, and felt that sizzling spark of awareness flowing between them. Then he knew—he had to have her. Maybe not right that second, or even tonight, but one day, preferably sooner than later, the two of them were getting naked and he would fuck her brains out.

  As the night grew to dawn, he discovered that Kate was a woman of contrasts. Both hot and cold, she reminded him of a strawberry dipped in melted chocolate. He would be willing to bet his last dollar that she tasted just as delightful. After the show, where he placed runner-up, the trio went to a small café. At five o’clock in the morning, his stomach couldn’t take much more than coffee and toast. He was surprised, and honestly a little bit in awe, when Kate ordered a whole order of loaded cheddar fries and a large soda.

  “Seriously,” Jenner laughed after Kate placed her order.

  “I’ve got my days and nights mixed up. Right now, its lunch time for me,” Kate answered.

  Before the waitress returned with their food, Kate went to the bathroom. As soon as she left, Sam leaned forward and asked, “So what’s the story with Kate?”

  “What story?”

  “Is she seeing anyone?”

  “Kate doesn’t date.”

  “Is she a lesbian?” Sam questioned. Although she wouldn’t be his first one, he hoped she was straight—that way they could avoid the whole sexual-orientation guilt and confusion thing that came after they fucked. The first time it happened, he had tried to be as understanding and comforting as possible. Now, he just let his lovers rattle on and work out their issues themselves.

  “Kate?” Jenner laughed. “No, she isn’t gay. Why are you asking? You’re not interested in her, are you?”

  “I might be.”

  “Forget it,” Jenner cautioned. “Kate isn’t comfortable around men.”

  “She was fine tonight.”

  “Sam, did you look in the mirror before you left your home?”

  Sam was disappointed. Who wouldn’t be? All night long he had been thinking he had just met the next woman who would rock his world. Honestly, he hadn’t felt this intensely for a woman since Leah Ray, his first. Looking back, he couldn’t remember what the attraction had been other than the fact she had a pussy that she let him stick his dick into. Hardly the trappings of a grand romance, but Leah would always hold a special place in his heart. Since her, there had been many women, more than he could keep track of, but he had never felt as attracted to any of them as he had Kate—the woman who didn’t do men, women, or anyone, which left him officially screwed.

  A few days later, he still couldn’t get her out of his brain. The problem was that he didn’t need another friend. He had more than enough friends, most of them he couldn’t stand being around, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Kate. One night after he had finished at the studio, he stopped by Mulligan’s on his way home. He saw Kate but she didn’t see him, or if she had, she didn’t recognize him. Feeling ridiculous, he decided to stay for only one drink. Ignoring the group of women who sat at the bar and tried to chat him up, Sam couldn’t take his eyes off her. It was in that moment that he came to terms with the situation. Either they would become friends or he would add stalking to his list of fetishes.

  Sam waited until she stood on the other side of the bar and started talking with one of the other employees. By their expressions, he could tell they weren’t talking about anything serious, so he decided to send her a text message.

  Did you get your days and nights worked out? - Sam

  Sam waited and watched. Who knew this stalker business would be so easy? If he ever grew bored with photography, he could make a second career in private investigation. A few moments later, Kate reached in her pocket for her phone. He was relieved when a smile lit up her face.

  No. I’m at work now. Why? - Kate

  I thought we could go shopping together, but I don’t know of any 24-hour malls. Do you?

  Love to go! Tues/Wed are my weekends. Are you available then?

  Six Months Later

  “Tomorrow is the big interview. What are you going to wear?” Sam asked.

  “My navy pantsuit,” Kate answered.

  “The same frumpy, navy pantsuit that hasn’t done anything for you yet? I was afraid you would say that,” Sam clicked. “That is why I bought you this. Go try it on. I bought you a bra too. I’ve been telling you for weeks that you’re not wearing the right size.”

  Kate frowned. “I can’t believe you did this. I told you not to.”

  “Go,” Sam demanded and waved his manicured hand.

  She reluctantly accepted the large gift boxes and went to her bedroom. Once the door was closed behind her, Kate tore them open with the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning. She tried not to encourage him, but Sam was generous to a fault and spoiled her something crazy. It seemed unfathomable that she had only known him for six months. Her best friend and closest confidant, it felt as if Sam had always been a part of her life. It was hard to imagine how she had ever managed without him.

  Lying on top of the designer black jacket and pencil skirt was a lacy demi bra and matching thong. Kate opened the door and yelled, “What’s with the black panties?”

  “I was feeling lucky.”

  Kate closed the door and rolled her eyes. He was such a flirt. Not a day went by that he didn’t say something, but she had to question his earnestness as he had yet to act on a single of his innuendoes. For several months, she believed he was gay. A common-sense assumption as she had only ever seen him dressed like a woman. When he told her he wasn’t gay, or even bisexual, she was nearly as shocked as she was when she learned he was a man. That conversation was the single hiccup, more of a misunderstanding actually, on their otherwise smooth-sailing friendship.

  It happened after they had spent several weekends searching for the perfect pair of jeans. Some women were born to wear them—Kate wasn’t one of them. They started with the top designers and worked their way down to the outlet mall. All the pairs they found were either too long in the legs, too narrow in the hips, or had just a little too much bling on the back pockets. Kate had nothing against the current fashion, but she would just as soon not be strutting about with her ass lit up like neon. In her opinion, it stuck out a little too much on its own.

  Sam didn’t mind running back and forth, scavenging through the various sizes and styles, as shopping was one of his favorite hobbies. Kate was stripped down to her bra and panties when he returned with the eighth pair.

  She took the jeans from him. While Sam was casually leaning against the dressing room stall, she started to put them on. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I met the cutest guy the other night at the bar. I got his number for you.”

  “Why?” Sam asked as he kneeled down and started his inspection.

  By then, Kate knew the drill by heart. No matter how she was dressed, he insisted that she bring along a
spare pair of heels. At first, Kate tried to resist, telling him that she wasn’t a heels with jeans sort of girl, but he insisted. After she slipped on the shoes, he started with the cuffs. It was a thorough and exhaustive examination in which Sam used both his eyes and hands.

  “I just thought maybe you could call him sometime, and the two of you could hang out,” she answered when he reached the ticklish spot behind her knee. She started to wobble forward, and reached out for his shoulders. “I can’t help it,” Kate said. “You’re always so gentle it feels like a feather.”

  “Do you want me to be rough?” he questioned drily as his hands moved up her thighs. “Turn around,” he commanded.

  Kate did as she was instructed. She tried to look over her shoulder, but it was impossible to see his face. “I think you would really like him. The two of you have a lot in common.”

  “I don’t want to hang out with him. I’d rather be with you,” Sam declared.

  “I’m not saying you have to fall in love. You could at least go out on one date with him. He seemed very keen.”

  “Kate, I’m not gay,” Sam denied flatly.

  “What are you talking about? Of course you are,” Kate rattled off as she swiftly turned around. From his position on the floor, he was at eye level with her crotch. Immediately, she tried to step back and cross her arms over her chest.

  Sam slowly stood and rolled his eyes impatiently. “I’m a transvestite, Kate,” he answered harshly.

  “I don’t understand. I thought transvestites were gay,” Kate said defensively, while inwardly reeling. What did he mean he wasn’t gay? He had stood in the bathroom putting on his makeup while she was in the shower. He had seen her nearly naked more times than she could remember. He had given her advice about waxing versus shaving. Seriously—what did he mean he wasn’t gay?

  “Just because I enjoy dressing like a woman doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy fucking them too,” Sam retorted sarcastically. “Seriously Kate, you’ve met some of my old lovers at the studio. Who did you think those women were?”