June 2019 is the 9th anniversary of the release of my 2nd novel Turn for Home. This sequel to Turning Point continues the story of Brenna Lanigan and Cassidy Hyland from my first novel, Turning Point.
At the beginning of Turning Point, Brenna and Cassidy were completely at odds with each other at their workplace: the filming set for the television series Time Trails.
As far as anyone is concerned — including themselves — they are straight.
It kind of shocks them to realize they’re falling in love. Getting together took a whole level of soul-searching that particularly Brenna had never done.
—
At the opening of Turn for Home, the two women have come to grips with their relationship in private — keep it secret.
However, in Hollywood with cameras everywhere, secrets seldom stay secret for very long. and when they are forced into the spotlight, deciding how out to be means balancing the personal and the professional.
This conversation between Brenna and Cassidy is from the end of chapter 1. Enjoy.
I think it’s time to go home, though.” Brenna nodded at Ryan snuggling against her chest. “I think someone’s tired.”
“It’s nap time.” Cassidy took Ryan from Brenna and the women walked back with more speed and purpose in their stride than during the slow amble to the park. In ten minutes they were back inside Cassidy’s home and pulling Ryan’s shoes off as he drooped sleepily on the edge of his bed.
As she and Cassidy retired to the couch and snuggled together, Brenna realized it was almost one-thirty. “All things considered,” she observed aloud, “it’s been a wonderful day.”
“Anytime you want to come over, just come,” Cassidy said.
The breath whispering through her hair sent tingles of pleasure down Brenna’s spine which then lodged warmly in her abdomen. She squirmed in response and lifted her head, knowing she needed to go instead of dallying here. For now.
“I’ve got to get my sons adjusted. I’d like to have you and Ryan over to my place again, especially when the weather warms up and I open the pool.”
“Now that school’s back in session, the sense that your boys have their own things to do may help.”
“I hope so.” Brenna’s breath sighed against Cassidy’s collarbone. “I want everything with you. It’s been a long time since I felt as if I had a friend and a lover in the same person. I want to wake up with you every morning. I can’t do that until Thomas and James understand that their silent treatment, or even outright anger, is not going to change my mind.”
“Thomas’ and James’ opinions matter, Bren. I wouldn’t want them not to.” Cassidy wrapped her arms around her lover, letting their curves fit together.
“I won’t let Thomas or James push us apart.”
“All right. So, what now?”
“What would you say to going in to work together on Monday?”
“Are you serious?”
“Thomas and James can get themselves to school. I’m sure they’d prefer it. I’ll come here, and take you and Ryan in my car.”
“I’ve got Ryan’s car seat.”
“I’ll move it to my car,” Brenna suggested. “It’s not a major display, but it’s a half hour drive back and forth, time that we could be together.”
Cassidy grasped Brenna’s hands earnestly. “Not yet. It’s too soon. Let’s try smaller things first.”
Brenna was reluctant to agree. “Why?”
“Do you really want your sons inundated by the press before they are comfortable? And what about the détente you reached with Kevin?”
Brenna sat up. “It isn’t fair that we have to hide.”
“No, it’s not,” Cassidy agreed. When Brenna got up from the couch, Cassidy followed. “Are you all right?”
“I haven’t even left yet, and I miss you already.” Brenna snuggled into Cassidy’s embrace.
As she wrapped her arms around her lover, Cassidy couldn’t help thinking the same thing. Putting other people’s feelings first, when she’d been used to ignoring her own for so long, was frustrating.
“I’ll be waiting when you get to the set Monday.”
“Maybe I can find more time to get away this week.”
“Take some time with Thomas and James. Maybe they just need a little attention from Mom.”
“Maybe.” Brenna’s lips turned down at the corners. “I offered to make Chicago deep dish tonight, their favorite. I finally got Thomas to promise to be home. James, who knows where he’ll be.”
“It will work out, Bren.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.” They shared one last lingering kiss before they reached the front door.
To grab your copy of Turn for Home or my first novel Turning Point, visit my author page at Supposed Crimes.
Lara Zielinsky 