by Alex Tryst

Disclaimers: These are original characters of mine, and this is the first lesbian story I ever finished. It is definitely not of the caliber of what I’ve been writing in the last year or so, but I thought it might be fun to post, so that my fans could see the evolution of my writing style. Needless to say this is about two women, who are finding themselves, and of course this wouldn’t be one of my books without sex, so there are sexual situations between two women as well as some with men, but that doesn’t last too long. Anyway, hope you enjoy it.

Feedback: Drop me a line if you’d like at alextryst@hotmail.com.

Dedications: To my wife, you are my fondest wish.

Now on with the show...

Copyright © May 1998 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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Snow was coming down on Massachusetts Avenue late that afternoon making it difficult for Reagan to maneuver her Jeep Cherokee in rush hour traffic on her way home from a busy day in court. She was checking her voice mail from her car phone as she passed her old alma mater, American University. She was faintly aware of cars stopping ahead of her, so she applied her brakes gently. However, she then looked down to her lap before feeling something hit her car with great force from behind. She looked over her shoulder to see the front end of a black sports car crumpled up into her bumper.

"Shit." she mumbled. That's all she needed. Reagan emerged from the driver's side door and just looked at the sports car. She could see the driver slouched over the steering wheel. Concerned, Reagan immediately called for an ambulance before approaching the car.

Moments later the driver, Melanie Cantrell, a twenty-two year old college student, began to slowly raise her head. She moaned painfully. Reagan rapped on Melanie's window with her knuckles getting her attention. Melanie open her door and slowly got out.

"Are you all right? Why don't you sit down?" Reagan suggested seeing the gash above Melanie's brow. Melanie sat back down in the car. As they began to exchange information, Reagan handed Melanie a business card.

She took it and read it mumbling, "Honorable Dr. Reagan Elizabeth Charleston. Shit."

"Listen, Miss Cantrell, I've called an ambulance for you, because that gash looks pretty bad, and you were unconscious. However, if you could contact me tomorrow about the accident." Melanie just nodded without a word as the ambulance arrived.

The following week Reagan had just gotten back to her office from court when her secretary knocked. "Your honor, you have an appointment in ten minutes. However, she's early and asked if there was any way you'd see her now."

"I don't remember having an appointment. Who is it?"

"She called this morning, and I squeezed her in. Her name is Melanie Cantrell."

"Oh, well, send her in please." Reagan took some water out of her small refrigerator and went for two glasses as she turned toward her door. "Well, Miss Cantrell, how are you today? Feeling better?"

"Physically? Yes, thanks for asking."

"Please sit. Would you like a drink?" Melanie shook her head as she took a seat. Reagan unzipped her robe before slipping it off of her shoulders. After hanging it, she sat behind her desk. "Well, to what do I owe this visit? We could've discussed things over the phone."

"First of all, what shall I call you? Your honor?"

"That's just courtroom formality. Judge Charleston or Dr. Charleston will be fine."

"Okay, Judge Charleston." she mumbled.

"Are you nervous, Miss Cantrell?"

"I'm afraid I am."

"There's really no need to be. I'm supposed to be intimidating for a reason. It's to scare the juveniles that come into my courtroom, but as far as adults go, that's not my department, so please, say what you feel you need to."

"Okay. I say this fully understanding that you don't have to agree to it. However, I truly am in a predicament."

"Okay. Continue."

"Well, that was my friend's car, and I actually have no insurance."

Reagan gave a displeased groan. "Did you get an estimate on your friend's car?"

"Yes. It was $500."

"Well, mine was $250, That makes $750 total that you're in the hole. Is this the part where you tell me that you don't have it?"

"Yes, it is."

"Do you have a solution?"

"I can pay you in installments." hesitantly Melanie answered.

"Miss Cantrell, what's your major?"

"Political science and dance."

"Do you have an interest in the Juvenile Justice Department?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Well, you may have noticed that my secretary is very pregnant. In fact she's expecting in a month. I need a secretary for about two months while she's on leave. Do you have any secretarial experience?"

"No."

"Well, are you even interested in it?"

"Maybe. What are you thinking?"

"Since the government actually supplies my secretary, I can't hire you. However, we could call it an internship. Given that you have no experience but the cost of living is high, I'll pay you, say $7.00 an hour, but instead of paying you, I'll just take it out of the $750."

"Does this mean you're fixing my friend's car too?"

"Yeah. I'll pay for it. There's no reason that she should have to pay for your mistake too. What do you say? You put in twelve to thirteen hours a week here at my office for those two months."

"That's a more than generous offer, Judge Charleston. Let me check my schedule and get back to you."

"Is this a deal? I need to know as soon as possible."

"Yes, it's a deal."

Reagan stood and extended a hand to Melanie. Melanie stood as well and took Reagan's hand, shaking it almost with relief. "Very well, Miss Cantrell. When your friend's car is fixed, have the bill faxed over to me, and I will pay it. As for you, you start on Monday. Just call and let me know when you'll be in."

"Thank you, Judge Charleston. I will see you Monday."

On Monday afternoon Reagan came in from court around 2:00pm. When she opened the office door, Melanie was engaged in conversation with her secretary. "Hello, Miss Cantrell. I see you've met my temporary secretary. She will be taking care of everything but the phone. I want you to handle that. My appointment book is on her desk. If someone calls for an appointment, please schedule them in a blank space. My court dates are already in the book, and I'm here at the office the other times, so just schedule them accordingly. Now, if you will come with me, I want to stimulate your mind."

They walked into Reagan's office and sat as Reagan asked, "So, Miss Cantrell, what do you want out of life?"

"First of all, I want you to not call me Miss Cantrell anymore. I prefer to be called by my first name, Melanie."

"Okay. Melanie, what do you want out of life?"

"That's a loaded question, don't you think?"

"Well, why don't you tell me what your plans are after college then."

"I don't know. I guess I would like to pursue a dance career."

"A dance career? I thought you said you are a poly-sci major."

"Well, I am, but my other major is dance. I also have a minor in voice. My parents made me pick what they would call a real major. To them dancing and singing are not real career choices."

Reagan nodded. "But they are your passions?"

"Very much so. To me singing and dancing make life worth while."

"Well, sounds like you're in the wrong field then."

"Yeah, but since my parents pay for school, it's hard to go against the grain. It's hard to be myself when they expect so much."

"I understand that feeling. My parents did the same thing when I was your age. Fortunately for me, they thought law school was a worth while venture. So, what kind of dancer are you? Modern? Ballet? What?"

"Oh, I'm trained in ballet, jazz, and tap, but I'm always looking to acquire more training. Dance provides me with an outlet for self-expression, so the more I know, the better I can express myself. Besides, it's a great place to meet girls." Melanie mentioned crossing her legs.

"Excuse me?" Reagan inquired sitting up straighter in her oversized, leather chair.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you knew I was a lesbian."

"How would I know that? I don't even know you." fumbled Reagan nervously.

"Because I could've sworn you were one too, but it's obvious I was wrong. I'm sorry if that makes you uncomfortable."

"No, no. I, uh, I've just never had anyone come out to me. You don't look like one."

"Oh? And what does one look like?"

"I don't know, not feminine." Reagan's heart was pounding wildly, her nerves frazzled. In her thirty-five years of living she had never known anyone gay, and this first encounter left her not knowing what to say. How could such an attractive, bright, young woman be gay? It boggled her mind. She looked at her watch. "Oh, look at the time. I've got to get back to court soon." nervously she stammered.

"Judge Charleston, I didn't mean to shock you. That wasn't my intention. I'm sorry."

"Miss Cantrell, I'm fine. However, may I suggest that if you ever get a real job, you might want to reconsider telling your boss. Some people might not react well to such a bold statement."

That evening when Reagan went home she took J.R., her golden lab for a longer walk than usual as she thought about her conversation with Melanie. She wasn't sure which made her more uncomfortable, that Melanie was gay or that Melanie thought she was. The question made Reagan uneasy, but she was determined not to let it bother her, so she tried to unwind with a book as she went to bed.

Melanie was up late that night as well socializing with her friends. When one of them asked how her first day went with the judge, Melanie moaned and rolled her eyes. She explained what happened before her friend Sarah, a long brunette like Melanie, inquired, "So did she ever deny it when you when you said you thought she was gay?"

"No. She just flipped out."

"Do you still think that she's gay?" Melanie nodded and grinned. "What's the smile for? Are you interested?"

"No. She's too old for me, but I was just thinking what a shame it would be if she wasn't. After all, she is an attractive, intelligent, compassionate, older woman. She seems to be wealthy too. She's my type, but she's probably in her mid to late thirties."

"So? Why's that too old? Wouldn't it be great to be married to someone wealthy and attractive? You'd never have to worry about a career." Melanie laughed Sarah's comments off, but the following morning when she saw Reagan step out of a 1968 Corvette looking suave in a dark pinstripe suit, she thought about Sarah's words.

Reagan was tired that morning having tossed most of the night. Since yesterday she couldn't get Melanie out of her mind, so when she looked up and saw Melanie standing by the building's entrance, she was startled. "What are you doing here so early? I thought you weren't coming in until after lunch."

Smiling Melanie shifted her weight. "Well, I don't have any classes today, so I thought I'd come down here and see you." Reagan didn't hear her words though, as she found herself caught up in Melanie's smile. Suddenly she felt her heart jump. Nervously she fiddled with her keys as they walked toward the office. Sensing Reagan's nervousness, Melanie said, "Judge Charleston, I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Honestly, Miss Cantrell, I'm fine. It did surprise me, but I'm fine. I'm not uncomfortable."

"Then why won't you call me by my first name? Are you afraid that's too personal?" Melanie's hand touched Reagan's forearm as Reagan unlocked the office door.

Reagan looked at Melanie's hand before pulling her arm away. "You should've been a psychology major, Melanie, if you want to try to analyze people. No, I don't think it's too personal. I actually hadn't noticed I was doing it." she lied.

"Do you let anyone call you Reagan or is it always Judge Charleston?"

Reagan stopped and looked at Melanie directly. Going against her intuition, she answered, "If you really would like to call me Reagan, you may. Judge Charleston is just more professional."

Melanie nodded before Regan disappeared into her office. She worked for a couple of hours preparing for cases she was hearing the following day, but around 11:00 she went to check on Melanie. When she opened the door, she saw Melanie diligently typing on the computer with headphones blaring music into her ears. She didn't notice Reagan, so Reagan just watched her momentarily, intrigued by this young woman. Finally when Melanie did notice her, Melanie jumped, tearing her headphones off.

"You know, there is a stereo right there you could use. Saves your batteries. Plus you could then hear the phone." Melanie nodded. "Uh, I was thinking about going to lunch. Do you have any lunch plans?"

"No. I hadn't even thought about it."

"Well, since it's kind of a slow day, I was wondering if you'd like to get some lunch and then maybe join me in court this afternoon. That is, unless you'd rather stay here in the office." Reagan suggested shoving her hands into her trouser pockets as she leaned onto the door frame.

Melanie just looked at Reagan a moment, standing with such confidence and self-assurance, and suddenly she wondered what it would feel like to be held in the arms of such a powerful woman. Instead of indulging in the fantasy though, she replied, "Yeah, sure. Sounds good."

"Great. There's this little cafe by the Holocaust Museum that I really enjoy. It's very kosher. Would you mind if we go there?"

"No, that's fine. I've never been down by the Museum."

"Never? It's fascinating. For me, it truly was a life-altering experience. I actually did my dissertation on Hitler for my doctorate in European History."

"Why Hitler?"

"Well, I have German ancestors and wanted to learn more about them. At the time I was an undergraduate with a history major, so I began researching. I went back to World War II, and things became very confusing. Some of my ancestors were part Jewish, others Aryan. Some perished in the Holocaust in concentration camps while others were part of the regime. I became fascinated with the Third Reich, so when it was time for my dissertation, I decided to write about Hitler.

"Of course, the Holocaust Museum wasn't opened until a few years ago, so I didn't have the luxury of having so many references in one place. Now I go about once every couple of months to research family genealogy. You should go with me sometime if you've never been."

"I'd like that." Melanie caught herself saying with almost too much enthusiasm.

Over lunch Melanie kept asking Reagan questions about German history, not necessarily because she wanted to know the information, but she could tell it ignited a passionate fire within Reagan, one that made her face come alive. As Melanie sat across the small, cafe table from Reagan, she began to wonder more about Reagan's personal life. During a lull in conversation, Melanie leaned back in her chair asking, "Judge, may I ask you something personal?"

Reagan set her tea cup down cautiously mumbling, "Yes, you may."

"Have you ever been married?"

"No, I haven't, but I was close once."

"What was he like?"

"Well, he was two years younger than me. We had known each other a long time, and even went to the same college. We were engaged for six months."

"What happened?"

"I wasn't happy. It was almost like we were best friends. There wasn't passion like I thought there should be, so I broke it off. That was about twelve years ago. I've never really been interested in finding Mr. Right, and after that I pretty much gave up on that nonsense. I'm doing just fine with my house and dog."

That afternoon they spent in court. The last case of the day took longer than expected, however. Reagan was still listening to testimony at ten after six when her eyes met Melanie's. Reagan was surprised Melanie was still there. Finally at 6:45pm Reagan handed down her verdict, and court was adjourned for the day. Reagan stood stretching. "You didn't have to stay so late."

"That's okay. I wanted to." Melanie answered smiling.

Reagan was beginning to be fond of that smile. "Listen, I, uh, was going to stop by Uno's Pizza in Georgetown on my way home, because I don't feel much like cooking, and I'm starving now. Would you care to join me? It's the least I could do for making you stay past five o'clock."

"That sounds wonderful."

"Great. Let me just drop off my robe in the office on the way out."

When they were at dinner, snow began falling lightly outside. Usually Reagan would have been concerned about her Corvette in such weather, but tonight the thought never entered her mind as she enjoyed Melanie's company. When they had both eaten to their heart's content, Reagan had their waitress wrap the rest for Melanie to take back to the dorm.

When their bill arrived, Melanie reached for her backpack, but Reagan said, "This one's on me."

"You bought lunch, though." Melanie pointed out.

"So? I know college kids are poor. Keep your money." Reagan stated reaching into the inside breast pocket of her suit jacket and pulling out a long, thin, leather wallet.

As she opened it, Melanie caught a glimpse of a picture. "Who's that?"

"Well, my younger brother Richard, his wife Janette, and their kids."

"What are they like?"

"Well, they are incredible people. They married when he was twenty-five, and she was twenty-three. I thought they were too young, but seven years later they are still married, so I guess I was wrong. Rich, Jr. is five. He's a doll. Then there is Alex, who is four. He's the one you have to watch out for, because he's always into everything he shouldn't be. Then there's Lizzie. She just turned one a few months ago. She looks just like Janette. She'll be stealing hearts when she gets older. She's already stolen mine." fondly Reagan said smiling at the picture.

"Do you ever want kids of your own?" Melanie inquired.

Reagan shrugged. "I'm thirty-five, so I'm getting a little old to have children. I love kids but I don't feel I have the time to devote to them, so I seriously doubt I'll ever have any of my own. What about you?" Melanie shrugged. "Melanie, may I ask you something? It's about being, well, not heterosexual."

"Sure. What do you want to know?"

"How did you know?"

"Oh, I've always known ever since I was a little girl. I found myself having crushes on other girls, but it wasn't until high school that I realized what it all meant. However, I know a lot of people that didn't realize it until college or even later than that. Why do you ask?"

Shaking her head Reagan mumbled, "Just curious." She looked at her watch. It read 9:30pm. "Goodness. It's getting late. I didn't realize we'd been here that long. I should get you home. You probably have better things to do than keep me company."

Their eyes met momentarily as Melanie responded, "Actually, I like being with you very much."

Reagan tried to ignore her pulse as it quickened. Instead she just smiled but did not respond, because she wasn't sure what Melanie meant. The ride up to American University was quiet as they listened to the radio. Finally, Melanie couldn't stand it anymore and asked, "What are we listening to? May I please change the station?"

Reagan nodded. When Melanie found the sation that she liked, she turned up the volume and soon the Corvette was vibrating from the bass. "You think my music's bad? What is this?" playfully Reagan teased. When Reagan stopped the car in front of Melanie's dorm, she turned the music down. Turning to Melanie she asked, "Are you coming in tomorrow?"

"Of course. I'll be there at about 2:00pm."

"Okay. If it's a slow day like today and you want to come into court, you can. Just be sure to do it between cases."

Melanie nodded as their eyes stayed locked. Suddenly Reagan felt awkward, so she looked away from Melanie's deep, dark eyes to the street saying, "I should be going. The Vette doesn't do well in the snow, so I should get it home before it gets worse."

Melanie could feel the uneasiness radiating off of Reagan, but it didn't stop her from wanting to feel Reagan's arms around her. In her mind Melanie cursed Sarah for planting the seed of interest for Judge Charleston. "Good night." Melanie whispered.

"Good night." mumbled Reagan keeping her eyes focused on the road. Reagan watched Melanie disappear into the building before driving away. She didn't understand her feelings toward Melanie. She wasn't sure what they were or where they were coming from.

When Reagan got home that night, she parked the Corvette in its spot in the garage before stepping into the laundry room. The house seemed unusually quiet as she walked into the kitchen. She threw her briefcase into one of the kitchen chairs and laid her overcoat over the back as well. Going to the refrigerator, she peered in for something to drink. The choices were slim, outdated milk, the bottom of a jug of orange juice, and flat cola. She shut the refrigerator door dissatisfied and went off to her bedroom where J.R. had settled down to sleep all ready. Casually she dressed for bed and then settled in with her book. However, she couldn't concentrate on reading though as she just stared at the pages, because her house seemed overwhelmingly lonely. Dismissing it, she decided to go to sleep.

The following morning she went to work focused on everything she had to do that day. She didn't even have a moment to think about Melanie until 2:30pm. She was between cases at the time and busy looking over papers when she felt eyes drilling into her skull. Looking up, she saw Melanie standing there in the back of the room smiling at her. Reagan's eyes flashed as she unknowingly gave a sexy grin in return.

The rest of the afternoon flew by and at 5:00pm, Reagan finished court for the day. When Melanie came up to her, she said, "I was hoping you'd come into court today."

"Really? Why?" she asked head turned slightly downward shyly as her eyes looked up into Reagan's.

"Because I wanted to see you. So, you want a ride home?"

Melanie smiled her eyes flashing with excitement. "Sure. Thanks."

Traffic was horrible that evening, but neither of them seemed to notice as they sat in silence enjoying each other. Melanie turned on the radio and was surprised to find it set to her favorite station. She looked at Reagan, who just smiled.

Suddenly Melanie wanted a reason to spend more time with Reagan so she suggested, "You know, the traffic is really bad. Do you want to go get a drink or something?"

Instantly Reagan's heart screamed yes, which caught her off guard. Not one to let emotions guide her though, she answered, "Thanks, but I really have some things to do at home tonight."

She saw obvious disappointment on Melanie's face even though she played it off. "Would you mind if I smoked?" Melanie asked.

"Yeah, I would mind. You do know that smoking is bad for you, not to mention smells awful."

"Well, you don't have to be around me or kiss me, so what's it to you?" Melanie snapped.

Reagan was taken back by Melanie's comment. "You're right." Reagan mumbled. "It's not any of my business."

Melanie thought she heard hurt in Reagan's voice. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. It's just that I'm trying to quit, but it's so hard. I've gone the whole day without a cigarette, and it's about to drive me crazy."

"Well, congratulations. Quitting is hard, but you can do it."

That night when Reagan got home, the emptiness was preponderant. She ate her dinner in front of the television that evening just to hear another human's voice, but her mind kept straying to Melanie. She realized she didn't have a life anymore. Everyday it was the same routine, but Melanie had thrown a wrench into the works. However it was only after spending time with her that she noticed the absence. Reagan's thoughts moved to Melanie's kissing comment in the car.

Suddenly when she realized she was actually thinking about how it would feel to be kissed, she became horrified. She'd given up on love and even sex such a long time ago that to have them practically thrown in her face by a woman thirteen years her junior was scary.

Not knowing exactly what to make of it, she decided to call her brother. However, Janette answered the phone, and when she said Richard wasn't in, they began to talk about the kids. After awhile though, Janette inquired, "Reagan, you seem upset. Is something going on?"

"Oh I don't know. I've met someone that's turned my life upside down."

"Oh really? What's he like?" she inquired with interest.

"First of all, it's nothing like that. It's a young woman, actually."

"Oh, okay. What's she like?" Janette asked obviously surprised.

"Well, her name is Melanie Cantrell. She's twenty-two and very interesting. I mean the first day she was in my office she told me she was a lesbian, but then she said she thought I was one. Janette, I flipped out. I didn't know what to think about that, still don't. Anyway, to get to the point, I enjoy her company, but after I've spent time with her, I feel lonely. She's made me realize I have no life and no friends really. It's depressing. She's the closest thing I have to a friend, and I've only known her about a week."

"Look, Reagan, it's never too late. If you want to have meaningful relationships, friendship or romantic, it takes work but it's never too late. Sounds like you enjoy spending time with Melanie. Why shut her out because she's younger than you?"

Her age wasn't the real problem, but Reagan didn't want to admit that, so she just agreed with Janette half-heartedly. Then again maybe Janette was right in the fact that she was shutting Melanie out too quickly.

On Saturday Reagan went to the Holocaust Museum to do some research. The library was busy with people, but Reagan managed to find a table with two empty chairs. She threw her briefcase and coat in one and sat in the other. She had only been there about half and hour when she heard someone behind her say, "Excuse me, ma'am." She turned and looked over the top of her reading glasses up at a tall, slender body to the man's dark eyes. "I was wondering, being that there are no other vacant chairs, may I sit here?" he inquired gesturing to the chair with her briefcase and coat.

"Oh, sure. Sorry." she mumbled moving her things before going back to her reading. She paid little attention to him until she kept feeling his eyes on her. Looking up their eyes met. "What? Do you not have enough table space?"

"Oh no. That's fine. It's just that, well, I can't help but look at you. You are by far the most attractive woman in the library." Playfully he smiled.

Reagan laughed softly. "Well, that's a line I've never heard. Young man, what's your name?"

"Rob."

"Rob, how old are you?"

"Twenty-five."

"How old do you think I am?"

He looked her over. "Twenty-seven." he lied smiling causing Reagan to laugh again.

"Is that a line too?"

"Maybe. Is it working?"

"Well, I am still talking to you, aren't I? What else do you want?"

He hesitated before asking, "How about lunch?"

Reagan admired his confidence. Trying to break her mold of conservativeness, she answered, "You make it the cafe next door, and it's a date." Spontaneity was nothing she was used to, but being that she felt her life was in need of change, not to mention he was handsome and charming, she went against her grain. They both gathered their things, and when he extended a hand to her, she hesitated but then took it.

They had an enjoyable lunch together before walking down toward the Tidal Basin. As they walked for a bit, the wind began whipping off the water causing Reagan's teeth to chatter. Rob encircled her shoulders with his arm. They stopped under a cherry tree, and Reagan leaned into it. Rob took a step toward her and his body pressed into hers lightly.

"Reagan, may I make an observation about you?" She nodded. "You seem unhappy. There's no love in your life, is there?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Because if there was, you wouldn't be here with me right now." he whispered.

She was aware of his body leaning into hers. She knew she was about to be kissed, but instead of stopping him, something inside her was screaming for it. She closed her eyes feeling his lips on hers as her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck. It was a pleasant closed-mouth kiss, but as he pulled away, Reagan pulled him back moaning for more. His hand slid from her hip around her back as they kissed again.

Reagan's body was smoldering. After thirteen years of celibacy, she had tired of it with only two of his kisses. His mouth moved from hers to her cheek and then neck.

"What am I doing?" she gasped raking her hands through his dark hair. "I don't even know you." He looked at her. Reagan smiled as she stroked his disheveled hair sweetly.

"Reagan, I want to know you better. Please let me." He kissed her again. Reagan could feel herself being emotionally swept away by this man.

Finally after a few more minutes, she forced herself to whisper, "I can't do this. You're a complete stranger." Rob pulled away slowly. His eyes tried to hide their disappointment. "Look, Rob. Everything I've done today has been out of character for me. You're a nice young man, but I do have to draw the line somewhere. Please try to understand."

"No, I do understand. It's okay. What if we move slower? Maybe go out? What do you say to that?"

"I don't know. I'm not sure if I want any sort of relationship right now."

"Okay. I'll tell you what. Why don't I give you my number, and if you change your mind, you can call me."

She nodded in agreement taking out a business card for him to write on. He read it before turning it over and writing his number on the back. "Well, I guess this is good bye then." he mentioned. Reagan nodded. "May I at least give you a kiss?"

With Reagan's consent, he kissed her softly. "Good bye, Rob." she whispered.

"Good bye, Reagan."

On Monday morning Reagan went into the office distracted by what had happened. Fortunately for her, she had court all morning to take her mind off things. However, she had just come back from lunch and opened the office door to see Rob talking to Melanie. "Rob, what are you doing here? How did you find me?"

"Hello, Reagan. I must admit I memorized your address from your business card. I wanted to see you. You've been on my mind since Saturday, and I knew that you'd never call, so I decided to pursue you instead. Do you mind?"

Reagan laughed. "You certainly are a persistent young man."

"Do you have a few minutes for us to be alone?"

"Yeah, sure. Come on in."

He followed Reagan into her office, and then locked the door behind him as she took off her robe. Before she realized what was happening, he had encircled her waist with his hands. He kissed her softly. "Rob." she whispered.

"I've ben thinking about this since Saturday, Reagan. I've wanted you since I've touched you. I know you feel that, and I know there's something in you that feels the same. Why won't you let it happen?"

"I don't even know you, Rob."

"Somehow, I don't think that's the real reason, Reagan. You strike me as a person who does whatever she wants, so I don't think me being a stranger matters if you really want it."

"Okay. You really want to know? I haven't been to bed with anyone in thirteen years. Quite honestly, the only thing that I remember about it was that it was never satisfying, so I gave up on it."

"Maybe you just haven't found the right man. Why don't you try me on for size?"

Reagan was silent a moment before answering, "Okay."

"Okay? What do you mean okay?"

"Rob, I'm thirty-five. I'm not a kid. You're right that I go after what I want. We are the same kind of person, so you can read me just like I can read you. The sex is not an issue really. It's more of what else you want."

"I want whatever you want to give, whether it be friends or more."

"How about dinner tonight, just friends?" Reagan suggested.

"Okay, sounds good."

"All right then. I need to get to court, but you can call me later, and we can discuss it." Rob smiled before kissing her cheek.

Once he was gone, Melanie poked her head in the door, Reagan motioned her in. "Looks like you got yourself a man this past weekend."

"Oh Rob? Yeah, we met this past weekend, but we're just friends."

"Try telling that to him. It looks like he wants more than friendship."

"Maybe so Melanie, but I'm not looking for a relationship. I gave up on men a long time ago."

Reagan saw Melanie's mouth curve ever so slightly into a smirk as she stated, "Me too." Reagan laughed.

Continued in Part 2

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