by Alex Tryst

Disclaimers: See Part 1

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

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

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

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That night Rob decided to make dinner for Reagan. When she arrived at his apartment, she knocked expecting him to answer. However, another young man, a blonde with blue eyes and nice build answered the door. "Well, hello there. You must be Rob's woman."

"Reagan." she introduced herself. "Rob and I are just friends."

"Oh well, in that case, I'm Chris. Do you have any boyfriends, fiances, or husbands?"

"No." Reagan answered giving him a quizzical look at his odd question.

"So that means I can call you then?"

"Hey! I can hear that Chris. Knock it off." Rob stated peering around the corner out of the kitchen.

"I'm just kidding. Relax, Rob." Chris lead her into the living room where two other guys were watching ESPN.

They introduced themselves before Reagan asked, "Is the Wizard's game on yet?"

"It's about to start. You like basketball?" asked Chris.

Reagan nodded sitting. They all began watching the game as Reagan impressed them with her knowledge. Finally, Rob came out of the kitchen and said, "Okay guys. Time to go."

"No way, man. We're watching the game with Reagan. This woman knows hoops. She's cool."

"You guys promised to leave when she got her, so get out."

The three guys grumbled and said good bye to Reagan. Once she and Rob were alone, she mentioned, "I feel like I'm in a time wrap in a college dorm room."

"Well, it feels like that sometimes, but now it's just us." he softly said embracing her and leaning in for a kiss.

Reagan accepted the gesture and soon Rob's body had pressed her into a semi-reclining position on the couch. Reagan closed her eyes feeling his mouth ravaging her neck, his hands grappling with the buttons on her blouse. Soon it was open, and Rob had flicked open the front clasp of her bra. Their mouths met as Rob's hand ventured up to one of her breasts causing her to moan.

"Reagan, I want you so much." he growled stripping off his own shirt. "Please let me take you to bed."

Later that night as Rob and Reagan were just lying in bed, she mentioned, "I should go. It's late, and I'm really tired."

"No, don't. Stay here. Let me hold you." he said propping up on his arm.

Reagan smiled and brushed his hair back. "Rob, I can't. We're supposed to be just friends."

"Reagan, you still want to be just friends after tonight? Come on. Why won't you let me in? I want to get to know you. Please. Stay with me, and let me hold you. Give it a try."

"You really want me to?" she inquired.

"Yes, I do."

"Okay. I'll stay. I don't have to be in court until the afternoon anyway."

When Reagan arrived at her office the next morning, it was after 10:00am. She opened the door and saw Melanie sitting there reading a book. Suddenly Reagan's heart dropped into her stomach. "Good morning." she mumbled avoiding eye contact.

Melanie sensed something wrong immediately. "Good morning. How are you? You're awfully late." Melanie mentioned hesitantly.

Reagan nodded but said nothing. She didn't know what to say, because she didn't understand the way she was feeling, so she was silent. A few minutes after she went into her office, Melanie came in and just stared at her. Reagan tried desperately to ignore her at first and wandered over to the refrigerator.

"Are you all right?" Melanie asked softly.

Reagan didn't answer the question but just looked at Melanie with confusion. Finally she said, "I just need to be alone."

Melanie hesitated for a moment before walking out of the office. Once she was gone, Reagan felt like crying at her confusion. She felt wonderful when she was with Rob, but her feelings toward Melanie were changing. Instead of enjoying her company, Reagan was beginning to feel awkward. She didn't know where her feelings of guilt about Rob were coming from. It just didn't make sense to her why she felt ashamed.

That night when Reagan got home from work she got a call from Rob inviting her skiing for the weekend. She accepted with great enthusiasm, but after hanging up realized she would need a house sitter for J.R. In the three years that she'd had him, she had never been away from him for more than a day. Everywhere she traveled he had gone also, but this time wouldn't be possible.

Since it was already Tuesday night, she wondered who she could get on short notice. Suddenly Melanie came into mind, but she quickly discounted it, even though she didn't know why. By bedtime she still hadn't thought of anyone. Melanie was beginning to look like a better option. Snuggling further into her blanket, she looked at the clock which read 10:30pm. Figuring Melanie would still be awake, she dialed the number.

Melanie was sitting in her room with her roommate and friend Sarah. They all were lounging on Melanie's bed as Melanie was tearfully trying to explain what had happened at the office when the phone rang. As her roommate got up to answer it, Melanie said to Sarah, "To make it worse, I think she slept with him."

When Reagan heard a young woman answer, she hesitated for a second. "Uh, hello. This is Judge Reagan Charleston, and I am calling for Miss Cantrell. Is she in by chance?"

"Yes, she is. One moment."

Melanie looked at her roommate who was cupping her hand over the receiver. "It's her."

"Her who?" asked Melanie.

"Reagan."

Melanie wiped her eyes before taking the phone. "Hello."

"Uh, Melanie, hi. This is Judge Charleston. I'm sorry to disturb you. I wasn't sure what kind of hours you kept, but I figured college kids are usually up pretty late."

"No. It's okay. You didn't disturb me." she answered staring at her friends who were anxiously watching her.

"Well, the reason I called is because I have a business proposition for you. I'm going skiing this weekend, and I need a house sitter. It's only Friday evening through Sunday morning, and all you would have to do is take care of my dog, J.R. and sleep over at the house. I'll pay you whatever you think is fair."

"Oh, I'd love to, but I have no way to get over there."

Reagan was silent a moment but then before realizing what she was doing she said, "Well, I'm taking the Jeep with me, but if you promise not to get a scratch on it, I'll let you borrow the Corvette. No joy riding though."

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. I would love to house sit for you."

"Great. That's a load off my mind."

Melanie could tell in Reagan's voice that she was uneasy. "May I ask you a question? What did I do to make you ignore me today?"

Reagan was silent for a second before answering, "You didn't do anything. It had nothing to do with you."

"You had a date with Rob last night, didn't you?"

"No, it wasn't a date. It was just dinner. We're only friends." unconvincingly she said, but Melanie knew just by the tone in her voice that is wasn't the truth. She knew then that Reagan had been intimate with him.

Melanie wanted to hang up right then, but knowing she didn't have the right to her feelings, she just asked, "So is Rob going skiing with you?"

"Yeah. He and a few of his friends that I met last night."

"Well, that sounds like fun."

"Yeah, it should be. Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yeah, I'll be in sometime after lunch." When Melanie hung up the phone, she just laid her head on her pillow before mumbling, "She's going skiing with him this weekend, and she wants me to house sit for her." Sarah put a consoling arm on Melanie's shoulder. "Oh well. I guess I was wrong about her."

"Yeah, but it doesn't change the way you feel. You like her."

On Friday evening Melanie went to Reagan's house late. When she arrived J.R. was awaiting her anxiously. She patted him on the head before walking into the kitchen. Sitting on the counter was as note from Reagan giving basic instructions for J.R. Melanie then wandered around the house admiring Regan's taste. She wandered upstairs and stepped into the master bedroom. Melanie stood in the doorway just staring at the queen sized bed as she wondered which side Reagan slept on. She figured it was the left side being that there was a phone, alarm clock, and lamp on the night stand.

Once she finished touring the house, she changed for bed in Reagan's bathroom. She noticed then that the whole house, including the bedroom and bathroom weren't really feminine at all. Then again she never saw Reagan wear any feminine clothes either, but mostly neutral styles and colors.

Melanie was tired so she decided to curl up in bed and watch television before going to sleep. Going to Reagan's bed, she climbed in centering herself in it. As she arranged the pillows around her, she noticed that some smelled more like Regan than others, so she clutched one to her.

As Reagan and Rob went to bed that night, Reagan found herself wondering about Melanie. She found herself wanting to call to check on her, so while Rob was changing, she reached for the phone.

"Who are you calling?" he asked out of curiosity.

"I've just got to check on Melanie and make sure everything is all right."

"I'm sure it is."

"Well, I want to know for myself. This is the first time I've left J.R. with someone, so I want to make sure everything is fine."

Rob gave a small laugh. "Oh, you and your baby." he said as she dialed.

When Melanie answered, Reagan said, "Hey, Melanie. It's Reagan."

"Oh, hi."

"I was just checking to make sure everything was okay."

"Everything's fine. J.R. and I were on our way to bed."

While they were talking, Rob climbed onto the bed practically laying on top of Reagan. He began kissing her neck as he whispered, "Get off the phone."

Reagan tried to ignore him at first, but finally she moaned accidentally. Melanie was shocked as she said, "Sounds like you need to get off the phone."

"Yeah. I better go. I'll see you on Sunday."

When Melanie hung up the phone, she began to cry as she held Reagan's pillow a little closer. On Saturday she awoke late and leisurely showered in Reagan's bathroom. She stayed in the shower especially long as she inspected all of Reagan's toiletries, once again finding nothing feminine.

On Sunday night when Rob and Reagan arrived back at her place, she noticed the Corvette was gone. They quickly unpacked the Jeep, throwing his things in his car, which had been sitting in the driveway all weekend, and then they stacked her stuff in the laundry room before going into the den.

They were sitting there watching television and holding each other when they began to kiss softly. Suddenly Regan heard the garage door, and knowing it was Melanie, she jumped off the couch, which surprised Rob. "What's wrong?" he asked just as the back door opened. When Melanie came in, Rob saw the look on Reagan's face.

"Hey there! How was your trip?" Melanie asked almost as if she was excited to see Reagan until she noticed Rob.

"It was great. How were things here?"

"They were fine." she mumbled.

"Hi, Melanie." Rob said trying to be polite, but she only mumbled a greeting in return making Reagan even more uncomfortable. She excused herself saying she was going to get her checkbook from her study. As she walked back to the den after writing Melanie a check, she heard them engaged in a conversation that caused her to stop in the hallway out of eye sight.

"Look, Melanie," Rob said. "I respect Reagan's friendship with you, even though, between you and me, I know you want her for yourself. I've seen the way you look at her. Do you think I like that? I don't think Reagan has a clue, and I want it to stay that way, so I hope you're not thinking of saying anything to her."

"Don't patronize me, Rob! Do you think I like you being around? It sucks! I want her to be happy."

"Well, she is with me." Rob said defensively.

"She only thinks she is. Given one chance, I know she'd be truly happy with a woman. I see it in her eyes."

"Yeah, wishful thinking! You just want her for yourself!"

Reagan was feeling weak as she stumbled into the powder room. She looked in the mirror and saw her face turning pale. Melanie was attracted to her. The realization made Reagan's stomach do a somersault. Was she attracted to Melanie as well, Reagan contemplated momentarily. Knowing she had to go back out there, she took several calming breaths before walking into the den.

She saw Rob and Melanie sitting in strained silence. Going to Melanie Regan looked her directly in the eyes and handed her the check. Melanie took it slowly feeling as if Reagan's eyes were staring right through her to her soul. Then Reagan turned toward Rob and said, "I've got to take Melanie home, and then I'm going to come back here and crash, because I'm not feeling very well."

"I'll stay here and keep you company if you want." he stated.

"No. That's okay. I'll call you tomorrow, though."

Rob nodded standing, and Reagan escorted him to the door. He kissed her cheek before leaving. Reagan went back to the den to the wet bar where she began to fix herself a bourbon. "Would you like a drink?" she asked not even looking at Melanie.

"Sure." Melanie answered hesitantly.

"What do you want?"

"Whatever you're having, I guess."

Melanie watched Regan fill one glass with cola before adding a giger of bourbon. Then in the other glass she put a shot of cola and two parts bourbon. Reagan guzzled the stronger drink and poured herself a second just as strong. Then she turned toward Melanie who was looking concerned. Reagan handed her the drink before sitting next to her on the couch.

"Are you okay?" softly Melanie inquired.

"I'd just like to drink this and go to sleep!" she snapped.

"Bad weekend?"

"No. It was fine until I got back here." It was obvious that Melanie was hurt by that statement as her lip quivered. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. Don't take it personally. It has nothing to do with you."

"Then what?" inquired Melanie her hand moving to Reagan's leg.

Reagan closed her eyes trying to hold back tears, but the feeling of Melanie's hand made her heart ache. She had the urge to pull away but at the same time stay.

"I'm sorry. I'm usually not an emotional person, but these past few weeks have been crazy for me." she whispered as her dam of tears broke.

Without thinking Melanie reached for her, and Reagan fell into her embrace. Reagan's head nestled into Melanie's neck as she cried a trail of tears starting on Melanie's neck and rolling down into her shirt. She could feel Melanie gently stroking her brown, graying hair. They sat for about ten minutes in silence before Reagan felt the alcohol coming over her. "I think I need to lie down." she mumbled.

"You want me to help you upstairs?" Melanie asked.

Reagan nodded, so they both went upstairs to Reagan's room. Melanie sat Reagan down on the bed and then sat next to her before wrapping her arms around Reagan again. Reagan began to lay back, and since Melanie didn't let go, she lied down as well. As they laid there, Reagan became aware of Melanie's whole body, the shape and feel of it pressed against her own. After awhile, Reagan's tears stopped, but they continued to lay in their embrace. Reagan was so amazed at how consoling, soft, and warm Melanie's touch was that she didn't want to pull away. Finally Reagan drifted off to sleep.

In the morning she awoke to find herself alone in bed. However, she heard running water in the bathroom, so she just laid there. A few minutes later the water went off, and then Melanie emerged from the bathroom wearing only a towel. Her hair was wet and pulled over her shoulder. Reagan desperately pretended to be asleep as she watched Melanie walk to her closet and pull out one of her dress shirts. As Melanie proceeded to slip it on, her towel fell to the floor. Reagan knew she should've looked away, but she couldn't, her curiosity being too strong. She watched Melanie button it leisurely before leaning over to pick up her towel and taking it back into the bathroom.

Reagan's eyes opened fully as she tried to breath, but it felt as if she'd been hit in the chest. When Melanie came out of the bathroom again, she saw that Reagan was awake. "Good morning. I hope you don't mind, but I borrowed one of your shirts."

Reagan unknowingly smiled as she stretched. "No, I don't mind. How about some pants for that outfit?"

"How are you feeling? Any better?"

Reagan shrugged. "It was nice having company, though. Sorry I wasn't a better hostess."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad I could be there for you. Isn't that what friends are for?"

"I wouldn't know. I don't really have that many. Is that what we are?" Reagan asked. Melanie plopped down on the bed stretching out next to Reagan as she nodded. Reagan noticed the way the shirt just barely covered Melanie as she had one leg bent. Reagan found herself staring at it wondering if it was as soft as it looked. Melanie felt Reagan's eyes on her leg. Rolling on her side so they were face to face, Melanie stretched her leg over touching her foot to Reagan's. She smiled as they looked at each other. Reagan wasn't sure what might happen if she stayed in that position, so she slowly got out of bed saying, "I need to get ready for work."

When Reagan dropped Melanie off at school, she parked the car but left it running. She turned to Melanie, who had ended up wearing one of Reagan's dress shirts with a pair of sweat pants. "Well, will you be in today?" she asked smiling. Melanie nodded. "Great. I'll see you later then."

Over the next few days things were fine until Reagan saw Rob for the first time since the ski trip. They were hanging out at his apartment with his roommates when he suddenly left the room. Reagan thought nothing of it at first but when ten minutes had gone by and he hadn't returned, she went back to his bedroom. She found him in a candle lit room lying on the bed in only his shorts.

"What are you doing back here by yourself?" she asked.

"Waiting for you. It's about time you got here. Why don't you join me?" he suggested softly patting the bed next to him. Smiling Reagan climbed onto the bed, and he began to unbutton her shirt before cupping one of her breasts. "I've missed you over the last few days. I'm sorry you've been sick. I would've taken care of you though, if you would've let me."

"I know, but you entertained me all weekend. I didn't want to impose on you or seem needy. Besides, Melanie stayed over that night, so I wasn't alone."

"She did?" Rob asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. I got to feeling worse after you left, so she stayed the night. What? Why are you looking at me like that?" she inquired when he gave her a skeptical glare.

"Nothing. I just don't know if I trust her."

"Why? Because she's a lesbian?"

"No, not exactly. If she were only gay, that wouldn't bother me, but I think there's more to it than that."

"Like what?" Reagan's voice was becoming agitated.

Rob withdrew his hand. "Do we really have to talk about this now?"

"What would you rather do? Have sex?" she yelled sitting up.

Rob sat silently watching Reagan fumble with her shoes trying to get them on. She stood starting for the door. "You can't go out there like that!" he said seeing that she hadn't bothered to close her shirt.

"Watch me!" she screamed marching out with Rob following closely behind her.

"Reagan! Reagan, wait!" He caught up with her in the den where his roommates were cat calling at Reagan's outfit. She gave then a cynical glare, stopping their comments immediately. "Reagan, I'm sorry. Please don't leave angry." he softly stated.

"Trouble in paradise?" one of his roommates joked, but Rob shot them an angry stare while Reagan proceeded to finally button her shirt.

"Look, Reagan. I'm sorry I inferred things about Melanie. I know she's your friend, but if you haven't noticed, the woman is head over heels for you. I just don't see how you can have a friendship. I've seen the way she looks at you and how uneasy it makes you."

When he said that Reagan's heart began pounding. She didn't know she'd been that obvious. She wondered if Melanie had noticed too. Her eyes began to swell making Rob soften. He put his arms around her. Reagan knew he was trying to be consoling, but his arms just didn't have the same healing power as Melanie's, so she just felt foolish. She pulled away and gathered her composure quickly.

"Look, Rob. The way Melanie feels towards me or vice versa shouldn't matter. She and I are friends. I'd like to continue to be friends with you as well, but I can't if you and Melanie can't get along."

Rob looked at his feet a moment before saying, "I've tried really hard to win your affections, Reagan, but you still only want friendship from me. Why can't we be more? Do I not satisfy you? What do I have to do?"

"Rob, there's more to a relationship than sex, but I can't give those things. I'm content being single. The sex is great, and I like the attention, but I can't get involved right now. I have other things that demand my time and energy. A friendship is all I can do. Please try to understand."

Rob lowered his head again. "Reagan, I don't know if I can do that. I am genuinely interested in you as more than a friend. However, I don't want to be without you completely. I like being with you."

"And I like being with you, so let's not make this good bye, just a see you later." He nodded. Reagan then kissed his cheek before leaving.

As Reagan was driving home, she passed American University and found herself turning in wondering what Melanie was up to. Picking up her car phone, she dialed Melanie's number. Melanie was in her room doing her usual thing, gossiping with Sarah, when the phone rang. "Hello." she said listening to Sarah talk.

"Hi. Melanie? This is Reagan."

"Hey Judge! How are you?" she inquired smiling at Sarah who immediately became quiet.

"Well, you'll never believe where I am. I was driving home and before I knew it my car was sitting out in front of your dorm where I dropped you off the other morning. I've had kind of a rough night, so I was wondering if you were busy, because being with you always seems to make me feel a bit better. I know it's kind of short notice, and if I'm imposing, I understand, but I thought it was worth a shot."

"No, you're not imposing at all. I'd love to spend time with you. I should get dressed though. Why don't you come up to my room? It's better than waiting in the car."

"Oh, I don't know about that."

"No, it's fine. I'll let you in."

"Okay, sure."

When they hung up, Melanie screamed in excitement. "What's up?" Sarah inquired.

"She's here! She came to see me! I've got go let her in."

When Melanie went to let Reagan in, she saw how ragged Reagan looked. They hugged in a long silence before Melanie pulled Reagan toward the stairwell up to her room. Melanie walked in but when Reagan hesitated, Melanie grabbed her by the hand, pulling her into the room. Melanie's roommate and Sarah were sitting there staring at her with interest. Still holding her hand, Melanie gave introductions before walking to her closet. Regan stood nervously by the door shifting back and forth on her work boots.

Sensing Reagan's uneasiness, Melanie gestured to her bed asking, "Do you want to sit down?"

"No, that's okay. I'm fine." she answered digging her hands deeper into her jean pockets.

Once Melanie had changed, Sarah mentioned, "It's cold out there. You might want a jacket."

"Oh I'm sure I'll be fine." she mumbled.

"Well, if you do get cold, you could always borrow mine." mentioned Reagan.

They ended up just strolling around campus as Melanie listened to Reagan reminisce about her days there. Snow flurries began to fall lightly, so Melanie looped her arm through Reagan's and pulled her closer, leaning to rub her cheek against Reagan's thick, flannel shirt. Instantly Reagan felt her skin heating where Melanie was touching her, making her shiver at the unexpected feeling.

"It's getting cold." Melanie whispered.

Reagan was just holding her black leather jacket, so she put it around Melanie's shoulders. "Here. This should help." Reagan replied.

"Thanks," Melanie mumbled, "but I like your arm better."

Reagan stopped walking and faced Melanie. Her heart was beating erratically as she reached out on impulse and encircled Melanie's waist, bringing her in closer. "Better?" she asked almost breathlessly as she felt Melanie's cold nose nuzzle in to her neck. Melanie reached back and touched Reagan's hands. They were cold yet sweating.

"Your hands are freezing. Here. Put them under the jacket." she said guiding Regan's tentative hands under the hem of jacket and back around her waist. She could feel Reagan swallow hard. They just stood for along time in absolute silence as the snow fell upon them.

When Melanie got back to her room that night, Sarah was still there. "Nice jacket." she mentioned.

Melanie giggled as she pulled it tighter around her body. "She's so sweet."

"And cute. You certainly were right about that."

Melanie moaned thinking about Reagan's outfit. "That's the first time I've ever seen her in jeans. Did you see that ass?"

"And those legs?" Sarah added. "For an older woman, she is really in incredible shape."

"She's got the strongest arms. I was cold, so she wrapped her arms around me and pulled me to her. Oh, what a firm body! I tell you, that's one body I wouldn't mind being underneath in bed!"

"Easy there, Melanie. You haven't known her that long."

"I don't care! I want her! She touches me and my whole body aches for more."

"And you think she feels the same?"

"I think she's beginning to. I could feel her heart racing as she held me."

As Reagan slowly made her way home through the snow, her mind raced with questions about the evening. She had gotten so angry with Rob when he had tried to infer that Melanie had feelings for her other than friendship, but as they strolled through campus, Reagan realized for the first time that it was true. She could feel it in Melanie's body as she held her in the snow. Reagan wondered why she had the urge to embrace her in the first place, but didn't come up with a definitive answer. She was drawn in for an unexplainable reason. Sighing deeply she wondered what road she was headed down if she couldn't fight the urges to be close to the younger woman.

Continued in Part 3

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