by Alex Tryst

Disclaimers: See Part 1.

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

Dedications: To my angels, my nephews. Through the good and bad days, the joys and sorrows, the unconditional love and adoration you both exude makes the meaning of life apparently clear.

Copyright © August, 2004 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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However, this day would test their relationship in a way it hadn't yet, given that Dara had planned a whole day's worth of activities for just the two of them. Their outings so far had merely been several hours at a time, but this day she had plans she was sure would appeal to the blonde. After getting dressed early that Saturday morning, she turned her attention to the clothes she would need throughout the day. She wanted to look good for their time together but also be comfortable for their various activities, so she was torn about what to bring.

Over at the Gunter household, Elisabeth was faced with the same problem. "I just don't know what to wear for dinner," she mentioned to Shelby, who was lying haphazardly across her sister's bed with clothes strewn all around her. "She said it was going to be formal."

"Let me get this straight. She's taking you by plane somewhere of which you have no idea. You're having lunch at a place that has a dress code. Then you're going horseback riding, and after that you're going to a formal dinner?"

"That's what she said. I sure hope she had primping time scheduled as well. I'm not going to be in any shape to go to dinner after riding without a shower at least."

"Knowing her she's thought of it but that still gives us no idea where she's taking you. Not to mention isn't it suppose to rain today?"

Elisabeth shrugged. "Well, I'm assuming that it won't be raining where we're going. Come on now. Help me decide on a dress. I've narrowed it down to these three," she said, holding the first one up for her sister.

"Too proper. This isn't a state dinner. You look like a matron," complained the younger woman.

Holding up another black dress, she inquired, "Okay. How about this?"

"Again too prudish. You can show a little cleavage. She'd probably enjoy that."

Smirking the older blonde quipped, "I'm sure she would. That leaves us with this blue one."

"That's the one. It's perfect. You're showing just enough to be alluring and yet are still well within the confines of your so-called friendship."

"Shut up, Shelby. You know as well as I do that this is all we can have at the moment."

"Sure, yeah, I know, but both of you are struggling in vain with your resolve. One of you is going to combust before it's all over, and I'm willing to bet it's going to be you," her sister teased.

"We'll see about that. All right. Now to figure out what to wear to lunch."

"What was the dress code for that?"

"No jeans, no shorts and shirt collar required."

"How about your new linen pants? Wear them with your blue sweater set."

"I was just thinking the same thing. I suppose that's as good a choice as any."

"What about your riding clothes? What are you going to wear?"

"The usual."

"Chaps included?" Shelby questioned in interest.

"Yeah."

"Oh, I would love to see the look on Dara's face when she saw you in those. Talk about walking sex. She's going to cream."

Elisabeth sneered at the comment. "Would you please stop saying things like that? You're so crude sometimes."

"I'm just telling you the truth. And don't pretend for one moment that the thought didn't cross your mind either."

"Well, for only a second. I just happen to know my butt looks good in them. All right. I need to shower now. She's going to be here soon."

Forty minutes later Elisabeth heard the doorbell as she was putting the last few things in her bag. Picking up her pace, she zipped it and then headed downstairs, so Shelby couldn't put any wild ideas into Dara's head while she wasn't there. However, she appeared to be too late she saw them snickering over something in the foyer.

The brunette looked up when the blonde entered the room and smiled. "You look nice," she complimented, reaching for the older woman's bag.

"Thanks, so do you."

Smiling at Shelby Dara said, "We'll see you later. I promise to bring your sister back in one piece."

"Have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"You're leaving the door open on that one, aren't you?" the younger attorney jested as she opened the front door.

"Get out of here," Shelby said before hugging her sister.

Getting into the car, the shorter woman asked, "So, will you tell me where we're going now? I've been dying to know."

"All right. I'm taking you to The Greenbrier."

"The Greenbrier? In West Virginia?"

"That's the one."

"Wow. I've always wanted to go there."

"It's nice. You'll enjoy it."

"I've always wanted to go on the Bunker Tour."

"Well, perhaps you'll get a chance to go that today," the younger woman stated. She hadn't gotten reservations for the tour but quickly decided she would try to work it in if it was what Elisabeth wanted. "We just have to be mindful of the weather. I've been studying it for the last few days, and it seems like we'll just miss it. Keep your fingers crossed anyway, because I don't want to fly in the rain."

"I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to either."

Heading off to the airport, Dara parked her car in the lot and then picked up their bags to the trip. Quietly she escorted the blonde to her plane. "Feel free to look around or whatever. I just need to do a pre-flight inspection. It'll only take about twenty minutes or so," Dara explained as she unlocked the doors. She carefully stowed the luggage in the back, and then meticulously began her inspection of her plane.

The older woman just stood off to the side and observed. She noted that the brunette took great care in looking at every detail of the aircraft. She hadn't thought much about the actual flight they were taking together, but as she watched Dara, she felt more comfortable with the idea of being with her in the small four-seater. Curiosity getting the better of her, the blonde ducked under the wing and opened the passenger's side door to look at the inside. The plane was immaculate, further solidifying her feelings that the younger woman took her position as a pilot as seriously as she did her other professions.

When Dara was finished with her examination, she looked at the blonde and smiled. "So, are you ready for this little adventure?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"Great. Then let's get out of here. Hop in while I remove the blocks." Elisabeth did as she was told, taking a seat in the plane and closing her door. The taller woman joined her shortly there after. They didn't talk to each other as the brunette wrote some things down in a log and then put on her headset. "Here. If you put these on, it'll help with the noise," she said, extending another headset to the older attorney.

At first the blonde was hesitant, because she thought they would mess up her hair, but she figured it would be better than being subjected to the noise the entire way to West Virginia, so she put them on over her ears. She was pleasantly surprised to realize she was able to hear Dara more clearly with them on as the pilot began to speak to the air traffic controller.

The flight to The Greenbrier was without incident. The two of them chatted amiably on the way, and when they had landed, the younger woman quickly ushered them to an awaiting car to take them to the resort only a few miles away. Allowing a bellhop to take their bags, Dara led the way into the establishment up to the check-in desk where they were greeted politely.

Smiling brilliantly Dara said, "Hi. Checking in please."

"All right. What's the reservation name?"

"Dara Rosenthal," she replied, looking over at Elisabeth. She could tell by the look in the blonde's eyes that she was puzzled by the development. Hastily she rationalized, "This isn't what it looks like. We just needed a place to clean up and change for dinner."

The shorter woman nodded in understanding. Even though she hadn't thought any differently, it was surprising to her that Dara would reserve a room at the five-star resort just as a place to change clothes. Her mind drifted to other things they could do together in such a setting as the brunette completed their check-in. When it was complete, Dara took their bags and led the way to their room. Elisabeth took in the décor, which didn't seem to faze the younger woman at all, making her wonder if Dara had been there previously.

Ten minutes later they arrived at their designated room. "Here we are," the brunette mentioned, unlocking the door and then opening it for Elisabeth to enter first.

The older attorney stepped into the room and flipped on the lights. It was elegantly decorated with pastels and florals just as she had read about in magazines. Going over to the window, she opened the shades to reveal a picturesque view of the mountains and golf course. Meanwhile Dara was busy putting her clothes on hangers, so they wouldn't be wrinkled later. "You want to hang anything in your bag?" the brunette inquired.

"Oh yeah. My dress is probably a mess by now. Hopefully it won't be too bad by dinner," she answered, unzipping her luggage.

They worked in silence putting their belongings away before Dara said, "All right. It's a little after eleven now. I reserved some horses from noon to three. Then we have the Bunker Tour at five, followed by dinner at seven thirty."

Looking at the younger attorney quizzically, Elisabeth asked, "And what time did you plan on leaving here tonight to go home?"

"Well, I figured if we can be at the airport by nine, nine thirty, I could have you back at home in your bed between midnight and one in the morning."

"That's a long day. Are you sure you're going to be up to it?"

"Of course. Don't worry. I've done it before."

"All right. I trust you. Let's get some lunch. I'm starving," the shorter woman joked.

"You're not the only one." Since both of them were anxious to move on to their outdoor activities, lunch was a quick affair and then it was back to the room to change into riding clothes. Dara let Elisabeth have the bathroom while she changed into her jeans. Since she was already wearing the shirt the older woman had given her, she figured she would just continue to wear it. Dara was just putting on her boots when she heard the bathroom door open. Her eyes went from the floor up a pair of leather clad legs, making her heart start pounding loudly in her chest. She had never seen anyone looking so dangerously sexy as Elisabeth did in her chaps and jeans. "Nice pants," she managed to state as she stood from the bed.

Smiling at the sight of the woman she wanted, Elisabeth replied, "Thanks."

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah. Just let me pull on my boots."

When they were ready, Dara led them out of the room. The blonde started back toward the lobby when the younger woman stopped her. "We can't go that way. Jeans aren't permitted in the lobby. Besides there's a faster way out to the stables."

First the first two hours of riding, the women simply talked about different people they both knew back at law school and what their peers were doing with their degrees. When they weren't focused on their own careers, they found it easy to get along, so with unspoken agreement, they stayed away from the topic of the election or social politics. However, as their last hour on the riding trail began to pass, it started raining. Not only was it raining though, thunder accompanied the unfavorable weather, making them decide to head back to the stables earlier than planned. By the time they arrived, both women were drenched. Immediately returning to their hotel room, Dara suggested they take the opportunity to shower in order to warm themselves after being subjected to the cold spring rain. Elisabeth nodded her head in agreement.

"You can go first. Take one of the robes from the closet," Dara offered.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'll be fine. Go on. I'll just sit here and watch TV while you're in there."

"All right. I won't be long." Going into the bathroom, Elisabeth stripped off her wet clothes. She knew she should be getting into the shower to warm her body, but her mind kept wandering to the fact that just on the other side of the door from where she stood naked was the woman of her fantasies. She wanted nothing more than for the brunette to walk in upon her just then and sweep her into a passionate embrace, but she knew Dara would never be so bold as to act that way. The Dark-haired attorney had proved her chivalry time and again, so the blonde understood if she wanted something, she would have to seek it herself, and she wasn't prepared to do such a thing, at least not yet.

While Elisabeth was in the bathroom, Dara peeled off her wet clothes, laying them over the chairs by the table and pulling on one of the hotel's plush robes. She then stood looking out the window, watching the weather as she thought about the blonde. She was just a few feet away, separated by only a wall completely wet and naked. The younger woman let herself fantasize about what Elisabeth might look like in that shower, the way the water cascaded down her fair body as she washed her hair and soaped her skin. The image left her weak in her legs, making her seek the bed for support. Lying back on it, she closed her eyes as she listened to the sounds of the water and imagined the two of them together making love in that small space as hot water sprayed over the both of them. It left her with an agonizing ache. She knew it was getting harder for her to control herself around the older woman. She thought that she would be able to handle the restrictions of allowing the blonde to go at her own pace, but it was proving to be difficult.

Elisabeth turned off the water when she was finished. Even though she could have stayed in there much longer, she knew Dara was waiting to get warm as well. Putting on the robe the hotel had provided, she wrapped a towel around her blonde hair and then stepped out into the room. She just stared for a moment at the sight before her. There on the bed fast asleep was Dara, her body clothed in only the robe. Her legs were staggered enough to allow the older woman to see an expanse of toned thigh she had only dreamed about before. Debating on whether to wake her companion or not, she returned to the bathroom to dry her hair, figuring the sound of the hair dryer would wake Dara naturally, so she wouldn't have to. She wasn't sure she would be able to restrain herself if she had to awake the enticing sleeping woman. Correct in her assumption, by the time her hair was dry the taller woman was awake again and ready to take her shower. Once both women were dry and changed into warmer clothes, they had about half an hour before they were scheduled for the Bunker Tour, so Elisabeth asked the younger woman to take her on a tour of the famous hotel, to which Dara readily agreed, because she didn't want to be in the room alone with Elisabeth and nothing to do any longer than necessary.

The tour of the hotel and then the famous Bunker Tour took the next several hours. In the meantime the rain had moved out of the area, clearing into a clear cool evening. After their tour the women returned to their room to change for dinner. Both of them could feel a palpable tension as they dressed. Even though neither of them spoke, and they dressed in different areas of the room for privacy, something about the air around them had been charged since they had gotten back from riding, making the blonde wonder about the rest of the night. She knew it was getting harder for her to keep her feelings platonic, especially since she knew her interest was returned, but she wasn't ready to declare anything yet. It was still too risky given her career situation. Knowing she had to remain strong, she took a deep breath and prepared for another torturous night on her emotions as she stepped out of the bathroom.

Dara was sitting on the sofa watching the weather on TV when the blonde appeared. She couldn't help herself as her eyes perused her company's outfit. "You look fabulous," she complimented. "That dress really sets off your eyes."

"Thank you. You look very nice too."

"Thanks," the taller woman replied standing to give Elisabeth the full view of her black silk pants and coordinating blouse. "You ready?"

"If you are. What are you watching the weather for?"

"The system is moving toward D.C. I was just tracking its pace. There could be a slight problem, but I don't want to worry about it now. Hopefully it will have passed by the time we need to go home. For now though, let's just enjoy our dinner."

"Sounds good to me."

With that the brunette led the way down to the formal dining room for dinner. Elisabeth found all the haughtiness of the place amusing, and yet she could tell there were several people that took the superior air of the resort seriously. The Greenbrier was more than just a hotel but a way of life for the wealthy divisions of society of the Mid-Atlantic region of the country. It made her wonder about the younger woman's finances, because she felt extremely familiar with the resort as if she had been there on a number of occasions.

After they were seated, Elisabeth decided to find out more, so she asked, "I've been meaning to ask you this all day. How many times have you been here before?"

"More than I can probably recall. This is my parents' favorite place to vacation. They used to drag us here as kids. We hated it then, but I've grown to appreciate it now. It's a great place to network and fundraise. However, if I had my choice, I'd pick a little cabin in the mountains over this colossal facility."

"I would too. I like more rustic environments. This is way too civilized to be in the middle of nowhere."

"I agree. Although it's nice to go celebrity spotting. They come here for the solitude," Dara mentioned, looking at her menu. "I'm surprised we haven't seen any."

"The trip's not over. There's still time. However, I'm not here to see them. You're the only one worth seeing."

Casting a small smile at the blonde, she stated, "That's just about the nicest compliment I've gotten in awhile. It means even more coming from you. Now what looks good to you?"

Dinner was a quiet yet pleasant affair between them. Due to the fact that they were scheduled to fly shortly after dinner, Dara didn't drink but had encouraged the older woman to do so if she wanted. As much as the blonde did want to sample some of the wines on the menu, she figured it was better not to do so. She knew it would be harder for her to keep herself in check that way, so she too passed on alcohol. However, both women dined on the decadent menu offered. Around 8:45 Dara requested their tab, knowing they had to head to the airport soon. Quickly she paid it and then escorted the blonde back to the room, so they could pack their belongings.

When they reached the room, Elisabeth slowly began to pack her bag. As she did it though, she desperately tried to think of a reason to stay at the hotel. She didn't want the evening to end with Dara. Even though she knew she wasn't ready to initiate more between them, she still longed to be close to the brunette. Hearing the TV on, she stuck her head out of the bathroom to see Dara watching the weather again.

"What's going on with the storm?" the shorter woman inquired curiously.

"It's still over the D.C. area. I'm contemplating our options right now."

"Which are?"

"Well, we can go for it, but I don't want to get caught in a storm. I really don't like to fly in bad weather. We'll catch some rain, but it might not be too bad. However, it could be bad. We just won't know until we're in it really."

"What are the other options?"

"Well, I can fly us a different route home, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. Look at the line of the storm," she pointed out on the TV screen. "It goes all the way from southern Virginia into Pennsylvania. I don't like the look of it."

"So what's your bright idea?"

"Wait it out. We stay here for another few hours and then leave. The storm is expected to move out by two."

"You'll be too exhausted to fly by then, though. Can't we sleep here and then just go back early in the morning?"

Dara nodded. "We have this room until noon tomorrow. I didn't want to assume anything. I know this looks bad, but it wasn't my intention to keep you hostage here overnight."

"I'd hardly consider staying at this resort being held hostage," Elisabeth joked even though her heart rate had sped up at the thought of them staying the night together.

"Well, if that's okay with you, then I'm fine with it as well."

"Yeah. I think that's the best choice we have, Dara. The weather is just not cooperating, and I don't want you to fly if you're not comfortable with it. I'll just call Shelby and let her know we're staying here, so she won't worry."

"Okay. I really do think it's for the best."

"Fine. That's what we'll do then. The only bad thing about this is that I don't have anything to sleep in."

Nodding the brunette went to her bag. "I think I can help with that."

"If you have pajamas in there, I might start to get suspicious," she teased.

"Sorry, none of those. However, I do have some lightweight sweat pants, a pair of shorts, and a few extra t-shirts. You can wear whatever you want."

Picking up and t-shirt and the pants, the blonde answered, "Thanks. I'm going to just call Shelby now."

Nodding her head, the brunette turned her attentions back to the TV while the older woman went to make her call. Heading into the bathroom, she changed her clothes and then dialed her sister on her cell phone.

"Hey. How's the date going?"

"It's been great so far. Listen. I just wanted to call you and let you know that I won't be home until the morning."

"That good? You two are spending the night together?"

"Well, out of necessity really. The weather isn't cooperating."

"Likely story," Shelby teased.

"How's the storm where you are?"

"Actually the power is out at the moment. It is probably best you stay there in the strong arms of your beloved."

"Shelby, this isn't some ploy. She's just uncomfortable with the idea of flying in this weather, and I happen to agree with her."

"Well, I'll give her that. I wouldn't want you flying either. It's just convenient that you're alone together."

"I know. This has been an incredible day, Shelby. It's been perfect even if we did get caught out in the rain while we were riding. I'll tell you. I about had a heart attack seeing her all wet in only a robe."

"I'm sure. Well, you two enjoy yourselves and travel safely tomorrow."

"We will. See you then."

"Good night."

"Night, Shelby."

Once the call was complete, the blonde opened the door leading back to the bedroom. Dara was putting her suit on a hanger in the hallway, leaving her in only a t-shirt and a pair of gym shorts. Elisabeth snuck a look at the taller woman's legs. She could easily see the younger woman had kept her soccer player's body from college with her powerful muscles.

Turning and gazing over her shoulder, the younger attorney saw were blue eyes were looking. Instead of mentioning it though, she simply smiled and said, "You know, since we're staying here, it's a little early to be going to sleep. Would you like to watch a movie? I can order up some dessert for us if you want."

"That sounds good."

"Great. I was wanting some ice cream myself. The menu is over on the table. Just let me know what you want," she requested as she brushed by the older woman to go into the bathroom herself.

Elisabeth went to study the menu for a few minutes before deciding on something decadent-sounding. Then she turned her attention to the TV to find them something suitable to watch and made herself comfortable on the small sofa. Within a few minutes the brunette returned and placed their order for room service before joining the shorter woman on the couch.

Both women were quiet after agreeing on what to watch. Dara felt strange sitting next to Elisabeth now that they were in much more casual clothes. She stole a glance at the blonde. The older woman looked adorable sitting in a white t-shirt and a pair of her sweats. The brunette noticed though, by the way the cotton clung to the blonde's torso, that Elisabeth hadn't bothered to take off her bra, leaving the younger woman with slight disappointment. She had badly wanted to see more of the woman who she fantasized about often, but it appeared that she would not get the opportunity.

The rest of the night passed in silence with the exception of the TV. Finally around midnight Dara suggested they go to sleep, so they could go back early the next day. Nodding her head in agreement, Elisabeth contemplated what was to happen next. Her eyes found the queen sized bed. Knowing she would have to share the space with the brunette, she took a calming breath. It was going to be a difficult night for her with Dara in such close proximity, but she knew she had no other choice.

Seeing where the blonde's eyes were, Dara sensed a problem. Feeling as if she should offer some sort of alternative, she said, "You know, I could sleep here on the couch."

Elisabeth smiled when she heard the proposal, for she knew Dara was trying to be sensitive to her needs as always. However, she knew it wouldn't be right to subject the woman to a sleepless night on a sofa that was too small to hold her tall frame. Shaking her head in answer, she replied, "Don't be silly. You can't even fit on this couch. We'll share the bed."

"If you're sure. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"I'm not uncomfortable with it. On the contrary, what would make me uncomfortable would be to let my hostess sleep on the couch when I had a cozy bed that was meant for two."

"Fine then. Let's get to sleep. All this activity today is making me sleepy."

Moving to the bed, Elisabeth slipped into the side closest to the window, leaving Dara closer to the hotel bathroom and door. The brunette waited until the older woman seemed settled before turning out the light and intentionally turning her back to the blonde even as much as she didn't want to do so.

The shorter woman lay in the dark for a moment before whispering, "Good night, Dara."

"Good night, Elisabeth. Sleep well."

All was quiet then in the room. Neither woman spoke, but both were wide awake with their thoughts. Elisabeth's were running rampant as she realized her fantasy of having the brunette in her bed was actually upon her. Dara was so close she could feel the younger woman's back just inches from her body, and it began to fill her with an edgy need. The more she tried to control her thoughts, the more her body reneged as she began to tremble with unfulfilled desires. At first it was just a shiver and then all out shuddering began to occur. Curling up in a tight ball, she willed herself to stop shaking.

Dara felt Elisabeth's quaking beside her. She wasn't sure what to do at first, because she didn't want to embarrass the blonde by alerting her to her acknowledgment of the situation, but after several minutes, she realized it would probably be better to reassure her. Turning over so she was facing the shorter woman, she gently placed a hand on Elisabeth's arm. The blonde yelped in surprise, causing Dara to start apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Are you cold? Do you want me to turn on the heater?"

"I'm a little cold," she lied.

Immediately the brunette tried to move out of the bed to go to the heater, but she was held back by a hand on hers. She noticed that Elisabeth held Dara's hand firmly to her arm where she had first placed it. Figuring this was as close as the older woman was going to get to giving direction, Dara stayed where she was for a moment. When Elisabeth kept the taller woman's hand on her arm, she considered that a sign that she was to remain there. Deciding to take a chance, Dara lay back down again and slowly slipped her arm from the blonde's around her waist. She could feel how tense Elisabeth's body was against her own, not assuring her that this was what the older woman wanted, so she softly inquired, "Is this okay?"

Swallowing her nerves, the blonde nodded in the dark. "It's fine," she managed to respond.

"Well, you let me know when you're warm enough. I'm quite the space heater."

Laughing lightly in an effort to relax in the brunette's embrace, the older woman focused on the warmth that was quickly suffusing her back from Dara's body against her own. "You certainly are that."

Feeling the tension slowly starting to fade from her company, Dara whispered, "Well, sweet dreams, Elisabeth."

"You too, Dara." Closing her eyes, the blonde concentrated on the glorious feeling of the taller woman's body against hers. She had dreamed of it so many times, and it was finally a reality. The more accustomed she became with the idea of them being that close, the more her body relaxed enough to enjoy the moment. As she devoted her attention to every place their bodies melded together, she realized she could hear the brunette's breath in her ear. Dara was taking painstakingly slow deep breaths. Elisabeth quickly realized the younger woman was trying to control her own body's response to them being that close, and she found strange comfort in Dara's obvious want and disciplined resolution not to advance their relationship even though she felt sure more than ever that the younger woman knew of her own desires. She knew she was safe in the arms of the woman she secretly loved.

When the alarm started beeping in the morning, Dara grumbled incoherently as she slapped at it irritably. She hadn't gotten much sleep during the night. She was far too awake at the feeling of Elisabeth sleeping her arms to fall asleep herself. She was sure she hadn't drifted off until well after three in the morning, and now at nine her body regretted the decision to forgo sleep in favor of indulging in her secret reverie. Her sleepy thoughts were broken by a tiny mewling sound.

"Just a few more minutes," the blonde begged drowsily.

"We don't really have to get up now. We don't have to leave here until noon actually, so we could sleep a few more hours," Dara tried to justify.

"Good. Let's do that," Elisabeth commented, snuggling against the brunette's shoulder.

Knowing she would much rather go back to sleep, the younger woman quickly reset the alarm for later that morning and drifted back to dreams. About an hour later, though, the shrill of the blonde's cell phone awoke them both. Groggily Elisabeth managed to get out of bed and answer it. Dara could tell just by the look on the blonde's face that it wasn't a good phone call.

"Sir, I'm sorry I can't make it to the meeting. I'm out of town," she explained to the caller. "Yes, sir. I know the importance of being at your disposal, but I am entitled to a life outside of the campaign. This is the first weekend I've gone away since starting. I've been dedicated, but I'm telling you I'm not going to make it today. You'll just have to fill me in later," she stated. Dara wondered who the older woman was talking based on the way she spoke. Even though her words were firm, her tone was subservient, peaking her interest. "Sir, I'm at The Greenbrier. It would take me hours to get back. Just have the meeting without me." The blonde listened for another moment before repeating, "Sir, have the meeting. Fill me in tomorrow. I apologize for not being there, but I'm unavailable."

After a few more exchanges the call ended and the women looked at each other. Seeing the distress in the blonde's eyes, Dara inquired, "Something wrong?"

"A last minute campaign meeting. These people think you have to give your life to the cause. For once I would just like to relax on the weekend and do my own thing, and I'm getting a hard time about it. It's nothing. I'll do some kissing up when I get back, and it'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Even if I wasn't, there is nothing I can do about it now. Just forget it even happened. I'm still tired," she mentioned, coming back to the bed. Both of them settled down again, and Dara was asleep within minutes. However, Elisabeth's mind was on the call. That was too close for her. Just when she was beginning to feel comfortable with the brunette, the President had a way of making himself known. The phone conversation had rattled her more than she cared to admit, especially since she had just told him she was unavailable. Knowing she had to figure out a way to make it up to him, she wondered what she could do to get back on favorable terms as she drifted off to sleep once again.

By the time the women got back to the older woman's house that day, it was almost noon. Dara dutifully carried her bags to the door and then waited as Elisabeth unlocked it. Placing them in the foyer on the floor, the younger attorney smiled at her company. "Well, I'm sure you have a lot to do today, so I'm going to go."

"Thank you, Dara, for the wonderful time. The whole thing was just amazing."

"I'm glad you had a good time. Listen. I don't know if you have any plans for the Memorial Day weekend, but my sister, Leah, and I are going to throw a little barbeque pool party at our place that holiday Monday. I would like it if you and Shelby would come. It'll be fun."

"I'll ask her and get back to you. I'm not sure of my schedule yet."

Nodding the brunette contemplated what she should do. After spending the night together, she felt as if she could hug the blonde without any negative response, but she still wondered if a more intimate farewell would be all right. Reaching for the shorter woman, she embraced her in a hug quickly and just decided to test the waters. Placing a kiss on top of the blonde's head, she said, "Well, I'll talk to you later. Have a good day."

"You too. Thanks again," Elisabeth managed to reply, but her heart was pounding wildly at the feeling of what Dara had just done. She waited until the younger woman had pulled away from the curb to close the door and then headed upstairs with her bags.

She was met in the hallway by her grinning younger sister. "So, tell me. Was it as good as you hoped it would be?"

"Shelby, get your mind out of the gutter. We didn't have sex."

"You're kidding. She drops several hundred dollars on a date, and you don't put out. I'm ashamed," the younger blonde joked.

"More like a couple of thousand. I've never been treated like that in my life. It was the perfect date. She took me on an incredible day, and the night was just as good."

"Yeah, well, it's the night I'm most interested in. Did you at least make out?"

"You know I can't do that with her right now. I'm at a point that if I start I might not be able to stop, and I can't have that happen. It's already bad enough that the President woke me up from her bed this morning. If she knew that it was him, I'm not sure how she would take it."

"You're going to have to tell her at some point. The longer you hide it, the more it's going to hurt her in the end."

"I know, but I'm not sure how yet."

"Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out, but for now, give me the dirt. Tell me everything."

Smiling at her sister, Elisabeth started, "She was so sweet the entire time. Last night we slept together in the same bed, and I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I freaked out. I started to shake so badly. I just couldn't help myself. It's the first time in my life my emotions just made me feel out of control, but she held me. She didn't try anything, just held me all night, and it was heaven. It was even better than the fantasies of us being together. I've never felt so safe and loved."

"That's sweet. She's wonderful, Elisabeth. I really hope you two can make it until November. I know you have so much potential, but I'm still worried about you blowing it. You're not telling her the complete truth."

"I'm going to tell her, Shelby, when the time is right. On a side note though, she invited us to a party at her house Memorial Day. Please tell me you don't have plans."

"No plans. Are we going?"

"Yeah. I just didn't want to tell her in case you were busy. I don't want to go alone. Her sister Leah will be there."

"Cool. Can't wait."

Continued in Part 6

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