by Alex Tryst

Disclaimers: See Part 1

Feedback: Feel free to drop me a line at alextryst@e-scribblers.com.

Copyright © January, 2005 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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"I'm okay. How are you?"

"Good. Listen, I was wondering if you wanted to do something tonight."

"Oh, I wish I could, but I can't. I'm babysitting right now, and then I have to work tonight."

"Well, can you have visitors at the firehouse?"

"Actually, I'm not working at the firehouse. I work part-time at the pub. They called and said they needed some help down there."

"You mean you work at Flannery's? Is that your dad's bar?"

"Yeah but you're more than welcome to come by. I'll be there until close."

"Maybe I will," she said. Hearing the phone suddenly go crashing on the other end, along with screaming kids in the background, Anna wondered what was going on.

However, moments later Dylan was back. "Sorry about that. These monsters think it's okay to use their Aunt Dylan as a trampoline. I really should go before they break something."

"Do you need some help?"

"Of course but there is no help to be found. Davin and Stacie are both at work, and Da's down in the bar. It's my turn to face these two on my own. Now I know why Da laughs at Davin. This is God's way of making him pay for being such a hellion of a child. I'm never going to have kids just for this reason. Flannerys are a raucous brood. I really should go. These two monkeys are climbing all over me, driving me crazy."

"Dylan, do you want me to come help you?"

"That's nice of you, Anna, but I don't think that's a good idea. Davin made me promise not to have girls over when I had the kids. He doesn't want me to get distracted, because these two will burn the building down if you have your back turned for two seconds. Thanks for offering though."

"All right. Well, if you change your mind, just call me. I guess I'll talk to you later then."

"Yeah. Let's get together soon."

"Okay." Hearing another crash she said, "Good bye."

"Bye."

As soon as Dylan put the phone down, her niece jumped into her lap. "Who was on the phone, Auntie D?"

"A friend of mine."

"A girlfriend?" her nephew asked curiously.

Confounded as to where Davin had gotten that idea, she asked, "Where did you hear that word, Junior?"

"Da and Ma were talking. She said you needed a girlfriend."

"Did she? Well, your ma is right."

"So was that a girlfriend?"

Dylan shook her head. "Not a girlfriend. Just a friend, Junior," she stated, ruffling Ainsley's hair.

"What's the difference?"

Smiling Dylan replied, "That's complicated. I should let your Ma and Da explain it to you."

"No, you," he pouted.

"Fine. Well, you know how Ma and Da live together and spend a lot of time together?" He nodded. "Ma thinks I need someone to live with and spend time with is all."

"That's boring," he replied.

Dylan laughed. "Yeah. It's boring, Junior."

"What fun is that?"

"Well, you know you have special friends that you like to play with?"

"Yeah."

"Ma thinks I need a special friend to play with."

"But you have Ma and Da and Ainsley and me to play with."

"I know, but there are some games that you play with certain friends. There are some games I can't play with you all. They're grownup games."

"Why does Ma think you need a girlfriend?"

"Because she thinks I'm lonely."

"But we're here."

"I know. I'm never lonely with you and Ainsley here," she said, bringing her nephew into a hug. "Now what should we do before Ma gets home?"

Further uptown Anna sat on the sofa in her apartment. Over the last few days she had avoided Dylan, because she still felt awkward about their good bye. However, she did have the urge to see the woman again. Knowing she wasn't able to though, she called up her best friend Blair. "Hey, what are you doing?" she asked.

"Absolutely nothing. You?"

"Same. Want to go for some coffee?"

"Sure. Meet you at the usual spot in half an hour. Is something wrong?"

"I've met someone."

"Oh. You have to give me the dirt. See you soon."

The brunette was sitting in the café where she always did when she met her oldest friend for coffee. They hadn't seen each other in awhile, because Blair had been out of the country for work. When the elegant woman entered, Anna waved and instantly the fair-haired beauty rushed over. They kissed each other on the cheek. "How are you?" Anna asked.

"Great. I have so much to tell you. Just let me get a drink. I'll be right back." A few minutes later she returned. "Now before I get into me, let's talk about you. Tell me about your new someone."

"We met a couple of weeks ago. It's nothing serious, at least not yet."

"Give me more than that, girl. What's the hottie's name? What's she look like?"

"Her name is Dylan, and she has dark red, almost auburn, hair and green eyes."

"And? What about her body?" Anna flushed. "That good?"

"That good. Blair, she's totally buff. Her body is amazing. I've never seen anything like it."

"Better than Julie's?" she asked, referring to Anna's ex.

"Much better than Julie's."

"Oh, I wish that bitch could hear you say that."

"Well, that's kind of what I wanted to talk to you about."

"You want to talk about Julie? Why?"

"I sort of met Dylan at a club, and Julie happened to have been there with that whore."

"God, did she see you with Dylan?"

"Yeah. She looked pretty pissed actually. In fact, she called me the next night, said she wanted to see me."

"Oh, drama, girl. What did you say? I hope you slammed down the phone in her ear."

"I did, but she's called two more times and left messages. I don't know what she's trying to accomplish."

"She probably realizes what she's lost and wants to try to win you back. You can't let her do that."

"Oh, I won't. I'm not interested in Julie any more."

"What did Dylan say when you told her your ex was calling you?"

"I haven't told her."

"What? Why not?"

She shrugged. "I guess I just feel weird about it. The night we met I was not acting like myself."

"What do you mean?"

"I sort of pulled a Julie."

"Meaning?"

"I had sex with Dylan," she confessed, staring into her cup of coffee.

"You what? Anna, you're not that kind of girl. What possessed you to do that?"

"I saw Julie dancing with that slut, and I got angry. I wanted to get back at her, so I targeted Dylan to do just that. It just sort of happened. I know I shouldn't have done it."

"Well, so you got a sneak peak of the feature film. Tell me it was good at least."

The blue-eyed woman nodded. "It was good, Blair. Julie never treated me as well as Dylan did. She was gentle and giving. I can only imagine what it might be like if feelings were involved. She was definitely the best I've ever had," she conceded.

"Why do you sound less than thrilled about this?"

Anna shrugged. "Because I'm afraid of what's going to happen when my father finds out. I haven't even told him that Julie and I have broken up. He loves Julie. Not only that, Dylan isn't exactly like us, Blair. She doesn't exactly come from money."

"So she works for a living. There's nothing wrong with that. Julie worked."

"Yeah but Julie is an attorney in one of the most prestigious firms in New York and the daughter of one of my father's business partners."

"Well, what does Dylan do?"

"She works for the fire department."

"Doing what?"

"She's a firefighter."

Blair shook her head but smiled. "You certainly know how to pick them, don't you? No wonder she has a hot body. Did she go to college?"

"I don't know. She's twenty-four and worked as a firefighter for three years, so I'm thinking she didn't."

"She's twenty-four. Stamina to boot," Blair teased her friend. Anna didn't laugh. "All right. I see the problem. You're in love with a blue-collar worker with no education and a hot body who can make sultry passionate love. Anna, are you thinking with your brain on this one or something else?"

"First of all, I never said anything about love. Secondly I don't know what I'm thinking. That's why you're here to help me."

"Well, Daddy is definitely going to have a problem with this, Anna. You know that?"

"Yes, I know that. What do I do?"

"Maybe time will take care of this for you. You just met. Maybe you'll find out that you have nothing in common other than great sex. That can only sustain a relationship for so long. So Dylan can be your rebound girl. You can have lots of hot sex without commitment, and then find the real woman you're supposed to be with once that well runs dry. Is she into you?"

"I think so. I mean, I know she's into the sex. I can just tell, but we've spent most of our time talking about her. She hasn't really asked about me."

"Sounds like she just wants your ass then, which isn't necessarily bad. I mean you could have some fun with this, Anna."

"But it's just so not like me, Blair. I don't have sex for the sake of having sex."

"Then maybe you should start. It's a fun pastime. Look, the way I see it you have two options. You either drop Dylan all together, or you have your booty call whenever you want for the next few months, which will do wonders for that hurt ego you have. What you won't be able to do is bring her home to Daddy, and unless you can do that, you know it's not worth getting serious. It's just not going to work in the end. You'll get hurt, and you'll end up hurting her in the process."

Ann nodded in agreement. "You're right. I know you're right. I guess I just need to decide what to do."

"So, when do I get to meet this girl?"

"Actually she invited me to come to the bar where she works tonight. You want to go with me?"

"Sure. Yeah. I want to see what this girl has that has you so wound up."

"Good. Maybe you can help me figure this out then."

"Well, in the meantime let's do something that will make you feel better. How long has it been since you had a spa day?"

"Awhile."

"Well then, we're going to go change that. Come on. I had a massage, pedicure and manicure scheduled for later this afternoon, and you're going to go in my place. While you're doing that, I'm going to go find you a new outfit for tonight."

"Blair, that's really not necessary."

"Oh, yes it is because tonight we're going to make you over, so Dylan won't be able to keep her eyes off you. And tonight you're going to go home with her and get laid long and hard." Anna blushed as her friend dragged her to her feet. "Let's go. You're doing this."

Later that night after Blair had made over her friend and taken her to dinner, they took a cab to Flannery's Pub. When they got out of the car and started for the door, Anna noticed the large crowd through the windows. She could hear the noise from the street. "Geez, it's crowded in there."

"Do you see her?"

Looking for a moment, Anna nodded. "She's behind the bar."

Blair leaned into the window to see for herself. "Oh my. You weren't kidding. Come on. Let's get in there."

Managing to squeeze through the door, they found a small table near the window and took a seat. A server came to them almost immediately, greeting them cordially. "Welcome to Flannery's. What can I get you, ladies?" he inquired with a dashing grin.

Recognizing him right away from a picture in the redhead's apartment, Anna asked, "Are you Davin?"

"Indeed I am, gorgeous. Who are you?" he asked with a playful wink.

Breaking into the conversation, Blair introduced herself. "My name's Blair and this is my friend Anna. We're friends of Dylan's."

"Of course you are," he answered with a teasing roll of his eyes. "All the cute girls are friends of my sister. What can I do for you? Drinks, maybe some food?"

"Actually I'll have a Cosmopolitan," Blair said.

"Dirty martini for me," added Anna.

"Right away."

"Thanks, handsome," Blair said to his retreating form.

Anna leaned over and said, "Don't even try it. He's married with two kids."

"But he's so cute."

"I know, but he's taken."

"Too bad. Does Dylan have any other brothers?"

"Her brother Danny but he died."

"Oh, how horrible."

"I know. Dylan doesn't like to talk about it."

Over at the bar Davin grabbed his sister by the sleeve of the shirt as she was serving other customers. "You've got company, Dylan."

"Yeah? Who?"

"Some hot chicks claiming to be friends of yours. They're sitting in the window. They ordered a dirty martini and a Cosmopolitan. Why don't I take over so you can say hi?" Casting her eyes toward the window, a smile immediately came to her face. "Uh oh. I take it one of them is more than a friend," he teased.

"No. She's just a girl I met a couple of days ago. I'll make their drinks and take them over."

"Cool. I'll fill in for you in the meantime."

Mixing two drinks, Dylan put them on a tray and them shuffled her way through the crowd toward the table. "Anna, you made it. I'm so glad," she said, eyes roaming over the brunette's body.

"Dylan, this is my friend Blair. Blair, this is Dylan."

"Blair, a pleasure to meet you," the redhead greeted with a grin as she stuck out her hand. The Swedish beauty exchanged the handshake with a smile of her own. Without even asking who each drink belonged to, she placed the dirty martini in front of Anna. "Well, I'm working the bar tonight, and it's swamped, so I'll have to check in with you a little later. I'm so glad you two came by."

"Don't worry, Dylan, we aren't going to go anywhere. Take your time," Blair said with a cunning grin.

The redhead flicked her right brow slightly at the two, wondering what they might be up to. Anna's friend clearly had a rakish personality, which intrigued Dylan immensely. "Well, I'll be back soon."

As soon as she was gone from the table, Blair leaned over to watch her go. "Damn, Anna. She has a tight ass. No wonder you're melting over this one. Hell, I would be too. And she knows what you drink. That has to say something," she mentioned, taking a sip of her own beverage.

Anna nodded. "She looks so cute in that outfit." For a few moments she just watched Dylan at the bar and circling through the pub tables. The brunette could feel her own body start to warm as she gazed on at the firefighter in the green t-shirt and jean shorts with a white apron around her waist. Dylan's toned legs were on display for everyone, and with the way the redhead had her sleeves rolled up on her shirt, the entire bar could admire her strong biceps.

"Oh boy. Someone's in lust. What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Anna said.

"Liar," Blair joked. "Geez, Anna. You're practically begging her to take you on this table with that gaze."

"I don't know what it is about her. She just looks at me, and I'm..."

"Horny," her friend supplied. "That's what a booty call is all about. She's watching you, Anna. Every couple of seconds her eyes come over. She can't help herself. Watch her. She wants your ass bad."

Looking over toward the bar, Anna did as Blair instructed and watched Dylan's movements. Sure enough green eyes came her way every few moments. "My God. You're right."

"Of course I'm right."

Back over at the bar, Dylan tried to stay on task. Serving up pint after pint though was easy work, leaving her time to let her eyes and mind wander. Anna looked incredible that night. She had gotten her hair trimmed a bit, leaving it a little above her shoulder blades, and it appeared as if she had gotten some highlights, making the hair framing her face a lighter brown. Her clothes were as always wonderfully stylish. In fact, Dylan could hardly believe that Anna was sitting there in that outfit, because she felt as if she belonged on a billboard in Times Square as a model for those clothes. The blouse she had on was obviously silk and see-through enough that the redhead could just see a hint of lace beneath, making her wonder and want to find out what it was.

Suddenly her musings were broken by her father saying, "So you have an admirer, do ya?"

She shook her head. "Just a girl I know, Da."

"She's a looker as is her friend."

"I know."

"You be careful with that one, Dylan. Your eyes are like the clovers of the meadow on a misty Irish morning when you look at her."

"I like her, Da."

He gave an unconvinced chuckle. "Yeah. You like her or her bed, Dylan?" pointedly he questioned. She didn't answer him. "That's what I thought. You know I don't condone casual sex."

"I know, Da."

"That's why I'm telling you to be careful. That lass could hurt you. She's not one of us. Long term this won't work between you. You might be able to have some fun, but don't lose you heart to this one. She's not worth it. You need a good Irish girl who understands your life."

Dylan just nodded her head, effectively dismissing her father's warning before turning to tend to her customers again. A few minutes later one of the patrons asked that she sing for them, but she declined. However, with her denial came pressure from other customers to sing for them the way she usually did while she worked. Sighing with resignation, she realized she would not be able to get out of it so easily, even though she felt a little shy performing in front of Anna and her friend. "All right, you drunks! I'll sing! Jesus fucking Christ!" The crowed yelled loudly in drunken jubilation as Dylan climbed onto the bar in usual fashion. As soon as she stood towering over the lair of besotted Irish folk, everyone hushed and raptly watched her.

As soon as she began a traditional Irish drinking song, Blair turned to Anna. "So, your girl has other talents as well."

Anna nodded. "She's a great singer. She actually serenaded me when I made her dinner the other night."

"Really? What did she sing?"

"Two songs. The first one was Billy Joel's 'For the Longest Time', which was so sweet. Then later that night when we were sitting in her mother's rooftop garden, she sang 'When Irish Eyes are Smiling'. I could listen to her for hours. She has an amazing voice."

"An amazing voice, a hot body, and sweet. You could be in trouble."

"No. I refuse to become emotionally involved. I can't. You're right. Dylan is good for the sex, and that will have to do for now."

Blair shook her head. "Anna, I'm not so sure this is a good idea anymore."

"Are you kidding? This is the best of both worlds. You do it all the time."

"Yes but I'm different. I can keep my feelings separate. I can go to bed with someone without becoming attached to them. I'm telling you. You're running a risk of falling for her. I see it in your eyes, Anna."

"I won't fall in love with her. She can't give me what my father would expect of any of my girlfriends anyway. I know this is temporary. I might as well have fun with it."

"And get lots of mind-blowing sex in the meantime. All right. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"It will be fine. I promise. I'm a big girl. I can handle this."

For the next several hours, Dylan worked every once in awhile stopping by their table to check on them and chat. Finally a little bit after midnight, the crowd started to dissipate, and the redhead's father decided to let her leave early. Removing her apron, she immediately went to the table where Anna and Blair were still sitting.

"Well, I'm free finally. I thought this night would never end."

"Yeah. It's starting to get late," Blair mentioned, consulting her watch. "I think it's time for me to go."

"So soon?" Dylan asked.

"I'm afraid so. I have to get some beauty sleep. I have a photo shoot tomorrow afternoon."

Just then Dylan's green eyes lit up as she said, "Of course. Davin and I have been trying to figure out how we know you all night. We couldn't place you. You're a swimsuit model. You're on the calendar that we have at the firehouse."

The Swedish woman smiled and laughed. "Oh, I am, am I? Well, there's nothing better than being admired by New York's hottest firefighters. Maybe sometime I could come down to the firehouse and see for myself?"

"We'd love it, Blair. The rest of the crew is going to be so jealous when they find out Davin and I met you."

"Then we'll have to change that. For now though, I really must go."

"All right. I have to work tomorrow morning too. Let me walk you all out at least."

Going to the curb, Dylan took the liberty of hailing a cab. When one pulled up, she opened the door. The Swedish model smiled at the chivalry and then moved to kiss Dylan on the cheek. "Thank you, Dylan. It was wonderful to meet you."

"You too, Blair. Thanks for stopping by with Anna."

Turning to Anna, Blair kissed her as well. "Call me later, Anna."

"I will. Talk to you soon."

"You're not going?" the redhead asked in pleasant surprise.

"Well, I was hoping we could spend some time together if that was okay. If you'd rather not, I understand."

"No, of course it's okay. I'm always glad for your company, Anna. I just thought... it was late, and you might want to leave."

"I'd like to stay longer."

"Great. Then come on. Let's go upstairs and let Blair get home." Going up to the firefighter's apartment, Dylan flipped on the lights and then said, "Make yourself comfortable. I just want to grab a quick shower. I smell like beer."

The brunette just nodded. When she heard the water go on in the bathroom, she took a deep breath. It was time for her to do as she planned. Blair had been right in the coffee shop that day. A relationship was out of the question, but knowing how good it felt to be in Dylan's arms, she wanted that experience again, and she felt certain after the way the firefighter had looked at her the entire night that should could get what she wanted.

Moving into the bedroom, she thought about how to go about her seduction. First there was mood music as she quickly found the most sultry music she could in Dylan's collection and put it in the CD player. Next came the lights. She shut them off, instead using the candles Dylan had on the bookshelf for a soft glow. That finished, she knew she had to be ready when the firefighter came out of the bathroom or she might lose her nerve, so she shed her outer layers of clothing and slipped on a t-shirt she found in Dylan's dresser. She looked at herself in the full-length mirror on the back of the bedroom door. The shirt hung almost to her knees, but the imprinted logo of Flannery's made her keep it on. Figuring that would have to do, she went to the bed and stood there thinking about how to lie on it to look enticing.

A few minutes later Dylan finished her shower. Under normal circumstances she would have taken longer but with Anna there, her desire to be with the brunette outweighed her affection for long showers that moment. As soon as she turned the water off, she could hear music coming from the apartment. She listened to it as she dried herself, thinking the awfully alluring selection might only serve to heighten what she was already feeling, instead of impede it. Nevertheless, she sort of enjoyed the torturous game they were playing with each other and figured she would see where it led. Slipping on her green robe, she opened the door to step into her bedroom.

As she did so though, her eyes became immediately drawn to her bed and a pair of bare slightly staggered legs. One lay flat on the bed, the other bent with the foot resting against the mattress. Mesmerized her eyes trailed over them to the juncture where they met. She could see just a hint of colored material obstructed by a long green t-shirt. Eyes moving higher, she saw breasts obviously free of their normal confine, the peaks outlined lightly against the cotton. Ogling still higher, she was met with a smoldering blue-eyed gaze.

Neither said anything for a moment, but Anna knew just by the green eyes that she had Dylan's rapt attention. Trying to sound confident, she whispered, "You said to make myself comfortable." Dylan heard the waver of nervousness through that enticing line, but she didn't care. Her body had already made up its mind as to how it wanted to respond to the gift on her bed. Walking across the room, she paused at the foot of the bed momentarily. Their gaze never broke. Seeing that the redhead was spellbound by her presence, Anna felt a surge of power through her body. Embracing it she held out her hand to the firefighter and demanded, "Come here, Dylan. Come lie with me."

The redhead did as she was told. Putting one knee and then the other up onto the bed, she crawled up the lithe frame but paused when they were face to face. Her body hovered over Anna's, waiting. The smaller woman's eyes roamed over Dylan's robe that now gapped open, revealing the top of her chest and the slopes of her breasts. Hands mapped over the area for a moment causing the tall woman to shudder.

With an uneven breath, Dylan whispered, "You look so pretty laying here like this. I like what you've done with your hair."

"Thank you. That's sweet of you to notice," she whispered, trailing her hand up to Dylan's face. Fingers combed through dark red hair as her other hand managed to find the tie on the robe. Anna pulled one end causing the knot to collapse and allowing the material to fall open.

As soon as it did, Dylan's body seemed to come alive. She leaned in to Anna's face and started to gently kiss over her forehead. Her dark brows were next followed by the bridge of her nose, and then finally Dylan kissed Anna's lips softly.

The brunette lightly moaned at the gentleness. No one else had ever touched her this way, and it escalated her need to be touched further. She tried to bring the firefighter's body down to her own, but Dylan wouldn't budge. Instead she continued to hover as the fingers of her right hand traced lightly over Anna's soft neck and across her shoulder before shifting downward to her chest. Methodically the firefighter kissed her and fondled her through the thin cotton shirt until she squirmed and called Dylan's name.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Dylan whispered, capturing Anna's earlobe between her teeth.

"Please," she whimpered.

Green eyes met blue. "Don't worry, beautiful. I'm going to please you, but it isn't a race to see who can reach the top first, Anna. I like taking the long route and stopping to see the sights. I like feeling and tasting everything, to experience the journey. We'll get there when we get there," she murmured, her head moving down towards the brunette's chest.

Anna moaned as strong hands found their way under the shirt she was wearing. Fingers roamed along her sides, taking in the soft skin as teeth scraped over the crest of her right breast through the t-shirt. The brunette once again tried to bring their bodies together without success, so she switched tactics and pulled the robe from the redhead's body, leaving her completely naked. Then her hands started their own adventure, taking in the feel of the body above hers. Hands kneaded the powerful thighs and gluts before roaming the firefighter's taut back. Unable to stop there, her hands found the front of Dylan's body and cupped the small breasts. Instantly Dylan groaned as Anna massaged them and tweaked their tips just hard enough to elicit a response. Moving on, nails trailed down the muscled stomach until she reached the coarse damp hair between the redhead's legs.

Dylan quaked slightly and mumbled, "Sweet Jesus, Anna."

Not waiting on an invitation, the brunette made herself at home, slipping inside and beginning to pump in and out at an unhurried pace. The action practically incapacitated her lover, whose legs started to shake. Dylan's forehead dropped into the crook of her neck, leaving the redhead's ear and neck open for an oral assault. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Anna licked the rim of her ear as she quietly asked, "Do you like that?" Dylan managed to nod. "Say it, Dylan. Tell me. Please. I want to hear you."

"It feels so good, Anna. Please don't stop."

"I won't. You feel good, Dylan."

The redhead didn't even move from her position hovered above Anna. Instead she just clung to the brunette's shirt and nestled her head into her shoulder as the shorter woman brought her to climax. It was only when Dylan reached the pinnacle that her body finally collapsed, falling onto the one under her own. Her whole frame shivered as she panted for breath. Anna remained where she was, stilled inside her lover, but her free hand caressed red hair lovingly. When it appeared Dylan had recovered, she managed to regain her balance and poised herself above Anna. Green eyes met blue once again.

Dylan had no idea what to say just then. The first time they had been together Anna hadn't touched her that way. In fact, the brunette had only been receptive to her attentions, not giving of her own. She could also tell that Anna wasn't used to being a grantor of affections either, so to have that gift bestowed upon her must have meant something. Not knowing what though, Dylan said the only thing that came to her mind. Kissing the brunette sweetly, she whispered, "Thank you."

"Anything for you, Dylan," Anna answered unexpectedly, but as soon as the words left her mouth, Anna knew the truth of them.

When the redhead had regained enough of her strength, she continued on her measured path of Anna's pleasure. Lifting the t-shirt from the brunette's frame, she settled between her thighs and lavished her attentions on the smaller woman's chest. Anna clung to the back of Dylan's head, clutching her tightly as hands traveled downward and over the tops of the brunette's thighs. Anna could feel them inching closer to their goal. However, Dylan's mouth decided to join them as she kissed down the brunette's smooth stomach and over Anna's left thigh. A knowing gaze passed between them. It was obvious Dylan was waiting for permission, and only after a moment of deliberation did Anna give it, guiding Dylan with a hand at the back of her head. Feeling Dylan's mouth against her heat, the brunette felt her head begin to spin. Never in her life has someone touched her this way, not even Julie. That gifted mouth that had sung angelic music in the bar an hour ago was now worshiping her body in a whole new way. Anna was helpless to the new sensations as her body surrendered to the feelings. She could barely register that Dylan paused and held her tenderly as tremors moved her, but once they had subsided, the redhead was back to freely give more of her love to the woman in her bed.

For the rest of the night they went back and forth, each taking turns at pleasing the other until light began to filter through the blinds. Dylan sighed when she saw it and rolled onto her side. Curving her arms around the brunette, she pulled her closer and kissed her temple sweetly. Neither spoke as green eyes surveyed the room. The candles had extinguished themselves, having burned to the bottom. There was no music, the CD player having turned itself off hours ago, and in her arms, Dylan had the most amazing woman she had ever met. She didn't want to cease their activities, but she knew she had to leave for work shortly.

Kissing the nape of Anna's neck, she whispered, "I don't want to stop, but I have to get to work."

"Do you have to go?"

"Yeah. I don't think I can call in and tell them I decided to stay home to make love to the most beautiful woman in the world. As envious as they would be, they'd be pissed off too. They need me there."

"You wouldn't have to tell them. You could just say you were sick."

"I don't get sick. I've never called in sick in three years. Besides I'm sure Davin would suspect the truth. He's knows me too well. I have to go." Anna pouted as Dylan rose from bed. "Don't give me that look. This is hard enough to leave you. Now I need to take a shower, and it would be really helpful if you could be dressed by the time I got back as to not tempt me any more than I already am."

"But I don't want to."

"Fine. Then why don't you join me in the shower? We both could use it."

The brunette shook her head. She wasn't quite ready for that yet. After all, it was one thing to allow herself to be seen under the mirage of soft light, but she wasn't ready to expose Dylan's gaze to her body under unforgiving bathroom lights for fear the redhead might find something less than flattering after their night together. "I think I'll make us breakfast," she said.

"All right."

Once she was alone, Anna slipped back into the green t-shirt she had worn the night before and made her way to the kitchen. She busied herself with a meal for them while the firefighter got dressed. Half an hour later Dylan appeared in her uniform of navy t-shirt sporting the FDNY logo and navy pants. On her feet she wore the standard issue boots. "You look so adorable," the redhead mentioned, entering the kitchen and slipping her arms around Anna's waist. "Not to mention completely delectable."

The brunette blushed. "Here. I made you some eggs and toast. I thought you might want coffee as well."

"Thank you. It looks good," she complimented, taking her plate to the table where a glass of juice and cup of coffee were already waiting.

Anna just stood at the counter and watched the redhead while she ate a piece of toast and drank a cup of coffee herself. She didn't know quite what to say just then. The night had been much more than she expected, leaving her confused as to what to do. She sensed that she was beginning to care about Dylan more than she should given their stations in life and wondered if the redhead had similar thoughts. However, she didn't ask for fear that she was one-sided in her emotions.

When Dylan had consumed her breakfast, she looked over at the brunette. "Do you want me to give you a ride home?"

"That's okay. I'll take a cab."

"Well, I really should be going, but you're more than welcome to stay here. You can catch a nap or a shower before you leave. I'll give you my spare key, and then you can just lock up when you leave."

"All right. Thanks."

The firefighter nodded as she brought her dishes to the sink and rinsed them off before placing them in the dishwasher. She then opened the cabinet next to the refrigerator and pulled out a key. Handing it to Anna, she said, "Just slide it back under the door when you lock up or keep it until I see you the next time."

"Okay," she nervously replied, taking the key from Dylan's grasp.

The redhead smiled gently as she slipped her arms around Anna's waist. She leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. "I'll call you later," she promised before heading out the door.

Once Anna heard the door close and lock, she looked around the kitchen. There she was standing in Dylan's apartment alone after a night of astonishing sex. It didn't even compare to their first night together. Dylan was even more open and loving than she had been the night they met, and for her own part, Anna thought about her own actions, surprised that she had participated so fully in their encounter. It was different for her, as in the past, Julie didn't like it when Anna had tried to give her affection. Instead their sexual interactions had become so one-sided that it was almost as if Julie was taking what she wanted from Anna instead of giving, and the brunette's body had just been a convenient source for sex when she wasn't able to get it from her mistress. Anna had become so used to it that she had forgotten what it was like to touch someone else.

However, with Dylan it was different. She didn't try to dissuade her from reciprocating. In fact, even though it was obvious the redhead was used to being the dominant person in bed, she seemed to enjoy the chance to receive attention as well. Sighing into her coffee, Anna wondered what was going to happen between them. Blair was right. Sex couldn't sustain a relationship, but getting involved with Dylan posed special problems. Nevertheless, Anna enjoyed the redhead's company, so she decided to let time set the course of their relationship.

That day when Dylan arrived at the firehouse, Davin was already there retelling the tale of their brush with celebrity. Seeing Dylan he said, "I was just telling the guys about your super model friend."

"Blair Halsten? Yeah, she's hot. Trust me, boys. She's better in person than on the calendar. She said she would come visit us sometime."

"Damn, Dylan. How do you get all the luck? Last week it was that pretty brunette. This week it's a super model. I didn't know being a lesbian was so lucrative. Maybe I should convert," one of the guys joked.

"Sorry, guys. Even if you did, the ladies love me and no one else. Now you all get back to Blair. I have to hit the books for school. I have a big test coming up next week. If you need me, I'll be in the office."

Wandering upstairs, she greeted her captain and then took a seat at the computer. Logging on to her school website, she checked her assignments and then began to study for her test. However, her mind began to wander to a certain brunette who was probably still at her apartment. She wondered what Anna might be doing just then. She guessed that the woman was taking a shower, which made for a diverting fantasy from her schoolwork. She was so into her daydream that she jumped when she heard the fire alarm sound. Instantly coming back to the present, she jumped from her chair and headed out of the office. Everyone was clamoring as they got into their gear. Joining her crew, she slid down the pole into the garage and grabbed her stuff, slipping into it as she ran to take her place in the truck.

The truck pulled out moments later, racing down the busy New York streets to the call of distress. It was several long minutes through traffic until they reached their destination, a ten-story apartment building. Most of the residents appeared to be spilling out from the sidewalk into the road as they pulled up close enough to assess the scene. The top two floors were flaming wildly, and they saw people on the top floor leaning out the window screaming for assistance.

Grabbing Davin by the jacket, Dylan went into motion as she took the lead heading into the building. Both Flannerys raced up the stairwell to the top levels as their counterparts worked on the outside. They screamed out trying to detect if there were any trapped people and heard responses from several places on the top floor. Seeing fire in the hallway though, Dylan and Davin both stopped in their tracks a moment.

"Dylan, come on. Keep moving," Davin instructed, pushing her in the back. She didn't move for a moment. "Dylan, snap out of it! These people need us!" he screamed, shoving her harder to get her moving.

She nodded her head in understanding, but her heart was pounding profusely as she ran through the flames. Together they worked quickly, assisting people from their apartments through the fire and toward the stairs. Getting to the last apartment, they saw smoke coming from under the door. Both of them yelled before Davin kicked it open, and they proceeded inside. Hearing screams for help, they managed to find the woman they had seen yelling from the window as well as a young girl.

Going to the two of them, Dylan immediately scooped up the child while Davin did the same to the woman. Both of them rushed from the apartment. Just as they cleared it into the hallway, they heard an explosion behind them as flames shot out the apartment door. Nevertheless, both Flannerys kept running, taking their cargo safely outside. Several other of their fellow comrades followed right behind them announcing that the building had been cleared. Both Dylan and Davin took their victims to the awaiting ambulance for inspection and then raced to assist with taming the raging blaze.

By the time it was all over, the top two floors had been gutted, but no one was hurt. Dylan sighed when it was over, thankful that the ordeal was finished for her. Leaning against the back of the truck, she was trying to catch her breath when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she saw the woman Davin had saved holding her daughter.

"Thank you so much," she said.

Dylan simply nodded. "You're welcome, ma'am. Just doing our job."

With another smile for the firefighter, she turned and left. Dylan watched her go up to a man in a business suit standing a few feet away. She watched them embrace and hold each other tightly. The man kissed the little girl affectionately on the head, making the firefighter smile. Just then she heard Davin's voice next to her.

"What happened in there, Dylan?" he questioned in concern.

"Flashback," she mumbled, covering her face with her gloved hand. "They almost died, because I didn't react," she said. "That man would be without his family if it weren't for you, Davin."

He put his arm around her shoulders. "Without us, Dylan," he corrected. "Look, I know it's hard for you after Danny, but you're going to have to try to move beyond this if you want to be a good firefighter again. Danny would want that from you."

"You didn't kill him, Davin!" she yelled.

"Neither did you, Dylan! He ran into the building on his own!"

"Yeah, he ran after me! If I wasn't so zealous to prove myself, he'd still be alive!"

Her brother shook his head. "You don't know that. Both of you took that risk to save other people's lives. Both of you got to the crash site to help people. No one thought the Towers would fall, Dylan. No one could have predicted that. Truth be told, when I saw that building come down, I thought I had lost you both."

"You weren't there, Davin! You don't know what happened up there, so just shut up!" she yelled, stalking off.

Back at the firehouse, Dylan went back to work on her schoolwork, but her captain interrupted her. "Dylan, we need to talk," he said, shutting the door.

"About?"

"Your behavior today. I do not tolerate my team yelling at each other the way you screamed at Davin today. I don't care if he is your brother. You don't yell at your team like that ever."

"I'm sorry. I just lost my temper for a moment."

"It's more than that," he said. "Something bothered you when you were up there. I saw it in your face. Do you want to talk about it?"

She shook her head. "I'll save it for therapy," she snarled.

He nodded. "How's that coming anyway? I know they said you were fit for work again, but you haven't been the same since you came back from the Towers. You aren't the same person."

"Would you be if it happened to you? Would you be the same if you lost your brother and then laid in a pile of rubble for two days waiting to be rescued?"

He shook his head. "No. I wouldn't be the same either, but if it means anything to you, the firehouse isn't the same. Danny was our family too, Dylan, just like you are. You two were the only ones we lost. Even though we found you, you've been lost since. We share your pain, Dylan, and we just want to help. Taking it out on your fellow firefighters isn't acceptable, though. I don't want to see that again."

"Yes, sir."

"Now, tell me. How many times a week are you going to therapy?"

"Once a week now."

"Up it to two. Go during working hours if necessary. You're head isn't in the game the way it should be. I need you to have your head here. I'll call and make the arrangements with HR."

"Yes, sir. May I go back to my studies now?"

"Sure. How is school coming along?"

"Good. I only have three semesters after this summer."

"Great. Keep up the good work. I know you can do it. Your dad is quite proud of your efforts, you know. He told me so last time I saw him. It makes him proud to know that a Flannery is finally going to graduate from college."

Continued in Part 4

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