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Part IDisclaimer One: Some of the characters in this story resemble those in Xena Warrior Princess. These characters are not my property, but belong to MCA/Universal Studios. However, the rest are my creation!
For each ecstatic moment, The lone figure huddled under the thick comforter and cooling sheets, trying to gather warmth from the now half empty bed. She shot out a hand and commandeered the deserted pillow, bringing it to her face and sniffing it unconsciously. A tiny smile curled the corners of full lips as she whispered a name into the quiet solitude of the bedroom. "Tara." Finally, sleep came again only to be interrupted by the jarring ring of the phone. The petite woman moaned and partly opened one green eye. She yanked the covers off her head and squeaked when the sunlight slapped her unforgiving in the face. Grudgingly, she opened the other eye and blew as well as pushed red-gold strands out of her face. The ring was insistent. "Dammit! Hold on a frippin minute!" She reached for the phone, poising her mind and vocal cords to verbally annihilate the person on the other end, if it wasn't Tara. "Yeah, yeah hello?" There was soft laughter. "Helloooo!" "Morning to you too Gabrielle. How's my favorite author?" The strawberry blonde sighed as she sat up and moved her naked form to the edge of the bed. "Morning Jonah. You'd better have a good reason for calling at this ungodly hour." There was that laughter again. "It's 9am Gabrielle." "Uh huh, still ungodly. This had better be important or it comes out of your commission." The woman said with a smirk. "Oooo, get an agent where it hurts. I'm just calling to remind you of the book signing you have today." "Huh? What? That's today? What's the date anyway? I've been so busy with family and all I completely forgot. Good thing I have to the end of February to finish my latest novel." "Well, it's a good thing I called you then. You do remember where it is?" "Yeah, Borders, near the mall in Indianapolis at 1pm right? Say that book has been out almost a year, why the book signing anyway when I have another coming out soon?" The older man twirled the pen in his fingers as he turned his chair to look out the window at downtown Indianapolis. The buildings and high rises shone in the sunlight like shiny new toys, and the streets were habitually jammed with wall to wall traffic. He ran his hand through thinning salt and pepper hair and smiled, making the lines crinkle on the side of his brown eyes. "It's to keep you acquainted with the fickle public. So, do I get to keep my commission?" Gabrielle laughed. "For now you do my friend. Thanks for the reminder." "Anytime. I was worried about you. Haven't heard from you in a while." "Um, been very busy." Jonah could hear the smile in her voice. "Ah, I see." "Remind me that we need to talk next time I see you Jonah." "Oh, it's that serious, huh?" "Oh yeah. Okay, I'm gonna get up and get myself together. I'll call you soon and set up lunch." After hanging up the phone, Gabrielle sighed again and scratched the back of her neck. She scrunched up her nose and smiled hugely at the smell of sex that clung to her body. She giggled proudly remembering last night and this morning when Tara was begging for more then begging her to stop. Breaking the self-imposed reverie, Gabrielle looked over at the clock. Two and a half-hours until I need to get out of here. Might as well get up and shower.' Heading toward the bathroom, her thoughts strayed. Things were going great with Tara. She shook her head as she stepped under the spray of warm water. With the coming of the New Year, it meant more book signings as a promotional for her new book. Things had been good all around so far. Lil was in love, and it was working out. Tara had moved in, and things were perfect there. The only bad thing was that Lil had to leave in a few days to get back to school. Gabrielle pursed her lips, wondering what her sister was going to do about her relationship and their parents. That was turning into a wait and see game. Scrunching her brows together with worry, she tried to shake off the impending sense of doom that settled over her like a warm blanket. Things were going good, maybe too good. Turning the shower off, she squeezed the excess water from her hair before leaving the stall. Now looking into the mirror, she hoped that feeling was just an aberration. Closing the bathroom door, and padding back into the bedroom, she headed for the closet. She smiled as her hands landed on some of Tara's clothes before she picked out a green wool sweater and matching slacks. Thoughts of her lover now running rampant, she sat down and pick up the phone to call her.
Just down the hall, Lil lay in bed staring up at the popcorn ceiling. She had to leave soon. She had to tell her parents soon. She didn't want to say good bye to Catt anytime soon. She sighed and looked over at her sleeping daughter. The brunette wondered how Jamie was going to react to Catt for the first time. Surely, her daughter would pick up on the good vibes from her mother? Lil closed her eyes briefly. Upon opening them again, she bit her lip in contemplation. The older woman's vacation was almost up and her own time was nearing an end. They had a lot to discuss to make this relationship work, and they were avoiding, especially the leaving part. She groaned out loud in frustration. "Why do some things have to be so damned hard?" She licked dry lips and smiled despite it all. Some things weren't hard at all such as, loving Catt, kissing Catt, and touching Catt. She groaned again knee deep in a different type of frustration. They had mutually agreed to set aside the physical side of their relationship to deal with the emotional and mental aspect, and it was just killing her. Her body ached to re-familiarize itself with her lover's. The hungry kisses they had allowed themselves to share left her shaking, unbelievably aroused, and needy. Lil shivered as she remembered the soft growling sounds Catt made when tongues touched and dueled much like their hands did over clothed bodies. "Ugh," she whispered. "I can't take this. My fingers are going to end up doing the walking." She smirked to herself. 'I wonder if she would like to listen? Bad, bad Lilian!' The young brunette started to giggle. Then she cocked her head to the side at the sound of a closing door, knowing it was her sister. Her smile got bigger. The two of them had been great in supporting her, and when she told them that Catt and her were finally together, hell, they seemed almost happier than she was. If it was possible, the bond between the sisters had become stronger. It had solidified into an entity of its own that had to be nurtured. Lil's friendship with Tara was one of playful regard full of respect and admiration, surrounded by genuine caring. That and the fact that the woman was damned intriguing helped also. She grinned thinking of the first time she had met Tara at her parent's house. The grin quivered then disappeared. Her parents. 'God, there was so much to tell them, but I'm scared shitless. They finally came around for Gab, but the both of us being gay? It's gonna be ugly I can feel it. I can't tell them till I'm absolutely ready. I don't care how long it takes,' her inner voice commented. She pursed her lips as she heard another door close. Deciding at that moment not to get up, she threw the covers over her head and flopped over on her stomach, trying to ward off reality physically and mentally.
Tara yawned once more as she studied the computer monitor. 'Damn she was getting good,' she smiled crookedly to herself. The strawberry blonde made sure her lover's body was throbbing and exhausted before she left for work. 'She's getting damned good. Well, she had a good teacher.' The tall woman's grin widened. Since she had moved in, they had re-christened every room of the house and then some. She bit her lip to keep from giggling as she recalled them getting caught with their pants down, literally, in the attempt to 'take a break' from moving her in. Shannon had steadfastly avoided looking them in the eye the remainder of the day and constantly mumbled something about "scorched eye sockets" and Jake's constant dig was "Ew," every time he saw one of them. The woman picked up her coffee cup to take a healthy swig, savoring the taste of amaretto. The little woman had finally rubbed off on her with the 'damned flavored coffees,' but it was no matter because Tara had in return, gotten Gabrielle hooked on Xena and Buffy in a matter of a week. She just loved the way all five foot six inches of her lover would try to act out the scenes in animated fashion with wild kicks and punches into the non-resistant air. Even little Jamie jumped up and down upon hearing the Xena theme song, if the little girl was up to watch it. She sat her coffee down and keyed in a new command to look at inventory. Her mind ventured to Lil and Catt. Who would have thought it? The ice queen cometh and was melted. 'I still don't know how to feel and think about that. We may have too much history between us to be friends. I know Lil is gonna want us to try.' She sighed and scratched the bridge of her nose. "We'll see how it goes," she whispered aloud. Coming out of her thoughts, she logged onto the Internet to check mail. Things were really slow, so she decided a little surfing was in order too and maybe even an early day. The blaring of the phone almost served to interrupt her down time. She stared at the offensive equipment and decided to let John get it from the garage. "Ugh," she said as the internal buzzer went off. "Yeah?" "Hey boss lady, Gab on line one." "Okay thanks John. Hey listen, why don't you knock off early? We're gonna be pretty slow today." "Oh, great will do." She ended that conversation to go on to a more pleasing one. She smiled, feeling the flush of happiness warm her cheeks. "Hey you," she said into the receiver. "Hey yourself sleepy head. What are you doing?" "Actually, playing on the computer and thinking about you." "Oh, really? You wouldn't happen to be thinking about this morning, last night or even yesterday afternoon by any chance?" Gabrielle couldn't disguise the smile in her voice. "My, my aren't you the smug one." "Well, I aim to please." Tara laughed out right. She loved this little banter between them. It was exhilarating. "Mmm, yes you do. Hey, I was thinking about knocking off early. Maybe we could go out to lunch and then pick up where we left off?" Tara's voice lowered an octave, becoming smoky and sensual. Gabrielle welcomed the jolt of the shiver that invaded her body. "Oh God, you're bad!" "You like me that way." Her breathing hitched, and she swallowed audibly. "I would be lying if I said I didn't." She cleared her throat to alleviate the hoarseness. "Um, but, I can't. My agent called this morning to remind me about a book signing I have at 1 o'clock in Indianapolis. I was calling you to tell you before I got, uh, sidetracked." "Awww, okay. I guess I could catch up on some paper work and inventory now that I've sent John home. How long do you think you'll be?" "I should be back by or before six. I'm may go do a little shopping while I'm here." "Okay Red. I'll have dinner ready and waiting." "Kay. Hey listen, if I get back early I'll stop by the shop on the way home okay?" "Yeah, okay. Hurry back. I love you." "Love you too T. See you later." Tara hung up the phone and logged off the Internet. "Oh boy! Inventory!" The woman murmured with mock enthusiasm. She blew out an annoyed puff of air, disturbing her bangs. "Can you say boring day ahead?"
Caitlin wrung her hands one more time as she sat down heavily on the couch in her hotel room. She looked down at the carpet and envisioned the wear she had already caused from pacing all morning. She sighed in exasperation. "Come on girl, you have landed multi-million dollar advertising accounts and it scares you shitless to meet a one and a half year old child!" She exclaimed to the empty, quiet room. "Yeah, it does." Jumping up again, she began to follow her previous pacing pattern. The normally cool blonde licked the nervous sweat forming over her top lip and deposited now clammy hands into the pockets of her linen slacks. Nervous was not strong enough a word. She had never been around children before and had never had the urge to be a mother. Knowing somewhere down deep that she had too much baggage for that. However, most of that baggage had been lifted, but the question remained. Could she handle loving a woman with a child? She whimpered out loud as her heart contracted in fear. Was it too much too soon? Opening her heart to Lil was one thing, but letting an impressionable child into her life was decidedly another. They still had a lot to discuss regarding their own relationship. Catt wanted to scream in frustration. She plopped back down onto the beige sofa, closing her eyes. She smiled inwardly in remembering Jamie's appearance. She looked incredibly like her mother with the same blue eyes, same pert nose, and same pouty lips. Her smile turned crooked as she thought about her lover's lips. The way they tasted, the warmth they generated, and the way they pulled on her. . . Caitlin groaned outloud as another frustration took over. Shaking her head to clear it, she knew the only thing she could do was hope for the best and that the little girl liked story time at the library. The tall blonde glanced at her watch. There was two more hours to go. She ran an elegant hand haphazardly through blonde locks and laughed derisively. "Wish I had a friend to talk to, but she's the only one." Her life as a bitch had cost her a lot. Getting up once more, she grabbed her keys and coat. It was time to mend fences.
Gabrielle knocked softly on her sister's bedroom door then tip toed in. Lil peered at her from over the covers. She blinked a couple of times then spoke. "Hey, what time is it?" "It's about 10:30. I can't believe Jamie is still out." "Mmm, well she had a late night. Wouldn't go to sleep. May have been all that noise." Lil's eyes flashed with mirth." "Ah, you heard then?" Gabrielle ducked her head to hide the blush. "Uh huh. I always hear it. You two were just especially loud this time." Her mouth twisted into a cocky grin. "Uh, sorry can't help myself. She does this thing with her tongue. . . Lil waved her hands. "Whoa! That's too much information." Gabrielle laughed at the shocked look on her sister's face. "Okay, okay listen. I've got to go to Indianapolis for a book signing. I should be back late this afternoon. By the way, are you going out with Caitlin today?" Lil raised an eyebrow and grinned sexily. "Uh huh, she's meeting Jamie for the first time too." "Ah, well good luck with that." Lil stared down at the sheets. "Hey what's wrong?" The younger woman sighed. "I've got to leave in two days, and she has to go back to work in three. We haven't even talked about the distance." "Oh," she walked in further, sitting on the bed. "From what you two went through to be together, this is something you really have to work out." "I know. I'm gonna talk her about it today." Gabrielle rubbed a covered foot, trying to relay support. "Good luck. You love each other, and I'm sure you'll work this out." "Yeah, maybe you're right. I'll see you later." Gabrielle smiled and softly padded out of the room.
Caitlin sat in her rental car just outside Tara's shop. "What do I say to her? Sorry I fucked you over. Now, I need your advice? No, no how about, sorry I fucked you over, can you help me not fuck up again?" Catt smiled inwardly. 'I'll do anything to make this work with you Lil and that includes mend fences, humbling myself, and getting advice from someone who has known you longer than I have.' Having recited the speech to herself, Caitlin got out of the car. Tara sat at her desk her chin supported by her hand, while the other hand tapped the page down key on the keyboard. Her lids hung heavily over her eyes as her thoughts strayed from one thing to another. "God, I'm so bored! I wonder if I should sneak away and go play with lil bit?' Her forehead creased as she frowned. 'She's leaving soon. It's gonna be strange not having her around pulling on my pant leg and calling me Boo boo. Crap, why am I kidding myself? I love that kid.' Tara sighed. Maybe it was time she raised one herself. Just maybe. The pensive woman looked up startled out of her reverie by the chiming of the door. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw who it was. "Caitlin, what. . ." "Can we talk?" The older woman nervously pushed a stray blonde lock behind her ear. She looked at Tara pleadingly. The younger woman was completely taken aback. The woman she knew as Caitlin had visibly softened. There was no hardness around her eyes, and while the arrogance was still there in her unconscious body language, Tara could see a need for help. The younger woman stared into sparkling gray eyes that were snapping with life. She was looking at a changed woman. Where Caitlin was beautiful before, she was breathtaking now. Tara instantly held a new found respect for Lil. Quirking an eyebrow in question, the younger woman waved Caitlin back past the gate closing off the open office area. Offering the older woman her chair, she sat on the edge of her desk. Resting her hands loosely on her thighs, she waited silently. Caitlin peered into curious blue, her generous mouth curving into a smile. Finally, she spoke. "I love her. You know I do." Tara nodded. "I'm meeting Jamie for the first time today." The brunette smirked. "You'll love her. She's a good kid." Catt fiddled with the buttons of her coat in a nervous gesture. "Do you think she'll like me?" Tara saw the nervousness and heard the unsure hesitation in her former lover's voice. Her own voice softened to compensate. "From what I've seen, she responds to her mother's cues. If Lil is touchy feely toward you, I think she'll respond well." "Mmm, I hope so. She looks so much like Lil that I can't help but be enamoured. Caitlin paused for a minute, letting the warmth of her lover flood through her. She glanced back at Tara smiling slightly at the amused look on the other woman's face. "I'm taking her to the library for story time. Do you think she'll like it?" "Hell yeah! If it's anything with pictures, and the reader acts it out with puppets and sounds, she'll love it." "God, I hope so. I checked. The reader does act it out with hand puppets." Caitlin said with her confidence increasing. "Then I think you'll be okay," Tara replied. An uncomfortable silence fell between them. Tara bit her lip and waited. Knowing that because of the past, a thin sheet of ice separated them in a wary stalemate. It was obvious the woman had changed, but did she have enough room in her heart to forgive? Tara sighed inwardly not knowing the answer but willing to try to find out what it was. She cleared her throat. "You wanna tell me what else is wrong?" Caitlin flinched. She had hurt this woman in the past. Intentionally, terribly. Was she offering an olive branch? Her conscious whispered, 'Do you deserve it?' After a brief moment she answered the question. 'You've changed. I think you do.' Looking into unwavering blue eyes, Caitlin answered. "I'm leaving in a couple of days. They need me back at the office. I want to ask her to come with me, but is that fair? She's in school, and I know her parents live in the same city. Is it fair for me to ask her to leave all of you?" She stuttered slightly. "I-I've been afraid to broach the subject with her. I don't want it to end. I don't want to lose her." The older woman ran an elegant hand through spun gold. Tara cocked her head to the side, looking thoughtful. "Whew! You said a mouthful. Um," pausing for a moment. "It's obvious her heart belongs with you Catt. Something tells me she would follow you anywhere. Still, you gotta look at it this way. Her parent's don't know about you two, and Jamie does have a dad she sees on a regular basis. Not to hurt your feelings, but it is a tad selfish for you to want her to leave everything just as it would be vice versa. I'm sure you have family back east or friends. . ." "No, not really . There is no one. My parents and I are estranged, and I can't see that relationship reforming anytime soon." "Oh," Tara replied surprised. "I didn't know that ." Caitlin laughed derisively. "Yeah, how could you. I never really told you anything about me, but no, there is no one except my job. I had to claw my way up in that company." A perfect dark brow arched. "Well, some thing has got to give. If you really want to be with her weigh your options. She has a whole life she'd be leaving. You have a high level job that you've probably had long enough to work anywhere. Sounds like sacrifices need to be made either way, and you two have a lot to talk about." Caitlin closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. "You're right." She opened her eyes, looking up at Tara with a profound look of sadness crossing her features. Tara's brows drew together in confusion. Softly Catt spoke. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry. When I look back to the girl you were, and the woman you've become. I realize I was probably the biggest ass on earth. I really started to care for you-you know? But, I didn't know how, so I did the only thing I knew how to do. I hurt you, and for that, I am terribly sorry." Tara studied gray eyes intently. She had never expected this. It was time to see if her heart was indeed big enough. She cleared her throat. "Over the years, I've come to realize that people have a reason for everything they do, even hating others. I know you had yours, but it took me until someone opened my heart again to see that. I got past what happened between us, but I never understood it until now." Tara scooted closer to the seated figure. "What I am trying to say is that I-I would like to get to know the new Caitlin." Tara tentatively reached out a hand and covered the other woman's shoulder. Caitlin let out a breath she hadn't been aware of holding. 'She wanted to be friends. She hadn't had any of those since grade school.' Glancing up into forgiving eyes, Catt covered the hand over her shoulder with her own. She squeezed and smiled wanly. "Um, you'll have to help me with this. I haven't had a friend in a long, long time." Tara smirked. "I'm about to say something really corny, but it needs to be said. That's what friends are for." The older woman smiled back genuinely then laughed lightly. "I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know you. Your Gabrielle has done a good job," she said smirking herself. "Well, well, well, I think Lil is really starting to rub off on you too." Tara replied, giving the other woman a mock glare. "I hope so." Catt looked down at her watch. "Ugh, okay I'd better go. I'm to pick up Lil in a little bit." Caitlin squeezed the hand on her shoulder once more and got up to leave. "Good luck!" Tara shouted to the retreating figure. "Okay, thanks for this!" Then she was gone. Tara plopped down into the warm seat. She smiled and said into the now quite office, "Well, to say that was interesting would be an understatement. Funny what slow, boring days bring." Supporting her chin once more with her hand, she pushed various keys on the keyboard with a small smile pasted on her face. 'Can't wait to see what you got planned for me Red,' she said to herself as an after thought.
Gabrielle gave the book store owner a genuine smile. "Hi. I know I'm early Mr. Clayborne, but its my policy to come check things out first. That is, if you don't mind?" The older man smiled back charmed by the infectious glint of life in her eyes. "No, no problem at all. I'll show you where we have you set up." With a dramatic flair, he waved his hand for her to proceed him. "It's right through here Ms. Howard." Gabrielle walked through the shelves to observe her sitting area. There was a large table laden with her latest book. The table was covered by a soft green table cloth. The chair she was given appeared to be soft and comfortable. She looked behind the furniture, spying an array of flowers. That alone gave it a more approachable air. The petite writer smiled up at the older man. "Okay it looks good. Is everything else in order? "Yes Ms. Howard. We will have security to control the lines in order to prevent an incident. They will also be snacks and coffee for the customers." "Ah, sounds good. Do you mind if I look around a bit before I begin?" "Oh, sure go ahead. Would you like coffee?" "Ooo yes, swiss mocha if you have it." He nodded and left. Gabrielle smirked to herself thinking about Tara and her new found addiction to coffee. Her smirk widened. Emma was coming on cable tonight. She knew if she tried she could talk her lover into watching. After all, she suffered through Buffy and Xena, refusing to admit that she found the shows delightfully intriguing. She looked down at her watch. It was almost time to start.
Gabrielle smiled fondly at the two women. "We just love your characters. They seem so real like they could just walk in off the street, and they are so smart." The writer let out an affectionate laugh. "Thank you ladies. I appreciate it." One woman turned to the other. "Look at her Lisa, she's much more prettier than on the book jacket." The other woman nodded. Gabrielle blushed and smirked up at the women. "Tch, you're so good for my ego. Can I pack you up and carry you both home?" They giggled like school girls. She talked to the women for a few more minutes. It had been over an hour, and she found that she was really enjoying herself. 'This re-acquaintance ,as Jonah had called it, was fun. She smiled up at the next fan and signed his book with a flourish.
The man walked with an lazy glide down the busy sidewalk. He whistled a tune he couldn't remember the words to and wiggled his cold fingers in his pockets. Bringing one of his hands out, he scratched his forehead then ran the hand through short blonde hair. The woman walking past him smiled in appreciation. He smiled back totally used to women's reaction to his blonde good looks. Soulful brown eyes looked ahead. He tugged the coat closer to his lanky, muscular body. Pursing full lips together, he continued whistling. Having a woman in his life right now was just what he needed. The little voice in his head had told him so. The little voice told him to find the right one, and lately that voice had become louder. He frowned inwardly, thinking about all the women he thought were the right ones that had left him. His face screwed up into a snarl. He wouldn't let the next one leave, and he would do anything to get and keep her once the voice pointed her out to him. His eyes glazed over, making them look abnormally bright. Yes, no one would leave him ever again. The man started to whistle again then stopped, noticing the flyer posted in front of the book store a few feet in front of him. He walked closer. "Gabrielle," he whispered, remembering red-blonde hair and beautiful green eyes. It was a sign. "YES!' the voice screamed, making it feel like a thousand needles were penetrating his temples. Shaking his head, he smiled. He should have known she was the right one. He should have known she would find her way back to him. He pushed open the door and followed the small line of people. The stranger crossed his arms over his chest and waited patiently. Gabrielle looked up. After three hours, the line was thinning. Sometimes she really enjoyed this, but it took a lot out of her emotionally. They all had so many questions about her writings and about her personal life. 'Oh well, it's over for the time being.' A man's hand picked up a book and put it in front of her. She glanced up with a smile already on her face. The smile froze, making her face hurt. "Gabrielle," the man said softly, "long time no see." Brown eyes raked over her countenance. She was more beautiful than he remembered. 'She's yours now. Can't you see it in her eyes?' A slow smile spread over his face. The strawberry blonde mentally flinched and tried to mask the panic she could feel rising from showing in her eyes. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, and she could hear her breath howling in her ears. Steve. He was back. She closed her eyes and swallowed as memories flooded her in quick succession. It had been six years since she had first dated Steve Foster. They had met at a coffee shop, and he seemed nice enough. That was the operative word. Seemed. By the third date, she found out that he had been following her when he called her over a male friend's house, where he cursed the guy for 'fucking his woman.' He called at her parents and even showed up, laying on the charm. He followed her every where showing up at supermarkets, lunch dates, and even at her publisher's. He had even called her one morning and told her the gray skirt would look better than the blue one. Her apprehension had moved to terror. She remembered her hands shaking as she slammed the window shut and let down the blinds. Finally, she could take no more, telling an old college friend with somewhat shady dealings. He discreetly found someone to 'convince him to leave her alone.' That was the last time she saw him. Now, he was back. She took a calming breath. 'Calm down. It's okay. He doesn't know that you don't live in Gary anymore. He doesn't know anything about you now.' she tried to fake a smile but failed miserably. Swallowing she pushed ahead. It was time to start with the subterfuge. "Hi, Steve. Yes, it has been a long time." He continued to stare at her. 'She's smiling at you. I knew she would want you back.' When she saw his eyes glaze over, Gabrielle felt a chill enter her body, making everything around her seem sluggish. 'Oh God. Help me!' she cried on the inside. To cover the terror she was feeling, she laughed nervously. "Small world. What are you doing in the city?" His smile widened. "I live here now. Do you-I mean-live here?" "No, no moved to Ohio about four years ago," she said quickly. He frowned slightly as anger flooded him. 'She ran away from you! But, you'll get her back where she belongs.' The anger flittered away as if on butterfly wings. His smile returned. "So, I see you still write. I bet you're as good as ever." She reddened stiffly. "Thank you." 'Take her now! Make her stay with you!' 'No! It's too soon. Patience.' "Gabrielle, why don't you stay in the city tonight and have dinner with me. We can catch up on old times." 'Warning, get the fuck out now!' Her mind screamed. "Uh, sorry Steve. I'm involved with some one. I can't do that." She quickly got up from her chair. "If you'll excuse me. I have to get home." Moving as fast as propriety would allow, she walked toward Mr. Claiborne. Speaking shortly with him, the scared woman made a bee line for the exit. She turned slightly when she got to the door, seeing Steve still standing there. The young man stood there, tracing the picture on the back of the book cover with gentle care. 'She doesn't need anybody else. She has you. There is no one else. She made it up to play hard to get. She lied to you. Women are like that.' Needles pressed against his temples. He held his breath until the pain passed. He glanced back down at the picture. Sharp fingernails began to dig into the paper, making it curl and distorting the features.
Gabrielle sat in the car with the engine running and the music blaring. She turned it up louder in an effort to block her thoughts, but they persisted. A frission of fear snaked it's way up her spine. 'Get a hold of yourself. He can't hurt you. He can't follow you. How could you forget? How could you? Oh Tara baby, what do I tell you?' She shook her head, thinking of a semi-truth to relate to her lover. 'No reason to have her worried over nothing. I can handle this. It's just a skeleton from my past. I need to get my mind off this.' Putting the car in drive, she left the lot. After driving around for a good thirty minutes, her head had finally clear, but she had to get the sight of him, the smell of him out of her consciousness as well. Smiling softly, she knew the perfect place to lose her worries. Turning on to the highway, she headed home just a little earlier than expected.
Caitlin rang the door bell and huddled her coat closer to her body. She waited patiently. The door opened slowly, revealing the one thing she had wanted to see all day, mother and daughter. Lil smiled at her lover as Jamie tugged on her collar. "Hey." Catt swallowed hard her heart showing in her eyes. She touched a smooth, warm cheek with gloved hands. Lil leaned into the touch. Finally, the older woman replied with slight huskiness in her usual velvet tone. "Hey you." She turned to Jamie. "Hey you too little one." The child grinned toothily, making Caitlin grin back. It was a good start. She looked back at her young lover. "Do you need help with the car seat or anything?" "Na, I'm just carrying the one bag, and I'll have to attach the car seat to the belt in your backseat." Lil smiled inwardly, deciding to escalate things a little. "Can you hold her while I do all that though?" Caitlin's eyes almost doubled in size, causing Lil to smile affectionately and sympathetically. "It's okay she won't bite. Honest." The older woman's mouth opened, moved the snapped shut again. "Uhm, I don't know. What if I drop her? "You won't baby. Just take a deep breath and go for it." Catt still stared at her lover with unsure eyes. Lil looked back with understanding and patience. She detached Jamie from her hip and handed her to the other woman. Jamie reached out with her arms, going to Caitlin eagerly. The child buried her face in the other woman's neck contently and played with the collar of her coat. She looked down at Jamie, smiling shyly, then back at her lover, doing nothing to hide the happy sob that was wrenched from her throat. Lil covered her mouth with her hands and studied them both with tears in her eyes. Two of the people she loved most in the world, together. Bringing one hand up, she caressed a cool cheek. Leaning in, she warmed cool lips with her own. "I love you so much. I knew she would too." Unable to form words, Caitlin only nodded. "Okay, let me get our stuff, and we can go," Lil said softly. Again, the blonde nodded. Now warmly ensconced in the car, Lil spoke again. "Where are we going anyway. You never said." Caitlin smiled enigmatically. "Don't worry. I think she'll like it." Lil studied her lover for a long minute then smiled, "Well, okay. I'll leave it up to you." A few minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the library. A light went on in Lilian's head. "Ah, story time. Good idea. Do you want to get her or should I. . ." "I'll get her just get the bag." Catt leaned in to unbuckle the baby seat. Jamie went willingly into her arms, gurgling happily. "Hey! Agoo, ma!" The little girl said excitedly. Caitlin glanced down at the child and laughed softly. "Yeah, sweetie, I hope you have fun." She kissed the top of the small head. This felt so right, so familiar. All nervousness and awkwardness were gone. She handled Jamie with an easy mind and heart. With the two lovers hand in hand, they entered the library. Finding a seat on the floor and up close, they sat down. Jamie bounced on the carpet elatedly. Catt looked over at her lover. "Were you like this when you were a child?" Lil laughed. "God no! I was hellfire to hear Gab tell it, always into everything that wasn't nailed down. She told me I had boundless energy. My nickname used to be Sparky." Catt laughed a loud. "I like it. I can picture you being that way. You still have so much energy now, and it goes along with that quick wit. The nickname should have stuck." She paused. "Then where does she get her temperament?" "From her father," the brunette answered. "I'll tell you about him, but this is not the right place." The other woman nodded. "No rush. I want to learn everything there is about you slowly so I can remember it here," she pointed to her head, "and here," she pointed at her heart. Lil blushed and hung her head. The older woman lifted her chin and with a thumb caressed a soft cheek. "So beautiful," she said huskily." Gray eyes worked rapidly, taking in every feature. The younger woman's breath hitched, and she bit her lip as it accelerated. "You shouldn't say such things to me. I can't seem to control my reaction when you do." "Go with it," Caitlin replied as her thumb moved to outline a sensual bottom lip. Their eyes locked, communicating mutual need and desire. The moment was broken by quiet murmurs and the shuffling of children. Lil took the hand from her face and squeezed it, trying to relay unspoken emotion and bring her breathing under control. Caitlin got the message. Her eyes seemed to glow from within. Jamie used the free minute to crawl into Catt's lap. The little girl stood on shaky legs, between her new friend's legs. She gurgled and cooed as if she was talking to the woman. With exploratory hands, Jamie pulled lightly on earlobes, played with her nose, and tried to stick her little finger in the woman's mouth. Lil laughed. The mirth was infectious. Jamie started to giggle then Catt joined in. There was a loud 'Shhhh!' Lil looked around guiltily. The show was about to start. Story time went on without a hitch. Jamie squealed and laughed at the Curious George puppets. Dispensing a lot of energy, the child fell asleep in Catt's lap before the hour was up. The tall blonde glanced down at the sleeping child, taking in her innocence. With a now sure hand, she ran fingers through dark, curly hair. Lil looked on enjoying the interaction. "She likes you a lot you know. She hasn't taking a liking to anybody like that since Tara," she whispered. "You think so? I like her a lot too. She's a sweet girl just like her mommy." They grinned stupidly at each other. They were interrupted again by the woman reading the story. She announced that the hour was up. Taking Jamie carefully in her arms, Caitlin got up gracefully, leaving a cloud of Chanel in her wake. Lil took a deep whiff and continued to smile goofily as they exited the library. While buckling her daughter in, Lil glanced over at the driver's seat. "So, what do you wanna do now?" Just like that, the jovial mood became heavy and somber, when Caitlin turned allowing the younger woman to see the bleak look in her eyes. "We need to talk Sparky." The corners of Lil's mouth raised in spite of herself at the use of the nickname. "Uh, I know." Blue eyes looked away. "We can go back to Gabs. Jamie needs to be put down, and she's not due back till late this afternoon." "Your sister's house it is then." The drive was filled with charged silence, knowing the decision made would effect their relationship for the good or bad. Lilian walked quietly to the bedroom and laid the sleeping Jamie on the bed. Caitlin sat on the couch in the living room, silently wringing her hands. She stood up as her lover entered. "Hey, um, I guess we have a lot to talk about," the brunette remarked. "Yeah, we do. I have to go in a few days. Three to be exact, and I want you to come with me." Lil hung her head. "I love you, and I hope you know how much, but how can you ask me to leave my life. I mean my family is here, and Jamie's too young for me to yank her away from her grandparents and her father." Caitlin pivoted on the couch until she was completely facing her young lover. 'Tara was right. This is selfish of me. I already feel like a heel.' The older woman reached out, grabbing Lil's hand. "I can understand that, Sparky. I just want you with me." "I know. I want to be with you too. Why can't you move here? I'm sure you can get a job somewhere." Catt sighed in exasperation, shaking her head. "It's not that simple. I've invested ten years in this company, and I'm next in line for vice president. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don't want to have to get another job and start over in a position beneath me. My life has been my career for the past few years," she said in a pleading tone. Lilian's eyes flashed with hurt, and she jerked away. "So, you're telling me that your job is more important than us?! I mean. I'm sure you can get a job in advertising anywhere. I can't get another family." She jumped up and began pacing. "I can't believe this! All that we went through to be together and now we can't! What kind of shit is that!?" Caitlin rubbed the bridge of her nose. She felt the beginnings of a headache. "Maybe we can compromise. I can cut back on my work load somehow and come see you every weekend. It's not like I can't afford it." Lil stopped in front of her lover and kneeled down, resting her hands on the strong, convenient thighs in front of her. "Listen to me," she said on a sob as tears started to fall, "I want to be with you everyday, if this is what it takes for us to be together. I'll take it over nothing." Caitlin parted her legs to allow the other woman closer. She took the tear filled face in her hands and leaned down to kiss her forehead. The blonde rubbed her cheek against the downy soft dark hair. "We'll make it sweetie. I'll figure something out." Lilian hiccuped, stood up, and sat back down in her lover's lap. The older woman gently ran her hands through dark curls as she rocked gently back and forth, murmuring nonsense.
Gabrielle sat in her car outside her lover's shop. A slow smile spread over her face, when she saw Tara's car. "You're in for a very nice surprise T. I need to be with you right now." She got out of the car and walked with purpose toward the door. Tara swung around in her desk chair, shooting wads of paper at the trashcan. The chime jingled, alerting her to a potential customer. She looked up and blue eyes sparkled with joy. "Red! I thought. . ." "Shhh." Gabrielle put her finger to her own lips. She then turned around to lower the blinds and put the closed sign on the door. "Red? wha. . ." Again, all that was said was, "Shhh." Green and blue met from across the room. The air thickened and crackled with energy. Tara swallowed hard and planted her feet to the ground, effectively stopping one kind of spinning to partake of another. The strawberry blonde walked with feline grace toward her lover. Tara was mesmerized, watching each step, counting them. Draping her coat over the desk, finally, she arrived in front of her. Tara's legs parted without question, allowing the younger woman to step closer. Gabrielle looked down at her lover. Russet eyebrows drew together in total concentration. She had too keep some kind of control, and the only way that could happen was if the her dark haired lover did not touch her. Her eyes burned, signifying the heat boiling inside. She had to try. It wasn't about her pleasure. It was secondary, and only an added bonus if she came. With expert hands, she traced the strong features of her lover's face. Hands skittered over eyebrows, the bridge of her nose, high cheekbones, and finally over full lips. After the shorter woman leaned down, lips lingered a hairs width apart. Breaths exchanged hotly. A small pink tongue speared from the petite woman's luscious mouth, outlining the lips below it with a quick flick. Tara whimpered raggedly. With larger, stronger hands, she reached up winding them through red-gold in an attempt to crush the teasing lips to her own. "No," Gabrielle said huskily, firmly. "Take your hands away or I'll stop right now." Tara's blue eyes snapped with need and disobedience. "Trust me." The other woman nodded her head and removed her appendages, only to grip the sides of the chair as an anchor. The younger woman grinned saucily. With a voice rough with need, Gabrielle asked, "You missed me?" Tara watched as the red lips moved to form words and a pink tongue sneak out to wet soft flesh. It was so close. Her chest heaved, and her body was beginning to ache. She squeezed the woman's legs with her own hard thighs, hoping to relay a message, but the little woman wanted to hear the words fall from a velvet tongue. "Answer me." "Oh yessss!" Tara replied through ragged breaths with only a second's hesitation. As a reward, Gabrielle flicked the moist lips again then sucked the fleshy bottom one in the warm cavern of her mouth. She sucked rhythmically, bit into the soft flesh, and soothed it with a busy tongue. Tara moaned. Her hands moved from the side of the chair to wrap around the small form between her legs. She almost sighed, realizing that her lover was going to allow this contact. There was no way she wanted the pleasurable torture to end. No way. Gabrielle ended the exchange with a moist plop. "Mmm, you want me?" In answer, Tara cupped tight buttocks in her hands squeezing the clothed flesh firmly, making the petite woman whimper. The sound shot straight through to the taller woman's clit. "Oh God yes! S-so much," the older woman replied hoarsely. With her voice just a little higher, a little unsteadier, the younger woman wrenched out, "Tell me what you want." The young woman so loved this game of submission. It made things hotter. It made her wetter. "You know." Tara looked up into darkened green her own eyes hooded and heavy with arousal. Her lips were so close that the brunette could taste the other woman's coffee laden breath and feel the imprint of lips on her own. Gabrielle's active fingers moved from tracing lips, to caressing exposed skin, to wrap around her lover's neck. The smaller woman could feel the pulse beat excitedly. The same hands shifted to tangle into midnight tresses. She yanked with authority, causing Tara's head to snap back and a hiss to escape her lips. Blue bore into green, and lips quivered from being so close and yet neglected. Leaning in until their lip actually touched, Gabrielle spoke, making sure her lover felt every whisper as it came from her mouth. "You want me to. . ." The young woman forced her tongue into her lover's waiting mouth, sweeping through the moist cavern. As quickly as it happened, it stopped. She retreated. Their lips just touching once more. "To fuck you." Tara's whole being contracted as heat flooded her body in an unforgiving wave, pooling at the center and making her clit swell and throb. She cried out sensuously. "Please." With that one word, the young woman ended the torture in a searing kiss, leaving them moaning simultaneously. The red head stood to her full height, putting her whole body into the kiss. Lips moved brusingly, unevenly, and tongues fought for domination caressing and flicking moistly. Tara's busy hands snaked under her lover's sweater and spread wide over her naked back. Passion demanded the exchange to go on, but their bodies demanded breath. Gabrielle whimpered as she tore her mouth away, her breathing deep and audible. She stared at the swollen lips under hers hungrily. Nipping said lips with little biting kisses between breaths, she bent at the knee to allow her hands to reach her lover's waist. Small hands grabbed at the material of Tara's t-shirt, bunching it and then lifting it over her dark head. Unencumbered breasts swung free, and brown nipples hardened at the sudden rush of air. Not happy to have to remove her hands from hot skin, Tara reached for her lover, but Gabrielle stepped out from between hard thighs. The tall woman lunged and whimpered in protest. "Shhh," was again all she heard. The little woman turned around, now facing the desk, and swept all the contents, except the computer, off of it. She had to have her like this-at her mercy. Nothing less would do. Her heart thumped against the barrier of her chest, and shaky legs were barely enough to hold her. Her clit throbbed in erotic empathy of the arousal her partner must have been feeling. Her fingers itched to be deep inside her, and her tongue tingled just for a taste. She had to have it right here, right now. "I want you on the desk." With her back still turned she added, "Naked, now!" She heard the squeaking of the chair and turned around. Tara stood on unsteady legs, facing her lover. Her skin was flushed, eyes lidded, lips moist and parted, and her breathing audible. The older woman could feel the fire raging through her body like an inferno, scorching each synapse until functioning was near impossible. Arousal, thick and sweet, accompanied the fire, making it what it was. Wetness flowed from her crotch, making panties feel soggy and jeans heavy. Tara whispered softly, "Anything." Seeing and knowing the passion had weakened her lover, Gabrielle stepped forward careful not to touch supple skin. She reached out to grab hold of jeans and unbuttoned them until red panties were exposed. She slid hands around the slim waist and spread her fingers wide, advancing inside jeans and panties to hot skin. In a not so subtle move, she slithered the clothing down slowly. Her body slithered right along with it. Gabrielle kneeled down when the pants got to her lover's ankles and untied the work boots. She jerked them off Tara's feet quickly so that she could step out of her clothes just as fast. The shorter woman stayed in the kneeling position watching muscled legs quiver in anticipation and excitement. She glanced upward able to see crisp, black hair shiny with moisture and licked her own lips in a stint of anticipation. She looked up further to see the hardened peaks of heaving breasts. It was a beautifully erotic sight. She continued kneeling, watching and waiting at her feet like a honored deity. Tara's breath hitched on a whimper as the shivering increased. One ragged, needy word fell from her lips. "G-Gabrielle!" Inside the other woman quaked at the sound of her name. Her stomach twisted in increased arousal. Still clothed, a light sheen of sweat pelted her skin. Wanting and needing to have her mouth on the abundant amount of skin, Gabrielle slid up slowly, branding one leg with her open mouth and the other with soft fingertips. As she moved further up, hungry hands maneuvered to cup hard buttocks, squeezing and parting pliant cheeks. Tara cried out and put a hand on the desk to keep herself steady. Sweat poured off her body as a testament to the state of arousal. Finally, lips grazed over upper thighs, making their way inward. Tara parted her thighs eagerly, wanting to feel hot lips and the wickedly talented tongue of her lover. They moaned together. One because a velvet tongue flicked over sensitive inner thighs. The other at the taste of the wetness pooled there. Gabrielle devoured the juices fervently. She moved higher and higher until her nose brushed pubic hair, at last getting a strong whiff of the musky arousal. She groaned louder as the smell tied another knot in her belly. The red head paused. This was getting out of hand, and her plans were falling by the waist side. She shook her head slightly in an attempt to clear it. Slowly, she pulled away. Tara whimpered, wound large hands in her lover's hair, and held the smaller woman against her aroused body, as a means of protest. With surprising strength, Gabrielle was able to remove the searching hands. She kissed both palms and stood up. "Sit on the desk for me baby. Please." Tara stared at her with eyes dark and wild. "Please." From somewhere deep in her mind, the plea registered, and she nodded in consent. Taking baby steps on shaking legs, she balanced herself precariously on the edge of the desk. Gabrielle parted her legs, forcing her to scoot back. When she was back far enough, the little woman swung the chair around and had a seat between parted thighs. Setting a hand on both thighs, she parted them further, enabling herself to see the swollen puffy lips of her lover's dripping sex. Groaning softly, her sense of urgency cranked up a notch. She wanted to feel skin against skin and feel the wetness against it. Stripping herself of sweater and bra, Gabrielle scooted the chair closer. She moaned louder when she felt velvet softness pillow against her breast and wetness settle against her belly. Moving in a little further and sitting more erect, she found her eyes level with delectable breasts. Small hands moved up to claim them. She lifted a full breast and trailed her tongue along the underside, tasting the saltiness of her lover's skin. Tara gasped, arching her back and wanting more. The talented tongue flicked rapidly back and forth, moving upward toward the neglected nipple. Suddenly, the office was pierced with a resounding cry. Tongue and nipple met. Using just the tip, she flicked back and forth, back and forth, making it diamond hard. In a change of tactics, Gabrielle sucked the nub deep into her mouth while pumping the other vigorously with fingers. She released it only to do it again and again, making sure teeth and tongue grazed it as lips receded. She moved from breast to breast, nipple to nipple. Unable to help herself, Tara buried her hands in red-gold, holding her to her body. She moaned with each tug and each suck, reveling in the electric tendrils shooting to her clit. Tara moved her hips helplessly against her lover's stomach, rubbing swollen lips across it and smearing it like her lover wanted. Tara wanted to beg. She wanted to plead. She wanted her inside. Gabrielle felt as if her insides were sweating. She wanted, needed, craved more. Shooting up from the chair, her lips found the pulse beating at the base of her lover's neck. She bit into it sucking, until she could almost taste blood. The anxious mouth roamed from neck to shoulders and back again. She ached. She hungered. She whimpered at the consuming need that seemed to be growing exponentially and began grinding her hips against the moving ones around her. Wetness gushed from her crotch, leaving her panties sopping wet. The softness of her slacks rubbed sensuously over her own pulsing lips as well as her lover's. The speed of her hips increased, causing their bodies to smack together in the seeking of an increase in friction. Lips found each other, swallowing low moans of pleasure. Tongues flicked and slid across and around each other. Nipples met and rubbed together creating their own pleasurable friction. Not able to take it anymore, Tara whispered against her lover's mouth, "Inside, please! So good." Gabrielle moaned at the request. Her hands immediately headed south; past flat abs; into crisp hair; and over sensitive lips. The older woman cried out and her hips lifted off the desk. "Oh fuck yesss! Touch me. Touch me please," the brunette remarked huskily. The heat was incredible as she parted thick lips as was the wetness. Hot silk surrounded her fingers. It increased her own wetness tenfold, but this was not about her. It was about getting lost in Tara. "Oh god. Soo wet." She had to taste it. She had to. Gabrielle slithered back into the chair, leaving the only contact to their bodies as fingers to soppy sex. Sitting back in the chair, she quickly scooted close once more, parting her lover's thighs as wide as possible. Her deft fingers explored tiny inner lips, tracing the smoothness to inside and up over and around humming clit. Tara's hips jerked again, and she laid herself back on the desk, making herself more vulnerable. Then the semi-silence was broken with a scream, as Gabrielle plunged two fingers deep inside her and submerged her tongue into her creamy cleft with the same fervor. Bright colors flashed before the older woman's eyes as pleasure blinded her to her surroundings. She moaned harshly with each thrust, each flick. Sitting up on her elbows she arched and pushed her body into her lover's fingers, milking them, riding them. Her stomach clenched and the tips of her fingers tingled with delight. Electricity arced through her body, fraying every nerve to it's limit. The desk groaned as her hips rocked faster and faster. It was so hot. It was so good, and she was so fucking wet. More than she had ever been before. She could hear her lover's tongue flicking through the wetness and the moist slap of fingers moving deep. She could hear the most wonderful sound of all. The sound of her Gabrielle moaning at the taste of her, at the feel of her. Gabrielle savored the sweetness that flowed over her tongue and chin, drinking from it's source then using it to make her lover's throbbing clit bigger and wetter. Her own wetness caused her to squirm against the chair, pressing her hips against it and tightly clinched thighs squeezed just the right amount of pleasure from her own clit. She moaned loudly as another gush of wetness landed on her tongue. Knowing the time had past for tenderness, her fingers plunged into her lover at a dictated speed, and her tongue flicked rapidly over aroused flesh. Tara's back arched completely off the desk. She could feel it starting from deep inside, working itself out with each thrust. "Unnngh, gonna come!" The younger woman thrust deep and hard, feeling the muscles grab her invading fingers. Expert lips pulled her exposed clit. 'Almost there.' She squeezed her thighs closer and moaned, pushing herself to catch up. Tara's body was taut like bow and waiting to snap. So close. One, two more thrust and her orgasm tore through her, producing convulsions, and waves of pleasure acute enough to be the other side of pain. Her scream echoed through the room. Sweat flew from her face and hair as her head turned wildly from side to side. The younger woman refused to stop lapping and thrusting, milking her lover dry. Each sob, each cry pushed her closer until she dropped of the edge into oblivion. Facing her own orgasm, Gabrielle wrenched her mouth free, muffling her cry against an accommodating thigh. "Fuck!" She muttered as pleasure crashed through her body, making her quiver and green eyes roll to the back of her head. The office was quiet again except for the occasional whimper and harsh breathing. After several minutes, speech also returned. Tara tried to raise her torso, but failed miserably. "God Red! Are you trying to kill me?" She waited for the giggle to come. It never did. Dark brows drew together in concern. Gabrielle had heard her question. Inwardly she remarked, 'No, trying to forget.' Finally, she spoke, "No, just loving you." Able to lift her head and upper body now, Tara looked between her legs at the seated woman with worry clearly etched in her features.
Steve picked up the phone, dialing numbers that were hauntingly familiar. He glanced around his apartment, eyeing his possessions. 'She would like this. You have so much. Thanks to your dead parents. Just think, aren't you glad you didn't have to wait until they got old and gray? Accidents can be your best friend.' He heard soft laughter ringing through his head. Punching the numbers on the phone pad, he whistled as the phone wrung twice before it was answered. "Hello?" "Hi Mrs. Howard. You may not remember me, but I'm an old friend of Gabrielle's. The name is Steve. Steve Foster." There was a pregnant pause. "Ah, yes Steve, I remember you, such a nice young man. What can I do for you?" "Well, I saw Gabrielle at one of her book signings, but before I could speak to her, she was gone. I would really like to touch base-- you know catch up on old times. I was wondering if you could give me her phone number or address so I could write or something?" "Well sure Steve, I'm sure she wouldn't mind." He hung up the phone with an angry click. "She lied to me!" He screamed vehemently into the well decorated living room. 'Told you women are like that. They lie. She's just miles away from you. Find her. Make her yours.' Blinding light accompanied the pins piercing through his head. He screamed louder and swept the furniture off the intable. Glass shattered and the phone made a resounding 'twack' as it crashed against the floor. He doubled over, holding his head in his hands. "I'm coming for you Gabrielle!" Part II
This woman has stolen my heart Deciding to take Tara's car, the other one was pulled into the garage. Now driving quietly on the highway, Tara discreetly glanced at her lover from the vantage point of the driver's seat. 'Something's up. I just know it, and she's not going to say anything.' She looked again and sighed, deciding to take the initiative. "Red? You gonna tell me what's wrong?" She studied the auburn haired woman, splitting her attention between the road, and watched the red head hang then look up. 'I didn't want her to worry, but after all, there is nothing really to worry about is there?' "Uh, it's nothing really. Just ran into a guy I used to date a few years back. He always used to give me the creeps then, and he gave me the creeps today. Made me a little uneasy is all. No biggie." Tara creased her brow, knowing instinctively that something was missing in the confession. "He didn't hurt you did he?" She asked with worry. "No, no nothing like that. He was just strange and possessive." "Okay, you sure? You know you can tell me anything, and you still seem a little unsettled." "Na, I'm okay now. Just needed some extra curricular activity." Tara could see her lover's wiggling eyebrows even in the darkness of the car. "Yeah, there is that. Glad I could make you feel better, even though I didn't do any work." "Ah, but you enjoyed every minute of it." "Oh, hell yeah." Gabrielle laughed as her good humor returned. "Now, tell me what you really feel," she replied. "I think I have a little fiend on my hands," came the darker voice mixed with mirth. The younger woman peered through the semi-darkness. "Hey! No you didn't Ms. when do we get to use Larry!" "Nuh, uh, I didn't say that." "Oh, yeah, must be that other woman I sleep with." "You're not one to talk. Weren't you asking if a harness could be adjusted to fit you little Ms. Dainty?" Tara asked with a smirk. "Uh. . . . I did say that didn't I?" "Unh, huh. Pervert." Both laughing out right, Gabrielle reached over to slap an arm in the darkness. Tara hiccuped as the last vestiges of laughter dissipated. "So, how did the book signing go?" "Eh, it was fun actually. I got to meet the most interesting people." "Baby, I think they think of you as the interesting one." "But, yeah it's still a big thing to be able to touch people's lives like that." "Mmm, must be great to share a talent like that with everybody." "Yeah, it is. Sorta makes them a part of it too. It's some feeling." "Sounds like someone has just as big a heart as she does talent," Tara smiled into the statement. "Ah, I think you're a little bias, " Gabrielle said turning toward the window. "You're blushing right now aren'tcha?" "Uh. . . . just a little," they young writer replied with squeaking voice, causing Tara to laugh again. Tara bit her lip, trying to taper off the laughter when she felt green eyes glaring. "Uh, we're almost home," she said sweetly. Turning onto their street, the brunette noticed two cars in the driveway. "Well, well, looks like Lil has company. I'll have to park on the street." Gabrielle turned to look into her own driveway. "Catt?" "Yeah, unless your sister has decided to expand her horizons already. You Howard women do work fast." Tara guffawed at the mock glower and moved out of the way of the impending smack on the arm. "Ugh," the writer said in exasperation, "will you ever learn to behave?" "Nuh, uh. I'd be boring," Tara said with a toothy grin. "Never. Let's get out of the cold."
Caitlin kissed the forehead of the woman she was rocking, trying to soothe the pain that was there. The older woman heard a little whimper as Lil leaned into the kiss. The blonde's elegant hands stroked dark curls, continuously. Lil sniffed and hiccupped as tears ebbed away. Lifting her head, she looked into gray eyes intently. Caitlin gazed back unblinkingly. Voice hoarse with tears, the brunette spoke, "Love you, so much." Her voice revealed the ache, the need to be with this woman. With slightly shaking hands, she traced sculpted features as if memorizing them. "So beautiful. Unbelievable." Traveling hands ended up around a graceful neck, caressing gently. Catt swallowed. She had never seen that look in another woman's eyes concerning her, until now. A look of pure adoration, devotion, and need. It scared and exhilarated her at the same time. Not knowing what else to do, she tightened her embrace and hoped her eyes conveyed the love she felt. Lil shuttered as she felt inexplicable need course through her body. She had to show this woman how much she was loved in one of the only ways she could understand, the physical. Soft, small hands moved from neck, over chin, to caress high cheek bones. The brunette watched red-tinted lips with hunger burning in her gaze. Fingertips finally landed on moist lips, touching and tracing. The sensitive pads paused to learn every crease, every curve. They tingled as hot breath flowed over them from the partially opened mouth. Wanting to feel the heat inside, Lil pushed with her fingertips, hoping her lover's mouth would open. She whimpered in frustration when it didn't. Catt swallowed again. Her own body quivered at the little sounds coming from her lover's throat. She felt thighs squeeze the outside of her own. Blue and gray gazed at each other with scorching intent. They needed this. Knowing that, red lips parted, permitting entry. The reaction was immediate as she tasted the sweet, salty tang of skin. Her breathing turned ragged, whooshing out over her lover's hand. Lil whimpered again, feeling the warm moistness enveloping her flesh and wondered if being inside this woman would feel like this. She cried out as the warm cavern began a sucking motion between catchy breaths. Catt's hands bunched the material of her lover's shirted back, hoping to gain some control before it was all lost. Gray eyes became heavy and hooded, and foreheads touched as breaths mingled. Lil could feel pressure building as well as arousal between her thighs and struggled to keep her hips still. She lost that battle as they undulated forward, experimentally, with a mind of their own. Catt moaned harshly at the sensual act. Control quickly became a thing of the past. Exquisite hands slid down to cup buttocks, urging her lover's hips on. They both moaned harshly as clothed hips meshed together, torturing but pleasing all at once. Lil's finger came free of it's moist prison, and she traced full lips with the wetness. She leaned in and flicked her tongue over waiting lips, loving the dark moan that resulted. Tongues met moistly outside of lips as hips sped up at the erotic act. Lips brushed and lifted once, twice before they settled into a hot kiss. Hungrily they drank from each other, knowing possibly that time was short and distance could make it shorter. Small hands glided into blonde locks, deepening the embrace. They sipped and swallowed each moan and whimper. Larger hands dug into the clothed flesh of her lover's behind, egging her on. The gyrations increased as kisses became uneven, and breathing became impossible. Lil moaned loud and long, causing them to miss hearing the car pull up outside. Bodies moved frantically against each other until they heard the jiggle of the door. Lil tore her mouth away and jumped from her lover's lap like a shot, landing in the seat beside her. Caitlin blinked once then reached out for the woman. Lil slapped her hands away as the door opened. They both turned toward it with eyes wide and full of surprise as the other women strolled in. Tara raised a dark eyebrow and suppressed a smirk. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. That and the women's swollen lips were big clues that they had definitely walked in on something. Her mouth quivered with the effort not to smile. Oblivious, Gabrielle walked in behind her lover. "Hey you two. You have fun today?" Tara covered her mouth as she choked back the laugh. Caitlin flushed, and Lil shot daggers of death toward her friend with a penetrating gaze. Unable to stop herself, she removed her hand and chuckled. "Uh, I think they were about to before we came in." Blue eyes widened as they looked into a lighter set of blue. Tara ducked as a pillow flew over her head, but she didn't miss her lover's playful slap on the arm. Gabrielle 'tsked' the taller woman then went to go sit near the other couple on the couch. She touched the red faced Caitlin on the arm. "Don't mind her. The blood just returned to her brain." A fair brow shot up, and she turned to her former lover with a grin. Tara smiled back sheepishly. "Uh, Touché?" Two more pillows were hurled in her direction as she twisted her body to escape them. "Damn okay, okay I give!" She walked around the couch and sat heavily in the chair. Gabrielle smirked and winked at her sister. "Sorry bout this. Should have called first." Lil grinned back, finding her lover's hand. "It's okay we were talking, and things got carried away." Catt turned to look at the young woman indulgently. Gabrielle touched the blonde on the arm again to get her attention. "Uh, I know we didn't start off on the right foot, but is it okay if we give this another shot?" The strawberry blonde smiled, and Caitlin was charmed. That damned grin was infectious, and she found herself smiling back. "Bygones," the tall blonde replied. "Good. Now, back to my original question without the innuendo," she scowled at Tara who stuck out her tongue in reply. "Behave you." Lil answered, "Oh yeah, we had fun. You should have seen her. She loved the puppets, and she loved Catt." Three sets of eyes centered on the blonde. Tara chimed in, "Did she call you boo boo too?" Caitlin raised an elegant brow at the woman. Lil smacked her lips. "No dear, you're her only boo boo. Don't go getting jealous Big Blue." Tara smiled goofily, causing her lover to roll her eyes. Caitlin chuckled softly, "Buuut, I did hear about another nickname." Lil squeezed the hand she was holding then glared. "Ah, you've discovered Sparky's secret?" Gabrielle interjected. "Sparky?!" Tara choked out laughing. "That's your nickname? I'm loving this." Lil pursed her lips, "You're laughing, and you're the one named after a bodily function?" Caitlin hid her smile but decided to add her two cents, finally feeling comfortable around the crowd. "I, for one, think it suits you." Tara looked at the blonde through squinted eyes as Lil laughed beside her. "Uh huh, I was right when I told you that this woman was rubbing off on you." She pointed at the other brunette. Gabrielle glanced up in confusion, "When did you two find the time to talk?" "Oh yeah, I didn't get a chance to tell you. She dropped by the shop earlier today." Lil looked over at her lover in surprise, trying to hide the stab of jealousy. "Uh, I needed some advice about Jamie," the blonde said in her own defense. "Oh, okay." The wisps of jealousy obliterated. She looked over at Tara, smiling and glad there were getting along. The tall brunette grinned back, including Caitlin in her gaze. "Speaking of Jamie, where is that niece of mine?" Gabrielle asked. "She conked out before we even left the library, so I put her to bed." "Ah, oh well. Hey anybody want something warm to drink?" Smirking, she looked over at her sister and Catt. "Uh, maybe you two need something cold?" "Oh God, Gab, you need to behave. Come on I'll help you," Lil replied. They disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Catt and Tara alone. The younger woman leaned back in her chair. "So, how did it go?" Caitlin sighed. "Well, we talked. You were right by the way. I felt like an ass suggesting she come with me. The closest thing we could come up with was me coming down on the weekends, for now anyway," the older woman said sadly. "I really don't know what to do. My job has been my life for so long. I just need some time." "Ah, that weekend thing is gonna be hard. It's gonna bother you both after a while." "I know, probably." "Can I ask you a question?" Tara asked. "Sure." "Is she your life now?" "Who, Lil?" "Uh huh." The blonde paused then said softly, "Yeah, she is." "Then think about that as your commuting back and forth. Give it some time and really think about it." The blonde smiled warmly. "You know, we make better friends than lovers." "Yeah, we do don't we. I think it's because we've both changed." "Yes, could be. Thanks for the advice, again." "No sweat."
Gabrielle thumped her sister on the back lightly as they walked into the kitchen. "I'm really sorry about earlier. I didn't think-" "Hey it's okay. Ugh, just glad it didn't go any further before you walked in." "Oh my eyes would burn out!" Lil smirked at her sister. "Smart ass." "Uh, huh. You two want soda or cocoa?" "Cocoa will work, and thanks Gab." "For what?" "I really appreciate you two making friends. It means a lot ---you two mean a lot to me." Pulling her younger sibling into a quick hug, she replied, "Tch, that's what we're here for silly. Now let me get this boiling and find the cocoa." She found the container and shook it. "Damn!" "What is it?" "I'm all out. Soda it is then." "Oh, that's fine. Let's get back. I know they're in there talking about us." "Yeah, my ears are tingling."
Steve didn't remember going to sleep as he raised and pivoted to a sitting position on the couch. Her touched finger tips to his mildly throbbing temples and pushed himself up and smiled despite the pain. He had work to do. The blond man glanced at this watch. It was just past 8pm, and he was sure a florist was still open to start making arrangements to get Gabrielle back in his life. He fished out his credit card and picked up the silent phone off the floor, putting it back in its cradle. After a few seconds and finding the number in the phone book, he dialed. Making his voice as cheery as possible, he responded to the woman's soft announcement of "florist." "Hi, I was wondering if you could help me?" "Sure sir if I can." "I would like to make arrangements to deliver pink roses to my girlfriend everyday, starting in the morning." "Yes, we can do that right over the phone if you have a credit card and her address." "Yes, I do." He smiled to himself, hearing the clapping in his head. Hanging up the phone, he headed straight for the living room closet. Before long, a small pile formed on the floor, and he sighed in exasperation. He had to find his camera. "Ah, there it is. You're still so beautiful Gabrielle. I just want to look at you." He strolled into his bedroom, heading straight for the mirror. One by one he removed old pictures of some girl he just couldn't remember. "Wait till you see how much I love you." After cleaning off the mirror, he stretched and yawned as tiredness settled in. Setting the camera on the nightstand, he removed his shoes and pants, leaving his t-shirt and boxers as he crawled into the bed. 'That's right we need to get some sleep. We have a woman to go see tomorrow.'
Lil hugged Jamie close as sleep slowly claimed her with her body still humming from the kiss she shared with her fair-haired lover. Things hadn't gone exactly how she planned, but she knew Jamie and Catt would get along. That was one good thing. A word reverberated through her head. Weekends. She closed her eyes and sighed. 'Maybe I shouldn't settle and give her an ultimatum.' She shook her head inwardly, knowing that would send the skittish woman running the other way. Weekends. Two days out of the week that should would get the chance to hold, to touch, to see her. It wasn't enough. Her heart contracted with a burst of pain. It wasn't enough, but it was all they had right now. 'Maybe she'll see that we are what's important now.' She hugged her daughter again and fell asleep knowing she would have to pack tomorrow. Tara crawled into bed behind her lover, molding the smaller form into her body. "Mmm, you feel good." "So do you," Gabrielle replied. There was silence for a moment as they both got comfortable. "So," the petite woman started to say, "how do you think they're doing?" "Honestly? I don't know. Caitlin told me that her job has been her life, and I imagine that's hard to just let go and turn yourself over to someone emotionally instead." "Yeah, probably, but you know Lil's not gonna go anywhere. She's in it for the long haul." "Yeah, I gathered that." She nussled into the red blonde silk. "How are you doing? Still spooked by your ex?" Gabrielle shook her head and exhaled. "Ugh, we only went out three times. That does not a boyfriend make." "Oh so you didn't. . . " "Oh hell no, ick! Not with him. I probably would have never gotten rid of him then." "Okay Red, just wanna be sure. I don't want you scared." "No, I'm okay really. He doesn't know where I live or anything, so I don't think he could pop up here." Tara stiffened but tried to hide it. 'Was the guy that bad?' She lay there listening to the deep breathing of her lover, worry etched in almost non-existent lines of her face. It would be a long time before she joined the other woman in slumber.
Caitlin ran her hands through her hair as she stared at the plane tickets. A couple more days, and she would be gone. She stared at the news on TV, not really seeing it. She could see Lil off, but unfortunately, the favor couldn't be returned to her at the airport. The blonde swallowed. All she had to do was quit her job to be with the woman that had changed her life. That alone scared her. Lil made her feel so much. There was no way to control it. No way. Her job was the one thing she could control. Nothing but skill was involved. No feelings. No emotions. Was it worth it? Two days. That would be all they had together each week. Two days. Her heart, her body wanted to see the younger woman every day, but her head was trying vehemently to control the two. 'Which one should you listen to?' Her conscious asked, knowing either way there were emotional consequences.
The occupants were jerked awake by the ringing of the phone. Gabrielle peered at it, squinting in the dull sunlight. She then turned over and buried her head into warm, welcoming flesh. "Phone," Tara whispered sleepily. "Uh huh, so," her lover responded, causing a throaty chuckle. Tara ignored the noise too, closing her eyes and hunching down into the covers. Lil threw back the covers and glared at the still ringing phone, realizing that it hadn't been picked up in the other room. Snatching it up, she said a crisp 'hello.' "Lil, is that you honey?" The woman sat up quickly. "Oh, hey mom. How goes it?" Great sweetie. How's my grandbaby?" Lil chuckled, "Right here beside me snoring." The older woman laughed, "I wish I had the chance to talk to her Christmas." "I know Mom, and I'm sorry about that. I told you Gab had a house full, and we weren't exactly at our best. That's why I called you first thing the next day." Lil knew her mother was rolling her eyes. Honestly, when you two of you get together, and I bet Tara doesn't help. I bet the three of you just find trouble," her mother said in mock sternness. Lil chuckled again, "All I can say mom is that life is never boring around those two." Trying to change the subject, she added. "How's Dad?" "He's fine, and I realize that you're trying to change the subject." The smirk could be heard in her voice. "Nuh uh, Mom, I wouldn't dare. Do you want me to bring Jamie by when I get home?" "What do you think? Of course I do!" Laughing, her daughter replied, "Okay mom, will do." "Hey, is your sister up?" "I don't think so. I think she would have answered the phone otherwise." "Oh, okay tell her I called. I can't wait to see you two. Missed you." "Missed you too, Mom. See you late tomorrow afternoon." Lil hung up the phone and sighed. 'Ugh, home and parents. How long can I keep this secret with Catt coming to see me every weekend? Damn, this could get messy.' She said to herself. Getting up, she padded to the bathroom as thoughts of a certain blonde filtered into her mind. They had one more day together, and she knew that they had to make it count. Gabrielle groaned as the lanky form of her lover tried to untangle herself. "Nooo," she said whining. Tara chuckled, "I gotta go to work Red." The strawberry blonde tried to hold on tightly. "Nuh uh, it gets cold when you leave." A dark brow raised. "Uh, are you trying to say that you're with me because I keep you warm?" Sleepy green eyes looked up. "Uh huh, that and the thing you do with your tongue." Jade eyes opened wider as she saw the look in baby blue's. She was in trouble. "Uh. . . " "Oh, no. You're digging yourself a hole here," Tara said smirking. "Uh,. . . I love you?" The smaller woman said meekly with puppy dog eyes, hoping cuteness would win out. It didn't. Using her stronger body, Tara flipped her lover onto her back. Gabrielle looked up and swallowed. Raising both eye brows, she smiled sweetly. "Uh, I love you a lot?" Tara grinned wickedly, raised her hands dramatically, then dropped them, as fingers began to run over sensitive sides. The tiny woman squealed as she tried to buck the taller woman off her. She gasped and giggled uncontrollably. "Hey. . .no. . . . fair!" Small muscular legs kicked in the air as laughter shook her small frame. Tara laughed along, loving the sight of her lover at play. "Oooo I give. I give!" "Nuh uh, not till you say that I have many skills!" The petite woman laughed at the exasperated look on her lover's face. Tara growled and pounced again. "Come on, not gonna stop till you say it." "Aargh, you have many skills!" Tara smiled as she took her hands away. She leaned in for a quick kiss. Gabrielle continued to giggle as she caught her breath. The brunette jumped up heading toward the closet. The smaller woman sat up watching the lanky form of her lover. Her eyes glinted with mischief. She called out, "I still think the one with your tongue is the best---oof!" She dived to the other side of the bed as a balled up t-shirt sailed by her head. Tara called back, "Smart ass!" The still laughing woman looked up at the knock on the door. "Hey, you two decent in there?" Gabrielle replied to her sister, "Nope, T's naked come see!" Lil opened the door and looked around the room, finally seeing the t-shirted and boxer clad brunette near the closet. She wagged her finger at her sister. "It isn't nice to lie. I'm telling mom." Gabrielle shrunk back in mock horror. "Nooo!" Lil glanced over at Tara who shrugged. "She's in smart ass mode this morning." The woman in question answered, "Uh huh, don't you just love it?" Lil rolled her eyes at Tara then glanced back at her sister. "When you come down from whatever you've obviously been smoking, can you keep Jamie? I'm gonna go spend the day and uh," she coughed, " night with Catt." Gabrielle beamed, "Ooooo, you want to borrow Larry? He hasn't been used." The brunette's face colored a bright red, causing her sister to cackle happily. Tara walked over sitting on the edge of the bed. "Behave you." She threw up her hands and smiled. "Oh, I've always wanted to say that to you." Gabrielle scowled at her lover who just grinned back. "Anyway, I don't have any plans. Sure, I'd be happy to. Say when is Catt leaving?" "The day after tomorrow." "Ugh, sure you can't stay just one more day? Don't you want to see her off at the airport? When do your classes start anyway?" "Not till next week, but I need to go to late registration." "Aww, come on. I know you can probably do that over the phone. Stay with us one more day. Come on." Lil stared at her sister then at Tara who looked at her hopefully. "Well--- I guess I could. One day wouldn't hurt. Oh, I almost forgot. Mom called. She says hi to you both and wishes for us to stay out of trouble." Gabrielle moaned, "Oh how sweet. She doesn't know T well enough. That girl is a magnet. We can't go out without something happening." "Hey! You help." The little woman made a kissing noise at her lover. "It's okay baby. I still love you. Now, get up and out. You're going to be late." "Okay, okay," she headed toward the shower.
Steve sat patiently in the rental car with binoculars hanging around his neck. He calmly attached the zoom lens to his camera and checked the film. 'You get to see the joy on her face when she learns how much she means to us. Trust me,' the disembodied voice whispered. Her grinned and moved the gold locks from his boyish face. His brows drew together, seeing the two cars in his Gabrielle's driveway. 'Too many friends,' he thought. 'All she needs is me. She won't need them anymore.' He whistled as he reclined the seat to get more comfortable. Looking at his watch, he sighed. 'Not long now.' The blonde haired man jumped up when a tall, dark woman came out the door, heading for the car parked in front. He briskly appraised her tall, lanky form and dismissed her as no one of consequence.
Gabrielle sipped her juice and peered at her sister over the rim. "What?" Sitting the cup down, she answered, "I meant to ask how are things between you and Catt?" Lil hung her head a little but just enough for her astute sister to notice. Let's just say it didn't go how I wanted. We're gonna do the weekend thing. It will have to be enough for now." The older woman covered her sister's hand. "Hey, it's better than nothing, and it may be all she can give right now. Hang in there. You'll both be where you want to be given some time." "God, I hope you're right. I need her so much." "I know. Boy, do I know." Lil gave her sister a small smile. "I'm glad you talked me into staying an extra day. I would love to see her off at the airport." "Uh huh, I know." "Mmm, well Ms. Know it all. What else do you know?" "Oh, a little of this and a little of that. You know me." "Yeah, I do." They both looked up in acknowledgement of the ringing doorbell. Gabrielle frowned slightly. "I wonder who that is this early?" She smirked. "Probably your little kitty." "Nuh uh, I doubt it." "Well, let me get the door. Be right back." The petite woman pulled the door open and frowned outright at the delivery boy standing on her doorstep. "Uh, can I help you?" "Yeah, Gabrielle Howard?" br>"Yeah," she said confused. "These are for you." Gabrielle stared down at the pink roses not noticing the teenager waiting for a tip. He hummed impatiently and walked back toward his van when nothing was forthcoming. The strawberry blonde smiled slowly, knowing the roses were from Tara. She took out the card to read. The bouquet fell from her shaking fingers as she grasped the small piece of paper. Scanning it again, she looked around frantically, panic showing in her features. He knew. He had found her, and with just a sentence, he had wiggled his way back into her life. I knew it then and I know now. We belong together. I won't let you go. ----Steve She tore the card into small pieces, letting them scatter in the cold wind and looked down at the flowers in disgust. Picking them up, she heard Lil approaching. "Hey, who was it?" Gabrielle cleared her throat, hoping her voice wasn't shaking like her insides. "Uh, delivery guy with flowers. He got the wrong address." Lil glanced at her sister, sensing something was wrong almost instantly by the way she was avoiding eye contact. "Uh, okay. You sure?" "Dammit! Isn't that what I said?!" 'Okay something is definitely wrong, but I don't know what. Strange.' "Calm down. It was just a question." The older sister rubbed the bridge of her nose and blew an exasperated breath into the air. "Look, sorry. Why don't you give those to Catt? I'm sure she'll love them. I'm going for a shower." Shoving the flowers in her sister's hand, she walked away without another word. Blinking rapidly, Lil stared at her back. "Wonder what put her in such a shitty mood?" Closing the still open door, Lil headed back to her room.
Steve almost jumped with glee as his lens clicked, catching the beatific smile on Gabrielle's face. 'See told you she would like them.' He watched on as the flowers fell to the pavement along with the torn up card. Anger quick and seething boiled through his blood. How dare she reject his gift! He continued to observe as she gave the roses to the other woman. He hit the steering wheel with a fisted hand, not feeling the pain. 'Calm down. The floral shop made a mistake with the card. They must have. There is no way she would reject us. No way!' The man rubbed his temples at the dull ache. He bit down on his lip drawing blood, trying to detract from the pain. 'Yes, yes, that must be it.' He picked up his cell phone to call the florist, promising himself that he would make sure the woman that took his information was fired for making the mistake.
Gabrielle stood under the shower head, steeling herself against the ice cold blast in an attempt to ease the panic and fear from her veins. It worked for the most part. Able to think again, her mind intervened. 'It was just flowers, but he does know where I live. Still, given enough time, he'll figure out that I'm not interested. He has to. This is my problem. My past. I can't worry T with it. This will pass. I just have to wait it out.' She shivered as she turned the knobs, stopping the flow of ice. Feeling that her head was clear, she exited the stall to get dressed and apologize to Lil, telling her something. Anything. Lil opened the door to her bedroom and smiled affectionately at her daughter tangled up and playing in the covers. "Hey you!" The little girl squealed at the sight of her mother, making the woman laugh. "You ready for bath time? How'd you like to take a bath with mommy?" Jamie squealed some more as if she understood. "Good girl, let me call your new friend first to wish her a good morning." Lil sat on the bed near her daughter, who immediately stared using her back as a ladder. Picking up the phone, she looked over her shoulder and grinned into the eyes so much like her own as she dialed a familiar number by heart. After three rings, the phone was answered. "Hello?" Catt said groggily. Lil beamed welcoming the warmth that spread through her at the sound of that voice. "Mmm, you sound sexy in the morning." There was a light chuckle, "And you sound sexy all day long. Wish you stayed with me last night, seeing as though you're leaving pretty soon." Lil smirked into the receiver. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm all yours, and I'm even gonna see you off at the airport." The blonde shot up out of her bed surprised. "Oh, really." Her voice deepened becoming huskier. "When can you come over?" The younger woman bit her lip at the rush of arousal that flooded her body. "Uh, as soon as I get Jamie situated. Gab is going to keep her for me." Feeling disappointment simmer through her, Catt replied, "Oh, she's not coming?" "No, did you want her to? I thought we could spend the day alone together go to lunch and dinner later, but she'll be there to give you a kiss at the airport." "Oh, okay that'll work." Jamie chose that moment to be heard. "Ma brrrr!" Lil giggled, making Catt grin. "I suppose that's her now vying for attention?" "Oh yeah, she's crawling all over me!" "Brrrrrr!" The little girl said in response to being talked about." "You want to talk to her? I bet she'll recognize your voice." "Uh, sure put her on." Lil picked up her squiggly child, placing her on her lap. She put the phone to the small ear and rolled her eyes when the toddler tried to lick the phone. Caitlin waited until she heard someone breathing to speak. "Hey J. How are you sweetie?" The girl turned her head to look at the phone as if wondering where the voice was coming from. Catt repeated herself. The child's eyes widened, recognizing the voice. "Agoo!" The blonde laughed. She could get hooked on this kid. She really could. Lil took the now wet phone back, laughing herself. "See, told you. She's mommy's smart girl." "Aww, you two make quiet a pair." Lil bit her lip again and smiled. "No, it's the three of us now." There was a brief silence. "Yes, it is," the blonde executive replied with a voice full of emotion. "Hey one more thing before I go give the little terror a bath." "Sure, what's up?" She said after clearing her throat. "I love you." The lump returned, taking the older woman's breath away. "God," she whispered softly, away from the phone. Bringing it back to her ear, she said louder, "Love you too. I'll see you later." "Okay, bye." Lil stared at the flat toned phone goofily. She loved throwing this woman off guard, knowing she was the only one who could. With a quirky smile on her lips, Caitlin shook her head as she hung up the phone. 'She does that on purpose.'
Tara moved her lover's car from the garage to the street in front of her shop just in case she actually got some work today. She sighed as she walked back into the quiet garage, heading to the office. She had a feeling that it was going to be another slow day, having already called her employees to tell them not to bother coming in. Just then and there, she decided to do a little cleaning up and knock off early to go be with two of her favorite women, Red and Jamie. The tall woman smiled to herself. She loved watching the two of them together, knowing that her lover would make an excellent mother. She shook raven locks, accepting that this was something that had been shooting across her mind for awhile. Nothing would be more perfect than for them to complete their family with a child. Hands filtered through hair to get the back of her neck, scratching. She blew out a puff of air. It was scary, as hell, and represented a lot of responsibility. Would she be able to maintain the shop everyday and raise a baby? There was no way she was going to put the bulk of responsibility on her lover, just because she was home a lot. She had a dream, a career, she loved also. The thing was to decide which was more important to them both, and if they had room in their lives right now. Her thoughts strayed to Jamie, knowing that she was the reason for this reverie. 'Look at Lil virtually doing it all by herself, and she's raising a great kid.' Tara leaned back in her chair and propped her feet up as she watched people walk by. It was all too much to think about without some advice from someone unbiased. Leaning forward, she picked up the phone and dialed her brother's number. After a couple of rings, he answered. "Hellooo?" "Hey Jakie, what's happening?" "Oh, nothing sis, just laying around the house relaxing before the show tonight. What's up with you?" "Bored as hell. It's been slow for the past few days, and it's giving me a lot of time to think let me tell you." One of her brother's dark brows raised. 'Uh oh, something is up.' "Hey, you okay? You and Red aren't fighting are you? You two seemed fine when we moved you in." "Whoa, no, no, everything's fine there. It's just that Lil is leaving in a couple of days and---" "Ah, and so is Jamie?" "Uh, damn you're quick. How did you know?" "I've seen you around her. I can see you love that kid." Tara smiled into the phone and her voice softened, "Yeah, I do. I haven't been around children in a long time. I miss it." Jake's other eyebrow shot up. "T? What's going on here?" He said worriedly. There was a few seconds of silence. "Uh, well, I've been thinking maybe somewhere down the line of having children of my own. I mean I'm not getting any younger, and Red has been hinting at it," she said nervously with a slightly shaking voice. "I think she is the one I want to start a family with," Tara said quickly. She swallowed and waited. Where he had been standing before, Jake plopped down on the couch. "Whoa, me an Uncle Jake? I wonder. Have you really talked to Red about this?" "Well, not really anything concrete, but the issue has come up. Don't get me wrong. I don't mean right away. We just discovered each other, so I'm talking possibly a year down the road." "Hmm, you know what sis? I say think about it some more and talk it over with Red. Then go for it. I'm behind you." "You think? The only thing is that I wanna be there for my child everyday. I won't do her like mom did us. She comes first not after my job not anything." "Yeah, it's a good thing I had you growing up. I don't know what I would have done otherwise. You really have been thinking about this." "Oh yeah, I don't want my kid to grow up like we did you know? I was worried before with everything going on in the world. Why bring a kid in it, but after watching Lil with Jamie, I'm convinced with the right home and love it could turn out alright." "Mmm, you know what I say to that sis? Go talk to that woman of yours." Tara smirked, "Yeah, I was thinking about closing up early anyway. Thanks Jake." "No problem sis. You listen to my problems and support me on whatever. It's the least I can do." Tara grinned into the receiver. "Yeah, speaking of which, how are things going?" "Oh, what can I say? I'm hot again. With the new year comes a whole bunch of curious people, so I'm booked up. So far so good." "Uh, huh, should have known you would start packing them in again sooner or later. You know if you still want to go back to school---" "I know that you'll help me out. It's still heavy on my mind. I haven't forgotten about it." "Good for you." "Yep, thanks for supporting me. Oh yeah, and thanks for introducing me into your little clique. Shannon and Wayne are something else. We've been hanging out a lot, and they come to most of my shows." Tara laughed, "I knew those nuts would like you. I'm glad you guys are becoming friends." "It's nice to have the right friends for once, not backstabbing gossips." "Yeah, tell me about it." Tara looked up at the jingle of the doors as a potential customer walked through. "Hey Jakie, I'm gonna have to let you go. Looks like I may have a customer." "Okay, T listen, call me and let me know what happens." "Okay I will." Hanging up the phone, she gave the man a small smile. "Can I help you sir?" The sandy haired man turned to the woman. "Na, just looking. Always wanted to see a Harley up close and personal. You got some I can look at?" Tara rolled her eyes heavenward. 'Great a non-potential customer.' "Sure." After a long boring hour, the man finally left. The brunette sighed in relief. She drove her lover's car back in the garage, locked up, and put the closed sign on the door. Home is where she needed to be.
Gabrielle took a deep breath to steady herself then walked out of the bedroom, heading for the living room. She could hear the sounds of play between the little girl and her mother. The older woman had already though of an excuse for her behavior that even sounded lame to her ears. It was simple. She was upset that the flowers weren't from Tara. Yep, lame it was. Gabrielle made it into the living room and smiled down at her animated niece, who was clapping along with the song on TV. "Hey punkin. You ready to spend the day with Auntie Gabby?" "Agoo?" "Uh huh we're going to have some fun together. " Lil looked on at the exchange, smiling. Gabrielle glanced up at her sister with what she hoped was a sheepish expression. "Listen Lil, I didn't mean to take my mood out on you earlier. It's just that I was a little disappointed that the flowers weren't from T." Lil's eyes raked over her sister's expression. It was a likely story that didn't really make sense, but it was obvious that she wasn't going to tell what was going on. Biting her lip, Lil nodded and smiled tremulously. "Okay Gab, if you say so." "Thanks, I appreciate this." Trying desperately to change the subject, the older woman examined her sister's appearance. She took in the black slacks, beige sweater, and her countenance that seemed to glow. The look was understated and casual, and it fit her perfectly. "Oooo, you look nice. All made up. Love the new lipstick. It looks good on you." "You think so? I thought I would do some experimenting with the color." 'Nice move Gab, changing the subject.' "Well, trust me you look good. So, what do you guys have planned?" "Oh, I 'm gonna go pick her up, and we're gonna have lunch at the same restaurant as our first date." "Oh, fancy. How romantic." "Mmm hmm, then we're gonna go to a matinee. Anna and the King is still playing, and I've been dying to see it. Then back to her hotel for some chit chat and dinner later. After that, who knows." Lil wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Ah, sounds like a full day. Lucky you, and I bet it's going to be a full night." She raised a russet eyebrow and smirked. "Sure you don't want Larry?" Lil smiled wickedly, "I'll call and let you know if I need to come pick him up." Her older sister's mouth snapped shut as she glared. "God, I just some weird pics in my head." She shook her head. "Eww, I don't want pics of you like that rattling around in my brain." She shook it harder. The brunette lightly slapped her sister on the shoulder as the both laughed. Jamie looked up at the two women and began giggling too, making them laugh harder. After a minute or so, Lil's mirth tapered. "Okay sis, I'm gonna get out of here." She wrote down a number on a nearby piece of paper. "Here is the number to the hotel just in case something happens." "Okay, okay get out of here will you. We'll be fine. See you tomorrow." The brunette bent to kiss her daughter and wave bye. In return, Jamie raised a chubby hand and wave it into the air, slowly, trying to mimic her mother. Lil grinned, "That's my smart girl." Slinging a small bag over her shoulder, she blew a kiss and was out the door. The flowers were forgotten.
Steve sighed and watched as another woman left the house. 'I wonder if she's alone now or if she'll come outside soon?' He studied the other brunette with the same dismissive eyes. His jaw worked with mounting impatience as he scanned the outside of the house for further activity. The blond man's heart fluttered when he saw a curtain move to the side. He snapped up the binoculars quickly hoping to get a peek. He wasn't disappointed. His breathing hitched as his heart thudded pleasurably against his ribcage. Red gold hair gleamed in the mid-afternoon sun, taking his breath away. He saw painted lips form into a smile and felt lightheaded, knowing she was smiling at him. Only for him. Just as suddenly as she appeared, she retreated. 'So beautiful. All for us.' Steve made a contented murmur in agreement with the voice. 'We have to see more. Go to her.' "Yes, yes," he said aloud. Grabbing his camera, he got out of the car and ran across the quiet street. The man scanned the perimeter for nosey neighbors. Then, ducking low, he ran briskly to the side of the house and breathed a sigh of relief to see the curtains pulled back, giving him a clear look inside.
Gabrielle returned to the living room after disposing of the roses in a garbage bag. Sitting on the couch, she giggled and clapped along with the little girl bouncing in her lap. She loved spending time alone with Jamie, especially now that they were leaving soon. Calling before breakfast, their mother had a fit when Lil told her that they were staying an extra day. She hadn't let her oldest daughter get a word in inch wise when she told her that she convinced her younger sister to stay. She shook off those thoughts. Looking at the child did remind her of Lil, but the dark hair and blue eyes made her think of another brunette also. 'This is what her child would look like if she decides to have children,' she said to herself. 'She would make a great mother. We would make even greater parents. God, we need to talk about this T.' Thinking of her lover brought up feelings of guilt. She had promised not to lie again, but this wasn't a lie really. 'It was just a way of protecting her from one particularly nasty chapter in my life. She knows about it, but there is no reason for her to get involved in something that's not even relevant.' The strawberry blonde refused to admit to herself that simply having someone to talk to about this would go a long way in alleviating her growing fear. She leaned her head against the back of the couch and scrunched her brow. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled, causing chills to curl down her spine. It was like someone was watching. She glanced up toward the uncovered window as a precaution. Seeing nothing, her wariness persisted. Keeping her eye on the window, she turned the TV down and tried to quiet Jamie, in hopes she could hear if someone was out there.
Steve tried to control his breathing as it came deep and heavy. He didn't want her to see so soon. He looked down at his camera and checked the film again. She was so beautiful. Her had to get a few more shots. She seemed so natural with that baby, who he could only assume belonged to one of the dark haired women. 'That could be our baby. Our family.' He closed his eyes envisioning a pregnant Gabrielle, round, soft, and vulnerable. Another picture came. It was one of Gabrielle holding a tiny blonde capped head to her breasts in an attempt to nurse his son. Her cut off a whimper as arousal shot through his blood, making him hard and thick. Opening his eyes, he tried to shake off the mental picture and regain control. The man scooched over to get a better positioning, wincing a little at the pain of his arousal. Raising himself to his knees, he peered just over the window sill. Positioning his camera, he snapped freely, shuddering constantly as his engorged penis refused to deflate. 'She will be ours soon, and she'll welcome us in every way.' His mouth opened in a silent moan as he continued to snap picture after picture.
Gabrielle cocked her head to the side, thinking she heard a tiny click. She waited for the noise again, but it didn't come. Scolding herself mentally, the writer tried to rid herself of the paranoia. 'He's not here. He's not here,' she told herself over and over again. Looking down at the playful toddler, she tried to shake off the eerie feeling by rejoining the play. After a few minutes, her even temper returned, but no enough for her not to jump at the sound of a car outside. Getting up and placing Jamie on her hip, she went to look out the front window. A slow smile spread its way across her face upon seeing the form of her lover unfold herself from the driver's seat of her car. "Look Jamie, boo boo's coming." The little girl squealed and smiled, showing pink gums and two small teeth. Opening the door, Gabrielle grinned at the dark woman. "What are you doing home?" Tara bent to give a quick kiss to her lover before responding. "Oh, I don't know. I got bored so I decided to come home and play?" She smiled toothily as she ruffled Jamie's hair "Why by all means, come in and play!" "Why yes ma'am!" "Boo boo!" Jamie almost screamed in delight. Tara took the little girl from her lover's arms and swung her around as she entered further into the house. The two of them ended up in front of the TV, their favorite place together. Gabrielle sat on the couch behind them watching, loving, smiling as Tara clapped and sung along with the Sesame Street theme.
Heat and pain shot through Steve's head and the anger sifted through his veins. His erection was forgotten. She had kissed her. The voice screamed in his head, feeling the betrayal. His hands sunk and dug through the soft, cold earth. Was it their baby? He had seen it on TV. The perversion of it. Sick and unnatural. Leaving him had confused her. she seduced her at her weakest moment. Bile rose from his belly to his throat, filling his mouth with sour acid. Where he was smiling before, he could feel the hard set of his chin as his teeth ground against each other. The grinding added to the throbbing pain in his head, making dull spots appear before his eyes. He growled inwardly. The sound slowly forced its way outward turning into a viscous animal snarl of pain, of betrayal. Hands dug and dug into the soft earth, overturning worms and weeds. The sound in his head was deep, throaty, and evil. 'Take her. Make her ours in every way. We must do what we need to do. She belongs to us. We must think.' A quiet calm settled over him. He knew what he had to do now. Extracting his hands from the soil, he gathered his belongings. Crawling to the edge of the house past the window, he straightened and walked slowly to his car.
Caitlin opened the door to the restaurant, letting Lil pass first. The cool blonde was as chivalrous and courteous as the next person, but as she stood back and watched the woman proceed her, she admitted to herself a selfish reason for doing it all. She simply liked watching the young woman glide across the room. It was everything. It was the soft foot falls that belayed an economy of motion as well as infinite patience. It was the gentle sway of curvy hips that arced through the air from one side to the other, creating a seductive dance. It was the swing of round, muscular yet delicate shoulders that signified confidence and presence of mind. It was the bounce of chestnut curls that released a rich, sweet scent she had yet to identify at each step and turn. It was all this individually, in combination, and more that made Caitlin crave this woman, need this woman, give into this woman. The blonde licked ruby lips, hoping to retrieve the taste of the brunette still on them. She closed her eyes, remembering kisses of welcome that had turned to fire as their lips met, having already been hungry in self-imposed absence. She still tasted the whimper as tongues danced and lips devoured. As well as, feel smaller hands than her own tracing over her sensitive scalp. Abruptly, she was yanked from her reverie. Gray eyes looked around for the disruption then smiled when she saw it. "You coming or are you gonna stare all day?" Lil asked with dark brows raised over violet eyes. Stormy orbs gleamed wickedly as a slow smile formed. "I can do both," she replied as they walked further into the restaurant, removing their coats. Strings had been pulled, so the couple received their usual table. After being seated, Lil busied herself, trying to ignore the intensity in the gray gaze. The depth in them made her feel naked, exposed, and wanting. Finally, she looked up into the storm, swirling with emotion. Catt gave her lover a small smile at her acknowledgement of her and began to speak. "I'm feeling. . . . rather intense today. I don't mean to rattle you." Blue met gray as Lil took the larger hand in her own. "It's not that completely. What I mean is that I didn't want to get lost in them. Do you understand?" Catt shook her head. The younger woman sighed, "Uh, when you look at me like that. I can't control the way I act. I cant control anything not even my body. It throws me off when we're in public. I'm not sure I want people to see what you do to me." The older woman was silent for a moment. Eyes looked downward onto the table. Looking up again, she spied the waiter coming towards them. As he reached the table, she replied to her lover's comment. "Let them see. Let them be jealous. I won't hide you, and I feel too much for you to keep it inside. . ." The waiter tried to turn a deaf ear the conversation but failed. Her looked from one woman to the other, feeling like an intruder. He turned to leave but heard a velvet voice command him. "No, stay. Give us just a moment." He glanced at the women confused. Neither one had looked his way, so he was unsure of where the command came. Staying in his spot, he continued to observe. The blonde's other hand covered their already entwined ones, and their gaze never broke. Her could feel the electricity surrounding the women. It teased him; caressed him; and almost aroused him. He could see it now, the blonde was about to speak, and he listened to see if the voice was familiar. Caitlin traced her lover's wrist with the pad of her thumb, cherishing the pedal soft skin. If it was possible, Lil watched gray eyes become more luminous. They beckoned her. Biting her lip, she waited for the sentence started so long ago to be finished. Finally, it was. "I love you, and you know what that means coming from me." "Unable to speak, deep blue flashed in acknowledgement. It was enough for her. Caitlin turned toward the waiter, who looked remarkably flustered. He peered down at her. "Uh, w-would you like to know the s-specials ma'am?" Catt glanced quickly at Lil, noticing the woman's attempt to hide a smile. She followed suite, thinking the young man would bust a gasket if she did smile. With the arch of an eyebrow, the older woman asked, "May I?" "Sure." "I think we'll be ordering light. How about grill chicken ceaser salad with the dressing on the side, lightly toasted Tucsan bread, Cobb salad with dressing on it, and a bottle of white zin." "I-Is that all ma'am?" The blonde smiled at her lover. "Was that correct?" Lil grinned back, "To the T." "Then yes, that will be all." The waiter nodded. "Thank you ma'am," and walked away. "You really shouldn't unnerve the help Caitlin." Lil said, amusement shining in her eyes. "Just trying to make a point. I think he'll be alright with an extra tip." The older woman paused to spread the napkin over her lap. "Well, here we are where we started." "Yes, it is." "Do you want to know something?" "Everything." Catt smiled sexily. "I knew then, the first time here that you were going to cause a change in me." Lil ducked her head, unsuccessfully hiding the blush. She cleared her throat and replied, "Tara and Gab told me so many things about you, but I just couldn't believe it. I felt so much then that I could only see and hear you." "I know the feeling, believe me. I had never had anyone react that way to me before. So honest. You didn't even try to hide it. It took my breath away. It still does." Lil studied the other woman in silence, watching as she brought the water glass to her lips. "Catt? Can I ask you something?" "Yes, go ahead." "When did you know. . . I mean uh how you felt about me?" Gray eyes flashed back at her over the water glass. She sat the glass down with a muffled thud. "That day in my hotel room when we almost made love I suspected, but it was when you held me while I slept that I knew. I think it's why I couldn't keep my hands off you at the club." Lil blushed again, reliving the sights, sounds, and smells of the only time they made love. "God, it was so intense. I felt like I was being torn apart and re-made." Caitlin nodded with eyes that darkened with lusty memory. "I don't think you're far from the truth. We we're both re-made that day. Re-made to fit and belong to each other." Lil squeezed the hand under hers in agreement and understanding then removed it as the waiter returned with their meals. He wanted to blow out the breath he had been holding when he noticed they weren't talking, but sweat broke out on his upper lip regardless as the energy around them seemed to double. Positioning their plates and pouring the wine, he left the table with a new understanding. The intensity of love between women was an entity by itself. The lunch was full of secret smiles, touches under the table and laughter as Lil related some of the antics of her daughter to her lover. They talked about themselves and argued differing views in art, music, and literature. Hour after hour had passed before Lil excused herself and headed for the bathroom. Caitlin waited a few short moments and followed. Lil washed her hands and stared into the mirror, making sure her lipstick was still decent. Deciding it wasn't, she pulled out the tube and applied some more. Her mind wondered to Jamie, causing a smile to form, and she wondered if she should call to check up on her. Caught in her own reverie, she barely heard the door swing open. Looking up surprised, her face glowed with a smile, realizing who it was. "Do you want me to wait for you or…?" Caitlin shook her head no and moved slowly forward. Still not catching on, Lil continued to apply her lipstick until the form of the tall blonde stopped behind her. The brunette glanced in the mirror to get a look at the other woman's face. Her hand immediately stopped it's task when she realized gray was focused totally on her lips. She pressed her lips together and reached for some paper with a suddenly shaky hand to dabble. The eyes never left her. Her insides began to sweat with the effort to stay aloof. Although, she didn't know why she was putting forth the effort in the first place. Perhaps, she just enjoyed the game of cat and mouse. Her heart slammed against her chest, making her breathing slightly jittery. Her own eyes went to the red lips of the other woman in reaction, and she almost moaned out loud seeing them wet and slightly parted. The syrupy tendrils of arousal moved slowly up her spine, giving her gooseflesh. She licked her lips self-consciously and watched the gray track the movement of her tongue. The woman was so close she could feel the increasing body heat and the imprint of breasts on her back. It was slowly but surely becoming overwhelming. Trying to break the spell, she spoke. "Um, okay I'm done. We can----" She initiated the motion to walk away. Long arms wrapped around her waist from behind, imprisoning her against the woman's body. Lil whimpered as the damn of arousal broke and flowed through her body like warm slush. Caitlin cherished the whimper and smiled in triumph. She DID so love this game of cat and mouse. Watching her fight it tokenly and then give in whole-heartedly. It was intoxicating as well as arousing. She could feel her blood heating to a slow boil, moving from the simmer it had been in all day. She had watched her, wanting to touch her; wanting to hold her; and wanting to hear her. She knew this wasn't the most appropriate place but to hell with it. To hell with it all. She had to taste. She had to touch. The air in the bathroom became heavy and dark with sexual tension, and the start of uneven breathing. Molding her body perfectly to the one in front of her, Catt leaned in and purred throatily like a jungle cat in the obliging ear. She felt the shiver and heard the breathing catch and increase in the chest of her lover. The blonde woman went on, licking the ridges of said ear and breathing hotly to cool the moist trail. She kissed it and then whispered huskily, "Do you have any idea what you do to me? Watching you makes me ache." Each syllable and the meaning behind each word, shot to Lil's groin, making it swell and moisten. A little sound of need exited her throat, and hands that were positioned on the counter top before, now moved to cover the larger hands around her waist. Her breathing became slow and ragged. She licked her lips and tried to speak. "We can't do this here. Someone will see." A sexy growl was the only reply. Lil whimpered at the sound then cried out at another flick of the tongue. "Oh God, please." "Please what? This?" One elegant hand disengaged itself from around the brunette's waist only to cup her hidden mound in the palm of it. "God!" Lil cried out in earnest, trying to control hips that immediately began to grind against the stimulation with a mind of their own. Caitlin welcomed the rush of arousal that pooled thick between her legs, leaving her swollen, throbbing, and making her own breathing hitch and accelerate. "Tell me you don't want this. Tell me you don't need this," she said breathlessly. One strangled word was her answer. "Please!" It was enough to take as an admission. With one hand firmly in place in her crotch but using the other, Catt turned the younger woman around to face her. Smaller hands grabbed hold on shoulders to steady herself, while the free larger hand roved up and down her back. Both heavy lidded and glassy with need, blue stared into gray. With only a microsecond of hesitation, lips crushed against each other, releasing twin moans of gratification. Tongues plundered and fought then moved in synchronicity. The buried hand flexed and caressed causing the younger woman's hips to jerk and renew their wild movement. Lil groaned raggedly and gave up trying to steady her shaky legs. So caught up in each other, they didn't hear the loud laughter as two women entered the bathroom. There was a loud gasp and an 'oh my God.' Not deterred, Catt slowly ended the kiss and flexed her hand once more for propriety's sake. Lil shivered and whimpered hotly into her lover's neck. She was beyond embarrassment only knee deep in want, in need. Looking up into gray again, she traced a cheek to swollen lips that smiled back at her. "Let's go," the brunette whispered. Caitlin nodded. With their arms wrapped around each other for support, they made their way out the bathroom door. Lil grinned wickedly at the gaped mouth women. "Excuse us," she said, making their mouths hang open even more. Kissing an ear, Caitlin remarked, "You my dear are the naughty one." Her voice lowered acknowledging the arousal she knew still flowed between them. "Come with me to my room. We need to finish this." Lil smiled slowly, sexily. "Yes. Now." Throwing some bills on the table and grabbing their coats, they were out the door, thanking the Gods that Caitlin had moved to a nearby hotel in town.
Tara closed the door quietly and made her way back to the living room. "She's down for the count." "Well, I think the both of us pretty much wore her out," Gabrielle replied. Tara sat her lanky form on the floor and eased her back to the couch. Looking over her shoulder, she gestured with her head. "C'mere Red." Spreading her legs, she made room for the petite woman. Gabrielle scooted and shifted to make herself comfortable. After she stopped moving, she felt long arms envelope her. She sighed contentedly and leaned back into the offered shoulder. "I wish we could do this more often. I love it when you come home early, and I enjoy spending the day with you just as much as the night." Tara settled her chin on top of the red-gold head and squeezed the woman in her arms slightly. "I wish I could too, Red. Who knows, with it being slow like this, I may be coming home early a lot." The strawberry blonde frowned in concern. "Is it that bad? Aren't you going to start hurting financially after a while?" "Maybe, but we go through this lull every year. It picks up eventually though. So, I'm not too worried. It's winter right now, but at the start of Spring things will pick up." "Jesus, T. That's months away." "I know baby, but I actually meant during February." "Oh, okay, but I still can't help but worry about you." "I know baby." There was a few minutes of semi-silence filled only with quiet murmurs and sighs. Tara pursed her lips. 'I should bring up the subject now. It's the perfect time. No distractions.' "Hey Red? Can I ask you something?" "You know you can ask me anything." "I've had time to do a lot of thinking lately. With Jamie here, I've been wondering. How do you feel about having kids? I mean really having them?" Gabrielle's heart leapt then thudded quickly. She turned around and tried to look into sky blue. Unsuccessful, she changed her position, and ended up straddling the other woman. Now facing her lover, blue eyes looked down nervously. "T, look at me." She tilted her head upward with a finger under the chin, and blue eyes stared back warily. "Are you trying to tell me that you're ready?" The dark head nodded silently with eyes full of hope. Gabrielle laughed softly. "You know this is kinda funny because I've been thinking about that too." Soft moss green eyes stared back at her. "Oh my God, you're kidding?" "Nuh uh. I guess with Jamie here for such a long time. It stirred up some feelings." She blew out a breath, disturbing her bangs. "What I'm trying to say is. . . that I would love to have a baby with you." Tara wanted to dance a jig, but she settled for a cheek splitting toothy smile instead. Gabrielle traced the beautiful features with small, gentle hands. "I would love to have a child if she's as beautiful as you inside and out." Hands followed the path of the impending blush. The brunette shook her head. "No, you are the beautiful one. So beautiful. Here," she touched her heart, "you helped to make me into the person I am now, and I love you so much for it." Gabrielle bit her lip against the grin she could feel forming. "I only did what you let me. You let me into your heart, and you've shown me so much. I had no idea my life was so empty." Gazes held and lips descended, whispering across each other as if r |
