Dashing Thru The Snow

by Mavis Applewater

yomavis@email.com

Disclaimers: This is for the Bards Village "The Snowed In Challenge ". Thank You For letting my play with you. Okay you know the drill. These characters are mine and mine alone. Even though they bare a striking resemblance to the leads of a certain television show that is owned by Renaissance Pictures/Universal MCA Etc. No infringement is intended and no profit is being made from this.

SEX/VIOLENCE & ROADTRIPS: Yes, No, and Yes. If you are underage or this is illegal where you live get out now. If you are offended by the thought of a loving and sexual relationship between two women go back to whatever cave you live in and leave me alone. Also be forewarned that the characters will use less than lady like language.

Thank You to my beta reader Heather Stewart. (No not the same Heather in the dedication)

As Always For Heather

PART ONE

This day had gone from bad to worse. It was unbelievable that everything and I do mean everything could fall apart so quickly. I have always hated Mondays and today proved to be the worse one in my entire life. Let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Jessica Blake. Everyone calls me Jess or JB for short I'm a camerawoman for WAXY TV. That's right I work for "WAXY tv"! Who comes up with these names?

Today was a complete disaster from the get-go. First, my coffee maker died. Now, in my humble opinion caffeine does a body good! I looked around my apartment for the other coffee maker the good one with the built in grinder. Of course Kathy took that along with everything else she could get her hands on when she walked out on me last month. Kathy...what a piece of work! She dumped me for a lawyer. I always knew she had a thing about money, but I never realized just how materialistic she could be. And to top it off not only did she dump my sorry ass, but she blamed me...like I was the one screwing Miss. Legal Eagle behind her back.

Okay now back to this morning. I was very unhappy at the prospect of starting my morning off without any coffee. I bit the bullet and showered and dressed for work. I stepped outside to find a winter wonderland. A blanket of snow had covered everything and more was coming. So much for our esteemed weatherman's prediction for a sunny day. Normally, I would enjoy the sight of the fresh snow creating a beautiful scene. Not today! Today I was running late, with no coffee and now I had to dig my Jeep out of the snow.

By the time I had uncovered my Jeep I was soaking wet. I raced back into my empty apartment. "You would think she would have left the furniture! Since I paid for it!" I changed my clothes and went back downstairs stepping in a slushy puddle on the way out the door. So after returning to my apartment once more to change my socks and boots I headed back to my Jeep and was on my way.

My only thoughts were of coffee and how badly people drove. I never understood why here deep in the heart of New England everyone acts like they’ve never seen or driven in snow before. Unless you were born in Hawaii--get over it! I pulled into the parking lot of Dunkin’ Donuts and scanned the line inside. I quickly decided that the drive-thru would be my best option. Wrong! My Jeep stalled twice as I waited in the endless line. I knew I needed to take the old girl in for service, but I was terrified at the prognosis. I've had my baby since my Freshman year at BC.

I was finally given my coffee from the teenager working the window and drove off thinking that now things were looking up. I pulled back out onto Route 9 carefully since the drivers in this state are certifiable. I relaxed even though the heat suddenly decided to stop blowing. I sipped my beloved cup of coffee and gagged instantly. "Sugar!" Now I ask you, how easy is it to prepare a cup of coffee when it is ordered as black with no sugar? Apparently it is extremely taxing since I am constantly being served coffee with cream or sugar or both! No offense but I can only drink my coffee if there is nothing in it but coffee. I dumped the contents out the window and tossed the empty cup onto the floor of the Jeep.

I arrived at the station and I was immediately informed by anyone and everyone that I was late. "No kidding?" I grumbled in response. I missed the morning staff meeting. This is not good since normally I would I have some say in my assignments for the day. However, because I was AWOL I had to take whatever assignment no one else wanted and what I got was the Ice Princess.

The Ice Princess was a five foot four irritating blonde named Kellie Kasey. Not her real name I'm certain and probably not a real blonde. (Not that she would let anyone get close enough to find out.) Oh don't get me wrong--the woman was very attractive, but her abrasive personality more than canceled that out. To her credit she was a damn good reporter. But on the other hand she was a real pill to work with. No one on the crew wanted to work with her. She was over bearing, demanding, and a royal pain in the backside. "Get the picture?"

Normally, I could avoid working with her even though she often requested me. But now due to my tardiness I was stuck with her. The story was even worse than you can imagine. We had to drive in this crappy weather all the way out to Hudson to film a baby Moose that had been hanging around someone's back yard. "Why?" was my only thought. This is New England and stray wild life finding it's way into someone's yard is hardly news worthy. I mean look, we have been building nonstop for decades and now there is nowhere for the wildlife to find food. If anyone stopped to think about it--technically, we are the ones in their backyard not the other way around.

I gritted my teeth and accepted my fate. My tardiness and the fact that this was just a filler piece left me with the oldest truck we had. Just when I was thinking that my heatless Jeep would provide better transportation the truck failed to start. While the crew piled into Jake the sound man's Subaru, I loaded the Ice Princess into my Jeep. I thought it was only fair since she was the only one accustomed to such frigid temperatures.

The drive up to Hudson was long and tedious. The traffic sucked and the Ice Princess just reviewed her notes, ignoring me in the process. That was fine by me! It's not like we had anything in common to talk about. Well...I did suspect there might be one thing we had in common. From the first moment I looked into those sea green eyes of hers a got a definite PLU (People Like Us) vibe from her. If she was in fact family, she was hiding very deeply in the closet. Whatever! To each their own. I could understand it. Being in the public's eye and working very hard to be picked up by a network left very little room for her to be out.

We shot the story on Maurice the Moose. Again I wondered who comes up with this stuff? It took several takes standing in the heavy snow storm before the Ice Princess was happy with the shoot. By the time we were finished the only I wanted to shoot was Kellie. I sent the tape off with the crew and loaded the Ice Princess back into my Jeep.

The weather took a turn for the worse and my poor old Jeep was struggling to make it through the back roads of Hudson. The crew had left ahead of us and there was no way to catch up with them. I was beyond tense as the skies grew darker. I ran my hand through my thick black hair as the Jeep began to slide. "Pull in there!" Kellie ordered me as she pointed to the parking lot of a motel just off the side of the road. I was just about to argue with her when the Jeep skidded again. I carefully maneuvered the Jeep into the parking lot. As I pulled into the only vacant space I could see my tired old Jeep stalled.

I turned the key and was greeted by the nothing but a faint clicking noise. Kellie reached into her pocket and flipped open her cell phone and tried to dial a number. "No signal." She sighed as she snapped her phone shut. In a panic I retrieved my own phone and quickly discovered the same. "Damn it!" I snarled.

A cold gust of wind ripped through my body as Kellie opened her door. "Where do you think you are going?!?" I asked her in an surprised tone.

"In there." She answered dryly as she pointed to the Motel office.

"Why?" I question her.

"We are stuck and we need a place to crash." She explained matter-of-factly.

"I don't think so!" I protested. "She'll turn over in a minute." I turned the key and was greeted by the same faint clicking sound. She just looked over at me with an amused expression. "Fine! We'll go in and I'll call the auto club for a tow."

"In this weather?" She said plainly. "By the time they get out here it will be morning. I don't know about you Miss Blake, but I'm freezing!" Having said that she closed her door and made her way over to the motel office.

I grumbled to myself knowing she was right as I pulled my six foot frame out of the Jeep. "Traitor." I growled as I kicked one of the tires. Then I followed the blonde reporter into the office. I watched as she filled out a registration card. "I'm calling triple A." I said firmly. She shrugged in response. The desk clerk pointed towards the payphone outside. I moaned as I trudged my way back outside into the cold wet night.

I slammed down the receiver after the very tired operated had confirmed Kellie's earlier prediction. I was stuck there. Reluctantly, I dragged myself back into the office as snow filled my boots. The warmth of the inside office felt good. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to stay. "I need your plate number for the registration card." Kellie offered calmly.

I rolled my eyes in defeat as I walked over to the front desk and filled in the appropriate digits. The clerk smiled as he slid the key over to us. Kellie handed it to me and started to head out the door. "Wait!" I gasped as the reality hit me. "Only one key?"

"We only had one room available. A lot of people got caught in the storm." The clerk explained as I watched him switch on the "No Vacancy" sign.

"Excuse me?" I stammered.

"Is there a problem?" Kellie questioned me in a curious tone.

I just stood there with my mouth hanging open looking like a complete idiot. "Blake?" Kellie's voice snapped me out of my confused state. "What is the problem?" She asked me.

"Nothing." I lied.

"Good! Jasper here can tell you where the room is." She pointed towards the desk clerk. I noticed the name tag on the gangly teenager for the first time. Sure enough his name was Jasper. "There's a Seven Eleven across the street, I'm going to get us some supplies." She offered in an almost cheerful tone.

"I can go." I offered feeling somehow I should be the one to brave the weather.

"It's okay." She answered. "Go to the room, take a hot shower, and call the station to let them know what happened to us."

"Fine." I conceded. "Hey... no beef jerky!" I tried to joke as she exited through the glass doors.

"I know . . . I know coffee and Peach Snapple." She responded not looking back to me just waving slightly as she stepped out into the snow.

Jasper gave instructions to our room which was at the back of the motel. I plodded my way through the wet snow as my clothing clung to my body. I grabbed my equipment from my Jeep and made my way around the three story complex until I found our room on the first floor in the back of the motel. The first thing I did was call the station. The good news was they had received the tape and were pleased with the Maurice-the-baby-Moose story. The bad news was that Kellie and I were trapped here for the duration. It seems that this storm was looking more and more like a full scale Nor’easter-the worst storm to have hit the area in awhile.

I hung up the telephone and swallowed deeply as I scanned our accommodations. There was a television, a small kitchen complete with a microwave, and an adequate sized bathroom. Other than that there was nothing except a the night stand where the telephone was located and of course the full size bed. One bed and it was not even a queen size! "Well this should be cozy! I hope the Ice Princess doesn't snore." So, this was the way that Monday had turned out; my Jeep died and I found myself in soaking wet clothing, trapped in a tiny motel room with the Ice Princess. I threw my hands up in defeat and trudged off to the shower.

PART TWO

After I finished my shower I wrapped myself in one of the two large, albeit scratchy, white towels available. I hoped she wasn’t the shy type. Well, she would just have to get over it if she was. As I dried my hair, I chastised myself for my attitude. Kellie was being more than a good sport about this whole situation. She even remembered that I like coffee and Peach Snapple. She hadn't complained one bit about our situation. Then again she hadn't said much of anything, she never did. She was very cool around everyone...not just the techies, but her follow reporters as well. The only time the woman seemed to come to life was when she was on a story. She was great with the public. But if you passed her in the hallway you'd be lucky to get more than a ‘hello’ out of her.

I have tried to engage her in conversation, but unless you want to talk business, Kellie would simply excuse herself and walk away. Now are you beginning to understand why we call her the Ice Princess? I'm as professional as the next person, but Kellie is nothing but work. Of course being the crass individuals that we are, the crew and I have come up with some amusing ideas of just how Miss Kasey entertains herself. Some musings involved farms animals, most involved a whip, leather and a strap-on device. We've all pretty much come to the conclusion that she is the type that is always on top. Most of our speculation stems from the way she conducts herself on a shoot. She never asks you to do anything, she simply tells you. Always in the same firm commanding tone. We aren't rookies here but the occasional ‘thank you’ or ‘please’ would be nice. Even a ‘good job’ would go a long way. But in the three years she has been with the station not once did she so much as crack a smile. Now, as for me, I work hard and I'm good at what I do. But I'm also one of the boys and I know it.

I stepped out of the bathroom as the door flew open wildly and a snow covered reporter, over loaded with plastic bags, stomped into the room. Her cheeks were bright red from the cold and she was smiling. I kid you not...the Ice Princess was actually smiling. I could have fainted from the sight. "Wow this is great!" She beamed as she struggled to enter the room. I rushed over to help her. "No that's okay I've got it. You just got out the shower."

"I can help." I protested.

"You don't always have to be so butch, Jess." She teased as she waved me away and teetered over to the kitchen area.

I stared at her blankly. I couldn't believe that she had not only teased me, but she called me by my first name. In the entire time I've known her, she has only called me Miss Blake or simply Blake. Oh, and of course what she calls almost everyone--'Hey You!'. "It is really coming down out there." She gasped. "The weather channel was on at the store and it looks like we could be here for awhile."

"That's what they said at the station." I said absently as I continued to stare at her.

"Well I got as much food and stuff as my Visa would allow." She went on cheerfully as she began to put away her purchases. "I bought the last of the Peach Snapple. I'll never understand why they stock all of that Kiwi Strawberry? Does anyone ever buy that? Anywho. The coffee looked as if it had been sitting there since the last ice age so I bought a can of Maxwell house. I got the 1892, is that okay?"

"Yeah." I said carefully not wanting to startle her.

"Good. I like that too." She continued on. "I remember that Jasper said that the kitchen in this room had a coffee maker. I got us some stuff we can microwave, and tones of junk food. Including your favorites." She wiggled her eyebrows as she held up a box of Twinkies triumphantly. "Okay, what's wrong." She sighed as she placed the Twinkies on the counter.

"Nothing." I stammered as I continued to stare her oddly. "It's just that when you were at the store did you notice any large pods laying around."

"Pod People...cute." She said as she screwed up her mouth. "Yes, I suppose that would explain the disappearance of the ‘Ice Princess’, wouldn't it?"

My mouth dropped when I heard the crew's pet name for her escape her lips. She just smirked and waved it off. She removed her coat and shoes and without looking at me or saying another word she headed into the bathroom and shut the door tightly. I stood there in my towel feeling like a complete ass. Once the shower started I decided to make some coffee. I know that the crew and I kidded around, but I never wanted her to know about it. I'm not that insensitive. As I waited for the coffee to brew I decided to crank up the heat in the room. I was beginning to find my wardrobe a tad chilly.

Once I felt the temperature increasing I looked through Kellie's purchases. I noticed that she had not bought any sugar or cream. Was it possible that she actually took notice of the fact that I drank my coffee black? Of course, she is a reporter and noticing small details is a part of her job. Like the Twinkies, for example. I looked down at the box and opened it carefully. I swooned as the smell of artificial ingredients and sugar alerted my senses. I licked my lips as a removed one of the golden sponge cakes from the box. I removed the crisp plastic wrapper carefully and raised the Twinkie to my awaiting lips. (Okay maybe I am slightly addicted to these things, but it is the only junk food I allow myself and not very often.)

"Hey don't Bogart that Twinkie Pal!" Kellie called out as she began to approach me.

I raised my eyebrow in an indignant gesture as I turned to her. I was stopped short at the sight of her wrapped only in a towel. Granted her towel managed to cover more of her than mine did, yet the sight of her made my heart skip a beat. She came closer and stood toe to toe with me. I felt my face flush as I diverted my eyes from her. "What's wrong? Don't like what you see?" She teased me in a husky tone.

"Who are you?" I laughed slightly. "I'm beginning to think you really were captured by Pod People. I just don't get it...until a few moments ago I didn't think you knew my first name."

"Look--work is work." She stepped back slightly and gazed up at me with a slightly hurt expression in her eyes. "And we are not at work and from the looks of things outside we won't get back home until tomorrow night, if we are lucky. I don't about you, but I haven't had any time off for a very long time. This is who I am when I'm not working."

"I still don't get it." I challenged her. "Why hide who you are? And how did you know what we call you?"

"First of all, you guys are not as subtle or as quiet about things as you would like to think you are." Kellie pointed out. "Look, I know all the names and the stories about me--including the farm animals."

"I had nothing to do with that." I blurted out truthfully.

"No... I didn't think you did." Kellie smiled slightly. "I figured you were the one who came up with the leather and strap-on ditties." I simply blushed in response. "Uh huh." She smiled victoriously. "Look, like I said, work is work. And I have worked very hard to get to where I am. But you know how it is. You are either a bitch or you slept your way to the top. Very early on I made it clear that I wasn't the sleeping around type. So I was a bitch. I thought every time I moved into a different market things would be different. They never are. Either my reputation proceeds me or some bozo tries to bed me."

"It didn't have to be that way here." I tried to explain.

"No?" She asked me definitely. "The first day at the station I over heard you and the boys taking bets on, and I quote, who would nail me first."

"I um . . . it was just . . ." I stammered in embarrassment.

"Just what?!" She shot back. "Talk?! This my reputation we are discussing. I hadn't been in the building more than ten minutes. Now if I had been interested in any of you in a personal nature I would never know if it was me or just someone trying to score points with the boys. Oh, by the way, you certainly seemed pretty sure of yourself."

My jaw just dropped. What could I say? It was true. Not only did we make bets, but as soon as we met her me and the boys did flirt with her. No wonder she was cold and distant from the get go. "I'm sorry." I said finally. "It was wrong. Sometimes we can all be a little too damn macho for our own good. I don't think I even realize I'm doing it half the time."

"You do what you have to do." Kellie said gently. "I'm the cold professional bitch and you need to be one of the guys. Like I said some things never change. But we are not at work now. So, can I please have a Twinkie?" She whined the last part of her statement.

I looked at my beloved Twinkie and then back at the adorable little blonde in front of me. "Please?" She begged. "I never get to have junk food."

I pretended to think about it for a moment. After all, it wasn't like it was the last one! I decided that I had tortured her long enough and offered her the Twinkie in my hand. I didn't hand it to her. Instead I offered to feed it to her. Just as she was about to take a bite I suddenly pulled it away. "Just out of curiosity . . ." She whimpered as I pulled the Twinkie just out of reach of her tongue. " . . . who would have won the bet?" I teased her.

"Oh please!" She glared at me in false indignation. "Like you didn't know I was family the moment you lay your baby blues on me. Now can I have my Twinkie please?"

I shrugged as I lowered the golden cake towards her inviting lips. Once again I pulled it away at the last moment as she growled. "So you're saying I had a shot?" I was really enjoying teasing this poor woman. Of course...I wasn't certain I was merely teasing her or out and out flirting with her.

"No." She said firmly.

"No?" I questioned curiously as I raised the Twinkie to my mouth.

Her tiny hand shot out and grasped my forearm firmly preventing me from taking a bite out of the Twinkie. "You have a girlfriend." She admitted shyly. "Had." I corrected her quietly. "She left me last month."

"I'm sorry." Kellie whispered sincerely as she removed her hand from my arm. My body suddenly went cold from the absence of her touch. "The woman is an idiot. That's all there is to it."

"Thank you." I said quietly as I moved to hand the Twinkie over to her.

She clasped my fingers gently and brought the dessert cake to her mouth. I watched her mouth as she took tiny bites on the Twinkie. My arousal grew as her tongue would occasionally brush my fingers. I sighed heavily as she pulled away after devouring half of the cake. "Is that coffee, I smell?" She asked innocently. I could only nod in response. "Cool.," She smiled. As she pushed past me our bodies touched slightly from the action. "I hope there are some cups in here." She said as she began to look through the cabinets. "Here they are!" She exclaimed brightly as she opened the very top cabinet and strained to reach the mugs hidden above.

I ate the remainder of the Twinkie while I watched her stand on her toes trying in vain to reach the top shelf. I was mesmerized watching her muscles flex as her half naked form struggled to reach her goal. My breathing quickened as I noticed the white towel begin to slip from her body. I reacted quickly and grabbed the top of the towel from behind her and pulled it into place before it could slide off of her body.

"What the hell did you do that for? You idiot!" I knew why I had done it. I didn't want to sneak a peek at her. Well... I did and yet I felt bad about it. Seeing her naked was certainly a thought that had entered my mind from time to time. Yet in light of our earlier conversation now it seemed somewhat inappropriate. "Thanks." She said softly as she leaned slightly into my body.

"Why don't I get those." I offered sheepishly. "Go make yourself comfortable... it's been a long day. I'll bring your coffee into you."

"Thank you." She replied as she stepped away from me. I was relieved that her back was to me and she could not see the blush I was certain now covered my entire body. "I'll just see what's on the tube." She offered as she trotted out of the tiny kitchen area.

I retrieved the cups easily. My height certainly has it's advantages at times. I heard the television flick on while I poured the coffee. "How do you take your coffee?" I asked.

"Black." She called out to me. "I cannot stand anything in it. I noticed you take it the same way."

"Uh yeah." I called back fearfully to look over at her.

Finally, I summoned the courage to bring her the mug of coffee. The woman was simply gorgeous wrapped in a towel with her short blonde hair messed slightly. She was flipping channels as she lounged on the bed. I handed her the mug carefully trying desperately not to look at her well toned body. She thanked me as she accepted the cup and I dashed back into the kitchen to retrieve my own cup.

PART THREE

As I departed the kitchen I swallowed nervously. I began a mental debate on what I should do next. I could just hide here in the kitchen until she fell asleep. Of course I did just give her a great big cup coffee so that could take awhile. Or I could just bite the bullet and haul my butt in there and sit down. But the only place to sit was on the bed, which was far too small a bed in my opinion. I sighed deeply and grabbed the box of Twinkies and headed off towards the bed.

"Anything on?" I asked trying to sound casual as I tossed the Twinkie box onto the bed.

"You cooked!" She teased as she smiled brightly. "Nothing on I'm afraid. Here." She added as she handed me the remote and reached for a Twinkie.

I flipped through the channels as Kellie took delight in eating the dessert. She was right, there was nothing on. Damn! I needed a distraction. She was far too close to me. "I love these things." She purred. "But I can only eat half of them at a time." She admitted as she held up the uneaten half of her Twinkie. As, I accepted the Twinkie our fingers brushed against one another briefly and I felt the warmth race through my body from the brief contact.

I finished eating my half of the Twinkie in silence as I flipped through the channels. The television screen blinked for a moment and then the screen was covered with snow as an irritating hiss emanated from the television. "The cable must have gone out." I sighed as I clicked off the television. "Hmm." She hummed in agreement. "Is there anyone you need to call?" I asked hesitantly. "You know before the phones go out as well."

"No one." She answered with a slight hint of sadness.

I looked into her emerald eyes and noticed that they seemed to be filled with pain. "It's the job. You know." She offered quietly. "It kinda of sucks being involved with someone and not be able to tell anyone about it. Plus, I move around a great deal."

"Nature of the business." I concurred knowing that in two months I was leaving for a larger station in Baltimore. It was a great opportunity for a camera jockey like myself and since Kathy left me there was nothing to keep me in Boston.

"Speaking of which." She began slowly. "I don't think that you would...but just in case you have any bets going on my sexuality . . ."

"I won't say anything." I answered holding up my hand as if to reassure her. "It must suck being an on air personality. I know some of the personalities can be out but they are all old timers."

"I know." She sighed regrettably. "And thanks."

We sat there in silence for a moment each lost in our own thoughts. "So what do you want to do now?" She asked innocently enough. "I could think of so many things . . . yet none of them were appropriate. Or were they?" I simply shrugged my shoulders in response as my eyes betrayed me and scanned her half naked body. Then I thought occurred to me. I jumped off the bed as I held my towel close to my body hoping I wasn't flashing the blonde reporter. I ransacked my gear until I found what I was looking for. I triumphantly held up a deck of cards.

I padded my way back over to the bed and sat cross legged next to her. Kellie sat up and pulled her muscular legs underneath her self as I began to shuffle the cards. "Cards! You do come prepared!" She spoke in a deep tone.

"I was a girl scout." I answered proudly.

"I should have guessed." She retorted with a short smile. "What do you want to play?" She teased me in a husky tone. "Strip poker?"

My eyes widened at her suggestion. "That would be a short game." I shot back quickly regaining my composure.

"Hey!" She protested as she slapped my arm playfully. "Well we could..." She suggested with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

"Excuse me?" I gulped almost dropping the cards I had been shuffling.

"We could play for these." She suggested lightly tapping the box of Twinkies.

"You're on." I agreed thinking I was going to claim all of the Twinkies for myself. We divided up the Twinkies and started a heated match.

An hour or so later, I found myself sitting across from a very smug blonde who was now in possession of all of my Twinkies. Despite the scowl firmly planted on my face I had had a good time. We talked the entire time about everything from our childhoods to our love lives. It seemed strange after working together all of this time, in just one night we had really gotten to know one another. "Shark." I groaned in protest. "Who me?" She said innocently as she batted her lashes for effect.

"Yes you." I snorted in disgust as I stared at the Twinkies now piled neatly on her side of the bed. "Now how am I going to win those back?" I grumbled.

"What these?" She teased me waving a Twinkie in my face. I reached for it only to have her snatch it away quickly.

"Gimme." I pleaded as I lunged forward almost tackling Kellie.

"Oh no." She protested as she laughed and squirmed away from me. I grabbed her tightly around the waist and tried to snatch the Twinkie away from her. "No way. I won them fair and square." She laughed uncontrollably. "You want them . . . you'll have to pay for them."

"With?" I asked as I pressed closer to her drawn in by the heat from her body.

"You could barter for them." She teased as she squirmed trying to free herself from my hold. Her movements only caused us to become more entangled with one another.

"Or I could take them." I said in a mock growl as I flipped her onto her back and pinned her to the bed.

I felt the air escaping my lungs as my body pressed against hers. I swallowed deeply as I looked into her eyes which seemed to mirror my own desire. She dropped the Twinkie as her tiny hand reached up caressed my cheek. I leaned into her touch and sighed softly. She felt so good! I lost all control of my senses. I lowered my head gently never losing her gaze. I hesitated only for a moment before brushing her lips gently with my own. "You can have the Twinkies." She squeaked out as she pressed her lips against mine.

The kiss quickly deepened as I felt her tongue brush against my lips. I parted my lips and invited her in. She accepted the invitation eagerly as she explored my mouth. My hand swung out and I brushed the remaining snack cakes from the bed. Pressing myself closer to her I slid my thigh between her legs. I moaned at the wetness I found caressing her inner thighs. I moaned deeply as I felt her hands begin to explore my body.

The heat from our touch was growing out of control as my hips began press into her. "Aaah." Kellie whimpered as we ended the kiss. My lips began to taste her leaving a passionate trail across her jaw and down her neck. I could feel my towel being tugged off of my body. The cool night area caressed my skin as Kellie tossed my towel to the floor. I arched my back and lifted myself slightly from her pressing my wetness against her thigh. "Jess." She moaned hotly against my neck.

My body was on fire as my hands explored the athletic form beneath me. "Wasn't it just this morning I couldn't stand the sight of this woman?" The realization hit me suddenly--I was about to sleep with someone who just a few hours ago was my sworn enemy. I broke away from her suddenly. "I need to slow down." I gasped as I turned away from her.

"Okay?" I heard her quivering voice as she pulled herself up behind me and wrapped me in her arms. "Did I . . . did I do something wrong?" She asked me nervously.

"No." I said firmly as I took her hand, still unable to look at her. "I just . . . uhm . . . I don't know how to say this." I said helplessly as I tried to search for the words.

"It's okay." She said in a comforting tone as she held me closer. "We don't have to . . . I mean if you don't want to. . ."

"I do." I sighed. "It's just that I’m not usually into a casual thing, you know?"

"I think I do." She said softly. "A few hours ago, I was just the Ice Princess and now we are making out like a couple of teenagers. You don't still think of me that way do you?" I could hear the pain in her voice.

"No." I admitted honestly feeling a sudden rush from her naked body pressed against my back. "But this is all too fast for me to process. In the last few hours I've learned more about you than I knew about my ex the entire time we were together."

"It's all right." Kellie sighed deeply as she caressed my shoulder gently. "We should get some sleep." She suggested softly.

My body felt a sudden chill as she pulled away from me. I turned to see the vision of a goddess bathed only in moonlight. I shifted my body and leaned over and brushed her lips gently. I looked deeply into her eyes and found myself lost in a sea of green. My heart skipped a beat as I felt myself falling. She gave me a questioning look as her hand cupped my cheek. Gentle fingers caressed my face and I was lost. "Why did I never see just how beautiful you are?" I muttered absently.

Her head tilted down slightly as she blushed. I waited patiently while my mind and my body debated over what I should do. "I noticed you." She confessed shyly. She seemed so vulnerable, so innocent at that moment. Without taking a moment to think I just allowed my body and my heart to take control of my actions. My lips pressed against hers as our sweet explorations began. I felt her lips part granting me entrance. I felt my breathing becoming ragged as our tongues danced together.

Our bodies merged and I no longer knew where I ended and she began. Hands slipped gently down my back blazing a trail down to my backside. I gasped as she cupped my backside and pulled me into her. Our hips grinding wildly together in a passionate rhythm. "Kellie . . ." I moaned tearing my lips from her as I began my assault on her neck. I could feel her body arching beneath mine demanding more.

As our bodies moved together begging for more I felt our clits throbbing against each other. I was torn between slowing down to savor every moment and just taking her needing to feel her release her passion. My mouth moved of it's own accord dipping between the valley between her breasts. Despite the cold of the winter our bodies were covered in a sheet of sweat as the sweet aroma of our passion filled the room. My tongue teased her nipple as I felt her hand slide gently between our bodies.

My mouth descended upon her breast capturing it and tasting the sweetness of her skin as gentle fingers dipped between my legs. Instinctively I parted my legs as I suckled her nipple teasing it with my tongue and my teeth. "Aah . . . Jess . . . please." She pleaded with me as her fingers dipped further into my wetness. The sensation of her thumb circling my clit caused me to tear my mouth from her as my body arched in response.

I could feel myself being pulled closer to the edge. I needed this . . . I needed her. My hands pulled her with me as I rolled onto my side. Lying face to face I could see the face lost in a haze of lust. I opened myself up to her as my own hands began to feel their way across her naked body. My fingers finding their way to her wetness. Her excitement spurred me on as we both moaned in pleasure. "Jess . . . please . . ." She pleaded as my thumb teased her nub. "Tell me." I groaned as my thighs began to tremble. "Tell me what you want."

"You . . ." Kellie gasped. ". . . me"

"Together." I managed to utter somehow.

We wanted the same for neither to be in control as we crossed over the edge. Without a word we each opened ourselves to the other. I felt her enter me as I was entering her. We thrust in unison against each other. Our eyes were locked in a fiery gaze as we pleasured each other in perfect rhythm. We climaxed together holding onto each other tightly as our bodies continued to tremble from the intensity of the moment.

We clung to one another as the after shocks passed through our bodies. "That was . . ." I gasped hoarsely.

"Intense." Kellie finished for me.

"Uh huh." I squeaked in response.

I was afraid to look at her as my body continued to shutter. I closed my eyes in an attempt to regain control of my senses. My breathing once again began to quicken as I felt soft lips teasing my neck. "Do you want more?" Kellie whispered hotly in my ear as she cupped one of my breasts. I was unable to respond as her fingers teased my nipple. Not waiting for a response, Kellie began to tease me with her tongue. She drove me to the brink of insanity as she feasted upon my breast and then lavished the same attention to the other.

I was certain that I would explode when I felt her mouth continue its assault on my stomach. She stopped to dip her tongue teasingly into my navel. Then she continued her oral exploration further down. I trembled as I felt her breath blowing gently through my dark curls. I looked down at the blonde between my thighs. Her eyes were lit in a haze of sheer lust as she seemed to look directly into my soul. She smiled boldly. I answered her unspoken question as I opened myself to her.

My body tingled as she tasted me for the first time. Her tongue teased my clit endlessly as my body arched begging for more. I growled each time she pulled away leaving me wanting more. Finally unable to control her own desire she suckled my clit as she entered me. I exploded instantly. Before I could regain my composure she took me again.

Our lovemaking went on well past the rising of the sun, each lost in the other's body. Finally exhausted we pulled the bed covers around us and wrapped ourselves up in each other's arms and drifted off to sleep.

PART FOUR

I found myself standing outside the motel while the mechanic gave me the grim prognosis. I nodded mutely as he gave me the bad news. After I unloaded my personal belongings I watched tearfully as my beloved Jeep was towed away. Just as the tow truck disappeared from the parking lot, I felt a wet and icy substance splatter against my jacket. I turned to find an all too innocent looking blonde smiling at me. She was trying to look interested in the sky, pretending that she hadn't just pelted me with a snowball.

"You think that is funny?" I growled.

"Oh no." She winced as I approached her.

I glared down at the reporter was now chewing nervously on her lip. "Just for that no Twinkies for you." I chastised her. She simply chuckled in response. "What's the word on your Jeep?"

"It's toast." I sighed.

"I'm sorry." She offered gently as she touched my arm. "The station called. Max is on his way up here. We have to head into Boston to do some kind of follow up on the storm."

"Back to reality." I said grimly.

"About that . . ." She started in a nervous tone.

"Okay, I've been waiting for this. The last night was just one of those things speech." I watched as she fidgeted uncomfortably. My heart dropped as I watched her. I really liked the Kellie I had gotten to know last night, not just in the physical way either. I was not looking forward to the return of The Ice Princess. "Jess . . ." Kellie stammered. "I was just wondering if . . ."

"Look you don't have to say anything." I cut her off. "I'm big girl. I understand and don't worry I won't blow your cover. We're adults and these things happen."

"Are you dumping me?" She asked in a hurt tone.

"No." I was more than a little confused. "I thought you were about to dump me."

"I wasn't." She shook her head in confusion. "I was trying to ask you out."

"What?" Now I was completely lost.

"Forget it." She grumbled as she turned to walk away. "I suck at this."

I reached for her, touching her gently on the shoulder I halted her movements. "Kellie wait." I offered gently. "I'm sorry. I assumed . . . that you would . . . you know because of work."

"Work is work." Kellie stated firmly. "I just want to get to know you better and I wanted to know if you would like to go out with me sometime. You know on a uhm date?"

"Why are you so nervous?" I asked her quietly. "I mean after last night, why would you be afraid to ask me to go on a date with you?"

"Because I suck at this all right." She confessed shyly. "I don't date very often. I mean at the station . . . it's going to be awkward . . . but I would love to get to . . uhm . . . get to know you better . . . and even though I'm leaving town . . . soon . . .ugh!" I had to admit the woman was adorable when she was flustered.

"Wow! You're right you do suck at this." I teased her. "Yes." I added with a smile. I watched as her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes?"

"Yes." I reassured her. "Dinner? Tonight?"

"Really?" She blushed as she wrung her hands uncomfortably.

"Yes really." I chuckled. "I can't believe that you are the same woman who shoved a microphone in that mobster's face and asked him where the body was hidden."

"Hey that's reputed mobster." She snorted. "And it's not like he told me."

"The way you pushed him you are lucky he didn't kill you." I joked then something hit me. "Wait! You're leaving?"

"Yeah." She answered in a whispered tone as a dark shadow crossed her face. "Figures for the first time in years I meet someone . . . that I would like to get to know outside of the bedroom and my contract is up. Not that I have any complaints on spending more time in bed. It's just that I like you and I would like to know if there is more to this than just the sex. Probably not a good idea. Like I said my contract is up in a couple of months and then I'm off to a new market. I mean professionally it's a great opportunity but frankly the timing suddenly stinks."

She had a point even though I wanted to see if what was feeling was real or not we were both leaving town. "You might be right." I admitted. "I really want to get to know you better as well but I'm leaving in a few months too. I've signed on with a bigger station down in Baltimore."

"Baltimore?" She beamed suddenly. "WBDH?"

"Yeah?" I answered in a surprised tone. "Don't tell me . . ." I smiled hopefully.

"They told me that my cameraman was from around here." She smiled brightly. "I hope it was you they were talking about. Of course they did say cameraman and despite rumors to the contrary you are all woman."

"Well it looks like we have nothing to worry about." I swung my arm around her waist and led her back to the motel room. "The worse that could happen is we go out a few times and discover we hate each other."

"I'll just become a bitch again and we keep working together." She teased me as we strolled back into the room. "We can still sleep together right?"

"Works for me." I answered eagerly as we began to gather our belongings. I somehow knew in my heart that there would be more between us than just sex. Between the snow storm and finding out that we would be working together in Baltimore, somehow I had the strangest feeling that the fates were trying to tell us something. Only time would tell and it seems that this time it was on our side.

The End

LET IT RAIN

(Part Two Of Dashing Thru The Snow)

September 2001

Disclaimers: These Characters are mine and mine alone. Do not reproduce this material without the author's permission.

Sex/Violence/Roadtrips: Yes, No, Yes. Is there sex? Of course, and it's between two consenting adult women. Yup, it's true. Now if for some reason this is not something you’re interested in reading, then what in the heck are you doing here? If for some reason it is illegal for you to view this material for any reason, you have my sympathies but you must go now. No twinkies were harmed during the production of this material. In fact no twinkies were used in the production of this material.

Okay, thanks to the members of Finding Mavis who voted for this story. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you to my beta reader Joanne

As Always For Heather

PART ONE

"Rats!" It sounded so good I said it again. "Rats!" That's not what I really wanted to say at the moment but since I'm talking to the boss, I’ll wait until I'm outside to voice the string of obscenities that are screaming to get out. Now, my boss isn't a bad guy but sometimes he can come up with some really boneheaded ideas.

"But why?" I protested.

"Because it's the assignment you pulled," Thorton Seibert explained as he peered over his bifocals at me. I swear there are times when I'm talking to him that I feel like a teenager being scolded by my Dad. "Come on, Jess. You're acting like you're being punished instead of being sent out on a fluff piece."

"Crap, Thorton," I began to protest again. "You make it sound like I'm going on vacation."

"I don't get you, Jess. This is a cushy assignment," Thorton pointed out. "It's just three days of camping with a colleague. It should be fun."

"Yeah, that's what those idiot kids from The Blair Witch Project thought and look what happened to them," I declared. Thorton simply rolled his eyes at me and walked away talking to himself.

Now, you must be asking yourself just what the hell is wrong with me? I'll explain this as simply as I can. You see. I hate these fluff pieces. Granted I'm only going there to film the stinking thing. It wasn't the assignment so much as it was the colleague I was being sent with. Kellie was kinda sorta my ex-girlfriend.

Kellie and I, we were . . . well . . . the thing is we were dating when we both started working at WBDH . The truth is, I was really falling for the blonde reporter. I thought things were going well. That was my big mistake. Everything was fine except we had to keep things quiet since Kellie is an on-air personality. I'm just a lowly camerawoman so nobody cares if I'm having relations with a billy goat as long as I get the shot.

I respected her choice even though it began to wear on me as time went on. Then, quite unexpectedly, we found ourselves back at my place. I must admit that the one area we never had a problem was in the bedroom. But then I said it. You know the big it. Honestly, no one wants to be the person to say those three little words first. It was in the heat of the moment and it just slipped out. And she . . . well . . . she said nothing.

She just pulled away and left me hanging, feeling like a total weenie. After that, things changed. The funny thing is we never talked about it. We just stopped seeing each other. It's been a little uncomfortable at times, but things got better when she finally got her shot as an anchor. I'm proud of her because she really earned it. It's not prime time or anything but it's a start.

Now her sitting at the desk meant that she was pulled off field assignments and that meant we no longer worked directly together. That really helped in keeping things cordial between us. At times I do miss the friendship we once shared. The problem with the new assignment is that I'm not looking forward to spending three days in the woods with her even though we’re not hostile towards one another. Call me crazy but it's just not my idea of a good time.

PART TWO

Kellie looked up from her desk as I approached. Sometimes I swear she can sense me before she sees me. She smiles shyly at me. ‘God, I still love that smile.’ I parked my six-foot frame onto her desk, knowing that it really bugged her when I did it.

"Hey," I greeted her. She gave me that knowing smirk as she glared at my butt taking up space on her desk.

"Hey yourself." She sighed, resigned to the fact that my ass wasn't moving.

"So we get to go play in the woods?" I teased.

"It sounds like fun," she beamed.

"Fun?" I groaned. "Have you lost your mind?"

"No." She laughed. "I'm really looking forward to it."

"What?" I sneered. "Three days in the middle of nowhere with bugs and a bunch of kooks. Not to mention it's suppose to rain . . ."

"Geez, Jess." She laughed. "Don't hold back."

"Why are you so happy about being pulled out of the anchor chair?" I asked in confusion.

"Honestly? I miss being out in the field," she confessed. "Look, if you don't want to go or if you're uncomfortable with everything . . . I can request someone else. It's just that we always worked well together . . ."

"Wait," I interrupted her, finally grasping what she was saying. "You requested me?"

"Yes," she admitted shyly. "Jess, I don't want you to be uncomfortable," she added quietly, her hand gently caressing my thigh. Her innocent gesture had me feeling all warm and fuzzy. My heart accepted that whatever we shared together had ended but sometimes my libido forgot. This was one of those moments. There have been times when I would have been more than willing to accept a good old-fashioned booty call.

‘Oh Hell. It’s just three days.’ "Kellie, I don't have a problem," I reassured her and the truth is I believed it. "After all, I was the one who broke up with you."

"Good, but I was the one who broke up with you," Kellie corrected me.

"Ha!" I scoffed at the notion. "So what are we looking for in the woods? The boogie man?"

"Something like that." Kellie chuckled. "Seriously, it's just a campground run by an elderly couple. They've been running this place for thirty five years and now some big corporation is trying to push them out."

"Oh." I was surprised. I hadn't expected that. "The basic tug at the heart strings and see if we can drum up some support for these nice folks."

"Yup, that or shame the corporate guys into coughing up a decent settlement instead of just shoving them out," Kellie added with a slight sneer. I got the feeling that once Kellie finished with this little story those corporate yo-yos didn't stand a chance. "We'll leave after the broadcast tonight. If that's okay with you?"

"Okay, I'll drive," I offered.

"No way," Kellie protested.

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because every time we've had to travel together, you drive and something bad happens." Kellie explained.

I simply stared at in her in disbelief. "What are you talking about?" I demanded. You know, there are times when I should think before I speak. These little debates with Kellie topped the list of those times. Her green eyes sparkled as an evil grin emerged on her lips.

"Let me think. Oh, there was the flat tire incident, the fender bender, and, oh, let's not forget about that little escapade with the skunk."

I was about to concede the point when a tiny evil little thought popped into my head. "Not all of our trips ended badly," I offered as I intentionally lowered my voice, knowing the effect it would have on her. I leaned forward just enough to allow my long hair to brush against her forearm. "I seem to recall a certain snow storm, a deck of cards, and a box of Twinkies." I was just teasing and I really enjoyed the bright shade of red her face turned.

"Brat," Kellie groaned. "Okay, you can drive, you big control freak."

"If you insist." Having said that I finally got off her desk and went on my merry way. I was about halfway to the editing bay when I realized that I had just agreed to go camping with Kellie. Now how did that happen?

I found myself sitting alone in the editing bay. It was a good place to think when nothing was going on. My mind wandered quickly back to a time in Boston just after Kellie and I had started dating. I had just finished working with a reporter and the editor on a piece. I couldn’t recall what it was about. What I did remember was that I ended up sitting alone after we finished. I heard someone enter the darkened room. I knew who it was before she started rubbing my shoulders. "Long day," was all she said. I simply melted into her touch.

Kellie rubbed my tired shoulders. She knew just the spot between my shoulder blades that was always sore from lugging around that heavy equipment. She moved around and straddled my lap. I felt the chair I was sitting in tip slightly. Her lips brushed against my own. "The door?" I murmured as she tried to deepen the kiss.

"It's locked," she reassured me as she unbuttoned my blouse.

My nipples instantly hardened in response as she planted feathery kisses along my jaw and down my neck. I recalled how ragged my breathing became as my blouse was opened and her hands came to rest on my breasts. My back arched in response. My bra was pulled up; my breasts ached from her touch and the coolness of the room.

I remember groaning as her mouth captured one of my breasts. My fingers ran through her golden locks as I pulled her closer. God, how that woman could taste me. It was amazing the way she would suckle my breasts. Just when I was certain that I would explode from her teasing my nipple with her teeth and tongue, she would cease her actions and treat my other breast to the same affection.

Once again I found myself teetering on the edge as she diverted her attention to another part of my body. My mind was reeling as she tasted her way down my abdomen. I never knew just when she removed herself from my lap. I only realized that she was kneeling before me when I felt my pants being lowered to my ankles.

Her body snuggled between my thighs and my legs wrapped around her shoulders as she lowered her mouth to my throbbing center. Kellie's mouth feasted upon me until I screamed out her name. Afterwards we found ourselves giggling at how loud I was, thankful that no one had heard us.

I often found myself wondering just what went wrong with us? I knew what I felt and somehow I thought that she felt it too. We were happy back in Boston and when we first moved to Baltimore together. At least I thought we were. I also thought we were being smart by taking things slowly and not moving in together. Of course we couldn't anyway since Kellie wouldn't be able to explain that to the busybodies at the station.

I was happy to see her in a new environment where she could shed her Ice Princess image. I thought perhaps in some way I had been helpful with that transformation. Before we left Boston I found myself coming to her defense constantly when the nasty comments would fly around. I hated that I couldn't just say ‘Look, she's my girlfriend so back off.’ I guess we weren't as happy as I had led myself to believe that we were. I just knew how it felt to hold her in my arms.

PART THREE

After the five o'clock broadcast I packed up my truck. Then Kellie repacked it since apparently I did it wrong. Sometimes it was just like we were still together as a couple. The ride up was a little uncomfortable for me anyway. She looked absolutely adorable in her hiking boots, black flannel shirt and faded blue jeans. I found it difficult to concentrate on my driving.

Camp Wannamucka was about what you would expect. June and Harv were a nice couple; in fact they were sweet. They were one of those couples that finished the other's sentences. They organized good clean fun and took pride in their quaint little campground. Kellie's little fluff piece was certainly going to tug at some heartstrings. Everything was going fine until I realized that we were in fact camping out for the night. No cabin, no hotel, nope, nothing. She was serious. We were spending the night in a tent.

"Are you sure this goes in this way?" I asked Kellie, doubtful that the tent pole was suppose to go where she had instructed me to put it.

"Yeah, kind of," she muttered.

"Kind of?" I questioned her as my fingers started to freeze in the cool night air. "Kellie, tell me you know how to put this tent together."

"I do," she protested in an almost convincing tone. "Are you doubting me?"

"Yes."

"Fine." She threw up her hands in frustration, dropping the tent. "Why don't you pump up the air mattresses and I'll set up the tent."

"I can do it," I argued, not wanting to seem inept. "Just tell me where to stick this pole."

"Oh, I'll tell you where to stick it alright," she muttered under her breath.

"Excuse me?" I growled as I glared at her.

"Nothing." She chuckled nervously. "The air mattresses and the foot pump are in the truck," she offered quickly as she scurried out of my way.

"It's going to rain," I complained as I headed over to my pickup.

"No, it's not," she shouted back at me.

I decided to hide over at the truck and pump up our beds for the night. I looked up at the clouds in the sky knowing that it was, in fact, going to rain. I chose to ignore the cheerful humming from my annoying little blonde friend as she moved back and forth unloading our gear. By the time I finished pumping up one of the large air mattresses, I had a major cramp in my leg. I limped back over to the other side of the truck to find the tent and the rest of our gear set up. To add insult to injury, she had a fire going in the pit and was sitting there warming herself.

"Problem?" she inquired brightly as I stared at the scene in disbelief.

"No," I answered her in a quiet bewildered tone.

"Where's the other one?" she asked, pointing to mattress I was carrying.

"Almost ready," I lied as she took the mattress from me and began to lug it into the tent.

I limped back over to the truck, muttering a string of curses under my breath as I tried to inflate the second mattress in record time. As I worked furiously trying to inflate that mattress, it took me awhile to realize that no matter how hard I pumped the mattress was no closer to inflation.

"What's up, Jess?" Kellie peeked around the truck, her little round cheeks flushed from the cold.

"I'm not sure," I finally confessed, feeling totally frustrated.

Kellie looked the air mattress over and tried pumping it up herself as I sat on the gate of the truck with a scowl on my face. She looked it over again then began to unhook the pump and fold up the mattress. I looked at her in disbelief.

"It has a leak," she explained as she stored it back in the truck.

"That's not possible," I argued. Now just why I refused to believe what she was telling me, I have no idea.

She laughed lightly. "You'll never change," she said as she showed me the nozzle on the mattress that had a gap next to it. "You can stay here and try to inflate it. I'll give you about another hour before you drop."

"Alright, smart ass," I conceded. "Now what are we going to do?"

"About?"

"Our sleeping arrangements?" I thought it would be obvious.

"We'll share," Kellie offered calmly. "Oh come on, it's a full size mattress. We've certainly shared closer quarters than that. You're not getting all shy on me, are you? If it makes you feel better, we still have separate sleeping bags."

"Sorry." I laughed at the situation.

"I'll go set up our sleeping bags. Why don't you sit by the fire and warm up?" Kellie offered.

I limped over to the fire as Kellie made her way over to the tent. I could feel myself relaxing and enjoying the night air. I was still convinced that it was going to rain. Kellie finally emerged from the tent and sat next to me on the large log where I was seated. We just sat there and enjoyed the quiet together.

"It's getting late." Kellie yawned.

"Yeah," I agreed as I tried to stand. I ended up weaving from the cramp in my leg.

"Jess?" she asked in concern.

"Huh?" I tried to walk, acting like nothing was wrong.

"Are you alright?" Kellie asked as she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and eased me back down onto the log.

"Just a cramp from the foot pump," I explained as she knelt in front of me. My heart skipped a beat at the familiarity of the sight.

I swallowed a gasp as her hands reached out to begin gently massaging my calf. "Is this it?" she asked as she gently kneaded away the pain.

"Oh, yeah," I finally allowed the moan to escape my lips. "I forgot how talented your hands are."

"Did you now?" she teased with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

"Brat." I swatted her shoulder playfully.

"Better?" she asked. I simply nodded in response as she stood and offered her hand to me. I accepted it and stood with more ease. I felt the warmth of her touch as we walked over to the tent together, our hands still linked.

As we entered the tent Kellie released my hand and I missed her touch. Kellie removed her jacket as I did the same. "Inside or out?" she asked me. I simply shrugged and she crawled over to take the sleeping bag furthest in. I couldn’ t help myself as I watched her snuggle into the nylon bag. I kicked my shoes off and reluctantly crawled into my own sleeping bag.

I lay awake as the scent of her hair invaded my senses. I was far too aware of her closeness. Finally I felt sleep coming, just as Kellie shifted to snuggle up against me. "I'm in hell," I muttered as I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to take her in my arms.

PART FOUR

At some point I finally drifted off. I woke in the morning to find a heavy weight on my chest. I looked down to find a blonde head had maneuvered itts way onto my bosom. I apparently hadn’ t objected since my arms were wrapped around her. I tried freeing myself but I was trapped. Suddenly I found myself greeted by a pair of brillant green eyes. "Morning," she said with a smile.

"Morning," I greeted her in return, absently brushing her bangs out of her face. Kellie leaned forward to brush my lips with her own. The kiss was so quick and then she was up on her way out the tent. I lay there for a moment wondering if it had been real. If it had been real, what did it mean? Did it mean anything at all or was it just a friendly greeting?

Fortunately the rest of the day was spent wandering around the camp and filming. I was distracted by work so everything seemed normal. I felt more at ease. Every once in awhile my mind wandered back to the odd way the day had begun. Later in the day we found ourselves sitting by the fire once again.

"So are you going after the corporation?" I inquired about her story.

"They’re refusing all interviews. But I got some inside stuff proving that they’re trying to push June and Harv out," Kellie explained. "I have proof that some of the city council members are in their pockets."

"You're good at this," I said with a smile.

We found ourselves settling into a comfortable silence, watching the fire and leaning slightly into one another. A part of me was confused. Another part of me decided to just relax and enjoy Kellie's company. I looked at my watch, realizing that we needed to get going. "The sing-along will be starting soon. We should get over there and get the equipment set up," I said, finally breaking the blissful silence we were sharing. Kellie stood and extinquished the fire. I followed her and we loaded the gear into the truck.

I filmed why Kellie worked her charm on the happy families. I must admit she can work magic. We managed to get some good stuff that will really work for the story. As I was packing up the gear, Kellie mingled with the campers.

"Do you need any help with all of that stuff, Honey?" June, the elderly woman who ran the campground with her husband, inquired.

"No, thank you," I responded with a smile. "This is a nice place you and Harv have here."

"Thank you, Sweetie," June answered with a genuine grin. "We’re sure going to miss it."

"Not if Kellie has anything to say about it," I offered.

"She certainly is something," June stated.

"That she is," I agreed as I took a moment to admire the petite blonde who was working the crowd.

"How long have you two been together?" June asked, catching me off guard.

"Well . . . ," I began slowly, certain that she didn't ask what I think she did, " . . . we've worked together for awhile now."

"That's not what I asked." June laughed lightly.

"Oh." It's all I could manage to say.

"Hey, need a hand?" Kellie asked as she started to pick up one of the heavy boxes. "What's going on?" she asked, noticing the look of surprise on my face.

"I was just asking tall, dark and stoic over here how long you two have been together?" June teased.

"We're not," Kellie answered plainly. "We used to date but we split up."

"No?" Now it was June's turn to be surprised. "But you two seem perfect together."

I just stood there looking at the both of them. "Jess, are you alright?" Kellie asked as I continued to stand there like an idiot. "Earth to Jess," Kellie said as she waved her hand in front of my face.

"Huh?" I snapped out of it and shook my head as I grabbed up the rest of our gear.

"I still think you make a cute couple," June added as she waved us off.

I found myself reloading our equipment back into the truck. We didn't speak as we drove back to our campsite. When we got there, I was still trying to process what happened earlier. Kellie started another fire in the pit and I settled back down on the log to simply watch her.

I couldn't help myself; the woman is mesmerizing. The sight of her green eyes and golden hair highlighted by the gentle glow of the firelight set my heart pounding. As she ran her fingers through her hair, my palms started to sweat. ‘ Oh, this is going to be a long night,"’ I thought.

Kellie walked over to the truck to retrieve something as I stared into the fire and warmed my hands. My thoughts were focused on Kellie; the twinkle in her eyes, the curve of her neck, and of course, that adorable backside.

"I have a surprise for you," Kellie said, snapping me out of my dream.

"Twinkies?" I teased.

"No." She laughed as she handed me a long thin stick.

"Thank you," I said in confusion. "But I didn't get you anything."

At that moment, something slapped me in the chest. "Hey," I complained as I looked down to find a bag of Stay Puff marshmallows. "Cool."

"I thought you’d appreciate that, Miss Sweet Tooth," Kellie said with a smile.

"Heh heh." I tore the bag open and popped one of the gooey little buggers into my mouth. As I savored the sugary substance, I placed two marshmallows on my stick and held them over the fire. As I watched them turn a toasty brown color, I got swatted on my arm. "No." I shook my head.

"You’re not going to share?" Kellie scoffed.

"Nope," I said firmly as I held the bag out of her reach.

"Please." She pouted, knowing that I couldn't resist that look.

"Alright." I handed the bag over grudgingly. We sat side-by-side, toasting our marshmallows. I felt the heat rising as our thighs brushed together. "Thank you," I offered.

"You're welcome." Kellie nudged me with her shoulder.

"You know, you kind of surprised me back there with June," I said, hoping to open the conversation.

"I know," Kellie agreed. "I surprised myself. I'm just getting tired of hiding."

"Oh."

"It's cost me too much," Kellie answered firmly as she looked deep into my eyes. I was jolted by the intensity looking back at me. I lost myself in her eyes. "Far too much," Kellie finally uttered in a husky tone.

I swallowed hard, not missing the implications. ‘ Please don't let me be misreading that look in her eyes,’ my mind screamed. "Uhm, what do you mean?" I asked. "I mean, you always seemed to be okay with having to hide because of the job."

"I'm not okay with it." She sighed heavily. "You know, I’ve spent most of my life working to get my ass in the anchor's chair. I'm finally there and you know what? I'm miserable. I hate it. I want to be back in the field. I love doing investigative work. Now I just read what someone else did. Plus I have to be further in the closet than I was before which I didn't think was possible. I've already talked to the GM about going out in the field more. Of course, he thinks I've lost my mind."

"I had no idea that you were going through all of this," I offered as I squeezed her hand gently.

"Jess, I'm sorry about before. It's not that I didn't . . . I was just afraid."

"Kellie, you don't need to explain," I reassured her. "I said what I said and it wasn't said back. I'm a big girl. I'm just too old and too tired to lose a friendship over it."

"I'm glad that we can still be friends," Kellie confessed. "But I know I blew it for no better reason than I panicked. I suck at relationships."

"I've noticed," I agreed. It felt good to be really talking with her again.

"Thanks, pal." She nudged me again.

I pulled my stick out the fire and tasted my now crispy treat. Kellie smiled up at me. "You're getting it all over you," she scolded as she reached up to wipe the sticky goo off my face. For some reason I let her do it. She leaned in closer and I felt my heart beating against my ribs. I leaned down, praying that I wasn't imagining the heat emanating from her body.

Our lips met shyly at first. Her hands were in my hair, pulling me closer. I brushed my tongue against her bottom lip asking for entrance. I pressed closer to her. Our sticks dropped into the fire, our treats long forgotten as Kellie parted her lips. I slowly explored her mouth. My hands roamed under her suede barn jacket, feeling the swell of her breasts.

PART FIVE

Kellie's tongue began to dance with my own as her hands unbuttoned my shirt. As I pulled her up onto my lap, a drop of water hit me. I ignored the intrusion as my hands moved down Kellie's back. They grasped Kellie's firm ass and pulled her closer as another splash of water hit my skin.

A crack of thunder jolted us out of our embrace. We looked up just as the sky opened up and the downpour of rain soaked us.

"I told you it was going to rain," I noted as Kellie jumped up and grabbed me by the hand.

"You always have to be right, don't you?" She wagged an accusing finger at me. "Come on," Kellie insisted as she pulled me over to the tent. I laughed as she yanked me inside. I didn't want to think about the morning; I just wanted to be with her.

I pulled Kellie to me and cupped her face. "You are so beautiful," I told her as I brushed her wet bangs out of her face.

"I can't believe that I let you go," Kellie whispered as she pulled me closer.

"Ssh." I placed my finger against her lips. "Not tonight. For right now, there's just you and me and the rain."

Kellie pulled me even closer and captured my lips with her own as her hands slipped down to my waist. Our kiss quickly deepened as Kellie led me over to our bed for the evening. We broke apart as our need to breathe became overwhelming. I stepped away from her and lit the portable lamp; the sight of her in the dimly lit tent took my breath away. It was the same feeling I had the first time I was with her. She just simply took my breath away. The uncertain future didn't matter; feeling her close to me was the only thing I wanted at that moment.

I knelt down and adjusted our sleeping bags since there was no longer a need to keep them separate. As my fingers fumbled with the zippers on the bags, I watched Kellie watching me. Slowly she removed her clothing as I settled on the air mattress to watch her reveal herself to me.

I don't think I will ever tire of seeing this goddess that stood before me. I pulled back the sleeping bags and allowed her to crawl in and cover herself. I stood to slowly undress while she watched. I heard the rain pelting down on the roof of the tent as I removed the last of my clothing. Green eyes watched my every movement.

I lowered myself as she pulled the sleeping bag off once again to reveal her nakedness to me. I reached out slowly, still not really believing that it was real. My fingers began to trace a delicate path along her shoulders and arms. She shuddered from my touch. "Jess," she said softly.

I leaned in and kissed her; my tongue plunged deep in her mouth as I lowered her onto the air mattress. I moaned as our bodies pressed together. I'd missed so many things about her; her body, her touch, her beauty and her smile. We moved together, her thigh finding its way between my own. Our hands roamed over the other's body in a heated exploration. I tore away from her lips, needing to taste more of her. "Oh Kellie," I whispered hotly in her ear before I moved down to kiss her neck.

Her hands cupped my backside, pulling me closer to her. I trembled as I felt her wetness cover my thigh. We rocked together as my mouth moved further down her neck. "Jess . . . ," Kellie gasped. " . . . please baby . . . make love to me," she pleaded. I pulled away from her slightly to look deep into her eyes. I could see the stark honesty of her request clearly written there.

I brushed her lips gently, accepting her offer as my hands slowly caressed her exposed body. Lowering my head, I gently captured her nipple in my mouth and began to suckle it, teasing it with my teeth and tongue. Her body arched beneath me. Kellie shifted, opening her legs to allow me to settle my longer body between her thighs. Her wetness pressed against my stomach.

I needed to touch her, to feel her, to taste her. I was goaded on by the moans escaping her. I kissed my way down, my tongue dipping into her navel playfully. The taste of her skin intoxicated me as I worked my way down further. I kissed the inside of her thighs and felt her quiver from my touch. I gently parted her lower lips and dipped my tongue into her wetness. As I tasted her, my own excitement grew. I teased her clit with my tongue and suckled it, teasing it as I had teased her nipple earlier. My fingers slid through her wetness as I heard her call my name.

I entered her slowly at first as I continued to taste her. I held her as her body rocked; my fingers plunging in and out of her. Her thighs trembled as her back arched. Kellie was so close to coming that I couldn't hold back. I needed to feel her explode. I increased the rhythm of my tongue and fingers, pushing her closer to the edge. Finally she screamed out, gasping for air as I continued to pleasure her.

She crossed over the edge quicker the second time as I continued to taste all of her. "Wait," Kellie gasped, finally pushing away from me. I looked up at her, smiling as she pulled me towards her. She kissed me deeply as her hands caressed my breasts. Our bodies merged, seeming to melt together. Her hands blazed a trail down my backside. I gasped as she cupped it, pulling me into her.

Our hips ground wildly together in a passionate rhythm. "Jess . . . ," she whispered in my ear as she guided me onto my back. She continued to kiss me on my lips and my neck as her hands touched every inch of my body. Her thigh gently opened my legs and her hand found it's way to my damp center. I shivered as her fingers teased me.

Kellie paused for a moment and look deep into my eyes. "I love you," she said nervously. "I really do. I always have."

I pulled her closer to me as I kissed her gently. "I love you too," I confessed as I ran my hands down her strong back.

She teased me once again as she slowly entered me with two fingers. Her movements were gentle as we looked deep into one another's eyes. Her fingers plunged in and out of me as her thumb circled my throbbing clit. My body rose as I clutched her back and I screamed out her name.

Kellie and I collapsed together and snuggled up, our bodies covered in a sheen of sweat. We held one another tightly.

"You know, it will probably rain all day tomorrow," I commented as Kellie looked up at me quizzically. "If it does, we'll be stuck in this tent all day."

"Let it rain," Kellie said boldly as she kissed me.

I smiled as we held each other; we drifted off to sleep, finally back in each other's arms.

THE END