HERE COMES THE BRIDE

By Mavis Applewater

yomavis@email.com

August 2002

Disclaimers: Yes, I know who they look like, and trust me, it isn’t them. The characters and story are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced without the author’s permission. So there! If for any reason, real or imagined, you are not comfortable with graphic descriptions of a loving sexual relationship between two consenting adult women, then do us all a favor and do not read this story or anything else I have ever written. If for any reason it is illegal for you to view such material, then do me a favor and do not read this story until it is no longer a crime for you to do so.

As always, this is for Heather.

PART ONE

Katie sighed deeply as she watched the group of women grow rowdier and rowdier with each passing moment. She collected their drinks from the bartender and made her way over to the screaming women who were eagerly stuffing bills in the male dancers’ g-strings. "I hate bachelorette parties," the petite blonde muttered softly under her breath.

‘Of course if these gals realized that most of these guys are gay and have a sock stuffed down their g-string, they probably wouldn’t be in such a hurry to part with their money,’ Katie thought gleefully as she placed the round of cocktails before the screeching women.

"Thank you," came the soft response from the one woman whom still seemed to possess a modicum of dignity. Katie had noticed the tall brunette sitting quietly while her friends had lost all control.

"You’re welcome," Katie said as she smiled at the attractive woman.

Katie suddenly gritted her teeth as she felt a hand groping her backside. She spun around and brushed the grinning redhead’s hand away. "No touching," Katie chastised the drunken woman.

"Toni!" the brunette choked in disgust.

"Lighten up, Lori," the redhead slurred. "It’s about time that you started having some fun."

"I’m sorry about my friends," Lori apologized to Katie in a soft tone.

"Don’t worry about it," Katie responded as she leaned closer to Lori. "A few shots of tequila and women are worse than men. No one’s safe." She pulled away slightly and drank in the brunette’s chiseled features and crystal blue eyes.

The blonde could feel her heart beating just a little faster as Lori returned her gaze in the smoke-filled nightclub. "So I take it you’re the babysitter tonight," Katie offered in a teasing tone as Lori took a sip of her club soda. Lori simply nodded in agreement. Katie grimaced as she spied one of Lori’s friends standing behind her, holding up a crisp bill, waving one of the male strippers over. "Duck," Katie cautioned her before getting out of the way of the muscle-bound blonde surfer boy. He planted a sloppy kiss on the unsuspecting Lori before she could pull away.

Steve snatched his tip away from Lori’s friend before dancing away. Lori was scowling as she wiped her mouth. "I tried to warn you," Katie snickered in the brunette’s ear.

"Isn’t he a good kisser?" Toni chimed in as Lori continued to wipe her mouth.

"No," Lori growled as she took a healthy sip of her soda water.

"We need more shots," the redhead exclaimed. "Lori isn’t having fun yet."

"I don’t . . . ," Lori began to protest.

"Lori," another one of her friends chastised her, "loosen the bone, will you? Join the party."

"Okay," Lori conceded.

"Seven shots of Cuervo," one of the women instructed Katie as she dropped two twenty-dollar bills on her tray. "Keep the change," the ebony woman added with a playful wink. "First the shots and then a little something that will get Lori into the swing of things," she shouted as her friends cheered.

"I don’t like the sound of this," Katie muttered as she made her way to the bar. "Now they’re tipping? I have a feeling I know where this is heading. Not that I haven’t done it before, and Lori is very good looking," she reasoned as she collected the round of shots and headed back towards the drunken women.

Katie’s suspicions were confirmed when she spied Lori sitting in the corner ignoring her companions; the other six women were huddled in a group cackling and snickering like schoolgirls. The dark woman who had ordered the shots cut Katie off as she approached the table. "Hi," the woman began with a sly smile. "I was here a few months back with a few friends and you delivered a round with a little something special."

"Uh huh," Katie responded wryly as the woman pressed two one-hundred-dollar bills in her hand.

"Would you mind delivering Lori’s shot to her personally?" the woman asked with a sly wink as Katie stuffed the money in her bra.

"Body shot and a lap dance?" Katie questioned with a smile, actually looking forward to performing for Lori. "And how will your friend react to this?"

"I’m honestly not certain. I just want her to relax and have some fun," the woman said sincerely.

"No problem," Katie agreed. "But if she objects or looks uncomfortable, the show is over."

"Understood," the woman conceded. "I’m not trying to make fun of her and I don’t want to upset her."

Katie placed the tray on the table and passed the tequila around to the other six women. She took Lori’s shot and some salt and limes over to Lori. The brunette smiled up at her.

"I guess I’m going to have to join in," Lori grumbled.

"You could say that," Katie teased her as she set the items down on the table beside Lori. The tall woman was reaching for the tequila when Katie’s hand stopped her. "I’ve been asked to give you special service."

Lori gave her a quizzical look as Katie began to unbutton her blouse to her navel. Katie smiled as she watched Lori’s crystal blue eyes casting a hungry gaze over her slightly exposed body. Katie hiked up her skirt slightly and straddled the stunned brunette’s lap. "Ever do a body shot, Lori?" Katie inquired in a breathy tone, spoken just loud enough so the brunette could hear her over the thumping bass of the music.

Lori shook her head as Katie leaned her smaller body into the brunette’s while Lori’s friends cheered them on. "If you don’t want to do this just say so," Katie whispered in her ear.

"Just tell me what to do," Lori choked out as her hands came to rest on Katie’s waist.

Katie leaned back, her thighs tightening their hold on Lori’s body while she reached over and picked up the large shot of tequila and salt. "When doing tequila it’s important to remember three things. Isn’t that right, ladies?"

The women cheered as they rubbed wedges of lime over the backs of their hands and then applied a light layer of salt. "The three things you need to remember are lick, shoot, and suck," Katie explained huskily as she rubbed some lime on the swell of her breast. Then she sprinkled some salt over the damp spot. Her body tingled as Lori’s fingers began to caress her body. As Lori’s friends continued to hoot and holler their encouragement, Katie tucked the shot glass in her cleavage. She held up a thick lime wedge as Lori stared at the shot glass nestled between her breasts.

"Are you ready?" Katie teased the blushing brunette. "First lick the salt," she instructed Lori as she wove her fingers through long dark hair and drew her closer to her breast. Katie squirmed in Lori’s lap, enjoying the feel of the taller woman pressing against her clit. Katie bit back a moan when she felt Lori’s tongue slowly lick the salt from her skin. She felt tiny drips of tequila splashing on her skin.

Katie was enjoying the feel of the seam of Lori’s jeans pressing into her center as she ground against the taller woman. Katie could feel her desire growing as Lori’s talented tongue licked away the last granules of salt from her breast. "Now it’s time to shoot," Katie offered in a low voice as she placed her small hands on Lori’s broad shoulders, raised her body up, and pressed her ample bosom into Lori’s face.

She heard the brunette gasp as she shuddered against Katie. The blonde pulled back slightly and drank in the flushed features of the woman she was straddling. Lori’s hands drifted away from her hips. Katie swallowed hard as the tips of Lori’s fingers gently glided across the swell of her breasts. Katie stared deeply into Lori’s amazingly blue eyes as the brunette reached for the shot glass tucked away in the blonde’s cleavage.

"Oh no you don’t," Katie chastised the surprised looking woman. "I liked your hands where they were," she explained as she watched crystal blue orbs widen in confusion.

"How am I . . .?" Lori stammered as her hands drifted along Katie’s body then up under her skirt and once again cupped the blonde’s firm backside.

Katie smiled wickedly as she lifted her body closer until the shot glass was resting against Lori’s trembling lips. Katie ran her fingers through Lori’s silky tresses. "If you don’t want to, then I can stop this now," Katie explained in a low tone that only Lori could hear.

"Come on," one of Lori’s friends whined.

"Let’s do it," Lori said with a throaty growl that sent a shiver down Katie’s spine.

The blonde nodded in agreement as she smiled down at Lori. "Shoot," she commanded as she arched her back and guided Lori to drink the golden shot from her cleavage. Lori captured the shot glass in her mouth, spilling a little of the tequila down Katie’s cleavage. The blonde smiled as she felt the warm liquor trickling down her skin as Lori’s head tipped back and she consumed the liquor with the glass carefully nestled between her lips.

Katie watched carefully as Lori drank a little more than half the shot. Katie carefully took the glass from her lips before she began to choke. The other women had already slammed down their shots and were sucking on the limes. "Now suck," Katie demanded as she placed a wedge of lime between her lips with the pulp side facing out.

Katie almost pulled away when she saw a brief look of panic flash in Lori’s eyes. The look faded and Lori pulled her down and began to suckle the fruit that was clenched in the blonde’s teeth. Katie’s clit throbbed as Lori eagerly sucked on the wedge of fruit. Katie moaned, as she tasted the citrus mixed with the tequila. The others cheered loudly as Lori sucked harder.

Katie could feel Lori’s tongue trying to remove the offending piece of fruit. The blonde was panting heavily as she took the fruit from her mouth and tossed it onto her tray. Lori leaned in and began to lick the last remaining pulp from Katie’s quivering lips. The blonde’s lips parted, inviting Lori’s tongue to deepen its exploration. She wrapped her tongue around the brunette’s as her hips ground in rhythm with the music.

The kiss deepened as she felt Lori’s fingertips shyly slipping up under her panties. Katie reluctantly ended the fiery kiss, knowing that she had to get back to work. She felt lightheaded as she stared deep into eyes that were now dark with desire. Katie licked her lips, savoring the taste of lime and tequila mixed with the taste of Lori’s lips.

Lori’s friends cheered and applauded loudly as the brunette blushed. Katie’s hips were still grinding in rhythm with the music as Lori matched her movements. Katie was about to remove herself from the delightful feeling as the other women turned their attention back to the scantily clad men dancing for them. Feeling suddenly bold and very amorous, she held up the shot glass. "You didn’t finish," Katie teased her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited for the other woman’s reaction.

Lori grinned up at her as her fingers continued to caress Katie’s firm backside. The blonde moaned as Lori’s fingers kneaded her flesh. "Set it up," Katie instructed her as she kept hold of the shot glass, which was less than half full. The blonde leaned back; Lori reached over with one hand while the other remained nestled up under Katie’s panties.

Lori squeezed the lime over one of Katie’s breasts. The blonde’s body arched as she felt the cool liquid paint her breast. Lori’s hand trembled as she placed the lime onto Katie’s tray and picked up the salt. Lori paused for a moment and Katie feared that she had pushed things too far, then Lori’s fingers neatly tucked some money back under the lacy material of Katie’s bra. "Wouldn’t want you to lose that," Lori explained softly as her fingers drifted into Katie’s bra. The blonde moaned as Lori’s fingers lightly brushed her nipple.

"Thank you," Katie managed to choke out as her body ached to feel more. Regrettably Lori’s fingers retreated from her bra and the brunette sprinkled some salt on the wet spot on her breast. Katie’s body trembled as she felt the granules dance against her skin.

"Lick, shoot, suck?" Lori inquired as her voice trembled slightly.

"Yes, but this time you’re going to drink all the tequila, including what you spilled earlier," Katie instructed her.

Lori slowly licked away the salt and then began to lick away the drops of tequila that had spilled down Katie’s cleavage earlier. The blonde’s body was trembling as Lori’s mouth teased the valley between her breasts. She could feel Lori moaning in pleasure against her skin.

When Lori lifted her head, Katie leaned back and poured the remaining tequila down along her firm abdomen. She flexed her muscles so that most of the liquor would pool in her navel. Lori dove in and began to lick the tequila off Katie’s body. The blonde leaned back, wrapping her legs tighter around Lori’s body and her head almost touching the floor.

Katie felt Lori’s hands holding her up as she feasted upon her stomach. She bit back a deep moan as Lori’s tongue dipped into her navel and sucked every last drop of tequila. Lori’s exploration began to drift lower. Katie was tempted to just give herself over and let the woman make love to her right then and there. "Go, Lori!" one of the women shouted, snapping both women back to reality.

Katie lifted her body back up as Lori’s hands drifted to her back and held her steady. Katie took a wedge of lime and ran it along her breast, dipping into her bra and dangerously close to her aching nipple. "Suck," Katie offered in a needy voice as she lifted her arms over her head. Lori’s mouth and tongue quickly captured her skin. As Lori’s tongue dipped into her bra, Katie clasped the woman’s shoulders and drew her closer.

"Yes," Katie hissed as she felt Lori’s tongue tease her nipple. Katie looked around to see that everyone else in the nightclub was focused on the dancer dressed like a firefighter. She turned her attention back to Lori who was pulling down the top of her bra with her teeth. Katie placed her hand on the back of Lori’s head and guided her to continue her exploration. The blonde’s body trembled and her desire grew when Lori sucked her nipple into the warmth of her mouth.

Lori teased her nipple with her teeth and her tongue while Katie slipped one of her hands between their bodies and cupped the brunette’s mound. Lori suckled her harder while Katie stroked Lori urgently with the heel of her hand. Lori nipped at her breast while her hips rocked against Katie’s insistent touch.

Katie was about to explode when she reluctantly pulled away. "I need to get back to work," se explained with a whimper as she began to adjust her clothing. Her hands were shaking as she buttoned her blouse. Lori nodded mutely as Katie climbed off her lap and straightened her skirt. Katie blew out a heavy breath as she began to clear away the glasses. Once her tray was full she bent over the trembling brunette. "Any way you can ditch your friends?" Katie inquired, not feeling certain that she should continue crossing the line with this woman.

She watched as Lori took a deep swallow. "I . . . uhm," Lori stammered as she struggled to breathe.

"Katie?" the manager called out and motioned for her to get back to her other patrons.

"Gotta go," Katie said with a shrug before making her way over to her other tables. Her legs were still shaking as she took more drink orders.

"Wow, that was some show you put on," Kenny, the bartender, teased her as she collected her orders. "I’ve never seen you get into it like that. Usually you just bump and grind for a couple seconds and let them do a shot on your neck."

"Did you see her?" Katie laughed. "I asked her to ditch her friends."

"What?" Kenny squealed. "That isn’t like you. But then again I’d hop the fence for her. So what did she say?"

"Nothing; the boss caught me." Katie shrugged, feeling more than a little disappointed that Lori hadn’t accepted her uncharacteristic offer. "Speaking of putting on a show, are you responsible for John’s new outfit?" She nodded at the buffed man dressed in leather chaps and a cowboy hat dancing for the screaming women.

"You like?" Kenny grinned. "Later he’s going to rope and tie me."

"Pig," Katie snorted before returning to her customers.

As she continued to wait on tables her eyes kept drifting over to Lori who was still seated in the same chair while her friends continued to hoot and holler. She smiled each time she looked over and found Lori watching her every movement. It was finally last call, and despite the fact that Lori’s eyes never left her, the brunette still hadn’t said anything, even when Katie would rest her hand on her shoulder.

Katie approached Lori’s party last; they seemed upset that the show was over. "Last call, ladies," Katie announced, resting her hand once again on Lori’s shoulder. The group of women complained about the night coming to an end.

"Set them up again," Lori offered in a rich tone as she placed a couple of twenties on Katie’s tray. "And I’ll have a Cuervo Sunrise."

"No way, Lori; you can’t pay," the ebony woman who paid Katie for the lap dance protested.

"It’s the last one," Lori protested. "Besides you spent all your money on these young stud muffins and my special shot," she teased her friends.

Katie nodded in agreement as she went to the bar and placed their orders. "I hate women," Roger, one of the other waiters, complained to Kenny. Most of the servers were men who were scantily clad in tight black pants and white vests. Katie was one of the few women that worked on the nights when Men In Motion performed. "All night long they grope me and then stiff me. It’s not right."

"Oh, I don’t know," Katie teased him as she pulled the two one-hundred-dollar bills from her bra and waved them in front of him.

"Not fair," Roger grumbled while Katie placed her order and paid Kenny for the round, tucking the extra twenty and the other bills into her bra. "I let that big gal over there feel my package and all I got was a five."

"That’s because you don’t wait to see the money up front," Katie chastised him as she collected her last order of drinks. "I’m not going to miss this place if I get that job."

"When is your big interview?" Roger inquired as he collected his order.

"Tuesday," Katie sighed with relief. "I’m so sick of having a degree I can’t do crap with. I thought after I got my PhD I would at least get a teaching position. But it’s slim pickings out there."

"Slim pickings in here," Roger grunted as they made their way over to the tables.

Katie delivered the last of the drinks to the tipsy women. She purposely saved Lori’s for last, still hoping the brunette would respond to her earlier invitation. Their fingers brushed as Katie handed her the drink. "Thank you," the brunette said softly. "For everything," she added with a shy smile as she began to sip her drink.

The others quickly consumed their cocktails as Lori and Katie simply smiled at one another. "Come on. The limo’s waiting," Lori finally said, breaking the intense gaze they’d been sharing. "Get your gag gifts together." Katie laughed as an array of condoms and vibrators were stuffed into bags. Katie hadn’t missed the penis straws the women had been using all night. She watched as the redhead who had groped her earlier tossed the veil onto her head.

"How do I look?" the woman slurred.

"Lovely," Katie said with an amused smirk. "Enjoy the wedding, ladies," she said as she reluctantly left Lori’s side.

Katie busied herself collecting glasses as she watched the wedding party stumble out the door. She grimaced slightly, feeling a sense of disappointment that she wouldn’t see Lori again. Once her tables were clear and the last of the rowdy women finally ejected, Katie began her cash out. As she was sorting her money, she unfolded a twenty-dollar bill to find a napkin neatly folded inside. She opened it slowly with nervous anticipation. ‘Courtside Marriott 1N Room 312’ was all the pristine written note offered. "Please be from her," she whispered as she quickly counted her earnings.

Katie tipped out Kenny and made a mad dash for her car in the back lot. She was shaking as she started her beat-up Toyota and drove towards the hotel that was only a short distance away. Katie made her way to Room 312, her body tingling as she stood before the door. She ran her fingers through her short blonde hair and smoothed out her clothing, feeling grungy from her shift and the tequila that had been poured over her body. She wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt and knocked on the door as she whispered a quiet prayer that it would be Lori waiting for her on the other side.

PART TWO

Katie’s prayers were answered when the door opened and she found Lori shyly smiling at her. "Hi," she said as Lori stepped aside, allowing her to enter the hotel room.

"Hi," Lori responded as she ran her fingers nervously through her long dark hair. Lori turned and closed the door behind Katie. Katie took a moment to take in the brunette’s appearance. She had showered and was now dressed in a long white terry cloth bathrobe. Katie smiled as she contemplated how adorable the taller woman looked.

Katie watched as Lori began to fidget. "That was some party. Your friends really seemed to enjoy themselves," Katie offered. She stepped closer to the tall woman who was making her body pulsate with desire.

"Yeah, well, we don’t let loose very often," Lori explained with a light laugh as she neared Katie. "Actually, I never do. This just isn’t something that I do," she added in a slightly embarrassed tone.

"Neither do I," Katie confessed as she closed the gap between them. "I mean I’ve done the lap dance thing before but not the way I did with you tonight."

"I’ve never done anything like that before," Lori continued as her voice trembled. "I can’t believe how good it felt to touch your body," she added distantly.

"I liked the way you touched me, too," Katie reassured her as she placed her small hands on the curve of Lori’s waist. Katie smiled; the differences in their heights granted her a full view of Lori’s cleavage. Katie couldn’t help noticing that Lori was probably naked under her bathrobe. She felt Lori’s arms encircling her as she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Lori’s neck.

She could feel the taller woman trembling against her. "Do you want to touch me again?" Katie asked before placing another kiss on the moaning woman’s neck. Lori whimpered in response. "Do you want me to touch you?" Katie inquired as she began to nibble on Lori’s neck.

"Yes," Lori gasped on a needy breath as her hands began to roam down Katie’s back.

Lori’s hands once again cupped Katie’s firm backside as the blonde kissed her neck, working her way up to her chin. Lori bent down giving the eager blonde more access while her hands began to pull up Katie’s black skirt. "But . . . ," Lori protested in a weak voice as Katie’s lips inched closer.

"Ssh," Katie silenced her before running her tongue along Lori’s quivering lips.

"If you don’t want this, I’ll go," Katie offered softly against Lori’s lips. Lori’s response was to brush Katie’s lips with her own while her hands ran up under the blonde’s skirt. Katie reclaimed her lips and deepened the kiss; she poured all of her desire into the fiery kiss while her hands caressed Lori’s hips.

Lori’s lips parted, inviting Katie in; they began a sensual duel as their tongues caressed one another. Katie could feel Lori’s hands growing bolder as the brunette began to lower her panties. Katie’s body melted into Lori’s as she guided the taller woman backward towards the bed. The blonde cocktail waitress lowered the taller woman down onto the bed as she felt Lori’s hands moving out from under her skirt.

Katie kicked off her shoes. She felt Lori lowering the her skirt’s zipper while they continued to explore the warmth of one another’s mouth. Reluctantly Katie ended the kiss as she rolled over onto her side. They were both breathing heavily as two sets of hands began to remove Katie’s skirt. Once the garment was lowered far enough Katie reached down and completely removed her skirt and tossed it across the room.

Lori pulled her down and captured her lips once again as Katie pressed her body against Lori. Katie cupped one of Lori’s breasts and began to massage it gently through the thick material of the robe. Lori’s hands drifted back to Katie’s panties as the blonde deepened the kiss. They were both gasping for air as the kiss came to an end and Lori lowered Katie’s underwear even further down her hips. "I could feel you at the club," Lori panted. "I could feel how wet you were as your body touched mine. It drove me crazy knowing that I was doing that to you."

"And did it make you wet?" Katie moaned as she slipped her hand underneath Lori’s robe. "Did you want me as much as I wanted you?" Katie teased as her hand slipped between Lori’s thighs. The brunette’s thighs parted, allowing Katie to explore her further.

"Yes," Lori confessed as Katie’s fingers brushed her damp curls.

Katie’s clit throbbed as she parted her lover and dipped into her wetness. "Did you want more?" Katie encouraged the brunette as her fingers glided slowly along her slick folds.

"Yes," Lori groaned as her fingers began to caress Katie’s aching need. "I wanted to be inside of you," Lori gasped as she continued to stroke Katie’s clit with her fingers. Katie continued teasing the brunette as she straddled her body.

With her free hand Katie began to unbutton her blouse while Lori teased her. Katie reached down and untied Lori’s robe and gently pulled it open as her fingers teased the brunette’s pulsating nub. Katie drank in the sight of Lori’s well-toned body. "You are so beautiful," Katie said in pure amazement.

Lori blushed at the comment as she lifted her body. Katie was now straddling the brunette as she had earlier in the evening. Lori began to kiss and taste Katie’s skin as she struggled to remove the blonde’s blouse. Katie assisted her lover in removing of her top and then her bra. Lori’s eyes darkened with desire as she gazed at Katie’s breasts.

The blonde shifted back and away from her before removing Lori’s hand from her wetness. Lori looked at her in confusion. Katie leaned in and kissed the brunette deeply as she brushed her clit against Lori’s. Her lover’s moans urged her on as their hips began to thrust urgently. Katie leaned forward, offering her breasts to Lori. The brunette began to kiss her skin once again before suckling her nipple in her mouth.

Katie was clutching her lover as their clits rubbed together while Lori teased her nipple with her teeth and tongue. She could feel Lori’s hands slip between their bodies and once again dip into her wetness. Katie pulled back slightly as Lori whimpered and began to tease the blonde’s clit. Katie buried Lori’s face in her breasts as she felt the brunette’s fingers pressing against her center.

"You still taste like tequila," Lori whispered as she licked her skin and her fingers entered Katie’s wet aching core.

"You need to finish your shot," Katie grunted as she began ride against Lori’s hand while the brunette teased her nipples with the tip of her tongue.

Lori began to suckle her nipples harder, moving from one to the other while her fingers plunged in and out of Katie’s wetness. "Harder," Katie pleaded as she thrust harder into Lori’s touch. Lori granted her request as her hand and mouth took her higher while her thumb began to stroke her clit. Katie’s thighs trembled as her head fell back. Katie screamed out in pleasure as the waves of ecstasy ripped through her small body. Lori’s fingers stilled inside of her as she kissed Katie tenderly on the neck.

Katie’s heart was racing as she removed herself from her lover’s touch and gently guided Lori onto her back while she removed her robe. "I want to feel all of you," Katie explained as she tossed the garment aside. The blonde began to kiss her way down Lori’s body, drinking in the salty taste of her sweat-covered body.

Lori squirmed beneath her as Katie’s mouth descended lower until the blonde found herself kneeling on the floor before the beautiful brunette. Katie kissed and tasted the desire that painted the inside of Lori’s trembling thighs. "Please," Lori pleaded as Katie draped the brunette’s long legs over her shoulders.

Katie took a moment to inhale the musky scent of Lori’s desire before she blew a warm breath through the dark curly patch she’d been fanaticizing about. Katie cupped Lori’s firm backside as she pulled her closer and dipped her tongue into the brunette’s passion. Katie murmured in pleasure, as she tasted Lori for the first time.

Tasting the taller woman was pure bliss. She buried herself deeper inside Lori’s wetness as she ran her tongue along the slick folds. Katie licked and tasted Lori slowly while the brunette begged for more. Lori’s hips arched up off the bed as Katie ran her flattened tongue along her sex. Lori’s thrusts lifted her higher as Katie pressed her tongue against the opening of her center. She could hear Lori’s muffled screams as she curled her tongue and entered the brunette’s warm inviting center.

Katie plunged in and out of Lori as the brunette ground her body against her. Katie’s body began to tremble as she dipped deeper inside her lover. She heard Lori protest as her tongue slipped from inside of her. Lori’s cries quickly turned to pleasure when Katie suckled her clit in her mouth and her fingers replaced her tongue. She fought to hold Lori steady as she suckled her clit harder while her fingers wiggled and plunged deeper inside of her. "God yes," Lori screamed as Katie grazed her clit with her teeth.

The hotel room was filled with the scents and sounds of their passion as Lori climaxed. Katie continued to feast upon her as her fingers stilled inside of her lover. Katie used her shoulders to keep her lover from trapping her between her trembling thighs while she drove her once again over the edge. Katie felt Lori pulling her up onto the bed. Katie almost exploded as Lori pulled her in for a lingering kiss.

Katie moaned as their nipples brushed and their bodies melted together. Lori rolled her onto her back and began to kiss her way down her body. She lifted her hips so Lori could remove her panties. She felt Lori’s breath on her skin as she hovered over her. The sight of Lori’s glorious backside just above her greeted Katie as the brunette began to kiss her thighs.

Katie caressed Lori’s backside as the brunette began to feast upon her wetness. Katie parted her thighs as Lori buried herself between her legs. As Lori suckled her clit Katie slipped her two fingers deep inside the brunette’s center. Her hips thrust urgently as Lori suckled her harder. Lori’s legs parted as she rode against Katie’s touch. Encouraged by Lori’s urgent thrusts, Katie added another finger inside of her lover. Lori bucked urgently in response as Katie gave herself over to the feel of the brunette’s tongue feasting upon her.

Katie’s body lifted higher; she cried out while Lori screamed into her wetness. Both women continued to pleasure each other until they collapsed onto the bed. Katie had barely enough time to catch her breath before she felt Lori kissing her way back up her body. The blonde’s body was tingling as Lori’s mouth worshiped her skin. Soon they were once again wrapped up in one another’s arms, rolling across the bed.

Katie needed to feel and taste every inch of this amazing woman. Lori seemed to be filled with the same uncontrollable desire as they found themselves locked in an intense kiss while their thighs pressed against the other’s center. Katie was lying on top of Lori while they thrust against each other in a sensual rhythm. She was panting as Lori’s hands drifted up and down her body. The blonde reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the gift bag she’d seen earlier at the club.

"What are you doing?" Lori moaned as she rode harder against the blonde’s thigh. Katie smiled down at her lover when she found what she was looking for in the bag. She knocked the bag with the rest of its contents to floor as she pulled away from Lori. She held the small purple phallic shaped vibrator up and pulled off the cap. Katie twisted the top and felt the small vibrator buzzing in her hand. "Is that how that works?" Lori asked in amazement as Katie pushed her thighs open.

Katie snuggled up against Lori’s long body and rested her head on the brunette’s chest. She lowered the vibrator to Lori’s clit and held it gently against the aching nub. Lori held her tightly while her body gyrated in response. Katie captured one of Lori’s nipples in her mouth as she continued to pleasure her with the vibrator. She tugged on Lori’s nipple playfully with her teeth while the brunette climaxed.

Katie turned the toy off and cast it aside. "I’ve never felt this alive before," Lori confessed in a hoarse tone as she wrapped Katie up in her arms. They snuggled closer and gently caressed one another until they were once again lost in a passionate kiss. Soon Katie found herself lying on her stomach as Lori pressed her wetness into her. "Oh yes," Katie murmured as she lifted her hips to feel more of Lori.

Katie’s clit was once again throbbing as she matched Lori’s urgent thrusts. "You feel so good," Lori moaned as her breasts danced across Katie’s back. The bed rocked as they moved in perfect rhythm driving each of them closer to the edge. Katie felt Lori exploding against her. The brunette began to kiss her way down Katie’s prone body. The blonde opened herself up, as her lover tasted her from behind. Her body began to sway as Lori’s tongue dipped into her center. Katie clutched at the bedding as Lori plunged deep inside of her.

Katie whimpered in protest as she felt Lori’s mouth leaving her body. Lori guided her down onto her back. Katie reached for her only to have her hands captured by Lori’s and lifted above her head. The brunette held her wrists above her head with one hand while she stroked her aching clit with the other. Katie’s body was thrashing; she felt Lori inside of her while her thumb teased her clit. She stilled her body and found Lori looking down upon her while she pleasured her. The intensity of the brunette’s gaze quickly sent the smaller woman over the edge.

Katie pulled Lori down and began to caress her body. Her breathing was still erratic, as her exploration grew bolder. "The sun is up," Katie panted as Lori began to kiss her neck. The brunette simply hummed in response as she began to suckle the pulse point on Katie’s neck.

Suddenly Lori’s head snapped up and she crawled away from Katie to stare out the window. "What?" Katie asked in confusion.

"The wedding," Lori explained in a horrified tone as she turned away from the stunned blonde and pulled on her bathrobe.

"Oh." Katie laughed as she pulled herself up and began to search for her clothing. Her knees were weak and her mind a little foggy as she pulled on her skirt. She noticed the large garment bag hanging on the clothing rack. "I don’t know why you gals insist on partying the night before the wedding," she teased, feeling uneasy when Lori wouldn’t look at her. "So you’re a brides maid?" she asked as she continued to dress, hoping that Lori would look at her.

"No," Lori choked out in a fearful tone.

"Maid of honor?" Katie continued, feeling her anger rise when the other woman wouldn’t look at her.

"No," Lori sobbed, still keeping her back to the confused blonde.

Katie pulled on her bra as her brow crinkled in confusion. Her emerald eyes suddenly widened as she walked purposely over to the garment bag. Her body was trembling as she reached for the zipper.

"Please don’t," Lori pleaded as she jumped off the bed.

It was too late. Katie had already begun opening the bag, her heart pounding as the delicate white lace was revealed. She stumbled backward as the gown was finally in full view. "You’re the bride?" Katie choked out in horror.

She turned to see the frightened look in Lori’s eyes and knew it was the truth. "I have to go," Katie stammered as she frantically began to search for the rest of her clothes and her car keys. Lori collapsed onto the bed. Katie fought against the urge to go to her and offer some comfort. But what could she say or do? Katie stood there as her emotions stormed inside of her. On the one hand she knew she had nothing to feel guilty about. On the other hand, she was angry that Lori had used her. Katie also felt a deep-seated need to comfort the woman who was weeping uncontrollably. There was a loud knock on the door and a familiar voice demanded that Lori wake up.

Katie recognized the voice and knew it belonged to the woman who had started this entire fiasco. She threw open the door and found two brown eyes staring at her with a very surprised look. Katie yanked the woman into the hotel room and slammed the door shut. The woman’s shocked gaze bounced between Katie and Lori. Katie felt a surge of anger rush through her, as the woman looked at her half clad body with a snarl.

The dark-skinned woman’s jaw dropped in horror. "Oh my God," the woman stammered. "You slept with the cocktail waitress?"

"Yes," Lori choked out, still unable to look at either of them.

"I have a name," Katie fumed as her anger reached the breaking point. Lori turned to her with a sad expression and Katie’s heart sank when she realized that Lori didn’t know her name. "Katie," she added weakly as she crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling ashamed of her actions. The blonde fought back the tears that were threatened to escape. She turned to the stunned African American woman who was still staring at both of them. "Let me guess. You’re the maid of honor," Katie spat out.

"Natasha," the woman stammered.

"Look, she’s freaking out," Katie quickly explained. "You’re her best friend. I suggest you do something to help her."

"What can I do?" Natasha stammered as Katie snatched her blouse off the floor.

Katie flashed the bewildered Natasha a sneer. "You started this," Katie accused her. "Why did you set her up like that?"

"I didn’t . . . I mean, I didn’t know . . . ," Natasha tried to explain.

"But you suspected," Katie accused her. "That was the real reason for the lap dance, wasn’t it?"

"I . . . uhm," Natasha stammered as her eyes took a sudden interest in her shoes. "Yes, I suspected but I never thought that this would happen," Natasha blurted out as she looked up at Katie, looking guilty.

"What?" Lori fumed as she jumped off the bed and stormed over to a stunned Natasha. The brunette towered over the frightened woman. Even Katie jumped back as she felt the anger pouring out of Lori. "What did you suspect?" Lori demanded with a growl.

"Lori, I’m sorry," Natasha blurted out fearfully. "I know that you care for Brian. But I never felt that you were in love with him, and for sometime I suspected that maybe you were denying . . ."

"Denying what?" Lori shouted. Katie and Natasha cringed from the harshness in the woman’s voice.

Natasha stood there in stunned silence as Katie quickly scrambled to find her shoes and car keys. She snatched up both items and made a mad dash for the doorway. "Wait," Natasha called out to her in a pleading tone.

"For what?" Katie flared at both of them. "You’re her friend; you help her," Katie shouted as she tucked her shoes under her arm and reached for the doorknob. "I think I’ve done everything that I can," she added bitterly.

A deafening silence filled the room as Katie began to open the door. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she felt Lori approach her. "Katie?" Lori offered in a soft tone that sent a shiver down the blonde’s spine. Katie took a deep breath and collected her last ounces of courage before turning to the tall brunette. Katie looked up at Lori with a cold stare. "I’m sorry," Lori said sincerely as she reached out to the smaller woman. Lori’s hands froze in midair before she could touch Katie. "I’m really sorry for all of this," Lori added sadly as her crystal blue orbs filled with tears.

"So am I," Katie responded curtly before walking out of the room and bolting down the hallway to the staircase. She didn’t care that she was fleeing the hotel in a state of undress. She just needed to get away. She didn’t stop running until she was nestled safely in her own apartment.

PART THREE

The following Tuesday Katie was sitting in the outer office of the assistant director’s office at one of the most prestigious museums in Boston. She was wearing her best suit and she tapped her fingers nervously, praying that she wouldn’t do anything that would ruin the opportunity for landing her dream job.

The past few days had been hell for the small blonde. She felt angry, guilty, used, and like a fool all at the same time. She was sorry that Lori was confused with her sexuality but she was angry that both Lori and Natasha had used her. Then again she willingly went to the beautiful brunette’s hotel room without questioning anything. Not even taking the time to practice safe sex. Katie knew in her heart that knowing that Lori was to be married the following morning was the only thing that would have stopped her from going to that hotel room.

Katie shook her head in an effort to vanquish the troubling thoughts and questions that still plagued her. ‘I need to focus. I’m more than qualified for this job. I have the right experience with my internships and studies overseas. I have the right recommendations. I can do this. Soon I’ll be doing what I love most - studying the past,’ Katie thought, giving herself an internal pep talk as the secretary motioned for her to go in to see Ms. Beauchamp.

Katie smiled confidently as she collected her portfolio and entered the small yet elegant office. Her confidence vanished when she spotted Natasha standing behind the desk. The one saving grace was that Natasha seemed equally as stunned as she was. The sound of the secretary closing the office door jolted both women back to reality. "Please have a seat," Natasha offered in a slightly flustered tone.

Katie nodded agreeably as she sat in the chair. The blonde reminded herself that all was not lost. Hopefully Natasha was ethical enough to overlook the events of a few days ago. "Dr. Keefer," Natasha began in a professional tone, while her voice quivered slightly. "Katherine Keefer," Natasha muttered as she rubbed her temple nervously. "I had no idea," Natasha stated, a look of despair on her face.

"Of course not," Katie responded dryly. "I was just a cocktail waitress."

"With your credentials, why are you working there?" Natasha inquired in bewilderment.

"Money," Katie retorted flatly. "I have loans to repay and the money is good. It’s only temporary until I can start working in my field. And it appears that I will continue working there for awhile longer," Katie added in a defeated tone as she began to gather up her portfolio.

"Wait," Natasha halted her firmly. "You don’t understand what the problem is."

"Yes, I do," Katie retorted bluntly. "I’m a slutty cocktail waitress who screwed your friend and therefore not qualified to set foot in this fine institution. Despite my impressive resume. I guess it’s time to start faxing my resume to other parts of the country."

Katie hung on to her calm demeanor despite the fact that anger was rapidly growing inside of her. She’d just lost the position she’d spent most of her life working to attain because she had slept with the wrong person.

"No, you don’t understand," Natasha addressed her as she stood. "You’re the top candidate for this position. This meeting was supposed to be just a formality to ensure that you weren’t some kind of flake who only looked good on paper."

"You know you’re giving me excellent grounds for a lawsuit," Katie cautioned her, feeling completely confused by the turn of events. ‘Did I misjudge her?’ Katie questioned herself as she reclaimed her seat in front of the other woman’s desk.

"The problem is . . . ," Natasha began hesitantly as Katie braced herself for a brush off. "The final decision is going to be made by the director, Dr. Milner."

"I’m very confused right now," Katie confessed. "I get the feeling that you’re telling me the job is mine but I’m not going to get it."

"The problem is . . . ," Natasha repeated with a trembling voice, "that Dr. Milner won’t be making her decision until next week when she returns from her honeymoon."

Katie broke out in a cold sweat as her emerald eyes bugged out in horror. "Oh my God," she responded slowly. "Lori?"

"I’m afraid so," Natasha responded in a sorrowful tone.

"She married him?" Katie mumbled in a distant voice, confused as to why she cared.

"Yes," Natasha answered her in a hurt tone. "She almost didn’t," she continued.

"It’s none of my business," Katie cut her off as she once again collected her portfolio and stood to leave.

"This is my fault," Natasha muttered angrily. "I’ve been trying to push her for years to realize the truth. I should have stopped when she got engaged."

"Again, none of my business," Katie responded curtly. ‘Damn! My only one night stand and it cost me everything I’ve spent my entire life working for.’

"Hold on," Natasha interrupted her thoughts. "Lori is a very honorable person."

"Yes?" Katie snapped back in a sarcastic tone. "I could tell by the way she bedded me the night before her wedding."

"Hey!" Natasha flared defensively.

"What?" Katie responded with a heavy sigh.

Natasha took a deep breath of her own before continuing. "I don’t think Lori will refuse to hire you for this position because of what happened."

"How can she hire me now?" Katie argued. "How can she work with me? How can I work for her?"

Katie simply shook her head, knowing that Natasha was asking herself the same questions. Katie turned and walked out of Natasha’s office, feeling like her world had just come crashing down around her.

PART FOUR

The crowd seemed rowdier than normal, which wasn’t helping to lift Katie’s spirits. Her co-workers’ constant inquiries as to what was wrong and how her big interview had gone didn’t help either. She had been faxing her resume out across the country without much success. It wasn’t as if anthropology was a booming field these days. It had been over a week since her big interview and her mood was growing darker with each passing day.

She delivered a round of drinks to a group of drunken women who were celebrating one of the ladies’ fortieth birthday. Katie kept her distance, vowing never to fall into the same trap again. Unfortunately her aloof demeanor was affecting her tips. She turned around to wait on her next table when she spotted her standing at the bar.

Katie’s heart raced and her palms began to sweat. She almost dropped her tray when she found herself lost in a sea of blue. Even from across the crowded nightclub Lori’s presence was wreaking havoc on her emotions and libido. Somehow she managed to take the order.

She brushed past Lori, hating her body when it tingled as she moved by the tall brunette. "Excuse me," Katie said curtly, trying not to look at the other woman.

"I need to talk to you," Lori offered quietly as her hand came to rest on Katie’s forearm.

Katie shrugged away from Lori’s touch; it sent a jolt through her body. "I’m working," Katie responded icily, her eyes drifting to Lori’s amazing hands. She felt an unexpected surge of anger when she spotted the large diamond ring and gold band on the brunette’s ring finger. "You know, if you’d bothered to wear that rock the last time you were here, we wouldn’t be in the mess," Katie accused her bitterly.

"I left it with my parents so nothing would happen to it," Lori explained shyly.

"How very thoughtful," Katie snapped.

"I need to talk to you," Lori repeated, fidgeting with her wedding band.

"And I told you that I was working," Katie repeated harshly, noticing that Kenny was watching the entire scene. "I need a Sex On The Beach, a Kahlua Mudslide, a Tom Collins, a Midori Sour, and a Long Island Ice Tea."

Kenny nodded, slightly stunned by the harshness in Katie’s voice. "You should be working for me," Lori asserted firmly. Katie’s jaw dropped as she stared at the brunette with a bewildered expression. "You deserve the position. It would be wrong for you not to get it or take it because of something . . . because of my mistake. I don’t understand why I did what I did."

"Sure you do," Katie responded frankly. "You wanted it to happen, Lori, and now you just want to pretend it didn’t. That you didn’t feel the way you did. That you didn’t enjoy what we did. But you did."

She could see the fear in Lori’s eyes as the brunette struggled to catch her breath. Katie grimaced at the reaction she’d caused with her callous words. She collected her order and left the confused Lori standing at the bar. Katie was grinding her teeth when she returned to the bar and found Lori still standing there. "Please leave me alone," Katie pleaded after she placed her order. "I need this job."

"You have a job in your field waiting for you," Lori pushed. "You earned it. You deserve it. You and I will rarely cross paths. I won’t bother you. I won’t harass you. I will simply let you do your job and I will never allow what happened between us to affect my ability to be objective when it comes to your position. Take the job, Katie. Don’t hurt yourself because I’m a total jackass."

Katie tried to ignore her but Lori’s words were getting through. During the night Lori remained perched at the bar, and each time the blonde cocktail waitress approached, she implored her to accept the position. Katie was thankful when closing time approached and Lori would be forced to leave. The brunette thrust her business card onto Katie’s tray. "Call me," Lori asserted before walking out of the smoky nightclub.

"Want to talk about it?" Kenny pried as Katie counted out her meager earnings. Her head slumped as she released a sob.

"You’re not going to believe it," she cautioned him as she looked up with tears falling down her face. A long dissertation and several Margaritas later, she woke on Kenny’s sofa with a nasty hangover. As her head pounded, she dialed Lori’s office number and reluctantly accepted the position.

PART FIVE

Several months later Katie felt like a new woman. Lori had kept her word and stayed away from her. They only saw one another when it was absolutely necessary. And when they did meet both women managed to keep things on a strictly professional level. Of course it didn’t stop Katie’s mind from wandering back to the delightful memories of the one night they’d shared. She often found herself wondering if Lori ever thought about that night. Then she would mentally kick herself for even thinking about those things. She did notice that when she and Lori would pass one another in the museum that the brunette often seemed lost in thought. Once again she chastised herself for even pondering what was going on in the brunette’s mind. "None of my business," she reminded herself.

One night Katie was working late on a new collection that had just been received by the museum. The tapestry she was examining was so captivating that she was lost in the design. "Amazing, isn’t it?" the sultry voice whispered in her ear. Katie yelped in surprise as she jumped and clutched her heart.

"Sorry," Lori quickly apologized as she took a shy step backward.

"You scared me," Katie chastised the brunette playfully. "I was so wrapped up in this I never heard you come in."

"Should I start wearing a bell or something?" Lori teased her with an amused smirk.

"That could help." Katie laughed. The laugh suddenly died as she found herself once again captivated by Lori’s eyes. When she realized that she was staring at the other woman, she immediately broke the gaze and turned her focus on her work. "Sorry," she mumbled as Lori took a seat next to her.

Katie’s body began to tremble in reaction to Lori sitting so close to her. "How’s it going?" Lori inquired as she began to examine the tapestry.

"Good," Katie explained proudly. "I should have the dating completed by tomorrow. From everything I can see it’s authentic."

"Good to hear," Lori congratulated her. "You’re doing a great job."

Katie almost missed Lori’s comments as she watched the brunette’s fingertips carefully dance across the rich threads of the tapestry. Katie’s eyes drifted shut and her stomach clenched as memories filled her mind. Suddenly her eyes snapped open when she realized that something was missing. She stared down at Lori’s hands and discovered what was missing. Instead of the gold band and large diamond ring, there was only a dim tan line on Lori’s ring finger.

Before she could stop and think about what she was doing, Katie captured Lori’s hand and looked at it as a wave of confusion rushed over her. It wasn’t until Lori shyly removed her hand from Katie’s grasp that the blonde realized what she’d done. "Separated," Lori offered quietly in response to Katie’s unspoken question.

They sat there in the dimly lit room that was Katie’s lab, each seemingly struggling with the rush of emotions. "Do you want to talk about it?" Katie finally offered as she tried to ignore the constant throbbing of her lower anatomy.

"It was a mistake," Lori offered grimly. "But I guess you already knew that."

"I didn’t," Katie lied. She instantly regretted the lie. "The night we met I never would have guessed that you were the one who was getting married. I thought it was the redhead who grabbed my ass." Lori laughed at the memory. "I mean, she was wearing an engagement ring and put the veil on," Katie continued to explain. "Plus I thought you were . . ." She began to chew on her bottom lip nervously, wondering if she should be the one to say this to Lori.

"Gay," Lori concluded for her.

"Yes," Katie admitted, "I thought you were gay."

"Did you think that before or after I licked tequila off your body?" Lori inquired nervously.

"Before," Katie confessed as her hand unconsciously grasped Lori’s. When she realized that she was holding the brunette’s hand, she went to release it. Her movement was halted when she felt the light squeeze Lori offered in response.

"I didn’t," Lori responded sincerely. "Natasha did. She said that she’d known it for years. I mean, I guess I suspected and I’ve had urges, but I guess that I’m really good at lying to myself."

Katie wrapped her fingers around Lori’s as she allowed the woman to proceed at her own pace. Katie was fighting against the overwhelming urge to reach out and kiss Lori as she drank in the brunette’s chiseled features. "When I touched you, it felt right," Lori continued thoughtfully. "My body never felt that way before."

Katie’s mind went blank as she reached out and cupped Lori’s cheek in her hand. Lori smiled at her as she leaned into the touch. Katie wasn’t certain which of them moved first or if they moved in unison. She wasn’t aware that they’d somehow closed the gap that was separating them until she felt her lips melting into Lori’s.

Katie cast aside all sense of reason as she parted Lori’s soft full lips with her tongue. She moaned as Lori’s tongue parted her eager lips in the same manner. Katie soon became lost in the sensation of their tongues wrapping around one another. The blonde’s hands began to roam across Lori’s broad shoulders as the kiss grew more passionate.

Both women were gasping with desire as they finally released one another. "Why do you have to be such a good kisser?" Lori asked in wonderment as she captured Katie’s face in her hands.

"Why do you?" Katie responded with smile as Lori drew her closer and reclaimed her lips.

Things quickly escalated as their hands began to roam across one another’s bodies. "This is happening too fast," Katie panted as she pulled Lori up and guided her over to her desk.

"I know," Lori groaned as she began to remove Katie’s lab coat and unbutton her blouse.

"This is wrong," Katie continued to reason as she lowered Lori down onto her desk. Her nimble fingers quickly undid the buttons of Lori’s blouse while the brunette opened her blouse and began to caress Katie’s breasts.

"We shouldn’t be doing this," Lori added as Katie began to open the brunette’s slacks.

Katie was about to add another reason why they should stop when she felt Lori teasing her nipples and suckling her neck. "God, I want you," Katie moaned instead of arguing against touching one another. She felt her blouse fall to the floor. Lori fumbled slightly until she finally released the clasp on Katie’s bra. While Lori quickly removed the garment, Katie was pulling the brunette’s slacks down her hips.

Katie’s body arched as Lori captured her nipple in her mouth. The blonde’s hands moved quickly up the brunette’s body and began to remove her lover’s blouse and bra. Lori’s mouth teased her nipples while Katie fondled her lover’s breasts with her small hands. Lori moaned against her skin when Katie began to pinch and tease the brunette’s nipples.

Lori pulled away from her slightly and looked up at Katie with a smoky gaze. "Katie, I don’t want just this," she offered softly. "I mean, I want this, but it isn’t just your body that draws me to you."

"I feel the same," Katie confessed, suddenly feeling a sense of freedom by finally admitting that there was more to her attraction than just Lori’s stunning good looks. "We can still do this right?" she added playfully.

"Yes," Lori responded huskily.

Katie drew Lori’s slacks and underwear down her long legs as she sank to her knees. Then she removed the last of Lori’s clothing and cast it aside. Kneeling beside her desk, Katie nestled her body between Lori’s thighs and draped her long legs over her shoulders. Katie sighed as she drank in the aroma of her lover’s passion. She parted Lori’s lips and dipped her tongue inside of the brunette’s wetness. Lori’s body arched as Katie’s tongue glided along her sex. Katie pulled Lori’s body closer as her tongue began to flicker across her swollen nub. Katie suckled Lori’s clit into the warmth of her mouth while she pressed her fingers against the opening of her lover’s warm wet center.

She could hear Lori’s frantic pleas as she entered her. She felt the walls of Lori’s center tighten around her fingers. She allowed her lover’s body to adjust to the feel of her touch as she suckled her clit harder. Katie knew that the intensity of their long denied feelings would overwhelm both of them quickly. She couldn’t slow her pace as she began to plunge in and out of Lori’s wetness while she teased her clit. She needed to feel Lori exploding against her and she silently prayed that they would have time in the future to take things slower.

The uncertainty of their future did nothing to stop Katie from taking her lover completely as her hand and mouth moved in perfect rhythm. She felt Lori’s body trembling as she neared the edge. Urged on by her lover’s pleas Katie took her harder and deeper until she felt Lori’s body thrashing wildly. Lori was crying out her name as she climaxed against Katie.

The blonde’s fingers stilled inside of her lover, allowing the last drops of passion to slip through her trembling body. Katie slowly licked Lori’s passion from the inside of her quivering thighs. She gradually slipped her fingers out of the warm cocoon and rested her head on Lori’s stomach. "I adore you," Katie confessed as she placed soft promising kisses on Lori’s skin.

"Katie," Lori whispered as the blonde looked up and found that she was staring into crystal blue orbs filled with what she hoped was love.

The thought frightened her as she stood and Lori pulled her closer. The fear slipped away as she felt Lori’s tongue teasing her erect nipple while her hands busied themselves with lowering the blonde’s pants and underwear. Katie’s head fell back as her lover’s fingers explored her wetness. She parted her thighs as Lori entered her. Soon her hips were thrusting against Lori’s touch while the brunette suckled her nipple greedily.

The feel of Lori plunging in and out of her while her thumb teased her clit was quickly driving Katie over the edge. "Come for me," Lori pleaded against her skin. Katie’s body erupted as she cried out and clung to Lori. The brunette wrapped her up in a warm embrace as Katie tried to calm her trembling body. Katie lifted her head and brushed back Lori’s hair from her brow.

"We have a lot to talk about," she whispered before placing a gentle kiss on Lori’s brow.

"I know," Lori agreed before kissing Katie lightly on the lips. "Do you think we could go somewhere and talk?"

"Yes," Katie accepted with a smile.

They dressed and Katie locked down her lab. She offered her hand to Lori who accepted it with a bright smile. Still fearful of what lay ahead of them, Katie led Lori out the door on what would be their first date. The feel of Lori’s hand resting comfortably in her own gave her a sense of reassurance and courage.

The End

The Bride Wore Blue

(Here Comes The Bride Revisited)

By Mavis Applewater

April 2003

Disclaimers: The characters and story are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced, posted or sold without the author’s permission. So there! If for any reason real or imagined you are uncomfortable with graphic descriptions of two consenting adult women in sexual situations then do not read this story or anything else I have ever written. If for any reason it is illegal for you to view this material then do me a favor and do not read this story until it is no longer a crime for you to do so. Now if you really needed that disclaimer than you must have missed the first ninety-nine short stories I wrote. Since this one is number one hundred I think that I have proven that a dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste. :)

A very special thank you goes out to my beta reader Mary.

As Always this is for Heather

Part One

Lori cringed as the bridal party shrieked once again. "Oh boy," she sighed heavily as she tried to scoot further away from her friends and hide in the dark. Going to a strip show for her bachelorette party was the last thing she wanted to do. In fact she distinctly remembered telling each and every one of her brides maids that she preferred just catching a drink somewhere nice and quiet. But no, her friends completely over looked her shyness and scoffed at the idea.

Somehow she had gotten the mistaken idea that this night was supposed to be about her. "Silly me," she scolded herself as she watched Toni trying to grope one of the male strippers.

She watched as the waitress approached her rowdy friends once again. "How does she do it?" She wondered as she watched the petite blonde smiling as she handled the drunken women with apparent ease. She smiled as the friendly woman placed her club soda down. "Thank you." Lori offered shyly wanting to blurt out an apology for her friend’s antics.

"You’re welcome." The blonde said with a bright smile that for some strange reason warmed Lori’s body.

As the tall brunette searched her mind for something clever to say she watched in horror as Toni snuck up on the blonde and groped the waitress’ backside. "No touching," the blonde scolded the drunken woman.

"Toni!" Lori choked out in disgust as she wondered if Toni had lost her mind? ‘What the hell is wrong with her pawing the poor woman like she was a fresh mango?’ Lori thought with a sudden flush of anger. She didn’t like the way her friends were treating the attractive woman.

"Lighten up, Lori," Toni slurred. "It’s about time that you started having some fun."

Lori was furious that Toni had dared chastise her for behaving like an adult. "I’m sorry about my friends," she quickly apologized to the blonde who seemed completely unfazed by the redhead’s behavior.

"Don’t worry about it." The blonde reassured her in the sweetest tone as she leaned closer to Lori who was certain that someone had just turned the heat up in the crowded nightclub. "A few shots of tequila and women are worse than men. No one’s safe."

Lori felt a shiver running through her body as the blonde’s emerald eyes met her gaze. She felt helpless to look away from the blonde‘s warm smile and brilliant eyes. "So I take it that you’re the babysitter tonight." The blonde offered in a teasing tone as Lori took a quick sip on her club soda, since her mouth suddenly felt parched. For some unexplainable reason she was unable to speak. She nodded her head in response not understanding why she felt suddenly nervous about talking to the blonde.

"Duck," the blonde cautioned her in an urgent tone. Lori looked up in confusion as the blonde moved away. Before Lori realized what was happening some young blonde man was moving his lips in the most disgusting fashion as he closed the gap between them. ‘Eww!’ Her mind screamed as he planted a very wet sloppy kiss on her lips before she could move out of the way.

She jerked away when he tried to stick his tongue in her mouth. Lori was disgusted by the young man’s cocky grin. Her dog greeted her in a less slovenly manner, and then the idiot thought he was good enough to try to and French her? She was furious when he snatched up the tip Leslie was offering him from behind her. ‘If I had known I would have to endure this cruel and unusual punishment I would have just eloped.’ She thought as she wiped the spit from her face.

"I tried to warn you," the waitress snickered in her ear as Lori scowled in an effort to hide the blush that suddenly emerged on her face. She continued to wipe her face hoping that the blonde wouldn’t notice her flushed features. Lori was trying to convince herself that she was blushing because Leslie had embarrassed her and not from the warm breath caressing her earlobe.

"Isn’t he a good kiss?" Toni chimed in as Lori continued to try and remove the drool from her face.

"No." She growled in response as took a healthy sip of her soda water in a vain attempt to rid her mouth of his taste.

"We need more shots," Toni exclaimed as Lori cringed at the ludicrous suggestion. "Lori isn’t having fun yet."

"I don’t . . . " She began to protest knowing that the only thing she wanted to do was to get out of the noisy club or continue talking with the blonde waitress who at that moment was a lot more entertaining than her so called friends.

"Lori," Natasha cut her off with a stern look. "Loosen the bone, will you? Join the party."

Lori didn’t know if it was the pleading look in her best friend’s eyes or the obvious Flintstone’s reference that wore her down. "Okay," She heard herself agreeing hoping that if she sipped a little tequila she would either relax or her friends would just leave her alone.

Lori wasn’t normally uptight but she was getting married in the morning and wasn’t entirely certain she should be walking down the aisle. It seemed like a good idea when he proposed. They had been dating for over two years and they got along, it was just that the closer the wedding got the more she wondered if she was really in love with Brian? Now she had just a few hours left to figure things out and she was very uncomfortable trying to look and act happy. Not to mention that there was something about the blonde cocktail waitress that simply captivated the normally levelheaded woman. ‘Maybe a little chat with Jose Cuervo is just what I need to calm my jitters?’ She reasoned.

"Seven shots of Cuervo," Natasha instructed the blonde as she finally dropped a respectable amount of money on the poor girl’s tray. "Keep the change," Natasha offered as Lori smiled for the first time. ‘It is about time they started treating the poor woman with a little respect.’ Lori mentally grunted as she watched her best friend wink at the waitress.

Lori felt a sudden rush of anger at Natasha’s gesture. ‘Stop flirting with her!’ Her mind screamed suddenly. Lori shook her head as she reasoned that she was only upset that her friend’s manners were embarrassing her. Still she couldn’t keep her eyes from wandering down to the blonde’s legs.

"First the shots and then a little something that will get Lori into the swing of things," Natasha shouted as Lori felt her stomach turning as she wondered just what it was her seriously misguided friend was up to?

Lori ignored her friends as they huddled together and began cackling like schoolgirls. She watched the blonde as she moved with ease through the crowd of women. Lori couldn’t tear her gaze away from the small blonde as she leaned against the bar and stood on her toes in order to reach over the bar. Lori stifled a sharp gasp when the blonde’s movement lifted her skirt up to reveal a slight glimpse of the young woman’s backside.

Her bridal party continued to whisper and snicker as Lori hid further in the corner. When she spied the blonde returning she quickly shifted her gaze to the dance floor. "I wonder if that’s real or if he stuffed something in there?" She whispered as she watched the buffed young man dressed like a cowboy gyrating across the floor. Lori scanned the crowd of screaming woman and wondered once again what she was missing that drove every other woman in the place into a complete frenzy?

She tried to watch the show and determine just what the attraction was as she spied Natasha cornering the poor cocktail waitress once again. Lori tried not watch as her friend whispered something to the concerned looking blonde. Lori’s jaw clenched as she watched the blonde stuffing money into her bra and look over at her.

The brunette’s heart skipped a beat when their eyes met, and she quickly diverted her gaze and focused her attention on trying to figure out what hair brained scheme Natasha had concocted. Normally she enjoyed and even assisted with Natasha’s outrageous antics, being on the receiving end was not something she was looking forward to.

Lori could feel her heart beating faster as she watched the blonde distributing the shots. "In for a penny," she muttered under her breath as she watched the cute blonde nearing her. "I guess I’m going to have to join in," Lori grumbled as she watched the blonde setting the shot and other items down on the table next to her.

"You could say that," the blonde teased as she placed the items beside the curious brunette. Lori reached for the tequila when the blonde’s warm touch stopped her. "I’ve been asked to give you special service."

Lori looked up at her new friend with confusion as she tried to figure out just what kind of torture she was in for? Her lungs seized and her thighs quivered as the blonde began to unbutton her blouse down to her navel. Lori couldn’t stop herself from looking at the blonde’s firm abs and ample cleavage. She didn’t want to leer at the blonde’s body, but she just couldn’t stop looking.

She was breathing heavily as she felt her lower anatomy beginning to pulsate. Her crystal blue eyes grew dark as she watched the blonde hike up her skirt and straddle her lap. Suddenly Lori’s body was alive and hungry as she felt the blonde’s body grinding against her hips. She wished that she could blame her sudden case of lust on the alcohol but she hadn’t had anything to drink yet. The realization that she was wet with desire from the feel of this woman sitting on her lap, and the glimpse of cleavage she was exposing terrified the brunette.

"Ever do a body shot, Lori?" The blonde’s voice vibrated through her. ‘Body? Shot?’ Lori’s mind squeaked as she shook her head wildly in denial as the blonde leaned even closer to her. Lori could hear her soon to be ex-friends cheering them on, as her eyes remained focused on the blonde’s chest.

Her body was trembling as she tried to understand just what a body shot was? She was certain that she had seen it in a movie once, but for the life of her she just couldn’t get her mind to focus on anything except the steady rise and fall of the smaller woman’s chest.

"If you don’t want to do this just say so," the blonde offered in a hushed whisper. Lori wanted to accept the smaller woman’s offer and bolt out of the room. The only problem was she couldn’t get her mind to work. Something had short circuited and all she could concentrate on was the way the blonde’s breath warmed her skin and how good it felt to have the smaller woman’s thighs wrapped around her.

"Just tell me what to do," she managed to choke out as she nervously placed her hands on the smaller woman’s waist. She fought to control her breathing as the blonde leaned back and began to retrieve something from the table. The movement allowed Lori an even better view of her breasts. ‘Oh my!’ She mentally drooled as she stifled another whimper as she felt the blonde’s thighs tightening around her body.

"When doing tequila it’s important to remember three things. Isn’t that right, ladies?" The blonde called out to the six other women who cheered enthusiastically. Lori didn’t pay any attention to her friend’s hoots and hollers as the blonde met her hungry gaze. "The three things you need to remember are lick, shoot, and suck." The blonde explained in a husky tone as she rubbed some lime on the swell of her breast.

Lori was mesmerized as she watched the blonde sprinkling salt over the damp spot on her breast. She was certain that she was panting, as her eyes remained riveted to the damp salty spot. Her fingers began to caress the blonde’s hips as she felt her underwear becoming damp with desire. She knew her friends were shouting out something, yet she never heard the words. She licked her lips as she watched the shot glass being lifted and placed between the blonde’s breasts.

She felt the blush sweeping over her as her nipples suddenly became hard. "Are you ready?" The blonde teased her. "First lick the salt," The blonde instructed her. Lori was certain that she was about to climax simply from the sultry tone the waitress used as she laced her fingers through Lori’s long dark hair.

Lori’s focus remained on the small shot glass filled with amber liquor nestled between the blonde’s cleavage as she felt the waitress guiding her to the glistening grains of salt. She felt the blonde squirming against her lap. Lori’s tongue snaked out and slowly began to lick the salt from the blonde’s creamy white skin. Her senses reeled from the salty taste mixed with the taste of the blonde’s flesh.

Lori was determined to lick away every last grain of salt as she felt the blonde’s body pressing against her hips. The brunette’s hips responded by swaying against the smaller woman’s center as her fingers began to caress the smaller woman’s body. "Now it’s time to shoot." She heard the blonde offer as she licked away the last granules of salt. Reluctantly Lori lifted her head from the blonde’s chest.

The waitress’ low voice rumbled through Lori’s body as their eyes met once again. Lori felt her skin warming as the blonde placed her hands on her shoulders, and raised her body up. Lori was certain that she was going to pass out when the blonde’s body arched and she pressed her ample bosom in the stunned brunette’s face.

Lori gasped and shuddered against the smaller woman. The smaller woman pulled back slightly as they exchanged a lingering gaze. Lori knew that her face was flushed with unmasked desire as her hands drifted from the smaller woman’s hips. Lori couldn’t control the rapid beating of her heart as her fingers traced the swell of the blonde’s breasts.

Lori was amazed at how soft and smooth the blonde’s skin felt as they continued to stare deeply into one another’s eyes. Lori’s touch lingered as she felt her way towards the shot glass that was still nestled between the blonde’s cleavage.

"Oh no you don’t," the blonde chastised her. Lori looked up in surprise as she felt a sudden wave a panic that she had gone too far. "I liked your hands where they were," the blonde explained as Lori’s eyes widened in confusion.

"How am I . . .?" Lori stammered as her hands drifted along the blonde’s body up under her skirt and once again cupped the smaller woman’s firm backside. Lori’s hands trembled as she filled them with the blonde’s ass. There was something intoxicating about the wicked smile the blonde flashed her as she lifted her body closer until the shot glass was resting against Lori’s trembling lips.

Lori suppressed a moan as she felt the blonde’s fingers running through her hair. "If you don’t’ want to, then I can stop this now," the blonde explained in a low tone so that only Lori could hear.

"Come on," Leslie whined as Lori’s lips lingered on the brim of the glass.

"Let’s do it." Lori said with a throaty growl that emerged from deep inside of her. She caressed the blonde’s bottom as she felt the smaller woman’s body shiver against her.

The blonde nodded in agreement as she smiled down at Lori. "Shoot." She commanded as she arched her back and guided Lori to drink the golden shot from her cleavage. Lori was lost in the feel of the blonde’s body pressing against her and in the delightful scent of her body. She was tempted to make the moment last just a little longer. Instead she captured the shot glass in her mouth. She could feel the tequila spilling as she tipped her head back and consumed the liquor.

The tequila burned her throat and she began to choke. Thankfully the blonde relieved her of the shot glass after she had downed about half of the tequila. Lori could feel her lungs burning and her eyes watering as she spied her friends who had already moved on to sucking their limes.

"Now suck." The blonde demanded as she placed a wedge of lime between her lips with the pulp side of the fruit facing out.

Lori felt a sudden rush of panic when she realized that she would be almost kissing this woman when she sucked on the lime. The panic was quickly replaced when she realized that she would be kissing the blonde and no one would think anything about it. She reached up and pulled the blonde down to her and began to suckle the fruit eagerly. Lori found herself sucking harder on the lime when she heard the blonde release a needy moan.

Lori tried pushing the fruit aside in an effort to taste the blonde’s lips. Lori caught the glimmer in the blonde’s emerald orbs as she pulled away. She watched as the blonde was panting heavily as she yanked the fruit from her mouth and tossed it onto her tray. Lori couldn’t curb her desire as she leaned in and began to lick the last remaining bits of pulp from the blonde’s quivering lips.

The brunette felt a sudden rush as the blonde’s lips parted, inviting Lori’s tongue to deepen its exploration. Lori didn’t stop to think about what was happening as her tongue slipped into the blonde’s mouth. Lori couldn’t believe how good it felt to kiss the smaller woman.

She felt her body burning as the cocktail waitress’ tongue wrapped around her own and the blonde’s hips grinded against Lori’s body in rhythm with the music. The kiss deepened as Lori’s fingertips shyly slipped under the blonde’s panties. She couldn’t believe that she was being so bold but the need to feel the blonde’s flesh in her hands was overriding her senses.

As the blonde’s flesh filled her hands she could feel the smaller woman’s desire brushing against her fingers. She felt sudden urge to feel more as the fiery kiss came to an end. Lori’s lips were tingling from the intense exchange. She felt her pulse racing as she watched the blonde’s tongue peek out and lick her lips. The blonde swayed in her lap as she looked around while Lori still caressed her ass.

The sound of her friends cheering and applauding loudly brought another blush to Lori’s chiseled features. She was about to remove her hands from the cocktail waitress’ body when she noticed her friend’s renewing their interest in the scantily clad men dancing around. The blonde’s hips continued grinding against her body in rhythm with the loud music. Lori felt her own hips matching the smaller woman’s movements.

Lori was becoming lost in the warm feeling of the blonde’s body mingling with the tequila as they swayed against one another. She refused to think about what was happening as she caressed the smaller woman as they grinded against one another. "You didn’t finish," the blonde, teased her with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

Lori grinned up at the blonde as her fingers continued to caress the blonde’s ass. The moan the smaller woman released sent a jolt directly to Lori’s now throbbing clit. The brunette kneaded the blonde’s flesh wanting savor the moment for as long as possible. "Set it up," the blonde instructed her as she held up the shot glass, which was less than half full. As the blonde leaned back Lori reached over with one hand while the other remained nestled up under the smaller woman’s panties.

Lori squeezed a lime over one of the blonde’s breasts. She watched as the blonde’s body arched and the green juice dribbled down her body. Lori’s hand trembled as she placed the lime onto the tray and picked up the salt. Lori paused for a moment when something caught her eye. The pensive look on the blonde’s face tugged at her heart. Lori gave her a shy smile as her fingers brushed the edge of the blonde’s bra. She tucked what appeared to be two very large bills back into the blonde’s bra. "Wouldn’t want you to lose that," Lori explained softly as she allowed her fingers to slip deeper beneath the smaller woman’s bra than was necessary. Her stomach clenched as her fingers brushed the pebbled flesh of the blonde’s swollen nipple. The moan she received in response encouraged the brunette to continue with her risqué behavior.

"Thank you," the blonde stammered. Feeling suddenly shy Lori’s fingers retreated from the smooth creamy breasts before she made a complete fool out of herself. She decided to just do the shot and end the torture she was subjecting herself to. Of course if she had been thinking clearly she would have removed her other hand from the blonde’s ass as well. Instead she sprinkled salt on the blonde’s breast.

"Lick, shoot, suck?" Lori asked nervously as she felt the smaller woman’s body trembling against her.

"Yes, but this time you’re going to drink all the tequila, including what you spilled earlier," The blonde instructed her in a direct tone that made the tall brunette quiver with anticipation.

Lori didn’t question the way her body was feeling instead she lowered her head and began to slowly lick the grains of salt away. She tasted splashes of tequila on the blonde’s skin and allowed her tongue to follow its path. She savored the taste of tequila, salt and the attractive waitress’ skin as she licked her way down to the valley of the smaller woman’s breasts. She moaned in pleasure against the blonde’s flesh as trailed her tongue along the swell of the blonde’s breasts.

She lifted her head when her mouth began to move dangerously close to the edge of the smaller woman’s bra. She inhaled sharply as her entire body clenched when the blonde leaned back and poured the remaining tequila down along her firm abdomen. Lori’s mouth hung open as she watched the blonde flexing her stomach muscles so that most of the liquor pooled in her navel.

‘Now that is an admirable skill,’ Lori mentally applauded the nimble young woman before she dove in and began to lick the tequila off of the blonde’s firm young flesh. She could feel the blonde leaning further back until her head was almost touching the floor. Lori could feel her desire growing as the blonde’s legs wrapped tightly around her body.

She braced the woman’s body carefully as she feasted upon her stomach. She was lost in the taste of alcohol and the feel the blonde’s skin trembling beneath her lips. Lori continued licking her way down the blonde’s body until her tongue dipped into the waitress’ navel. She slowly and carefully sucked every last drop of tequila from the nimble woman’s belly button. Soon she was overcome with a desire for more as her exploration began to drift lower. She could feel and smell the waitress’ passion as she licked the waistband of the blonde’s black skirt.

"Go Lori!" She heard Toni’s voice assaulting her.

She and the small blonde jolted up. Lori held the smaller woman steady as lifted her body back into a sitting position. The blonde reached for a wedge of lime and Lori’s mouth went dry hoping that she would get to kiss the smaller woman again. Her heart was pounding as she watched the blonde run the wedge of fruit along her breast squeezing it so that the juice dribbled into her bra.

"Suck." The blonde offered in a needy voice as she lifted her arms over her head. Lori didn’t waste a moment. She quickly began to lick the blonde’s flesh her mouth exploding from the taste of citrus as she dipped her tongue into the blonde’s bra. She felt the blonde clasping her shoulders and drawing her closer.

Lori didn’t resist the offer as her tongue snaked out until she felt the erect bud. Her head was spinning as she flickered her tongue across the blonde’s nipple. "Yes." She heard the blonde hissing as she tongued her nipple. Lori’s passion was fueled on by the needy hiss and soon she was lowering the top of the blonde’s bra with her teeth. Any doubts the brunette may have possessed vanished as she felt the smaller woman’s hand guide Lori to continue her exploration. Lori could feel the blonde trembling as she suckled her nipple into her mouth.

Lori felt alive as she teased the blonde’s nipple with her tongue. She suckled her harder as she felt the smaller woman’s hand slipping between their bodies. Lori moaned deeply as she felt the small hand pressing against her aching mound. Lori’s hips swayed as the blonde stroked her urgently with the heel of her hand. Lori nipped at the blonde’s breast while her hips rocked against the blonde’s insistent touch.

Lori’s body felt suddenly cold when the blonde pulled away. "I need to get back to work," the blonde explained with a whimper as she began to adjust her clothing. Lori was trying to steady her breathing as she noticed that the smaller woman’s hands were shaking as she buttoned her blouse. Lori was incapable of speaking. She nodded in understanding as the blonde climbed off of her lap and straightened her skirt.

Lori was trembling uncontrollably as she watched the blonde clearing away the glasses that littered their table. "Any way you can ditch your friends?" Came the sultry request as the blonde leaned over her.

Lori took a deep swallow as she willed herself to accept the woman’s offer. "I . . . Uhm," Lori stammered as she struggled to breathe. Just as she was about to accept she noticed the blonde look away and nod. "Gotta go," the smaller woman said with a shrug before she walked away.

Lori watched the sway of the blonde’s hips as she made her departure. Her lower anatomy throbbed as she recalled how the blonde’s hips grinded against her body just a few short moments ago. "Now that was interesting," Natasha blew out as she sat down beside the confused brunette.

"Huh?" Lori gasped, as she turned fearfully to her friend suddenly terrified that everyone had seen what she was doing and would know that she didn’t want to stop.

"The fire fighter," Natasha explained with confusion. "I swear bringing you here was a really bad idea. I’d say it was stupid idea except I was the one who came up with it. Lori, sorry."

"I’m having a great time," Lori managed to choke out.

"Really," Natasha snorted in disagreement.

"Honestly," Lori confessed as her mind drifted to the way she licked her way down the blonde’s body. "It has been very enlightening."

"Speaking of which will you look at that," Natasha squealed as she spotted a hunky man taking his clothes off. "Do you have anymore one’s?"

"Sure, in my purse," Lori offered quickly as she snatched up her purse and fished out her wallet. She thrust a few bills in Natasha’s hand eager to get rid of the woman so she could compose herself. As soon as Natasha had the money in her grasp she darted towards the stage.

Lori shoved her wallet back into her purse when she felt a pen jab into her. She pulled it out and looked at it for a moment. Before she knew what she was doing she had scribbled a note on a napkin and wrapped a couple of twenty-dollar bills around it. ‘I can’t do this.’ Her mind suddenly reasoned as she watched her bridal party staggering back to the table. She was just about to shove the money and the note back into her purse when she spied the blonde wandering from table to table.

Lori clenched the money tightly in her fist as her friends screamed wildly for the men to take off all of their clothes. She kept meaning to put the money back in her purse. Instead she watched every move the little blonde made. Lori felt warm all over each time the blonde looked over and their eyes met. Each time the little blonde approached their table Lori was unable to speak.

She could feel her desire growing each time the smaller woman’s hand came to rest on her shoulder. She kept the money clenched tightly as she tried to work up the nerve to either just leave or give the girl the note. Lori was still wrestling with her libido and common sense when the show came to an end and her companions staggered back to the table.

She watched the blonde carefully make the rounds seemingly waiting on every party except hers. She chewed nervously on her lip as she watched the petite woman finally approach their table. "Last call, ladies," the blonde announced as her hand once again came to rest on Lori’s shoulder. Lori’s friends complained as the brunette screwed up her last ounce of courage.

"Set them up again," Lori offered in a sultry tone as she bravely placed the twenties on the blonde’s serving tray. "And I’ll have a Cuervo Sunrise." She added knowing that she would need the tequila so she wouldn’t think about what she had just done.

"No way, Lori you can’t pay," Natasha protested.

"It’s the last one," Lori argued as she said a silent prayer that no one would let it slip that she was actually the guest of honor. "Besides you spent all your money on these young stud muffins and my special shot," she teased her friends as the memory of her first body shot warmed her body in the most delightful manner.

Lori could feel her nervous demeanor returning once the blonde left them. "I can’t believe we got stuck with the only chick working here," Toni complained as she played with the mock veil they had forced Lori to wear in the limo.

"You didn’t seem to mind when you grabbed her ass," Lori offered in a harsh tone.

"So did you," Natasha whispered in the startled brunette’s ear.

Lori folded her arms across her chest as she pretended not to hear the ebony woman’s comment. She watched as the blonde approached and delivered their cocktails. She felt slightly giddy when the blonde saved hers for last. Their fingers brushed as the blonde handed her the cocktail and once again Lori felt her heart skip a beat. "Thank you," the brunette said softly. "For everything," she added with a shy smile as she began to sip her drink. Once again the alcohol burned its way down her body as the blonde’s smoldering gaze followed its path.

As the others quickly consumed their cocktails Lori and the blonde simply smiled at one another. The sound of Toni releasing a loud belch broke the spell. Lori regrettably had to accept that the night was over. "Come on. The limo’s waiting." She finally announced breaking the intense gaze she had been sharing with the petite woman. "Get your gag gifts together." Lori instructed the wayward crew as the cocktail waitress released a hearty laugh as her friends stuffed the array of vibrators, condoms and other assorted embarrassing items into their bags.

Lori was still trying to understand why the gifts were supposed to be fun as Toni tossed the veil onto her head.

"How do I look?" The redhead slurred as Lori laughed. She wondered that if Toni behaved this badly at someone else’s party what was she going to do in a couple of months when it was her turn?

"Lovely." The blonde complimented the inebriated redhead with an amused smirk. "Enjoy the wedding, ladies."

Lori felt a pang of disappointment as the blonde walked off without looking back. During the limo ride to the hotel where all of them were staying, Lori remained quiet as the others babbled on. The brunette was lost in thought, wondering why she had behaved the way she did? She also wondered why it felt so good to hold the other woman? Of course the biggest question looming over her was whether or not the attractive blonde who had given her a lap dance had got her note? If she had did she care? ‘She probably just threw it out, she must get hit on all the time.’ Lori reasoned as she made her way up to her room. "It’s for the best." She muttered to herself as she climbed into the shower. "I mean what was I thinking hitting on the waitress?" She scolded herself.

Part Two

Lori had been pacing nervously in her hotel room as she reviewed the events that happened at Men In Motion and chewed nervously on her fingernails. As she paced her gaze kept drifting to the garment bag hanging on the clothes rack. "This is insane it was just a bad case of the jitters." She argued with herself. "It didn’t mean anything." As she tried to convince herself once again that the events of the evening had just been a serious lapse in judgment, she could still feel her lips tingling from the fiery kisses she exchanged with the blonde cocktail waitress.

As she continued to pace around just as she had done for the past half an hour she felt a nagging sense of disappointment that the blonde hadn’t accepted her offer. "Of course she isn’t going to show up." Lori berated herself once again. "She was just working us to get a better tip. What was I thinking giving her my room number? I’m such a dork."

She was just about to release another tirade on herself when she heard a soft knocking at her door. She froze for a moment and stared at the door in a panic. She forced herself to calm down slightly reasoning that it was probably just one of her friends. "And if it is her, I’ll send her home." She reasoned as she forced herself to answer the door.

All of her good intentions flew out the window when she opened the door and found the petite blonde still dressed in her work clothes smiling back at her. "Hi." The blonde offered in a surprisingly shy tone as Lori stepped aside, allowing the smaller woman to enter her hotel room.

"Hi." Lori responded as she ran her fingers nervously through her long dark hair. Lori turned and closed the door behind the smaller woman, using the brief moment to catch her breath. She could feel the smaller woman’s eyes on her body as she locked the door. She tightened the white cotton bathrobe around her naked body before she turned back towards her guest.

They stared at one another as Lori began to fidget. "That was some party. Your friends really seemed to enjoy themselves." The blonde offered in a light tone as she stepped closer to taller woman. Lori could feel her body heat rising once again as the smaller woman closed the gap between them.

"Yeah, well, we don’t let loose very often." Lori explained with a light laugh as she neared the small blonde. She could never understand why when a bunch of academics let loose they behaved worse than a sailor on shore leave? "Actually, I never do. This just isn’t something that I do." She added in a slightly embarrassed tone.

"Neither do I," the blonde confessed as she closed the gap between them. "I mean I’ve done the lap dance thing before but not the way I did with you tonight."

"I’ve never done anything like that before." Lori continued her voice trembling as she tried to explain that she was incredibly confused by everything that had transpired earlier. Her mind tried to work up the courage to send the blonde away. She just couldn’t focus on anything except how incredible the entire exchange had been. "I can’t believe how good it felt to touch your body." She added distantly.

"I liked the way you touched me, too." The blonde reassured her as she placed her small hands on the curve of Lori’s waist. The blonde’s smile lit up the flustered brunette’s heart. Lori encircled the smaller woman’s waist before she could stop herself. The blonde leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Lori’s neck.

The brunette’s body quivered in response. "So you want to touch me again?" The blonde asked before placing another kiss on the moaning woman’s neck. Lori could only whimper in response as she became lost in the feel of their bodies brushing together. "Do you want me to touch you?" The blonde inquired as she began to nibble on Lori’s neck.

"Yes." Lori gasped in a needy breath as her hands began to roam down the smaller woman’s back. Lori’s hands once again cupped the blonde’s firm ass as the waitress kissed her way down Lori’s neck and up to her chin. Lori bent down giving the eager blonde more access while her hands began to pull up the blonde’s black skirt.

A sudden panic hit the tall brunette once again as her body began to react to the feel of the other woman’s body swaying against her own. "But," Lori tried to protest in a weak tone.

"Ssh," the blonde silenced her quickly before she ran her tongue along Lori’s quivering lips. "If you don’t want this, I’ll go," the blonde offered softly against Lori’s lips. It felt too good holding and touching the petite woman. Lori was helpless to resist the other woman’s charms. She answered the younger woman’s question by kissing her as her hands ran up and under the blonde’s skirt. The blonde quickly reclaimed Lori’s lips and deepened the kiss as her hands caressed Lori’s hips.

Lori felt the kiss all the way down to the back of her knees which were being to buckle as she became swept away by the blonde’s fiery passion. Lori’s lips parted, inviting the blonde’s in; their tongues caressed one another. Lori’s hands grew bolder as she began to lower the blonde’s panties. Lori could feel the smaller woman guiding her backwards. She gasped as her knees made contact with the bed. She knew she should stop what was happening between them instead she allowed the cocktail waitress to lower her down onto the bed. The brunette’s hands slipped out from beneath the smaller woman’s skirt as the blonde kicked off her shoes.

Lori could feel her palms sweating as she lowered the zipper on the blonde’s skirt while they continued to explore the warmth of one another’s mouth. Lori felt a pang of disappointment as her lover brought the kiss to an end. The blonde rolled over onto her side as each of them fought to control their breathing. Two sets of hands began to remove the blonde’s skirt.

Lori was nervous and her hands began to shake the garment drifted lower down her lover’s body. She was relieved when her lover took over and removed the garment and tossed it across the room. Lori drank in the sight of her soon to be lover and she was filled with a passion that she had never known before. She pulled the blonde down to her and captured her lips once again as the blonde’s body pressed against her.

Lori’s body arched as the blond cupped one of her breasts and began to massage it gently through the thick material of her robe. Lori’s hands drifted back to the blonde’s panties as they continued to kiss. Lori was gasping for air as the kiss came to an end. She had never been so turned on by simply kissing before. She continued to lower her lover’s panties down her hips. "I could feel you at the club," Lori confessed as she tried to control her ragged breathing. "I could feel how wet you were as your body touched mine. It drove me crazy knowing that I was doing that to you."

"And did it make you wet?" The blonde moaned as she slipped her hand underneath Lori’s robe. "Did you want me as much as I wanted you?" She teased the quivering brunette as her hand slipped between Lori’s thighs. Lori parted her thighs allowing the smaller woman to explore her even further.

"Yes," Lori confessed as she fought off the need to rip the rest of the blonde’s clothes off. Her lover sighed deeply as Lori felt her tiny digits dipping into her wetness.

"Did you want more?" The blonde asked in a husky tone that sent a rush through Lori’s body that threatened to tear her apart. Lori could feel her wetness dripping from her core as her lover’s fingers glided slowly along her slick folds.

"Yes," Lori groaned as her own fingers began to caress her lover. "I wanted to be inside of you," Lori gasped as she continued to stroke the blonde’s clit with her fingers. Her lover continued to tease her as she straddled Lori’s body. The brunette was lost in the feel of her lover’s passion coating the tips of her fingers.

Lori could feel the smaller woman’s clit pulsating against her touch as her lover stroked her nub while she began to unbutton her blouse. Lori watched in awe as her lover’s breasts were once again revealed to her. The blonde reached down and untied Lori’s robe and gently pulled it open as her fingers teased the brunette’s pulsating nub. Lori felt exposed as a pair of emerald eyes drank in her naked body. "You are so beautiful," the blonde uttered in amazement as Lori blushed from the compliment.

Lori lifted her body so that the blonde was once again straddling her just as she had been during the lap dance. Lori began to kiss and taste her lover’s skin as she struggled to remove her blouse. She could feel tiny hands helping her as she tugged at her lover’s clothing until the blonde’s upper body was completely revealed to Lori’s hungry gaze.

The brunette’s crystal blue eyes darkened as her gaze immediately drifted to her lover’s breasts. Lori was uncertain as to what she should do next as she felt her lover shift back and away before removing Lori’s hand from her wetness. Lori wanted to whimper at the loss as she looked at her lover in confusion. She felt a glimmer of hope as the blonde leaned in and kissed the brunette deeply.

Lori’s body jerked forward as she felt her clit brushing against the smaller woman’s. She moaned as their wetness met and their hips began to thrust urgently. Lori felt as if she was falling as they rocked against one another. When her lover leaned forward and offered her breasts up to her Lori eagerly began to kiss her skin before suckling one of the blonde’s nipples into her mouth.

Lori loved the feel of her lover’s firm full breast filling her mouth as she suckled her. She could feel the smaller woman clutching her body as their clits rubbed together. Lori wanted to scream out with pleasure. She slipped her hand between their bodies and once again filled it with her lover’s wetness. She whimpered as she felt her lover pulling away. She didn’t want to loose the feel of her lover’s desire as she began to tease the blonde’s clit. She guided her to bury her face in her breasts as Lori pressed her fingers against the opening of her lover’s center.

She hoped that she was pleasing her lover as she licked her skin. "You still taste like tequila," she whispered as she entered the blonde’s wet aching core.

"You need to finish your shot." The blonde grunted as she began to ride against Lori’s hand while the brunette teased her nipples with the tip of her tongue.

Lori began to suckle the blonde’s nipples harder; moving from one to the other while her fingers plunged in and out of her lover’s wetness. "Harder," the blonde pleaded as she thrust harder against Lori’s touch. Lori granted her request as her hand and mouth took her lover higher as her thumb began to stroke her lover’s clit.

Lori’s own need grew as she felt her lover’s body quivering and her head fell back flushed with passion. The blonde cried out as she climaxed against Lori’s touch. The sight of her lover’s neck and face straining as the pleasure tore through her body mesmerized the brunette. Lori stilled her fingers inside of the blonde’s core as she kissed the smaller woman tenderly on her neck.

Lori felt connected to the smaller woman as she felt the tiny waves seeping through her body. Lori needed to sate her desires yet she couldn’t stop touching the other woman. She felt a sense of loss when the smaller woman pulled away from her touch. Her body felt the warmth and connection once again as the stranger guided her onto her back and began to remove her robe.

The brunette’s mind and body were reeling from having pleasured the stranger and now it craved even more. Lori had never experienced anything so intense before and was confused by the craving for more. "I want to feel all of you," the blonde offered in a husky tone as she tossed Lori’s robe aside.

The brunette lay completely naked before her lover as the blonde began to kiss her way down Lori’s long body. Each brush of her lover’s lips sent a chill down Lori’s spine driving her closer and closer to the edge. She squirmed beneath her lover as the blonde’s mouth descended lower and lower until the smaller woman was kneeling on the floor. Lori fought to keep from releasing her passion as she felt the blonde’s soft lips caressing her thighs. "Please," Lori pleaded as the blonde gently ran her hands along the back of her legs. Lori trembled as the blonde draped her legs over her shoulders. Lori’s hips began to grind into the mattress in a need to feel the release her body was screaming for.

Lori was panting heavily as her lover’s movements stilled. She felt a surge of frustration as she felt her lover’s breath on her thighs. She wanted to beg and plead the blonde to take her. Lori’s nipples were hard and aching with need as the brunette waited for her lover to bring her pleasure. Lori whimpered as she felt the blonde’s breath blowing through the dark curls of her triangle. Lori’s body tensed with anticipation as she felt her lover’s hands cupping her ass and drawing her closer.

Lori watched as the blonde drew her wetness to her lips. She bit down on her lip to keep from crying out as the blonde’s tiny pink tongue peeked out and dipped into her wetness. She looked down her naked body and watched as her lover feasted upon her passion as no one had ever done before. The soft murmurs of pleasure the blonde released excited Lori even further.

Lori’s body bucked and jerked as she pressed herself deeper against her lover’s touch. She felt shameless as she begged the smaller woman for more. She could feel her lover trying to steady her body. Lori was incapable of keeping her hips from rising up and thrusting against her lover’s mouth. With each lick and swirl of the blonde’s tongue the brunette felt herself climbing higher.

Lori could feel her body straining for more as she felt the blonde’s tongue pressing against the opening of her center. She buried her face in the blankets and cried out as she felt the blonde’s tongue slipping inside of her warm wetness. Each time the brunette neared the edge she felt her lover’s movements slow. She didn’t know whether to thank the woman or kill her. She cried out in protest as she felt the blonde’s tongue retreating from her core.

Her cries quickly turned to pleasure when she felt the blonde’s lips capturing her aching clit and her fingers quickly replaced her tongue. The blonde’s fingers filled her as she suckled her throbbing bundle of nerves with earnest. Lori couldn’t steady her body as the room began to spin. "God yes," Lori screamed out as she felt the blonde’s teeth brushing across her clit.

Lori’s ears were ringing as the world and her body exploded, as they never had before. She was certain that she had ceased breathing as her entire body arched up as the ecstasy ripped through her. She was completely unaware of what her body was doing or what was happening around her. The only thing she was aware of was how completely alive she felt at that moment in time.

Lori was fighting to calm her body and breathing as the blonde continued to pleasure her. The brunette climaxed again as she felt the sweat running down her spent body. Her lover’s touching was burning her. Lori pulled away and pulled the smaller woman up to her and pulled her in for a lingering kiss.

Lori had pulled away from her lover’s pleasure certain that she was unable to continue breathing if the blonde kept touching. Yet, once their bodies touched Lori’s long hidden desires were re-ignited. Soon she was kissing her way down the smaller woman’s body. Her mouth was watering as she neared the golden patch and the musky aroma that was drawing her in. She felt like a wild woman as she removed her lover’s panties.

She hovered above the smaller woman drinking in the glorious vision of her body and passion. The blonde’s scent filled her senses as she began to kiss the smaller woman’s thighs. She had never thought about tasting another woman before but now the thought consumed her as she felt her lover’s hands caressing her bottom.

Lori dove in and began to feast upon the blonde’s wetness. The first taste drove Lori insane with a need to completely sate her lover. Lori nestled herself deeper between the blonde’s quivering thighs and drank in all the smaller woman’s wetness. She felt her own body surge with delight as she captured the blonde’s throbbing clit in her mouth and began to suckle it.

Driven on by the taste and feel of her lover, Lori lost herself in the feel of the blonde’s body. Lori’s hips jerked as she felt her lover entering her. Lori’s body responded to her lover’s touch filling her. As her lover plunged in and out of her the brunette was consumed by the taste of the blonde’s taste as she felt each of them nearing the edge. Lori’s body bucked harder against the blonde’s digits. Her body was filled with pleasure as she felt another digit entering her center.

Lori tried to focus on satisfying her lover as her body reached the crest. She felt her lover exploding against her. Feeling her lover climaxing against her drove the brunette over the edge and soon she was releasing muffled screams into the blonde’s passion. Both women continued to pleasure each other until they collapsed onto the bed.

Lori couldn’t believe that her body was still craving more as she began to kiss her way up the blonde’s body. Lori’s mouth licked and tasted every inch of skin on the smaller woman’s body until they were wrapped up in one another’s arms, rolling across the bed.

Lori felt possessed as she found herself locked in an intense kiss while their thighs pressed against the other’s center. The blonde was lying on top of her as they thrust against one another in a sensual rhythm. Lori was lost in a haze as their bodies became one.

"What are you doing?" Lori moaned as her lover reached over to the nightstand. She rode harder against the smaller woman’s thigh as the blonde searched for something. Lori could hear something falling to the floor as she rocked against the blonde’s firm thigh. Lori felt her breathing catch as her lover smiled down at her holding up a small purple vibrator that had been in her gift bag.

Lori watched as the blonde removed the cap and turned it on. Lori almost laughed at the loud buzzing the tiny device was releasing. "Is that how that works?" Lori asked in amazement as she felt her lover nudging her thighs open.

The blonde snuggled up against Lori’s body and rested her head on the brunette’s heaving chest. Lori watched nervously as the blonde lowered the vibrator to her clit and held it gently against the aching nub. Lori held her lover tightly as the vibrator sent delightful shock waves through her body. Lori’s mind was reeling once again as she felt her lover’s mouth teasing one of her nipples as the brunette rode against the vibrator. The tremors filled the brunette as her lover tugged on her nipple with her teeth.

"I have never felt this alive before," Lori confessed in a hoarse tone as she wrapped the blonde up in her arms. They snuggled closer and gently caressed one another until they were once again lost in a passionate kiss. Soon Lori was driven to the brink once again as she guided her lover to roll over onto her stomach. Lori pressed her wetness into the smaller woman’s backside. Lori was in heaven as her lover lifted her hips to meet her touch. "Oh yes," the blonde murmured as Lori began to thrust urgently against the smaller woman’s ass.

"You feel so good," Lori moaned as her breasts danced across the blonde’s back. The bed rocked as they moved in perfect rhythm driving each of them closer to the edge. Lori was shocked as she climaxed against the smaller woman’s body. The brunette began to kiss her way down the blonde’s prone body. Lori licked her lips as her lover’s thighs parted her inviting her in. Lori caressed her lover’s firm round globes as she dipped her tongue deep inside of her wetness.

Her lover’s thrust fueled on Lori’s need as she feasted on the blonde from behind. She heard her lover whimpering as the brunette’s mouth left her body. Lori ran her tongue along the blonde’s firm ass before she guided her to roll over so that she was lying on her back. Lori smiled as her lover reached out to her.

The brunette captured the smaller woman’s hands and lifted them above the blonde’s head. The brunette held her wrists above her head with one hand while she stroked the blonde’s aching clit with the other. Lori watched her lover’s body responding to her touch. She felt a strange sense of belonging as she watched the smaller woman’s body thrashing beneath her. She drank in each curve, every muscle flexing and the beads of sweat rolling down the blonde’s body as she screamed out with pleasure.

Lori fell into the blonde’s embrace and held the smaller woman who was still struggling to breathe. They caressed one another, as they remained cocooned in the other woman’s embrace. "The sun is up," the blonde panted as Lori began to kiss her neck. Lori wasn’t paying attention; her focus remained locked on the taste of her lover’s neck. She simply hummed in response as she began to suckle the pulse point on the blonde’s neck.

As she filled her mouth with the delectable taste of her lover’s skin, the blonde’s words drifted into her mind. ‘The sun is up? It is tomorrow, your wedding day.’ Lori’s lips stilled against the blonde’s neck. ‘What have I done?’ Her mind screamed in a sudden panic. Lori’s head snapped up as she crawled away from the blonde who was staring out the window. The shame filled her as she tried to distance herself from the blonde.

"What?" The blonde asked her in confusion, as Lori suddenly felt sick to her stomach.

"The wedding," Lori tried to explain as the horror of what she had done filled her voice as she turned away from the blonde’s tempting body and pulled on her bathrobe.

"Oh," the blonde’s laughter surprised the brunette who couldn’t look at the woman who had shown her heaven. She could hear the rustling of sheets as the blonde climbed off of the bed. "I don’t know why you gals insist on partying the night before the wedding." The blonde teased as Lori stared at the floor the bile rising in her throat. ‘How can I tell her?’ Lori thought as her body shook with fear as her lover began to dress clueless as to how bad the situation really was. "So you’re a brides maid?" The blonde innocently inquired.

"No," Lori choked out in a fearful tone.

"Maid of honor?" The blonde persisted with what sounded like a hint of anger in her voice.

"No," Lori sobbed as she felt her heart breaking. How could she explain any of this to the blonde since she didn’t understand it herself? The only thing she was certain of was last night was a lot more than a slight case of the jitters or cold feet. Last night had been a full-fledged epiphany. The timing of her enlightenment could have been worse, if only she had realized her feelings one-day earlier things would be different. Or would they?

The sound of a zipper being lowered griped at Lori’s heart as she turned to find the blonde opening the garment bag that held her wedding gown. "Please don’t," Lori pleaded as she jumped off of the bed.

Lori was filled with fear and sorrow as the blonde stumbled backwards after the white gown that Lori had painstakingly chosen was fully revealed. A gown that Lori seriously doubted she would be wearing. "You’re the bride?" The blonde choked out in horror. Lori looked like a deer caught in on coming high beams as she saw the horror in the blonde’s emerald orbs.

"I have to go," the blonde stammered as she frantically began to gather up her clothing. Lori was filled with shame as she collapsed onto the bed as she wept uncontrollably.

Lori heard Natasha’s knock and voice calling out to her as the blonde rushed around the room and gathered up her belongings. Lori couldn’t answer the door or face the woman who had changed her world. Her chest tightened as she wept. Lori’s head jerked up as she heard the door being yanked open. The brunette couldn’t look at either one of them.

"Oh my God," Natasha stammered. "You slept with the cocktail waitress?"

"Yes," Lori confessed with a sob as she kept her eyes diverted from what she was certain would be looks of accusation.

"I have a name," the blonde fumed indignantly.

‘That confirms it, I’m a complete asshole.’ Lori silently berated herself as she turned towards the blonde with a sad expression. She felt horrible as she caught the painful expression clouding the blonde’s delicate features. "Katie," the smaller woman offered weakly as she folded her arms over her chest. Lori was shocked that in the middle of the turmoil her first thought was that the blonde’s name was beautiful. The surprising thought left the brunette paralyzed.

"Let me guess. You’re the maid of honor," Katie spat out. The harshness of her voice made Lori flinch.

"Natasha," her best friend stammered out in a meek tone.

"Look, she’s freaking out," Katie quickly explained. "You’re her best friend. I suggest you do something to help her."

"What can I do?" Natasha argued as Lori only half listened to the two of them bickering. The brunette was wrapped up in a mental debate on whether or not she should just forget last night and put the gown on. She was also pondering grabbing her suitcase and running off to the nearest dark corner she could find. Brian would probably forgive her. Unfortunately her mother would hunt her down and drag her sorry butt down the aisle.

"You started this," Katie accused Natasha as Lori tried to think of a place her mother couldn’t find her. Just needed time to think and sort everything out. "Why did you set her up like that?" Katie continued to berate Natasha while Lori was considering how long it would take to reach the Canadian border.

"I didn’t . . . I mean, I didn’t know," Natasha tried to explain.

"But you suspected." Katie accused her. "That was the real reason for the lap dance, wasn’t it?"

Lori’s head jerked up at the last comment, as she felt angry and sick as Natasha stammered and stared at her shoes. "I . . . Uhm," Natasha mumbled. "Yes, I suspected but I never thought that this would happen," Natasha blurted out as she looked over at Katie with a guilty expression.

"What?" Lori fumed as she jumped off the bed and stormed over to a very stunned Natasha. She was furious as she towered over her best friend. She noticed that Katie jumped back a little from her outburst. "What did you suspect?" Lori demanded with a growl needing someone to explain things to her.

"Lori, I’m sorry," Natasha blurted out fearfully. "I know that you care for Brian. But I never felt that you were in love with him, and for sometime I suspected that maybe you were denying . . ."

"Denying what?" Lori shouted as her mind screamed in denial and wonderment as to why her best friend had chosen the night before her wedding to push the issue? ‘It isn’t true, or is it? I’m going to kill Natasha!’ She thought as she cast a murderous gaze down at the ebony woman.

Natasha stood there in a stunned silence as Katie raced around the messy hotel room gathering up her shoes and car keys. Lori felt a sharp pain in her chest as Katie rushed towards the door. "Wait," Natasha called out in a pleading tone. ‘You should be afraid.’ Lori’s mind hissed.

"For what?" Katie flared at both of them. "You’re her friend’ you help her," Katie shouted as she tucked her shoes under her arm and reached for the doorknob. "I think I’ve done everything that I can." She added bitterly.

Lori wasn’t certain what hurt more watching Katie walking out the door or the truth behind her harsh words. A deafening silence filled the room as Katie began to open the door and Lori felt her feet moving towards the small blonde. "Katie?" Lori offered in a soft tone hoping that Katie would at least give her a chance to tell her how truly sorry she was that she had misled her. It broke Lori’s heart as Katie looked up at her with a cold stare. "I’m sorry." Lori tried to apologize as she reached out to the smaller woman. When Lori realized what she was doing and if she touched Katie her world would once again crumble she halted her movement. "I’m really sorry for all of this." Lori added sadly as she felt the tears welling up in her eyes.

"So, am I," Katie responded curtly before she walked out of the room leaving the shattered brunette behind.

Part Three

Lori felt numb as she closed the door behind Katie’s rapidly retreating form. She turned to find Natasha, who was her nearest and dearest friend in the world, shaking with fear. She stepped closer to the woman that had been her anchor and looked down at her. Then in the warmest, sincerest tone she could muster she asked her friend the one thought that had been plaguing her since Natasha’s unorthodox confession, "What in the hell were you thinking?"

"This isn’t entirely my fault," Natasha tried to argue. "I bought you a lap dance. I never suggested that you sleep with her."

"If you thought I was making a mistake then why didn’t you just tell me?" Lori fumed as she waved her arms frantically. "I’ve been engaged for over a year. Jesus H. Christ you never had a problem telling me when I’ve made a poor fashion choice! This is the rest of my life why did you suddenly decided to get shy on me?"

"Lori what was I suppose to say?" Natasha defended herself. "Hey Lori did you think that just maybe you’re gay?"

"I’m . . ." Lori began in a flustered tone. "God, I can’t deny it. I don’t even know if it is true and I can’t deny it. What the hell did I do?"

"Do you love him?" Natasha carefully inquired.

"No," Lori admitted in defeat as she slumped down onto the bed. "I think I’ve known that all along. But I never thought, well almost never thought, I was attracted to women. I guess there were times when I thought about it. What am I going to do? I have less than two hours to make up my mind. Why now?"

"Hold on," Natasha tried to calm her as she knelt by the bed. "You don’t love him and I’m going to assume that you were already thinking about not going through with this, don’t do it. This has nothing to do with the cocktail waitress."

"Katie," Lori quickly admonished her friend. "How can I just not show up? I can’t jilt Brian. He is the nicest sweetest guy in the world. God, it would be like kicking a puppy. Then, of course, there is the little matter of my mother." Lori shivered at the thought of what her dear sweet over reactive mother would do to her if she skipped out on her own wedding.

"Right," Natasha agreed. "But Lori you can’t marry Brian just because you are afraid of hurting his feelings and your mother’s reaction. I know she can be very intimidating and closed-minded. Trust me I understand how she is; remember when we were roommates in college? She was less than thrilled that you were living with someone with a permanent tan. Lori you just need to ask yourself what it is that you want?"

"Time," Lori sighed. "I need time. If I get married today then I am going to do everything I can to make it work, without regrets. Okay, grab the luggage we’re going to Canada."

"Huh?" Natasha blinked in surprise.

"I need to get out of here and think," Lori stressed as she began to make a mental list of what she would need.

Suddenly the door burst open and her mother stepped into the room. "Shit," Lori muttered as her eyes widened in horror. "I forgot to lock the door."

"Just run," Natasha offered in a conspiratorial whisper.

"Mom," Lori began carefully. "We need to talk. I’m not certain that this is . . ."

"Now, now dear you look tired." Her mother offered as she patted her hand. "I bet you didn’t sleep a wink. I was the same way."

"I doubt that," Lori muttered. "Look Mom I don’t think I can do this."

"Nonsense," Her mother shushed her as she busied herself around the room. "Just wedding jitters."

"No, this is more than a little case of the jitters," Lori tried to argue as her mother thrust a glass of water and two pills into her hand. Lori sighed as she took the aspirin since her head was pounding. "Thank you I have a headache." She confessed as her mother guided her towards the bathroom.

"Now get in that shower young lady," Her mother instructed her.

"No," Lori refused. "We need to talk."

"Lori," Her mother sternly scolded her.

"Fine," Lori agreed. "But when I’m done we are going to talk."

The next thing Lori was aware of was sitting with her parents in the back of limo, which was parked outside of the church. "Mom," Lori began in a groggy tone. "Those weren’t aspirins you gave me this morning were they?"

"Oh no dear," Her mother calmly responded. "They were just a little something to help you relax."

"You drugged her?" Mr. Milner squeaked out in horror.

"She was very tense Frank," Mrs. Milner reasoned as the driver opened the door.

"Whatever happens Dad don’t let me fall on my face," Lori yawned.

"Never baby," Her father promised.

Part Four

Lori sat at her office at the museum where she worked looking out the window at the city streets. She had survived her wedding, despite the fact she didn’t quite remember it. From what she could register in her foggy mind it had been a beautiful event. The honeymoon had been a nice vacation. Which of course was the entire problem. It was a nice trip. Traveling with Brian was always nice. It just wasn’t the passionate event a honeymoon should be, and she knew that Brian could feel the distance that had blossomed over night.

"Come in," She responded to the soft knock on her office door. She smiled as Natasha stepped sheepishly into the room. She laughed at the stack of paperwork the ebony woman cautiously put on her desk. "Relax," She offered gently as she motioned for her friend to take a seat. "I’m married." She asserted.

"And?" Natasha tensely inquired.

"And nothing," Lori explained. "I’m married and I’m going to make Brian and myself happy. It never happened. She never happened. Now lie to me and tell me how great and how much in love I look."

"Lori," Natasha began with concern.

"No," Lori cut her off. "I can’t. I’m married now and even if my mother hadn’t drugged me I can’t change that. Please never mention what happened that night again. As your friend I’m begging you to just let it go. What you can do for me is tell me about my prime candidate. How did the interview with Dr. Keefer go? We really need her."

"She . . ." Natasha cringed as she began. "There was a problem."

"No," Lori sighed heavily. "What was it? Imaginary friends or does she like to set fires?" She laughed as she recalled some of the earlier candidates for the position.

"No," Natasha laughed at her friend’s antics. "She was perfect for the job."

"Money?" Lori groaned. "I know I could up the offer." She reasoned.

"Money isn’t the problem," Natasha muttered. "She turned down the position."

"Damn," Lori grumbled. "I knew someone else would snatch her up."

"That isn’t it either," Natasha offered in a careful tone.

"Well now I’m confused," Lori admitted as she tried to understand just what it was Natasha wasn’t telling her? "If it isn’t money, or another offer and she isn’t crazy then tell me why she isn’t working for me?"

"She won’t work for you," Natasha feebly offered.

"Me specifically?" Lori blinked in surprise.

"Both of us really," Natasha added thoughtfully.

"What is going on here?" Lori finally blurted out. "I never even met the woman and despite recent events the both of us have a stellar reputation."

"Actually you have met her," Natasha hedged.

"Okay enough games," Lori demanded a little harsher than she had intended to. "Just tell me what is going on."

"Katie just isn’t comfortable with accepting the position," Natasha explained in a slow careful voice.

"Katie?" Lori shook her head in confusion as she thought that the woman’s name was unfortunate. "I still don’t understand."

"Oh boy," Natasha sighed with exasperation. "Dr. Keefer has been supporting herself as a cocktail waitress at . . ."

"Oh my God!" Lori bellowed as reality stepped up and slapped her in the face. "When did my life become a cruel joke?" She muttered absently. "I can’t hire her. And I can’t not hire her. Well this sucks. All in all we should have gone to Canada."

"Were you really going to do that?" Natasha asked.

"At the moment I said it I meant it," Lori confessed. "But truthfully I don’t think I had enough courage to get past the hotel lobby. I would have married him anyway. I think? Ugh!" She grunted as she run her fingers nervously through her long dark hair. "She deserves this job."

"But she refused it," Natasha pointed out.

"Of course she did," Lori, agreed with a slight chuckle, which earned her a look of concern from her friend. "Sorry, it just confirms what I suspected that night. She’s a lot more than just a pretty face. Now what do I do?"

"Nothing," Natasha reasoned. "She turned the job down. Let it go Lori because the way that poor girl feels about you and me at the moment there is no way she’ll accept the position."

"Good luck," Natasha offered as she stood. "I did include a new list of candidates in the paperwork I just gave you. I don’t blame her for turning us down. Not to mention she is still very angry with the both of us. Plus I think that she’s hurt."

"She’s hurt," Lori blurted out in a panic as her heart sank.

"Yeah," Natasha confirmed. "When I told her you were on your honeymoon she tried to hide it,but I could see it hurt her."

"I need to think," Lori muttered as Natasha left her office. Once she was alone she buried her face in her hands and reminded herself that she was a married woman.

Part Five

Lori felt guilty when she heard the dejected tone in Brian’s voice. She called him to let him know that she would be working late. "Of course he’s upset," She reasoned as she drove towards the nightclub. "We’ve only been married for a couple of weeks and I call to tell him not to bother waiting up. I just need to fix this mess and then everything can go back to normal," She lied to herself as she pulled into the already crowded parking lot. "It is the middle of the week, why is it so busy?"

Lori had hoped to catch Katie before she started her shift or that, at the very least, the club would be empty so they could talk without interruption. It was going to be hard enough to convince Katie to take the position she deserved without having to shout over screaming women demanding her services.

Lori was in a foul mood as she approached the bar. The surly man at the door informed her that they only way she could talk to Katie was to pay the cover charge and have the blonde wait on her. When Lori stepped up to the bar she didn’t miss the cool greeting the bartender offered her. ‘What is it with people tonight?’ Lori wondered briefly before she realized that these people worked with the friendly blonde and were probably well aware of what had transpired.

"Glen on the rocks," She politely requested as the man scowled at her.

"Fine," He grunted in disdain.

"She hates me that much huh?" She threw out.

"Yes," The man curtly responded as he handed her the scotch. "Look it is none of my business but what are you doing here?"

"You’re right it is none of your business," Lori snapped in response.

"I’ll tell you what I told her," the man continued ignoring Lori’s comment. "It was a one night stand. Forget about it." He shrugged.

"Where is . . ." Her question trailed off as she felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle. She turned and felt her breathing catch. "My God she is so beautiful." She whispered in admiration as she watched Katie working across the room of the crowded nightclub. Katie turned towards her and Lori felt her knees weaken as their eyes met.

Lori’s eyes never left the small blonde as she worked her way around the room. She couldn’t help but notice that she seemed much more distant than she had been the night they met. ‘She is still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.’ Lori brushed her lustful thoughts aside as she saw the blonde approaching her.

Lori felt hurt when Katie brushed past her without a second glance. She also felt a slight twinge of excitement as their bodies accidentally touched. ‘Focus Lori!’ She scolded herself. "Excuse me," Katie said curtly without looking at the brunette.

"I need to talk to you," Lori offered quietly as her hand came to rest on Katie’s forearm.

Lori felt as she had been burned when Katie shrugged away from her touch. "I’m working," Katie responded icily. "You know, if you’d bothered to wear that rock the last time you were here, we wouldn’t be in this mess," Katie bitterly accused her.

"I left it with my parents so nothing would happen to it," Lori explained shyly suddenly embarrassed by the size of her engagement ring.

"How very thoughtful," Katie snapped.

"I need to talk to you," Lori repeated as she began to fidget with her wedding band. It was fast becoming a nervous habit for the brunette, as if she was trying to remind herself that she was married.

"And I told you that I was working," Katie repeated harshly. "I need a Sex On The Beach, a Kahlua Mudslide, a Tom Collins, a Midori Sour and a Long Island Ice Tea."

"You should be working for me," Lori asserted firmly in an effort to get through to the stubborn blonde. Katie’s jaw dropped as she stared at the brunette with a bewildered expression. Lori took the opportunity to say what needed to be said. "You deserve the position. It would be wrong for you not to get it or take it because of something . . . Because of my mistake. I don’t understand why I did what I did."

"Sure you do," Katie responded frankly. "You wanted it to happen, Lori, and now you just want to pretend it didn’t. That you didn’t feel the way you did. That you didn’t enjoy what we did. But you did."

Once again the petite woman had rocked Lori’s world. This time it was the truth of her words. Lori wanted to forget everything and pretend that she didn’t desire the blonde’s touch. She wanted to act as if standing next to Katie again wasn’t driving her body insane. She couldn’t breathe. The brunette felt light headed as she struggled to breathe. She watched in horror as Katie collected her order and walked away.

Katie’s departure did afford Lori the opportunity to at least look as if she had regained her composure. "Please leave me alone," Katie pleaded when she returned to the bar and placed another order. "I need this job."

That did it for the edgy brunette. One night of passion shouldn’t cost the both of them everything. And there was no sane reason why it should? "You have a job in your field waiting for you," Lori pushed tired of the both of them feeling guilty. "You earned it. You deserve it. You and I will rarely cross paths. I won’t bother you. I won’t harass you. I will simply let you do your job and I will never allow what happened between us to affect my ability to be objective when it comes to your position. Take the job, Katie. Don’t hurt yourself because I’m a total jackass."

Lori meant every word she said and felt a small glimmer of hope when she caught Katie’s thoughtful expression. The hope quickly faded when the blonde walked away once again. "She’s not making this easy," Lori mumbled.

"You convinced me." The bartender offered with a shy smile.

"Well now that you’ve forgiven me maybe I can convince Katie," Lori grumbled as she watched the blonde carefully.

"I don’t get it," The man said. "Why do you need Katie to forgive you? Not to be crass or anything, but you both got what you wanted that night. And you’re not standing in her way as far as the job goes, so what exactly do you need to be forgiven for? The only person who should be mad at you is your husband."

"I should have said something before we went to bed together," Lori argued.

"You barely knew one another’s names," he sighed. "It was a pick up."

Lori opened her mouth to protest his choice of wording. But he was right if she and Katie were going to get past this that is exactly how each of them had to view that fateful evening. "It was a pick up," she lied as she shrugged casually.

Lori remained perched at the bar chatting poor Kenny the bartender’s ear off. Each time Katie came up to the bar Lori pleaded with her to take the job she deserved. Finally at closing time she was less than hopeful as she shoved her business card in Katie’s hand. As she left the nightclub she knew she had done everything she could do. Now it was up to Katie to act in a mature manner and move past the one night they had shared together. Lori’s remaining problem was now she was sneaking home reeking of cigarette smoke and scotch at well past two in the morning.

Lori had been tense and miserable the following morning. Brian was less than thrilled when she arrived home. He was fine with her having gone out, but it was her evasive manner that put him on edge. Lori could understand there was something about your bride coming home smelling like a barroom and then lying about it.

Each time her office phone rang Lori jumped fearing that it was Brian and praying that it was Katie. "Geez how do men carry on affairs all the time? I did it once and I’m a mess," she pondered out loud as her telephone rang once again.

This time it was Katie and Lori felt a sense of relief when the young woman accepted the position. Lori vowed repeatedly during the brief conversation that she would keep the promises she had made the night before.

Part Six

Several months later Lori felt good for the first time in a long time. She had managed to keep her word to Katie and acted completely professional around the young blonde. It did help that she avoided the petite woman whenever possible since seeing the attractive woman only sparked the dim flames of her desires.

She also tried to keep her vow to herself and make her marriage work. It was a futile effort. Despite her best efforts to make both her and Brian happy she was distant and moody. Not to mention plagued with numerous questions regarding her sexuality. Brian could feel the change in her. Soon they began to argue. Nothing dramatic about the arguments they were just a long series of spats that were wearing on the both of them.

Still, he did seem surprised when she suggested separating. Needless to say he suggested that they just needed to adjust to living together and perhaps counseling would help them. She was resistant at first knowing that her heart did not belong to the man she had wed in haste. But she did feel that she owed him to at least try.

Funny thing about counseling a lot comes out when you start opening up. Brian was shocked when she first mentioned that she was questioning her sexuality. Then he was outraged when he found out when the questioning began. After hearing that she had not only slept with another woman, but had done so the night before they were married infuriated him. He asked her to move out.

Lori agreed without batting an eye. She just wanted for the both of them to really start living their lives. She found an apartment and asked for a divorce. She was surprised, once again, when he refused. His reasons made sense to him anyway. She finally ended up agreeing to a trial separation.

Now she was sitting in her father’s living room as he watched her fidget. She had moved outalmost two weeks ago, and had stopped wearing her wedding band since, to her the marriage was over. She had asked to speak to her father alone since she wasn’t quite prepared to face her mother just yet.

"You know I love it when you visit Baby," Her father began in a soft tender tone. "But you’ve been sitting there for almost an hour staring at the carpet. It is a lovely carpet but I get the distinct impression that you avoiding telling me something."

"I am," She responded with a heavy sigh.

"Well you better hurry it up since your mother will be home soon," He encouraged her. "Does this have anything to do with the fact that you’re not wearing your wedding band?"

"Yes," She confessed nervously. "I left him."

"When?" He calmly inquired.

"Two weeks ago," she admitted.

"Nice of you to tell us," He grunted. "I like Brian and I have a feeling this has nothing to do with him."

"No, it’s not him," She muttered. "Dad I’ve had feelings that, unfortunately, I didn’t start dealing with until I got married." She stammered as she wondered just how she was going to explain this to her father?

"I understand," he nodded.

"I don’t think you do," Lori almost laughed.

"A woman?" He offered gently as her face fell in shock. "I’m sorry, am I wrong?" He asked with a sudden panic.

"No," Lori confirmed in amazement. "How did you know?"

"I suspected a very long time ago," he shyly admitted. "But you always had a boyfriend so I thought I was wrong."

"Does Mom know?" Lori asked.

"God Lord no," He choked. "I love your mother but over the passing years her views have narrowed considerably."

"How am I going to tell her?" Lori sobbed.

"Quickly. Then run," He suggested only half joking. "I’ll stand by you. Lori you are my child and I will love you no matter what, in fact I’ll drive the get away car," Lori laughed at his suggestions. "Is there someone special?"

"There was someone," Lori began unable to describe just how she felt about Katie. "But that ship has sailed."

"I’m sorry," He said.

"Me too," Lori grumbled.

Part Seven

Two weeks after she had visited her father Lori felt as if a huge burden had been lifted off of her shoulders. Despite her mother’s less than kind reaction to the news, Lori really did feel better about things and herself.

"What are you still doing here?" She asked Natasha who was just putting on her coat.

"Just finishing up," Natasha answered with a huge yawn. "I put the reports on your desk."

"Thank you," Lori nodded with a smile. "The new pieces are going to work very well in the south corridor. Once they are authenticated of course."

"How are you holding up?" Natasha gently inquired.

"Really great," Lori practically beamed. "Dad’s been great and Mom isn’t crying anymore. And Brian is at least thinking about an annulment."

"That would be a lot less mess, " Natasha concurred. "And how about you, how are you doing?"

"I feel free for the first time in my life," Lori blew out. "I feel really good about myself. It’s like I finally understand so much about me."

"I don’t think I have ever seen you this happy before," Natasha smirked. "And you owe it all to me."

"Right," Lori laughed as they began to walk down the corridor. "I keep telling you that you really should have mentioned something sooner."

"You would have freaked out," Natasha argued. "Speaking of which, what happens now with the fair Dr. Keefer?"

"Nothing," Lori snapped.

"Why?" Natasha asked.

"Because she is a person not a piece of meat," Lori reasoned. "And I promised her that I wouldn’t cross that line again."

"I see the way you look at her Lori," Natasha sighed. "You’re in love with the girl."

"Will you stop pushing," Lori fussed. "I hardly know the woman."

"Speaking of which," Natasha slyly began. "You never did share the details of that night."

"And I’m not going to," Lori gasped as a deep blush covered her body.

"That good huh?" Natasha smirked with envy.

"Amazing," Lori choked out. "Simply amazing. Now that is all I am going to say."

Another week later Lori found herself working late once again. "Damn I need to take a look at those tapestries." She muttered as she headed down towards the lab. She hated going down there in fear that she would run into Katie and her body would start burning the moment she laid eyes on the smaller woman. "You just need to forget about her." She cautioned herself as she stepped into the lab and was greeted by the sight of Katie leaning over a table.

She could tell by the way the blonde didn’t move that she was caught up in her work and was completely unaware of Lori’s presence. The brunette’s playful nature kicked in as she snuck up on the smaller woman. "Amazing, isn’t it?" She whispered in the blonde’s ear. She laughed as Katie yelped as she jumped up and clutched her heart.

"Sorry." Lori quickly apologized as she took a shy step backward.

"You scared me," Katie chastised the brunette playfully. "I was so wrapped up in this I never heard you come in."

"Should I start wearing a bell or something?" Lori teased her with an amused smirk.

"That could help," Katie laughed. Then the blonde’s laughter suddenly died when their eyes met.

They stared at one another until Katie suddenly looked away. "Sorry," she mumbled as Lori took a seat next to her.

"How’s it going?" Lori inquired as she turned her attention to the tapestry in an effort to stop leering at Katie’s body.

"Good." Katie explained proudly. "I should have the dating completed by tomorrow. From everything I can see it’s authentic."

"Good to hear," Lori congratulated her. "You’re doing a great job."

Lori’s fingers carefully danced across the rich threads of the tapestry as she tried reign in her focus on the beauty of it and not the beauty of the woman seated beside her. Lori was shocked when Katie took her by the hand and examined her fingers with an intense look. Lori could feel her heart beating wildly as Katie held her hand. Shyly Lori removed her hand from the blonde’s grasp before her senses took a serious detour. "Separated." Lori offered quietly understanding that it was the gold band and large diamond Katie had been searching for.

They sat there in the dimly lit room that was Katie’s lab, each seemingly struggling with the rush of emotions. "Do you want to talk about it?" Katie finally offered.

Lori was surprised by the sincere offer and decided to take a chance hoping that, at the very least, the two of them might end up being friends. The more she got to know the young doctor the more Lori liked her and not just in the sexual sense. "It was a mistake." Lori offered grimly. "But I guess you already knew that."

"I didn’t," Katie quickly answered surprising the brunette once again with the look of regret that clouded the blonde’s cherub features. "The night we met I never would have guessed that you were the one who was getting married. I thought it was the redhead who grabbed my ass." Lori laughed at the memory. "I mean, she was wearing an engagement ring and put the veil on," Katie continued to explain. "Plus I thought you were . . ."

"Gay," Lori concluded for her.

"Yes," Katie admitted, "I thought you were gay."

"Did you think that before or after I licked tequila off of your body?" Lori inquired nervously as she wondered if she really wanted to know the answer to her question.

"Before," Katie confessed as she grasped Lori’s hand. When the blonde went to release her grip, Lori refused to let go and gave Katie’s hand a gentle squeeze.

"I didn’t." Lori confessed as her hand tingled from Katie’s gentle touch. "When I touched you, it felt right. My body never felt that way before."

Lori felt her breathing grow heavier as Katie cupped her cheek with her tiny hand. Lori smiled as she leaned into the touch. They moved in unison until their lips met and were moving against one another. Lori’s mind and body reeled as Katie parted her lips with her tongue. She heard the blonde moaning as she did the same to the blonde’s soft full lips. The blonde’s hands began to roam across Lori’s broad shoulders, as the kiss grew more passionate.

Both women were gasping for air as they finally released one another. "Why do you have to be such a good kisser?" Lori asked in wonderment as she captured Katie’s face in her hands.

"Why do you?" Katie responded with a smile that warmed Lori’s entire being.

Lori drew the blonde closer and reclaimed her lips. Things quickly escalated as their hands began to roam across one another’s bodies. "This is happening too fast," Katie panted as she guided the stunned brunette up and over towards her desk.

"I know." Lori groaned as she began to remove Katie’s lab coat and unbutton her blouse.

"This is wrong," Katie continued to reason as she lowered Lori down onto her desk. Lori felt alive as Katie quickly undid the buttons of her blouse. As her lover was undressing her Lori opened the blonde’s blouse and filled her hands with Katie’s breasts. She felt the weight of them before she began to caress them.

"We shouldn’t be doing this," Lori said in an effort to convince herself as Katie began to undo her slacks. It was too much for the brunette to resist. She began to tease Katie’s nipples and suckle her neck.

"God, I want you," Katie moaned as Lori dropped the blonde’s blouse onto the floor. Lori fumbled slightly until she finally released the clasp on the blonde’s bra. While Lori quickly removed the garment, Katie was pulling the brunette’s slacks down her hips.

Lori was on fire as she captured her lover’s nipple in her mouth. She could feel the blonde’s body arching against her. As Lori teased the blonde’s nipples she could feel her blouse and bra leaving her body. Her skin broke out in goose bumps as Katie’s hands roamed her body. Lori moaned against her lover’s skin as Katie pinched and teased her nipples.

The realty of the situation suddenly caught Lori off guard. She pulled away needing to explain things to the young woman who simply captivated her. She looked up at Katie with a smoky gaze. "Katie, I don’t want just this," She tried to explain in soft voice. "I mean I want this, but it isn’t just your body that draws me to you."

As she waited for Katie’s response she prayed that she had conveyed everything that she was feeling. "I feel the same." Katie response made Lori’s heart leap. "We can still do this right?" The blonde added playfully.

"Yes." Lori eagerly answered her question as her lover pulled down her slacks and underwear. Lori was a bundle of desire as her clothing was cast aside and her lover sank to her knees before her. Lori swallowed hard as she leaned back onto the desk and Katie’s body nestled between her legs. Lori’s desire was overflowing as her lover draped the brunette’s legs over her shoulders. Lori’s body arched the moment she felt her lover’s tongue touching her.

Lori lost all sense of time as Katie feasted upon her teasing her clit endlessly. Lori released needy pleas until she felt her lover’s fingers filling her warm wet center. Lori was soon crying out as the blonde’s hand and mouth pleasured her. The brunette gave herself over to the feel of Katie’s tongue and fingers driving her to the brink of ecstasy. She loved the feeling of exploding against her lover as she cried out her name.

Lori felt at peace as she looked down at her lover who was resting her head against her stomach. "I adore you." Katie murmured as she placed soft promising kisses on the brunette’s skin.

"Kate," Lori whispered as her lover looked up at her. Lori knew that her eyes betrayed the depth of her emotions when she spied the slight hint of fear in Katie’s emerald orbs. There was something deeper hidden in Katie’s eyes, a look that mirrored Lori’s heart.

Lori was overcome with emotion and desire and soon began making love to Katie. She had the smaller woman pressed against the desk as she begged her to climax. She plunged in and out of the blonde’s wetness until she felt her lover’s body exploding against her touch. Lori wrapped Katie up in a warm embrace as the blonde’s body continued to quiver. Katie lifted her head and brushed back Lori’s hair from her brow.

"We have a lot to talk about," Katie whispered before placing a gentle kiss on Lori’s brow.

"I know." Lori agreed as she silently thought that it was the understatement of the year. She kissed Katie lightly on the lips. "Do you think we could go somewhere and talk?"

"Yes." Katie accepted with a smile.

They dressed and Katie locked down her lab. She offered her hand to Lori who accepted it with a bright smile.

Part Eight

"My God I’m starving," Katie sighed as she polished off the last of their appetizers.

"No small wonder," Lori laughed as the intimate encounter they had shared when Katie arrived to pick her up at her apartment replayed in her mind. They had been dating for almost four months and it amazed Lori how they made love not only after each date, but before it as well.

"What is that look for?" Katie inquired.

"You," Lori responded with a smile. "You simply take my breath away. I never thought that someone could make me feel the way you do." Lori was careful as her lover was still very gun shy. Of course it didn’t help that legally Lori was still married and, other than a couple of dates, she had when she first left Brian she had no other experiences with women.

"Is that a good thing?" Katie responded playfully.

"Oh yeah," Lori purred. She was about to suggest that they forget about dinner and go back to her apartment when she spotted someone who made her jaw drop. ‘Oh this isn’t going to be good.’ She thought in a panic.

"Lori?" Katie asked with concern. "What’s wrong, honey."

"Brian." Lori choked out as her soon to be ex-husband entered the restaurant.

She knew by the way Katie tossed her roll down and the scowl on the blonde’s face that she didn’t understand what was happening. "What has he done now?" Katie grumbled as she rubbed her forehead. "Besides drag out the divorce for as long as possible."

"Come to this restaurant for dinner," Lori quickly explained as she watched him approaching their table.

"Huh?" Katie choked as she watched Lori stand up.

"I’m sorry about this," Lori quickly offered to her lover as he husband stepped up to their table. "Hey Brian," She greeted him cordially as he glared down at Katie.

"Lori this is a surprise," He said as his gaze finally shifted to her.

"Brian, I’d like you to meet Dr. Katherine Keefer." She quickly introduced her lover before either of them blew a gasket. She knew that they would meet someday she just wished she knew it was going to be that day. Both Brian and her mother were doing everything they could to convince Lori that she had made a mistake.

"Oh," Brian suddenly responded brightly and shook Katie’s hand surprising both Lori and her lover. "I’m Lori’s husband, Brian Docket."

"Brian." Lori hissed as she watched Katie’s hand quickly retreating as the blonde’s face turned red with anger.

"That’s only because you won’t sign the paper." Katie spat out. Lori’s chest tightened as she prepared herself for the inevitable fallout. "I’m sorry Lori," Katie quickly apologized as she stood. "I’m going to the ladies room."

Lori blew out a sigh of relief and silently thanked her lover from removing herself from a potentially volatile situation. "What was that all about?" Brian asked in confusion. "Are you always this open with your colleagues?"

"No," Lori spat out as she clenched her jaw. "Just my lover."

"What?" Brian gasped, as he turned pale. "Look, just keep that quiet Joe from accounting is joining me."

"Who cares," Lori asked as began to wonder why she ever thought he was a sweet guy. "Wait you haven’t told anyone yet?"

"What am I suppose to say?" He argued. "My wife walked out on me right after the wedding because she likes chicks."

"Tell people whatever you want," Lori tried to reason with him.

"Lori I know we’ll get through this," He stressed.

"Yeah we will have a very happy relationship once you sign the annulment papers," She argued. "Brian we’ve been legally married for six months and lived apart for four. Katie and I have been seeing each other for months now. I’m not coming back. I’m sorry, it was a mistake."

"Joe?" Brian beamed as a dark haired man approached them. "You remember my blushing bride don’t you?"

"Of course," Joe smiled as he shook Lori’s hand. "It has been a long time. Brian tells me that they are working you to death down at the museum. Will you be joining us for dinner? I hope so since I haven’t seen you since the wedding."

Lori felt like she walking through a very bad nightmare. "Of course she will," Brian volunteered. Lori gritted her teeth as she realized what he was doing. Why wouldn’t he think she would play along after she confessed that one of the main reasons she went through with the wedding was because of the embarrassment it would have caused for him and their families. That and she was stoned out of her mind.

"You’re delusional," She offered brightly to the stunned Brian just as Katie rejoined them.

"Lori honey," he tried coaxing her.

"I’m sorry Joe, I’m already dinning with someone," She politely explained as she nodded to the smirking blonde.

"Joe, long time," Katie greeted the older man.

"Why Katie I didn’t see you there," Joe greeted her brightly. "How is the real world treating you?"

"Just great," Katie beamed. "And how is Adam?"

"Good," Joe smiled proudly. "He made the Deans list again."

"My life just gets more and more surreal," Lori muttered as she looked over at her lover. "Well enjoy your dinner gentlemen." She offered quickly simply wanting to get back to enjoying Katie’s company.

"Uhm, Lori," Brian persisted as she and Katie reclaimed their seats.

Joe looked at the man in confusion as he hovered above Lori and Katie. "I’m sorry for his behavior Joe," Lori apologized finally having enough of Brian and his attitude. She knew it was causing not only a strain on her evening out with Katie, but their blossoming relationship as well. "You see Brian is trying to get me to ditch Katie and join the two of you because he’s afraid that you’ll find out that we split up."

Lori felt slightly amused as Brian’s jaw dropped as Katie choked on the water she was sipping. "Well that explains it," Joe responded seemingly unfazed by the information. "Nice seeing the both of you again. Brian shall we?"

Lori released a cleansing breath as Joe led Brian to the other side of the restaurant. "So how do you know Joe?" She calmly asked her lover.

"I am so proud of you," Katie said with sincerity.

"Why?" Lori shrugged. "For finally standing up for myself. Frankly I’ve had enough from him and my mother. Katie I’m in love with you and I know that scares the bejesus out of you, but it is the truth. Now how do you know Joe?"

Katie looked over at the brunette with her jaw hanging open. Lori had never said anything before because she understood Katie’s fears. Up until six months ago Lori was straight and still married to a man. She knew Katie was terrified that Lori would pull an Anne Hecht. But Katie didn’t know what Lori knew, and that was how the brunette felt certain that Katie was the one for her. Now she was fiddling with her napkin waiting for Katie to say something. If the blonde didn’t share her feelings Lori really wanted to know before the both of them went any further.

"You’re right," Katie finally said ending the deafening silence. "I am scared. The biggest thing that frightens me is that I’m certain that I fell in love with you that morning you broke down crying in the hotel room. I love you more and more each day and it scares the hell out me. Now what was your question?"

"How do you know Joe?" Lori repeated with a goofy grin as she felt herself falling even harder.

"His son Adam is a dancer at the club where I use to work," Katie supplied. "In fact, he is the blonde goober who gave you a big wet one the night we met."

"Yuck," Lori grimaced. "The little bugger tried to stick his tongue in my mouth."

"Figures," Katie laughed. "The straight dancers always do. Now can I make a suggestion?" Katie said as she took Lori by the hand. "I really don’t feel like having dinner while Brian glares at us all night long. Why don’t we call the waiter over and have him wrap up the meals we ordered, and on the way back to your place we pick up a bottle of Jose Cuervo. Because now that I have finally told you how I feel about you I want to give the best lap dance of your life."

"Check please!"

The End