House Sitting

By Mavis Applewater

yomavis@email.com

May 2003

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 posted, copied or sold without the author’s permission. So there! If for any reason you are uncomfortable with graphic descriptions of two consenting adult women in a loving sexual relationship, 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 don’t until it is no longer a crime for you to view this material.

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

As always this is for Heather.

Emily rolled her eyes impatiently as Sandra went over the puppies feeding schedule one more time. "I get it." She finally huffed at her exuberant older friend. Emily worked part time for Sandra’s husband Jack at his law firm located in the heart of Boston. The couple was finally taking a well-deserved and well-needed vacation. Since the both of them were fond of the college student and trusted her, they asked if she would house sit during the two weeks they would be enjoying their cruise. Emily jumped at the chance to enjoy two weeks of solitude at the comfortable farmhouse located in Rowley.

It was the summer just before Emily was to start her first year of Grad school, and the chance to enjoy time alone simply reading and sitting by Jack and Sandra’s pool instead of enduring the cramped living space of the apartment she shared with three other women sounded like a dream come true. Not to mention being paid for doing nothing except feeding the dogs and making sure no one broke into the couple’s home was a definite bonus.

"I’m sorry," Sandra laughed. "It’s just that we’ve never left the puppies alone for so long."

"You know you keep calling them puppies," Emily chuckled as she watched the four very large Great Danes romping about in their kennel. "And they are a little bigger than that."

"I know. But they will always be our puppies," Sandra said with a smile.

"You guys need to have a kid," Emily noted as she brushed her long dark hair from her brow.

"We’re trying," Sandra confided. "Don’t forget that Sherrie will be arriving on Monday."

"How is your kid sister?" Emily inquired having met the shy blonde a couple times before.

"Good," Sandra responded. "But like you the last semester was hard and she needs a break before starting Grad school. Are you sure you won’t get bored stuck up here all by yourself?"

"Are you kidding?" Emily laughed. "Did you ever room with three other women in a two bedroom? Not to mention the heat in the city. Yeah it is going to suck hanging around this place and relaxing by the pool for two whole weeks."

Emily drove the couple to Logan Airport with a promise to hug the puppies every day. She returned and fed the four over grown beasts and gave them a hug. She relaxed that night by the fire sipping a nice glass of wine.

The rest of the week was pure bliss for the brunette. She awoke every morning and fed and played with the puppies. By the way the dogs frolicked Emily could understand why Sandra and Jack called them puppies. Then she would do laps in the pool for thirty minutes before showering. Then she would brew a pot of coffee and read the morning paper wearing nothing but a t-shirt and a pair of panties. By the third day, Emily vowed that after Grad school she would never have another roommate.

The following Monday she was enjoying her morning ritual as she stood half dressed in the kitchen flipping through the Globe while she waited for the coffee pot to finish sputtering. She was startled by the sound of the front door opening. Her heart was racing as she took in her state of undress and listened to the sounds of approaching footsteps. "Hey there," Sherrie greeted her as she stepped into the kitchen.

"Geez, you scared the life out of me," Emily exclaimed as the small blonde blushed.

"Sorry," Sherrie apologized with a shy smile.

"No worries," Emily offered as she noticed the blonde blushing slightly as she looked at her shoes. She had always found Sherrie to be a little shy but her reaction was surprising. Emily hoped that the girl wasn’t a prude since she was really enjoying not having to be fully dressed in the morning. I guess doing my morning laps naked is out of the question.’ She mentally grumbled. "Want some coffee?" She offered as the smaller woman finally looked up.

"Thank you," Sherrie accepted her offer with a hint of a smile.

"Help yourself," Emily said as she reached up to the cabinet and grabbed a fresh mug. She could have sworn she heard the blonde gasp when she was stretching to retrieve the mug. She looked back in confusion and was surprised by the wide-eyed expression on the blonde’s face. "Why don’t I just go and put something on?" She quickly suggested as she handed Sherrie the mug.

Emily stumbled back slightly as their fingers brushed and she experienced a warm sensation flooding her body. "Are you okay?" Sherrie asked as she reached out and grasped the taller woman by the arm in an effort to steady her.

"Fine," Emily blurted out in confusion as her body burned from the blonde’s touch. "I’m just . . . Well . . . Uhm . . . I’ll bring your stuff upstairs."

She shuffled out of the kitchen and grabbed up the other woman’s bags. She couldn’t understand why her palms were sweating and her heart was racing. She felt much better when she dumped Sherrie’s bags in the guest room that was located across the hall from the spare room she had been using. ‘I hope I’m not getting sick,’ she pondered as she wandered across the hallway to her own room. Feeling better after she had tossed on a pair of shorts she returned back downstairs to the kitchen.

She smiled when she discovered Sherrie sipping a mug of coffee as she flipped through the Globe. "Thanks for bringing my stuff upstairs," the blonde offered seemingly more at ease. "Which room am I crashing in?"

"The one next to Sandra and Jack’s," Emily explained as she freshened up her own cup of coffee. "I’m across the hall."

"I hope I’m not cramping your style or invading your space this week." Sherrie offered. "I just needed some down time after my finals and my roommates."

"I hear that," Emily grunted in agreement. "But, no, you are not cramping my style. Except I guess I’ll have to start wearing a bathing suit in the pool." She teased as Sherrie choked on her coffee.

"Sorry," Sherrie choked out with a smile. "And feel free."

Emily was confused by Sherrie’s suggestion before she shrugged it off as just good-natured teasing. "Actually I’m looking forward to your company." Emily stated sincerely.

"For swimming?" Sherrie teased in a husky tone.

Something about the timber of the blonde’s words sent a shiver down Emily’s spine. Oh boy I thought she was shy now I feel like I am getting in way over my head.’ The tall brunette’s mind panicked as she took a seat next to Sherrie at the kitchen table. She had to admit she had been thrown a bit off kilter by Sherrie’s attention. Not that the sensations were unwelcome, they just brought up some things that Emily had worked very hard to avoid.

It had been easy to avoid her feelings with the demands of finishing school and her job at the busy law firm. The pressure of getting into Harvard’s graduate program had been a heavy diversion as well. Unlike her roommates who had viewed their last year of school as one big party, Emily had worked even harder than before. She passed on having anything that closely resembled a social life for the past two years. She had managed to convince herself that she was avoiding dating so that she could focus on her studies. And it was the truth, but not the entire truth.

The other truth that she didn’t want to face was the emerging feelings that she was certain would further separate her from her family and so called friends. She shyly peeked over the steam emanating from her coffee mug and spied her employer’s sister in-law. She had noticed the blonde’s beauty prior to this morning, and had managed to brush aside the way she felt around the smaller woman. Now they would be living together for almost a full week without the distraction of another person.

Emily wondered if perhaps the solitude and relaxing atmosphere might just be the distraction that would finally give the brunette the nudged that she needed. The emotional tango was in full swing as she questioned Sherrie’s earlier behavior. The blonde might have been teasing or just being friendly. Then why did it feel like she was flirting with me? And if she is flirting what in the hell should I do?’ She debated back and forth as she carefully reviewed the interaction she had shared with the blonde just a few short moments ago.

"Are you all right?" Sherrie asked with concern stirring the brooding brunette away from her musings.

"Sorry," Emily quickly apologized. "It’s just all this peace and quiet got me thinking. I’m just not use to being able to do nothing."

"I know what you mean," Sherrie sighed in agreement. "I live with two couples and all though I love all four of them dearly, one is quirkier than the next. Add to that none of them are students so they didn’t understand my constant need to study."

"You sound exhausted just talking about them," Emily laughed as she began to clean up the kitchen. "So you live with two guys, I thought three women were a major pain."

"Three guys," Sherrie corrected them. "The only up side is that since I’m single I get my own room."

"That must be nice," Emily sighed. "The last time I had my own room was when my sister Janice went to college. It was truly the best year of my life. Wait, you said you lived with two couples?"

"Right," Sherrie explained as she stretched out her body. Emily’s blue eyes widened in surprise as she was granted a slight peek at the smaller woman’s well-toned abdomen. "Brad and Joyce, and Max and Felix. Brad is a comptroller, Joyce works for Fidelity, Max is a waiter/actor and Felix is a drag queen at night and a clerk at Banana Republic during the day."

"Sounds festive," Emily laughed mentally noting that her new friend was at least gay friendly.

"To say the least." Sherrie laughed. "The funny thing is Brad and Joyce are the wild ones, must stem from having to act like adults all day long. So what is on the agenda for the rest of the day?"

"Well I’ve fed the kids," Emily began. "So they are all set until tonight. I was just planning on working on my tan and doing a little reading by the pool."

"Sounds exhausting," Sherrie sighed. "Are you certain that you are up to the task?"

"I guess you’ll just have to give me a hand," Emily pouted in response.

"If I have to," Sherrie sighed before breaking out with a mischievous grin. "Let me just toss on my work clothes. Unless, of course, bathing suits really are optional." The blonde added playfully as she bounced out of the kitchen.

"Oh my," Emily choked out not knowing if she should be excited or afraid?

******

"You were right Emily," Sherrie sighed as she adjusted her sunglasses. "This is exhausting work. I can’t decide if I should just sit here all day, or do a few laps. Then again there is my growing thirst."

"Isn’t it torture?" Emily agreed as she tilted her head back enjoying the feel of the sun beating down upon her. "I guess I’ll go and get us something to drink. Ice tea or lemonade?"

"Another decision," Sherrie sighed deeply. "Ice tea, I suppose. Do you want me to get it?"

"No, I’ve got it," Emily reassured her companion as she climbed out of her lounge chair. "I think I’ll indulge in a dip when I get back. I’m getting hot."

As Emily made her way back into the house she smiled at her comment. She was getting very hot and not only because of the summer heat. Once Sherrie and she relaxed by the pool the sight of the blonde in her black bikini was making Emily hot and sweaty in the most interesting places. She was also learning that despite the blonde’s shy façade the smaller woman was actually a bundle of energy once she started talking.

Emily couldn’t help but smile at the way the two of them had chatted endlessly all day long. When she first learned that Sherrie was going to be staying at the house during the second week of her seclusion she had been worried that the two of them wouldn’t have anything in common. Now her only problem was that they were getting along a little too well. With each passing moment the brunette could feel her attraction growing. She was still completely clueless if the small blonde was interested in women or not. And if she were would she be interested in spending time with Emily?

"What am I doing?" She scolded herself as she blew out an exasperated breath. "Just bring the girl her ice tea and chill out."

Having properly chastised herself for her wishful thinking she gathered up the pitcher of ice tea and a couple of glasses and headed back out to the pool. She stumbled and almost dropped the items when she spied Sherrie floating on her back in the crystal water of the pool. Well I guess that definitely confirms that I’m attracted to women, because I just forgot how to breathe.’ She reasoned as she placed the pitcher and glasses carefully down on the table that rested between their lounge chairs.

She watched as Sherrie rolled over and dipped below the surface of the water. She licked her lips as she watched the blonde’s body gliding just beneath the surface. "Hmm," She sighed as she continued to drink in Sherrie’s body. She removed her sunglasses just as her companion’s body broke the surface. She was forced to stifle a gasp as she watched droplets of water cascading down Sherrie’s inviting form.

In an effort to mask the more than noticeable way her body was reacting to Sherrie, Emily dove into the pool. The water embraced her as she plunged to the bottom. Emily felt slightly more comfortable as she emerged from the water. She blew out a heavy breath as she broke the surface. "Well hey there," Sherrie called out to her with a brilliant smile.

Emily almost sank in the water when she caught the gleam in the blonde’s emerald eyes. "Hey there yourself," She heard herself panting in response as she began to tread water. The blonde flashed a coy smile as Emily realized that she had swum closer to the smaller woman.

"So did you fetch my ice tea wench?" Sherrie teased her, as the blonde’s face grew brighter.

"Wench am I?" Emily gaped in mock horror as she felt herself being drawn even closer to the small blonde.

Emily tried to convince herself that her labored breathing could be blamed on having to tread water and not being so close to Sherrie. Or the way the smaller woman was looking at her. "So wench," Sherrie teased with a soft giggle as Emily playfully splashed her with some water. "What is on the agenda for the rest of the day?"

"Again with this wench business?" Emily blew out before she leapt forward and dunked the blonde under the water. She was cackling as the smaller woman emerged sputtering and scowling. "Now that is taken care of I’m going to dry off and sip my ice tea which I might just share with you if you’re good."

"I’m always good," Sherrie, teased in a saucy tone as they swam towards the edge of the pool. "I also believe in paybacks."

Emily chuckled as they lingered on at the edge. "I’m shaking," Emily snorted out with disbelief.

"Just you wait," Sherrie scowled before she winked at the smirking brunette.

Emily was caught up in the moment as she was suddenly sharing a lingering gaze with the other woman. The brunette’s heart began to beat just a little faster as their arms brushed. "Should I be afraid?" She whispered as she leaned slightly closer to Sherrie. Emily leaned in so closely that she could see each drop of water trickling down the blonde’s face. She swallowed hard suddenly feeling as if the barriers between them had vanished. Her eyes drifted to Sherrie’s lips and she could feel the blonde’s body brushing against her own.

Suddenly Sherrie lifted herself up and out of the pool, splashing the stunned Emily in the process. The brunette shook her head in confusion. She had been certain that they were just about to kiss. She took a moment to regain her bearings before lifting her own body out of the pool.

Still confused by what had transpired between the two of them only moments before, Emily turned her back to the smaller woman as she dried off. She decided that the whole thing had simply been her overactive imagination kicking in. She settled back down on her lounge chair and sipped the glass of ice tea Sherrie had poured for her.

They sat in silence enjoying the afternoon sun. Emily began to worry that perhaps Sherrie had realized what she had wanted to happen and was disgusted by the idea. "It is getting late," She finally offered. "I’m going to feed the puppies then I’ll see about feeding us."

"I’ll make a deal with you," Sherrie offered in a pleasant tone. "I’ll take a shower while you are feeding the beasts and then I’ll cook dinner for us. I’ll even raid Jack’s precious wine cabinet."

"Now how can I refuse such a generous offer?" Emily eagerly accepted.

Emily threw on a pair of cut offs and went to see to the puppies. After each one was fed and she had played with all of them she returned to the house. When she returned she found Sherrie out on the back porch turning on the grill. "Need any help?" She called out as she snuck a peek at the blonde now dressed in a white t-shirt and khaki shorts.

"I’m all set," Sherrie called back with a smile and a wave.

"Good," Emily responded. "I’m just going to hop in the shower. I smell like chlorine and doggies."

*****

After dinner Emily was swinging on the hammock strung up on the back deck looking up at the stars. She smiled as Sherrie stepped out on the back porch carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses. "Trying to get me drunk?" She teased the woman she had just shared a nice dinner with.

"Perhaps." Sherrie played along as she uncorked the wine and poured a glass for each of them. Sherrie handed Emily a glass before setting the bottle down. "Or maybe I’m just trying to get the hammock away from you. Scoot over?" Emily didn’t miss the slight hint of nervousness in the blonde’s voice as she asked to join her.

Emily responded by sliding over in the hammock, which was definitely designed with two people in mind. She couldn’t stop the bright grin that emerged as the blonde settled down next to her. They were swinging lightly as they sipped their wine and looked up at the stars.

"This is nice," Sherrie offered quietly. "You know when they first started out Sandy and Jack lived in this tiny one bedroom. I don’t know how they kept from killing each other."

"Must be love," Emily surmised as they continued to sway.

"Yeah," Sherrie responded with a contented sigh. "I’m glad they found each other. They worked really hard for all of this and I was thrilled when they decided to finally take a real vacation. Of course I think the real reason is so they can try and make a baby."

"Sandra hinted around about that before they left," Emily confirmed with a smile.

"I can’t believe that my booger of a sister is actually going to be someone’s mom." Sherrie laughed. "You wouldn’t believe how much I use to love to torture her when we were growing up."

"And here I thought you were the nice one." Emily laughed as she felt her body warming. With each sway of the hammock their bodies pressed closer and closer together. She took another deep swallow as she kept her eyes locked on the night sky. She tried ignoring how her skin was tingling from the feel of Sherrie’s body nestled up against her own.

The emotional dance inside of the brunette’s head was once again in full swing. She was debating on whether or not Sherrie was flirting with her or completely clueless on the havoc she was creating with her nearness. Just at the moment the frightened brunette was certain that she was about to have a complete melt down, Sherrie did something that changed everything.

Emily’s heart jumped into her throat as she felt the blonde’s tiny hand resting on her bare forearm. She fought to steady her breathing as she felt Sherrie’s fingers lightly running down the length of her arm. Still she didn’t want to read too much in her companion’s actions until she felt Sherrie’s fingers lacing around her own.

Emily released a nervous breath before she looked down at their linked hands. "Is this alright?" Sherrie asked her softly as she kept her emerald eyes looking up at the stars.

"Yes," Emily responded softly as she gave Sherrie’s hand a gentle squeeze before turning onto her side so she could study her companion.

"Good," Sherrie smirked as her thumb traced the back of Emily’s hand.

Emily set her wine glass down on the deck as they rocked gently. Her focus was on simply studying Sherrie’s delicate features and watching the rise and fall of the blonde’s chest. Unable to resist temptation she brushed back Sherrie’s short blonde bangs from her brow. She was mesmerized by the way Sherrie’s skin warmed the tips of her fingers.

As Emily ran her fingers through Sherrie’s short blonde locks, the smaller woman placed her wine glass down on the deck. She turned to face Emily who swallowed nervously. Sherrie’s gaze drifted down to Emily’s lips and the brunette was certain that her heart was about to explode as she reeled from the warmth spreading through her body.

She watched as Sherrie licked her lips as she cupped the brunette’s face. Emily leaned into Sherrie’s touch as she felt her stomach clench with a sudden jolt of desire. Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt Sherrie’s warm breath on her skin. She moaned as Sherrie’s lips brushed against her own. The kiss was brief yet the softness filled Emily with a deep need she had never experienced before.

Her lips were still tingling as the brief kiss came to an end. Her eyes remained shut as she felt her nipples straining against the material of her white cotton blouse. "I’ve been dying to do that since I first saw you in the kitchen this morning," Sherrie whispered hotly in her ear. Emily’s head tilted back slightly as the feel of Sherrie’s nearness dominated her senses.

She felt Sherrie’s tongue slowly tracing her bottom lip and she parted her own lips in response. Sherrie reclaimed her lips, this time with a fiery passion. Emily wrapped her arms around the small blonde’s body and pulled her on top of her. Their tongues met as the kiss deepened. Emily moaned into her lover’s mouth as she felt Sherrie’s knee parting her thighs and pressing against her center.

A small voice deep inside of her was warning her that things were happening too fast. Emily turned a deaf ear to the nagging voice as her hands began to roam across Sherrie’s back and she lost herself in the feel of the blonde’s body melting into her own. Emily’s heart was pounding as her lower anatomy began to beat in the same demanding rhythm.

With one last caress Sherrie’s lips departed from hers. Emily’s eyes drifted open as she tried to calm her heart. She couldn’t speak as Sherrie looked down at her with a penetrating gaze. "How do you do that?" Emily absently asked.

"Do what?" Sherrie purred.

"Take my breath away just by looking at me?" Emily stammered out with disbelief as Sherrie’s eyes drooped in a bashful manner.

Emily pondered if she should slow things down as their bodies pressed closer together. All thoughts slipped away as Sherrie reclaimed her lips in a slow promising kiss. Emily’s hands drifted to the smaller woman’s waist as she felt Sherrie’s thigh pressing against her center. Her hips rolled against the blonde’s touch in an effort to alleviate her aching need.

She could feel her body becoming wet with desire as Sherrie’s thigh began to move against her. Emily’s thighs tightened against the smaller woman’s as the hammock swung beneath them. Emily clutched Sherrie’s hips tighter as the blonde’s tongue explored her mouth. Emily was lost on the feel of the blonde’s lips and tongue awakening her long forgotten desires as her hands slipped down and cupped Sherrie’s bottom.

Sherrie’s hips thrust in reaction to Emily’s touch. Sherrie’s hands ran along the brunette’s sides until she was running her thumbs along the supple curve of Emily’s breasts. Emily’s body arched against Sherrie who had molded her smaller frame against the taller woman. The brunette was gasping for air as the kiss ended.

Her mind was reeling from the intensity of the kiss as she felt her lover’s hands exploring her body. She relaxed into the motion of their bodies and the swaying of the hammock as Sherrie began to unbutton her sleeveless blouse. The blonde kissed her neck as she slowly undid each button. As each button was freed Sherrie kissed the patch of exposed flesh as Emily whimpered helplessly.

The night air was filled with the sounds of crickets chirping and the hammock straining against its hold as Sherrie brushed open Emily’s blouse. The brunette clung to her lover as Sherrie ran her tongue along the sweet valley between her breasts. Emily released another whimper as she felt Sherrie unclasping her bra.

Emily’s nipples became erect as the cool night air mixed with Sherrie’s breath caressed them. Sherrie slowly circled each erect bud as Emily rocked against the smaller woman who was covering her quivering body. Emily arched her back and pressed her nipple against Sherrie’s soft lips. "We should slow down," Sherrie whispered against her skin.

"I know," Emily grunted as their bodies crushed against each other. Sherrie didn’t pull away instead her tongue slipped across Emily’s nipple.

Sherrie’s tongue flickered across the bud before she captured it in her mouth; Emily began to pull the blonde’s t-shirt up. Emily’s body rocked as Sherrie’s mouth feasted upon her breasts. The brunette ran her hands up Sherrie’s back until she felt the resistance of the blonde’s bra strap. Emily was pleased when she released the garment without fumbling like a schoolboy. She was far too hungry in her need to feel Sherrie’s skin to allow the barriers of their clothing get in her way.

Emily’s fingers glided across the curve of the smaller woman’s body. She felt her clit throbbing as Sherrie murmured with pleasure against her skin. She groaned in protest as she felt the blonde’s mouth leaving her skin. Her groans quickly turned pleasurable as Sherrie’s mouth tasted its way across her chest to her other breast and began to lavish it with the same attention.

Emily had never felt this kind of fire burning inside of her before. Sherrie’s hands caressed the front her body until they were lowering the zipper on her shorts. Emily released a deep moan as she felt Sherrie’s fingers running along the elastic band of her underwear. Emily couldn’t control her body as she pressed her wetness against the smaller woman’s touch.

She was amazed at how tender Sherrie’s touch was as she parted her. Emily knew that her desire was filling her lover’s hand as she gently stroked the brunette. Emily rocked her body in response. The brunette’s hips jerked forward as she felt Sherrie’s thumb brushing against her throbbing clit.

Emily felt exposed as Sherrie lowered her shorts down to her thighs. They began kissing once again and the brunette felt as if her entire being was on fire as Sherrie’s fingers teased and caressed her clit. She could feel the nub pulsating harder with each stroke of the blonde’s fingers.

The mesh ropes of the hammock burrowed into the firm flesh of Emily’s backside as her lover explored her wetness. They laughed as they steadied the hammock, which had begun to swing wildly beneath their urgent movements. "I’ve never done this in a hammock before," Sherrie laughed as her nimble fingers glided along the brunette’s slick folds.

The lustful gaze the blonde was casting down upon her stoked the fires of her passion. She chewed on her lip suddenly nervous knowing that she should reveal the truth before their passion consumed them. "I’ve never done this before," She meekly confessed.

Emily watched as the puzzlement clouded Sherrie’s emerald orbs. "You mean make love in a hammock?" The blonde asked her voice trembling with a hint of nervousness.

"That either," Emily sheepishly responded as she felt Sherrie’s hands stilling.

"Okay," Sherrie said very slowly. The only reassurance the brunette felt was the way the blonde’s hand was still nestled between her thighs. "You’re not gay?"

Emily blew out a frustrated breath as she tried to gather her thoughts. Of course thinking clearly was more than a little difficult with the way that their bodies were nestled together and Sherrie’s hand was cupping her wetness. "I have been questioning it for a very long time," She tried to explain as Sherrie nodded in understanding. "I guess I should have mentioned this before we started making out."

Sherrie chuckled lightly as she flashed Emily a warm and endearing smile. "That might have been a good idea," Sherrie chuckled again. "Tell me Emily how long have you been questioning yourself?" The blonde asked as her fingers began to trace the brunette’s slick folds.

"High school," Emily confessed as she tried to focus on the conversation and not how incredible it felt to be touched by this woman. "I . . . Uhm . . . Never acted on it," She stammered as she became lost in the feel of Sherrie’s touch. "I had a couple of boyfriends but there hasn’t been anyone for years. I’ve been too busy with school to deal with . . .," Her words trailed off as she felt Sherrie’s fingers pressing against her center.

"Do you want to stop?" Sherrie asked in her in a husky tone.

"I don’t think I can," Emily whimpered as she felt the blonde filling her.

The brunette moaned as she felt Sherrie’s tiny fingers wiggling inside of her. "You’re going to break my heart. I just know it," Sherrie sighed deeply as she began to glide her fingers carefully in and out of Emily’s passion while she teased the brunette’s clit with her thumb.

"Never," Emily vowed as she wrapped her long legs around the smaller woman’s body.

Sherrie didn’t respond with words she simply began to kiss the brunette hungrily as she plunged in and out of her core. Emily couldn’t still her body as she rode against her lover’s touch. She was consumed with the need to feel more of her lover as she yanked the blonde’s top up.

Emily had managed to push Sherrie’s shirt and bra up as far as she could. She cried out as she felt their nipples brushing against each other and their skin meeting for the first time. Emily’s hands explored Sherrie’s flesh until she captured the blonde’s nipples between her fingers. She rolled and teased them as her lover released deep moans of pleasure.

Emily felt alive as her body rocked against Sherrie’s hand. The blonde’s rhythm grew with each passing moment. "God I want you so much," Emily cried out as she felt her lover’s hips swaying against her body. She watched as Sherrie’s hand and hips took on a frantic pace and the blonde used her free hand to lower her own shorts.

Emily’s hands flew out as she urgently helped the smaller woman pull her shorts and underwear down to her hips. She could see Sherrie’s desire glistening in the moonlight. Allowing her desire to override her nervousness the brunette glided a single digit along the blonde’s folds. She was amazed by the abundance of wetness that coated her finger as she dipped deeper inside of the smaller woman.

When she felt Sherrie’s swollen clit pulsating against her fingers, she captured it. Sherrie cried out as they began to stroke one another. "Yes," Sherrie screamed as Emily entered her with two fingers. Their bodies moved in a perfect rhythm as they pleasured one another. Emily could feel her body nearing the edge as the walls of her lover’s passion tightened against her touch. Each of them was pleading for the other to complete them as they thrust wildly.

The dogs hollowed with disapproval as they screamed out into the night. She clung to Sherrie’s trembling form as they collapsed against one another. Their bodies continued to convulse as they held one another. "God I thought we were going to break the hammock," Sherrie laughed lightly as she looked up at the sated brunette.

"Now that would have been hard to explain," Emily chuckled before they began to kiss.

Emily’s hips began to move against Sherrie’s touch as she felt her lover teasing her once again. "You feel so good," Sherrie murmured as her touch slipped from Emily’s warmth. The brunette grumbled in protest until she felt her lover kissing her way down her body. "I need more," Sherrie moaned as she licked and tasted her way across Emily stomach.

"Yes," Emily gasped as she felt her shorts being lowered even further down her body. She clung to the sides of the swaying hammock when she felt the blonde’s breath teasing her dark curls. She looked down her body to find her lover scrunched up at the end of the hammock as she smiled up at the brunette. "Yes," She repeated urging her lover to take whatever she wanted.

She was dimly aware that her shorts and underwear had been removed as Sherrie nestled her body between her thighs. She ran her fingers through the blonde’s short blonde locks as Sherrie draped her legs over her shoulders. Emily’s body arched as she felt Sherrie’s tongue tasting her for the first time. The blonde slowly glided her tongue along Emily’s lips drinking in her passion.

Emily grasped the edge of the swaying hammock tighter as she felt the blonde’s tongue flickering across her clit. She could hear the blonde moaning with pleasure as she suckled her clit into her mouth. Emily pressed her body against her lover’s mouth as she begged her for more. Sherrie feasted upon her as Emily felt her world exploding.

Emily’s voice was failing her as she tried to cry out while her lover brought her over the edge once again. Emily felt certain that her heart had burst as her lover continued to pleasure her. Her throat was raw as she felt Sherrie’s fingers easily slipping inside of her while she teased her clit with tongue.

The hammock almost flipped over as Emily became lost in a haze of sheer ecstasy. Sherrie held her tightly as she and the hammock finally began to still. "I need to touch you," the brunette finally managed to choke out.

They stumbled as they climbed off of the hammock. "I have rope burn in the oddest places," Emily laughed as each of them tried to pull up their shorts. Sherrie simply laughed as she took the brunette by the hand. Emily could barely refrain from ravishing the smaller woman as they locked up the house and made their way up to the bedroom she had been using.

She had expected to feel shy as they stepped into her room. Instead she felt alive as she began to pull her lover’s clothing off. Sherrie was feasting on her neck as she made quick work of Emily’s clothing as well. The brunette stepped back and drank in her lover’s naked body. She smiled when she spied the rope burns on the blonde’s knees.

Without a word she knelt before the smaller woman and began to kiss the red marks. She could smell her lover’s desire as her kisses moved up to the blonde’s quivering thighs. She could feel her heart pounding as Sherrie’s thighs parted. Emily didn’t hesitate. She quickly nestled her face in her lover’s passion and began to feast upon her. She could feel Sherrie’s hands grasping her shoulders as she ran her tongue along the smaller woman’s sex.

The blonde’s taste filled the eager brunette as she tried to sate her hunger. She felt Sherrie’s hips swaying against her face as tried to lick away every drop of her passion. As she captured Sherrie’s clit in her mouth, her only thoughts was how good her lover tasted and how much she needed to feel the blonde’s passion painting her skin. "Oh that’s it . . .," She moaned encouraging her to take whatever she wanted. Emily suckled the blonde’s clit harder as she slipped her fingers deep inside of the smaller woman.

She clung to her lover to hold her steady as Sherrie’s body thrust against her. Emily drank in the blonde’s wetness as her fingers stroked her with an urgent need. She didn’t want to stop as she felt her lover climaxing against her. She continued to pleasure the smaller woman driving her into a wild frenzy of desire.

She grumbled as she felt Sherrie stepping out of her embrace. "Killing me . . .," the blonde choked out as she helped the brunette to her feet.

"More?" Emily requested with need.

"Oh yeah," Sherrie smiled as they began to kiss and the blonde guided them over to the bed.

Emily fell onto the bed and was quickly covered by Sherrie’s soft supple body. Their legs parted and their clits met. They swayed against one another as their wetness blended. They kissed one another deeply as their clits stroked one another until each of them was screaming out. Their bodies refused to calm as their passion surged. They entered one another each taking the other harder and deeper with each stroke until they collapsed.

Emily held Sherrie in her arms as she listened to their hearts beating in unison. "This should be an interesting week," she murmured.

Sherrie was smiling as she tilted her head up and gazed up at the brunette. "I’m planning on it," Sherrie purred in response. "I want to spend every moment of this week getting to know you. And not just your amazing body."

"I like the way you think," Emily smiled in agreement as they began to kiss once again.

The End

Gemini

By Mavis Applewater

April 2003

Disclaimers: The story and its characters 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 please go away until it is no longer a crime for you to view my work.

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

As always this is for Heather.

I knew everything about her. Janis Margaret Donnelley had been my best friend, confidant, and so much more. It was as if we were a part of one another from the day we met. Then there was the secret about us that I kept hidden from everyone including myself. Janis had come to live in our pristine Northern California neighborhood when the both of us were barely twelve years old.

Janis had been an outsider from the Midwest of all places. She had lost her parents and two brothers in a horrible car accident that summer. Her life had been spared since she was away at summer camp when the tragic event occurred. Having no other relatives she was shipped off to live with her elderly Aunt Helen. By the time J.D., as I liked to call her, entered our world, friendships and cliques had already been very well established.

J.D. was an outsider and my nearest and dearest friends never let her forget it. I didn't care that she was the new kid on the block or lived in the big Mansion with the creepy old woman at the top of the hill. There was something about the awkward tall skinny girl with the electric blue eyes that I found positively irresistible. J.D. and I became fast friends much to the disappointment of my preteen inner circle.

As the years passed I was forced to endure warnings from my other friends about J.D. and her loose ways. Paige tried to caution me about the path J.D. was traveling, and Angie was just being her snotty old self. Even Bob, my high school beau, warned me to stay away from her. I didn't listen to them since none of them knew about the bond that she and I shared. What no one knew then, or now, was that we had been lovers. In fact she had been my first lover. Yet, I didn't allow myself to think of her that way since she was a woman. It had taken me a great many years to admit that even to myself.

She was the first person to touch me and I took her for granted simply because I couldn't accept the depth of our feelings. She stood by and watched as I dated Bob. It took a toll on the both of us, yet we still clung to one another even when the road she began to travel turned dark. Around the time we turned seventeen J.D. discovered a way to shut out the pain. Angie would fill my ears with a condescending, 'I told you so.' While Paige was far more understanding even she cautioned me when J.D.'s life started spinning out of control. Again I turned a deaf ear to their warnings, they didn't know her the way that I did.

J.D. stood just less than six feet tall; she had long chestnut hair that absolutely shimmered, and the most amazing smile. She took her coffee with extra cream and sugar, she smoked Marlboro lights, and she liked her margaritas New Orleans style with 1800 tequila when she could afford it. She preferred white wine to red. And during her seventeenth year she spent most of her time and money on whatever drug would numb her body, mind and soul.

I never knew when the drugs started. All I knew was that little by little she was slipping away from the world and me. Not surprisingly, after she barely squeaked by in High School, she didn't follow the rest of us to college. I refused to give up on her or shut her out. I tried to get her help. She would promise to clean up her act and a few times she managed to keep her promise for at least a month. Then the cocaine would return.

Despite my parents concerns, during my junior year at UCSF, I took an apartment off campus with J.D. I foolishly assumed that I might be able to help her. The living situation turned out to be a nightmare. My refusal to admit to the true nature of our relationship drove her further into despair. Near the end of the fall semester of my senior year I had enough. There were just too many fights when she was soaring out of control, and too many nights of finding her passed out on the living room floor. Asking her to leave was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my young life. I secretly hoped that it would provide the push she needed to get her life together.

I was wrong and J.D. slipped further into the darkness that was consuming her. I tried to stay in her life, but at times it was difficult. She would arrive at my home looking and smelling like she hadn't bathed in weeks, all lit up begging me for another chance. I stood firm each time allowing her to stay for a few days and forcing her out each time she started using again.

I graduated with honors and my parents threw a huge party for me. In an effort to mend the fences between J.D. and myself I invited her to the party. It was a mistake. She showed up looking as if she had been living on the streets and high as a kite. She was angry and caused a scene. My father finally had to escort her out of the party.

Once again she slipped out of my life, and yet she was never far from my thoughts. Then on New Years Eve 1993 J.D. made a most unexpected reappearance in my life. It was quite a party that I had arranged to celebrate the coming of the New Year and my promotion at the small advertising firm I worked for. I thought having the party out on the water was a wonderful idea. Slightly chilling, but very romantic and festive. The boat circled the bay all night. I never knew that J.D. had slipped on board before we left the dock.

My heart almost stopped when I saw her leaning against the railing away from the other guests. Despite her rumpled appearance I felt encouraged by the light in her amazing blue eyes that had been dull and lifeless the last time I had seen her. Over the din of the parties from our boat and others sailing around awaiting the fireworks, I tried to talk to her. She was quieter than usual and there was a strange gleam in her eyes that I knew wasn't from drugs.

At least I thought she wasn't high until she started ranting like a lunatic drawing everyone's attention. Her actions grew more bizarre with each passing moment as I tried to calm her. She climbed up onto the railing. My heart was pounding as I pleaded with her to get down. Angie, who I mistakenly invited, told her to jump. And she did. J.D. disappeared into the dark icy water. I screamed out as I rushed towards the railing. I searched the dark water as the boat came to a halt. When they failed to find her I prayed that one of the boats had pulled her from the cold water of the bay.

Rescue workers searched all night. J.D.'s body was never found. In the blink of an eye she had slipped beneath the surface of the water, taking a part of my heart with her. Ten years later I still carried the guilt in my heart. Even as my career blossomed I felt as if I had failed.

It was a cold day in New York City when I arrived. My flight to the opposite coast was a painful reminder that our world was forever changed. I felt sadness once I arrived in the city and found myself searching the skyline for something that was no longer there. I almost cried when I realized that it was the sight of the towers looming over the city that was vacant. Somehow I managed to shake off the thoughts as I proceeded towards the office building where I was to meet with Frank Strivers.

After I was checked in by security in the lobby, which was yet another reminder to me just how the world had changed, I mentally prepared myself for my meeting with Strivers. He was the agent for a little known photographer and artist named Karen Merrick. The artist had created a painting and photograph of a wolf that was completely amazing. It was of a wolf staring out from a snow-covered landscape. I had seen the painting and the photo that had inspired it many times. There was something in the wolf's eyes that was mesmerizing. It had drawn the attention of one of my clients who wanted to use the image for a series of ads. The only problem was that even if the elusive Ms. Merrick had sold her work to companies marketing products, she flatly refused to allow the image to be used for the new line of vodka my client was producing.

Mr. Strivers assured me that she could not be swayed on this issue. I had suggested to my client that we go with a similar image. They refused, they wanted the Merrick print, and I think were a little fearful that if they used a similar image, they could be facing a lawsuit. It was a valid concern, and I had to admit the stunning image that Merrick had captured was perfect for the ads.

As I crossed the lobby lost in my thoughts of just how I was going to persuade Mr. Strivers that it would be very beneficial for both him and his client to do business with my agency suddenly my breathing seized. I saw a haunting familiar image emerging from the elevators. "J.D.?" I whispered in astonishment as I watched the ghost crossing the lobby without noticing me. Her hair was different, almost jet-black. My heart was pounding as I looked into her eyes. "Brown," I muttered with a sense of disappointment when I failed to find J.D.'s amazing blue eyes staring back at me. Still, despite the different color of her hair and eyes, the way she moved and the brilliant smile made me feel as if I was staring into the past. "It can't be." I muttered as I ran my fingers through my short blonde hair as the woman gave me a troubled look before she glided past me.

My heart was stilling pounding and my palms had begun to sweat as I watched her leave the building. I rushed after her almost tripping as I raced across the polished floor of the lobby. When I stumbled out onto the street the apparition was nowhere to been seen. I stumbled back into the lobby and sat down. I tried to calm the rapid beating of my heart as my head reminded me that this woman had brown eyes and J.D. had jumped to her death almost a decade ago.

I still felt shaky as I rode the elevator up to Frank Striver's office. I tried to focus on what I knew about Karen Merrick. She grew up in Alaska and received an MFA from the University Of New Mexico, Taos. I found it very interesting that someone who had grown up in Alaska would opt to continue his or her education in New Mexico. That and Ms. Merrick didn't earn her degree until she was in her late twenties. As much as I tried to focus on the elusive artist and how I could persuade her to sell her work to my clients, I was still troubled by the woman I had seen earlier.

My mind was still clouded by the stranger's image as I sat in Frank Striver's office. He was a small blonde man with a very slight build. "I don't what else I can say Miss Moore." He tried to explain in frustration.

"Call me Tyler." I offered hoping to relax the agitated man.

"Tyler Moore?" He responded with surprise. I could see the familiar grin forming on his lips. It is something I had long ago become accustomed to. "You're parents had quite the sense of humor."

"To say the least," I agreed once again thankful that my parents didn't add the Mary. "Now back to Ms. Merrick, frankly I don't understand why she is so reluctant to sell the rights to the photograph and painting. She has sold her work for capitalistic endeavors in the past."

"Karen has her reasons," He explained, and I began to understand that Ms. Merrick was probably a close friend as well as a client. "It isn't selling the work that she has a problem with it is the product." The careful tone he used explained everything to me. Karen Merrick grew up in a rural area, alcohol abuse would have been commonplace and perhaps the artist had endured many demons regarding the subject.

"It seems I've wasted a trip," I sighed knowing that if my suspicions were correct there was no way Ms. Merrick was going to have a change of heart. "My clients are going to be very disappointed."

"I'm sorry," He apologized in a sincere voice. "Perhaps some of my other client's work would be suitable?"

I accepted his offer hoping to find something that would justify my trip and appease my clients. We studied over photos for most of the afternoon until we were both exhausted. I felt better having a couple of works that I thought my clients would accept in exchange. Often my mind still wandered back to the mysterious woman I had glanced earlier in the day. "I hope we can work together," I offered as I gathered up the artwork that I would be emailing back to my office. "I am sorry that I couldn't at least meet Ms. Merrick. I really admire her work."

"Karen has a real talent with a paint brush and a camera," he boasted convincing me once again that he and the artist shared more than a professional relationship. Of course his slightly flamboyant nature informed me that it wasn't a romantic connection. I had a feeling that Frank Strivers had been to every single Cher concert he could get tickets for. "I must admit Karen's people skills leave a lot to be desired. She doesn't like meeting with buyers, especially those from the west coast."

"Really?" I said with surprise. I understood that many artists were uncomfortable when it came to the money people, which is why they hire people like Frank Strivers. "I think I should be insulted. Not all blonde California girls are airheads." I teased as I rose out of my chair and stretched out my body.

"Artists," he laughed. "I'll never understand them. Karen is actually one of my saner clients. May I be so bold as to invite you to dinner tonight?"

"I'd like that since it appears that my time in New York will be cut short," I agreed with a smile. "Over dinner you can fill me in on some of your nuttier clientele."

We made plans for Frank to meet me at my hotel and enjoyed a nice dinner at a small Italian restaurant. I had to admit that Frank was very witty and I was finally able to relax. "So he would only paint in the nude, he also met with me that way," Frank continued as we sipped our coffee. "I wouldn't mind except he weighed over three hundred pounds and had the hairiest body I've ever seen. Now why is it that the ones with bodies like Calvin Klein models like to wear clothes?"

"Pity," I laughed along with him. "Thank you for dinner. After the day I've had I really needed a chance to enjoy good company."'

"My pleasure," he smiled in response. "I'm just sorry you flew all the way across the country."

"That wasn't the only thing bothering me," I confessed feeling at ease with him. "Something happened just before I met with you that has thrown me a little off kilter."

"Why don't you tell me about it over drinks," he suggested with a warm smile. "There is little club not far from here. We could walk?"

I agreed since I was really enjoyed Frank's company, and I really did want to talk to someone about what had happened, if for no other reason, than to have an objective ear that would talk some sense into me. Frank and I walked over to the small club. Since it was early in the week we were spared from the constant thumping of house music. I was a little uncomfortable when I realized that we were in a gay bar. I still found my sexuality difficult to deal with. Perhaps being in a gay club would provide me with more of a sense of ease, and I could finally tell someone about why J.D.'s death still troubled me.

"Are you sure you want to hear this?" I asked him once we had ordered a couple of cocktails. Once again his response was a warm and very understanding smile. "Okay, you asked for it.

"Duly noted." He conceded as he took a sip from his cosmopolitan.

"Did you ever see a complete stranger and were convinced that they were someone you knew? But they aren't," I carefully began. "That is what happened to me today. I saw this woman in the lobby of your building who was the spitting image of a girl I grew up with."

"Maybe it was her?" He suggested.

"It couldn't have been J.D., she Uhm . . . " I stammered as the words almost choked me. "She died about ten years ago."

"I'm sorry," Frank offered gently as he patted my hand. "Were the two of you close?"

"Yeah," I choked out as long forgotten tears begin to fill my eyes. "Only thing is no one knew just how close we were. That was my fault. I still haven't told anyone."

"Oh?" He responded with a hint of surprise.

"I'm a coward," I finally confessed for the first time in my life as I felt the guilt crushing me. "I live in San Francisco and I'm in the closet. How ironic is that? I still don't really accept it. So you thought the artists you have to deal with are freaks?" I laughed, as his smile turned sympathetic. "Seeing that woman today just brought it all back to me. She looked so much like J.D. it was almost spooky, except the color of her hair and eyes, and there she is." I gasped as I spotted the same brunette entering the club.

Frank spun around quickly and started to choke. "Her?" He stammered slightly as. Much to my horror, he waved the tall brunette over. My heart was pounding as I watched her eyes narrow and her body stiffened before she started walking in our direction. "That is Karen Merrick." He explained quickly to me in a hushed whisper.

I was stunned by the admission as the grim faced woman stepped up next to Frank. "Karen Merrick, I'd like to introduce Tyler Moore," he offered in an effort to ease the tension.

"Nice to meet you." She greeted me in a hauntingly familiar tone that sent a shiver up and down my spine.

"Ms. Merrick." I responded as I began to shift nervously on my barstool. My tension grew as I noticed the tall brunette avoiding my gaze. Frank was right this one certainly did lack people skills. J.D. had been standoffish but this woman was like an iceberg.

Frank stared up at the obviously uncomfortable woman with his jaw hanging open. "Uhm Tyler is with Dunbar the ones who wanted the wolf artwork." Frank explained as the artist clenched her jaw and stared down at him.

"I understand that it isn't for sale," I offered in an effort to ease the tension. I also understood that I wasn't helping matters by the way I was staring at her. "I'm sorry." I apologized quickly as I turned towards the bar and began to sip my cocktail.

"For?" She muttered and once again I felt a shiver.

"Staring for starters," I continued to apologize as I turned back towards her. I noticed that she quickly diverted her eyes. "You look like someone I use to know."

"Happens?" She shrugged.

"It's late," I blurted out quickly as I pushed my drink aside. I couldn't endure another moment around this woman who was so much like J.D. "I should be going."

"Are you sure?" Frank asked as I stood.

"Yes," I answered with a heavy sigh. "It has been a long day."

"Let me walk you back to your hotel?" He offered.

"No, thank you," I quickly declined simply eager to get away from the artist. "I'll just grab a cab."

"Are you sure?" He repeated.

"Yes," I answered him with a slight smile. "I will see you in the morning, hopefully with an offer."

Once I had returned to my hotel room I took a long hot bath, which did nothing to alleviate my troubles. I paced around the room muttering to myself until I was certain that I had lost complete touch with reality. Finally I picked up the telephone and called Paige. She was grumpy when I awakened her; even with the time difference it was still very late for her.

After she woke up slightly and listened to my story she was very sympathetic. "Tyler we all saw J.D. jump and not come back up," she gently reminded me. "I know it hurt you the most, but she's gone."

"I know," I sobbed, as I hated myself for once again not telling Paige everything. "I just feel like maybe I could have said or done something to stop her."

"Tyler there was nothing you could have done." She reassured me.

I finally agreed with her only so I could end the telephone call and cry. The tears burst from me, as I felt lost in the pain from long ago. My pain felt as fresh as it did that night J.D. took her life. A part of me hated her for doing it and leaving me, and a part of me hated myself for not being the person she needed me to be. I didn't sleep that night. I waited for a reply from my boss before I headed back towards Frank's office. I was so exhausted that I could barely navigate the busy streets.

I stopped at a coffee shop just around the corner from my destination. "I can't believe this," I muttered under my breath when I spotted Karen Merrick in front of me waiting to place her order. I inched closer to hear her coffee selection a part of me still lost in the false hope that she really was J.D., "Come on." I muttered as she approached the counter. My heart dropped when she ordered a black coffee without sugar. Another small difference that reminded me that she wasn't J.D. She turned to find me staring at her once again. Once again her entire body stiffened. "Hello." I mumbled as I blushed suddenly feeling very silly.

"Hello again." She curtly offered as she brushed past me.

I let her go and stepped up and placed my own order. I trudged over to Frank's office only to come face to face with the mysterious Karen Merrick once again. She was tapping her portfolio as she sat in a chair, apparently waiting to meet with Frank. His secretary informed me that he was tied up and I should take a seat.

"I guess he is busy." I offered as an icebreaker.

"Yeah," she grunted in response as she chewed on her bottom lip in a nervous fashion. "I'm sorry Miss Moore I'm not usually this annoying."

I was taken aback by the woman's apology. "No I'm the one who should be apologizing," I quickly offered. "I keep staring at you like you have sprouted another head."

"I hope not," she quipped. "I have a hard enough time dealing with this one," I laughed at her teasing and it felt good. "Frank told me about your friend the one who committed suicide."

"You look so much like her it is frightening," I tried to explain. "I'm sorry. What a terrible way to introduce myself to someone."

"Understandable under the circumstances." She reassured me.

I nodded as I tried to think of something to keep the conversation going. There was something about this woman that drew me in. I knew that it was her resemblance to J.D. that was the catalyst behind my need to connect with her. Still it didn't hinder my efforts and I began an easy conversation. She seemed more than a little hesitant but finally she began to open up. We didn't talk about anything deep, since she was reluctant and I was still looking at her like she was J.D. The only things I learned about her in the hour that passed was she missed the open space of New Mexico, She loved focusing her artistic talents on wildlife and nature and unlike J.D. she didn't smoke.

When the secretary informed me that Frank would be ready to see me soon, Karen released a throaty growl that was so like what J.D. did whenever she was frustrated that I once again had to remind myself that she wasn't her. Karen looked at her watch and scowled. "Hilda give him these," she informed the busy secretary as she handed her the portfolio. "I'll be leaving town so if he needs to get in touch with me he will have to email me."

I waved goodbye to the artist and waited for just a few moments before a very flustered Frank emerged from his office. "Tyler, " he greeted me. "I'm sorry about keeping you waiting."

"No problem," I reassured him as I stood. I was about to tell him that I spent the time chatting with Karen when something occurred to me. My jaw dropped and my paperwork spilled to the floor. "Suicide? I didn't tell you that."

I can only imagine how stunned Hilda and Frank were when I dashed out of the room leaving my paperwork lying on the floor. I ran as fast as I could and was thankful that the elevator doors opened up just as I approached it. If I had stopped to think about my actions I probably would have come to my senses and returned to Frank's office. Once the elevator stopped in the lobby I bolted out the door and raced after her. This time I found her. Karen Merrick had made it almost all the way down the street, yet this time I could still see her retreating form.

I felt as if my lungs were going to explode as I dodged around people still running after the woman. I finally caught up with her just as she was entering a stylish apartment building. "Wait!" I cried out as the doorman held the door for her. She stared at me with disbelief as I puffed and panted my way over to her. I was amazed that I caught up with her; my tiny legs were aching from the run. "Are you alright?" She asked me.

"No," I panted as I shook my head. "I think I'm losing what little sanity I have left. I never told Frank that J.D. committed suicide. How did you know?"

"I guessed," she stammered and I knew she was lying. Her face fell when I flashed an accusing glance at her. "Damn it. You better come inside with me." She hissed as she grabbed me by the arm and pulled me into the building.

I could feel the sweat rolling off my body as she kept a tight hold on my arm as she signed us into her home. She practically yanked me onto the elevator. "You want to tell me what is going on?" I demanded.

"Not yet," she responded in a frightened voice.

We rode the rest of the trip to the seventh floor in silence. My mind and body were screaming as I followed her to the door. She unlocked the door and quickly ushered me in. I watched as she punched in a code to the alarm. It beeped accepting the digits and she closed and locked the door behind us. She stood there for a moment with her back to me.

"I hated you for leaving me," I finally blurted out in anger. Even if she wasn't J.D., I had to say it. I finally had to let go of the anger and guilt. Somehow meeting Karen had spurred me on to do just that.

She sighed heavily as she turned to me. Her hands were shaking as she lifted them to her eyes and began to remove her contacts. "I hated myself." She confessed as her crystal blue eyes filled with tears.

"Why?" I screamed as I swung out at her.

She captured my arms and pulled me against her body. "You have no idea what you have gotten yourself involved with." She choked out.

"Why?" I repeated this time with a sob as the tears over took me.

I was lost as I felt her leading me over to the sofa and helping me sit. Her arms tightened around my body as I wept uncontrollably. She rocked me in her arms until I couldn't cry anymore. She helped me off with my coat and handed me a box of Kleenex. "I don't understand this," I sniffed as she removed her own coat. "Ten years. I gave the eulogy at your funeral."

"You did?" She said with surprise.

"Yes I did," I hissed. "Of course at the time I didn't realize how premature it was. Damn it J.D why did you do this?"

"Did you tell anyone?" She asked me in a grave tone.

"Tell anyone what?" I asked as I felt the anger returning.

"That you saw me." She clarified in an impatient tone.

"I called Paige last night and told her about Karen Merrick," I explained as her face dimmed. "Now are you going to tell what this is all about?"

"Paige probably won't mention it to anyone," She responded thoughtfully. "She probably thinks you are imagining things."

"She does," I confirmed. "Now tell me why you did this to me? Why didn't you let me know that you were alive?"

"I couldn't," she defended herself. "I thought it would be safe here in New York. Now I have to call them and move again."

"What is going on?" I shouted unable to hold back any longer. "I loved you and you let me watch you die."

She seemed stunned by my confession. "I never thought you did," she stammered as she stared at me. "Tyler, I had to die so I could live."

"I am going to slap you silly unless you start explaining things." I growled as a hint of smile formed on her lips.

"Tyler you meant the world to me," she began slowly. "When I dropped out of your life I got involved with some very bad people. I was so far gone on drugs that the only way I could support my habit was to work for the dealers. And the surprising thing about the people who control the drugs in our little hometown is they are not the low life underworld types, at least not on the surface. Spencer Thomas was the main guy."

"Angie's father?" I gasped not believing what I was being told. "That's not possible."

"When was the last time you saw him?" She blurted out quickly.

"It has been years," I supplied as I realized that I hadn't seen the man since before J.D. disappeared. "I never asked about him, Angie said that he and her mother were traveling."

"Hiding is more like it," she growled. "Angie gave me drugs for the first time. The Feds are convinced she has been running the operation in his absence."

"I can't believe this." I stammered as I stared at her.

"It is the truth," She sighed. "I brought this guy into the operation, not into anything big since I wasn't all that important. Turned out the guy was a DEA agent. I didn't know until Spencer Thomas killed him. I saw the whole thing. I also ran as fast as I could. I went straight the cops. It was the only right thing I had done in years. The Feds hid me in a rehab program in Alaska of all places. Thomas fled once the grand jury handed down the sealed indictment. I knew that my days were numbered so I came back, clean and sober and faked my own death. It wasn't that risky since there were a ton of witnesses and the Feds pulled me from the water right away. Everyone had hoped that if I was dead Thomas might come out of hiding. So far he hasn't. I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you, but I thought it was the right thing to do."

"The right thing to do?" I stammered in astonishment. "You have no idea how much I blamed myself for your suicide. Why didn't you get in touch with me and let me know that you were all right?"

"Funny thing about being in the witness protection program you can't tell anyone," She reasoned. "Plus I thought Thomas would come running back. I had no idea I would be hiding for so long."

"This is so unbelievable," I muttered as I tried to grasp everything she had just told me. "What happens now?"

"I do what I should have done yesterday when I first saw you," she explained in a tired voice. "I call the U.S. Marshal's office and tell them that my cover has been blown. Then I get another new name and relocated again. God, I hope they don't send me to Iowa. The major fly in the ointment is now you know everything, and they are going to want to talk to you."

"So you just leave again?" I asked knowing it was the only option.

"I'm sorry," she offered as she clasped my hand in her own. "You said that you blamed yourself for my death, why?"

"Because I should have been able to say or do something," I explained as I gazed deeply into her eyes. "Because I should have been honest about our relationship and what you really meant to me."

"None of that was your fault," she silenced me as she wrapped me up in her arms again. "Everything that happened to me was my own doing. The drugs and the feelings I had for you I let them consume me so much that I failed to become an adult until I led a decent man to his death. This wasn't your doing. It was me."

"How soon will they take you away?" I asked as I felt her thumb brushing against the back of my hand.

"Not long after I hang up the telephone." she explained her voice filled with regret.

"Can I ask you to do something for me?" I carefully inquired.

"Anything." she vowed.

"Call them in the morning," My voice creaked as I made my plea. "I just want to hold you tonight so I know this isn't a dream."

I felt my body warming as she wrapped me into a warm embrace. "This isn't a dream," she whispered as she kissed the top of my head. I hadn't expected my body to react the way it did. Of course I hadn't expected to fly to the east coast and find my long dead old flame alive and well either. The scent of her perfume filled my senses as I snuggled closer to her warm inviting body. I lifted my head and felt my breath leaving me as I was captured in a fiery gaze.

As I caressed her shoulders I could see her eyes growing dark with desire. It spoke to me as it had so many years ago when I gave myself to her for the first time. I felt my body quiver with excitement that only she could evoke. She caressed my face and I leaned into her touch. We moved in unison until I could feel her hot breath on my skin. I moaned as our lips met. It was never a shy exchange between us and that night was no different.

She parted my lips with her tongue as I ran my fingers through her long black hair. My tongue greeted hers and soon we were lost as each of us battled for control. I could feel my nipples straining against the soft material of my blouse as my hands drifted down along her body. I clutched at the material of her shirt as I tried to free it from her body. My pulse raced as I felt my lower anatomy beating in the same demanding rhythm.

I bunched up the material of her cotton shirt and began to pull it up her torso as my mouth began to feast on her chin and down her neck. J.D released a squeak that I hadn't heard in years as I nibbled on her neck. I ran my tongue along her throat as her head fell back. My mind was filled with images of the past as I pulled her shirt up higher, like I did the first time we made love. We had been sitting on my bed one day after school, just talking. We had kissed before but neither of us ever talked about it. That day we went from chatting about math to making out. It just happened, and all too soon our bodies took control and we were touching each other.

I felt the same urgent need consuming me again. I knew that this was probably the last time I would ever see her again and I needed to feel her just one last time. She broke away and lifted her arms allowing me to finally remove her shirt. My jaw hung open as I drank in her body. She had always been beautiful but over the years she had sculpted her body.

J.D. had grown and changed over the years and, at that moment, I was given the gift of discovering the woman she had become and not the girl I had once known and loved. I ran the tips of my fingers along her shoulders and collarbone allowing them to savor the feel of her skin responding to my touch. "You're even more beautiful." I whispered as my gaze fell to her cleavage. Soon my hands and mouth followed the path my eyes had taken, and I was caressing her breasts as my tongue dipped into her cleavage. The moans she released intensified my desires as I felt her nipples hardening beneath the lacy material of her bra.

I felt her fingers in my hair as I released the clasp of her bra. Her body arched as I slipped my hands up under her loosely hanging bra and cupped her breasts. I could barely breathe as I felt her nipples pressing against the palms of my hands. I felt my desire dampening my underwear as I began to pinch and tease her nipples. I pulled her bra from her body as I lowered her down onto the sofa and covered her body with my own.

J.D. moaned as her body rose up against mine. I could feel her hands tugging at my clothing as I circled her nipple with my tongue. "This is insane." She gasped as she tore open my blouse.

"I know," I whimpered sadly against her skin. "This is goodbye for us. Give me one last memory."

I was almost pleading with her as she continued to undress me. I flickered my tongue against her nipple as I felt the air caressing the newly exposed skin of my upper body. Our legs wrapped around one another until we straddling each other's thighs. We pressed against the other's center as I captured her nipple in my mouth. I suckled her breast greedily as her hands caressed my back and our bodies rocked against each other.

I could feel her straining beneath me as I teased her. "Wait," she pleaded as my teasing grew more insistent. "Not here, bed." she choked out as I grinded harder against her. I clutched her shoulders as I willed my body to slow down. It took every ounce of strength I had left to quell my desires and lift my body off of hers. She looked up at me her face flushed with desire as she struggled to her feet.

She held her hand out to me and I felt my body trembling as I accepted her touch. I felt nervous as she led me to her bedroom. Once inside the spacious room we wrapped our arms around one another and began kissing with a renewed desire. My nipples ached as I felt them brushing against her body. I ran my tiny hands up along the curve of her body as I felt her hands on my hips.

I gasped as I felt the zipper on my slacks being lowered. I began to feast upon her breasts once again as I felt my pants being lowered and dropping to the floor. My hands drifted to her firm backside. Our hips swayed as I felt her hands caressing the curve of my body. "I missed you." she whispered in my ear as I felt my body being lowered down onto the bed. I reached out to her as she stepped away. I whimpered as she removed my clothing until I was lying there clad only in my panties.

She was leaning above me and my eyes went directly to her breasts. I licked my lips as the need to feel her breast filling my mouth once again surged through me. I released a ragged breath as I felt her hands roaming across my body. I parted my thighs as her hand drifted down and cupped my mound. I cupped her breasts allowing them to fill my hands as she began to tease my clit with the palm of her hand. I knew that my desire was filling her hand as my hips rocked against her touch.

I reached up and pulled her down for another lingering kiss. Our bodies united as we thrust against one another. I was ready to explode as I trapped her thigh between my legs. The time for words had passed as we rolled around on the bed groping one another. I ended up on top of her. My hands slipped between our sweat-covered bodies and I began to open up her jeans. I wanted to feel her desire, I needed to touch and taste all of her. I felt her hands slip into my panties and caress my skin as I yanked her blue jeans down to her hips.

I cried out when I felt her fingers gliding along my swollen lips. My hips jerked in response as I felt her touch on my clit. She teased it slowly as my hand slipped beneath the elastic band of her underwear. Her wetness greeted my touch. The sensation sent me reeling. I tried to pull away so I could rip the rest of her clothing off her body and devour her. J.D.'s fingers pressed against the opening of my center and I knew that my feast would have to wait. I pulled my panties further down my body and straddled her. My hips thrust forward against her fingers in a need to feel her inside of me. She captured my breast in her mouth as she entered me. I felt the walls of my center trapping her fingers. Her teeth grazed my nipple as her fingers stroked me.

I climaxed far too quickly. J.D.'s movements didn't falter as she continued to pleasure me. Her movements were long and hard as I rode against her touch. I pumped my hips urgently as she suckled me. I cried out once again as the second orgasm swept over me. I didn't allow my body to recover as I pulled away from her. I was on fire as I removed the rest of her clothing and nestled my body between her legs. Her scent filled me as I licked the inside of her thighs. Soon I needed more. I blew a warm breath into her damp curls before I parted her and ran my tongue along her glistening sex.

I held her tightly as I drank in her passion. I curled my tongue and plunged it deep inside of her. J.D.'s body rocked as I took her with my tongue. She whimpered as my tongue slipped from its warm nest. She moaned and gasped as my fingers replaced it. I suckled her clit into my mouth and teased the throbbing bundle. I watched her as I licked her. My desire was out of control as she teased her own nipples. I pressed my body against the mattress in an effort to release myself.

She cried out my name as I felt her body shaking against my face. I kept pleasuring her as her body jerked and she clutched at the mattress. I felt my body releasing along with hers. I stilled my fingers inside of her until I felt her body calming. I rested my head on her stomach as she ran her fingers through my hair. Soon I was wrapped up in her embrace and our hands were exploring the other's flesh. We ended up side by side as our fingers teased the other's clit until the both of us entered the other. Our bodies became one as we glided in and out of the other until we cried out in unison.

When the sun rose the following morning I was straddling her body as we moved against one another wildly. I cried out as the last of our passion seeped from our bodies. We held each tightly until we both agreed that it was time for J.D. to make her telephone call. I watched sadly as she spoke to the Marshal. We showered together grabbing our last few moments of pleasure. "This doesn't have to be goodbye," she tried to reassure me. "Spencer can't hide forever." I kissed her as the buzzer rang. I gave her a sad smile as she answered the door.

We said a quick goodbye after each of us endured an exhausting interview with the authorities. It ended when, as the heavily armed men watched, I called Paige and put on a very convincing act as to how little Karen Merrick actually resembled J.D., once I got to see her up close.

Six months later I was sitting in a courthouse along with Paige watching the trial against Angie and her father. J.D. was right, Spencer Thomas couldn't hide forever. It had been so long that he got careless when he thought his daughter wasn't handling the business properly. He was arrested immediately. Neither he nor Angie seemed concerned since the star witness against them had committed suicide over a decade ago. They were convinced that the only testimony J.D. could provide was from the transcript of her testimony before the grand jury.

I smiled brightly when the prosecutor called Janis Margaret Donnelley to the stand. The defense attorney asked if he was joking. I watched as everyone's face dropped and J.D., now a confident mature woman and not the confused kid, strolled into the courtroom with her head held high. Her confident testimony was the final nail in the Thomas family coffin.

Paige and I waited away from the crowd. "You knew didn't you?" Paige asked me with a smile.

"My trip to New York," I explained. "It was her."

"So now what happens?" Paige carefully inquired.

"She is free," I supplied as I pondered the question. "I don't know what will happen after this. We talked about it briefly. She is probably going to go back to her life as Karen. She was much happier in that life than she ever was as J.D. I love her you know."

"I know," Paige informed me with a wink. "There were always rumors about the two of you. I didn't care. All I knew was the two of you really cared about one another."

"Still do," J.D.'s voice cut her off. "Hi Paige."

"J.D. nice to see you," Paige warmly greeted her. "I'll let the two of you talk."

"I'm glad this is over," I offered suddenly feeling very shy. "I think I'm going to sleep better knowing that you are free."

"Me too," J.D. agreed. "I'm going back to New Mexico, where there is lots of space and none of Spencer's colleagues looking for me. The only question is whether or not I'm making the trip alone?"

"Funny thing happened when I got back from New York," I began with a smirk. "I quit my job. I'd like to give New Mexico, and us, a try."

A year later we are still in New Mexico. She paints and I run a small store. For the first time in our lives we are both finally free.

The End