HOME IMPROVEMENT

By Mavis Applewater

yomavis@email.com

March 2002

Disclaimers: Guess what? These characters are mine and mine alone. The story may not be reproduced, posted or sold without my permission. So there! This story contains a loving sexual relationship between two consenting adult women and some household appliances. (I might be joking and I might not.) If for any reason this isn’t something you would feel comfortable reading then here’s a thought - don’t read it. Now if for any reason it is illegal for you to view this material, I’m sorry but you must leave now. Does anyone know why they moved Easter up this year? I mean really - didn’t we just finish with Valentines Day?

Thanks to my beta reader Joanne.

As always, this is for Heather.

PART ONE

Joy surveyed the house once again. When she’d first made an offer on the rundown farmhouse, it seemed like a dream come true. Now, eighteen months later, she felt as if she was nearing the end of a nightmare. Who knew that so much work was needed to get the old place back in shape? Her dream house had turned into a money pit. One contractor actually suggested that she should just level the place and start from scratch.

Now all of the repairs were completed with the exception of the plumbing. The one bright spot in the problems with the antiquated plumbing was the plumber. Joy found herself looking forward to Cora’s arrival every other day. At first she’d tried to convince herself that it was the thought of being able to shower and have the hot water last long enough for her to not only wash her long black hair, but to shave her legs as well. There was just one small problem. Cora acted like the tall dark-haired woman didn’t exist. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Cora did acknowledge her existence; she just didn’t seem to like her very much.

Despite Cora’s unexpected coldness, Joy was pleased with the work that Cora had completed so far. It was a large project to replace all the old pipes. Now Joy could turn on the tap and not hear a god-awful rumbling or have water come out in a disgusting brown color.

When Joy first met Cora, she was not what Joy had expected. Cora had been recommended by one of the contractors. When the petite blonde with the amazing body first showed up on her doorstep, Joy thought she had died and gone to heaven. Her delight was short lived. Cora only seemed to be interested in business.

At first Joy decided she was up to the challenge. For the first few weeks, she followed the little blonde plumber around like a lost puppy. Cora simply toiled away with the plumbing and didn’t give Joy a second glance. That wasn’t an unheard of experience for the tall brunette. But since she stood almost six feet tall with long raven hair, blue eyes, and chiseled features, it wasn’t a common experience for Joy either.

It really bugged her that Cora seemed oblivious to her charms. Her friends told her to just give it up. She had found an honest plumber who was doing what she had promised to do. Finally, after she answered the door in only a towel and still received a rather cold reaction from Cora, Joy decided to give up. She suddenly felt like she was harassing the poor woman. Joy decided to leave the plumber alone and just concentrate on doing her own work. She had a deadline to meet. But it still bothered her that Cora was so cold and unfriendly.

She put on a pot of coffee. Looking out into the darkness she awaited Cora’s arrival. She watched the falling snow, wondering if the plumber was going to cancel. ‘Why is she so hostile?’ Joy pondered. ‘That is what’s bothering me. She’s polite and professional but underneath it all she seems to dislike me intensely.’ Joy continued to mull it over. She knew that she’d come on strong and she’d apologized for that. She had backed off and allowed the plumber her space.

Cora arrived each morning before dawn and slaved away until well after dusk. Then she’d pack up and be on her way. Joy saw the lights of Cora’s truck pulling up her long dirt driveway. She watched as the blonde unloaded materials and tools from her truck and stored them on the porch. "Why do you have to be so darn attractive?" Joy sighed as she opened the door before Cora had a chance to knock.

Joy shivered from the cold since she was only dressed in a pair of jeans and a light T-shirt. She’d ensured that she was always properly dressed since the towel incident. "Hi," Joy greeted the blonde who was bundled up like an Eskimo.

"Ms. Carson," Cora responded with a nod.

"I was afraid that you might cancel with the weather being so bad," Joy said in a friendly manner.

"Four wheel drive," Cora explained as she removed her boots before entering Joy’s home.

Joy was use to the blonde’s shortness in answering. She simply nodded. "There’s some coffee in the kitchen if you would like to warm up," Joy offered, keeping her tone light.

"I should get started," Cora said crisply. "I don’t know how long I can stay with the weather and all."

"Fine." Joy sighed with regret. "I’ll be in my office if you need anything."

Joy settled down in front of her computer and tried to get some work done. She stared blankly at her computer screen. She just couldn’t understand Cora. Joy had tried to bury the hatchet several times. Cora only seemed interested in burying it in her skull. Granted, the petite plumber never said anything. It was the way she spoke to Joy that was so unsettling. Joy could feel the waves of hostility getting stronger each day.

It had been about a month since she’d stopped flirting with the blonde. The nicer Joy tried to be, the more hostile Cora seemed to become. Joy was trying to let the whole thing go. Cora would be finished soon enough and then they would never need to see one another again. From her office, she could hear Cora fighting with the new hot water heater in the basement.

Joy had to smile as the woman chatted away. Cora might not talk much to Joy but once she was alone the little blonde was a chatterbox. Joy couldn’t help but smile. It was a habit she had developed herself. She worked at home and she was alone most of the time. It seemed natural to have debates with her computer. ‘Nothing wrong with talking to yourself, so long as nobody starts answering,’ Joy mused to herself.

Joy settled down to get some work done on her latest book. She had published four moderately successful children’s books. The money had allowed her to leave the corporate jungle just in the nick of time and buy her own home. She needed to get number five out there since the house was sucking her dry. As she worked on the graphics for the further adventures of Marvin the misguided monkey and his friend, Percy the polka-dotted penguin, a string of obscenities escaped from the basement.

"Well, it seems the new water heater is giving Cora a hard time." Joy chuckled. "Who knew such a cute thing could have such a foul mouth?" Joy continued to laugh as she heard Cora string together some very interesting vocabulary.

As the banging and cursing died down, Joy refocused on her work. Hours later her stomach growled loudly. "Okay, I’ll feed you, you beast," Joy conceded as she patted her stomach. She saved her work and shut down her computer. Then she made her way into the kitchen and began to search the cabinets. She was hungry but was clueless as to what she wanted to eat.

The basement door swung open and a weary looking Cora emerged. Her short blonde hair was ruffled, her shirt was mussed and she had a smear of what appeared to be dirt on her cheek. "Who won?" Joy said in attempt to lighten the plumber’s mood.

She was surprised when Cora actually smiled. It was for the briefest of moments but the blonde had smiled. It quickly vanished and Cora’s face returned to it’s normally bored expression. ’Oops, for a moment you forgot you don’t like me. Can’t have that happening now can we?’

"The water heater is in," Cora explained dryly. "You can take a shower in a few hours."

"Thank you," Joy said brightly, hoping that the smile would return. It didn’t.

"I’m going to start on replacing the fixtures and take care of that leak here in the kitchen," Cora explained in her normally dry tone. "If I have time before the roads get bad, I’ll snake out the tub in the master bath. That should solve the slow drainage problem."

"Why does that happen?" Joy inquired. "I mean, since the pipes are new?"

"Your hair," Cora said flatly.

"Oh," Joy responded in a deflated voice.

"I can recommend some preventative measures before I go," Cora continued in the same droll tone.

"Thank you," Joy responded, trying to keep her voice light despite Cora’s clipped tone.

"I’m going to shut the water off up here," Cora continued in the same irritating manner.

"Oh, I was just going to make some lunch," Joy explained.

"I can start upstairs," Cora clipped.

"Would you like to join me?" Joy offered hopefully.

"No, thank you," Cora snapped. "I’ll start upstairs so I won’t be in your way."

"Fine," Joy said with a heavy sigh.

She watched the blonde plumber leave the kitchen. "You think you could use that snake to get the bug out of your ass?" she said once she was certain Cora was out of earshot. Joy went about making herself a sandwich and a cup of soup. She could hear Cora moving about upstairs. Once again the blonde was chatting away. "Maybe she’s just her own best friend," Joy reasoned as she ate her lunch.

PART TWO

Joy settled down after lunch and started working again. She was lost in her new project and didn’t realize how much time had passed until she noticed that it was getting dark. She turned on some lights and went to do the same in the other rooms. The temperature had dropped so she lit a fire in the living room. She then worked her way upstairs and decided to light a fire in her bedroom as well. The up side to the old farmhouse was all the fireplaces. The down side was she needed to light them if she wanted the old place to heat up when it was cold.

As she entered her bedroom she saw Cora kneeling by the bathtub. She sighed contently as she noticed the woman’s firm backside. There was something about the khaki’s and matching work shirt that gave Joy a little shiver of delight. She turned away from her ogling. Joy stacked the wood in the fireplace and began to light the fire. "You suck." Cora was talking to herself again. Joy fought against the urge to go and sneak another peek at the blonde. Once the fire was going full blast, Joy gave in to temptation and peeked into the bathroom.

In disbelief, Joy’s crystal blue eyes took in the black mess in her big round bathtub. "Did all of that come off me?" she asked in a disgusted tone.

Cora jumped slightly. "I should put a bell on you," the blonde muttered. Joy’s eyebrows shot up in amusement. "Yes, Ms. Carson," Cora responded as she turned slightly towards Joy. The blonde’s hands and arms were covered with black gunk. "I’ll have this cleaned up before I leave," Cora finished as she turned back to her work.

"You always do," Joy noted cheerfully. It was the truth. Cora, unlike so many other workers, always left her house cleaner than when she started. Most of them didn’t care if they soiled the carpet or left a big mess. "You do good work," Joy added thoughtfully as Cora’s back stiffened. ’Too bad your personality sucks wind,’ she thought sadly as she watched Cora grow more uncomfortable with her presence. "Well, I’ll get out of your hair," Joy teased. Cora chuckled lightly at her poor attempt at a pun.

"Twice in one day," Joy said thoughtfully as she descended the staircase. When she reached her living room she noticed the weather had turned foul. Cora’s truck was completely buried. "This isn’t good," she said slowly.

Joy flipped on the outside lights to see if things were as bad as she thought. "I’m going to have one unhappy plumber on my hands." She groaned as she looked for her now nonexistent driveway. "Four wheel drive or not, she isn’t going anywhere tonight."

At moments like this Joy really wished she lived with someone. As she flipped off the outside lights, she dreaded the thought of telling the hostile plumber that they were snowed in. For a moment the brunette wondered if she could just hide in her office and feign innocence. "Ugh," she groaned as she climbed the staircase once again.

"All clean up here," Cora stated with her normal flat tone as she emerged from the bedroom.

"You work fast." Joy stalled, noticing that Cora’s arms and hands were now clean as well. Cora simply nodded in response and tried to move past Joy. "Uhm, I have some bad news," the writer began hesitantly. Green eyes blinked in confusion as Cora once again tried to move past her. The brunette reached out to halt Cora’s movement. The blonde pulled away from her; the movement reeked of anger. "I’m not making a pass," Joy snapped.

"I know," Cora grunted. "You’ve taken ‘no’ for answer and I appreciate that."

"Fine," Joy responded with some bitterness. "Look, I just wanted to tell you that you’re snowed in."

"What?" Cora gasped in horror. "But I have . . ."

"Four wheel drive," Joy finished for her. "That will get you out of my driveway. But unless you’ve got a plow hooked up to that old truck of yours, you’ll never make it down the back road."

Cora grunted as the veins in her neck bulged. The smaller woman brushed past Joy and made her way down the staircase. Their bodies touched lightly in passing and Joy’s body tingled from the contact. Joy held her hand to her chest. For some unexplainable reason her heart was beating wildly.

When she had finally gathered her composure, Joy returned downstairs to find Cora standing out on the porch muttering like an idiot. She retreated to the kitchen and began to prepare dinner. She’d thrown a chicken in the oven by the time she heard Cora enter the kitchen. "Satisfied?" Joy inquired as she washed a couple of potatoes. She didn’t look up; she couldn’t bear to see the anger she knew was in Cora’s eyes.

"I’ll just keep working and leave first thing in the morning," Cora said flatly.

"Okay, that’s it," Joy said as she tossed the spuds into the oven next to the chicken. She slammed the oven door shut and spun around to face Cora who seemed completely flustered. "I don’t know what you have against me. I know I was way out of line the first couple of weeks, but I’ve apologized for that."

"It’s not that," Cora said quietly.

"Would you mind telling me what it is about me that you dislike so intensely?" Joy quipped as she stared down at the smaller woman. Cora simply folded her arms across her chest and glared at Joy. "Fine. Have it your way. But you are not working anymore tonight," Joy stated firmly. "It’s my home and I will not have you banging around all night. Now go take a shower and test the new water heater. I’ll find some sweats for you to wear. Then you can join me for dinner. You can sleep in the guest room."

Cora opened her mouth to protest. "No arguments," Joy asserted. "You haven’t eaten all day. If it will make you feel better, you can take your dinner up to your room and lock the door." Joy felt like a jerk ordering Cora around but she wouldn’t let the woman drive in a blizzard or starve.

Joy waited for some kind of response from the adorable plumber. Finally Cora’s shoulders slumped. "Dawn Russell," she said.

"Gross," Joy sneered. Simply hearing Dawn’s name made her stomach turn. "Look, I’m sorry if that freak is a friend of yours but that is one name I had hoped that I would never hear again." Joy watched as Cora’s face darkened with sadness. "I only dated her a couple of months. She was nice enough but she was too interested in my financial standing. Not to mention she forgot to tell me that she already had a girlfriend."

"You didn’t know?" Cora said quietly.

"No," Joy snapped. "And believe me, I didn’t fall for the old ‘my wife doesn’t understand me’ line of bull."

Joy was fuming at the memory of how Dawn had tried to justify her infidelity once Joy had found out. It was almost a year ago when she’d overheard one of Dawn’s friends in the ladies’ room at the nightclub they had gone out to. She raced upstairs and confronted Dawn. The irritating woman spat out the usual excuses. None of which Joy bought for a single moment. The lengths people would go to in order to justify having an affair always amazed her. She had stared at Dawn and realized that this was not the woman for her. "Goodbye," was all she’d said before walking out of Dawn’s life. Dawn did call a few days later but Joy refused to answer the telephone.

Dawn left endless messages on her answering machine, swearing up and down how she’d left her lover. Joy never returned the calls. After a few months Dawn finally stopped calling. Now she had to relive the nightmare. She stared down at Cora who was chewing her bottom lip nervously.

PART THREE

"So how do you know Dawn?" Joy finally inquired in a wry tone, unable to stand the silence any longer.

"I’m her ex," Cora said softly.

"What?" Joy stammered, finally understanding just why Cora disliked her. "You were the girlfriend?"

"Yeah," Cora said so softly that Joy almost didn’t hear her.

"I swear I walked away the moment I found out," Joy asserted.

"I believe you," Cora responded with sincerity.

"Well, no wonder you’ve been treating me like a red-headed stepchild," Joy said. "Why would you take a job for the woman who thought broke up your relationship?"

"Dawn cleaned me out," Cora groaned. "I needed the money. As much as I wanted to tell you to shove it, I have loans due. This job will put me back in the black. I hated working for you but I couldn’t not take the job."

"Wait. She was the one running around," Joy said in a puzzled tone. "How did she clean you out?"

"She kicked me out so the two of you could be together," Cora explained. "Next thing I knew she got a lawyer. After months of making my life a living hell, I finally gave in and gave her whatever she wanted just to get rid of her. Unfortunately what she wanted was everything. I built my business up from nothing; it was thriving. I had a full staff and a fleet of trucks. In the end I had to let my employees go and sell all but one of the trucks. That old bucket of bolts outside is all that’s left. She even took my dog just for spite."

"Well, that confirms something that I have long suspected; she really is Satan," Joy quipped.

Cora laughed at the comment. "I’m sorry I’ve been so hostile towards you," Cora apologized.

"Well, I’m certain that my flirting with you didn’t help," Joy admitted.

"That was confusing," Cora said absently.

"Uh huh," Joy noted with interest. "So are you ready to test out that hot water heater?"

Cora nodded in response. Joy led her back upstairs and dug out a clean towel and a fresh pair of sweat pants and a T-shirt. Cora thanked her and smiled shyly. Joy smiled in return and left the blonde alone with her thoughts. She checked on dinner and then settled in the living room, flipping on the television to check the weather report.

"It doesn’t look good," Cora commented from behind her.

"Feeling better?" Joy inquired as she turned her attention towards the blonde. The sight of the smaller woman lost in her large clothing brought a smile to her lips.

"In a lot of ways." Cora sighed contentedly. "Thanks for not letting me leave," she added, nodding towards the television.

"My pleasure," Joy said with a shy smile. "Dinner should be about ready. Are you hungry?"

"Yes," Cora responded eagerly.

The two women enjoyed the meal while chatting away. Joy felt completely at ease with Cora. After dinner Cora helped her clean up. Joy was hoping to extend the evening but Cora’s yawn derailed that plan. She showed Cora to the guest room and then went to take her own shower. As she enjoyed the endless stream of hot water, she couldn’t help thinking about the small plumber sleeping in the next room.

Thoughts of what Cora had said about being confused kept the brunette awake for most of the evening. Joy overslept the next morning and missed Cora’s departure. She felt a strange sense of emptiness when she discovered her clothing and the note. In the note Cora thanked her for the previous night and apologized for leaving so early. She would be returning in a couple of days to finish her work.

PART FOUR

A few days later, knocking at the front door awoke Joy. She jumped out of bed, knowing it was Cora. She quickly wrapped a robe around her naked body and raced downstairs. She paused for a moment before opening the door. She panicked momentarily; despite the revelations that had been made, Cora might maintain her professional attitude. Joy braced herself before opening the door slowly.

"Good morning," Cora said cheerfully, "sorry to wake you." "Nice outfit," she teased. Joy was a little taken aback as she allowed Cora to enter. The plumber handed her a cup of coffee. "I thought you might need this."

"Thank you," Joy said as she happily accepted the cup.

"Sorry about rushing off the other morning," Cora continued as she removed her boots. "The roads were clear, and with the cold weather a lot of folks had pipes burst and a lot of other problems."

"Your job must keep you hopping," Joy commented as she admired Cora’s work uniform. ‘What is it about a woman in uniform?’ she pondered once again.

"That it does." Cora smiled as she picked up her toolbox. "I’m going to shut off the water to the kitchen sink. Would you like me to put on a pot of coffee before I do that?"

"Thank you," Joy said as she stared at the smaller woman.

Cora nodded and made her way into the kitchen. "I think I’m going to really enjoy the way things have changed," Joy noted as she followed Cora. Joy watched Cora fill her coffee maker with water. Joy couldn’t believe the change in the small plumber. She smiled at how relaxed the blonde appeared. Joy sipped her coffee noting that it was black - just the way she liked it.

Joy tightened the robe around her body. She was just about to go back upstairs and change into more appropriate attire when Cora turned around. "I’ve noticed that you go through about a pot a day," Cora said brightly as she rolled up her sleeves.

"When I’m working I do drink a lot of coffee," Joy explained as Cora knelt in front of the kitchen sink. Joy didn’t know if it was Cora’s change in attitude, but the blonde seemed even more attractive. ‘I thought I was lusting after her before! I’m already wet and I just standing here looking at her!’

"Right, Marvin the Monkey and Percy the Penguin," Cora commented as she stuck her head into the cabinet below the sink. "I never got that," Cora said as she emerged.

"Got what?" Joy questioned with curiosity.

"Why are a monkey and a penguin hanging out together?" Cora teased, her emerald eyes twinkling up at her.

"That’s the point," Joy explained. "Even though they come from different worlds, they’re still friends." Cora just shot her a curious glance before turning her attention to her toolbox. "Wait! You’ve read my books?"

"I bought them for my brother’s kids," Cora defended herself. "They love them. Still, I just don’t get how Percy and Marvin hooked up in the first place. I mean, one is a monkey and the other is a penguin. One couldn’t exist in the other’s climate."

"Everyone’s critic," Joy responded in a droll tone.

Cora chuckled merrily. "One other thing," Cora continued. Joy rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Aren’t Marvin and Percy just a little too close?"

"What are you saying?" Joy shot back, knowing full well what Cora was implying. She had heard it before and she liked knowing that just as many adults enjoyed her books as children.

"They act like a pair of old married queens," Cora responded in a lighthearted tone.

"There is no subtext in those stories," Joy responded with an exaggerated gasp.

"Right," Cora snorted. "Let me guess; you based the characters on a couple you know that have been together forever. Both are men and are probably fastidious dressers."

"Perish the thought." Joy played along. "That reminds me. I’m having dinner with Marv and Perc tomorrow night," she added in a thoughtful tone.

"I knew it," Cora cheered.

Joy drained the last of the coffee that Cora had brought for her and tossed out the paper cup. "Well, as much as I would like to, I can’t stand here all morning in my bathrobe," Joy announced.

"Pity," Cora said softly. ‘Interesting,’ Joy noted thoughtfully.

"Is the water upstairs okay?" Joy inquired.

"Yes, I’ve only shut off the water flow to this sink," Cora explained. "How’s the hot water upstairs?"

"Great," Joy responded eagerly. "Now I can shower, wash my hair, and shave my legs in one fell swoop."

"It doesn’t take much to make you happy," Cora teased.

"Wouldn’t you like to know?" Joy purred.

"How’s the drain?" Cora responded casually. Joy noticed that the plumber was blushing slightly.

"Great," Joy confirmed. "It’s really nice not to find myself standing in a couple inches of water. So my hair does that?"

"Yes," Cora confirmed as she continued to sort through her tools. "As beautiful as it is, I’m certain that you’ve noticed that it tends to end up all over your bathroom."

"Tell me about it," Joy grumbled. "It gets everywhere. Sometimes I’m tempted to cut it all off."

"No," Cora protested with a whimper.

Joy was so tempted to just cross the kitchen, drop to her knees, and kiss the smaller woman senseless. She took a cleansing breath and steadied herself. Finally feeling strong enough to walk away, she turned to leave the kitchen.

"Joy?" Cora’s soft gentle voice halted her movements.

Joy felt lightheaded from hearing Cora use her first name. She turned slowly, hoping that the plumber couldn’t see how flushed her features had become. "I just wanted to thank you again for the other night," Cora explained with a tender sincerity.

"There’s no need to thank me," Joy reassured her.

"You could have fired me because of my crappy attitude," Cora pointed out.

"No way," Joy scoffed. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a good plumber?"

Cora’s smile brightened the room. Joy couldn’t help but smile in return before dragging herself away from the smaller woman who caused her pulse to race. As Joy stepped into the shower, she wondered if she should give the new hot water heater a break and cool her jets with a nice cold shower.

After she had showered and dressed in a pair of jeans and an old T-shirt, she blew dry her hair. The process of drying the locks seemed to take an eternity. Finally she found herself reentering the kitchen. The sight that greeted her was too much for her libido to withstand. Her mouth went dry; Cora was lying on her back on the kitchen floor. The blonde’s head was tucked under the sink. Her knees were bent and her thighs spread slightly.

Joy could see the muscles of Cora’s body twitch each time she moved. She whimpered before she could stop herself. Joy clamped her hand over her mouth and watched to see if Cora had noticed. Much to Joy’s relief, Cora continued to work.

The brunette stepped carefully around Cora’s prone figure to get to the coffee pot. She reached for a mug on the counter. Instead of filling it, she just stood there looking down at Cora’s inviting body. With each twitch and squirm, Cora sent a jolt of desire through Joy’s entire being. Joy could feel her breathing grow heavy as she stood there, mesmerized by Cora’s movements.

"Come on and tighten, you son of a . . . ," Cora grumbled from beneath the sink as Joy fought against the desire to drop to her knees and touch the plumber. A loud thud followed by a loud "Ouch!" emanated from under the sink. Joy placed her empty coffee mug on the counter as she dropped to her knees. "Are you all right?" Joy called out as she crouched beside Cora, her hand accidentally resting on Cora’s firm thigh.

"Damn it!" Cora called out as another loud thud was heard. Joy’s eyes widened fearfully as Cora extracted her body from underneath the sink. Joy hovered over her as she leaned against a cabinet rubbing her temple. "Cora?" Joy squeaked out, worried that the blonde had injured herself. Without thinking she reached out to touch the red mark on the plumber’s forehead. Cora captured her inquisitive fingers in her hand.

"I’m all right," Cora reassured her in a gentle voice.

"Are you sure?" Joy asked fearfully as she leaned in closer to get a better look.

As Joy leaned in, their nipples accidentally brushed, sending a shiver down Joy’s spine. She fought back the moan that welled up inside of her. She inspected the bruise that was forming on Cora’s forehead, blissfully aware that the plumber was still holding her hand. "I’m fine," Cora said softly, her breath caressing Joy’s neck.

Joy trembled as she felt Cora’s breath on her skin. She was breathing heavily as she looked down at Cora, watching the rapid rise and fall of her chest. Joy swallowed hard as her mouth suddenly went dry. Joy’s blue eyes drifted up and the writer found herself trapped by a fiery green gaze. "Are you certain that you’re not hurt?" Joy managed to inquire.

"Never felt better," Cora confessed softly. "If it would make you feel better, you can kiss it to make it better."

Joy’s eyes fluttered shut as she tilted her head. Her lips burned as she brushed them gently across Cora’s injury. The taste of sweat caressed her lips and she licked them, savoring the taste of the blonde. She opened her eyes and looked down at the smaller woman. The look of pure desire she was greeted with further fueled her own unyielding hunger.

Joy tilted her head once again, this time leaning towards the blonde’s full lips. She felt Cora’s body lean into her as their lips met. Joy lost herself in the sweet softness of Cora’s lips. She felt the blonde releasing her hand and clasping her hips. Cora lifted the taller woman up so she could straddle her body as the kiss deepened.

Joy felt the plumber’s tongue gently caress her lips, silently begging for entrance. Joy moaned as she parted them, granting her lover entrance. As their tongues engaged in a passionate duel, Cora’s hands slipped up under Joy’s T-shirt. Joy’s body trembled as Cora’s fingers weaved a tantalizing trail up her torso.

Joy pressed closer to Cora as she thanked herself for not wearing a bra that morning. The blonde cupped Joy’s firm full breasts gently. Joy’s body arched into Cora’s as small hands teased her breasts. She moaned into Cora’s mouth as her nipples were rolled between the blonde’s fingers. Joy’s hips rocked against Cora’s body as she broke away from the kiss, gasping for air.

"So beautiful," Cora whispered as she pulled Joy’s shirt up just high enough to reveal a breast. Joy was panting heavily as Cora captured her nipple in her mouth. The brunette continued to thrust against her lover as she grabbed the small counter edge in front of the sink. With her other hand Joy clasped the back of Cora’s head, encouraging her to take more of her.

With one hand Cora held Joy’s breast so she could suckle it greedily, while her other hand gently massaged Joy’s backside. Joy could feel the material of her jeans pressing against her throbbing clit as her lover began to tease her nipple with her teeth and her tongue.

Joy felt alive for the first time in years as her lover’s hand moved from her backside and nudged between her thighs. She knew that Cora could feel her wetness through her jeans as the blonde cupped her mound. With the palm of her hand Cora drove Joy insane, moving it in a circular motion. Joy found herself riding against the movement of Cora’s hand as Cora suckled her nipple harder. Joy’s thighs began to tremble; she clutched the counter tighter as she begged her lover for release. Joy could feel the sweat rolling down her back as her senses exploded.

Somewhere in the back of her mind she could hear the wood of the cabinet doors rattling as they rocked wildly against each other. "Yes," Joy hissed as her lover’s mouth and hand increased their sensual rhythm. Her head fell back as the release she had been begging for raged through her body. She knew she cried out in pleasure as her thighs closed tightly, capturing Cora’s hand.

Joy’s body continued to tremble as the waves of pleasure flowed through her. The brunette fought to steady her breathing as a pair of emerald eyes twinkled up at her. She was still panting heavily as Cora’s tongue began to circle her aching nipple again. "Is this what you meant when you said that you were confused?" Joy managed to inquire in a shaky tone.

Cora leaned her head back against the cabinet and smiled up at her. "Yes," she confessed in a rich tone. "I hated you, and still you were so damn attractive that I felt myself being drawn to you. I was confused because I found myself fantasizing about someone I thought was evil."

Joy leaned in and reclaimed Cora’s lips; she pressed the full length of her body against the woman beneath her as her tongue explored the sweet warmth of her mouth. She felt Cora’s body arch against her own as she deepened the kiss. They broke away, gasping for air. Cora’s hands were running up and down Joy’s back. "Still think I’m evil?" she purred as Cora blushed.

"No," Cora choked out.

"Good," Joy responded in a lascivious tone. She pulled away from Cora slightly. The blonde whimpered as she reached out for Joy’s breasts.

"I wasn’t done with those," Cora teased her.

Joy leaned further back and pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it across the kitchen. Cora smiled eagerly as she tried to lean in. Joy placed a gentle but firm hand on the blonde’s shoulder, halting her movement. Cora stared up at her curiously as Joy simply smiled at her.

Gently Joy pulled her lover slightly away from the cabinet and then laid her down on the floor. Joy supported herself above her lover and leaned in and began kissing Cora’s face gently. She worked her way across Cora’s cherubic features, leaving butterfly kisses in her wake.

Joy then worked her way down Cora’s neck, using her tongue to taste her lover’s skin thoroughly. Cora moaned with desire. Joy’s mouth continued to feast upon Cora’s skin as she worked her way lower. She slowly unbuttoned Cora’s shirt and kissed every inch of skin that was revealed to her.

Cora shifted and allowed Joy to remove her shirt and then her sports bra. "I’m in heaven," Joy whispered as she ran her fingers along the swell of Cora’s breasts.

"I’m right there with you," Cora groaned as Joy’s palms began to tease the blonde’s nipples. Joy’s excitement grew as she continued to tease the blonde’s breasts.

Joy’s mouth was watering and she couldn’t hold back any longer. She lowered herself, pausing for a moment as their bare skin touched for the first time. She kissed Cora gently on her lips before moving to her breasts. Joy’s tongue circled one nipple as her fingers teased the other. Cora’s body was moving sensually beneath her. Joy suckled upon Cora’s nipple greedily as her lover arched beneath her. Cora’s moans further fanned the flames of desire as Joy pleasured one breast before lavishing the same attention on the other and then back again.

Cora’s fingers wove through Joy’s raven tresses, pulling her lover closer. Joy knew she was driving her lover to the brink as the smaller woman wrapped her legs around Joy’s body. Joy’s body was pulsating with earth-shattering desire as she kissed her way down Cora’s body. The blonde reluctantly unwrapped her legs from around Joy’s waist. The brunette kissed and tasted Cora’s taut abdomen, feeling her lover tremble from her touch.

Joy dipped her tongue into Cora’s navel before rising slightly. She unbuttoned Cora’s work pants and then slowly lowered the zipper. Cora whimpered in anticipation as Joy removed her pants and underwear. Joy could see the evidence of her lover’s arousal as she kissed her way up Cora’s legs. With each brush of her lips and tongue, Joy felt her lover quiver from her touch.

Joy settled herself between her lover’s trembling thighs. Cora draped her legs over Joy’s shoulders as the brunette lifted her to her mouth. She blew a gentle breath across Cora’s damp golden curls. Cora moaned as her body arched once again. Joy tasted her lover slowly, allowing her tongue to gently caress Cora’s slick folds.

Joy was lost in the taste of her lover’s passion as she began to feast upon the blonde eagerly. Cora was begging for release as Joy pressed her tongue against the opening of the blonde’s center. She entered her quickly and began to thrust her tongue in and out of her lover as her thumb teased the blonde’s clit. She felt Cora rising against her as she took her deeper.

She held her lover tightly as her fingers replaced her tongue and her mouth began to taste her once again. Joy captured Cora’s throbbing clit in her mouth. As her fingers plunged in and out of Cora’s warmth, she suckled her clit. Joy’s own wetness grew as Cora’s body shook in ecstasy. Joy’s rhythm grew wild as she drove her lover closer to the edge; she was lost in the taste and sounds of Cora. The only thing that mattered to Joy at that moment was satisfying the blonde who was offering everything she had to the brunette.

Cora cried out as she clutched Joy’s body. Joy took her even deeper as her lover exploded against her face. Joy couldn’t cease pleasuring her lover; she continued feasting upon the blonde as Cora’s thighs tightened against her. Cora cried out until she was begging Joy to stop. The brunette stopped and rested her head on her lover’s stomach. "Can’t breath," Cora choked. "My God, woman. Are you trying to kill me?" the blonde gasped as Joy chuckled.

Joy moved up her lover’s body and pulled her into a warm embrace. She leaned against the cabinets with the blonde nestled safely in her arms. Cora rested her head on Joy’s chest while her breathing steadied and then kissed the valley between Joy’s breasts tenderly. "I don’t think I’m going to get any work done today," the blonde plumber murmured in contentment.

"What would you like to do today?" Joy inquired coyly before placing a loving kiss on the top of Cora’s head.

"I want to go upstairs to your bedroom and get to know you better," Cora suggested as she snuggled closer.

"I’ll light a fire in the fireplace," Joy added as they finally released one another to stand on shaking limbs.

"You have a fireplace in your bedroom?" Cora said in surprise. "I was freezing the other night."

"I’m sorry. I didn’t know." Joy laughed lightly. "Trust me. If I thought that I had a chance, I would have invited you into my bed."

"Hmm," Cora sighed contently. "That would have been a little too quick," she confessed.

"I want you in my bed tonight and I want to wake up with you in the morning," Joy said confidently. Cora smiled in response.

Joy led the naked woman to her bedroom. "I’ll get the fire," Cora offered as Joy began to turn down the bed. Once she finished, Joy joined her lover by the fire, which was just beginning to burn. She stood above the blonde woman as Cora turned to her. Joy swallowed hard at the sight of Cora’s naked body illuminated by the fire as she knelt before her.

Joy was certain that her heart had stopped beating as Cora reached up and began to remove her jeans and underwear. She braced herself on Cora’s shoulder when the garments were fully removed from her body. She stood naked before her lover as Cora began to kiss her stomach. She ran her fingers through Cora’s short blonde locks as her lover’s hands roamed her body.

Cora’s mouth moved lower, her eyes never breaking contact with Joy’s. The brunette gasped as her lover took her in her mouth. Cora held her steady as Joy swayed against Cora’s mouth and tongue. The sight of those emerald eyes staring up at her as Cora feasted upon her wetness drove Joy quickly over the edge. Cora remained kneeling before her, holding her tightly as the last waves of passion filtered through her body.

Cora stood and they held one another tightly for a moment before walking over to the bed. They lay down side-by-side and wrapped themselves up in each other’s arms. They seemed to melt together as their mouths sought out one another. Locked in a passionate kiss, their hands roamed, fingers teased and taunted one another’s clits as their bodies swayed in a sensual rhythm.

Joy groaned into her lover’s mouth as Cora entered her. She needed to fill Cora in the same manner. Their fingers slowly plunged in and out, feeling the other’s desire coating their fingers. They pleasured each other slowly, not wanting the moment to end. Joy didn’t know where her body ended and Cora’s began as they screamed out in pleasure.

They clung to one another as their hearts beat in unison. The slightest touch re-ignited their passion, driving both insane with desire. They continued to fulfill their desires throughout the night, only stopping to keep the fire in the fireplace going. At one point they both rushed downstairs when Joy remembered that they had left the coffeemaker on. Cora took a moment to turn the water in the sink back on. Once they accomplished those tasks, they chased one another back upstairs. They fell back on the bed and into each other’s arms.

The following morning Joy woke up to find her lover shaking her shoulder. Cora was showered and dressed. "Good morning," Cora greeted her brightly.

"Don’t tell me you’re one of those annoyingly cheerful people in the morning?" Joy groaned.

Cora chuckled in response as she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "I have to go," Cora finally said as she rubbed Joy’s back.

"No," Joy whined.

"I have to work," Cora explained. "I’ll be back in a couple of days to finish the work."

"Oh," Joy said sadly as she sat up and wrapped the blankets around her naked body. "I didn’t realize you were so close to finishing."

"The fixtures are all that’s left," Cora explained. "Unless you have another project for me?"

"Put in a hot tub," Joy suggested in desperation. Cora laughed in response. "I’m kidding. I can’t really afford a hot tub at the moment."

Cora kissed her gently. "I’m coming back," she reassured Joy. "And not just to fix the plumbing."

"So you’re not just running out?" Joy inquired hopefully.

"No," Cora replied with a smile. "I do need to take things a little slow. I’ve survived the mother of all bad breakups and I’m still a little wary."

"How slow?" Joy purred.

"Not that slow," Cora responded with a wink.

"So no hot tub?" Joy pouted as Cora laughed.

Cora leaned over and kissed her with such passion that Joy felt lightheaded. She was panting when they broke apart. "Tell you what, sweetheart. If things go well, you could have a hot tub by Memorial Day weekend and a blonde to share it with," Cora offered as she looked down at Joy with a loving glance.

Joy finally let her lover leave but not before she told her to drive safely. She leaned back on the bed and sighed contently. "Boy, am I going to have a story to tell the boys at dinner tonight." She chuckled, hoping that she and Cora were only just beginning.

THE END

CORA’S GIFT

(HOME IMPROVEMENT - PART TWO)

By Mavis Applewater

May 2002

Disclaimers: Yes, we all know who they look like, but it isn’t them. The characters and story belong to the author and may not be reproduced, posted, or sold without the author’s permission. This story contains a graphic description of a loving sexual relationship between two consenting adult women. If for any reason you are uncomfortable with this idea, then do us all a favor and don’t read this 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 don’t read it. The members of YoMavis selected this story for a sequel. Thanks to everyone who voted.

Thanks to my beta reader Joanne.

As always, this is for Heather.

PART ONE

Once again Cora looked over her shoulder to find the writer hovering close behind her. The fair-haired plumber turned around before quirking an eyebrow at her lover. "Yes?" she inquired drolly.

"Nothing," Joy responded helplessly.

Cora sighed deeply and returned to her work; a pair of crystal blue eyes followed her every movement. "Why did I agree to do this?" she muttered under her breath.

"Because you’re crazy about me," Joy quipped happily.

"Or I’m just plain crazy," Cora noted delightfully as she knelt down to finish applying the sealant around the hot tub. Cora stayed on her hands and knees as she continued to toil away.

Installing the hot tub wasn’t the problem. Cora was good at what she did and enjoyed using her carpentry skills to build the deck. The problem was that her lover constantly hovered over her as she worked. Had she known that Joy was going to trail around after her like a lost puppy dog, she would have sent the writer on an extended vacation so she could finish the project by Memorial Day weekend.

She shivered as she felt her lover’s eyes burning into her from behind. "What?" she said in exasperation as she turned her head towards her lover once again.

"Nothing," Joy responded quickly, once again feigning innocence.

"Joy, why don’t you go with Perc and Marv down to P-Town for opening day weekend? I’ll finish this while you’re gone," Cora suggested hopefully.

"You don’t want to spend the long weekend with me?" the tall writer asked dejectedly.

"Sweetheart, I adore you," Cora reassured her as she fumbled with her tools. "It’s just that I’ll never get this done on time if you keep following me around."

"I’m sorry," Joy responded shyly. "It’s just that you look so cute in your tool belt and ripped jeans and you’re all sweaty."

"That’s it." Cora laughed. "Honey, you’ve seen me in my work clothes before. In fact, you’ve seen me out of my work clothes."

Cora was amused by the situation. She felt Joy’s breath on her skin. She jumped in surprise, not realizing that her lover had moved. "Damn, I swear I’m going to put a bell on you," Cora squeaked out as Joy’s hands ran along the back of her well-worn jeans.

"I’ll make a deal with you," Joy said hotly into her ear. Cora’s thighs trembled as her lover’s tongue brushed along her ear.

"Uh huh," Cora whimpered weakly as Joy’s talented fingers continued to tease her backside.

"If you let me have my way with you right now, I promise to leave you alone for the rest of the day," Joy said breathlessly as she pressed her firm full breasts into Cora’s back.

"You’re insatiable," Cora choked out as her heart pounded in her chest and her desire dampened her jeans.

"It’s been so long since we’ve been together," Joy teased as her hands continued to massage Cora’s firm backside.

"We made love this morning," Cora reasoned as her legs parted slightly.

"That was hours ago," Joy debated.

"God, woman; you’re driving me crazy," Cora groaned as Joy began to nibble on the nape of her neck.

Cora felt her lover’s mouth moving sensually along the back of her neck as Joy’s hands roamed her body. One of the brunette’s hands slipped up her rib cage and cupped one of her breasts, while the other slid down between her thighs and cupped her mound. "Baby, please," Joy whispered against her skin while her hands began to move in a torturous motion. Cora was fighting to control her breathing. "Please," Joy repeated with a hiss as the palm of her hand pressed the seam of Cora’s jeans against her throbbing clit.

"Let me take you right here and now," Joy pleaded as she continued to rub her hand against Cora’s overheated center. "I want you just like this," Joy said in a deep voice that sent a delightful shiver up and down the plumber’s spine as her stomach clenched with desire. Cora nodded in response as she parted her trembling legs further. "Is that a yes?" Joy taunted her as she began to pinch an aching nipple. Cora could only answer with a strangled whimper. "Say it," Joy commanded as she pinched the nipple harder and rubbed her palm more insistently against Cora’s pulsating center.

"Yes," Cora pleaded as she fought to keep her body suspended on the new wood deck.

"I’m going to make you feel so good," Joy promised hotly as she pressed her body into Cora’s quivering form.

Cora’s emerald eyes fluttered shut as she gave herself over to Joy’s insistent touch. She could feel Joy’s breasts against her back. Despite their clothing, the blonde could feel the erect buds pressing into her as her lover’s hands continued to stroke and tease her. The blood was racing through her overheated body as Joy’s hand continued to rub against her center.

The blonde’s blood was pounding in her ears as she felt Joy run her tongue along the back of her neck. Her body was filled with a fiery desire; she whimpered when Joy’s hand left her center. "Please," she pleaded. Joy undid Cora’s tool belt and let it drop onto the deck. Then she pulled Cora’s T-shirt out of her jeans and ran her hands up under the cotton fabric.

Joy’s fingers burned her skin as they ran slowly up her ribcage and cupped her breasts. Cora felt her bra being undone and two firm hands captured the weight of her breasts. Joy straddled her backside and pressed herself into Cora. The blonde’s hips thrust backward in an effort to feel her lover. Her breathing became ragged as Joy slowly rolled both of her aching nipples between her fingers.

Cora released a strangled cry as her hips continued to thrust furiously against Joy’s center. Her lover’s body rocked against her in a wild passionate rhythm. Despite the restrictions of their clothing, Cora could feel her passion soaking her jeans. As their bodies slapped together, Cora thought she was going to explode as she rocked her backside harder against Joy’s body.

"Are you wet?" Joy asked as her hips moved urgently against Cora’s firm backside.

"Yes," Cora cried out.

"Show me," Joy said encouragingly as she released Cora’s breasts. The blonde groaned as her lover’s hands slid down her body. The desire coursing through her small body had her moaning in frustration as Joy’s hands undid her jeans. Cora’s arms were shaking as she struggled to keep herself from collapsing onto the deck.

Cora began to wonder just what had gotten into her normally shy lover. As her jeans and underwear began to slide down her hips, she no longer cared. Joy’s tongue blazed a trail along Cora’s backside. Joy murmured in pleasure as she dipped her tongue into Cora’s wetness. Cora’s body swayed as Joy tasted her desire.

Cora opened herself up even further as she pled for release. Joy feasted upon her, driving her insane with desire. ‘What is she doing?’ Cora thought as her lover’s mouth left her wetness. Then she felt the long fingers caressing her swollen nether lips. Cora clutched at the wood beneath her as her lover’s thumb rubbed against her throbbing clit.

Joy’s body pressed against her own. Joy continued to tease Cora; each time the blonde plumber neared her release, the brunette pulled away. "Please!" Cora finally screamed as two fingers pressed against her center.

"I love you," Joy whispered in her ear as her fingers plunged deep inside her aching center. Cora’s body bucked as her hips thrust eagerly against her lover’s hand.

"Yes," she screamed as Joy plunged in and out of her.

Her lover held her steady as her fingers continued to pleasure her and her thumb teased her clit wildly. Cora rocked her body with wild abandonment as Joy took her harder. Cora’s body convulsed as every fiber of her being exploded. She collapsed onto the deck while her lover continued to ride her. "Please . . . can’t . . . stop," Cora begged finally as another climax tore through her small body.

Joy gathered Cora up in her arms and held her while the waves of passion continued to filter through her body. "Thank you," Joy whispered as she kissed her cheek. She could smell her own passion on her lover as she held her.

"Why are you thanking me?" Cora laughed as she tried to calm her breathing.

"I’ve been drooling over you for days," Joy confessed. "You have no idea how hot you look when you’re all sweaty."

Cora could only smile as she drifted off with the afternoon sun caressing her body and her lover holding her tightly.

PART TWO

Joy sat in her office holding the telephone against her ear while she waited for the other person to pick up. She was still basking in the afterglow of having pleasured her lover. She smiled at the memory. Cora was the best thing in her life. She could hear the blonde whistling as she worked. After Cora had regained her composure, Joy kept her promise and left her alone to work.

The blonde was determined to finish the hot tub by the holiday weekend. It had started off as a joke when they’d first got together. But Cora kept her word. She had promised that if things worked out between them, Joy would have a hot tub and a blonde to share it with on Memorial Day weekend.

Now Joy wanted to do something special for Cora. Her lover was still a little gun-shy when it came to their relationship. She couldn’t blame her after the nasty breakup she’d had with her last lover. If what she was planning worked out, she knew it would show the little blonde just how deeply she cared for her. It would also make Cora extremely happy.

"Hello?" a voice said.

Joy braced herself to begin the conversation. "Tara?"

"Yes?" came the reply.

"I don’t know if you remember me but I’m Joy Carson," Joy explained.

"Joy, well hey there," Tara exclaimed. "Of course I remember you. Wow, you really gave Dawn what-for when you walked out on her."

Joy was stunned by the comment. Tara was one of Dawn’s closest friends and now she seemed ecstatic that Joy had dropped the woman. "Yeah, that was me," Joy confirmed finally.

"Oh no, don’t tell me the two of you are getting back together?" Tara groaned.

"God no," Joy spat out before she could stop herself. "Sorry, I know she’s a friend of yours."

"Only when she has the time," Tara grunted. "Dawn is a selfish person. I only hear from her when she needs something. So why the phone call?"

"I’m in a new relationship and I need to find someone," Joy explained. She didn’t want to tell Tara about Cora if she didn’t need to. Despite Tara’s comments, the two women obviously still kept in touch. The last thing she wanted Dawn to know was that she and Cora were now together. "I’m trying to find Jack."

"Jack?" Tara responded in a quizzical tone.

"Her dog," Joy continued as she chewed on her bottom lip nervously.

"You mean her ex’s dog," Tara said bitterly. "I still can’t believe she took him away from Cora. That was just mean. It was the only thing Cora wanted; she gave Dawn the house and everything else."

"I heard." Joy sighed heavily.

"How?" Tara pushed.

"Long story," Joy said quickly. "Does she still have Jack?"

"No," Tara said sadly. "She only took him to hurt Cora when she wouldn’t take her back. She thought she had you all wrapped up, and when you walked she thought Cora would just forgive her. When she didn’t, she took Jack."

"Bitch," Joy spat out.

"I know," Tara confessed.

"What happened to Jack?" Joy inquired nervously.

"The pound," Tara said with a heavy sigh.

"What?" Joy choked out. "Why didn’t she just give him back to Cora, or least to a no-kill shelter?"

"She only took Jack because she thought it was something to hold over Cora," Tara explained.

"Damn her," Joy growled as her heart sank. Theonly regret Cora had when the relationship ended was losing her beloved dog. Joy thought that just maybe she could get the dog back. With Dawn it would only take the right amount of cash.

"Uhm Joy, what’s going on?" Tara asked hesitantly. "You shouldn’t even know about Cora or Jack." Joy cringed, knowing that she would have to come clean.

"Cora and I are together," Joy said as a smile crossed her lips. "I thought maybe I could get Jack back for her."

"That’s so sweet," Tara said softly. "Oh man, if Dawn found out that the two of you ended up together, it would kill her, especially since she’s about to be single again. Her lover just got laid off."

"Didn’t Dawn ever consider supporting herself?" Joy growled. "Look, I don’t want her to know about me and Cora; it would only cause trouble. Cora’s been through enough because of her."

"You both have," Tara responded sincerely.

"Do you know what pound she sent poor Jack to?" Joy asked hopefully.

"No. But I’ll try to find out," Tara promised.

Joy’s heart skipped a beat as she gave Tara her telephone number and said a silent prayer that Jack was still among the living. She quickly dialed another telephone number; this one was very familiar. "Hey Marv," she greeted her old friend.

"Joy, please tell me you’re calling because you’ve changed your mind about opening day weekend," Marv blurted out instantly.

"No," she droned.

"Your adorable little plumber has finished putting in the Jacuzzi and you’re inviting us over?" he asked eagerly.

"No." She laughed. "Not everything is about you, Marv."

"Blasphemer!" Marv scoffed. "Speaking of which, when can we borrow her?"

"She’s my lover, not a household appliance," Joy protested.

"She’s an honest plumber; it’s wrong not to share her," Marv argued. "So why did you ring?"

"I’ve forgotten." Joy groaned; it was a common occurrence whenever she telephoned Marv. "Oh yeah, I think we need to use that Plan B we discussed the other night."

"Dawn’s not giving the dog back," Marv snarled. "Well, color me surprised."

"She put him in the pound," Joy informed him sadly.

"Bitch," Marv spat out. "The litter should be just old enough to adopt. I’ve already spoken to Devlin about it. We could go out and see the puppies anytime you want. It won’t be her beloved Jack but I think she’ll just love one of the puppies."

"It’ll make her happy." Joy sighed, thinking about how heartless Dawn was. "I just wish I could find Jack."

"Baby doll, you have to face facts. Chances are that Jack is no longer with us," Marv explained. "I’ll stop by in about an hour and drive you up to the kennel." Joy agreed, her heart still aching over the thought of what Dawn had done. She said her goodbyes and went back out onto the deck to find her lover toiling away. She inhaled sharply as she drank in Cora’s sweat-covered body.

"I know that look," Cora cautioned her with a bright smile.

"You can relax. I’m going out with Marv for awhile." Joy laughed lightly.

"Good. Maybe I can get some work done," Cora teased her.

"What’s all the extra lumber for?" Joy inquired.

"A surprise," Cora responded flatly.

"No hints?" Joy pried playfully.

"No," Cora said as she shook her head. "Now get out of here, woman, and let me get my work done."

PART THREE

Cora took advantage of Joy’s absence and threw herself into her work. She wanted to make the Jacuzzi so that Joy could use it year round. She needed to build an enclosure. She smiled as she thought about how much both of them would enjoy the hot tub. Her smile quickly vanished. Joy had been dropping hints lately about Cora moving in with her.

She cared for Joy. Hell, she more than cared for her but, after what Dawn had put her through, she was hesitant about taking her relationship with Joy to the next level. She had to constantly remind herself that Joy wasn’t Dawn. In fact, Joy had once been involved with Dawn herself. Joy’s involvement with Dawn was the catalyst that brought about the end of Cora’s relationship with Dawn. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on the blonde plumber.

Maybe she was unable to tell Joy how she felt, but she could show her. She needed to finish the hot tub that she’d promised her. She still had the nagging fear that life with Joy was just a little too perfect. Lately the brunette writer had been making telephone calls that she would end the moment Cora entered the room. The blonde kept reminding herself that it was just her imagination. Still, old fears crept in.

Cora shrugged off her doubts and returned to work. Joy was gone for hours and Cora made a lot of progress. Joy’s extended absence allowed her to almost complete the exterior. Tomorrow she would finish putting the windows and screens in. She finished the plumbing and filled the hot tub. She added the correct chemicals, knowing that it would be at least a few more days before the water would be ready for use.

Exhausted, she looked at her watch. Noting the lateness of the hour, she wondered where her lover was. She decided to start on the windows and the screens for the skylight. She was surprised when she finished them. She checked the ph level in the tub and adjusted the chemicals once again. She looked at her watch again. Sighing heavily, she packed up her tools.

Just as she finished putting her stuff away Marv’s Mercedes pulled up the long dirt driveway. Cora felt silly when she saw Joy getting out of the car. "She was with him. She’s not Dawn, you idiot, so just relax," she muttered under her breath feeling foolish for doubting her lover’s whereabouts.

Cora waved to Marv, noticing the shy wave he gave in return before leaving. Joy was smiling a little too happily as she approached. "Hey, sorry I’m so late," Joy apologized.

"No problem," Cora muttered.

"Are you all right?" Joy asked in concern.

"Fine," Cora lied. "Just a little tired. I’m heading home."

"Oh," Joy responded disappointedly. "It’s late. Why don’t you just stay here?"

Cora could hear the hopefulness in her lover’s voice. She wanted to stay but she was confused; she knew that she trusted Joy. So why was she hesitating about spending the night in her lover’s arms? "I have a full day tomorrow. I’ll be back after work. Stay off the deck."

"But?" Joy protested.

"Not a peek," Cora cautioned her playfully.

"You’re no fun at all." Joy pouted.

"That’s not what you said this afternoon when you were taking advantage of me," Cora taunted her. The blonde was delighted as her lover turned a deep shade of crimson.

"Can I help it if you’re irresistible?" Joy sighed deeply.

"Good night," Cora finally said regretfully. She brushed her lips against her lover’s and quickly lost herself in the warmth. The kiss quickly deepened and Cora’s hands roamed her lover’s body.

"Stay," Joy pleaded in a breathy tone.

"I . . . ," Cora stammered as her emotions engaged in a tumultuous battle.

"Never mind," Joy cut her off with a heavy sigh.

Crystal blue orbs looked down at her sadly before turning away. She noticed her lover’s normally confident gait slump slightly as she walked to her door. "What the hell is wrong with me?" Cora muttered as she mentally kicked herself for acting like a first class idiot.

During the following weeks, Joy seemed distant and preoccupied, constantly running off on mysterious errands. Cora worked on her project and went home alone. She somehow managed to fight off her nagging suspicions. She had to trust Joy; without that they had nothing.

Late Friday afternoon of the holiday weekend, Cora arrived at Joy’s home to put the finishing touches on the hot tub. When she arrived, she was surprised to find that Joy wasn’t home. Cora thought it was strange since the writer worked at home. Once again her suspicions began to get the better of her. She went out to the back yard and proceeded to get to work while she still had some daylight. The blonde had no intention of working well past dark again.

"She’s going to love this," Cora said brightly to herself as she put the finishing touches on the exterior. Cora was a little impressed with her efforts; in a matter of weeks she had built a deck on the back of Joy’s farmhouse. Then she’d installed a Jacuzzi, constructed a small bathhouse for it that would allow Joy to enjoy it year-round without dealing with the winter cold or the summer bugs. She had even made it so that the pumps and cleaning supplies were neatly tucked into their own closet.

She heard Joy rustling around in the kitchen and her smile grew even brighter. She was just about to caution her lover not to peek when she heard her speaking on the telephone. Cora shrugged and rechecked the skylight levers.

"Tara, are you sure?" Joy asked in a hushed tone. "I could get there tonight . . . no, I’ll make up some excuse so she doesn’t know."

Cora’s heart sank as she accidentally overheard the conversation. "Don’t," she warned herself. Yet she found herself straining to hear more of the conversation. Her ears were greeted by silence. She chastised herself once again as she walked over to the back door. Shyly she knocked and waited for Joy to open the door.

"Hey, honey," Joy greeted her brightly. Despite the merriment of her lover’s greeting, Cora noticed that Joy seemed distracted.

Cora stepped inside and kissed her lover lightly on the lips. She reached out her hand; she wanted to show Joy that the hot tub was finished just in time for the long weekend. Joy squeezed her hand before releasing it. "It’s Friday. Any chance you’ll be staying for the weekend?" Joy inquired with a hint of nervousness.

"Yes," Cora responded with a reassuring smile.

"I should go to the market and get us some supplies. Maybe I can cook something on the new grill?" Joy suggested.

"I can go to the market," Cora suggested.

"No. I need to run a couple of errands first," Joy said quickly before grabbing her car keys. "It’ll be crowded since it’s a holiday weekend. I will be awhile. Why don’t you take a shower and relax?"

"Okay," Cora responded curiously as she watched Joy run her fingers nervously through her long black hair.

"I’ll be back as soon as I can," Joy said before leaving a bewildered blonde standing in her kitchen.

Later Cora found herself wandering around Joy’s backyard, enjoying the light summer breeze. The day was beautiful, the sun was still out, the birds were singing, and Cora felt like she was loosing her mind. "Where the hell is she?" she grumbled as she checked her watch once again.

Still later the sun started its descent and Cora rubbed her arms as a slight chill came over her. The weekend was not going the way she’d planned. She looked over at the wooden structure on the corner of the deck. "I never even got to show her," Cora said sadly. A sharp yapping sound broke her out of her thoughts. She turned to see a golden puppy thumping towards her.

She smiled at the sight of the little dog that was all ears and feet trying to race across the lawn. She quickly approached the little puppy and knelt down on the grass. She scooped the golden-haired puppy up in her arms. "Now where did you come from, little guy?" She held the squirming puppy up as the dog licked her face eagerly. "I’m sorry; I mean little lady."

"It’s nice to know you can tell the difference." Joy chuckled as she approached.

"Are we dog sitting for the weekend?" Cora inquired as she scratched her new friend behind the ears. She watched as her lover approached. Her green eyes traveled up endless legs. She smiled as she became aroused. "What’s her name?" she asked as Joy knelt beside her. Joy simply smiled as she shrugged. "You don’t know her name?" Cora asked in bewilderment. "Joy?"

"You can’t name her that," Joy scolded her.

"I don’t understand," Cora stammered as she continued to scratch the puppy.

"She’s yours," Joy explained softly.

"What?" Cora choked out as she grinned broadly. The smile quickly vanished. "But I can’t have a dog in my apartment."

"There’s more than enough room for her here," Joy explained as her crystal blue orbs suddenly widened. "When did you do that?" she asked excitedly.

"You bought me a puppy?" Cora gushed. "She’s beautiful. So that’s what you’ve been up to. I was beginning to think . . ."

"Cora." Joy sighed heavily. "When are you going to believe in me? Believe in us?"

"I’m sorry," Cora said with a grimace as her new friend licked her face. "She forgives me," she added sheepishly.

"Good thing you’re so cute," Joy chastised her. "Actually this little lady is Plan B. I was planning on another surprise and, well . . . let’s just say it’s a good thing I have so much land and a big house. Stay here," she said firmly before standing and walking back to the house.

Cora looked down at the wiggling puppy. "What is she up to?" she asked the tiny canine. "You know, don’t you?" She held up the puppy and it licked her face in response. "You need a name, cookie." The puppy licked her once again. "That’s it? Okay, Cookie it is." She chuckled as she continued to get a tongue bath.

A loud familiar woof disrupted her merriment. She released the small puppy and jumped to her feet as she saw the overgrown mutt charging towards her. "Jack!" she called out as she raced across the lawn. The large dog knocked her over and began to lick his long lost owner furiously as Cookie jumped in. "Jack, oh boy, I’ve missed you," she choked out as she wrestled with the large dog.

"Now I’m getting jealous," Joy teased as she watched the three of them wrestling around. Cora freed herself from the canines and climbed to her feet.

"How did you get him back?" she sobbed as she wrapped her arms around her lover.

"It’s a long story," Joy explained as she hugged the smaller woman tightly. "Dawn will freak if she finds out we have him."

"You didn’t steal him, did you?" Cora asked nervously.

"No," Joy responded firmly. "I called Tara, Dawn’s friend, or former friend. After Dawn realized that she couldn’t use Jack to get you back, she sent him to the pound."

"What!" Cora screamed bitterly. Both dogs jumped in surprise.

"Well, she thought she did," Joy continued. "She had a friend of hers, Mark, take him."

"I know him," Cora said thoughtfully.

"Only he didn’t have the heart to do it, so he took him up to his uncle’s place in Ipswich," Joy explained. "Tara just found out and she called me today. His uncle is a nice guy and was more than happy to let you have Jack back. It seems that poor old Jack has been depressed. In fact, he only brightened up when I showed up with one of your work shirts. I couldn’t keep him still the whole ride. I’d already bought the puppy after I heard that Jack was sent to the pound. I had a hell of time keeping both of them settled down while I was driving home. That reminds me - you’re cleaning my car."

"I can’t believe you did this for me." Cora sniffed as she nuzzled Joy’s neck. The dogs jumped on both of them, seeking attention.

"I wanted to do something to show you just how much I care for you," Joy explained honestly.

PART FOUR

Joy loved watching her lover roll around on the lawn with Jack and Cookie. She could see the sheer joy in the young blonde’s eyes. She wanted to take a peek inside the new structure but somehow she managed to curb her curiosity and cook a nice dinner on the grill. After they ate, they settled Jack and Cookie into their new home. Jack was easy but Cookie needed to be gated off with a ton of newspapers. She cleaned up while Cora showered.

"I’ll finish these," Cora said as she wrapped her arms around her. "Take a shower and put on a robe. I have a surprise for you."

Joy’s stomach clenched as her lover’s breath caressed her neck. She nodded in agreement and raced upstairs. After she showered, she donned a simple terrycloth robe. The lights were dim and Cora was nowhere in sight. "Now where did she run off too?" she asked the two dogs that were sleeping peacefully, exhausted from the days activities.

"I’m right here," Cora’s husky voice called from the back door. Joy swallowed hard as she drank in the sight of her lover leaning in the doorway, clad only in a short robe. Cora held out her hand and beckoned Joy to follow her. Joy reached out, took her lover’s hand, and allowed her to lead her out onto the deck.

Joy gasped as they approached the wooden structure. The doors were open and she could see the candlelight illuminating it from within. "These slide like this," Cora explained as she closed the door easily. "To keep the elements out and this . . . ," Cora continued proudly as she slid a glass door open and closed, "is so you can come out here in the winter and not freeze your vital parts off. Or in the summer you can slide both over, leave the screen door closed, and keep the bugs out while you still enjoy the night air."

"Wow," Joy gasped as Cora led her inside.

The room was lit by candlelight, giving the soft wood a warm glow. "I hope you like the stain I chose," Cora said quietly as she sat down on one of the benches that surrounded the hot tub. "The shelves for the candles are designed to keep them away from anything that might start a fire," Cora continued as she reached over and turned on the small boom box that was settled on a separate shelf, also out of harm’s way. Soft music filter through the air as Joy’s heart began beating wildly.

"This is for the skylights," Cora explained as she turned a metal handle on the wall. "You can open them to let the air in. They’re screened as well. Behind that wall is a storage area for cleaning supplies and chemicals. I’ll show you how to check the ph level. It also houses the pump and master controls. I had an electrician friend come by last week while you were out and set that up."

"Cora, this is amazing," Joy choked out overwhelmed by the effort her lover had put into keeping her promise. "When you said a hot tub, I wasn’t expecting all this."

"I wanted it to be special," Cora explained as she loosened the tie on Joy’s robe. "I wanted to show you just how much you mean to me," Cora continued, echoing the words that Joy had spoken earlier. "I love you," Cora said for the first time.

Joy was surprised at the admission. When she stared down into her lover’s emerald orbs, she saw the honesty of those words reflected back at her. She also saw the smoky haze of desire. She tilted her head and captured Cora’s full lips. She could feel her lover’s hands as they slipped beneath her robe. Joy’s tongue caressed her lover’s bottom lip, begging for entry.

Cora moaned as she parted her lips, allowing Joy to explore the warmth of her mouth. Joy shivered as her robe was lowered down her body. Her skin burned as her lover’s fingertips caressed her. Their tongues dueled for control as Joy reached down and untied the belt on Cora’s robe. They were gasping for air as the fiery kiss came to an end.

"Let me show you the rest," Cora said in a breathy tone as she dropped Joy’s robe to the floor. Joy sighed with pleasure as her lover then removed her own robe to reveal her firm body. Cora took her by the hand and led her to the bubbling water. Joy stepped down into the hot bubbles. "Oh yeah," she moaned as she sank her naked body down into the warm water.

Cora chuckled as she stepped in behind her. "I love the glass globes holding the candles," Joy said as Cora snuggled up against her. "They’re pretty and they’ll keep the flames safe from the wind. You’ve thought of everything," Joy cooed as Cora’s fingers caressed her thigh. She noted that, despite the fact she would have to leave the comfort of the hot tub to change the music, the boom box was placed safely away from the water.

"This is your control panel," Cora explained as she lifted a small wooden cover to reveal a series of buttons and knobs. "You can adjust the heat. And these are for the different jets." Cora flipped a switch and a warm blast of bubbles ran up Joy’s body, teasing her clit.

"Oh," Joy groaned. "Mark that one, will you? I can use that when you’re working late."

Cora laughed as she floated her body before Joy’s. "You like?" she purred.

"Uh huh," Joy said as her body shuddered.

Cora had a mischievous gleam in her eyes as she straddled Joy’s lap. The blonde captured Joy’s face with both hands as her curls brushed against the brunette’s firm abdomen. Joy’s nipples hardened and her breathing became ragged. Cora passionately reclaimed her lips as the jets continued to tease Joy’s throbbing clit.

Joy cupped her lover’s breasts and teased her nipples while the blonde explored the warmth of her mouth. Joy rolled Cora’s nipples between her fingers while her lover’s hands drifted down her body. Locked in a passionate embrace, the lovers floated in the water as their bodies melted together. Joy felt Cora slide down her body. Reluctantly Joy released her hold on her lover’s breasts as Cora kissed her way down her neck to her shoulders.

The sensation of the water and bubbles mixed with Cora’s mouth and tongue roaming across her body was driving Joy insane with desire. She knew she was moaning as she clung to her lover’s body. She arched her back as Cora’s tongue made tantalizing circles around her nipples. Slowly the blonde teased her as she ran her tongue along her breast, never touching the aching bud.

Joy ran her fingers through Cora’s wet locks as her lover finally captured her nipple in her mouth. She cried out as Cora suckled one nipple while her fingers pinched and teased the other. The soft sounds of jazz filled the room as Cora slowly teased her, moving from one breast to the other and back again.

Joy found herself pressed against the edge of the hot tub as Cora rubbed her clit against her abdomen. The brunette was gasping with desire as she cupped her lover’s backside, urging her to thrust against her. The water gave them a weightless freedom as Cora’s hands drifted down and her fingers began to gently stroke Joy’s swollen nether lips.

Her body rose urgently as Cora’s thumb brushed against her throbbing clit; the bubbles worked in rhythm with her lover’s touch. Sweat rolled off her body as she reached between Cora’s firm thighs and began to glide her fingers gently along her lover’s desire. "I love you," Cora whispered hotly before tracing her ear with her tongue. Joy gasped as Cora’s fingers pressed against her center.

She mirrored her lover’s actions, feeling Cora’s body open to her touch. "I love you," Joy cried out as they entered each other. Fingers plunged in and out of one another’s desire as their thumbs stroked throbbing nubs. The water allowed their movements to flow easily as they rocked against one another’s touch.

Joy’s head fell back as her hips thrust urgently. She watched the stars through the skylight as her senses were filled by the scent of her lover’s skin. Cora suckled Joy’s neck as their rhythm grew steadily wilder. Joy filled her lover as her lover filled her. She could feel her body trembling despite the heat of the water. Crying out into the night air, they exploded against each other, finally collapsing into each other’s arms.

They exchanged tender kisses until Joy felt her body being moved easily in the water. She found herself being easily lifted onto her lover’s lap. Cora wrapped her arms around her from behind and cupped Joy’s breasts with one hand while the other drifted down Joy’s body.

She was on fire as Cora rolled her nipple between two fingers while she stroked Joy’s clit with her other hand. Joy lost herself in the feel of her lover’s touch. Her hips ground hungrily against Cora’s body as her mind became clouded by the passion pulsating through her. Cora suckled the pulse point on her neck as she continued to drive Joy to the edge. "Please," the brunette pleaded for the release her body so desperately needed. Cora plunged deep inside of her.

Joy screamed as her lover’s fingers took her deeper. The blonde plunged in and out of her wetness until Joy exploded against her touch. She collapsed against the smaller woman, gasping for air as her lover held her tightly. Cora held her until her breathing returned to normal.

Joy turned and took the smaller woman in her arms. "I really like this hot tub," she purred before capturing Cora’s erect nipple in her mouth. Her lover’s moan urged her on. She whimpered as Cora pulled away.

"Joy, we’ve been in here too long," Cora pointed out.

"No." Joy pouted.

"Baby, it’s not safe," Cora pointed out before kissing her forehead. "Let me take you to bed."

"All right," Joy reluctantly agreed.

They stepped out of the hot tub and Cora shut everything down before extinguishing the candles. On shaky legs, Joy led her lover into the house and upstairs to her bedroom. Throughout the night, the lover’s expressed their gratitude for the other’s gift.

THE END