Parking Tickets And Other Annoyances

By Mavis Applewater

yomavis@email.com

December 2003

Disclaimers, I just love this part. The characters and story are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced, posted or sold without the author's permission. Like you didn't know that already. If for any reason real or imagined you are uncomfortable with graphic descriptions of two consenting adult women in a loving and 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, my apologies but you must leave and don't come back until it is no longer a crime. Thanks to Kat and Brunnhilda and their twisted minds for suggesting this story.

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

As always this is for Heather.

*****

Penny slopped her way through the wet snow. "This sucks," she muttered with disgust as the watery mess seeped into her shoes. It hadn't been snowing when she left the house that morning. Then a few moments into her morning commute the squall emerged out of nowhere. Her fellow commuters were shocked by the first snowstorm of the winter. Not surprisingly traffic ground to a screeching halt. Due to poor visibility and scores of fender benders, Penny's normally one hour commute turned into five hours of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

She grew more and more tense as she inched along listening to the morning radio talk about how slow the traffic was. When she finally arrived at the office her muscles ached and her boss who had somehow managed to be on time, was in a foul mood. "Look out the window Mike," she scolded him as he complained about everyone being late.

With almost the entire staff running several hours late the workday was arduous. The extended hours and her boss' foul mood turned Penny's day into an exercise in controlled mayhem. Just when she thought it was over, Mike informed her that she needed to deliver a package for him. He thought it wasn't a big deal since she was heading back up to North Shore. True she was heading north but not that far north.

After being trapped once again in bumper-to-bumper traffic she made her way around the tiny seaside town. She got lost several times trying to locate her destination. Finally, she discovered the street and the building she was seeking. She spent another twenty minutes searching for a parking space.

She blew out a sigh of relief when a space on the busy street finally opened up. She could feel the last of her energy draining as she struggled to maneuver her aging Toyota into the tiny parking space. She felt a sense of trepidation when her car sputtered and shook as she turned off the ignition. "Come on you just need to get me home," she pleaded as she rubbed the dashboard.

She was cradling the small package as she climbed out of the car, her shoes instantly filling with icy cold water when she stepped into the puddle that surrounded her car. She muttered a stream of curses under her breath as she trudged over to the parking meter. She read it carefully before checking her watch. "Figures," she hissed noting that she had another half an hour before the meters were free for the night. She fought to maintain her balance as she juggled the package while frantically searching her pockets for some change.

She released another curse when the only items she discovered in her coat pockets were an old Kleenex and a lint covered lifesaver, at least she hoped the fuzzy item was a lifesaver. She tossed the mysterious item to the ground not really wanting to discover its true identity. Penny glanced around quickly at the snow-covered street. It was getting late; surely no one would be checking the meters during the miserable conditions that surrounded her.

She decided to just deliver the package and be on her way. She grumbled bitterly as she slopped her way through the puddles and snow. "Had I known that it was going to be like this, I would have dressed for the occasion," she groused as a cold wind blew up her skirt.

The delivery of the package took only a few moments. Penny was relieved, but she did want to kick Mike's pompous butt when the man she delivered it to said that there really wasn't any hurry. There she was trudging back through the wet streets, being splashed by every passing car, freezing and praying that the heat in her car wouldn't decide to abandon her.

Penny's mantra during the trek back to her car was, "This sucks!" All she wanted was to be home in dry, warm clothing and snuggled under the covers sipping something warm. "You've got to be kidding me?" Penny sputtered when she spied the tall uniformed figure looking at her license plate and scribbling something on a notepad.

She increased her pace in a desperate effort to reach the dark figure in time. "Please," she whimpered in a pitiful manner as she approached the meter maid whose face she couldn't see. The woman wasn't as tall as she had thought, and her body and face were covered in a thick layer of navy blue clothing. Penny felt a pang of envy as she studied the woman's obviously warm uniform.

"I'm sorry Miss," came the muffled response as the woman tore the ticket from her pad.

"Peachy," Penny grunted as she furiously swiped her wet hair from her brow before snatching the ticket from the stunned officer's hand. Curious hazel eyes peered out from the thick wool scarf. Penny squirmed under the woman's scrutiny. There was something vaguely familiar in the meter maid's eyes.

Penny scrunched her brow trying to recall where she knew this woman. Then another icy breeze grasped her pantyhose forcing her to turn her attention back to getting home and out of the cold. "Okay," she said slowly as the meter maid's brow scrunched up.

"Have a nice day," the meter maid sputtered quickly.

"Too late," Penny muttered while she unlocked her car as the meter maid lingered by the car. She climbed into her car her body shivering from the cold. She watched in her rear view mirror as the meter maid slowly made her way down the street. "Now that was strange," she theorized as she shoved her key into the ignition.

She felt hopeful as she turned the key only to have her hopes come crashing down. "No!" She shouted when a dull clicking sound greeted her efforts. "I will not panic," she promised as she stroked the dashboard. "Come on Beulah," she cooed to her beloved car. Even Penny agreed that Beulah was an odd name for a car but it somehow fit the dilapidated vehicle. Stranger still she was completely convinced that by speaking nicely to her car would somehow coax it into starting.

After more sweet talk she tried once again to turn the key, only to have the car click in response. "Ugh!" She fumed as she banged her fists against the steering wheel. "You miserable piece of shit!" She was panting heavily as she tried to calm her weary nerves. "Okay, getting angry isn't the answer," she heaved as she once again tried in vain to get the car to start. "Oh, come on Beulah, Mommy is tired, cold, wet and cranky just start damn it," she raged as she kept turning the key.

The more she tried the more Beulah resisted, until even the faint click vanished. "I hate my life, I hate my life, I hate my life," she repeated as she shivered from the cold. Penny looked around at the now dark and empty streets. "Why?" She whimpered as the gravity of the situation struck her. The small blonde rifled through her bag in an effort to find something that might help get her out of the disastrous situation.

The only thing she discovered was that she had once again forgotten her wallet at home. She was already aware of this since it was the reason she didn't have lunch that afternoon and her cell phone needed to be charged. She could see her breath as she looked out the window hoping to find some sign of life or at least a telephone. It was late and everything seemed to be closed. "Why aren't there any payphones anymore?" She questioned as she stared at her dead cell phone and realized why payphones were quickly becoming a thing of the past.

She decided to give Beulah a few moments hoping that was what the tiny car needed. She kept a watchful eye out for a passer by, but apparently all of the sane people were inside where it was warm. Time passed slowly for the blonde who was cold, tired, and hungry and in urgent need of a rest room. She tried starting Beulah once again to no avail. The situation was grim as she tried to recall what she had passed during her drive through town that might provide aid or shelter.

Penny was on the verge of tears as she tried to decide which direction she should start walking. She sniffed as she glanced at her watch knowing that everything in town was closed at this hour. She had been sitting in the freezing night air for almost two hours feeling hopeless. She tried Beulah one last time before she decided it was time to brave the elements and hope for the best.

Penny was tightening her thin coat around her tiny body when a knock on the window startled her. She couldn't see outside since the windows had iced over. She sniffed when she pressed the button to lower the window. "No, power," she sniffed once again when she realized that she would have to open the door in order to found out who was knocking on the window.

"Please don't be an axe murderer, or at least kill me quickly," she sputtered as her teeth chattered while she reluctantly opened the car door. "Thank God," she exclaimed when she discovered the meter maid waiting for her. She gasped when the woman lowered her scarf revealing her face for the first time.

"Are you alright?" The woman asked with concern.

"Rita the meter maid," she absently responded as she recognized the stranger.

"A Beatles fan," Rita smiled. "I was wondering if you would remember me."

"I couldn't see your face earlier," Penny explained as a sudden rush of heat coursed through her body.

"You're Penny Nickerson right? We went to High School together?" Rita shyly continued.

"That's me," Penny stammered as the distant memory replayed in her weary mind.

"So, what seems to be the problem?" Rita asked as she peered into the car.

"You want a list?" Penny sniffed once again. The day had finally gotten to her and it was taking her last ounce of strength not to break down. Adding to her strife was her lovely savior. It was only one night when they were seventeen, but Penny never forgot what happened. "Beulah died," she finally managed to choke out.

"Beulah?" Rita questioned.

"My car," Penny tried to explain. "But with the way my day has been going I really shouldn't be surprised. First, I wasn't prepared for the snow, my boss was a jerk, I'm soaking wet, my cell phone is dead and I haven't eaten," she began to sob. 'And now I'm crying like a baby in front of the first girl I kissed,' she silently bemoaned.

"It is okay," Rita reassured her with a brilliant smile that made Penny's fragile heart skip a beat. "Do you have triple A?"

"Yes," Penny choked out. "But I left my wallet at home this morning."

"Not your day," Rita tried to tease the sobbing woman. "My Cherokee is parked right behind you," she explained as Penny craned her neck to see the large SUV with its motor running directly behind her car. "Why don't you climb inside and get warm. In fact climb in back there is a blanket and the heat is up full blast. I'll call a mechanic I know and trust and have you towed."

"Really?" Penny blubbered.

"Yes, really," Rita reassured her as she helped her out of the car and led her towards the dark SUV. "Where do you live?" The brunette asked as she helped the whimpering Penny into the back.

"Peabody," Penny sniffed as she wrapped herself up in the blanket.

"Oh," Rita grimaced before closing the door and walking around to the driver's side.

"I can't thank you enough," Penny chattered as her body trembled. The warmth of the car felt incredible yet her wet clothing kept the chill running through her.

"Not a problem," Rita sighed as she dialed her cell phone. "Hey Ted, its Rita . . ., I need a favor, a friend of mine broke down on Prospect Street and needs a tow."

Penny listened as Rita chatted with her friend. She smiled as she burrowed under the blanket thinking that Rita still had an amazing laugh. Penny had known the dark haired girl all through school, but they were never close until the night of the party Bobby Simmons threw when his parents went out of town one weekend. Penny had thought that the punch she was drinking was just punch. She was completely unaware that Scott, the little weasel, was adding a little something extra to her drink each time he would fetch her a new one.

Penny had no idea what was wrong with her when she suddenly discovered that she was inebriated and Scott was trying to lead her away from the party to one of the bedrooms upstairs. She was so disoriented that Scott almost succeeded until Rita stepped in. Rita was her hero that night, it was what happened later that changed Penny's world forever.

"I have good news and bad news," Rita sighed her sultry voice snapping Penny out of her thoughts.

"Do I want to hear this?" Penny winced.

"Well, the good news is Ted is going to tow your car to the shop," Rita brightly began. "I promised to leave the keys under the mat for him." Penny was grateful for the news but was more than a little curious as to just how she was going to be able to retrieve her car. "The bad news is the snow is getting worse and even with this big old clunker that I drive, I don't know if I can get you to Peabody tonight."

There was something about Rita's shy tone that Penny found positively endearing. "Oh?" Penny responded as she contemplated just where she was going to spend the evening.

"If you want," Rita shyly continued. "You can crash at my place; I don't live too far from here. Ted is going to call me when he knows what is wrong with your car. You might not get it back for a couple of days. I can drive you to work in the morning."

Penny's heart was pounding as she pondered the possibility of spending the night with Rita. "Again, my hero," she whispered absently.

"Yeah well," Rita stammered slightly through the darkness. Penny could have sworn she saw the taller woman blush. "I'll just take care of your keys and grab your stuff. Make yourself comfortable back there you must be chilled to the bone."

"Thank you," Penny sheepishly replied as Rita bolted out of the car.

Penny burrowed under the blanket shivering violently as she recalled the night of the party. Rita had grabbed her away from Scott who was very angry that she had interrupted his plans. She guided Penny into the laundry room and locked the door behind them.

She could still recall the way Rita held her tightly as she rubbed her back. "Are you alright?" Rita whispered as Penny nuzzled her face into the brunette's chest. Penny's body swayed as the alcohol confused her mind and body. There was something about the warmth of Rita's body and the faint aroma of her perfume that was making Penny feel very confused.

In her drunken stupor she began to drink in the scent of Rita's body while her hands began to caress the brunette's hips. "What are you doing?" Rita gulped as Penny's hands glided up along the supple curve of her body.

"Huh?" Penny slurred as she looked up into a pair of very confused hazel eyes. Suddenly she couldn't breathe or think she could only stare into Rita's eyes as her hands continued their exploration of the brunette's body. Before Penny could grasp what was happening she was kissing the taller girl.

She had no idea how they began kissing. The only thing she was conscious of was the feel of Rita's tongue invading her mouth and the way their hips began pressing against one another. Penny could still recall the whimper she released when Rita's thigh slipped between her legs. For the first time in her life Penny was aroused and she allowed her body to take over.

The kisses grew deeper as they gyrated against one another. Penny could feel the desire soaking through her underwear as she rocked against Rita's firm thigh. Her hips pounded harder as she felt Rita's hand cupping her breast. Her nipples hardened painfully as she was filled with a need that she didn't understand.

Just as suddenly as it began the kiss ended. Rita tore her soft lips away, although her hand remained on Penny's breast. "We shouldn't," Rita, stammered in a hushed whisper as they kept rocking against one another slowly. "I'm not like that," Rita tried to explain as Penny's muddled mind refused to listen. "Penny, you're drunk," the brunette tried to reason with her as Penny's nimble fingers began massaging Rita's ass.

The words finally seeped into her consciousness and Penny's hands stilled. "I'm sorry," she whimpered. "You hate me," she began to cry.

"No," Rita softly reassured her as they remained locked in a tight embrace. "You didn't know what you were doing. You're drunk."

"How did I get drunk?" Penny questioned completely mystified by the situation.

"Scott was spiking your drinks," Rita growled.

"Bastard," Penny slurred as she swayed slightly. She could feel the warmth spreading through her body as Rita tightened her hold on her.

"Why don't we sit down?" Rita suggested as she assisted the staggering Penny down onto the floor next to the washing machine.

Penny didn't think twice about snuggling up in Rita's embrace. She just enjoyed the feel of the brunette's hand caressing her shoulder. Penny leaned her head against Rita's chest as the room stopped spinning and listened to the sound of her heart beating. She began playing with the buttons on Rita's blouse while her companion kept caressing her shoulder.

She could feel her mind clearing ever so slightly as Rita's caresses drifted to her arm. While Rita's touch was turning from comfort to romance, Penny unbuttoned the top button on the brunette's blouse. She nudged the garment open and inhaled the delicate aroma of Rita's skin. She brushed her lips lightly against the exposed flesh eliciting a moan from her companion.

As Rita's fingers brushed lightly against the swell of her breast, Penny sensed what Rita wanted. The redhead had fanaticized about touching a woman before that moment; she just assumed that it was a silly fantasy she could never act upon. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or the way her skin tingled from Rita's touch, that led her to throw caution to the wind. She shifted her position so that she was straddling the brunette's body.

Rita's eyes widened with fear as Penny cupped the stunned girl's face in her hands. "You're a really good kisser," she offered in a breathy tone as she watched the rapid rise and fall of Rita's chest.

"So are you," Rita squeaked in response.

"You can," Penny offered as she leaned into Rita's body.

"We shouldn't," Rita feebly replied before Penny captured her lips.

Penny became lost in the fiery kiss as she felt Rita's hands caressing her stomach. "You can," she repeated with a labored breath as Rita's hands moved up her body. "I want you to."

"You've been drinking," Rita tried to argue as she filled her hands with the smaller girl's breasts. "I'd be taking advantage of you."

"I want you to," Penny huskily repeated as she arched her back pressing her breasts deeper into the brunette's hands. Rita was struggling to breathe as her eyes became locked on Penny's chest. "No one will know," she urged Rita on as she ground her center into the brunette's firm body.

"We shouldn't," Rita whimpered once again as she began to massage Penny's firm round breasts.

"Do you want to see them?" Penny asked with a hard swallow as her pelvis continued to brush against the brunette's body. Her head was pounding as she watched Rita wet her soft pink lips and nod her head. Penny's hips swayed slowly as she raised her arms above her head.

She could feel Rita trembling beneath her as she slowly lifted Penny's shirt. Penny never stopped grinding against her lover as her shirt was removed from her body. She felt a slight chill as her skin was revealed. Her body warmed instantly as Rita's hands began to touch her exposed flesh. "I can't help myself," Rita panted out her confession while her fingers traced the soft lace edges of Penny's bra. "I just love looking at women's breasts."

"Touch them," Penny encouraged while reaching behind her back and unclasping her bra. Rita released a throaty moan as Penny removed her bra and dropped it on the floor. The redhead's nipples hardened with anticipation as her lover's fingers drifted along her creamy white skin. Penny braced her hands against the washing machine as Rita's exploration expanded. As Rita's fingertips brushed against her nipples, Penny's body refused to remain idle as she thrust harder against the brunette.

Penny bit down on her lip stifling the scream that threatened to escape when she felt her lover's lips on her skin. Her jeans were damp with desire as Rita's tongue began to tease the erect buds. Her lip was beginning to swell as she bit it harder quieting the needy moans that were threatening to strangle her.

Penny's body began to thrust with urgency when Rita captured one of her nipples in her mouth. She thought she was going to explode when she felt the brunette suckling her. "I always wanted to do this," Rita panted against her skin.

Penny could only grunt in response as she felt Rita's fingers teasing the aching buds. "Tell me what you want?" Rita softly pleaded.

"I want to touch you," Penny choked out while her lover pinched and teased her nipples.

"Where?" Rita gasped as Penny ground harder against her.

Penny was struggling to breathe as she slowed the frantic rhythm of her hips and slipped her hand between their bodies. She swayed slightly her body quivering from the sensations coursing through her. She had to shift so she could reach her goal. "Here," she gasped as she slipped her hand between Rita's thighs and cupped her mound. She pressed the heel of her hand against the brunette's center.

Rita responded by wrapping her arms around Penny's back and drawing her breasts back to her eager lips. Penny struggled to remain on her knees while teasing her lover's clit. "Yes," Rita sighed against her skin before she began to suckle her once again.

"With my mouth," Penny timidly confessed as Rita teased her harder.

"Yes," Rita gasped.

"I want to lick you," Penny moaned as her lover's tongue teased her nipples.

"Yes," Rita repeated before she returned to feasting upon Penny's breasts.

Rita took her time playing with the smaller woman's nipples. With every flicker of the brunette's talented tongue Penny was certain that she was going to explode. Her thighs trembled as she felt the seam of her jeans rubbing against her clit. Hours seemed to pass as Rita fondled and tasted her.

Penny was struggling to breathe when her lover finally released her from her tender grasp. Her breasts were damp from her lover's mouth. She watched as Rita struggled to stand. Penny licked her dry lips as Rita leaned against the washing machine. Rita's eyes were glazed over as she gripped the edge of the machine and Penny knelt before her. The redhead caressed her hips before lowering the zipper on the brunette's faded blue jeans. "I've never done this before," she meekly confessed as she lowered Rita's jeans and underwear down her long legs.

"Neither have I," Rita choked out with a shallow breath.

The musky aroma of the brunette's desire made Penny's head spin. Carefully she brushed her fingers against the thick patch of hair. She smiled when she felt Rita's desire coating the tips of her fingers. She kissed the taller girl's thighs loving the feel of Rita quivering from her touch. She was nervous as she parted her lover. Slowly she lowered her head and dipped her tongue between the slick folds. She murmured with pleasure, as she tasted her lover for the first time.

Uncertain as to what she should do, she glided her tongue along the brunette's swollen lips drinking in the delightful nectar of her passion. She lapped up the over flowing juices until she felt the throbbing bundle pressing against her tongue. Rita moaned deeply when Penny teased the engorged nub. Penny teased it again and again each time rewarded by her lover's soft groans of pleasure.

When she captured it with her lips Rita's hips shot forward as she released a strangled cry. She suckled her harder as she looked up to find Rita with her head thrown back as she clutched the edge of the washing machine. She watched as Rita bit down on her lip in an effort to keep her pleasure silent.

Penny was on fire as she suckled her lover harder while Rita's body pressed harder against her. She clasped one of the brunette's hips with one hand as the other slipped between her thighs. She felt Rita's body trembling against her as she slipped inside of her warm wet center. Her own body was screaming for release as her fingers and mouth took Rita higher. The feel of Rita climaxing against her skin was so incredible that Penny didn't want to stop pleasuring the brunette. Penny could feel her own body trembling with excitement as Rita rocked against her touch.

Rita finally pried her body away from Penny's touch. "Holy Mother of . . .," the brunette gasped as she tried to steady her body. "That was amazing." The sounds of the party dying down reached them. Suddenly the both of them felt shy about what had just happened. "We should get going," Rita stammered as they began to get dressed. "You shouldn't drive, I'll give you lift." Penny simply nodded in agreement as they slipped out of the room and the party.

They rode in silence; Penny was a mass of confusion as she tried to understand what had happened. She looked over at Rita who was gripping the steering wheel. Not only had she indulged in something she had only dreamed about, she almost experienced her first orgasm simply by pleasuring another woman. Penny felt uncertain if it was the best thing that ever happened to her or the worst mistake she had ever made. She was filled with a sense of fear as she reached over and placed her hand on the brunette's thigh. The feel of firm muscles twitching beneath her touch renewed her desire.

She watched as Rita's breathing became ragged. Penny was terrified when Rita pulled the car over to a darkened parking lot and turned off the engine. Her first thought was the brunette was about to literally kick her to the curb. Instead Rita unhooked her seatbelt and turned to her. Penny was captivated by the look in the brunette's eyes. She quickly undid her own seatbelt and moved across the seat.

Their mouths met savagely as they began to make out. Rita lowered Penny's body down onto the seat never breaking the fiery kiss. Penny felt alive as she felt Rita's body covering her own. The brunette's hands quickly slipped up and under Penny's shirt. Penny moaned into the warmth of her lover's mouth as she felt her shirt and bra being pulled up until her breasts were once again exposed. "Oh my God," she gasped as Rita began to kiss her way down her body until she was once again feasting upon her breasts.

This time Rita's mouth continued to descend down along Penny's nimble body. The brunette kissed and tasted the redhead's skin as she unbuttoned her jeans. Penny was on fire as she lifted her hips and allowed Rita to pull her pants and underwear down to her ankles. She whimpered helplessly as Rita kissed her way back up her body pausing only to lick the back of her knees. With each brush of Rita's lips and tongue Penny trembled with an aching need. She parted her thighs when she felt Rita's hot breath teasing her damp curls.

Her body arched as she felt Rita parting her with her tongue as one of her hands glided back up her torso. Penny's world was spinning as she felt Rita's flattened tongue gliding along her sex while she captured one of her nipples between her long fingers. "Oh that's it," she pleaded as her lover's tongue teased her while her fingers pinched her nipple.

Penny thrashed beneath her lover, her ears were filled with a strange buzzing sound and she cried out her lover's name. The outside world faded away, as she became lost in the feel of Rita's touch. Penny grasped the back of the car seat and the dashboard as her body exploded. Everything turned dark as she erupted against her lover. She couldn't speak or think as her body continued to tremble. As she floated back into reality she understood for the first time the true meaning of having her world rocked.

She blew out a contented sigh as Rita's tongue caressed her trembling thighs. She still couldn't see clearly as she felt Rita's touch moving up along her torso. When her vision cleared she found Rita hovering above her. Penny pulled the brunette down on top of her and kissed her deeply. She moaned, as she tasted her wetness on her lover's lips.

Rita's beat up Plymouth rocked as they swayed against one another. Penny's hands fumbled as she wrestled with the zipper on her lover's blue jeans. "I need to be inside you," she pleaded as she yanked the jeans down Rita's hips. Rita gasped as she straddled Penny's body. Penny slipped her fingers inside of the brunette's underwear. She was surprised at the abundance of wetness that greeted her touch.

She stroked her lover's throbbing clit as Rita mimicked her actions. They teased each other until they slipped deep inside of the other's wetness. The car windows fogged up as their moans filled the night air. Penny felt her body falling as her lover's body tightened around her as they wildly cried out the other's name. Penny felt on top of the world as Rita collapsed against her.

"Please don't tell anyone," Rita whimpered in her ear.

Penny pushed the brunette off of her as the sweetness of the moment vanished and the harsh reality came crashing down. "I'm sorry," Rita quickly apologized.

"Whatever," Penny huffed as she pulled up her pants.

"God, I'm such an ass," Rita grumbled as she began to adjust her own clothing.

"Yeah," Penny concurred as she glared at the other girl. "Not the words I really wanted whispered in my ear at that particular moment."

"I really am sorry," Rita pleaded as she reached out to Penny only to have her hands swatted away.

"Fine," Penny hissed as she adjusted her clothing. "Just take me home."

Rita released a heavy sigh as she started the car. Penny brooded during the drive home. She blew out an exasperated breath as they pulled into the driveway. "I said I was sorry," Rita grumbled as she put the car in park.

"I know," Penny conceded with a scowl. "I know you're scared. So am I," she added as she faced the brunette.

"It was very special," Rita offered with a quiet sincerity. "I'm just really confused."

"Me too," Penny smiled shyly as she took Rita by the hand. "But I don't regret it."

"Neither do I," Rita responded with a brilliant smile.

They shared a quick kiss before Penny went into the house. They never talked about what had happened, although Penny silently wished that it would happen again. It never did they just went their separate ways and lost touch.

*****

"Penny?" Rita's rich voice invaded her slumber.

"Huh?" Penny grumbled as her eyes blinked open. She was surprised to find that they were parked in a strange driveway. "I fell asleep?" She yawned before blushing as she recalled the passionate dream. Somehow she had gone from remembering what had happened to dreaming about it.

"Sounds like you really needed it," Rita offered as she held the car door open for her.

"Huh?" Penny stammered as she climbed out of the large SUV.

"Sleep," Rita explained as she handed Penny her bag. "After the day you've had, you must be exhausted."

"Right," Penny blushed as she followed behind the meter maid.

Penny couldn't help wondering if she made any sounds while she was napping in the backseat of Rita's car. Over the years, more than one lover told her she talked in her sleep. She felt apprehensive as she followed Rita into the two family house and up to the second floor apartment. Once they stepped inside the homey little apartment, Rita was charming and very gracious offering Penny use of her shower while she fixed them something to eat.

Penny felt much better after a long hot shower. She emerged from the bathroom wrapped up in Rita's very large bathrobe. She wandered around until she found her hostess standing over the stove in the kitchen. Penny released a hearty laugh when she spied a magnet on the refrigerator with Jennifer Tilly's picture.

"What?" Rita who was now clad in a pair of sweat pants and an old t-shirt, merrily inquired.

"Still a breast woman I see," Penny quipped as she pointed to the magnet which mostly showed the actress's cleavage.

"Hell yes," Rita boasted with a smirk before she returned her attention to the pot on the stove. "And you?" The brunette slyly added.

"Oh yeah," Penny gleefully confessed as she peered over the brunette's shoulder. "What's for dinner?"

"Clam chowder," Rita supplied as she turned off the stove. "Perfect for a cold winter night."

"You are a goddess," Penny sighed gratefully as she watched Rita pouring the chowder into two large mugs.

They settled down on the sofa in the living and began eating. "Cable is out," Rita explained as she tossed down the remote control.

"We could always talk," Penny suggested as she studied her companion. Rita had grown into a beautiful, confident woman. Penny was finding it more than a little hard to concentrate on her dinner with the attractive brunette sitting so closely to her.

"That would be nice," Rita agreed with another warm smile. "So, what's new?"

Penny released another hearty laugh at the comment. "Can I ask you something?" She carefully began.

"Anything," Rita shrugged. "It isn't like we are strangers, although it has been what, nine years since the last time we saw each other."

"Wow," Penny sighed as she realized just how much time had passed. "Uhm, when I was sleeping in the backseat of your car, did I snore?"

"No," Rita reassured her with a mischievous grin.

"Did I say anything?" Penny cautiously inquired.

"Uh huh," Rita nodded with a cocky grin.

"What did I say?" Penny blurted out in a panic.

"Not much," Rita taunted her, as her grin grew brighter.

Penny was horrified as she glared at her companion. "Relax," Rita chuckled. "It wasn't that bad. Let's just say, it saved me from asking if you were gay or not. Can I ask what you were dreaming about?" Rita encouraged the redhead who was burying her face in her hands.

"No," Penny barked in response as Rita giggled.

"Come on," Rita urged still laughing at Penny's strife. "Apparently I was involved; I have a right to know."

"You suck," Penny gaped at her friend before releasing a light chuckle. Rita just sat there grinning at her and wiggling her eyebrows. "When I fell asleep, I was thinking about that party and that is what I dreamt about," she finally explained.

"The night we had sex in the laundry room," Rita sighed as she cleared away the soup mugs. "God that was a great night. Until I stuck my foot in my mouth," she added glumly before she ducked into the kitchen. "Speaking of laundry, I need to check on your clothes," Rita called out from the other room.

Penny was amazed by how relaxed she felt just being with Rita. She smiled when the brunette returned and resumed her seat next to her. "When did you come out?" Rita inquired still smiling. Penny almost missed the brunette's question since she was more interested in watching the way Rita's lips moved as she spoke rather than actually listening to what she was saying.

"Sophomore year in college," Penny sighed as she drew attention away from the brunette's soft supple lips.

"I beat you by a year," Rita boasted. "Although, I was tempted back in high school to try to get you to out with me."

"Really?" Penny huskily retorted as her eyes drifted along Rita's body. "I thought about it too. There was this one time during senior year when I spent the whole day looking for you. Then when I found you, you were sucking face with Troy."

"Yuck," Rita winced with disgust.

"I was pissed," Penny laughed at the memory. "But Susie Albright cheered me up."

"Susie?" Rita gasped.

"Yeah," Penny smirked. "I ended up at her house, her parents weren't home and we were just hanging out in the kitchen. Next thing I know I was bent over the kitchen table and learning that Susie had some very interesting ways to use produce." Penny blushed at the memory. "So, do you like being a meter maid?"

"That was a quick change," Rita snickered as she tucked her legs under her body. "Yes, I do. I get to be outside all day long, which is usually a good thing, except on days like today. And let me tell you when you have PMS being paid to screw up someone's day is a definite bonus."

"You like giving people parking tickets?" Penny gasped while trying to keep her focus away from the way Rita's nipples were pressing against the thin material of the shirt she was wearing.

"Yes, I do and my eyes are higher," Rita teased the redhead.

"I'm sorry," Penny blurted out embarrassed that she had been caught ogling her hostess.

"Hey," Rita said softly as Penny tried to pull away.

She gasped as Rita reached over and clasped her shoulder. Penny felt the warmth spreading through her body as Rita closed the distance between them. "I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one who still feels it," Rita whispered as she cupped Penny's face.

"Feels what?" Penny whispered as she leaned into Rita's touch.

"This," Rita panted before she brushed her lips lightly against Penny's. "Am I out of line?" Rita timidly asked as she brushed her cheek against Penny's.

"No," Penny sighed as her eyes fluttered shut, her senses reeling from the feel of Rita's breath caressing her face. She laced her fingers through Rita's hair and drew her in for a lingering kiss. Penny moaned deeply as she felt the brunette tugging playfully on her bottom lip. Penny's lips parted eager to taste more of her lover. Her body became overheated as she felt a pair of knowing hands brushing against her waist.

Penny filled her hands with Rita's long, silky hair as she drew her in closer. Her tongue teased her lover's as she felt a gentle tug on the sash of her bathrobe. Penny's stomach fluttered as she tried to wrap her body around the brunette's. They were gasping for air as they parted. Penny's lips were still tingling from Rita's kisses. She buried her face in the brunette's neck as she felt her bathrobe opening.

She whimpered when she felt Rita's fingers stilling against her bare flesh. "This is happening a little too fast," Rita cooed as Penny nibbled on the softness of her neck. "You're not just doing this to get out of that parking ticket are you?"

Penny snickered at the brunette's quick wit as she gazed up at the brunette. "Maybe," she jested as she leaned back resting her head on the sofa cushions. Penny's pulse quickened from Rita's smoldering gaze. She watched as the brunette cautiously parted the robe revealing more of the redhead's body.

"You are even more beautiful than I remember," Rita blew out with appreciation as her eyes caressed the Penny's body. Penny leaned back giving her lover a better view of her naked form. "This is where I should suggest that you sleep in my bed and volunteer to sleep on the sofa."

"Why?" Penny challenged the brunette who was still studying her body. Penny sighed softly her body trembling from Rita's gaze. She felt as if the brunette was touching her simply by looking at her. "Are you involved with someone?"

"No," Rita sighed softly as her eyes continued to wander. Penny parted her thighs hoping to encourage the brunette to do more than simply look at her. Penny's body was already on fire from Rita's look, now she needed to feel her touch.

"We're adults this time," Penny reasoned as she studied the softness of Rita's face and the supple curve of her neck. Her stomach quivered as Rita's fingers began to move slowly across it. "We can stop if that is what you want," she murmured as she began to caress the brunette's thigh.

"What do you want?" Rita asked her voice dripping with sensuality as her blunt nails traced Penny's hips.

"I want what I wanted in high school," Penny whispered her hand drifting higher up the brunette's thigh. "I want to taste you, to touch you, to be inside you and I want so much more."

Rita released a throaty growl as she lifted her gaze. Penny gasped from the intensity of Rita's gaze and knowing that her eyes were mirroring the brunette's desire. Rita smiled at her. The only sound came from their shallow breathing as they stared deeply into one another's eyes. Penny broke the intensity when Rita's tongue darted out and wet her soft pink lips. She whimpered from the sight. "Why are you resisting this?" She questioned the brunette.

"Because a decade ago I blew it," Rita stammered while her hands caressed Penny's taut abdomen. "I really liked you back then; I didn't understand what I was feeling. Didn't you ever wonder how I knew what Scott was trying to pull that night?"

Penny's scrunched her brow at the question she had never thought about. She quickly forgot the inquiry when she felt Rita's hands gliding higher up her body. "I couldn't take my eyes off you that night," Rita prattled on. "But I was always doing that whenever you were around. Tonight I'm feeling this incredible connection to you and we've barely spoken to one another."

"I understand," Penny gasped from the feel of Rita's fingers brushing against the softness of her breast. "And if you want to take this slow, you have to stop doing that," she choked out as they neared one another.

"I know," Rita whimpered helplessly as her lips collided with Penny's.

Penny was filled with elation as she kissed her lover deeply. Neither of them could resist the power drawing them together. Penny's head fell back as Rita's hands covered her breasts. "Oh yeah still a breast woman," she snickered as she felt her nipples puckering in response.

"Can't help myself," Rita moaned as she began to kiss the soft plain of the redhead's neck.

Penny's eyes fluttered shut; her lover lavished her neck with soft kisses as her nimble fingers teased her erect buds. Her clit was throbbing as she felt Rita slipping off of the sofa and nestling her body between Penny's thighs. She managed to open her eyes slightly to find her lover kneeling on the floor. Penny wrapped her legs around the brunette's body, feeling her wetness glistening on her skin as she guided Rita closer.

She could feel Rita's hot breath teasing her flesh as the brunette's lips moved down her body. She cried out as she felt her nipple being captured between Rita's lips. Instinctively her body arched pressing more of her breast into her lover's mouth. She clasped the back of the meter maid's head while her hips began moving against the brunette's body.

Penny's body thrashed urgently as her thoughts turned to how much she wanted to feel Rita's naked flesh pressed against her own. "I want to see you," she growled while her lover's teeth grazed against her nipple. She felt frustrated when Rita refused to yield her exploration. "Fuck," she groaned as her lover suckled her harder and she ground her wetness against the brunette's t-shirt.

"Not yet," Rita taunted her as she flickered her tongue against her nipple.

"Damn it woman," she sighed as Rita buried her face between her breasts. "Do you have any idea how good you feel," she murmured while massaging her lover's scalp.

Rita lifted her head slightly and tenderly kissed the valley between the redhead's breasts. "Show me," Rita encouraged her as she leaned back slightly. Penny shivered as her lover held her gaze and clasped her wrists.

Penny tried to slow her breathing while her lover guided her hand down the front of her body. "Show me," the brunette repeated as she led Penny's trembling fingers down to her wetness. Penny licked her lips as she parted herself. She inhaled sharply as she watched Rita lean back and watch her movements. "So wet," Rita sighed deeply as she watched Penny gathering her passion with her fingers.

Penny smiled boldly as she brought her fingers to Rita trembling lips. She felt a knot in the pit of her stomach as she watched her lover's tongue snake out and lick the wetness from her tiny digits. Rita's tongue swirled around each digit before plunging them into the warmth of her mouth. Penny struggled against the fire brewing inside of her as she felt her lover's teeth teasing her fingers as she sucked the last drops of passion from them.

Penny didn't hesitate; once Rita released her hand from her grasp she returned it to her overflowing wetness and began to stroke her clit. Rita watched her movements carefully her eyes clouded with desire. Penny fingers glided against her aching nub in a flurry. "Stand up," she instructed her lover her fingers never slowing as she teased herself.

She watched as Rita slowly stood. "Take off your clothes," she panted parting her thighs so her lover could see everything she was doing. Rita watched her intently as she removed her clothing. Once the tall brunette was standing before her completely exposed for her appreciative gaze, Penny plunged two digits deep inside her center.

Rita groaned deeply as she watched Penny's fingers slip deeper inside her center. "I need to touch you," Rita stammered.

"You will," Penny promised her fingers slipping out of the warm wetness. "Baby," she pleaded softly. "Kneel down," Rita sank to her knees. "Turn around," Penny continued her body aching to touch the other woman who was eagerly complying with her instructions. Rita turned away from her, clasped the edges of the coffee table and raised her backside for her lover.

Penny was salivating at the sight of this beautiful woman offering herself up to her. She slipped down so she was behind her lover. Slowly her hands massaged the smooth skin on the brunette's back, caressing slowly until she was filling her hands with the firm flesh of her backside. Her lover moaned parting her thighs revealing her glistening wetness to the redhead's eager eyes.

She traced the firm flesh with the tips of her fingers carefully exploring every inch of the brunette's ass. She felt a sense of excitement fueling her on as she listened to her lover's desperate pleas. She slipped her hand between Rita's quivering thighs filling it with her lover's passion.

She glided her fingers along Rita's swollen nether lips contemplating the many ways she wanted to touch this woman. She teased her as she began to kiss and lick her backside as she felt her lover swaying against her touch. She tasted her lover's passion while her fingers teased the brunette's clit. Tracing her lover's skin with her tongue as her body slipped further down onto the floor, she could hear Rita begging for her touch.

She didn't need to ask her lover to part her legs, the brunette's body simply responded to her touch. Pressing her fingers against the opening of Rita's center she began to drink in her wetness. She drank in Rita's passion as her fingers slipped inside of the brunette. Rita's body thrust against her touch as she stroked the brunette with her tongue and fingers.

She became lost in the feel and taste of her lover's body as she took her harder. Her own pleasurable cries were muffled by her lover's flesh while she felt Rita's body trembling against her skin. Silently she urged her lover to climax, needing to drown in Rita's ecstasy. "Harder," the brunette cried out as Penny happily granted her request.

She was unable to curb her movements even as Rita exploded against her. Only when Rita pulled away from her did she relinquish her hold. Before she could center herself she was wrapped in Rita's arms as the brunette captured her in a smoldering kiss. Each of them understanding it was just the beginning for them; Rita slipped the bathrobe from Penny's body and guided her up against the sofa.

Penny's head was spinning as she found herself teetering half on and half off of the sofa as her lover's hand cupped her mound. Penny ground her clit against the heel of Rita's hand, clinging to the cushions as her lover teased her. "Take me," she screamed out rocking against the brunette's touch.

She exploded as she felt Rita inside of her and the brunette's tongue suddenly flickering against her clit. Strange words escaped her lips while her lover's mouth and fingers drove her to new heights. The world went black as she was encompassed in sheer ecstasy. Her body continued to soar as her lover's touch never slowed until she was left limp and dazed.

As her vision cleared her throat felt raw from the screams she released. She looked down to find concerned hazel eyes staring back at her. Penny tried to think of something to say that could express the joy she felt at that moment, her muddled mind preventing her from forming the words. Rita's lips fluttering against her stomach centered her. She smiled as she ran her fingers through Rita's hair. "Bed?" She finally managed to squeak out as her lover chuckled against her belly.

"Bed," Rita confirmed with a brilliant smile as she stood. Penny swayed as her lover helped her to her feet. "Sadly we have to get up in a couple of hours," Rita explained as she led them into the bedroom.

Penny felt a sense of peace as Rita climbed into the large bed and spooned her. "It feels so good to hold you," Rita whispered softly.

"Finally you know what to say," Penny murmured playfully.

"Took me long enough," Rita sighed.

"You just turned one of the worst days in my life to one of the best," Penny cooed as she felt sleep creeping up on her.

"This is just the beginning," Rita promised.

"I hope so," Penny yawned as she fell into a blissful slumber.

The End

Michelle’s Chance

By Mavis Applewater

May 2003

Disclaimers: The characters and story are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced, posted or sold without the author’s permission. So there! If for any reason real or imagined you are uncomfortable with graphic descriptions of a lovely sexual relationship between two consenting adult women 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 leave and don’t come back 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.

*****

She inhaled the scent of hay and horse sweat. The petite strawberry blonde smiled as she drank in the scent that was a source of comfort to her, just like walking into her Grandmother’s home and being wrapped in the delicate aroma of spices and pine. She missed visiting the elderly woman who had meant the world to her. Now all Michelle Parrish was left with were the stables she ran at Covington Farms.

She never tired of the looks of surprise she would receive from people when she explained what she did for a living. They found it hard to believe that the tiny woman spent her days training and caring for horses. Michelle had originally dreamed of becoming a jockey. At a young age, despite her tiny stature, she quickly grew past the acceptable size for a champion jockey. She quickly moved on to the steeple where she excelled until an injury left her unable or unwilling to compete.

Soon the stables would fill up with workers and riders and her day would begin. For now it was just she and twenty of her best friends. Of course her best friends all had four legs and could swat flies with their tails, but Michelle enjoyed their company much more than the two-legged chatty kind.

She spied the first of the crew shuffling into the stables. She wandered out of the stable and up to the tiny cottage, which served as her office and her home. It was one of the perks of working at Covington for so many years. She understood that if she ever lost her job she would lose her home as well. She reviewed the day’s schedule of classes and training before she would head back down and meet with her crew.

She didn’t fear losing her job. She had come to Covington as an instructor after the accident and Crenshaw released her from her contract. No one wanted a champion rider with a bad limp and a nervous seat. She had understood Frank Crenshaw kicking her to the curb after the fall, but loosing Chance was what really made it easy for the small woman to move on.

She gathered up her schedules and headed back down the small hill that led directly to the stable and the training area. She liked to talk to all of the crew and handlers on a one to one basis. It gave Michelle a sense of how everyone was doing and if maybe they needed a break or even more work.

She was well liked by everyone from the stable hands to the groomers. Yet none of them could claim that they really knew her. Michelle felt the sun warming her body as she began to meet with the crew. The morning frost was a source of serenity but it was also a reminder of what she had lost. The cool morning air always brought a twinge of pain in her left leg. She could feel the day warming and the stiff pain leaving her leg. She knew that she still walked with a noticeable limp but as the day grew warmer it was would wane just enough to make her forget what had happened. ’Just a mere centimeter off and a sudden flash of doubt and I ended both of our careers.’ She mentally berated herself once again for the accident that had occurred almost a decade ago.

Michelle was just finishing up with her staff as she spotted Hank Kenner, the owner of Covington Farms, entering the barn. Her gaze quickly shifted from her employer to the elegantly dressed woman who was following behind him. ’Oh very nice.’ Her mind cooed as she found herself staring into a pair of electric blue eyes. She allowed her gaze to drift along the tall woman’s body as the couple neared her. She frowned when she spied the woman’s footwear. ’Now what kind of fool would wear shoes like that in a barn?’ She thought as she watched the woman wobbling on her very expensive footwear.

"Chelle, Darling would you come over here?" Hank called out to her as he assisted his companion back towards the door.

"Sure Hank," Michelle chuckled as she watched the woman stumbling on her heels. She smirked as she caught the boys’ snickering comments regarding the tall brunette.

Michelle rolled her emerald eyes as she found Hank and his guest standing by a trailer. The brunette’s shoes were now sinking into the mud. "I should have known better," the woman teased Hank as she balanced herself on his arm.

‘No kidding,’ Michelle mentally grumbled as she approached the pair. "Boss?" She greeted the elderly man who had been like a father to her for the past decade.

"Michelle, I’d like you to meet Adrienne Hollingsworth," Hank smiled down at her.

‘Now that is an incredibly white girl name,’ Michelle scoffed as she offered her hand to the tall brunette. "Michelle Parrish."

"A pleasure to meet you Miss Parrish," Adrienne smiled in return as she firmly gripped the smaller woman’s hand. "Hank speaks very highly of you."

Michelle simply nodded as she reluctantly released the brunette’s hand from her own. She felt a shiver run through her body as their fingers brushed slightly. "Chelle, Adrienne will be boarding her horse with us, and she and her son will be taking riding lessons. I want you to handle them personally," Hank brightly explained as Michelle felt her cheeks growing hot.

‘Riding lessons? He wants me to give riding lessons to some spoiled brat and her spawn!’ Michelle thought bitterly. It had been years since she had given personal instructions. With running the stables she really didn’t have time to baby-sit some socialite who decided that horses would become her new hobby. "It would be my pleasure," She managed to choke out as she glanced over to the horse trailer. Michelle wasn’t normally a nasty person. But she just couldn’t stand people who treated the sport she loved so much like just another passing fancy. The fact that Ms. Hollingsworth bought a horse before either she or her child could ride spoke volumes to the small blonde. "Let’s have a look at your horse." She quickly suggested before she could explode and release a tirade upon her boss and the socialite. She lowered the ramp and unlocked the trailer.

Once the black stallion was revealed she felt her breathing catch as she reached out for him. "Careful he seems to be very skittish," the brunette cautioned her as Michelle stepped up and the stallion instantly nuzzled her neck. "Then again," the brunette gasped in amazement.

"Chance," Michelle cooed as she patted her long lost friend.

"You didn’t even need to check his tattoo," Hank chuckled as Michelle led Chance out of the stuffy little trailer.

"I didn’t need to," Michelle smiled as she led him carefully down the ramp. "Chance and I grew up together."

"Well it seems that you have chosen the right trainer," Adrienne complimented Hank as Michelle led Chance into a stall. The horse followed her without question.

"I’ll be back in a little while," She reassured the horse before walking out of the barn and rejoining Hank and Adrienne who were chatting away about the weather. "Ms. Hollingsworth I don’t understand something," she began in careful tone not wanting to upset the wealthy woman who had reunited her with Chance. "You want Chance trained?"

"He won’t let anyone ride him." Adrienne tried to explain.

"I know," Michelle coldly responded. She paused for a moment to take a deep breath in order to calm her nerves. "The best thing for both you and Chance is put him out to stud."

"Lucky boy," Adrienne said as she released a deep laugh. "Well, we can discuss that, but right now I need to set up a lesson schedule."

"Fine," Michelle conceded with a shrug. "Why don’t we head up to my office?" She waved her hand to the small hill. She couldn’t stop the evil smirk from emerging as she thought of the tall brunette trying to navigate her way up the hill in her heels. ‘Now why would someone so tall wear high heels?’ Michelle shook her head in disgust as Hank and Ms. Hollingsworth said their goodbyes.

Michelle almost burst out laughing on more than one occasion as she assisted the tall brunette up the hill. The only problem that plagued her was touching this woman felt all too good. The small blonde managed to brush aside the unwanted thoughts by the time they entered the cottage.

In the very front of the cottage was Michelle’s office. There was a locked door behind the desk that led to her private residence. It gave Michelle the solitude that she craved. Her nights and days spent near what she truly loved, and now Chance was back. She couldn’t help the nagging fear of wondering just how long that would last.

"Have a seat," Michelle offered in the most gracious manner she could muster as she hobbled over to her desk. She didn’t miss the brunette’s curious gaze as she limped across the tiny office.

"These are ruined," the brunette grumbled as she held up her high heels that were now caked in mud.

"Apparently," Michelle smirked. "Now you want lessons for you and your son?"

"T.J.," Adrienne added with a bright smile. "The horse was a gift from my father."

"Chance," Michelle grumbled as she corrected her. "And now he wants to ride Chance. Not going to happen."

"T.J. will be broken hearted," Adrienne sighed deeply. "So typical of my father."

"As I said Chance won’t take a rider," Michelle said quickly not wanting to hear about whatever dysfunctions this woman was dealing with. "Put him out to stud. He comes from a fine line and he is a champion."

"I don’t understand," Adrienne said with surprise. "Then why is it no one can ride him? You were his owner why can’t anyone ride him?"

"I never owned Chance," Michelle spat out. "Sorry, I could never afford to own or stable a horse as fine as Chance. There was an accident and Chance has refused a rider ever since. None of that matters, to be honest Chance is getting on in years and really shouldn’t be used as a pleasure horse. In the meantime I’d be happy to care for Chance and give both you and your son lessons."

Michelle was relieved when her meeting with the pushy Adrienne Hollingsworth came to an end and the woman finally left her office. She didn’t waste anytime heading back down to the stable to spend time with Chance. "How long has it been?" She heard Hank ask as she was brushing Chance down.

"Five years or so," Michelle offered. "Is he the reason why I’m giving Ms. Hollingsworth riding lessons?"

"Yes," Hank answered with a smile. "As soon as I found out she owned him, I just knew I had to put the two of you together."

"She is convinced her kid is going to ride him," Michelle snarled. "Even if he had finished his career he would be retired by now."

"I know," Hank agreed.

"Crenshaw didn’t want him," Michelle continued absently. "I talked him into buying him."

"I know," Hank chuckled. "You broke him, trained him and the two of you became champions together."

"And then I took it away from both of us," Michelle grumbled the flat brush strapped to her hand stilling against Chance.

"It was an accident," Hank argued with her. "You can’t keep blaming yourself."

"It was my fault," Michelle protested. "I made a critical error and shattered both my leg and Chance’s confidence all in one moment of panic."

Despite Hank’s words of protest she knew it was the truth. She also knew that even though Chance was just a horse he blamed himself as well. They approached the jump just as they had a thousand times before, and at the last moment she realized that she was off her mark and panicked pulling up on the reins. It was a rookie mistake that was beneath her. She and Chance never cleared the hurdle and they both went crashing to the ground.

When she was pulled from beneath Chance’s massive body the small blonde was more terrified that the horse had been injured than worried about her own injury. Chance was fine sparing him from the unthinkable. Michelle knew that she would recover from her injury but her days in the saddle would never be what they had once been. Chance seemed to understand this as well and from that day on he never allowed anyone to put a saddle on his back. She begged and pleaded with Frank to give her more time with him, but the horse’s owner sold him before anyone could find out that he wouldn’t allow anyone to mount him. Michelle tried to keep track of Chance over the years praying that someday someone would understand and simply retire him. Now he was a pet for some spoiled kid who didn’t know one end of a horse from another. The very idea infuriated the small blonde.

*****

A few days later Michelle walked out into the ring leading Solan and Kit, two of the stables training horses, with her. She frowned when she noticed the tall brunette and the adorable dark haired boy clinging to his mother’s leg. "Good Morning," Adrienne greeted her brightly.

"You must be T.J," Michelle responded with a smile as she knelt down to address the young boy whose eyes gleamed just as brightly as his mother’s.

"Thomas Jefferson Hollingsworth," the little imp announced proudly as he offered his hand to her.

"Now that is a mouth full," Michelle chuckled. "I’m Michelle Parrish and you may call me Michelle. Now, aren’t you a fine looking cowboy?" She added noting the boy’s jeans, plaid shirt and boots that matched his mother’s attire. Just one problem," she began slowly as she rose back up to her full height. "Helmets?"

"Don’t want to wear one," T.J. protested with a huff.

"No helmet no riding," Michelle informed him directly as he cast a heart wrenching pout up at her. "Not going to work on me young man. Riding a horse can be a wonderful experience, but just like when you ride in a car there are things you need to do before you can go anywhere."

"Next year Mama said I might be big enough to ride in the front," T.J. exclaimed proudly.

"Good for you," Michelle complimented him. "Now when you ride with your Mama in the car you always wear your seatbelt don’t you?" The young boy nodded in understanding. "And when you ride with me you always wear a helmet."

"Okay," T.J. agreed with a toothy grin.

"How about while your mother gets your helmets I tell you a little bit about Kit the horse you will be riding," Michelle explained as she tethered Solan and brought Kit the much smaller horse around for T.J. to examine.

"I want to ride Chance," The boy whined as Michelle’s brow furrowed.

"Not yet sweetie," Adrienne offered to her son as Michelle glared up at the tall brunette. "I will be right back. You behave and listen to everything Ms. Parrish tells you."

Once they were alone Michelle led T.J. around Kit explaining the best way to approach the animal. "Never sneak up on her or another horse," Michelle explained carefully as she encouraged the boy to pat the small appaloosa.

"She’s smaller than Chance," T.J. noted as he reached up and stroked Kit gently.

"Yes she is," Michelle chuckled drawn in by the boy’s enthusiasm. "You remember when you learned how to ride a bike?" The boy nodded in understanding as Michelle carefully lifted him up so he could pat more of the animal. "Learning to ride a horse is a lot like that."

"That’s why I need to wear a helmet," The boy nodded as he tangled his tiny fingers in Kit’s mane. "So I won’t get a boo-boo."

"That’s right," Michelle encouraged him as she watched the attractive brunette climb back into the training ring. "And yours?" She questioned the taller woman as she placed T.J. carefully back down on the ground.

"I don’t," Adrienne began her words cut off by Michelle’s harsh stare.

"Mama we have to wear them just like when we ride our bicycles’ Chelle said so," T.J. chastised his mother.

"I’ll be right back," Adrienne muttered seemingly accepting that she was out numbered.

Michelle smiled at the little boy’s bravado as she placed the helmet on his head. She carefully instructed him how to adjust the helmet knowing the more he could do on his own the more he would enjoy riding. Then she gently lifted him into the saddle. "I’m going to teach you how to climb up all by yourself, but for now I’ll just lift you."

T.J. agreed as she explained about the reins and the stirrups and the proper way to guide the horse around. She held the reins as he clutched onto Kit’s mane and she led him for his first circle around the ring. She didn’t miss the look of panic in Adrienne’s crystal blue eyes when she spied her tiny son on top of the large animal.

"He is just fine," Michelle reassured the panicked woman. "Have you ever ridden?"

"Yes," Adrienne stammered as she walked along side her son. "He is so far off the ground."

"He is fine," Michelle chuckled as T.J. squealed with delight. "Now how much do you know?"

"I took lessons on and off until I was about thirteen," Adrienne offered nervously as she lingered closely to Kit and her son.

"Good," Michelle nodded. "Still remember how to take a mount?"

"Yes," Adrienne stammered. "Shouldn’t I stay with T.J.?"

"T.J. what do you think?" Michelle snickered as Adrienne frowned down at her.

"Mama ride," T.J. exclaimed.

"Fine," the brunette grumbled as she pulled her helmet onto her head.

"Good, show me what you got," Michelle teased suddenly blushing as she realized just what she had said sounded.

"Anytime," Adrienne whispered hotly in the blonde’s ear before walking over to Solan.

Michelle shivered as the taller woman easily mounted the palomino. "Oh my," she said as she released a frustrated breath. She quickly returned her attention to T.J. and began her instructions.

Later the three of them were in the stable and Michelle was teaching T.J. the proper way to brush Chance. "I think I need to instruct the two of you separately," Michelle explained.

"But," Adrienne began to protest.

"You are much more advanced than T.J.," Michelle continued. "It would be better if I didn’t have to split the time between the two of you. He will get bored when I’m working with you and you are much too nervous watching him. Perhaps his father could come down for his lessons?" She suggested in a professional manner, while she pondered just what Adrienne husband was like?

"Who?" Adrienne asked in confusion before she realized what she had said. "Oh, well that isn’t . . . we’ll talk about that later."

"I’m special," T.J. exclaimed proudly.

"Yes you are," Adrienne reassured her son.

"I see," Michelle smiled in understanding, as she found herself locked in an intense gaze with the tall brunette.

"Mama said that Chance is a champion," T.J. chimed in breaking the heated looks the two women were sharing.

"Yes he is," Michelle informed the bright youngster. "In fact he won the Olympics."

"He has a gold medal?" T.J. exclaimed as Adrienne looked over at Michelle with admiration. "Can I see it?"

"I’m sorry," Michelle apologized to the disappointed boy. "All of his trophies are with the stable that owned him back then." It frosted Michelle’s cookies to no end that Frank Crenshaw proudly displayed all of the ribbons and trophies she and Chance had won and then sold the horse at the first sign of trouble.

"Maybe Ms. Parrish will show you hers?" Adrienne suggested with a smirk. "You were his rider weren’t you?"

‘Rats! You fight dirty lady.’ Michelle mentally grumbled as she found T.J. looking up at her with a pleading smile. "Sure," Michelle heard herself agreeing. "I’ll try to dig it out of storage so I can show it to you sometime."

*****

Months later Michelle was brushing Chance down after her late lesson with Adrienne. The woman was driving the small blonde insane. She was polite but a little too touchy for Michelle’s comfort. Truth be told she loved it when Adrienne’s hand would find its way to her arm or shoulder. That was the problem, Adrienne Hollingsworth was way out her league and Michelle knew it. Plus she was a client, and was probably straight. Michelle wasn’t very sure about Adrienne’s orientation. The way that the tall brunette acted around her when no one else was around definitely felt like she was flirting with Michelle. Michelle just wished she knew what was going on in the brunette’s head. ‘Is she attracted to me or is this just some game she is playing?’ She wondered once again. Not knowing was driving the small blonde crazy and as she limped out of Chance’s stall she grimaced. Once again she reminded herself that it didn’t matter what Adrienne’s intentions were, she had nothing to offer the tall dark socialite.

"Hey there." She heard Adrienne’s rich voice call out to her as the brunette stepped into the stable carrying the bag she kept her riding gear in on her shoulder. Michelle’s body once again betrayed her as she shivered while her stomach clenched. She couldn’t help the way her eyes roamed up and down the beautiful woman’s body.

"Mrs. Hollingsworth," she greeted the brunette politely as she tried to rein in the desire that was suddenly filling her senses.

"Adrienne," The brunette quickly corrected her as she stood dangerously close to the small blonde. Michelle took a shy step back noticing the frown that suddenly clouded the taller woman’s bright features. "If you haven’t figured it out by now Mr. Hollingsworth is my father."

"I suspected," Michelle, confessed as she wiped her now sweaty palms on her well-worn jeans. "But I didn’t want to pry."

"It isn’t a secret," Adrienne informed her with a casual shrug as she placed her bag on the floor of the barn and approached Chance’s stall. "Hey there Chance."

Michelle couldn’t help but smile at the way Chance accepted the woman’s touch. Still she took another shy step away from the brunette. There was something about the way her body reacted to the taller woman that made the blonde want to just reach out and wrap her arms around Adrienne’s warm inviting body.

It wasn’t an unpleasant idea; in fact Michelle had spent many a night fanaticizing about doing a lot more than simply holding the beautiful woman. Then she would remember the differences between them and her heart would break all over again.

Michelle’s emerald eyes drifted along the brunette’s firm body as Adrienne patted Chance seemingly unaware that Michelle was staring at her firm backside. "You made T.J. very happy by showing him your gold medal," Adrienne offered as she turned towards the now flustered blonde who quickly diverted her gaze. "Yeah well. . ." Michelle stammered as she stepped further away from Adrienne until her back was leaning against the ladder that led up to the hayloft. "He is doing very well," She blurted out quickly in an effort to refocus her attention as Adrienne approached her. "In fact in a couple of years he will surpass you."

"He has really taken to riding," Adrienne said softly as she leaned closer to Michelle. "I am trying to get him to understand that Chance isn’t going to ridden."

"I appreciate that," Michelle sighed as she felt Adrienne’s body brushing against her own. "I understand Chance has a date this weekend."

"Yes," Adrienne chuckled. "I took your advice and I’m putting him out to stud. I was surprised by the fees people were willing to offer."

"Chance is a champion," Michelle boasted as she tried to ignore the warm feeling spreading through her body as Adrienne’s hand came to rest on her forearm.

"Yes, it certainly has put a bee in my father’s bonnet," Adrienne responded with a rich throaty laugh as Michelle’s body trembled in response.

"What is that all about?" Michelle asked as she felt her nipples straining against her blue cotton shirt as Adrienne shifted her body so that she was directly in front of the small blonde. "If you don’t mind me asking?" Michelle squeaked out as her eyes drifted down Adrienne’s body until she was looking directly at the small opening in the taller woman’s blouse that revealed her tanned skin and a hint of her cleavage.

"My father is basically a good guy who really does adore T.J.," Adrienne began in a slow sad tone. "But he never lets me forget that, although I have finally managed to produce an heir, I failed to give him a son in-law."

"I see," Michelle grunted in disgust. "So he gave his grandson a horse that can’t be ridden. That is cruel."

"Yes, it is," Adrienne sighed deeply. "I keep trying to explain to my father that I had a child because I wanted to be a mother and not in a twisted effort to fulfill my obligations as a Hollingsworth. You’d think he would have figured it out when I came out."

"Ah," Michelle smiled in understanding.

"You were wondering weren’t you?" Adrienne teased her in a husky tone as she traced a single finger along the blonde’s chin.

"Yes," Michelle responded as she unconsciously tilted her neck up and allowed Adrienne’s finger to continue its exploration of her fair skin.

"It is awfully quiet around here," Adrienne offered in a husky tone as she dipped her head down so that her breath was caressing Michelle’s face.

"End of the day," Michelle explained with a hard swallow as she clenched her fist tightly in an effort to keep herself from reaching out and pulling Adrienne into her arms. "I was just going to lock up and head home."

"Do you have to travel far?" Adrienne inquired softly as she inched just a little closer to the trembling blonde.

Michelle licked her lips as she felt Adrienne’s body leaning into her own. "Just up the hill," Michelle managed to squeak out as her heart pounded against her chest and her thighs began to quiver. "I live at the cottage behind my office."

"That is very convenient," Adrienne whispered as her hands gently clasped the smaller woman’s hips. "So we are all alone?"

"Yes," Michelle gasped as she leaned into Adrienne’s touch.

"Where does this lead to?" Adrienne inquired as she tapped the wooden ladder that Michelle’s body was pressed up against, and her thigh slipped between the blonde’s legs.

"Hay loft," Michelle choked out as she captured Adrienne’s thigh between her firm thighs. She moaned as she felt Adrienne’s thigh pressing against her aching center. She gave into the fire that had been building inside of her from the first moment she saw the tall brunette. Reaching up Michelle entangled her tiny fingers in Adrienne’s dark silky tresses and drew the taller woman closer. She inhaled the taller woman’s scent as she brushed her lips against the brunette’s.

Her heart soared as she felt Adrienne’s soft inviting lips responding eagerly to her shy kiss. They wrapped their arms around one another’s bodies as the kiss deepened. Michelle’s hands eagerly roamed along Adrienne’s body as they explored the warmth of one another’s mouths. They parted slightly and Michelle’s skin tingled as she felt Adrienne’s breath on her face. "Want a tour of the hayloft?" She boldly offered as Adrienne’s hands massaged her hips.

"Yes," Adrienne panted as she took a shy step away from the small blonde.

"After you," Michelle instructed her as she took Adrienne by the hand. She lifted the brunette’s hand to her lips and placed a promising kiss on her palm. Adrienne responded by brushing her lips softly against Michelle’s.

They stepped away from one another and Adrienne began to climb up the ladder. She looked down at Michelle. Adrienne’s eyes were sparkling with desire as she smiled down at the blonde. "Did you suggest I climb up here first so you could watch me?" The brunette asked in a playful tone.

"Yes," Michelle confessed with a sly smirk as she placed her hands on the wooden rungs.

"Damn," Adrienne teased as she began to ascend up the ladder. "I wish I had thought of that."

Michelle climbed up the ladder her eyes never leaving the brunette’s shapely behind as she made her way up. She reached the top and the brash aroma of hay caressed her while her eyes drank in the sight of Adrienne sitting on the floor resting up against a bail of hay. Michelle’s body was on fire as she stepped closer to the beautiful woman. The sound of her foot scrapping against the floorboard dampened her desire as she looked down at her leg.

"Hey," Adrienne called out to her. Michelle was ready to climb back down the ladder. Her escape was halted as she watched Adrienne slowly unbuttoning her blouse. "I know about what happened."

"Oh?" Michelle responded tensely as the brunette continued to unbutton her blouse until the lacy white bra that was hidden was revealed to Michelle’s eager gaze.

"I’ve been attracted to you since the beginning," Adrienne explained in deep tone that made Michelle’s entire body quiver as she watched the brunette’s blouse slipping down her shoulders. "I wanted to know more about you so I did a little research. I watched a tape of your last competition. It broke my heart," Adrienne confessed in a sincere voice.

"Mine too," Michelle grumbled ready to turn away from Adrienne’s inviting body as the half naked brunette held out her hand.

"Michelle you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," Adrienne offered softly as she beckoned the smaller woman to join her. "Now I want to see all of you. If this isn’t what you want tell me now."

Michelle didn’t hesitate as she closed the gap between them. She stood over her lover as Adrienne reached behind her back and undid her bra. "Take your clothes off," Adrienne pleaded with her as she slipped her bra down her body and revealed her breasts.

"Don’t stop what you are doing," Michelle instructed her lover as she began to remove her own shirt. Adrienne chuckled as she slid her hands down her stomach and began to unfasten her blue jeans.

Michelle licked her lips once again as she cast off her clothing. Once the blonde was free of all of her garments she knelt between Adrienne’s long legs and kissed her deeply. She moaned as she felt their nipples brushing against one another. She reeled from the feel of Adrienne’s half naked body squirming beneath her.

As the brunette’s hands caressed her naked body Michelle’s mouth and tongue caressed Adrienne’s face. She traced the brunette’s jaw as Adrienne’s hands cupped her ass. Michelle could feel her wetness growing as her clit throbbed in a demanding rhythm. The blonde kissed and tasted her way down the brunette’s long supple neck until her face was nestled between Adrienne’s breasts.

Michelle shifted her body so that she was straddling Adrienne’s hips. She loved the feel of the brunette’s jeans rubbing against her thighs, as she tasted the skin between her lover’s breasts. She filled her tiny hands with the brunette’s firm full breasts. Adrienne moaned deeply as her body arched up and her stomach pressed against Michelle’s wetness.

Michelle’s hips jerked forward and she began to rub her clit against Adrienne’s firm stomach. Michelle teased the taller woman’s nipples with the palms of her hand. She rocked her hips urgently against Adrienne’s body. The brunette released a throaty hiss as Michelle’s fingers captured one of her nipples and her mouth inhaled the other.

She suckled the erect bud eagerly as she felt Adrienne’s hand slipping between her thighs. She couldn’t slow her body as she thrust against her lover. She suckled Adrienne’s nipple harder as she felt the brunette’s fingers gliding along her slick folds. She felt her passion filling her lover’s hand as her teeth teased the brunette’s nipple.

Adrienne’s body squirmed against her with the same urgent need. Michelle’s head lifted as she rocked her clit harder against Adrienne’s body. "Oh God," Michelle groaned as she felt her lover’s fingers teasing her clit. She cried out as she felt the brunette’s other hand drifting along her ass until her fingers were dipping into her wetness.

She kissed the brunette passionately as she felt her own desire being spread along her cheeks and painting the puckered opening while Adrienne used her other hand to tease her clit. "Yes," Michelle hissed as she trapped the brunette between her thighs.

She threw her head back as she felt her lover’s fingers pressing against her center and her backdoor. She looked down at her lover through half opened eyes as she tried to impale herself. "Michelle," Adrienne groaned as she filled the blonde completely.

Michelle screamed out in ecstasy as her body rode against Adrienne’s fingers. Both of the brunette’s hands moved in a wild rhythm as she pleasured the screaming blonde. "Harder," Michelle pleaded as her body matched her lover’s wild rhythm.

"You feel so good," Adrienne whimpered beneath her as Michelle felt her body bursting against the brunette’s touch. Michelle cried out in ecstasy as she pressed her nipples against her lover’s lips. Adrienne suckled her greedily as her fingers continued to take Michelle higher.

Michelle clutched her lover’s broad shoulders tightly as she climaxed. Adrienne’s movements didn’t still as Michelle felt her entire being explode. She couldn’t stop trembling as she become lost in haze of emotion and passion. Adrienne held her tightly as the last waves of pleasure trickled through her small body. Once she felt her heart stop pounding she wasted no time and began to kiss her way down the taller woman’s body. She tasted every inch of Adrienne’s sweaty flesh until she was tugging the brunette’s jeans down her long legs.

Michelle kissed and licked the brunette’s legs. She was pleased when her lover cried out as she ran her tongue along the back of her knees. "Please," Adrienne pleaded as Michelle ran her tongue along the inside of the brunette’s thigh. The musky aroma of her lover’s passion filled her as she parted the brunette with her tongue. Unable to resist she suckled Adrienne’s clit into her mouth.

Her lover hips arched against her as she drank in the brunette’s wetness. She ran her tongue along Adrienne’s swollen lips as her lover pleaded for more. She felt her body trembling as she pressed her tongue against the opening of the brunette’s warm wet center. She curled her tongue and plunged deep inside of Adrienne. "Yes," Adrienne screamed as Michelle’s tongue plunged in and out her. Adrienne pressed herself against Michelle as the blonde’s thumb teased her swollen clit.

Michelle needed to feel more as her tongue slipped from the warmth of her lover’s center. She captured the brunette’s clit with her lips as her fingers slipped deep inside of her. Her hands and mouth moved in unison as Adrienne’s body rocked wildly against her. She felt the walls tightening around her tiny fingers as Adrienne cried out. She wanted to drown in her lover’s passion as the brunette’s body tightened around her.

She held Adrienne’s body steady as she climaxed against Michelle’s touch. Michelle feasted upon her lover unwilling to give up the sweet nectar. Michelle’s body was throbbing as an aching desire filled her being. As she guided her lover over the edge she could feel her own body climaxing.

The both of them were panting as Michelle rested her head on her lover’s trembling stomach. She stilled her fingers allowing the last drops of pleasure to slip through Adrienne’s trembling form. She ran her tongue along Adrienne’s stomach as her fingers slipped from the warmth of the brunette’s body.

"You know," Adrienne squeaked her voice creaking slightly from all the screaming. "When I came into the barn tonight I was just going to ask you out on a date."

"So ask?" Michelle giggled playfully as she lifted her body up so she could look into her lover’s eyes. She swallowed hard as she found herself looking into Adrienne’s brilliant blue eyes that were filled with desire and something deeper.

"Dinner tonight?" Adrienne asked with a brilliant smile that melted Michelle’s heart.

"What about T.J? Do you need to pick him up?" Michelle asked quickly knowing how important the boy was to his mother. Something in her heart screamed that he was also important to her as well.

"Knowing that you care about my son is making me fall for you all that much harder," Adrienne confessed in an honest tone as the two of them sat up and began to get dressed. "T.J is spending the night at a friend’s house."

"So you don’t have a curfew tonight?" Michelle asked eagerly as she stood swaying slightly as she helped her lover to her feet.

"No," Adrienne responded in a promising tone.

"Well then how about I make you dinner at my place?" Michelle suggested as they adjusted the last of their clothing.

"You can cook too?" Adrienne sighed happily.

"Oh you haven’t seen nothing yet," Michelle offered before kissing her lover deeply and leading her back down the ladder.

"Is that a promise?" Adrienne shyly asked as they gathered up their belongings and headed out of the stable.

"Yes," Michelle answered her honestly as she took the brunette by the hand.

The End