Hidden Desires

After a string of disastrous blind dates (courtesy of her two best friends) Cayden Riley has sworn off of women. A somewhat cranky woman to begin with, she really doesn't much like people. But she does enjoy working at her pet accessory boutique The Fuzzy Belly Deli. Brooke Hewitt thought she was happy in her relationship with her stockbroker boyfriend, until the day she and her dog wander into the Fuzzy Belly Deli. There she meets Cayden - a woman that Brooke can't stop thinking about. Brooke has never questioned her sexuality, but there is something about Cayden that she just can't shake free. The encounter changes both Cayden and Brooke, disrupting both women's lives - in some ways for the worse and yet, some certainly for the better…

PART 1

CAYDEN RILEY HESITANTLY peeked through her left eye at her alarm clock. With a relieved sigh, she turned over onto her side and snuggled down deeper into her feather bed. She had fifteen more minutes left until the alarm went off and she wanted to use all fifteen of them productively. Preferably snoring, but she'd take what she could get.

Moments later, an enormous cat, La La Bird, came trotting into the room and jumped onto the bed. Cayden rolled her eyes behind closed lids. She knew he was sitting there... staring at her, willing her eyes to open and see him, as if she didn't notice the mild earthquake he created by jumping up next to her.

The tall, sleepy brunette started a countdown in her head. Any second, her roommate, Wade, alerted by the cat galloping from his vigil by the food bowl, would poke his head into her room and wake her up. 10... 9... 8...7...

Cayden often wondered how La La knew she was awake. She hardly even moved and she certainly didn't make any noise, but every morning, the very moment that she rose to wakefulness, the cat was waddling into her room. 3... 2... 1.

"Good morning, Sweetie! Rise and shine!"

Cayden groaned and burrowed her face into the pillow.

"Who's the wooshkie-smooshkie, beautiful princess?"

Cayden cringed. She hated that. "Sic 'em La La," she said, moving only her arm to point in Wade's direction.

The cat simply blinked.

"Thanks, buddy." She mumbled, after hearing no screams for mercy.

"Come one, Sweetikins, let's greet the day with a big, bright smile." Wade shouted gleefully.

"Bite me, Mary Sunshine. I still have 7 minutes."

"Awww... does Um's need some coffee?" he asked with slight pity.

"Um's would like to be left alone for 6 minutes and 42 seconds... and take that thing with you." she pointed at the cat.

"So bitchy in the morning." Wade grumbled. "You need to get laid, Cayden." he said with a snort and left the room.

"You forgot something." Cayden groused, opening her startlingly blue eyes to stare at La La Bird's nose. "What?" she asked the gigantic cat.

"MAOW!" The cat blinked and licked his lips.

"Wade! He's looking at me like that again!" Cayden complained.

"Here, you big baby."

Wade suddenly appeared in her line of vision with a steaming mug of coffee. Cayden sat straight up. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Hmmm, Ms. Cranky Pants, are you sure you want this now?" he held up the coffee. "You still have 4 minutes and 12 seconds."

Sleepy blue eyes narrowed and Cayden sneered.

"Ok, ok! No need to get all butch on me."

Cayden took the coffee and swallowed a big gulp. "Ohhh yeahhhh...." she groaned blissfully.

"See, now that's why I think you need to get laid, Honey. That kind of pleasure shouldn't come from a cup of caffeine."

"Says you." The tall brunette mumbled into the steaming cup.

Wade sat himself down on the bed and hoisted La La onto his lap. "So there's this chick..."

Cayden held up her hand and shook her head. "NO! N...O. No more blind dates Wade." she said adamantly.

"But you haven't even heard what she looks like!" he pouted.

"No. I told you the last time, no more." Cayden swung her legs off the side of the bed and yawned.

"Honey, she's got the cutest ass, and I know how much you like a mean buttock." He said with a waggle of his eyebrows.

Cayden couldn't help but inquire. "Yeah?" She put her coffee down on the nightstand and stood up, stretching her back.

"Oh yeah. She's about an inch or two shorter than you, which might I add, is a rarity, and she's got the cutest dimples."

The tall woman pursed her lips in thought. Taller than my belly button huh? A nice ass? Hmmm.

Wade grew excited, seeing Cayden considering the idea. After the last blind date disaster, he thought she would never accept another. The woman turned out to be a real fruitcake and once she had a little wine, jumped up on the table and began singing nursery rhymes with a German accent. Wade knew he had to throw the nice looking tush in there or she wouldn't even consider.

"You haven't really told me anything. What does she do, what color is her hair, is she 300 lbs? Does she like big purple dinosaurs?"

"Oh my, so shallow."

Cayden sat back down on the bed and stared at her roommate. "Spill it."

"She's a cable guy, she has brown hair and she's not 300 pounds." he said, looking slightly guilty.

Cayden made a claw with her hand and aimed it at the cat. "Talk to me, or La La bites it."

Wade pulled the cat close to his chest. "OKAY! She's got a tattoo on her neck but really, you can hardly see it when she wears a turtle neck!"

"I knew it! I knew she was a freak!" Cayden threw her hands in the air. "No, no way, you can forget it." She said, pulling open a dresser drawer and yanking out a pair of panties.

"Just one little date? I promise she won't bite."

The tall woman grabbed a shirt from another drawer and shook her head. "You already told her I'd go didn't you?" she asked in alarm.

"Kinda." Wade admitted meekly. "I'll tell her to wear a turtle neck?" he tried.

"Wade Maxwell! It's 90 degrees out there!" Cayden pointed to the window. "Really now!"

Wade blushed. "It's just one night out of your life, Cayden. I swear, you really oughta try and get out and meet someone. It can't be healthy to sit around all night and watch HGTV. Someone has to help."

Cayden closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Did it occur to you that I like sitting around by myself and watching television?" She looked at his pathetic face and caved. "Oh alright. I'll go, but I swear this is the last time!" she said waving her arm in the air to make her point.

"YES!" Wade jumped up and danced around the room with the cat. "Thank you honey!" he ran over and kissed her cheek. "You never know, she may be the one." he said excitedly.

"Yeah, imagine that." Cayden said with a sigh. "Now go, unless you want to see me naked."

"Ack!" Wade held his cat tight and ran from the room.

Brooke Hewitt rolled over, and with a heavy sigh, painstakingly disentangled herself from her boyfriend, and crawled out of bed. With a wide yawn she scratched her head and dragged her feet to the bathroom. "Grant, you need to get up." she called out in a sleepy voice.

"Mmmph."

Closing the bathroom door, she turned on the water and yawned again. I gotta do something about this insomnia, she thought, letting the cold water run over her hands. I can't function like this anymore. The cold water shocked her considerably as she splashed it onto her face. Brrrrr!!! Brooke let the water dribble down her neck as she sat down to pee.

"I'm up." The male voice floated into the bathroom.

Brooke nodded at the door as she yawned again. "Coffee Grant... please." she whined.

"You got it, Honey."

Brooke smiled as she flushed the toilet. Grant was so good to her lately. Her sudden bout of sleeplessness was disturbing to him and he tried everything he could to help. He's been so patient with me and I've been nothing but a bitch, She thought guiltily.

Grant Huntington, a tall, handsome, well muscled young man, gathered the morning paper from the doormat and waited for Brooke to finish with her morning rituals. He couldn't help noticing that her insomnia started soon after she moved in with him and was trying hard not to bring the subject up. He didn't want her to leave, he wanted to eventually marry her. She was perfect. Pretty, smart, and accommodating, and she had a body worth showing off. He knew the moment he met her that she was the one. There had to be a way to fix the problem without alerting her to what he knew.

"Morning honey."

Grant looked up from the paper and smiled. "Well?" he asked in concern.

"About two hours straight. I think that's an improvement don't you?" Brooke answered with forced happiness, her green eyes dull and lifeless.

"Brooke, Baby, maybe you need to see a doctor. You know, Mother had the same problem and they gave her pills. She never had the problem again. You should think about it."

The short blonde gave it some thought. Maybe pills were an answer, she certainly couldn't go on like this much longer. "I'll think about it hon. Bathroom's all yours."

Grant poured a cup of coffee for his girlfriend and set it in front of her before he took the paper and left the room. Brooke plopped heavily into the chair and held the cup with both hands. Pills. Maybe I should?

After several more yawns and two cups of coffee, Brooke began to get dressed for work. She frowned at her reflection in the mirror and poked at the bags under her eyes. God, I look awful! she thought as her eyes welled up with tears, Why is this happening to me?

Grant came into the room to find Brooke wiping her eyes. He immediately felt his heart speed up as he ran to be by her side. "Don't cry honey. We'll figure this out."

"Grant, I feel miserable! I'm exhausted, my head is always hurting and my eyes look like Gramma Millie's! I can't do this any more!" She cried.

"Well, crying isn't going to help. Let's go to the doctor this weekend, okay?"

Brooke dried her eyes on Grant's sleep shirt. "Ok, we'll go." she said sadly.

"That's much better." he smiled in relief. "Now that that's taken care of, Terry and I are going golfing on Sunday. You wouldn't mind coming to keep Mary company would you?"

Brooke had a temper tantrum on the inside. "No, I guess it would be ok." she replied amiably.

"Great! You're a gem sweetheart!'

Brooke watched Grant get dressed distractedly. Great, the country club, she pouted. Pretentious assholes all sitting around trying to out do each other...

"Maybe you'll wear that yellow dress?"

"Sure." She agreed numbly. She was too tired to disagree. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. I have to go to my parent's house after work again tonight. They're staying by Gramma Millie's and I have to take care of Fred."

Grant frowned. "How long is that dog going to live anyway? God, he must be 100 years old by now."

Brooke narrowed her eyes and ignored him as she usually did. He just wasn't a dog person. "Gramma should be back on her feet tomorrow."

"Well good. You always smell like dog when you come home from there."

Brooke stood up and smoothed out her skirt. "I'll see you later, Hon." she said with little emotion as she kissed him on the cheek. An old saying of Gramma's floated through her head, Never trust anyone that doesn't like animals. She shook away the thought. Grant wasn't actually mean to animals, he just avoided them.

"I love you."

Brooke sighed. "I know. I love you too."

Cayden set her coffee cup on the sidewalk and pulled open the gate to her shop. Once it was all opened up, she picked up her coffee and started to panic. This was the part that she hated, running inside and shutting off the alarm in the dark, with a coffee in one hand. Many times she hit the wrong buttons and the alarm started blaring, making her even more panicked. After the fourth time, the neighboring shopkeepers stopped running over and helping her, and the alarm company reps stopped calling. They all knew when the alarm went off between 10 AM and 11 AM it was Cayden and her cup of coffee.

With the alarm taken care of, the tall brunette turned on the lights and the Fuzzy Belly Deli was open for business. "First things first." She said, running straight for the thermostat. The humidity of the New York summer had permeated the walls and the tall woman needed to fix it quick before the doggie treats began sweating.

Cayden inherited the shop from her parents, who opened it when she was just a kid. It made sense that they just passed it on to her when they retired, being it was the only job she really enjoyed. She tried other employment options but always came back to the little shop. When she was a teen, she refused to work on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, believing anything worth doing was done downtown, preferably in Greenwich Village. But after working in the Village, she realized they were more fake down there than they were uptown. Now, she liked this store and the quirky eccentrics, even the occasional snob that visited. She knew all the regulars, and welcomed all the newcomers happily. There were the occasional nutcases as well, but she dealt with them as best she could. The real perk of the job to Cayden was meeting all the fur people that accompanied their humans. Truth be told, she had a humongous soft spot for critters and often remembered them before she could recall the owner's name. If she was forced to admit it, she'd even tell you that she liked La La Bird, just a little.

Settled behind the short counter, Cayden took the lid off of her to-go cup and watched the steam rise from her coffee. The air conditioner had just kicked in and she almost felt human again. Someone appeared by the front door and she looked up as the bell rang to see her long time friend Jodie entering the shop.

"Mornin' hon!" Jodie waved as she approached the counter.

"Yeah." Cayden replied with a shrug. "I guess it is."

Jodie ignored her friend's grumpiness and leaned over the counter for a kiss. After pecking Cayden on the cheek, she flounced her way around the counter, flung her purse onto a chair and tore a hole into the top of her coffee container. "So, what's up?" She asked, leaning her elbows on the counter.

Cayden blew on her coffee before taking a big sip. "Nothing really. Wade set me up again."

"You said yes?" Jodie asked in disbelief. "After the Nazi Mother Goose?"

Cayden shrugged and continued to drink her coffee.

"Wow. What's she look like?" Jodie wondered, drinking her coffee too.

"Well, he didn't say much except she's not a midget, and she's got a cute ass."

"Hey, two big plusses if you ask me."

"I suppose. Hey, so how'd it go with Sherry?"

"Sharon." Jodie corrected. "It went okay. We went to a trendoid club, got drunk and boffed in the car."

Cayden shook her head. "I don't know how you do it? How can you sleep with someone you just met?"

"Easy, you just do." Jodie shrugged. "It wouldn't kill you to get laid too ya know."

"Not you too!" Cayden stood up and began pacing.

"I'm serious. You need to get some, Cayden. It would do you a world of good. When's the last time you had sex anyway? A year ago?" Jodie asked, jumping into Cayden's big comfy chair.

"I can't remember." The tall brunette replied while adjusting some containers of cookies.

"See? That's the point. A person should remember their last orgasm."

"That I can remember Jo." Cayden chuckled. "Thursday afternoon."

Jodie jumped up in surprise. "Here? You did that here?" She pointed at the chair she was just sitting on.

"No, you idiot. I went to the bathroom." Cayden said with a grin.

"Well, I suppose that counts for something. It was an orgasm." she nodded to herself. "But still, Cayd, don't you get tired of that?"

"Nope." She answered seriously. "I know what I like. No questions, no awkward moments, no naked confusion."

The bell above the door tinkled, ending their conversation.

Brooke put on her happy face as she walked through the large office space towards her desk. She offered the occasional smile and replied cheerfully to her co-workers when asked how she was this hot morning. Truthfully, she felt like shit and really just wanted to lay her head on the desk and cry, but they didn't have to know that. Finally reaching her cubicle, Brooke slung her pocketbook over her chair, and sat down heavily. Mechanically booting up her computer, she stared at the brown paper bag that held her breakfast without really seeing it. She was still pouting about having to spend Sunday with Mary at the country club when she'd rather be at home catching up on some sleep. Oddly enough, she was able to sleep in on weekends, if she was left alone, and was so thrilled to do so that she never questioned why. Damn. I really should have said no, she though sourly, then felt guilty. But then again, Grant's been so nice to me lately, that I really should do this for him.

"Good Morning, Brooke!"

The blonde snapped out of her thought and looked up at the face popping over the side of her cubicle. "Good Morning, Beverly." she said with a smile.

Beverly was a sweet woman, only had a few years left until she retired. Some thought of her as a little weird but Brooke always thought, to each his own, and took her co-worker for what she was, a genuinely nice person. Beverly wore her salt and pepper hair in an old fashioned bowl cut, and dressed rather brightly. She always had some rainbow or another fixed to her clothing in support of her gay daughter, Sam. The older woman was highly involved in parents of gays organizations and was always bragging about her daughter. Brooke found this to be charming, while others were just annoyed. They'd rather not hear of the latest gay rights plan or charity dance. Beverly reminded her of the mother on that cable show about gay people that Brooke caught once or twice.

"Is it hot enough for ya?" Beverly asked with an exaggerated wipe across her forehead.

"You're lucky you take the express bus Bev. Can you imagine what the subway was like?" Brooke replied, finally digging into her paper bag.

"I don't envy you sweetheart. Say, is that a chocolate croissant? I never saw you eat sugar for breakfast." Beverly observed.

"Yeah, I need the kick this morning. Monday's are always the hardest." Brooke answered with another fake smile. "So, how's Sam's business?" Sam ran a website that sold products geared towards the gay community.

"Fine, just fine." Beverly smiled proudly. "Did you know that Sam and Nancy are thinking about having a child?"

Brooke bit into the croissant and cringed a little. The sweetness overwhelming her at first. "Really?" The blonde was actually interested. "How?"

"Well, Sam wants to carry the child so I thought they should use sperm from Nancy's brother, but they're going to go with an anonymous donor. They never listen to me." She said with offense.

"Nancy's brother?" Brooke asked in amazement.

"Well sure! Let's keep it in the family! After all if Nancy can't do the deed, at least let the baby have her genes!"

Brooke digested that, along with her breakfast. "You really like Nancy don't you."

"Of course I do! She is the best thing to ever happen to Sam." Beverly said with sincerity.

"Even though she's a woman?" Brooke asked, then realized how stupid that sounded. "I mean, did you really love her at first?" The blonde shook her head and blushed. "I'm sorry, it's not coming out like I want."

"Oh, never you worry, I know what you mean." The older woman reassured. "I always thought there was something different about Sam, but I wasn't sure what it was until she told me she was gay. Then it all fell into place. I wasn't upset or anything that she was gay, mind you. I was frightened for her because of society. I, personally, don't care who she loves as long as they make her happy and show her the respect she deserves. Nancy is the one."

Brooke smiled. "You're one of a kind Bev. Sam's lucky to have you."

"Don't I know it." Bev teased and laughed. "Well, gotta get to work!"

"Yeah, I guess we do." Brooke agreed reluctantly. At first, she only stared at her computer screen going over what Bev had said about Sam and Nancy. They sound like they were made for each other. I'd love to meet them and see for myself. Can a couple like that really exist? Respect huh? I get respect don't I? I mean, Grant cares about me... most of the time. He worries about me, sometimes. Oh but, he's a man, that's just the way men are. Brooke sighed in thought. Can they really be that happy? It must be because they're two women, but there's gotta be a downside to that too. It must be murder when they ovulate, and they must do that together by now, she grinned. But the way Bev talks... They sound like the perfect couple. I wanna be that happy too. The blonde clicked her mouse a few times and began working. Maybe one day.

PART 2

CAYDEN SHIFTED IN her chair and put a foot up on the counter. The Fuzzy Belly Deli wasn't a particularly busy shop, but was never the less profitable. The long spells of quiet allowed the tall brunette to indulge in her favorite pastime, which was watching television. Currently involved with John Edward, the guy who talks to the dead, Cayden leaned back and munched absently on gummy bears, swaying her chair slightly back and forth.

Jodie came clamoring in the door with a lawn chair, a handful of tabloids and a quart of iced tea, huffing and puffing dramatically. "No, don't get up... I got it." she said sarcastically as she struggled with her load.

Cayden glanced at her friend briefly, then brought her attention back to the television.

"Yeah, so, it's Egypt hot out there, thanks for asking." the short, brown haired woman said to herself.

Cayden turned to Jodie with a bored expression. "Well it wasn't my idea to sit out there and bask in Hell."

"A little color wouldn't kill you, besides, I want to look healthy for my date tonight." Jodie replied, waving a fan fashioned out of The Enquirer in her face.

Cayden raised her eyebrows. "Another date?"

"Well, yeah." The shorter woman replied as if Cayden's question was ridiculous.

"Why do you do that?" I mean, don't you want some peace and quiet once and a while?"

"I get enough." Jodie shrugged, knowing this was the beginning of their usual debate. One she always got the last word in.

"I don't understand how you do it. New women almost every night... it would give me hives."

"Well some of us actually enjoy the company of others."

"I don't know.... " The tall woman said thoughtfully. "I don't think I could do it. Playing the mating game isn't my thing. It's bad enough having that awkward first meeting. Hi there, what's your name... blah, blah, blah... I couldn't fathom sleeping with a woman I just met."

"If you got out more often, it wouldn't be so hard to talk to women. Plus... Wade would have no reason to keep setting you up. And speaking of which, if you really weren't interested in meeting anyone, you wouldn't keep accepting his blind dates." Jodie said smugly.

Cayden shrugged. She has a point. "I suppose maybe I do want to meet someone ... eventually."

"It will never happen if you don't give it a chance."

"I get plenty of chances from those weirdo’s Wade keeps setting me up with."

"Well, if you went out and pursued a woman you actually wanted, you wouldn't be stuck with Wade's weirdoes." Jodie said with a self satisfied grin.

Cayden narrowed her eyes. "Shut up." She hated when Jodie was right.

"Score one for the sweaty girl!" Jodie laughed.

"Anyway... even though I don't want to wind up all alone, I loathe bars and clubs, and first dates. I hate second dates even more than the first ones." Cayden said as she stared at the television.

"Well, Cayden, the woman of your dreams isn't going to fall into your lap you know. You have to give it some effort, You can't be afraid."

"I am not afraid!" the tall woman said defensively.

"Then what is it?"

"Shut up." Cayden really hated it when Jodie was right.

"If you're not afraid, I want you to make a deal with me." Jodie was getting excited, she may have finally gotten Cayden to make an effort.

The tall brunette narrowed her eyes skeptically. "What kind of deal?"

"The next women who catches your eye, I want you to start a conversation with her."

Cayden considered it. Sounds easy enough. I come up with all sorts of stupid chatter for the most annoying customers... and she didn't say what kind of conversation it should be. "You got a deal."

"What?" Jodie raised both eyebrows in surprise. "You're serious?"

"Yeah." Cayden nodded surely.

"Shake on it then."

"I don't know where your hand has been." The blue eyed woman joked.

"Me? Have you been to the bathroom lately?"

Cayden blushed. "I don't make that a habit smart mouth. It was only that one time, and I was desperate."

"Oooo, someone got you so horny you had no choice?"

"Something like that." The shop keeper agreed. She wasn't going to admit she got horny watching the Playboy Channel. She'd never admit to anyone she watched porno.

"Well, at least that proves the blood still flows down below."

"Shut up."

Brooke was exhausted by the end of the day. No amount of coffee was able to energize her. As she turned off her computer, she yawned so widely that tears sprung to her eyes. Damn, and I still have to tend to Fred. Brooke sighed and was getting ready to leave when the phone rang. She glared at it first, then picked it up. It was her mother reminding her about Fred. "I know Ma, I'm going there now."

"Brooke, Honey, are you alright? You sound wiped out."

"Yeah, I am, but I'm fine."

Unconvinced, Mrs. Hewitt pursed her lips. "Are you still unable to sleep?" She asked in concern.

"Ma, I'll be ok. Grant's taking me to the doctor on Saturday."

"The doctor! Honey, how bad is this?" She asked in alarm.

"It's pretty bad." Brooke answered truthfully, she could never lie to her mother.

"Oh, Baby!"

"Mom, don't worry ok? How's gramma?" She asked to change the subject.

"She's really fine now, but we're going to stay the extra night just to make sure."

"Well, that's great to hear. Listen, let me go so I can get out of here. Love you, Ma."

"Love you too, Brooke." Mrs. Hewitt hung up the phone, still concerned.

The small blonde was too tired to walk uptown so she took a cab. Being rush hour, the traffic was unbearable, and it frustrated Brooke to no end. She was already irritable, and paying to sit in stand-still traffic, just three blocks from her parents condo made her crazy. "Just pull over, I'll get out right here." she instructed, shoving money through the slot in the partition.

When she got out of the cab, Brooke grimaced from the heat, then looked at her surroundings. She found herself standing in front of a store she hadn't noticed before. The Fuzzy Belly Deli, she thought with a smile. The name alone brightened her cranky mood and she decided to check it out. How come I never saw this place before? she wondered, looking around. Must be cuz the subway lets me out one Avenue over, she deduced, opening the front door and glancing up at the bell that rang over her head.

The store wasn't very large and Brooke already liked it because it had air conditioning. Taking a breath of the cool air, she looked around. There was a large variety of pet toys, leashes, collars and supplies, but the majority of the shelves were lined with treats and food. OOOO! Fred would just love it here! she thought excitedly. Green eyes continued to wander to the short counter which was adorned with baskets of little colorful toys. A customer blocked her view of the person who worked behind it, but Brooke was sure she heard a television going somewhere. She walked around, touching things, picking them up and squeezing them, making them squeak. She picked up a few treats that were supposedly "gourmet" and after careful consideration, decided that Fred would like the peanut butter cookies over the chocolate chip.

Jodie and Cayden stood patiently, with smiles plastered to their faces as Paul, the single, obese, forty something year old man, who still lived with his mother and her 6 cats, went on and on about everything under the sun. Cayden had long since drifted away to a happy place where flowers danced and the sun always shined, but still managed to nod and raise her eyebrow in interest in all the right places. She was, after all, a professional.

Brooke stood behind the prattling man, shifting impatiently from one foot to the other. Who cares about Mr. Winkles' extra toe. Come on! Let's move it Mister! Brooke's irritation grew and she sucked her teeth and exhaled loud, suffering sighs in hopes that the fat man would realize he wasn't the center of the universe and step aside.

Drifting back to reality for a moment, Cayden heard the impatient sounds emanating from behind Paul and elbowed Jodie discretely. She couldn't see behind the large man, but knew it was a woman, by her sighs. With Jodie's deal still fresh in her head, Cayden was eager to see who this was. "Well, Paul, you go home and give Mr. Winkles a kiss for me, ok?" Cayden cut in, hoping she got her point across.

Brooke stopped stewing at the smooth sound of a woman's voice. For some strange reason, the smokey timbre struck her as sexy. The blonde blinked a few times wondering where that thought had come from.

Paul stepped to the side briefly, giving Jodie a quick view of Brooke. Jodie's eyebrows shot up and she smiled uncontrollably. Oh, Cayd... wait til ya see this one!

Cayden quickly counted out the customer's change hoping the woman behind him was at least halfway decent. She'd strike up a boring conversation, prove to Jodie she could do it and go on with her life. Glancing over at Jodie while she packed up Paul's purchase, Cayden nearly laughed out loud at the ridiculous gleeful expression on her face. Her eyebrows were terribly arched and her smile threatened to split her face in two. Surely Paul couldn't have done that to her.

"I'll see you next week!" Paul said as he happily took the bag and turned away from the counter.

"Ok, Paul, I'll be here." Cayden replied with a patented, phony smile.

Brooke was about to mutter something impolite to the large man as he passed but when she looked up she forgot what she was going to do. There was a woman staring at her with the most ridiculous expression on her face. It reminded her of a Soundgarten video where all the people had distorted faces. The blonde took two steps to the counter and put her items on it, all the while feeling very uncomfortable. What is she looking at? She thought with annoyance. After studying her some more, Brooke came to the conclusion that she was mentally challenged and felt bad for being irritated with her. The blonde glanced up at the taller woman behind the counter and furrowed her brow in confusion. This woman was staring at her slack jawed, like she had just grown a third eye. What the hell is this place? She thought, about to say something to these rude women when she really took a look at the tall one. Wow. Now those eyes are BLUE. The kind of blue you only read about... or see on movie stars. Damn, this is very uncomfortable... they're both staring at me. Maybe I should just leave. Suddenly, the retarded woman elbowed the tall gaping one and the tall one jumped.

"Oh!" Cayden said in frog-like croak.

Brooke raised her eyebrows. They're both retarded? Must be some sort of work program for mentally challenged people. Surely they don't leave them alone?

Cayden blushed and cleared her throat. "Will that be all, Miss?" She asked in a controlled manner.

Hey! Brooke thought, slightly panicked. It was the same sexy voice from before and this time it made her shiver. Feeling awkward and confused, the blonde just nodded.

Jodie chuckled out loud. Cayden was obviously going to back out of the deal.

The tall shop keeper rang up the items and announced the total. She felt stupid for being so tongue-tied and was eager to hurry this up. "Cash or charge?" she asked.

"Umm.. charge." Brooke dug around in her bag, cursing herself for standing there like a moron. I really thought she was ill. How embarrassing.

"SO!" Jodie started loudly, "I've never seen you here before?"

Brooke was surprised, she really thought the woman was retarded too, but now she seemed perfectly normal. "My parents live a few blocks away, I'm dog sitting."

Jodie plucked the credit card from Brooke's hand and gave it to Cayden who was still staring like a fool. "Oh, really? What kind of dog do they have?"

Feeling less awkward, Brooke smiled. "A Chihuahua... Fred."

Cayden ran the card through and looked at it. Brooke... that's a pretty name. Brooke Hewitt... sounds kinda uppity though... She handed it to the blonde and was surprised that when they made eye contact, a real smile came just as easy to her as a fake one.

"Hey, why don't you bring Fred over here sometime? We just love to spoil the babies." Jodie continued talking.

Brooke shook her head. "Oh, he's far from a baby, in fact he's really old and I'm afraid he won't make the walk." She said sadly, suddenly wanting to spend more time with this weird duo. "Maybe we will." she blurted out, then mentally smacked herself. She'd have to carry Fred the whole time and then she'd really smell like dog. Grant will hate that, she thought.

Cayden suddenly found her tongue. "I'd love to meet Fred."

Jodie glanced at her friend with mirth. "Yeah, Cayden just loves the tiny ones." she said as she gave Brooke the once over.

Cayden, huh? The blonde thought with a goofy smile, then caught herself. What is wrong with you? "Oh, well, I better get going." Brooke said holding up the bag. "I have cookies to deliver."

"So, don't be a stranger!" Jodie piped in.

Brooke smiled and left the store. For some reason she kept repeating the tall one's name over and over in her head.

Jodie laughed herself stupid as Cayden just stood there and watched. "Oh god! That was too good! No wonder you don't like it Cayd... you suck at it!"

The tall woman rolled her eyes. "I'm not usually so idiotic, Jo. I don't know what the hell happened."

"Damn, she was fine!"

"Fine? She was gorgeous! Are you kidding?" Cayden said excitedly.

"You're just lucky that I'm booked all week or I would have asked her out myself. Damned cute she was."

"Jo, she wasn't just cute, she was edible." Cayden groaned the last word out.

"Need to use the bathroom, Cayd?" Jodie teased.

"Hardy har har." The tall woman drawled out, trying to hide her blush. Truth was, she found the blonde extremely attractive and it lit a spark in her groin. If Jodie wasn't there, she just might have used the bathroom. "Her name is Brooke. Brooke Hewitt."

"See, even her name is cute. Watch out, Brooke Hewitt just may be back with Fred."

"Don't scare me. Oh, and very funny making that crack about me liking the tiny ones."

Jodie snickered and gathered her belongings.

"Where are you going?" Cayden asked nervously.

"Home." The shorter brunette replied with a charming smile.

"I'm not closing yet." Cayden panicked.

"Translation: what if she comes back?" Jodie whined in imitation of her friend.

"What if I start acting stupid again?"

"You'll figure something out." Jodie winked, and was gone.

Brooke filled Fred's bowl absently, inexplicably distracted by Cayden's blue eyes. "Fred, you should have seen them. They were... electric. I swear I felt them look right through me." She said, then shook away her uneasiness. "Come on Brooke! You act like you've never seen blue eyes before!" Fred ate eagerly as Brooke gave him fresh water. "She had the sexiest voice too..." she started to confess then caught herself. "That's the second time I thought that." she said surprised once again with her thoughts. She crouched down and pet Fred as he ate. "When you're done, I have some cookies for you." She said, still distracted by Cayden. That's not so weird, to think another woman's voice is sexy cuz it was! It was smooth and smokey... it fit her well. She was smooth and smokey... Cayden. Cayden with the blue eyes and sexy voice. Brooke didn't know how long she was lost in thought until she heard Fred whimper. Blushing at herself, she looked up to notice the teeny dog standing expectantly by the front door. Straightening out of her crouch, she grabbed Fred's leash and headed out. "Let's go baby."

Cayden's head shot up as the bell tinkled over the door. She visibly relaxed when she saw it wasn't Brooke, but cringed just the same.

"Hello my Angel Darling!" Mrs. Ida Friedman exclaimed, her arms wide and flailing.

"Hello Ida, how are you?" Cayden asked politely, hoping and praying that Brooke wouldn't come in now. Not with Ida.

"Oh, Angel, Sweetie, my beautiful mamala... I'm an old woman, you know that." Ida paused dramatically and swept her arms around in a large circle. "I shouldn't complain, god has been so good to me, blessing me with the most wooooooonderful babies!" She ended her statement in a high shrill squeak, raising her clasped hands to the ceiling.

"Well, I'm always happy to hear that." Cayden smiled, her eyes darting back and forth between Ida and the door. "What can I do for you?"

"Well... Honey... "The old woman started in her odd broken way of speaking, "I just came in..." Ida swallowed and took a huge breath. "Because my little sweetheart, you know my little Honey Pie who I found in a puddle exactly 73 days ago, she was so small you could drop dead..." Ida took another dramatic breath, this time with a little dance step involved. "Well, I should tell you how I fattened her up she was on the brink of death... OH I LOVE HER MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF!!!" Here, Ida became weepy and had to stop to gather herself.

Cayden forced a smile, all the while dividing her attention between Ida and the door.

Composed, as composed as Ida Friedman can be, the old woman leaned all the way over the counter. "You know, I get so verklempt over my babies... I love them so... they are my life... I'd be dead, DEAD without them, god bless every little hair on their bodies." The elderly woman wearing a floral housecoat and an orange beret, did a complete pirouette. "My Suzy Sunshine needs a new toy. You know the little balls with the bell in them, well I got a four pack for two dollars and fourteen cents last time, you remember don't you Sweetheart, Darling, you'd remember better than me, an old woman... well they came in all different colors... white with orange..."

Brooke took Fred outside and avoided touching him for Grant's sake. She led him to the nearest fire hydrant and waited while he sniffed around. It's not so wrong for me to think Cayden is sexy is it? Does that mean I'm gay? I should have asked Bev how Sam knew... no, that's none of my business and besides, I should ask Sam not Bev and what am I getting so nervous about anyway? Just because I think Cayden is sexy? Hell, l I think women are sexy all the time. Take that woman from Witchblade... now, I think she's sexy, that don't mean I'm gay. Brooke snorted to herself. Honestly, it's not like I want to sleep with Cayden. I just thought she was attractive. Brooke's eyebrows went up. Attractive? Where'd that come from now? I only said she was sexy... actually it was her voice that made me shiver. The short blonde swallowed nervously. Is that normal? Her voice made me shiver. That's never happened to me before, not even from Witchblade. This whole line of thinking made Brooke very uneasy, but not as uneasy as how she felt when she looked at her surroundings. She was standing directly in front of The Fuzzy Belly Deli.

"So Cupcake Junior, not Senior, Senior died 3 years ago Wednesday in May, when Cupcake Junior pulled the bell out of the ball, and the lord in heaven only knows how she did it... a genius... A GENIOUS I TELL YOU. I was so upset I cried for an hour. Of course I had to call my doctor, Dr. Myron Fentziger, only the best Psychiatrist around because you know I'm not a well woman Darling." Ida paused and looked around as if the walls had ears. "You know I lost my husband and child and had a breakdown honey, I was going to be a famous singer Sweetheart, Angel."

To Cayden's complete and total horror, the door opened and in walked Brooke carrying the tiniest dog she'd ever seen in her life. The tall shop keeper paled and swallowed hard.

"So, Cayden, Sweetie baby... Honey, my angel, the reason I'm here is because I need to get some more toys for my babies... the GENIOUS I SWEAR TO THE GOD THAT KEEPS ME LIVE SHE'S BRILLIANT!"

Cayden's gaze darted nervously to Brooke who had both perfect eyebrows raised comically high. Cayden would have given her a helpless look if Mrs. Ida Friedman wasn't standing there ranting and raving with an orange beret.

"Did I tell you, Angel, that my little Cupcake Junior saved my life? She understands English!" Ida broke into a fit of hilarious laughter. "I'm telling you! She knows every word I say!"

Brooke bit her bottom lip in an effort not to laugh. This woman is nuts! Certifiable! Poor Cayden! However, having this lunatic in the store allowed Brooke to study the first woman that ever made her shiver. Her eyes fell immediately to Cayden's hands as they lay flat on top of the counter. She traced the long fingers with her gaze, noting the short trimmed nails and the ring she wore on the middle finger of her left hand. The skin looked soft and she wondered what it would feel like. Suddenly embarrassed, she averted her eyes to Cayden's left arm, then began to slowly follow it's length, noting with a twinge of uneasiness that she was tracing the well defined muscles of her biceps.

Cayden felt a little thrill when she noticed Brooke giving her the once over. She decided right then and there, that with or without Jodie, she was going to pursue this further. Mrs. Ida Friedman raved and danced on and on just like she usually did, flailing her arms laughing at nothing. Where before this moment, Cayden actually didn't mind the eccentric old woman, now, she was finding her a little annoying. Brooke was standing right there, apparently interested in her or she wouldn't have come back and Ida Friedman was screaming like a crazy person.

"The mouse with the string for a tail? You know the one, well I can't have those in my house no more!!" Ida slapped the counter for emphasis. "I once found a mouse with no string, which means one of my precious babies ate it. OH THE NIGHTMARE!"

Cayden watched Ida twirl around in endless circles, shrieking her grief and began to get impatient.

Brooke's gaze dropped back down to Cayden's fingers as they drummed on the counter. For a split second she imagined those strong looking hands touching her. Not a sexual touch, but gripping her shoulder tightly. She gasped in surprise as butterflies began to flutter around in her stomach.

"OKAY, so, Ida" Cayden began, coming out from behind the counter and quickly running to a display. "These are the safest cat toys in the universe!" She declared, holding up a package. "If your little Cupcake Junior, not Senior manages to tear these up, they will refund you the entire three dollars!"

Brooke drank in the length of the tall woman's body, especially her legs, with envy and something else... something that made her blush. Oh my god! I think In have a crush on Cayden! she thought, horrified. No.. I DO have a crush on her!

"OH! My delightful, heaven sent, Angel!' Ida cried "You should live and be well! You sweetheart! Those are perfect!" She twirled around several times, clapped her hands together in joy and broke into a loud aria.

Startled by the old woman's sudden operatic talents, Brooke clutched Fred tightly to her, never taking her eyes off of the crazy woman.

Cayden ran back behind the counter to bag the toys then thrust the bag at the singing woman in the orange beret. "Here you go Ida. You make sure that they all get their own ball now!" She said excitedly, "Remember what I told you." she added, almost in a conspiratorial way to make Ida think they shared a secret.

"My sweet! I love you! God will be good to you!" She began whispering loudly. "You know I don't get my Social until next Thursday on the fifteenth, I swear I'm good for the money, where am I going? " She clutched her hands to her chest and looked upwards. "May he strike me down dead, a charred old lady right here on the spot if I'm lying!" Ida threw her arms out as if waiting for the bolt of lightening. "I will pay you next Thursday for the indestructible balls!" she laughed loudly at nothing in particular.

"You be well Ida." Cayden called after the old woman who she just noticed now, was wearing two different colored flip-flops.

Brooke couldn't help herself, and whether it was Ida or her nerves, she burst out in uncontrollable laughter, which in turn caused Fred to howl along with her.

Cayden raised her eyebrows and bit her cheek, but it didn't help. Fred's tiny little neck was extended to its very limits as he howled his heart out and Cayden joined in on the laughter too.

The blonde eventually clamped her fingers around Fred's snout and began to relax. Brooke's nerves were less frazzled from the release and when she finally got a hold of herself she had forgotten all her worries as she watched Cayden laugh.

"Ohh man.. I'm so sorry..." The tall woman apologized between chuckles. "Mrs. Friedman usually comes in on the first or fifteenth. She took me by surprise too."

"She was.... something." Brooke giggled.

Cayden puffed out her chest and came out from behind the counter. "So, this is Fred, huh?" She said, scratching the dog under the chin. "He's a cutie." she added when he began to lick her finger.

"I wouldn't say he's cute... he looks a bit like a rodent if you ask me, but you can't help but love him."

"So, what brings you back?" Cayden asked, quite sure of what Brooke's answer was going to be.

"Oh yeah... well... Fred wanted to thank you for the treats." She said, holding the small dog at arms length. Cayden's close proximity was making her feel warm.

"He did, did he?" The tall woman leaned her back against the counter and crossed her arms. "Is there anything else I can do for Fred?" she asked, realizing that this meeting chicks thing wasn't so hard.

"I don't suppose..." The blonde thought for a moment. "Oh! You wouldn't have some sort of doggie cologne would you?"

Cayden smiled toothily. "But of course." Hey, this is really easy! Hand her the cologne and ask her on a date. Piece of cake. she thought cockily. Walking over to a shelf, she thought of Wade and Jodie and how they'd react when she told them she picked up Brooke all by herself. "We have a lot of different kinds." she turned to show Brooke, but the small blonde was right behind her and she bumped right into her. "Sorry."

"That's ok, I snuck up on you." Brooke admitted with a blush, hoping that Cayden didn't notice that she was staring at her butt. Why am I acting like this? Thoroughly embarrassed, she cleared her throat. "You pick one, surprise me."

Why is she blushing? Oh come on, you know why she's blushing, she wants you. "Ok, I suggest CK-9. It's a knock off of CK-1. Or if he's neutered we have White Dalmatians." she joked, totally sure of herself.

Brooke giggled like a schoolgirl. "I'll take the CK-9."

"Okay, shall we give him a spritz?" Cayden asked, coming within inches of Brooke.

The blonde felt unusually shy and backed up a step. "Sure, go ahead."

Cayden sprayed Fred on his back then lifted his tail and sprayed his butt, making a funny face as she did. "All set." Ask her, ask her now... she wants you, go for it.

"Good, it smells great! My boyfriend just hates it when I smell like dog."

Cayden's bubble burst so hard that it was currently zooming in circles around her head, making rude fart noises. The word boyfriend echoed loudly in her ears and she suddenly felt offended. "Oh, I see." she said, trying not to let her emotions show. "It will be four dollars for the bottle." She said with a forced smile.

"Thank you" Brooke said with a genuine smile, catching herself once again looking at Cayden's butt as she walked behind the counter.

Cayden rang up the purchase quickly as she tried to hide her disappointment. "You have a great day now."

"You too!" The blonde replied happily. "Maybe I'll see you again?"

"Yeah, that would be great." Cayden nodded, swallowing her urge to sneer as she watched the blonde leave. She really had no idea why she was reacting like she was. She had no prejudices and held nothing against straight people but once Brooke said she had a boyfriend, Cayden felt hurt.

PART 3  

THE SMALL BLONDE sat on the couch in her parents' condo, watching Fred eat his peanut butter cookie with enthusiasm. Brooke smiled as the tiny dog worked that treat with determination, having only two teeth left. A huge yawn overtook her and she leaned back and put her feet up on the coffee table. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily. Brooke was exhausted and wanted to sleep more than anything, but lately, sleep hadn't come to her no matter how hard she tried. Her lips began to curl up at the sides as she replayed her recent visit to the Fuzzy Belly Deli.

Boy, that Ida was a nut! Poor Cayden, what she has to put up with. I hope there aren't many more like her. Brooke smiled wider when she remembered Cayden's expression as Ida began to sing. Cayden. Cayden is such an unusual name. I wonder where it came from? What's her background? I never saw eyes that color blue before. Brooke's shoulders dropped down and her body began to relax. I wonder if she has a boyfriend... she's not married, unless she's one of those married people who refuse to wear a ring. She's so gorgeous, I can't imagine her being single. I know if I were a guy I'd be all over her. The blonde felt her cheeks get warm. I can't believe I thought that. She giggled nervously. I'm not a guy. I'm not supposed to be thinking that way... unless it's true and I really do have a crush on her. Brooke felt her heart begin to race and she took several deep calming breaths to bring it back to normal. No reason to panic. It's perfectly normal for a woman to have a crush on another woman. It happens all the time. She nodded trying to convince herself. You hear the stories of girls having crushes on their teachers, and babysitters.... uh oh... I'm not a teenager with a case of hero worship am I? I'm a grown woman. Blonde eyebrows furrowed. Ok, so I have a crush, so what? It's not like I want to have sex with her... I wouldn't even know what to do. Brooke's head lolled back and visions of Cayden's smile filled her head. She thought about their brief conversation and how the tall woman behaved and she gasped out loud. You know? I think she was flirting with me! The blonde blushed. Yes! She was! Sooo, she's gay huh? Well, gay or not, I'm sure she's taken, she's too attractive not to be and why do I even care? I'm not interested in her that way. I just want to be her friend. Yeah, that's it, her friend.

A happy feeling washed over Brooke and in less than five minutes, she was sound asleep.

Cayden rushed off of the subway and hurried home. She had picked up a pint of Ben & Jerry's and it was at that perfect melty stage. The tall woman had a date with her bed, the remote, and a spoon, and she couldn't wait. It was the only date she ever looked forward to. Her pride hurt and she didn't know why. She didn't ask Brooke out, so she never really got shot down, but she felt awful just the same. Yes, my bed, and a spoon, she thought as she fished her keys out of her back pack. Just me and my ice cream. Cayden kicked the front door closed behind her and tossed her keys on the table. "I'm home." she called out wearily as she pulled off her shoes. Unable to wait until she got to her room, she took off her sweaty top as she entered the kitchen. She retrieved a spoon and stuck it in her mouth, opening her shorts on the way out.

"Hey, in here." Wade said from the living room.

Cayden balled up her shirt and stuck it under her arm as she turned for the living room. She knew she'd have to share her grief with Wade sooner or later, and she opted for later, knowing he'd allow her the time. All she wanted was the quiet safe haven of her bed. "Hey, I'm not much in the mood..." Cayden stopped short of the couch in horror.

"Um... Cayden... this is Shelly. You did remember you had a date tonight?"

The tall woman held her balled up shirt to her chest in an attempt to cover herself. "Oh... yeah... right..." she stammered, glaring dangerously at Wade, the spoon still in her mouth.

Shelly, never taking her eyes from Cayden's well filled out bra, stood and held out her hand.

Cayden, one hand holding her shirt, the other a pint of melting ice cream, shrugged. "Umm, I better..." she nodded at her bedroom and ran away.

Wade chuckled nervously and ran after her, leaving Shelly sitting there grinning like a wolf. He tapped lightly at the closed door just as he heard the spoon hit a wall, and prayed Cayden would forgive him.

"I hate you."

"No you don't," he said, entering the room. "You love me."

"Not now I don't. GOD! I was standing there in my bra!"

"Oh please, like a lesbian never saw a woman in her bra before."

"Wade!"

"Alright, so you're embarrassed right now, it's not the end of the world. Would it make you feel better if I went in there without any pants?"

"Fuck off."

Wade cringed. "Honey, it's okay, really."

"Easy for you to say, and what the hell is that out there anyway? You said she had one tattoo! She's covered in them! And she's HUGE!"

"Yeah, well... so she's a little muscular. You never minded the occasional butch."

"Butch? Wade, she's a little more than butch. You know that's not my type!" Cayden threw herself on the bed and frowned.

"She's really sweet. La La Bird likes her."

"La La Bird is no great judge of character. He loves you."

"Come on Cayd, just go out to dinner with her."

"No. I'm not going, make up some excuse."

"Cay..."

"NO! I don't want to go anywhere with anyone, especially someone that looks like that!"

"Okay, what's wrong? This is much more than Shelly."

Cayden sighed heavily and flopped across her bed. "I had a bad day, a really bad day. I shouldn't take it out on you or Shelly, but I really want to be alone tonight." she pouted.

"Honey, maybe going out will take your mind off of the bad day."

"I'm not going anywhere with her. No. She's covered in tattoos, she's one big walking bicep. Wade I like women! She's not a woman!"

Wade leaned over Cayden and raised both his eyebrows in surprise. She was never so abrasive. "What's gotten into you?"

Cayden slumped deeper down into the bed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't say things like that, I had a really really bad day."

He knew the answer to the question already but had to ask. "Wanna talk?"

"Not really. Maybe later. Wade, I really don't want to go anywhere tonight."

"Please, pretty please..." he stuck out his bottom lip and put his head on her lap, whimpering.

"No, Wade!" she insisted, moving out of the way of La La as he jumped on the bed. "And watch it!" She told the cat who was sniffing the ice cream.

"Look Cayden, I'm sorry, I'll go out with Shelly tonight. It's okay."

Wade looked so pathetic and crestfallen that Cayden felt guilty. "You really think going out will make me forget my day?"

"Depends. What happened?"

"Nothing. I'll tell you later. Go tell Shelly I'll be out in 20 minutes. I need a quick shower."

"Cayden you're the best!" Wade jumped up and down with excitement. "I owe you big time!"

"Remember that. Oh, and take this with you." she threw the soft container of ice cream at him.

Brooke was at the country club, sitting at one of the bright white umbrella tables sipping a cocktail. She was smiling and relaxed as she watched the golf carts trickle by. Grant came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. She smiled and leaned back into the warm body, reaching up and covering his hand with her own. Something was wrong, but not enough to alarm her, just a small niggling feeling that something wasn't quite right. She felt Grant's body move, his head lowering for a kiss. She tilted her head back and opened her eyes at the last second to meet seductive blue eyes. Their lips met briefly before Brooke knew what to do. "Cayden!" She shouted, waking herself up from the dream. She looked around in confusion, not remembering where she was or how she got there. Recognition slowly dawned on her and she groaned. "Jesus!" she blurted out loud. "What the hell was that?" She questioned her dream. It disturbed her. "Great. I finally fall asleep and I'm having lesbian dreams." She was irritated and upset. It was dark out and she had no idea how long she had been asleep. "I can't believe Grant didn't call." she muttered, fumbling for the lamp switch. Once the light was on, she looked at her watch. "Ten thirty! Oh my god!" She jumped up off the couch and ran out the door.

Cayden was miserable. Shelly was not only self centered, but crude and a bore. All she talked about was herself, how much weight she could press, how big the circumference of her thighs were, and she even stood up in the middle of the restaurant to flex her butt. Cayden had to admit, it was a very nice looking butt, however, it alone couldn't make up for everything else. When Shelly wasn't singing her body's praises, she was bragging about her sexual exploits and conquests, of which, Cayden felt she was next. The brawny woman used every excuse as an opportunity to reach over and touch the tall, unhappy brunette. All Cayden could think of as she picked at her food was in which manner she was going to kill Wade. She wasn't hungry to begin with and Shelly wasn't helping.

"So, maybe we'll go back to my place for a few drinks?" Shelly asked with a leer.

Cayden rolled her eyes. Shelly didn't even have the couth to address the question to her face. If Cayden's breasts could talk they would have told Shelly to fuck off, but since they don't, and Cayden had more manners than her breasts, she declined politely. "Actually Shelly, I'm really tired tonight. I'd love to go home and hit the sack early."

"Well... if you say so." The woman looked offended.

Cayden, with her need to be nice to even the worst people, felt badly. "You know, I have cramps." she said by way of an excuse.

"OOhhhh." Shelly nodded in understanding. "Why didn't you say so earlier? You're right, you'd probably be better off resting." She said sympathetically.

The tall brunette nodded and tried to look pained, which wasn't hard.

"I'm home!" Brooke yelled as soon as she walked in the door. She was surprised when she didn't get a response. "Grant?" she asked nervously. All the lights were out and the house was quiet. She turned on the hall light and checked the bedroom. The house was empty. Worried, Brooke ran to the answering machine and played back her messages. The last one was from Grant, he was going out after work and probably wouldn't be home until late. He told her not to worry.

Brooke didn't mind at all when Grant went out after work with the guys. Some days, working at the Stock Market were crazy, and more stressful than others and he needed to unwind. But tonight, Brooke was feeling rather mushy and she was still disoriented from falling into such a short, deep sleep. She wanted to be hugged, needed to feel a strong arm around her right now. The blonde sighed and trudged into the bedroom and without bothering to turn out the light, took off her clothes and climbed under the covers. Traces of her earlier dream came back to her and she felt her heartbeat increase with nerves. "I can't believe I did that." She mumbled to herself. "I should have known something was wrong from the get go. I was smiling at the Country Club. It had to be a dream."

Wade, a tall, lanky, sandy haired man, was lounging around in his pajamas waiting for his roommate to come home. He never knew what to expect after a blind date, but it was usually bad. He grimaced when he heard the door slam and Cayden's determined footsteps heading for his room. He threw the covers over his head and steeled himself.

Cayden flung open the door and shouted. "That was the last... LAST date you ever set me up on!"

The lump shook. "I'm sorry, but the party you're trying to reach is not available at this time. If you leave... EEP!" The covers were thrown off and Wade winced at Cayden's outraged expression. "Cayden.. now, now... you don’t want to do anything rash."

"How could you tell me she was sweet? She's a brute! She nearly suffocated me and choked me at the same time with her kiss goodnight!"

La La Bird came galloping into the room to see what the commotion was about.

"OOOO! You kissed her?" Wade asked excitedly, his brown eyes twinkling.

"NO! She kissed me. She practically climbed into my lap in the car and stuck her tongue down my throat! Even after I told her I had cramps! I had no idea the human tongue could be so long! She couldn't stop touching me all night and she spoke directly to my breasts the whole time!" Cayden fumed. "And another thing... did you happen to notice all her tattoos are skulls and devils and generally death themed?"

"You have cramps? You shouldn't be ovulating until the ..."

"Wade!"

"Well... " he chuckled nervously. "I actually never met her before tonight. Joey knew her and said she was nice..."

"Joey? What the hell does a drag queen from Iowa know about my taste in women? I can't believe you set me up with someone you didn't know!" Cayden picked up a shoe from the floor and tossed it at him.

"Hey! No need for violence! La La hates that sort of thing." he pulled his cat closer for protection.

"I should kill you!" Cayden still seethed.

"You can't kill me. You'd wind up in jail and they all look like Shelly in there. You'd be someone's bitch in a minute and then you'd miss out on all my blind dates. Not to mention my fabulous cheese omelets."

Cayden cracked a grin despite her anger. "Yeah, well, that was it. I'm never going on a date again. I hate women anyway." she pouted.

"Ya know, men aren't all they're cracked up to be." he tried to joke.

"I don't want men either."

"Oh, come on, Shelly wasn't that bad."

"Yes she was!"

"Fine. See if I care. Be an old spinster lady who's house the neighborhood kids TP on Halloween."

"Sounds fine to me. Women suck."

"Ok, Cayd, spill it This is about what happened today at work. Was it Ida? Or Blanche "you should drop dead" Hoffman?"

"No, and I still don't want to talk about it,"

"Cayd..." Wade sighed sadly as he watched his friend pout her way out of the room. He wanted so much to run after her, but he knew Cayden, when she was ready, she'd talk.

Brooke was laying in a hammock, on her side, with Grant spooned up behind her. It was cool and breezy, the birds were singing and the hammock swayed slowly, lulling her into a wonderful relaxed place. Brooke sighed in contentment and pulled Grant's arm tighter around her body, holding his hand against her belly. She looked down at his hand, the fingers were long and smooth and she started caressing them, smiling at the sigh of pleasure from behind her. She studied the fingers carefully, a warm pleasant feeling washed over her and she snuggled deeper into his body, even though she knew something about his hand wasn't right. With a playful giggle, she shifted, bringing the hand higher till the thumb brushed the underside of her breast. The happy groan behind her wasn't Grant, it wasn't even a man, but Brooke felt so comfortable, so contented where she was that she didn't seem to care. She moved the hand up even higher, until it covered her breast completely. Behind her there was a sharp intake of breath, followed by a long satisfied moan.

"Brooke..."

Brooke shivered at the deep purr. There was no mistaking who it was. "Cayden." she breathed, humming her pleasure, holding the strong hand securely beneath hers, pressing it into her breast. "Cayden." she mumbled, running the fingers of her free hand up and down the strong arm. Cayden was kneading her breast, making her groan, causing her heart to pound wildly in her chest. Brooke's fingers explored the muscular bicep, the strong hairy forearm.

Hairy?

Confused green eyes popped open and Brooke struggled, caught between her dream and reality. Looking down and seeing herself clutching Grant's hand to her breast alarmed her. The dream replayed itself vividly and she gasped. Cayden? Climbing out of bed quickly, she stood in the middle of the room to catch her breath and calm her racing heart. Oh god! What's happening to me?

The tall brunette dug her spoon into the half-eaten ice cream and talked back to the television. It took a while to relax the night before and finally fall asleep and when she woke up, she was cranky. Having the world's fattest cat sprawled across her face didn't help any and she knew the only cure for a day like this was Ben and Jerry. Cayden was grateful that Jodie had other plans for today and wouldn't be at the shop until later. She wanted to be alone. She didn't mind the occasional customer, that was her job, and small talk was easy. She didn't want anyone getting into her brain, and Jodie was great at that. Making herself comfortable, the shop keeper put her long legs up on the counter and tipped back her chair, settling down to watch TV and drown herself in bits of caramel and frozen marshmallow.

Only a few minutes had passed when the bell tinkled, signalling a customer. Cayden looked up and groaned, No, not today.... please... why me? See glanced up at the heavens and narrowed her eyes wondering what she did to deserve this. "Hello Mrs. Hoffman. What can I do for you?"

The stooped over old woman with her beard and mustache, whose long hair looked like it hadn't been washed in months, pushed her wagon towards the counter. "What?"

"I SAY, WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU TODAY?"

"What the hell are you yelling at me for? Are you crazy?" the old woman bent over and pet her poodle who was desperately trying to escape the wagon.

Cayden watched the old woman catch her breath with concern, and tried speaking louder than normal, but less than a shout. "Mrs Hoffman, you shouldn't be running around in this heat."

"Yeah, well, what the hell do you want me to do starve? I had to go shopping you miserable son of a bitch! My Princess was going to starve too if we didn't come here to buy her food!" she yelled.

Cayden took a calming breath. "I have your case of food in the back, let me go get it, take a seat and relax."

The old woman sat in one of the two chairs in the store and harrumphed. "Good. It's too hot out there for anyone to be running around, even the Nazis."

The tall woman rolled her eyes.

"You know they're on my fire escape? I saw them, those bastards. They were stealing my brassieres!"

Cayden couldn't help herself. "The Nazis?"

"You're damned right, those sons of bitches. They climb up my fire escape at night and steal my brassieres! And my girdles! Cheap bastards!"

Cayden leaned over the wagon to pick up Princess and put the food inside.

"That goddamned foot doctor! He should break a leg! It's not my fault he has no business in this heat! He cut my toe on purpose! What did I do? I'm a helpless old lady! The son of a bitch should break a leg!"

Cayden frowned and put the poodle back in the cart. "You know Mrs. Hoffman, I think Princess needs a haircut. A shave actually." She suggested, unable to feel the dog's skin through the thick layer of matted fur.

"She's fine! What do you want her to drop dead? I have an air conditioner! She'll get arthritis! You stupid son of a bitch! My Husband's dead! My name is Blanche!"

"Blanche, I really think Princess should be shaved..."

"Shut up! What do you know? What are you a doctor? That stupid goddamned foot doctor should break a leg! Do you think you know everything?"

"Didn't say that I do... Blanche."

"You should eat fish you know... it improves the memory. But not pineapple soda. I had diarrhea for a whole day and even kaopectate didn't help. When are you going to find me a male for my Princess? I want her to have puppies! Do you know that spiders eat cockroaches? The spiders keep biting me and Princess, we have sweet blood, I always did because I eat sweets. But not you, you sour puss. You probably eat lemons with salt for breakfast."

Cayden took Blanche's check out of her hand and rang it up. "Have a nice day." she bit out.

"Drop dead you miserable know it all!"

Grant whistled as he left for work. He was surprised when Brooke woke him in the middle of the night for sex. She wasn't a very sexual person and usually had to be reminded of how long it had been since the last time. She wasn't even much of a tactile person either, but once and a while she liked to be cuddled. Grant loved those times because one thing always led to another and he was guaranteed some those times. Brooke never actually denied his advances, but when she wasn't into it, it wasn't as much fun for him. But last night, she woke him up specifically for sex and while it was completely out of character, who was he to argue? He could tell there was something wrong though, but every time he questioned it, she just became more aggressive and Grant wasn't a fool. He dropped the subject like a hot potato. What's more, she was fast asleep when he woke up, and of all things there was a smile on her face. He was loathe to wake her up but had to and did so gently. She looked confused and even frightened when she awoke, but turned into her irritable self as soon as she became more alert. Grant couldn't help but grin, knowing he put that smile on her face.

Brooke was not happy. She had a very emotionally confusing night and still wasn't sure why she needed to make love to Grant so desperately in the middle of the night. She was sure though, that it had something to do with her dreams of Cayden, which were becoming more frequent, and more sexual. Just this morning she was dreaming of Cayden and they were making out like teenagers in the back of a movie theater. What she found most confusing about these dreams was that they were turning her on. It's one thing to have a simple crush, it's a whole other thing to dream about having sex with another woman... and like it. Brooke's mind was all jumbled when Bev stuck her head over the partition.

"I'm sorry Bev, did you say something?"

"I just wanted to borrow your stapler, mine's jammed again. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"No, you're not, but it's ok if you don't want to talk about it. Just know that you can, ok?"

"Thanks Bev."

After the older woman returned the stapler and disappeared into her cubicle, Brooke sat quietly and thought. Should I talk to Bev about this? Green eyes drifted to the wall that separated her from Bev. She may just understand. Then again, do I even want to talk about this with anyone...

PART 4

THE FUZZY BELLY Deli was having one of it's busier days. Cayden didn't mind much as the business made the day go quickly. What she did mind, was the crazys who popped up here and there, making her day a little more stressful than necessary. Jodie showed up late in the afternoon and went about stocking the shelves and making lists on what had to be reordered. Jodie wasn't an actual employee, she was a part time student and had a job waitressing a few nights a week in a dive downtown. She only hung out with Cayden because she liked to. She, unlike her friend, enjoyed interacting with the clients and loved the crazy people even more. The errant loon seemed attracted to Cayden, which made Jodie laugh because her tall friend was the last person that wanted to deal with them. Jodie loved to talk to them, listen to their insane stories and ridiculous ranting, but they all loved Cayden. Jodie often teased her friend about the attraction and Cayden swore she'd give anything to make it go away. There must have been quite a few loons, if Cayden's mood was any indication.

"So, Cayd, was it like this all day?" Jodie asked after a swarm of customers left.

"Yeah, pretty much. Blanche came in this morning... ruined a perfectly good pint of ice cream."

"Oh! I love Blanche! Are you still the devil?"

"No, just a son of a bitch." Cayden chuckled. "I tell you, sometimes I have no patience for her and others I do. Today was barely tolerable."

"Face it hon, they love you. You got that face."

"Well then maybe I should wear a mask." The tall woman said with a scowl.

Jodie frowned at Cayden's bad mood. "What's wrong?"

Cayden sighed and stared at the TV.

"Oh I know! The blind date! Tell me, what was her party trick?"

"She could flex each ass cheek independently of the other."

"Whoa baby!" The brown haired woman whooped then pouted when Cayden didn't even smile. "Okay, talk to me." she said, wedging herself between Cayden and the TV.

"Fine. She was built like Stallone and had tattoos of death."

"So? What's wrong with that? She didn't pull her pants down and piss on the bar did she?"

Blue eyes narrowed.

"Still... was she at least nice?"

"I suppose." The tall woman shrugged, then studied Jodie. "Ohhh, I see. Go for it Jo, you can have her with my blessing. I think you two would get along famously."

"You really think I'd like her?" Jodie asked with interest.

"She has a vagina." Cayden said dryly.

"Hardy har. So, that's what's pissing you off?" Her muscles and tattoos?"

"No, and I'm not really pissed off. I'm... I don't know. Maybe I'm just disgusted."

"With what?"

"Women, dating... everything."

"Oh please, until the next hot woman gives you the eye."

"That's you Jo, not me. I'm really tired of it."

Jodie rolled her eyes and jumped up to sit on the counter. "Hey, what ever happened with that blonde... what was her name... did she ever come back?"

Cayden frowned harder. "Yeah, Brooke. She came back, with "Fred". Forget it, she's straight."

"Oh my god! That's why you're so pissy! You asked her out and she freaked!"

"No! I didn't ask her, but I wanted to. I was really going to do it."

"Then why are you so upset? She didn't shoot you down or anything. Besides, how do you really know she's straight?"

"Her boyfriend simply hates the smell of dog." She said sarcastically.

"Oh." Jodie said sadly. "Well, Cayd, there'll be others. And if you really like this one, remember, we were all straight once? She wiggled her eyebrows.

"Oh no. I will not go there. No way." Cayden protested.

"We'll see." Jodie said more to herself than out loud. Something about this little blonde touched Cayden differently than any others. Jodie had a feeling she'd be hearing if not seeing more of Brooke in the near future.

Grant cleared his plate from the table and brought it to the sink. Since Brooke was in front of him washing her dish, he took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her from behind. He sighed when she squirmed away. "What honey?" He asked.

"I'm not in the mood... please." She said shortly.

Grant pursed his lips. You win some, you lose some. He made his way to the fridge for a beer. "So, I made the doctors appointment for Saturday morning, this way you could meet up with Mom at Lord and Taylor in the afternoon. She hates shopping alone."

Brooke glared at the back of his head. "Um, I don't really want to go shopping."

"How do you know how you'll feel Saturday?"

The blonde frowned. "I just know. I was planning on visiting my mom on Saturday anyway."

"Why? You see her all the time."

"She's my mother, Grant, I should be able to see her whenever I want." She argued.

Grant rolled his eyes. Here we go again...

"Honey, look, I know you can't be bitching because you're tired, I've seen you sleeping lately. So, what's your problem?"

Brooke nearly blushed. Sure she'd been sleeping, but she'd been dreaming too. "Nothing." she snipped.

"You've been crabby ever since this sleep thing started, but now you're just bitchy. I mean, just because I suggested that you go shopping..."

"Suggested? No you didn't suggest anything. I bet you already told her I'd go didn't you?"

Grant looked shocked. Brooke certainly was acting very strange, even for her.

"That's what I thought. Just like you made plans for me on Sunday too. Well, I'm not going with your mother on Saturday." Brooke stomped her foot.

Grant stepped back. "What the hell's gotten into you?"

Green eyes narrowed. "Nothing." she lied, throwing the dish towel on the table. "I just don't want to be bothered."

"Oh, so mother is a bother?" Grant asked hotly.

The blonde closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "I didn't say that." she said through a clenched jaw.

"Fine. Do what you want on Saturday. I don't care, but you are going to call mother and cancel."

Brooke growled, startling Grant. "Fine." she said as she stomped into the other room. He's just lucky that I didn't tell him I don't want to be bothered by him either.

Cayden decided to walk home after she closed up the shop. It was a long haul to Tribeca from uptown and it was a rare occasion that she'd walk the distance, but she really didn't feel like the subway or a bus. She fished her walkman out of her back pack and set it to her favorite station. Her dark glasses hid her blue eyes as she ambled on. She wasn't one to stare, but when she got lost in her music or deep in thought, it seemed like she was staring when in reality, she wasn't even seeing the people. New Yorkers have no tolerance for that sort of thing, and after a few altercations, dark glasses became a permanent part of her face. She wasn't in a hurry, but was making good time as her long legs ate up the sidewalks. While waiting for a traffic light a flash of blonde hair caught her attention. After investigating further, Cayden furrowed her brows. Why would I think I saw Brooke? Of all people, her? Get over it Cayd. She mentally slapped herself in the head and crossed the street. She tried to get lost in the music but the DJ's were rambling on, annoying her, and the little blonde kept coming to mind. She scowled behind her glasses. I could have sworn she was checking me out, I'm never wrong about those things. How can she be straight? Unless she didn't like what she saw and made up a boyfriend. That's never happened to me before. Cayden wasn't cocky, but was aware that she was attractive. However, SHE was always the one who made up excuses, never the other woman. That's strange... now I know what it feels like. Serves me right I suppose for being so overly critical of every woman I meet. Cayden began a laundry list of all the things she found wrong with the last few women she dated. No, those were legitimate observations. They were all nuts. I wonder what's wrong with Brooke? She seems pretty normal. I wonder if she really does have a boyfriend. What's he like? Does he love her? He obviously hates dogs. This made Cayden mad. It's clear that Brooke loves Fred, how can she date a man who hates dogs? Ok Cayden, there you go again, making assumptions. Maybe it's just Fred. Maybe the little dog really smells bad and her boyfriend loves dogs, but not Fred's smell. Cayden sighed heavily. Shut up... just cut it out. she scolded herself for going on and on about nothing. Her stomach suddenly growled and she realized she hadn't eaten dinner. When she neared her neighborhood, she stopped into a Chinese take out and called Wade on her hardly used cell phone. "Hey, I'm getting Chinese. You hungry?"

"Yay! I was just thinking to myself how lovely a fried won ton would be right now. "

"Dipping sauce?" Cayden asked.

"But of course."

"I'll be home in a few."

"Get shrimp for La La."

"La La can bite me." Cayden shut her phone and ordered. Maybe Brooke and her boyfriend have a dog at home for all I know. I bet if she does, its hairy. She looks like the type to have a small hairy dog. A Maltese, or a Pekingese... or maybe she has a cat. A Persian or an exotic breed... Cayden frowned. What the hell do I care? Jeez Cayd! Stop this nonsense this very minute. You act like you're obsessed with her! Suddenly frightened, her eyes widened. No. I can't be. Must just be horny.

Brooke was feeling rather haughty about getting her way with Grant. She wasn't really so against shopping with his mother, she just didn't want to spend any more time with the snooty woman than she had to. Brooke's family was an extremely social group, who used every opportunity to get together and celebrate. Grant's family were all busy bodies only interested in the status of each other's bank accounts. Brooke's family had fun together... pool parties, barbeques, beach days... memories she recalled fondly with a smile on her face. She dreaded get-togethers with Grant's family, and was left disgusted afterwards. Frankly, she didn't care for rich people's problems and wished she'd speak her mind when they complained about their Dolce and Gabana skirt not pleating properly. Actually, now that she thought about it, she really didn't know why she was being so submissive in the first place. Brooke wasn't the most outspoken person, but she certainly wasn't as namby pamby as she'd been acting. Could I possibly be afraid of his family? Why? Do their opinions mean so much to me? Since when? Brooke thought seriously for a moment. Exactly why have I been allowing Grant to make plans, decide for me, even order my food in a restaurant? I've never been like this with anyone else. Why Grant? She really wondered about this and it began to disturb her. She thought about when she met Grant and how he claimed to love her for who she was. It was so refreshing to hear that for a change... and he had a stable job unlike all her other boyfriends, another rarity among her past. Plus, he was seriously handsome. There was no reason why she shouldn't have been smitten with him. Except... well, he's never asked me my opinion now that I come to think about it. He never flirted with me either. Jeez, no wonder it took me hours to realize that Cayden was flirting with me! It's been so long that I forgot what it was like. Brooke heard the front door close and frowned. He didn't even tell me where he was going. When I'd have a fight with my other boyfriends, they'd always buy me flowers or get me a card. Even if it wasn't their fault. I don't think he's ever gotten me flowers! Why have I settled? He respects me doesn't he? I thought he did. Is he taking me for granted? Bev said Nancy respects Sam. I wonder what she means. They seem so incredibly happy. I wonder if Cayden's girlfriend respects her, I bet she does. Maybe that other woman was her girlfriend? Nah, that woman was weird, probably not Cayden's type. I wonder what her type is? I bet Cayden buys her girlfriend flowers when they fight. Brooke furrowed her brows in confusion, not knowing when her thoughts turned from Grant to Cayden. She shook her head and stood in front of her mirror, taking stock of herself. She found herself to be attractive, she had pretty eyes when they weren't red and puffy, and her lips were always described as full. Her body was tone and tight, she had a good sized chest and a nice round butt. Two things Grant was very happy with. Sometimes she felt that was all he was happy with. Could I just be a trophy? Me? Nah. Brooke had seen pictures of his former girlfriends, frilly froo-froo girly girls. She wasn't overly feminine and giggly. She was quite athletic and loved to roller blade, ski and play sports. It's been ages... she thought as she looked to the closet. With a slight smile she dug out her roller blades and put them on. Why the hell not? He left, and I have no idea where he went. Funny enough, I really don't care. Probably complaining to his mother. She smirked to herself. Yeah... now where were those wrist guards?

*  *  *

Wade set up the coffee table with plates and beers and waited for Cayden to come home. When he heard the key in the door he smiled, and La La Bird ran to the door like a dog to greet her. It wasn't often that Cayden wanted to eat together, usually she'd hole herself up in her room and eat by herself. Wade was happy he'd have the opportunity to eat and talk with her.

"Hey, call off the hounds." Cayden said as La La stretched his long fat body up the tall woman's leg.

"He's just happy to see you, and don't play that game with me, I know you love him."

"Do not." the brunette said, walking into the living room with the cat attached to her leg. "He's not a pet, he's as big as a house, eats as much as I do... he should pay rent."

Wade grinned. "Gimme the dumplings!" he said excitedly.

"God, you're easy." Cayden joked, handing him the entire bag. "I'm going to change, be right back."

Wade unpacked and set up the food, and smirked knowingly when he found the shrimp. "See, I told you she loves you," he told La La and began cutting up shrimp for him. When Cayden came back, Wade frowned. She looked tired and sad and reached for a beer first. “How was work?" he asked, opting for the roundabout approach as to what was bothering her.

"Same as always. Oh, Blanche came in this morning. She annoyed me a little, her dog needs some attention."

"Why don't you call the groomer to make a house call again?'

"The groomer refuses to go to her house any more."

"That bad huh?"

"Worse. So how was your day?" she asked as she speared a piece of broccoli. Wade's day was always the same. How exciting could it be working as a security guard in a lingerie shop?

"Cool! I got to play butch cop today." He said puffing up his chest.

"No joke? Someone stole something?"

"Yeah, this chick took a few pairs of panties. I got to hold her in the back room and look menacing until the cops came." He failed to tell her that the only reason he caught her was because he was scoping her out as a possible date for Cayden.

"You have the sweetest job. Half naked women running around you all day long. "

Wade shrugged, feeding La La shrimp. "It's nothing special for me, but it could be dangerous for you. Too much eye candy for you to handle. You're hormones would rebel and stage a coup."

Cayden threw a chop stick at him. "I like being single just fine... and I get sex, my hormones are comfortable thank you very much."

"EW! I don't want to know that! Now every time you close your door I'll be thinking that your doing it."

Blue eyes twinkled playfully. "How do you know I only do it in my room?" she teased.

Wade looked at the coffee table, Cayden raised an eyebrow. He looked at the easy chair, she raised the other. He looked at the couch he was sitting on and Cayden wiggled both eyebrows.

"You did it on the couch didn't you." he said more than asked, standing and sniffing the cushions. "La La get off the couch, Aunt Cayden soiled it." he moved over to another spot on the couch.

Cayden laughed out loud and it felt good. "Shut up! Like you don't do it."

"Yeah, but I don't sit here on the couch, ankles to the wind..." he said, spreading his legs and lifting them in the air.

"You should try it." Cayden winked.

"Speaking of all things sexual, how's Jodie?" he asked, wondering if they may have had a fight, causing his friend's mood. "I haven't seen much of her lately. Anything new in the romance department?"

"Please." The tall woman rolled her eyes. "You know, I think she actually wants to date Shelly! She seem interested and Shelly is only after one thing so I think they'd get along perfectly."

"Really" After you told her what a disaster your date was?"

"Hmph. Well, she doesn't think it was all that bad. Actually, I've probably not been giving anyone much of a chance. I think I'm just supposed to be alone. I'm over dating."

"You always say that though." Wade said with a knowing smile.

"Yeah, but I mean it. I had enough. Either they're nuts or they're straight."

Wade watched her eat as he thought about what she said. True... they've all been crazy in one way or another but straight? Where'd that come from? "You never mentioned any straight girls before." he said curiously.

"There was this woman, at work. Most adorable smile, sparkling green eyes, great hot little body, cute dog too..." Cayden drifted off.

Wade raised his eyebrows in surprise. Cayden was actually showing genuine interest in a woman. "Yeah, and..."

"Straight." she frowned.

Bingo! Here's the big pisser! Straight girl turned her down! Poor thing. Go easy Wade. "Oh, are you sure?"

"Actually, I don't really know. I may have come on too strong and scared her."

Not expecting that answer, Wade almost choked on a won ton. "You! Too strong???" He was floored. This woman must be something else on wheels for Cayden to react in such a way. "For real?"

"I just said maybe I did. I don't know. She was definitely checking me out... with interest and suddenly just as everything's flowing perfectly she throws her boyfriend at me."

Cayden looked hurt and pissed at the same time. Not knowing the exact circumstances, Wade knew to tread carefully. "Maybe she told you she had a boyfriend to see your reaction? She may not have read you right." he offered. "I mean, when's the last time you flirted with someone?"

"Maybe. I don't know. She really got to me Wade. I don't know why but I can't stop thinking about her... just forget it." she said, frustration clearly evident.

"Ok, but if you see her again, don't write her off completely. You never know, Cayd. She might be at home kicking herself right this moment for passing up the opportunity with you."

Cayden shrugged and continued eating. Wade ate too, but his mind was working a mile a minute. Must speak to Jodie.

PART 5

B Y THE END of the week, Grant was completely at a loss as to what happened to Brooke. His usually easy relationship suddenly turned complicated. Brooke was going out every day after dinner rollerblading and not coming home until after dark. When she did come waltzing back home, she showered, drank a bottle of water and went right to sleep. When he would ask her where she went, she would shrug and reply, "Around." Grant didn't like this new independent Brooke. He liked the old compliant one much better. The only plus side to this whole thing was that Brooke was asleep moments after her head hit the pillow and the majority of the time, she fell asleep with a smile on her face. However, this did nothing for Grant, and her independent attitude was unacceptable. As he sat and waited or her to come home, he went over everything he was going to say to her. After all, he was the man, he was the one who was supposed to go out gallivanting while she stayed home. That's the way things were supposed to be and he was going to tell her so.

*  *  *

Cayden's week went by as it always did, slow but not painfully so. Jodie popped into the shop on occasion, telling tales of her newest dates, suggesting a few women that she thought Cayden might be interested in. The tall shopkeeper just rolled her eyes each time. Cayden wasn't interested in dating. She was happy to go home alone, eat dinner and watch TV in her bed. No complications, no responsibilities. She often wondered how Jodie could have this long string of one nighters without any problems. She also secretly wished that she was able to pull something like that off, meet a good looking woman, sleep with her and forget her. It would make things so much easier for the brunette to have a no strings fling once and a while, but she knew she couldn't do it. She'd feel guilty, like she used the women, and that would bother her too much.

At home, Wade tried to draw more out of Cayden in regards to the blonde that seemed to disrupt her life, but nothing was revealed. Cayden wanted to forget that she ever met Brooke, and refused to talk about her to Wade, to Jodie, to anybody. It was bad enough that Brooke invaded her thoughts and dreams, she didn't need to talk about her too.

Cayden came home Friday evening with a veal parmagiana hero and was eager to prop herself up against the foot of the bed and eat in peace. However that was not to be.

"CAYD!"

Blue eyes narrowed at the half opened door and the tall brunette stopped mid-bite. "What?"

"Phone. It's Jo!"

"Tell her I died." Cayden bit into her sandwich and sighed. Moments later Wade thrust his hand into the room with the phone swinging by the antenna from his fingers. "Thanks bud. Didn't you owe me one?" She took the phone and sighed again. "Yeah."

"There's this really cool impromptu dog show in the park tonight. Come with?"

"No way. I'm in my pj's already. I'm not getting dressed."

"Please Cayd? I don't want to go alone. Anyway, aren't you the one who doesn't like me traipsing around alone in the park after dark?"

Cayden frowned. "Central Park?" she asked, contemplating it. "What do you mean by dog show?"

"Oh, some people are getting together to show off their babies. It's nothing official or fancy. I just thought you might want to get out."

"When?"

"I'll be over to pick you up in a few!" Jodie said enthusiastically and hung up before Cayden could confirm.

"SHIT! She did it again!" The shop keeper scowled and put the phone down just as Wade poked his head in the door. "What do you want?" she grumbled.

"Are you going?" he asked excitedly.

"Looks like it."

"Cool! Yay! You never know, there may be a few good looking women showing off more than their dogs!"

"I should have known there was a catch. I'm only going to see the dogs, and keep Jodie in one piece. Now, shoo, and let me finish eating before she gets here."

Wade smiled deviously and skipped down the hall.

*  *  *

Brooke took a different route this time on her travels. She was going further each time she skated and this time she was on the Upper East Side. She was enjoying the nightly outings and the freedom she felt. She was also pleased that she was getting the exercise she had given up for reasons she couldn't remember. She loved the feeling of her muscles working as she pushed her legs further on each stride. However, it seemed just as she hit her pace, she had to stop for traffic lights and it was getting frustrating. She stopped at a corner and looked around curiously. Hmmm, I bet I could make it to the park tonight. It's still early... She was reluctant at first to go to the park, there were so many professional bladers and she was afraid she'd look stupid in comparison, but now, she felt pretty confident. Yeah, I'll do it! No traffic lights, no car exhaust, lots of trees... Brooke smiled to herself as she took off towards the park.

*  *  *

Grant looked at the clock and frowned. "Where is she? She's usually called by now." He picked up the phone and dialed Brooke's cell phone number and slammed down the receiver as the cell phone rang in the bedroom. "She didn't take her damned phone!"

*  *  *

Jodie and Cayden reached the entrance to the park and Jodie insisted that they go to a particular ices vendor. She claimed that they had the best mango flavored ice in all of New York City. Cayden grumbled but went along with her friend, she figured an ice wouldn't hurt and went about deciding what flavor she wanted as they walked. Once they got there and ordered, Jodie wanted to stay right there and eat, making Cayden very suspicious. Behind the dark glasses, blue eyes watched a very innocent looking Jodie as the tall woman leaned on a low wall and ate her ice. Just as Cayden was starting to feel a little less nervous, two women walked up to Jodie and the brown haired girl shrieked.

"HI! Fancy meeting you here! Cayden, come here, these are my friends Barbara and Denise. Wow, small world isn't it?"

Cayden scowled so hard her eyes all but disappeared. Jodie set her up and she didn't even see it coming. "Oh yeah, small world." she groused.

"So, Barbara, Denise, wanna see the dog show with us?"

Of course the two women agreed without hesitation. Cayden watched Jodie with the women and figured out that Barbara was Jodie's, and Denise would be hers. Hidden eyes scanned Denise up and down. She was attractive enough to the tall woman and Cayden decided that it couldn't hurt to have her around as long as she didn't get too close. Besides, she'd stave off any other potential women. The brunette swore to herself to get back at Jodie as soon as possible, but for now, she plastered a smile on her face.

"So, Cayden, is it? Do you like dogs?" Denise asked, sidling up to the tall woman.

Cayden nodded politely.

"Do you have any pets?"

"My room mate has a cat." Cayden murmured.

Denise frowned. Jodie said Cayden wasn't much of a conversationalist, but this was hard. "So, do you want to start heading to the show?"

"Why the hell not." Cayden began to walk and was startled when Denise linked arms with her. She looked down where their elbows met and sighed. Ok, she's cute and she'll keep others away.

*  *  *

Brooke was quite excited once she reached the park. She headed straight for the road that all the skaters hung out on, thrilled to be there. She watched with a smile as the pros did tricks and jumps. The music was blaring from a boom box and the beat was forcing her to move. She swayed a little, bopped in place and rolled her feet back and forth, still reluctant to join the others. However, once she saw a bunch of children roll by, she changed her mind and jumped right into the crowd.

*  *  *

Cayden and Denise were a ways ahead of Jodie and Barbara so they decided to stop and wait for them to catch up. The air was a little tense between them and Denise was getting frustrated. She thought Cayden was gorgeous and couldn't wait to touch her some place other than her arm. Jodie warned her that Cayden was a little uptight about public displays of affection, but she was terribly attracted to the sexy woman and hoped she could change that. She was dying to see the blue eyes Jodie talked about at length, but the tall woman wouldn't take off her sunglasses. Cayden's expression was hard to read, but her lips never changed their indifferent appearance, not giving Denise any idea what was on her mind.

Conversation was slow, and Denise tried to keep it going. She watched the rollerbladers shoot by and cheered as they did intricate moves. "Hey, Cayden, do you rollerblade?"

"I know how, but I'm not as good as these guys."

"Yeah, some of these people are fantastic! I don't know how to rollerblade, I'm afraid I'll never get the hang of it."

"It's pretty easy once you get the balance thing under control. Look, there's a guy teaching someone, why don't you get lessons?"

"I suppose I could, but I'm afraid I'll fall down and break something. I'm a bit of a klutz." Denise continued, grateful for a subject Cayden responded to.

"You'll be fine. There's so much protective gear..." Cayden stopped talking and stared dumbly.

"Hey, she's cute! Do you know her?" Denise asked of the blonde woman Cayden was staring at.

"Sort of." The tall woman was floored. Brooke was skating there, with the crowd, smiling and laughing, bopping to the music. She was wearing lycra shorts and a small half shirt with the sleeves cut off, showing much more skin than the last time they met. Cayden had to work to breathe as she watched Brooke's skin glisten in the sunlight.

"Hell, look at that body!" Denise commented.

Cayden nodded, unable to speak.

Jodie finally caught up and followed Cayden's line of vision. "Holy crap, Cayd, it's her! Damn... she's fierce!"

Cayden swallowed hard.

Denise began feeling jealous and leaned into the tall, dumbstruck woman, pressing her cheek into Cayden's arm. It didn't seem as if she noticed, she was so wrapped up in this rollerblader.

Cayden pulled her sunglasses down her nose and as soon as she did, Brooke met her gaze. The small blonde stared into Cayden's eyes, giving the shop keeper goosebumps.

Jodie looked between Cayden and Brooke, shocked at the way they both seemed magnetized to each other's eyes. How do you like that?! They're smitten! Cayden's a goner!

Denise glanced up into the most gorgeous eyes she'd ever seen and practically wrapped herself around the tall woman.

Cayden tore her eyes away from Brooke's intense green gaze and drank in her whole body. She was surprised at how tone and muscular the small blonde was and even more thrown by the way her belly was twirling with the information. Her stare lingered on the expanse of skin the half shirt provided and her mouth watered. Just then, a whole bunch of skaters blocked Brooke from Cayden's view and when the crowd cleared, Brooke was gone.

Cayden shook her head and sighed heavily, feeling disappointed and empty. She just then realized that Denise was laying all over her and she suddenly felt angry. Brooke saw her hanging all over me! She stiffened up and fumed, then raised an eyebrow. That makes me mad why? She looked down at the doe eyed Denise and smiled faintly, almost sadly and pushed her glasses back into place. Looking around once more, and not finding Brooke, she sighed loudly and slumped her shoulders. "Come on, let's go."

*  *  *

Brooke's heart was beating a mile a minute. She was so startled to see Cayden standing there that she froze to the spot. Feeling stupid, but unable to do anything about it she just stared like a fool. Her mouth went dry when she spotted the tall brunette, and she felt like she was glued to her eyes. Brooke's legs felt like jelly and she blushed hotly, her dreams embarrassing her as if Cayden knew about them by looking at her. As Cayden's gaze drifted all over her body she gasped. She's flirting with me again! Brooke forced herself to blink and when she did, she was able to focus on the whole scene and not just the blue eyes. It was then that she noticed the woman hanging all over Cayden. Clearly they were a couple, or they wouldn't have been that intimately close in public. She disappeared in the first crowd and hid behind a tree to compose herself. Despite the woman attached to her arm, Brooke felt drawn to Cayden. Her stomach was fluttering and her body reacted as if those blue eyes were touching her skin as they drank her in. She felt them caress her bare belly and her legs in a way no human had ever touched her. It scared her, but excited her at the same time. She was disappointed that Cayden had a girlfriend but didn't know why. She expected that the tall beautiful woman was taken from the very beginning. Still, she felt sad, and when she peeked out from behind the tree to watch them walk off, it felt worse.

*  *  *

Cayden was having a terrible time, all she could think about was Brooke. Jodie tried to make dumb conversation, and it worked occasionally, but the tall woman's mind was on one thing only, Brooke. She cursed herself and got more moody as the night wore on. At one point her thoughts turned from wanting Brooke, to feeling hurt by her. The later it got, the more touchy feely Denise became... and the more Cayden allowed it. She felt as if she were getting back at Brooke, teaching her a lesson. Of course this was impossible, as Brooke had no idea what was going on inside Cayden's head, but it made the blue eyed woman feel as if she was doing something to hurt Brooke back. The evening ended with a small make-out session which did nothing sexually for Cayden, but it made her feel smug just the same. Cayden wasn't sure why she accepted a second date with Denise, but she did. Shoving the phone number into her pocket, she glared at Jodie instantly shutting the stunned woman's mouth.

After Barbara and Denise left, Jodie turned to stare at Cayden. "Well... that was.... not like you at all! What is going on?"

The shop keeper shrugged. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I just need to get laid."

"No way. There's more to it than that. People just don't do a 360 like that unless you suddenly developed split personality."

"Yeah, that's it." Cayden replied sarcastically.

"It's the blonde on blades." Jodie declared.

Cayden exploded. "What the hell does she have to do with anything? Shit! She's straight Jo! She's got nothing to do with anything! Can't I just decide to date?"

"NO! Not after you were totally convinced that all women were evil and you were going to become a nutty old spinster woman just hours ago. Denise is cute Cayd, but she's nothing so special that you would behave like you did. There were no sparks from you, I know you well enough to see that. You're doing the wrong thing,. Denise is totally into you and you're going to play her cuz of some straight chick. That's just wrong."

Cayden shrugged again. "I don't really care."

Jodie shook her head in disappointment. "Think about it Cayd. I'm going home."

*  *  *

Brooke had to make a special effort to pay attention to the road as she skated home. She couldn't stop thinking about Cayden, and replaying that hungry expression Cayden had when her blue eyes wandered over her body. It made Brooke shiver to be on the receiving end of such a sexy look. She still felt disappointed that the tall woman had a girlfriend, but it didn't stop her body from reacting, she couldn't help it. She tried as hard as she could to recall a time when one of her boyfriend's looked at her that way and couldn't come up with anything. Brooke smiled broadly as she rolled up to her building, thrilled that she could have that kind of effect on anyone. She felt alive, sexy and desirable. It made her feel awfully cocky. If she could make someone like Cayden look at her like that, surely there were others that will too. She secretly wished that Cayden would look at her like that again and blushed. Stop it, or you will be dreaming about it tonight, she warned herself. She whistled cheerfully as she put her key in the door, but her happy bubble burst as soon as she opened it and saw Grant's expression.

"So, you finally decided to come home."

Brooke winced and sat down on the floor to take off her skates.

"Do you realize what time it is?" he asked, pointing to the clock.

Brooke looked at the time and shrugged. "It's 9:30. What's the problem?"

"You've never come home this late before!"

"So? Is it past my bedtime? Did I have a curfew?" Brooke asked as she threw her skates into the closet.

Grant fumed as he watched her walk away. He followed her into the kitchen, "This has to stop. You're not going out until all hours on those things, dressed like that any more! You belong in the house at night so I know where you are."

Brooke swallowed a few gulps of water before replying. "I happen to like those things, Grant, and never you mind how I dress. It's hotter than hell out there. And besides, I'm having fun for a change."

Grant stared at her. "For a change? What the hell are you talking about?"

Brooke stared back at him blankly. "You bore me." She walked past him and into the bedroom.

Grant stood there, stunned. "I bore you? Since when? What's gotten into you?" He followed her into the bedroom. "Brooke! I'm talking to you!"

Brooke pulled some clothes out of a drawer and threw them on the bed. She turned to look at her boyfriend and began getting undressed.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you answering me? What's wrong with you?" Grant was almost livid.

Brooke calmly disrobed watching Grant intently. Once she was naked, she stood there with a hand on her hip.

Grant looked at her like she was crazy. "Have you been drinking?" He asked, seriously concerned.

"Look at me Grant, I want to see you look at me." Brown eyes drifted quickly up and down Brooke's bare form then met her eyes again.

Brooke chuckled. "That's what I thought. I bore you, and you bore me," she said as she walked into the bathroom.

Grant stood there completely confused. "What the hell is she talking about??"

*  *  *

Brooke stood under the shower spray and sighed. If he looked at me with half as much enthusiasm as Cayden, I'd have been happy. She bent her head down and let the spray hit the back of her neck. I've got some serious thinking to do, she decided. I don't belong here.

*  *  *

Grant's anger totally deflated as he sat on the bed. He had no idea what just happened. He had every intention of telling his girlfriend off about her behavior when she totally flummoxed him. In fact, she acted crazy, taking her clothes off and standing there. What was she waiting for? Did she want me to touch her? Is that what she meant by bored? I'll show her boring!

*  *  *

Brooke closed her eyes and enjoyed the heat as it loosened her tired muscles. She leaned her forearms against the wall as the water cascaded down her back. Images of Cayden's penetrating blue eyes gave way to a recurring fantasy and Brooke felt her heart beat quicker. Large hands held her hips as the dark haired woman's head lowered for a kiss. Brooke groaned softly as the fantasy played out and this time she didn't stop it and the images became more intense. She felt Cayden's lips touch her own, the shop keeper's fingers caress her cheek as her tongue tickled her top lip. Brooke's belly filled with tingles that worked their way down between her legs. She was more turned on by her fantasy kiss than she'd ever been from a real one. Her nipples hardened with arousal and she shivered, imagining Cayden's hands covering her breasts. Would she touch me hard or soft? she wondered briefly. Moaning quietly, she licked her lips, trying to taste her fantasy kiss. She suddenly jumped as the bathroom door opened.

"Honey, can I come in?"

Brooke was startled as Grant climbed into the shower behind her, She was terribly turned on and torn between getting some relief and kicking him out, She gasped as his palms brushed her hard nipples. She wanted to stay mad at him, but it felt so good.

"How's this for boring?" He mumbled into her neck as he squeezed her breasts.

Brooke's eyes rolled and she closed her eyes in pleasure. Suddenly, Cayden was touching her, her fantasy taking over her reality. Cayden's hand wrapped around her breast, her breath blew hotly on her neck, her other had drifting lower. Brooke opened her legs to welcome the tall woman, letting her head fall back onto her shoulder, egging her on with a groan.

"Oh yeah!" Grant said excitedly at his girlfriend's sudden wantonness.

Brooke jumped to attention. "Grant, no," she said, moving away from him.

"What the fuck?" he argued. "You can't tell me you weren't into it just then?"

Brooke blushed guiltily. "No, please," she said as she ran out of the shower.

Grant, completely at a loss by her behavior, stomped his foot in frustration. "What the hell is going on with you?" Getting no response, he poked his head out of the shower to find an empty bathroom.

*  *  *

Brooke sat at the kitchen table in the dark until she was positive Grant had gone to bed. She felt guilty and confused, her imagination almost got the best of her. She couldn't look Grant in the face after what had happened and when she did finally go to sleep, it was on the couch.

*  *  *

Cayden was glad that Wade wasn't home when she got there, the last thing she wanted to do was talk. Jodie sure let me have it didn't she. She stripped off her clothes and took a quick shower, then went to bed. After tossing and turning for a long time, she clicked on the TV and stared at it blankly. This sucks, she thought with a frown. So what if Denise has the hots for me? That's better for me anyway. Jodie and Wade are probably right, I just need to get laid. That will take care of this Brooke obsession. I'm probably so obsessed with her because I'm horny. The tall woman bit her lip in thought. It will do me some good, and if Denise wants to sleep with me again, I'll just tell her.... what will I tell her? Who am I kidding? I can't do this? It's crazy! Then again, maybe Denise only wants a fling. Maybe I should ask her. What do I say? Jeez, I'm no good at this. I know Denise wants me, she was all over me, and more so after I saw Brooke. Uh oh, if that's the case, then I was obvious. Shit! if I was that obvious, then Brooke knows I want her too! Oh fuck. I don't want some straight girl thinking I want her! Even if I do! Cayden's expression suddenly turned dreamy. I certainly do want her. Damn, she's hot. Nice firm muscular thighs, tight abs, not to mention her ass! Now that's a hell of an ass! Those bicycle shorts left nothing to the imagination. I bet she wasn't wearing panties. I'd like to hold that ass with both hands... The brunette's thoughts took a lewd turn. Mmmm, imagine those perfect breasts in my hands. I bet her nipples are perfect...pink and beautiful... Cayden blushed. She never had such pornographic thoughts about someone before. It surprised her. STOP IT! You're going to get all hot and bothered and there's no one but yourself to take care of things. The shop keeper turned up the volume on the television and tried to focus. It was fruitless as Brooke's body was the only think on her mind. "Fuck it. So I'll touch myself. I should go do it on Wade's bed and freak him out. " she chuckled, then turned serious. "This is sooo not good. I really want Brooke."

PART 6

B ROOKE JUMPED UP and looked around, her heart was pounding and she tried to gather her bearings. Her dream was intense, much more detailed and graphic than all the others. She blew out a long breath and pulled her shirt away from her body in an effort to cool off. She was incredibly aroused and slightly embarrassed at herself for dreaming such highly erotic things. She crossed her legs tightly to stop the ache and it only made things worse. She leaned forward and rested her head on the cool coffee table. Jesus H. Christ. I can still feel her hands, her mouth, her stare. Why is she doing this to me? Brooke took a deep breath and groaned quietly as she realized she could smell her own arousal. She looked towards the bedroom then winced. I don't want him. I want Cayden. She leaned back and put her feet up on the table. God, I'm a lesbian! I really am! She thought wide-eyed and scared. I don't want Grant to touch me, I want Cayden! Holy shit do I ever want Cayden. Brooke closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down. Ok, it's not horrible, I'm sexually attracted to another woman. Who can blame me? Look at her! She's perfect! Those long legs, that sexy butt, those lips... and of course those eyes. She sighed dreamily, her pulse already beginning to race again. Oh, and don't forget those strong hands and fingers. A hot flush covered Brooke's face as she thought of Cayden's fingers. A new fire ignited in her belly and she squeezed her eyes closed tighter. The tall woman's fingers were touching her and there was nothing she could do about it, it was hopeless, and she let them roam freely in her imagination until she was squirming, and very wet. Finally, unable to prevent it from happening, Brooke slipped her hand into her panties and hummed in relief, finally allowing Cayden to touch her where she needed it most.

*  *  *

Wade shuffled his way into the kitchen after the smell of breakfast wafted into his room. With his eyes half closed, he followed his nose to find Cayden at the stove, La La Bird sitting directly behind her, drooling. "What's the holiday?"

"I'm hungry."

Wade sat down and pulled out the chair next to him so the cat could jump up. "I hope you made enough for us too." He said, the last word swallowed by a yawn. Cayden turned and dropped a plate in front of him. He raised an eyebrow. "An omelet?" He asked in amazement. "What the heck has you in such a good mood?" Both eyebrows shot up and his eyes went wide. "Oh my god! You got laid last night!"

Cayden chuckled. "Nope." She tipped the chair over and the fat cat fell to the floor with a yowl. She sat at the small table with a plate of her own and poured them both coffee.

"Then what gives? I usually have to pay you to cook." He took a mouthful of omelet. "Mmm."

Cayden held out her hand. "Soo, where's the money, Honey?"

"Oh baby... mushrooms and cheese..." Wade picked through his food and pulled out a mushroom for the cat.

Cayden ate for a while and watched Wade go through his orgasmic eating experience. After giving him enough time in heaven, she cleared her throat. "So, how'd you sleep last night?"

"Like a rock. I got in really late."

"Smell anything odd in your bed?"

"Huh?" Wade asked drinking his coffee. "Like what?"

"Me. " Cayden said around a forkful of food.

"You?" he asked in puzzlement. Cayden raised an eyebrow and it hit him. He looked horrified. "You did not!"

Cayden snickered.

"Oh, EW! On my bed???" Wade's voice raised an octave. "Cayden Riley! You did not do it on my bed!"

"Yep. I think I even wiped my fingers on your pillow."

"GOD! I can't even remember if I turned it over before I fell asleep! I can't believe you did that! Ick.. lesbian juices." he shuddered. "Feh, Cayden!"

The tall brunette continued to finish her breakfast with a gleefully evil expression.

"You washed your hands before cutting those mushrooms didn't you?" he asked suspiciously.

Cayden shrugged. "Suffer."

Wade narrowed his eyes at his omelet, picked up a mushroom and smelled it hesitantly.

Cayden chuckled, snatched the mushroom away and ate it. "Mm, mm good."

"You're just fucking with me. The poor, defenseless, sleep deprived queen." He pouted.

"Maybe. But I'd change my sheets before inviting anyone over. Unless you want them to think you've slept with..." Cayden covered her mouth in shock. "... a GIRL."

"Oh god!" Wade shrieked and ran into his room.

*  *  *

"Brooke, we have to be at the doctor's soon, you have to get up."

The blonde winced and groaned.

"Come on, I've been waking you up for an hour, let's go!"

"I'm not going to the doctor." she grumbled.

"Brooke! Come on!"

"I sleep just fine thank you very much. Now, leave me alone." I have a very interesting dream I must get back to. "Go play golf or something." She said, then covered her face with a pillow.

"Did you forget you're coming with me?"

Actually, she did forget that they had changed the golf plans for Saturday instead of Sunday, and Brooke only agreed to go as it was the lesser of two evils. "No, I didn't forget." Brooke opened her eyes, rolled them at Grant, and then closed them again.

"Where did you get this attitude from?"

Brooke shrugged.

Grant threw his hands up in defeat and stomped away. When Brooke was sure he wasn't coming back to annoy her, she opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. If one was actually able to see a sigh, the air around Brooke would be gray. Yep. The Country Club, my favorite. Yuck. The blonde swung her feet off of the couch and sat up. Hey, its not that bad. They have awesome food, Brooke yawned, and fabulous coffee. It's just the company that stinks. Besides it's much better than shopping with Deirdre. The tired blonde yawned again and trudged her way into the bedroom. I'll see mom tomorrow.

"Well good morning." Grant said sarcastically.

"That's a matter of opinion." Brooke mumbled.

"Why did you sleep on the couch last night?"

Brooke shrugged and busied herself looking through the closet.

Grant stared at his girlfriend's back. "Brooke, really, what's going on?"

The blonde came away from the closet holding a blue sun dress. "I really don't want to talk about it."

"I think you should. Whatever is going on in that head of yours is affecting our relationship and I should know about it. Wear the yellow dress, I don't like the blue one. I mean really, I can't have you moping and pouting all over the Country Club."

Brooke walked back to the closet and started to look for the yellow dress, then stopped. "I'm wearing the blue dress, Grant, and I'll mope and pout when and where I want, but don't you worry, I'll be the perfect little Stepford wife for you at the Country club."

Grant's eyes widened. "See? That's exactly what I'm talking about! Where did this all come from?"

"Me. I'm tired of being your little doll to dress up and show off." Brooke said, trying to hide her anger. "I'm going to shower now... ALONE."

Grant sighed out loud and fidgeted with his belt buckle. What the hell? I know she doesn't have any new friends influencing her... or does she? Where does she go when she rollerblades? And who with? Maybe there's someone else? She wears such skimpy clothes when she goes out.. surely someone else has noticed that body by now. Oh shit. "BROOKE!" Grant yelled as he flung open the bathroom door.

Brooke pulled the shower curtain over her naked body and glared at him. "What?" she asked in irritation.

"Where do you go when you roller blade? Is there another man? Why are you covering yourself anyway? I know what you look like naked."

"First of all, don't you ever come barging in here again when I'm in here, second of all there isn't other man, and third of all.. I don't like you seeing me naked."

"Since when?"

"Since now. Get out."

"Brooke, please... why are you so angry with me?"

"I finally realized that this is not what I want." she answered honestly.

"What?" Grant looked stunned.

"You asked." Brooke said flatly and stepped into the shower.

Grant left the bathroom and sat dejectedly on the bed. Maybe it's just a phase she's going through. Hormones or something. He considered that for a while. What if it's not?

*  *  *

"Cayden? Can I wear your black silk shirt?"

The tall brunette grunted as she put on her sandals.

"Was that caveman for yes, of course you can borrow it, you look smashingly sexy in it. Or was it no, I don't want your pit stains in my silk."

Cayden poked her head inside Wade's room. "Yes, you can borrow it but I still don't want any pit stains, and keep that animal away from it too." she pointed to the enormous cat who was laying spread-eagled on the bed.

"Cool. Hey, how'd it go last night anyway?"

"Why don't you ask Jodie you sneaky bastard." she narrowed her eyes.

"Moi?" he pointed to himself, trying to look offended.

"Yes, vous. Like you had no idea that those girls were going to be there."

"Oh, I had an inkling. So, anyway, how cute is Denise?"

"She's hot, but I don't understand. There must be something wrong with her or Jodie would have done her already."

"Oh that. Well, Jodie had every intention of doing her but Denise wasn't into it. She's not a wham-bam kinda gal."

"Great." Cayden frowned.

"What's this? Cayden Riley's looking for a quickie?"

The tall brunette sucked her teeth. "Maybe. It just may be what I need."

"Cayd, are you serious?" Wade asked in disbelief. They only set her up with Denise, because Denise is a dater, and Jodie and Wade thought if Cayden and Denise hit it off, Cayden would finally have someone to date without strings. They didn't expect this kind of situation.

"I dunno. I guess. It wouldn't kill me to get laid... the proper way." She grinned and looked at Wade's newly made bed.

Wade rolled his eyes. "You're a pig. Defiling my Eden. But really Cayd, Jo and I tease you but we didn't expect you to call us on it."

"Why not?"

"Because it's not you."

"Well, maybe it should be." Cayden said as she left the room.

"Cayd! Don't do something you'll regret!" Wade yelled after her, but the front door closing was his response.

*  *  *

The air was thick around Grant and Brooke for the better part of the morning, but once they got to the Country Club, Grant put on his usual airs, and Brooke smiled mechanically, charmingly. As Grant went off to play golf with Terry, Brooke was stuck with Mary, the 30-something, uptight, snotty, bore. Brooke resigned herself to being polite and sympathetic as Mary bitched about the most inane things, like the angle of her extremely obnoxious Donna Karan skirt, to the imperfection of her ridiculously expensive, and severely pointy nose job. Brooke continued to look interested for the most part, but kept drifting back and forth between the conversation and her surprisingly inventive imagination. Every so often Mary would catch a flush creeping up Brooke's neck and question it. Brooke would wave it off, blaming it on the heat and the amount of alcohol she was consuming.

"Brooke honey, is everything ok? I've rarely seen you empty a glass of anything alcoholic and here you've just drained your second Mimosa." Mary asked curiously. She always was one for a bit of gossip.

"Oh, it's nothing really." Brooke replied with an unconvincing smile.

"Hmm, well whatever it is, you know you can tell me." Mary said, dying to know what could be bothering perfect Brooke.

Yeah, like I'd tell you anything, you busybody. "Let's just say I've found myself. " the blonde offered cryptically.

Mary pondered that for a while and the embarrassed, yet satisfied expression on Brooke's face. "OH!" she said, nodding like a dashboard doll. "Congratulations honey!" she lifted her glass. "I found myself years ago. If you think Terry alone is enough to do that trick, you'd be sorely mistaken. We all need a little icing on that cake." She clicked Brooke's glass with her own.

Brooke giggled and sipped her new drink which was now straight champagne. Even though Mary had the wrong idea, she wasn't that far off.

"So tell me..." Mary started, leaning across the table, giving the blonde a clear view up her nostrils. "Did you do it while he was sleeping?" she whispered. "I get a secret thrill fantasizing about someone else while he's snoring his head off."

Brooke swallowed such a large gulp of champagne it was painful and her eyes watered. Isn't that a teeny bit personal? What happened to uptight Mary? She shook her head and giggled nervously.

Mary leaned back and fiddled with a finger sandwich. "I like to pretend its Vin Diesel." she confessed. "Something about a bad boy that gets me all worked up." She fanned herself for dramatic emphasis and leaned closer to Brooke again. "So, who do you fantasize about?"

Brooke almost choked on a canapé. A blush rose quickly before she could stop it and she averted her eyes.

"Oh, Brooke, Darling! Now you simply have to tell me!" Mary almost vibrated with excitement.

"Uhm, I'd rather keep it to myself."

"Ooo, so it's someone I know?" Mary asked, even more excited than before.

"No, really, you don't know.... them." Brooke said quietly.

Mary smiled, her brain working a mile a minute to figure out this juicy bit of info. "Well, it certainly must be good by the look on your face. Are you sure you don't want...." Mary's eyebrows shot up as something Brooke said registered. Them? she leaned back in her chair and studied Brooke carefully. Interesting. I'm sure she doesn't mean 'them' in the plural sense...

Brooke kept her head bent and picked nervously at her food. Shit... shit... I can't believe I just gave myself away!

Mary saw that Brooke was having a hard time and decided to drop the subject for now. Or at least until after the next drink. "The Brie is wonderful, don't you think?"

Brooke began to breathe again, grateful for the change in subject. "Yes, it's very good."

*  *  *

Cayden was well into a bag of Cheese Doodles by the time Jodie showed up at the shop.

"Did I miss anything?" The curly haired woman asked.

"Two dogs peed on the floor and a child ate a dog biscuit."

"I always miss the fun stuff." Jodie pouted, pulling one of the customer chairs behind the counter and sitting next to Cayden.

"Maybe you want to sit in my lap?" Cayden asked of the close proximity.

"Nah, this is fine." Jodie replied, smiling with all her teeth. "Soooo, call Denise yet?"

Cayden sighed., "It took you exactly 40 seconds to hold that in. A new record. " she clapped lamely.

"I'd like to thank the Academy."

The brunette snickered and threw a Cheese Doodle at her friend. "No, I didn't call...,. I'm still thinking."

"Good."

"I just don't get it Jo. First you and Wade make it your destiny in life to get me laid and when I even consider it, the both of you freak out."

"We care about you Cayd. We don't want you doing something for the wrong reasons. Especially something big, like this."

"What reasons?" Cayden asked, slightly irritated.

"Spite." Jodie said confidently.

"Spite? Who am I spiting?"

"Do I really have to answer that question?"

"Why would I do something like that?"

"Maybe you should tell me?"

"Jo, you're pissing me off now. Stop answering my questions with questions."

"That Brooke got to you in a big way."

"Where the hell did she come from now?" Cayden asked, tossing the bag of Cheese Doodles on the counter in disgust.

"Oh, yeah... it's her. I saw the way you two looked at each other in the park. It was right out of a tacky movie. I swear I saw sparks."

"Shut up. There were no sparks. We just recognized each other is all." Cayden argued.

"You shut up. Just admit it Cayd, you're head over heels. Totally fucked."

"Oh, I'm fucked alright." Cayden pouted. "Shit, Jo, what am I going to do?" she whined pathetically.

"Oh honey..." Jodie rubbed her friends leg. "I knew this was what was going on. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, me too. I didn't expect to like her..."

"Like her?"

"Okay, I want her in the worst way." Cayden slumped lower in her chair. "I never felt like this about anyone. I hardly know her! Dammit Jo... she's straight for gods sake!" Cayden said with frustration.

Jodie looked sympathetic. "Honey, I don't hate to tell you this, but she looked at you like you were a cinnamon bun and she was starving to death."

Cayden smirked. "Yeah? You know... I thought so too. Even when she was here, I could have sworn she was interested. Then she throws her boyfriend at me." The shopkeeper stopped talking and sighed heavily.

"Damn. You finally find her and you can't even have her."

"It's not fair!" Cayden pouted again, picked up the Cheese Doodles and ate one.

"I tell you what, she was definitely into you, there was no mistaking that. I have no idea why she brought up her boyfriend, unless she was reminding herself. I saw the way she acted." Jodie paused to eat a Cheese Doodle. "I think, if the opportunity arises again, you should call her on it."

"I can't do that." Cayden said rolling her eyes.

"Oh, yes you can. You'd be surprised."

"Jo, if she comes in here again I bet I'll act like a total moron and embarrass myself."

Jodie chuckled. "Give it a try Cayden. Just thinking about your next meeting and planning out what your going to say will make it easier. You'll be able to do it."

"Yeah, whatever." Cayden agreed reluctantly.

Jodie took the entire bag of Cheese Doodles away and began to eat them. "So, what else is new?"

"Wade has a date." Cayden said, stealing back the bag.

"Hey, those things are addictive! You can't just allow me one or two and take them away." The waitress reached in and took a bunch out and smiled in satisfaction. "So, Wade has a date. Our little boy is all grown up."

"Yeah well he better be all grown up, he's wearing my black silk shirt."

"It must be great to have a man around who wears the same size as you. Think of all the sweats and T-shirts!"

"Eh. I don't borrow his sweats. Something icky about having my personal where his balls were..." Cayden scrunched up her face.

"Ew Cayd!" Jodie grimaced and laughed at the same time. "You wear panties!"

"You wear panties.." She wiggled her eyebrows. "I prefer to go au natural in sweats."

"TMI"

*  *  *

Brooke downed quite a bit of alcohol as the morning drifted into afternoon. Mary turned out to be more fun than Brooke anticipated and there was alot of giggling to be had as they played "boxers or briefs" with the Country Club lot. The blonde was pleasantly surprised with the turn of events, and whether it was the drinking or her misconception of Mary, it didn't matter. She was actually having a good time at the Country Club for a change, and with Mary of all people.

"You know Mare, I can call you Mare can't I? This was a pretty good morning." Brooke said drunkenly.

"Yes, I agree! We should do this more often." Mary suggested, then excused her small hiccup.

Brooke smiled politely. She wasn't a drunk and had a feeling she would have to be to enjoy Mary's company on a regular basis. "That would be nice." she said with a nod, having no intention on following through.

A flouncy woman, who was at least fifteen years younger than the man she was hanging onto, captured their attention and they both giggled.

"Panties or a thong?" Brooke asked.

Mary craned her neck to get a good look at the departing duo. "Neither. But he's definitely wearing boxers."

"Uh uh, nope. He's wearing a latex g-string and matching bra." Brooke said seriously. "For foreplay, she dresses up as Julia Child and beats him with lasagna noodles."

Mary was unable to close her gaping mouth so her laughter was loud and raucous. The highly unladylike sounds emanating from the usually refined woman brought Brooke to near hilarity and the two of them eventually drew attention to themselves.

After calming down a bit, Mary wiped her eyes and stared at Brooke in amazement. "Where did that come from?" she asked, still giggling.

"I have HBO, I watch Reel Sex sometimes." Brooke slurred.

"Oh my! The last time I stumbled across that show, they were doing a sing on thwingers." she said with a sour face, then knit her brow in confusion. "I mean, a thing on swingers."

Brooke snickered at Mary's tipsy flub.

Mary opened her eyes wide. “Have you SEEN some of those people? No wonder they want a fresh face."

"There was this one show about piercing, that almost made me sick." Brooke said, after finishing her glass of champagne. "I suppose a navel or even a nipple is ok, but really... the things people pierce!"

"I am a firm believer in keeping some parts intact. There are some things that just shouldn't have holes in them. Imagine one of those women with a nipple ring trying to breast feed? Milk squirting every which way." Mary shook her head in disgust and signaled the waiter.

"I don't know, I think that nipple rings are kinda hot." Brooke said quietly, her mind wandering to Cayden, trying to imagine what her nipples look like and wondering if they're pierced.

"Oh? So, this mysterious fantasy person has a nipple ring?" Mary inquired, leaning close to Brooke.

Brooke backed away from the woman and fanned herself. "I don't know." She said defensively.

"Hmm. You aren't going to tell me who it is are you." Mary stated.

Brooke blushed. "I don't think I should."

"Why? If I don't know... them... then there's no harm done." Mary pushed.

Oh god, she knows! She knows its a woman! Brooke panicked at first, then thought about it for a moment, squirming under the scrutiny. "No, I can't." She decided.

Mary leaned back in her chair, disappointed. Darn. I'm just dying to know!

Brooke studied her new glass of champagne. I can't tell her, she'll tell Terry and he'll tell Grant. I have enough trouble with Grant as it is. But boy, I'd love to be able to get it out to someone. Oh! Bev! I can tell Bev!

Mary noticed Brooke's sudden change of expression from pouty to thrilled. I'd so love to know what's going on in her head.

Just then, the same young woman with the old man wandered by and Mary slapped Brooke on the arm.

Picturing the old man in latex sent champagne shooting out of Brooke's nose. "OW! GOD!" she yelped between guffaws of laughter.

Mary, just as drunk and laughing even louder tried to blot Brooke's nose with a napkin that turned out to be the tablecloth. The two inebriated women laughed even harder as glasses and dishes started hitting the floor, shattering in all directions.

*  *  *

"Isn't that your wife making a scene?" Grant asked, upon seeing Mary in the midst of the chaos.

"Good lord, yes! And she's with Brooke!"

By the time the two men got there, Brooke and Mary were in tears, they were laughing so hard.

"Mary! What are you doing?" Terry asked angrily, gesturing to the flock of waiters trying to clean up around them.

Grant could see immediately that they were drunk and his ears turned red. "Brooke, what has gotten into you?" he asked calmly, as he pulled her out of her chair a little roughly.

"Hey!" She protested pulling her arm back and nearly falling over. The flurry of activity going on around her was making her dizzy.

"Let's go home, Honey. I think you need a nap." Grant said in a controlled tone.

"Yes, I agree." Terry said tersely and tight lipped, as he helped Mary up. "Great game by the way, maybe next time you'll let me win?" he tried joking.

Grant gave him a long suffering look as he wrapped his arm around his teetering, giggling girlfriend.

"Brooke, dear, you have yourself a faaabulous nap." Mary said with an obvious wink.

Brooke blushed. "Oh I sure will, I sure will. To sleep perchance to dream." she slurred.

"Ah, yes. " Mary agreed wiggling her eyebrows. "You be sure to give them a little something for me, but stay away from the lasagna." The drunk woman almost cackled with laughter at her own joke.

"Okay ladies, time to go." Terry said, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist for support.

Grant forced a smile as he grasped Brooke tighter than he should have.

"OW! You're hurting me!" She whined trying to pull away.

"Don't want you falling down... dear." Grant said through his teeth.

Brooke narrowed her eyes. "Yeah, I may embarrass you." she sneered. "Hey Mary!" she shouted across the patio, "Tighty Whities!" she yelled while pointing to Grant's crotch.

Mary broke out into hysterical laughter nearly toppling both Terry and herself over.

"BROOKE!" Grant steamed, dragging her away from the people.

"You need color Grant. Blues, or reds.... your underwear is as boring as you are." she said a little loudly.

Grant took a deep breath and tried not to make eye contact with anyone. "Must we talk about this now?"

"Why the hell not?" Brooke threw her hands up in the air and nearly fell. "Whoa..." she complained.

Grant led her through the club and into the parking lot with no further incident, then loaded her into the car. "You're not gong to throw up or anything are you?"

"Nope!" Brooke answered happily. "I feel great! Perfect!" She shouted.

"Jesus, Brooke! Keep it down!" Grant slammed her door shut and ran around to the driver's side.

The blonde giggled and waited until he was inside the car. "You need to loosen up Grant ol' boy."

"I'm loose enough thank you." he said as he started the car. He had to remind himself that she was drunk and probably doesn't realize she's being rude.

"You're as loose as your tighty whities."

"Will you leave my underwear alone? They never bothered you before."

"Well, they do now." I wonder what kind of panties Cayden wears. NO! Stop that Brooke! Don't even THINK about her panties. LA LA LA LA LA ... oh yeah, whatever she wears I bet they're black... STOP! The sun will come out... tomorrow! Bet your bottom dollar ... a thong. A black silky... sexy.... thong. "Mmmm...."

"What?"

Brooke turned her head to look at Grant. "What?"

"That's what I asked you. You hummed."

Brooke blushed and waved her hands in the air distractedly. "Well, I guess I thought of something yummy."

"Yeah? Like what?" Grant asked, happy to be talking about something other than his underwear.

Brooke shrugged her shoulders and looked guiltily out the window. Cayden's underwear stuffy old Grant. That's what's so yummy. Sexy Cayden's underwear... her black thong... oh god... she groaned.

"Brooke?"

"TOMORROW! TOMORROW! I LOVE YA TOMORROW.."

Grant was startled enough to pull the car over. "Brooke! What is wrong with you??! You scared me half to death!"

The blonde snickered. "You're only a day a... WAAAAAAY!"

"I will not drive all the way back to Manhattan with you screaming show tunes off key! Now close your eyes and sleep!"

Brooke pouted. "Ok, but I may just hum a lot more if you make me sleep."

"Humming I can handle, Annie I can't."

*  *  *

Cayden covered her face with her hands and groaned, she couldn't watch. "Oh my god! You are so stupid.. it's "c", Petunia!"

"Cayd, not everyone is as brilliant as you." Jodie laughed.

The contestant fidgeted, hemmed and hawed, and then chose to phone a friend, which sent Cayden into a tailspin.

"Oh, for chrissakes!" the shopkeeper shook her head in disgust. "Everyone knows who Porky Pig's girlfriend is."

Jodie changed the channel. "Well, there's Judge Judy, or Oprah..."

"Please, if I hear Dr. Phil tell one more woman she's a hopeless obese loser I'll hunt him down and kill him myself. Gimme that..." she said, snatching away the remote. "Trading Spaces is on."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. It's all about Amy Winn."

"Damn right." Cayden sat back and watched with interest. "See? Look at her, she's hot."

"Please. What carpenter in their right mind wear shorts and a tank top to cut wood." Jodie teased.

"You just wish you had her boobs." Cayden shot back.

The bell over the door tinkled and the two women sat up straight and smiled.

"Hello, Ladies." A short, fey man with wavy orange hair, plaid boxer shorts and a pink tank top sashayed in carrying a perfectly groomed if not overweight Shih Tzu.

"Hi there, Butch." Jodie said and then turned her head so not to snicker in his face.

Cayden smiled and kicked Jodie under the counter. It was an ironic twist of fate that a man that effeminate would be named Butch.

"How are you, Cayden, Honey? Whew! Is it ever hot out there, I'm shvitzing like an ape!" He declared, fanning himself with his free hand.

If you put down that fat throw pillow... Jodie thought.

"Oh I know! I am eternally grateful for the AC. What can I get you, Butch? Did Anna-Nicole like the vanilla cookies?"

"Oh she loved them. A little too much, she's never going to lose weight if I get her any more... OOO! Is that Trading Spaces?" He asked, leaning over the counter and nearly choking the women with Aramis.

Cayden stood up to get some fresh air and nodded. "Yup, it just started."

"Oh yay! Who's in the tank top today? Ty?" Butch asked excitedly.

"Nope, apparently god's gift to lesbians, Amy Winn is on this episode." Jodie said, coming out from around the counter to find the dietetic cookies.

"Hmph." He pouted. "She's ok, but Ty's much hunkier. He's just so yummy!"

"Ooo, them's fightin' words." the waitress joked.

"Amy Winn rocks." Cayden cheered as they showed said carpenter.

"Ty!"

"Amy!"

"TY!"

"Children, do I have to separate you?" Jodie said, shaking her finger at them. "Here's some diet cookies for Anna-Nicole. Speaking of, do you watch her show?"

Butch examined the package of treats as he spoke. "Of course we do. My little sweetie loves the show. I, personally, am a little worried about the woman. Ok, these look good, and I need a pack of tinkle pads."

Cayden rang him up while Jodie retrieved the wee-wee pads. "I can't watch the show. It's like a train wreck. Besides, I think Kimmy has the hots for Anna."

"Oh no kidding, that's no secret. I'm sure they're doing it in a closet somewhere away from the cameras." Butch giggled, paying for the items.

"Ugh. please, don't give me that image. I have a date tonight." Jodie said with a sour face.

Cayden handed Butch his package. "Take it sleazy Butch, see ya soon."

"You take care too, Cayden. Thanks for the diet cookies, Jodie."

"Amy Winn." Cayden snuck in as he was walking out the door.

"TY!" He shouted as the door closed.

"You are such a brat." Jodie said, plopping herself back onto the stool.

Cayden stuck her tongue out and harrumphed watching Butch traipse across the street. "You know, I'll never understand how a grown man can walk out of the house with red plaid boxers and a pink tank top."

"He wasn't wearing anything under those boxers you know." Jodie said with a grimace.

"How do you know?"

"Come on! They were right up his crack. I read between the lines."

"YUCK, Jo. OO! Amy's on a ladder. I bet she smells good."

"Speaking of smells, how's Wade's cat, what's his name... Feather?"

"La La Bird. The cat's enormous, there oughta be a law. Shut up, Amy's taking down a ceiling fan."

PART 7

G RANT SAT IN the living room and sighed. He had a hell of a golf game and no one to share it with. He fully intended to brag about it to Brooke, but that all fell apart as soon as he saw her. He couldn't imagine what had gotten into her. She wasn't a drinker, hardly ever touched alcohol, and there she was, passed out on the bed.

It was an interesting car ride. Brooke was right, she hummed and groaned and stretched all the way home. She even uttered "kay" a few times as if someone had asked her a question. Once he got her into the bedroom she flopped down in bed and refused to get undressed, claiming she had to get back to sleep immediately, and she did so with a big fat smile on her face. Grant shook his head in confusion. Brooke was certainly not herself, and he was very concerned. It had to be in direct correlation to her newfound need to rollerblade every night. There must be somewhere she goes, someone she sees. There has to be somebody who is making her act like this.

Grant narrowed his eyes as Brooke's long purr of contentment drifted out from the bedroom. He got up and began pacing around the house, picking things up and putting them down, not sure what he was actually looking for. He eyed Brooke's pocketbook momentarily, then felt guilty for doing so. He went to the bedroom and watched her sleep, the smile on her face made him jealous and he didn't know why. Back in the living room, he eyed her pocketbook again, this time standing in front of it. He felt bad about opening it up, but not so much that he couldn't snoop inside. He moved some things around a bit and came across a small brown paper bag. It was screaming look inside me!, so he picked it out carefully and opened it up, glancing guiltily towards the bedroom as he did. Once he lifted out the contents his eyebrow raised in question. CK-9? She carries doggie cologne in her bag? He felt like a heel, knowing the only reason she'd have it was to remove Fred's stink that he hated so much. He took the cap off and smelled it out of curiosity. Hmm, not a bad knock-off. I wonder how much she paid for this? Fishing the receipt out of the bag, he snickered. Fuzzy Belly Deli. Feeling bad about the whole thing, he replaced the spray bottle in the paper bag when something caught his eye. Brooke had written all over the bag. Cayden? Who's Cayden? That's Brooke's handwriting so it wasn't all over it when she got it. He frowned. Cayden, that's a girl's name right? Why would she write it so many times? Puzzled, he put the bag neatly where he found it and closed the pocketbook. Wandering into the kitchen, he made himself a sandwich and thought. Cayden. Could this be who she hangs out with? Cayden is a girl's name right? No, it's not a man's name, besides, she said there wasn't another man. She's never lied to me before. So... Cayden. Maybe she just works at The Fuzzy Belly Deli. He ate in silence and the more he thought the more he was determined to find out who Cayden was. Even if she does work at the shop, why would Brooke write it so many times? You only need to write it once to remember. Jeez, only teenagers do things like that when.... Grant paled and put down his sandwich. ... when they have a crush. No... Cayden is a girl's name. Brooke couldn't have a crush on a ... woman?

"Mmmm...."

Brooke's hum resonated loudly in Grant's ears. He got up and walked towards the bedroom as if he was walking his last mile. Brooke's earlier moans and hums suddenly made sense in a way he didn't want to understand, and refused to believe. Cayden... Cay.... He stood in the doorway and stared nervously at his girlfriend. She was hugging her pillow tightly. His stomach felt sick. No, stop jumping to conclusions. I don't know that any of this is true...

"Mmm, Cayden."

Grant's nostrils flared and he stormed out of the house.

*  *  *

Jodie was about to leave the shop when out of the blue, Denise came wandering in. The panic on Cayden's face was enough to keep her there a little longer.

"Hey Cayden, Hi Jodie." Denise smiled genuinely at Jodie and actually batted her eyelashes at Cayden.

"Uhm, hi." The shopkeeper muttered.

"So, this is The Fuzzy Belly Deli. Cute." Denise started looking around the shop.

Jodie leaned into Cayden and whispered. "I thought you wanted her? Why the panic?"

"I do, I think." Cayden whispered back.

"I like it." Denise announced, coming right up to the counter. "Don't I get a hello kiss, Cayd?"

Jodie smirked as her tall friend suddenly became all arms and legs as she tried to get out from behind the counter. "Need help there, Goofy?" she teased.

Cayden shot her a look and shimmied past her. "Heh, sorry, I wasn't expecting you." She explained, leaning over and kissing Denise quickly on the lips.

Slightly disappointed at the friendly kiss, Denise pouted. "Well, that was pretty lame." She complained.

"Cut me a break, I'm at work." Cayden said with nervous irritation.

Denise held up her hands, "Hey, no problem, I was just teasing you anyway."

"Jeez Cayd, could you be any more obnoxious?" Jodie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Hey, I'm sorry Denise, you just caught me off guard is all." The shop keeper looked embarrassed.

"Aw, It's alright. Didn't you want to see me?"

"Uh yeah!" The tall woman said with a little too much enthusiasm. "I was just telling Jodie how I was going to call you tonight."

"You were?" Denise looked hopeful.

"Yeah." Cayden grinned.

"Cool! What do you want to do tonight?"

"Well, ladies, it's been fun..." Jodie said as she gathered her belongings. Even though she didn't agree with Cayden's wanting to have a one nighter with Denise, the shop keeper was an adult and Jodie knew it was time to leave.

"See ya, Jo!" Denise waved.

"Uh, yeah." The brunette watched as Jodie left.

"Sooo, it's just you and me Cayden." Denise purred.

"So it is." Cayden said running back behind the counter. "I just want to be here in case someone comes in." she explained.

"Uh huh." Denise wasn't buying it. She followed the tall woman behind the counter and stood in front of her. "Cayden, are you afraid of me?"

"What? Me?" she pointed to herself and laughed. "Afraid of you? No, I don't know where you would get..." She paused as Denise climbed into her lap and straddled her legs. She stiffened up like a board.

"You were saying?" The shorter woman teased.

"But I'm at work!" Cayden tried to wiggle out from underneath.

"If you're not afraid of me, you'll kiss me right now."

"Uhm, Denise, I like you...."

"Do you know how hot I am for you Cayden Riley? All I could think about was your lips, and how I want to kiss them."

A strange but cocky feeling washed over the shop keeper. "Oh yeah?" she asked with a smirk.

"Yeah. So kiss me."

*  *  *

Grant pulled his car out of the public garage and started driving. Where? He wasn't so sure yet. He was livid. So livid in fact that he had already created his own scenarios regarding Cayden and Brooke. Cayden was the one Brooke was running out to see every night, and Cayden was the one who corrupted his sedate, quiet Brooke. Cayden manipulated Brooke, feeding her something... some lines of shit and now she was defiant and full of attitude. Cayden made Brooke want her. Why else would his girlfriend be so enamored by her? Grant already had them in a torrid sexual affair. "Of course there isn't another man!" He sneered. In Grant's mind, Cayden was the enemy.

First the angry stockbroker stopped his car in front of Brooke's parents house, fully intent on telling them their sweet little daughter was having an affair... with a WOMAN, but as he glanced up at the parking signs, the street sign came into view and he was reminded of the address on the receipt from the Fuzzy Belly Deli. He peeled out of his spot and turned the corner with a screech of the tires.

*  *  *

Cayden made the first move, tilting her head up and parting her lips. Denise groaned triumphantly before closing her eyes and pressing their lips together. Cayden allowed Denise to kiss her, she even opened her mouth up... giving permission to deepen the kiss. The tall shopkeeper hummed happily as Denise kissed her hungrily. Cayden hardly ever let anyone get the upper hand, but it felt different this time. Usually when women fell all over the attractive brunette, she couldn't be bothered, but this time... this time she was going to let it happen. It had been so long since Cayden kissed another woman, it felt so good.

Denise groaned again when large hands drifted up and down her sides, and rested on her hips. She tangled her hands in Cayden's long black hair, something she'd been wanting to do ever since she first saw her.

Cayden couldn't help purring when Denise sucked on her lower lip. She felt a twinge of arousal in the pit of her stomach, and after going without for so long, that tiny little twinge felt like heaven.

Hearing Cayden's pleasure gave Denise a surge of adrenaline and she pressed her body tightly against the taller woman.

Cayden was slightly confused. She suddenly had no idea why she was holding out so long. It felt great to have a woman on her lap, pressed up against her needy body, sucking her tongue. What was I waiting for? So many women offered this to me and I turned them down. Why? Am I crazy? I'm only human. I need to get laid once and a while. God this feels good. Cayden arched slightly into Denise, letting her know it was ok.

The bell over the door tinkled and Cayden suddenly realized exactly where she was. She sat bolt upright, nearly bucking Denise of her lap and onto the counter.

"Holy shit Cayden! I'm so sorry!" Denise sputtered. "I forgot where we were!" She panicked, scrambling off of Cayden's lap quickly and looked like a guilty child.

"Well pardon the hell out of me!" Jodie said in total disbelief. In all her years knowing Cayden she'd never seen her with her tongue down anyone's throat before.

"JO! Oh my god!" The shopkeeper held her chest, trying to calm her pounding heart.

"What the hell?" Jodie laughed out loud. "That's the last thing I ever expected to see just now."

Cayden took offense. "I'm capable you know."

"Oh, I never doubted that. I just know a much different, more uptight Cayden. The Cayden I know would never..."

"That's enough Jo."

"Never mind me anyway, resume sucking face. I forgot my date book." The waitress scooted into the back room with a wink to her tall friend.

"Cayden, I'm so sorry. I really wasn't thinking. That could have been anybody that walked in!" Denise said, very upset.

Cayden chuckled, thoroughly relieved that it was her friend that walked in. "Yeah, but it wasn't. It was just plain Jo."

"I heard that." Jodie called from the other room.

"I feel so stupid." Denise said covering her face.

"No, come here." Cayden crooked her finger at the woman. She couldn't have her taking all the blame, after all she was a willing participant. "I liked it. You didn't do anything wrong." She smiled.

"So I can kiss you again?" Denise asked coyly.

Cayden's body remembered the kiss and her eyes narrowed. "Absolutely."

Their lips met and Cayden groaned. She forgot just how much fun kissing had been. This time she forced entry into Denise's mouth and her tongue was immediately accepted and sucked. The tall woman slipped right back into the haze she was in before.

Jodie re-entered the shop and after getting over the initial shock of seeing Cayden making out again, decided to play games.

Both Denise and Cayden chuckled into each other's mouth as Jodie wrapped herself around them and began humping Cayden's leg.

*  *  *

Grant looked through the window of The Fuzzy Belly Deli and nearly fell over onto the sidewalk. What is this? Some freaking cult!?

The door flung open and the three women separated in a flash.

"Which one of you freaks is Cayden?" Grant asked loudly, and angrily.

Jodie raised her eyebrows and tried hard not to look at Cayden. "Who the hell are you?"

"Are you Cayden?" He asked again, coming closer to Jodie.

Cayden stepped in front of Jodie. "I'm Cayden. What's your problem?"

Grant looked her up and down and was unable to deny that she was one good looking woman. However, her eyes were like ice chips and scared him just a bit. Gathering bravado, he took another step forward and was standing in Cayden's personal space. "You stay the hell away from my woman! Do you hear me?" He punctuated his question by poking her in the chest.

The tall woman clenched her jaw and fists. "What? Who?" she asked in angry confusion.

"I can't believe you have to ask that! How many women do you have? What the hell are you anyway?" Grant yelled, his fury scaring Denise.

"Listen to me, buddy, I don't know what the hell your talking about, so either you start explaining, or you get the fuck out of my shop!" Cayden began walking, backing him up as she did.

Grant's hostility was evident as his eyes burned into Cayden's. "What ever you did to my girlfriend, you better just undo it! She was perfectly fine until she met you! You don't need any more, she's not a slut." he yelled, eyeing both Jodie and Denise

"Hey!" Jodie began to protest when Cayden cut her off.

"Undo what?" Cayden yelled back in frustration. "To who?"

"Brooke! You brainwashed her or something!"

Jodie and Cayden shared terribly surprised looks.

"Brooke?" Cayden asked, both eyebrows raised.

"Don't play stupid with me, you know who she is!" Grant spat.

"Brooke." Cayden repeated, trying desperately to figure out what this man was talking about.

"You listen to me, I don't want you anywhere near her or else." He threatened.

Cayden had enough. Her nostrils flared and she narrowed her eyes dangerously. "No, you listen to me," she growled, pushing him towards the door. "I suggest you get the fuck out of my shop before I do something I'll regret."

Jodie ran to open the door and Cayden threw Grant out of it.

They all watched as he yelled his way to his car and peeled away.

Jodie shook her head in disbelief. "Brooke? What the hell did you do Cayden?"

"Me? I didn't do anything! I don't know what he's talking about!" Cayden demanded.

"Ok, I believe you."

"Who the hell is Brooke?" Denise asked.

"The blonde on rollerblades from the park." Jodie explained.

"You didn't do anything to her and she looked at you like that?" Denise asked skeptically.

"I swear!" Cayden insisted.

"What was that all about then?"

Cayden looked to Jodie who had no answers and they both shrugged

"The question is," Cayden said, "What did Brooke tell him I did?"

"I don't like this, Cayd." Jodie said with furrowed brows. "Why would Brooke tell him anything at all? Especially naming you in particular."

"Who the hell knows? I'll find out though." Cayden swore. She was angry as all hell and not about to let this pass.

"Cayd, I have to go, really. I'm going to be late for work."

"Yeah, whatever." The tall woman replied with a deep frown.

"Do you want me to go too?" Denise asked.

"Yeah please. I really want to be alone now."

*  *  *

Brooke held great handfuls of silky black hair in her clenched fists, pulling Cayden closer to her breast. The blonde's legs tightened around the tall woman's body as she pressed up into Cayden, stoking the fires of her arousal. Brooke groaned loudly, urging Cayden to bite. Sweat formed between the blonde's breasts and on her upper lip, her need was great and her sex was aching for relief. "Please Cayden." she moaned, pinning the dark head down. Vibrant blue eyes looked up at her hungrily as the brunette hummed around the nipple between her lips.

Brooke watched in anticipation as Cayden released her nipple and slid lower, leaving a trail of kisses and gooseflesh in her wake.

"What, Brooke? Tell me what you want."

The deep husky voice caused Brooke's hips to surge. "Taste me." she breathed.

Cayden smirked crookedly as she lowered her head. Brooke watched the wet pink tongue dart through her glistening lips and she shuddered. "Oh Cayden..."

Brooke jumped up in bed, sweating and shaking. No one had ever done to her what Cayden was about to do. The excited pounding of her heart woke her from her dream and Brooke wondered if she wasn't having a heart attack. "Oh god... so real..." She stood up shakily and pulled her dress over her head. Swaying slightly, she was reminded of the morning's alcoholic activities. She groaned as her head began pounding as violently as her heart. "Owww.. oh.. Advil." she muttered and trudged her way into the bathroom. Retrieving the pills, she swallowed them down with a handful of water from the sink. "Shit, is this what a hangover feels like?" She looked at herself in the mirror and grimaced. "Ew." she whined.

Back in the bedroom, the air conditioner greeted her wet body, reminding her of her dream. She blushed despite being all alone and giggled nervously. "I can't believe I dreamt that, No one's ever done... that before. I really wanted Cayden to do it though." With that thought Brooke became suddenly aware of what had been going on between her legs. Her eyes narrowed and her hand slipped inside her panties. "Wow!" she exclaimed. "I'm soooo wet.. wow... and horny. Very horny. Oh Cayden, what have you done to me?" she asked as she lay down and started moving her hand steadily. "Mmmm, .. yesss... " she hissed at the sensations she caused. "I can't believe how much I want that woman." was her last lucid thought.

*  *  *

Cayden paced around the shop in a bad mood. She couldn't imagine what Brooke had told her boyfriend to make him so angry. She really couldn't fault the guy for being so upset though, he thought there was something going on between Brooke and her. However, she had every right to be angry with the blonde. What did she say? What could she say... about anything? There's nothing going on? "Dammit!" she smacked her hand on the counter. "With all that shit about Brooke, I shoved Denise off. Now I'll never get laid." Cayden stopped pacing and thought about how stupid that sounded. "Of course I will. Hell, she wants me, and her kissing really turned me on. Then again, probably anyone's kissing would turn me on at this point, now that my body remembers everything." The tall woman went back to her chair and turned up the TV. "Damned Brooke. What did I ever do to you?"

*  *  *

Wade was about to leave when Jodie showed up. He invited her in to wait for Cayden, explaining that he had a date.

"Looking sexy in that silk handsome."

Wade twirled around, marched back and forth in the living room, flipped imaginary hair, all the while keeping his cheeks sucked in and his lips pursed like a sickly supermodel. "Thanks, It's Cayden's. Why are you done with work so early?"

"I'm on break. I had to talk to Cayden about something,"

"Ooo what? Is it juicy? Should I know?" he asked excitedly.

"Sorta. This guy comes barging into the shop today..."

"Guy? What guy? What did he look like?"

"Wade..."

"Okay, just asking."

"He was kinda cute actually. Muscular, handsome... anyways, that's not the point. He comes in yelling and poking at Cayden, accusing her of corrupting his girlfriend."

Wade burst out laughing. "Our Cayden? Corruption?? Oh my god! That's hilarious!"

Jodie snickered. "Oh, I know! Certainly not what I expected either. It turns out, it's the one and only Brooke's boyfriend."

Wade stopped laughing and looked confused. "HUH?" His eyebrows furrowed deeply.

"That's what I said!" Jodie nodded at his confusion.

"What did Cayden do?"

"What could she do? She was confused, was being accused of something she didn't do, and was probably flustered from sucking face with Denise. She argued with him and threw him out."

"Sucking face with Denise?" Wade asked, looking bewildered.

"Oh, you have no idea. Right there in the shop. Denise on her lap.. it was hot!"

"Cayden?"

Jodie nodded. "Yep, and if I didn't see it with my own eyes I wouldn't believe it either."

"In front of you!?" Wade asked, totally astonished.

"Well, I walked in on them... twice."

"Oh my god!"

"Yeah, and so did this guy. He probably thinks she's some kind of gigolo. After all, I was humping her leg too."

"You were humping her leg?" He fell into hysterics again. "Cayden.. a gigolo.."

Wade and Jodie laughed their heads off and failed to hear Cayden come home.

"What's so funny?" She asked.

"You... a gigolo..." Wade said between chortles.

Cayden narrowed her eyes. "Alright. Start explaining." She folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot.

"Oh, I told him what happened today. Cayd, listen, I've been thinking..."

"Dangerous Jo, what did I tell you..."

"Hardy har. No really, maybe Brooke told him that something was going on as an excuse to leave him."

Cayden thought about it as she sat down on the couch. "Maybe, but why me? Why did she specifically name me? She could have made anyone up out of the blue. I don't need that shit."

"No, but maybe she wants something between you two and it was the only thing she could think of."

"Still Jo, am I supposed to be flattered? And what's this gigolo stuff?"

"Well he did walk in at a most inopportune time, and he already thinks you're doing his girlfriend."

Cayden smirked. "Yeah, that is kinda funny."

Wade's cell phone rang and he jumped. "I gotta go. Cayden you will be giving me details later."

"Yeah yeah... and remember, no pit stains!" she yelled after him as he shut the door.

"So, how pissed are you at Brooke?" Jodie wondered.

"Pretty pissed. Him, I can understand, but her? I still don't get it. Why me?"

"She wants you, Cayd. You already know that, you just don't want to admit it. Plain and simple, she wants you and needed an excuse. I bet she didn't even know that she liked women until you."

"Jodie, now you're just making things up."

"The poor girl." Jodie said sadly.

"What poor girl?" Cayden asked in disbelief. "Brooke?"

"Think about it Cayd. If she needed an excuse, imagine how awful her relationship must be. What must be going on in her life, what's happening now that he knows her secret."

Cayden's mood darkened. "Jo, you don't think he's hurting her physically do you?"

"Who knows. You saw how angry he was at you... imagine how he's making her life right now."

"Aw crap Jo! I wanted to be mad at her, and now I feel bad for her."

"Anytime, Cayd."

Cayden shot her a look. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I can't stay, I gotta go. I just wanted to tell you what I thought."

"Yeah, you just didn't want me to be mad at Brooke."

"No, it doesn't pay. Oh and also, you said you were going to do something with Denise tonight."

"I did?"

"Yes, so get on the phone and make plans before she eats dinner."

Cayden watched Jodie leave and thought about doing something with Denise. She frowned and cursed under her breath. Alright Cayd, it's your call. Yes, or no. Do you want it bad enough to do the mating dance? She pictured Denise in her mind and pursed her lips. She thought about her voice, her clothes, her body, and still nothing. She recalled the kissing and her stomach got butterflies. Well, it's not about Denise at all is it. It's all about sex. Denise is in it for the long haul, I'm not. Although, she really wants me. I bet I could convince her. What am I saying? Jesus, I'm not like that. I can't do that. If I'm going to make that kind of effort, what I need is someone who makes my knees go weak, and my mouth dry. Cayden chuckled dryly. "Good luck. No one's done that to you in a long time." She grimaced guiltily. "Well that's not entirely true is it." she closed her eyes and scrubbed her hands over her face. You'd be lying to yourself if you didn't admit it. "Goddamned Brooke."

PART 8

B ROOKE ROLLED OVER onto her side to bask in the afterglow of another Cayden induced orgasm, when Grant slammed the front door. Brooke jumped off the bed and tried to reach the bathroom before he got too close, but he met her at the doorway.

"Hello, Brooke." He said coldly, his jaw clenching visibly.

"Uh, hi?" she said questioningly, moving back towards the bed.

"Did you have a good nap?" He asked, still emotionless.

Brooke nodded and looked at him oddly. "Are you still mad about the tighty whities?"

Grant stuck out his chin. "Do you have anything to tell me, Brooke?"

She reddened immediately, thinking maybe Grant had seen what she had been doing, or heard who's name she breathed. She looked at him guiltily and shrugged.

"Are you sure you're not seeing anyone else?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.

Somewhat relieved by his question, but still annoyed that he asked, Brooke blew out a loud breath. "I told you there was nobody else, didn't you believe me?"

Grant didn't answer, he just stared at her with accusation in his eyes.

Brooke swallowed hard. Oh my god... maybe he did catch me.. what do I do? Putting on a bored expression, the blonde walked past him and sighed. "Fine. Don't believe me, but I never lied to you." Once in the bathroom, she sat on the toilet and panicked. This is crazy! We have to talk. I can't do this any more. If I didn't want him already, I want him even less now. How dare he accuse me of having an affair! She stood up and stripped off her underwear, only now realizing she stood there in nothing but her panties through the whole conversation. See? He didn't even look down once. He doesn't think I'm sexy. He didn't even care that I was naked. Cayden... now she looked at me the way I want to be looked at... and I wasn't even naked.

*  *  *

The night was strained and difficult between Grant and Brooke. He took his dinner into the living room, leaving Brooke in the kitchen. She ate alone and then went to the bedroom to watch some television. After a while of staring at the screen with disinterest, she put on her rollerblades and left.

Only when the door closed did Grant realize Brooke left, and in his current mood, he decided to follow her. Unfortunately for him, Brooke skated to the park, and he lost her once she got inside. Cursing and bitching, he drove off towards his parents house and spent the night there.

Brooke knew Grant was following her and it took every ounce of self control she had not to turn around and give him hell. She decided to allow him the opportunity to follow her all the way to the park. She even skated slowly, and conveniently up streets he could easily navigate. Once she got to the park though, she purposely took off quickly, losing him immediately. She was angry that he felt the need to trail her, but she was also feeling smug that there was nothing for him to see.

After she effectively tired herself out, she skated on her way home, deciding to pass by The Fuzzy Belly Deli. Once she got there however, she couldn't bring herself to go inside. Her heart beat sped up and her mouth went dry as she approached the door, making her rethink her actions. Blushing deeply at what she was recently doing with Cayden's image, she peeked through the window. Her belly tingled when she saw the tall woman walking around, evening out items on the shelves. Brooke's gaze traveled up Cayden's body, the tingles turned to flutters in response to what she saw. She's so hot... Green eyes watched with interest as the tall woman went to the back of the store and disappeared briefly. Suddenly, Cayden was jogging towards the front door and Brooke quickly slid into the store adjacent to The Fuzzy Belly Deli, her heart beating wildly. She stood in he doorway and watched secretly as Cayden pulled down the gates, focusing on the muscles in the shop keeper's shoulders as they flexed. Brooke wanted to moan with the beauty of it all as Cayden squatted down in her shorts to put on the locks. It should be illegal to be so gorgeous. After watching Cayden walk away and turn the corner, Brooke began to breathe again. With a big happy sigh, she skated home, a huge smile on her face from seeing Cayden in the flesh again.

*  *  *

Cayden futzed around the house trying to avoid calling Denise, until Jodie called to see if she had. With Jo's scolding, Cayden called and cancelled any plans she made for a date with Denise. The tall shop keeper knew she was out of her league from the very beginning. One night stands weren't her thing and Denise was a really nice person. Denise liked her a lot and Cayden couldn't justify hurting her for an orgasm, no matter how horny she was. Cayden wasn't in the market for a relationship. She had no desire to make the effort required. She had nothing but bad luck when it came to women and she always said she'd wind up alone. She really didn't mind that though, it actually sounded pretty good to her now that she thought about it. However, after getting a small taste, she wanted sex. Hell, she craved sex now and if she was going to be alone, there would be no sex.

The tall brunette scowled as she crawled into bed. Ok, so, I want sex, with someone else thank you, but I want to be alone. So... how the hell do I achieve that? Can't have my cake and eat it too. Now what? She turned on the television and began to watch a show about decorating. After a while, she realized that it was a repeat and pouted, but continued to watch anyway. Every so often her mind wandered to Denise, or Brooke's boyfriend and she had to shake her head to rid the thoughts. She wanted to vegetate and watch television like she did every Saturday night, repeats be damned. She didn't want to think at all, especially about Brooke's boyfriend, because that led to thoughts of Brooke and that wasn't a good thing. Eventually Wade came home from his date and she sighed heavily, knowing she'd have to rehash the entire day anyway.

*  *  *

"So, you're telling me she climbed up on your lap?" Wade poured them both a cup of coffee and handed one to Cayden.

"Yeah, then insisted I kiss her." Cayden added.

"Hmmm, and you did... just like that?" Wade still wasn't believing what he was hearing.

"Just like that." Cayden confirmed.

"Right there in the store, in front of Jodie?"

"Yes, Wade. In front of God and everyone I kissed a girl. Oooo call the authorities."

"Don't be snippy, it doesn't become you. So, then you cancelled the date you had with her tonight?" He asked in confusion.

"Yeah. Wade, I can't do that. I mean, the kissing was great, but that's all that was great. It's been so long since I held a woman in my arms and I liked it, REALLY liked it, but I can't just use her. You guys are right, it's not me." She admitted sadly.

"Aw honey, don't you worry, you'll find someone. I promise." he consoled her,

"I don't know that I really want to find someone. I love my independence. I love sitting alone in my room, I love not having anyone to answer to. I just don't know that I'm cut out for a relationship. Maybe I should start going out with Jo and pick up the floozies she meets. Meaningless sex isn't so bad with someone who is willing."

Wade looked thoughtful. "You know, as crazy as it sounds, you have a point. You really are happy when you're alone with your solitude, and one night quickies are attainable, just look at Jo. I suppose if that's what you really want, you can have it your way."

Cayden sighed. "Yeah, but do you think I'll be satisfied? I mean in the long run. Maybe I want to be alone now, but what about when I'm old, maybe I'll regret it."

"Where is that coming from, Cayd? I've never heard you talk like that before."

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe I watch too much television. I guess I'm just being stupid." Cayden dismissed it with a wave of her hand and finished her coffee.

Wade watched her with concern and furrowed his brows. "You're not being stupid. A lot happened to you in the last few days. Denise ... Brooke..."

"Please don't mention Brooke."

"Honey, I think she turned your head in a big way."

Cayden frowned and left to put her mug in the sink. Wade followed her so she felt the need to respond. "I don't know."

"Yes she did. Something happened after you met her. It's making you think."

Wade tailed her as she went to her room. "I don't want to talk about it." Cayden said tersely.

"No, you'd rather sit in your room and pout about it all alone. I don't bite Cayd. You know you can always talk to me."

Cayden smiled sincerely, but briefly. "I know. I just don’t want to talk about Brooke. She confuses me, she makes me confused about myself. I'm not comfortable with it."

"No one would be. Honey, usually when we meet the one that makes us question ourselves, its deep."

Cayden raised both eyebrows. "What do you mean deep?" she asked nervously.

"I mean they're usually the one." he said sympathetically.

"No way!" she protested. "Uh uh. I refuse to believe that that troublemaking straight girl is my other half."

"She don't have to be your wife, Cayd, but she may be important to you. Maybe you oughta talk to her about what happened."

"Nope. I'd rather not thank you." The tall woman shook her head adamantly.

"Ok, it's your call. I'm beat babe, gotta get some sleep. It's all about the thong sale tomorrow. I hate those one day only sales. Hordes of fat, sweaty women picking through and breathing all over underwear that's three sizes too small for them." He shuddered dramatically. "Hey, maybe you want a few thongs?"

"Get the hell out of here, I can't walk around all day with a perpetual wedgie. I'd go crazy." Cayden snorted.   

"Better than running around commando if you ask me. What if you get in an accident?"

"The paramedics will all stand in awe of the spectacular shave job." Cayden smirked, "Now go! Get some sleep!" She ordered.

"Love you too, sweetie."

*  *  *

Cayden woke early, her eyes wide open. She sat up in bed and looked around in confusion. Finally aware that it was all a dream, she flopped back down into her pillows with a groan. "Oh no.. it can't be..." She muttered to herself. "It was so real." She closed her eyes and images of the dream flashed in her mind. "Shit" she cursed as Brooke appeared on her lap in Denise's place. Brooke's dream kisses did more to her libido that Denise's real ones and Cayden squeezed her legs together and took a shaky breath.

"Upsy Daisy Sweetie pie!" Wade called through the door.

"It's Sunday, you fool." Cayden growled.

The door opened and a mug of coffee appeared. "Ooo... drink me... I know you want me... mmm.. so good... so hot and steamy..."

"Quit it. Just bring that bad boy over here." Cayden sat up and propped herself against the wall.

Wade came into the room, "Oh look, that queen has allowed us entry." He said snootily to the cat.

Cayden grimaced as La La jumped onto the bed with a grunt. "Wade, La La's too fat."

"No, he's just big boned." He grinned widely, handing her the mug.

La La blinked rapidly at her and she narrowed her eyes. "Don't look at me like that. Wade, he's hungry, feed him, I'm afraid."

"Big Sissy. How'd you sleep?" He asked sitting down on the bed.

"Pretty good, until this morning. Had a dream." she said then took a sip of coffee and purred.

"A dirty dream?" he asked wiggling an eyebrow.

Cayden shrugged and drank more coffee.

"Oh cool!" Wade bounced up and down on the bed.

Cayden thrust her hand out holding the mug of coffee at arms length. La La watched with great interest should anything happen to spill. "Hey! Cut that out or you'll waste caffeine!" She reprimanded her enthusiastic roommate.

"Who! Tell me, tell me, tell me!"

"I never admitted to it." Cayden muttered guiltily.

"Denise?"

The brunette shrugged noncommittally.

"Brooke?"

Cayden fought the urge to blush.

"Brooke!! Oh my! Was it juicy? Were you naked?"

"Wade! We were just kissing. Jesus..."

Wade looked disappointed. "That was it?"

"Sorry buddy... that's it." She snickered.

"Crap."

Cayden laughed as he pouted his way out of the room. "Hey, the beast please!" she yelled trying to shove the cat off the bed with her foot.

"La La, come see daddy."

"Yeah, go see daddy, he's got bacon in there I smell it."

The fat cat jumped off the bed with an oof.

*  *  *

Brooke woke up Sunday morning alone in the bed. The dreams were commonplace now and she expected them every night. Instead of questioning them, she welcomed them. She washed her warm face with cold water and closed her eyes to savor the last bits of her dream as it faded. Padding around the house, she found it empty and couldn't find a note or a message on the machine from Grant. "Figures. He probably wants to make me nervous as to his where abouts now." Not really caring and still a little sore about him following her the previous night, she rolled her eyes at his briefcase as she passed it on the way to the kitchen.

While waiting for the coffee to brew she sat at the table and closed her eyes, trying to recall her dream. It seemed every time Cayden was about to taste her she woke up. "I'll never know what that feels like." She said with a pout. "Then again, how can I feel it in my dream if I never felt in real life." She sighed. "I can't very well make it up, but I sure can imagine what it may feel like." she said dreamily. "OKAY!" she stood up and stretched. "No more thinking those things. How will you face your mother with that on your mind?"

*  *  *

Ever since Brooke got to her parent's house, her mother had been looking at her sideways. She wasn't behaving any differently, still trying to stuff her with food, but there was something on her mind and Brooke was almost afraid to ask. If her father had been there, he'd have come right out with whatever it was, but he was over at Gramma Millie's. Now, after a big lunch, and with Fred on her lap, Brooke was sitting on the plastic covered sofa eyeing her mother suspiciously as she sat down with a cup of tea.

"So, Brooke..." the older woman started, "Anything new?"

Brooke raised an eyebrow. "New? Like what?" She asked, carefully.

"Oh, I don't know. Talk to me."

"I already told you that I'm sleeping much better now."

"But on the couch, I hear." Harriet Hewitt said out of the side of her mouth.

Brooke colored. "You hear. Just where do you hear from?"

The older Hewitt shrugged. "Never you mind. How are things, Brooke? Is everything alright with Grant?"

"Not really." Brooke sighed. "Talk to me, Honey, what's going on?" Her mother moved to sit beside her and held her hand.

"I'm just not happy. Things are different now."

"What brought this on? Is he treating you any differently?"

"No, that's the problem, he's treating me exactly the same." Brooke said with a sour face,

"I see." Harriet said with a nod. "Well, it's about time. I don't know how you put up with it for so long."

"Mom!" Brooke looked at her mother in disbelief. "You knew and didn't say anything?"

"No, I didn't know much until recently. You haven't been yourself for a long time and I was concerned. You probably wouldn't have said anything to me if I didn't ask." Harriet said, slightly hurt.

"It wasn't important." Brooke mumbled.

"Of course it was! I'm your mother!"

"I'm sorry."

"Well, it's alright now. Deirdre told me Grant is away for a week at the cabin with Daddy Dear. You’re rid of him for a whole week."

"Glad you know where he is." She said bitterly, then thought about it a second. "A week? What about his job? What else did Deirdre tell you?" Brooke wondered, dying to know what Grant told his mother.

"His job will survive." Mrs. Hewitt chuckled and patted her daughter's hand. She sipped her tea and sighed humorously.

Brooke removed her hand and put her own tea down on the coffee table. "What mother?" She prodded.

"Well, the way Deirdre and Phillip tell it, you were abducted and brainwashed by a crazy cult of rollerblading lesbians."

Brooke's mouth hung open in shock. "What??!!"

Harriet giggled. "I know dear! It's a hoot!"

Brooke swallowed hard and took her hand back from her mother's grasp. Holy shit on a stick!

"A crazy cult of lesbians? On roller blades?" She repeated, just to make sure.

"Yes dear. Whatever you did to that poor boy has scarred him. He's talking nonsense."

"Uh mom..."

Mrs. Hewitt stopped giggling and stared at her daughter. "Yes?"

"Nothing. Where do you suppose he would get such an idea?" She wondered. The cult stuff was crazy, but the lesbians? She was worried.

"It seems Grant is under the impression that you're having an affair.... with a woman." She said, tittering.

"I see." Brooke said quietly, wiping her sweaty palms on her jeans.

Harriet took in her daughter's behavior. "You're not are you?"

"No! No... I'm not." Brooke confirmed, still nervous and shaky.

"Oh good. You know, not that it's terrible to have an affair with a woman. You know your aunt Winnie, and her room mate of 20 years Beth. I mean, I still love her and everything. She's always going to be my baby sister."

"Aunt Winnie? Aunt Beth?" Brooke asked in surprise.

"Oh yes. 20 years and counting, they must be doing something right. But I don't care, to each his own I always say. Besides, how do we know that they aren't doing it right and we have it all wrong." Mrs. Hewitt joked.

Relieved by her mother's acceptance but still shook up by the conversation, Brooke stood up and put Fred on the floor. "I think I'm going to take him for a walk."

"Ok dear, be careful."

"I will."

Brooke went to her bag to retrieve her keys. "Oh mom? He didn't mention who he though I was having an affair with did he?"

Harriet thought a moment. "Yes, yes he did... wait a minute... K , it starts with a K."

Brooke paled and her stomach dropped to her knees.

"Brooke! Are you alright? You're not going to faint are you?" Mrs. Hewitt was getting up off the couch in concern.

"No, I'm fine. A week huh?"

"What?"

"Grant's going to be gone a week?"

"Yes honey. You know you're always welcome here if you don't want to bang around that house all alone. Dad and I would love to have you here. Not to mention Fred."

Brooke's mind was going a mile a minute." I need to go..." She said quickly and left.

PART 9

C AYDEN LOUNGED AROUND the house all morning. She loved her day off and took full advantage of it. Wade worked all weekend and their days off didn't coincide making a true alone day for Cayden. The tall woman whipped out a bag of Oreos and a tall glass of milk and plopped down on the couch in her underwear. She had the house to herself and refused to get dressed. The second that the bag of cookies crinkled, La La was at her feet, giving her the eye. She reached down and scratched the giant cat behind his ears, watching with a grin as his eyes closed and he began to purr. "You do realize that if daddy knew I really liked you, my cover would be blown?" she said in a whisper. "So don't go saying anything incriminating."

Cayden had polished off a handful of cookies and two glasses of milk and was just drifting into a nap when the doorbell rang. She scowled and glared at the door but the bell continued to chime. "It's my only day off... go away!" she yelled.

"I know that, silly. That's why I'm here."

"Jodie. Go away, and take whatever woman you have with you."

"Cayden. I'm hurt. I'm all alone." Jodie said with a pout.

The tall woman made her way to the door and looked through the peephole to find that Jodie was indeed, alone.

Jodie took one look at her friend and laughed. "Oreos huh?"

"What?" Cayden asked in confusion.

"You've got Oreo all over your teeth and there's a hole in your drawers. Good thing I didn't bring a woman with me."

Cayden ran off to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

Jodie made herself at home and started the coffee pot. By the time the tall woman came back, her friend was laying on the couch comfortably, remote in one hand, cookies in the other. "Cayd, do you mind getting me some coffee?"

The brunette scowled. "Oh absolutely master, anything else your highness?"

"Mmm... no, that will be all."

Cayden made herself some coffee too, brought both mugs into the living room, and set them down on the coffee table. "Feet please." she said, smacking Jodie's foot.

"Oh, a foot massage would be wonderful." The waitress said, wiggling her toes.

"Fuck off, Princess." Cayden smirked, throwing her friend's feet off of the couch and sitting in their place. "What brings you here on my sacred day off?"

"It's Sunday, my cable's out and I have no coffee."

"The tragedy of it all." Cayden said sarcastically. This is taking too long.. 3... 2... 1...

"So, what happened with Denise last night?"

The shopkeeper chuckled. "Like you don't already know. I bugged out of our date."

"Knew you would." Jodie said smugly.

"Shut up." Cayden blew on her coffee and refused to look at Jo.

"Cayd, it's not you. I knew that."

"Yeah, yeah." The brunette focused on the television and winced. "I am not watching cartoons Jo, gimme." she reached for the remote but Jodie moved it away. "Jodie! Gimme!"

"No. I had it first and I'm not watching home improvement shows all day either."

"You're staying all day?" Cayden whined.

"I mean, it's bad enough you're obsessed with those shows, but you do nothing with the knowledge. You'd half expect this place to look like the Taj Mahal by now."

"You're not staying all day."

"Or at least like that jungle room room that Christopher Lowell created. That would be neat. What was it... Indonesian?"

"Jodie! When are you leaving?" Cayden demanded an answer.

"I just got here." Jodie complained.

The tall woman sighed. "I liked that Indonesian room you know, but I wouldn't want to live in it."

"Speaking of Indonesian, I'm going out for Thai food with Jennifer tonight, wanna come?"

"Thai food huh? Nah, I don't want to go with you and a date. That's tacky."

"I'm not dating her, actually she's hot for you." Jodie said innocently.

Cayden sat straight up and threw her arms in the air. "NO! Oh no! No, no, no, no,.. and NO! Forget it."

"Please? She's hot. She's got blonde hair and green eyes." Jodie said with a smirk.

"I don't care if she looked like JLo. No."

"Didn't say she looked like JLo. She looks like Brooke actually." The waitress snickered.

Cayden scrunched up her face at first, but was reminded of her dream the moment Jodie mentioned Brooke's name. Her heart started beating rapidly.

"You're considering it?" Jodie asked hopefully.

"No. I'm not. I can't play games."

"What games? Just have dinner with me and a chick. No expectations. She just wants to sit next to the great and powerful Cayden."

"Ha. No, I'd rather not."

"Such a waste of damned good looks you are." Jodie sighed in defeat. "So, what are you going to do about Brooke anyway?"

Cayden shrugged. "What can I do? Nothing."

"You know her name, I'm sure there aren't many other Brooke's with her last name in the phone book."

"What do you suggest I do, stalk her?" Cayden chuckled.

"Well, no, but if I were you, I'd find her number and call her."

"What the hell would I say? Oh hi there Brooke, I've stalked you this far, wanna have lunch?"

"No, how about starting with hello."

"Dry up Jo. What I mean is, what would I possibly say after this whole boyfriend thing? I really don't want to talk to her."

"I think she has the hots for you and used you as an excuse to leave him."

"I'm not flattered. What if he was crazy?"

"Ah, but he wasn't. Angry, yes, crazy, no. He thinks you're boffing his girlfriend Cayd, you'd be pissed too. Just call her and ask her how Fred is."

"She'd think I'm crazy calling her like that! Why am I even answering you?"

"I would call." Jodie said with a shrug.

"That's you. I'll wait to see her in the shop if anything. I'm still pissed at her for using me as a scapegoat."

"Yeah, but you're still hot for her so you'll get over it." Jodie said with a smirk.

"Shut up."

*  *  *

Oh my God... where the hell would Grant get Cayden's name from? How did he know anything? Am I talking in my sleep? Brooke walked with Fred and panicked. Holy Jesus! I must be talking in my sleep... good Lord! How long have I been doing this? How long does he know I've been having dreams of Cayden? Brooke stopped walking and furrowed her brows. Just because I dream of someone, doesn't mean I'm having an affair. How does he even know Cayden is a real person? I know I never mentioned her before. To anyone. She glanced down at the dog. Ok, so I told Fred, but unless Fred can talk... She froze. FRED! The cologne! The bag! Grant went through my pocket book? That son of a bitch! Brooke fumed. How dare he! She bent down, bagged Fred's poop angrily and threw it into the trash can, hard. She continued to grind her teeth as she headed back to her mother's when thought occurred to her. Wait a minute, just because I scribbled her name on a paper bag doesn't mean anything. It could just be a name I liked or... oh no... maybe he put two and two together and .... Brooke's mouth went dry and she looked up the street in the direction of The Fuzzy Belly Deli. He couldn't... he's not that smart. Is he? She turned on her heel and walked as fast as she could with the old dog in the opposite direction. Oh my god. If he did I'd just die! she thought, horrified with the very prospect of Grant confronting Cayden.

*  *  *

Cayden finally got Jodie to leave and she spent the rest of the day laying around in her holey underwear until Wade came home. He was exhausted from, he claimed, fighting off the sweaty herd of thong wielding, freebie sucking, housewives. He wanted nothing more than a hot shower and his bed. He left Cayden alone to watch TV to her heart's content. The tall woman toasted up a grilled cheese for a late supper and pretended to hate the cat for the rest of the evening.

*  *  *

Brooke had been sitting at her desk for hours, her work kept her busy until her stomach growled and she realized she hadn't touched the muffin she brought for breakfast. Looking at her watch she was surprised to find it after lunch time. "No wonder I'm starved." she said to herself.

"Whats that hon?" Bev asked from her cubicle.

"Nothing Bev, I'm hungry. I'm going to lunch now."

"Hey, I was just going too, wanna join me?"

Brooke shrugged. "Why not?"

They wound up at Au Bon Pain and sat down at a small table after they got their sandwiches.

"What's new? You seem extra quiet today." Bev inquired, unwrapping her lunch.

"A lot has happened this weekend, Bev."

"Wanna talk about it?"

Brooke sighed. If anyone would understand, it would be Bev, but was she really ready to talk about it yet? Screw it. "I think I'm a lesbian." She blurted out in a hushed voice.

Bev dropped her sandwich with a plop. "What?" she asked in disbelief.

Brooke turned pink and squirmed. "I have a horrible crush on a woman... and..." Someone walked by and she stopped.

"Oh Brooke, a crush is harmless. It's perfectly normal for a woman to have a crush on another woman." Bev consoled her distraught friend.

"Well, no. I think it's more than a crush." Brooke admitted shyly. "I dream about her."

Bev smiled knowingly, maternally. She felt very pleased that Brooke chose her to talk to. "Is this the first time you've spoke to someone about this?"

The blonde nodded and picked at the seeds on her sandwich roll.

"Do you feel better for it?"

"Not really, but I had to tell someone. I figured with Sam and all... you'd understand."

Bev nodded proudly. "So you dream about her do you?"

Brooke blushed harder and nodded.

"Oh honey, it's ok. There's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I don't feel ashamed. Just confused. I never felt anything for a woman before. I mean, where did it come from?"

"Who knows. But it happened. Are you sure it's not just a crush?"

"Vivid dreams Bev, even when I'm awake." Brooke said, eyes wide.

"Well then, definitely not a crush. Is she close to you? Do you see her often?"

"No. She works in a shop I went to once, then I saw her again in the park. It's not like I can have her anyway Bev, she's taken. She's so beautiful though. Sexy and tall."

"She's taken? Oh, well that sucks." Bev frowned. Brooke was definitely ga ga over this woman.

"I really wasn't planning on making anything of it anyway." Brooke said sadly.

"Even if she was single? Is she interested in you?"

Brooke perked up instantly. "I think so. I think she tried to pick me up the first time we met. Then when she looked at me in the park... god... the way she looked at me, Bev. No one's ever looked at me like that before."

Both of the older woman's eyebrows shot up. "Oh?"

"Oh, Bev, it made my knees weak." Brooke said dreamily.

"Well, look at you, honey. I believe you, this is way more than a crush. Are you sure she's taken?"

"Very sure. There was this woman hanging all over her at the park." the blonde said, crestfallen. "To make that sort of public display..."

"But, isn't that when she looked at you that way? Perhaps she isn't serious about this hanging woman. How much do you know about her anyway?"

"Not much. Hmm, maybe you're right, maybe they weren't serious. Cayden didn't seem very receptive now that I think about it, and she did look at me like she was very interested. Oh, Bev! Now you got me thinking!"

"Cayden, what a pretty name." Bev remarked.

"It suits her. She's tall, has long beautiful black shiny hair, a great body, and her skin, it looks so flawless I just want to touch it. I think I'm obsessed with her hands!" Brooke said in a frightened voice.

Bev smiled reassuringly. "It's ok, baby. I say you get to know her better. Who knows?"

Brooke sighed. "Yeah, who knows."

"What does Grant think of all this, or does he not know?"

"Please, Grant is history. He's made his bed." Brooke replied bitterly.

Bev's head cocked to the side. "What happened?"

"You wouldn't even believe it. Suffice it to say, he's gone." She said adamantly.

The older woman sat back and studied her friend. She looked very serious. "Is this because of Cayden?"

"No, it's been a long time coming. I think that Cayden was just the icing on the cake."

*  *  *

For a Monday, Cayden was pretty busy. The Fuzzy Belly Deli had a steady stream of customers, some regular, some new, and of course, ones who drove Cayden crazy by walking all over the place, picking things up and putting them down in the wrong place. If that wasn't enough, Ida Friedman called a total of 6 times to inform Cayden of her baby's brilliant escapades, her newest incompetent psychiatrist and her homeopathic remedies for everything from plantar's warts to dandruff. By the time Jodie decided to pop in, the tall shopkeeper was a wreck and she left her friend to mind the shop as she went out to take a break. Knowing

Jodie could only stay a short while, Cayden couldn't disappear and she opted for sitting on the sidewalk a few stores down to drink a tall, cold, can of iced tea. The awning from the store she sat in front of, kept the sun from hitting her upper body, but it didn't prevent the glaring heat from attacking her long legs. She frowned as she felt herself start to burn. It wasn't only hot, it was humid too and Cayden knew that once the iced tea was gone, the thrill of her reality break would be over, so she sipped the cold liquid slowly. Just as she closed her eyes and began to relax, Jodie popped her head out of the shop with the cordless phone dangling from her fingers.

"Oh Cayden, sweetheart, darling, angel." she said, mimicking Ida Friedman.

"Nooooo...." the tall woman groaned.

"Yes, it's your biggest fan. I didn't know you were being considered for sainthood." Jodie teased.

"She has nobody. I listen to her." Cayden shrugged. "What am I supposed to do?" she asked rhetorically.

"Aren't you the bees knees, angel pie."

Cayden sighed. She really didn't feel like talking to Mrs. Friedman again, but knew if she didn't now, the eccentric old woman would only call back later. "Oh alright. Give me the phone." She reached out reluctantly, and started getting up.

Jodie watched with amusement as Cayden pressed the hold button and started nodding instantly as she walked back inside.

The tall shop keeper eventually hung up the phone and banged her head on the receiver a few times before expelling a frustrated growl. "She drives me crazy Jo!"

"Yeah, but you're going to heaven. She said so."

"Great. I'll have no fun at all."

The two friends stared out the front window blankly as the tall woman began to relax again.

*  *  *

Brooke was distracted for the rest of the day after she confessed to Bev. Every so often, she'd catch the older woman peeking over the cubicle with a knowing smile on her face. At first, it made Brooke blush, but after a while she started to feel relieved that she told Bev. As the day progressed, she started to feel more and more comfortable with herself and more assured about her attraction to Cayden. By the time she was ready to leave, Brooke almost had a cocky air about her.

"You have a great night, Brooke." Bev said with a wink.

"Oh I will. Trust me." The blonde replied confidently. She had been thinking of Cayden all afternoon and her predicament. She came to a decision that regardless if Cayden had a girlfriend or not, she was going to talk to her. She needed to know more about the tall woman, and if she had a girlfriend, so what. Brooke couldn't go without knowing, at least, Cayden's last name, or how old she was... little things like that drove her crazy. The problem was, as much as she needed to know, she couldn't face Cayden if Grant had gone in there and done something stupid. She volleyed between walking confidently into the Fuzzy Belly Deli and running away in the other direction. But she knew, in order to get the information she wanted, she'd have to confront Cayden in one way or another.

After a quiet dinner alone, Brooke made her final decision on what to do with Cayden. She was going to use Fred. Not the most confident approach, but Cayden seemed genuinely interested in animals and if Fred was going to be the catalyst, then so be it. Brooke was going to go into the shop and feel Cayden out. She'd know instantly if Grant was there depending on Cayden's reaction. Then she was going to make her move. She hoped and prayed that Grant hadn't confronted the tall woman. If he did, and ruined any opportunities she could possibly have at being at the very least, friends with Cayden, she'd have to kill him. Plain and simple. Grant would be toast.

*  *  *

Jodie had left a while ago and Cayden was enjoying the last hour of work. It was quiet, Christopher Lowell was in the bottom left square on Hollywood Squares, and life was good. She propped her feet up on the counter and leaned back. She couldn't wait to go home and eat dinner. She picked up the phone and called Wade's cell.

"Hi there." Wade said in a deep voice.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was looking for my homo." Cayden teased.

Wade snickered. "Was it good? Did I sound butch?"

"You sounded like Freddy "Boom Boom" Washington."

"OOoo. Cool! What's up?"

"Pizza, how many slices?"

"Two please. I want squares, ends please, crispy but not too.."

"You're getting two slices. Period." Cayden cut him off. "I'm not driving the man crazy."

"You're such a wuss. Fine, I'll take two soggy, droopy, old slices."

"Good." Cayden stuck her tongue out at the phone and hung up. She put her feet up against the counter and stretched out her legs, pushing the chair back and laced her fingers behind her head. She smiled as she glanced at the cash register. Today was a good day, Mrs. Friedman aside. She pulled in as much money on a Monday as she would on a typical weekend. I wracked up. What do I want... let's see... She started fantasizing about a new leather jacket, a trench coat and maybe an awesome pair of gloves to match. She was so wrapped up in her fantasy she didn't bother reacting to the tinkling of the bell, she just swiveled back and forth, all stretched out in her chair. When she finally did look up at her customer she became so flustered , she tried to get up and take her feet off the counter at the same time. Her arms flailed wildly and her long legs splayed open clumsily as the tall woman slid out of the chair and onto the floor with a thud.

Brooke's eyes widened when Cayden began flailing, and she put her hand to her mouth and watched helplessly with a wince as the shop keeper lost her balance and fell. She blushed, embarrassed for the tall woman. She strode confidently into the Deli with a whole lot to say, but now with Cayden in such a state, she lost her tongue.

"Goddammit to hell!"

Brooke took hesitant steps towards the counter and peeked over as Cayden grumbled.

Suddenly the chair was being lifted and Cayden's nightmare was coming true. She made a complete ass of herself in front of Brooke. She really hoped Brooke would disappear but she didn't and now that those green eyes were looking at her with interested amusement, Cayden had no choice but to respond. "Hi." she squeaked out, climbing clumsily to her feet.

Brooke, although thoroughly amused, was charmed. "Hi." she replied, not quite sure what to do with her hands as she watched Cayden right the chair.

"Um... I,, uh... it's just that you.. when you came in..." Cayden stuttered, red faced and mortified.

Brooke giggled. "I'm sorry I startled you."

"Yeah, well." The tall woman looked everywhere but at Brooke.

"Um, Fred needs a new leash!" The blonde said louder and with much more enthusiasm than she was comfortable with.

"Oh. Okay. They're over there." Cayden pointed.

Brooke went over to the selection and started touching them, not really paying attention to them at all. She desperately wanted to talk to Cayden, but after making such a grand entrance, she had no idea what to say. She felt quite smug actually, to be able to bring about that kind of reaction from the tall woman, but her empathetic nature made her feel for her too. How embarrassing. She probably wishes the floor would open up and swallow her. Maybe I should go. I'm sure I'm the last person she wants to speak to right now. Feeling suddenly awkward, the blonde turned around with an excuse on her lips about forgetting her money when Cayden's deep smooth voice cut through the silence.

"See anything you like?"

Brooke blushed instantly. Oh yes... She took a look at the shop keeper and swallowed dryly. She looks composed now. God, she's so hot, and she's looking at me, she's waiting for an answer you idiot... "Oh, no, not really. I guess I was preoccupied." Brooke admitted with a nervous titter.

"Can't imagine you'd find anything on that rack anyway."

The blonde looked puzzled as Cayden approached her. Huh?

"Those are for extra-large dogs. You want these." she pointed to another rack with much smaller merchandise.

"Oh." Brooke whispered, in embarrassment.

Cayden stepped back from the blonde and folded her arms across her chest. I wanted to see her again, but so soon? I'm still mad at her. She has some explaining to do. Why is she so calm? Why is she actually here anyway? She has to know that after she told her boyfriend we were screwing around that he'd come here and let me have it. Isn't she remorseful in the least? She should be apologizing to me, not standing around and wasting my time.

"I think I like the blue one, but I also like the zebra one." Brooke said with a smile turning to face the tall woman. "What do you think?"

Cayden shrugged, her eyes narrowed and angry.

Brooke's smile faded and her heart sped up. What the hell? She was fine just a minute ago. She turned back around, too confused to think of the obvious.

"Are you almost done, I'm about to close up."

Brooke felt like a child when she met Cayden's cool blue gaze. "Um, yeah. I'll take the zebra one." she said meekly, not knowing what she did to anger Cayden suddenly.

"Cash only, I closed out the credit card machine for the day."

What is wrong with her? Brooke fished around in her pocket book and came up with the correct change and held it out. Cayden took it away, avoiding any touching fingers and didn't even offer a bag. "Uh, yeah, thanks." Brooke said as she backed away from the counter and the angry stare she was receiving.

After the blonde left, Cayden blew out a loud breath. "I don't care how cute she is, I'm pissed off at her. Don't think I didn't notice that ass Ms Hewitt! Tight, sexy, ass that it was. Jeez, you'd think people like that would have ugly asses." Cayden's foot tapped with tension. "I can't believe she acted like nothing happened! She had to know that man came in here and threatened me. The nerve!"

Brooke walked dejectedly towards her mother's place. She was confused and sad. What happened? Why was she so mad at me? What did I do? So what, she fell on her ass... of all the nerve. She was just embarrassed that I saw her make a fool of herself and I ruined her image! I didn't do anything wrong! Oooo! She has no right to treat me like that! Brooke turned around and started marching right back to the Fuzzy Belly Deli.

Cayden was pulling down the gate when she saw the blonde heading her way, and boy was she steamed. She stood up and prepared for a confrontation.

"Just what gives you the right to treat me like that? What did I ever do to you?" Brooke asked angrily.

"Me? Hello? What did I ever do to you?" Cayden countered.

"Excuse me?" Brooke asked, louder this time.

"I said, What did I ever do to you?" Cayden yelled. "What nerve you have sending your boyfriend to my store to threaten me. You could have used anybody you wanted instead you had to go on and make up some fantasy fuck fest between us just to tick him off!"

Brooke paled and backed away.

Cayden pulled down the gate the rest of the way with a loud bang. "And you don't even apologize! You come in, scare me half to death so I almost break my neck and dawdle over leashes that you're going to put on a dog that can hardly walk anyway. What exactly do you want with me, Brooke?"

"Grant... came here?" Brooke squeaked out.

Cayden made a conscious effort to lower her voice. "Yes, as if you didn't think that telling him a story about us..."

"I never told him anything!" Brooke interjected..

"Bullshit." Cayden said with a snort.

"No, I didn't! I swear!" The blonde stomped her foot adamantly.

Glancing at the smaller woman gave Cayden second thoughts. She looked horrified. "Oh please, if you didn't tell him anything, where would he get that idea?" The tall woman asked, wondering if perhaps Brooke wasn't telling the truth.

Brooke began to blush furiously and looked like she may begin hyperventilating. "I can't... I don't know where he would get that idea."

Cayden raised an eyebrow. "Oh come on now."

"No, really... I... "

Dark eyebrows furrowed. "Brooke, now be real. If you didn't tell him anything, where would he get the idea that I, in particular, corrupted you into a life of lesbianism."

"Oh god... he said that?" Brooke squeaked.

"Something of the sort. Now look, I'm pretty pissed that you used me as an excuse, so if you just admit that you did it we can go on."

"But I didn't." Brooke was near tears.

"Whatever." Cayden said and started walking away.

"Damn it." Brooke cursed and kicked the gate. "Well, that went well."

PART 10

C AYDEN STOPPED SHORT and cringed when she heard the sound of Brooke's foot connecting with the gate. "Son of a bitch!" she growled as she twirled around and began running in the direction of The Fuzzy Belly Deli.

Brooke froze in place when she saw the tall woman bolting in her direction. She watched fearfully as Cayden was frantically digging through her backpack and cursing a blue streak. Before the blonde had the chance to run, the most hideous sound began blaring from the shop. "OH!" she shouted, scared half to death by the piercing noise.

"You just had to kick it didn't you?" Cayden yelled over the alarm, fussing with a set of keys and grabbing a padlock. "Goddammit!"

Brooke felt helpless and guilty as Cayden yanked open the lock. She wanted to take off, but felt responsible for Cayden's anguish and thought an apology was necessary.

"Here" Cayden threw the keys at Brooke. "Make yourself useful." The tall woman squatted down and held the bottom of the gate, ready to throw it open the second Brooke opened the lock. "Come on! Hurry up!"

"I'm sorry!" Brooke fumbled with the keys nervously, her hands shaking. The constant shrill shrieking of the alarm was making her crazy, she thought her ears would bleed.

"Goddammit Brooke!"

"Stop yelling at me! I don't know which key it is!"

Cayden stomped over and snatched the keys away violently. She shoved the proper key in the lock and yanked open the padlock with a glare to the blonde troublemaker. People were collecting on the sidewalk and this was pissing Cayden off even more. She threw the gate open halfway and ducked underneath it, disappearing inside.

Brooke didn't know exactly why she was still standing there, but she was. Near tears and feeling like a class A fool, she felt her lower lip start to tremble and sucked it inside of her mouth. The last thing she wanted to do was cry in front of Cayden. Suddenly the alarm stopped and it almost felt painfully quiet on the sidewalk. She could hear Cayden's muffled cursing before she even opened the inside door. She decided to leave, she didn't need to be there any more.

"... had to go and fucking kick it... wasn't pissed off already."

Brooke stopped and narrowed her eyes at the muttering shopkeeper.

"... of all the stupid..."

"Hey now, wait just a minute. Who are you calling stupid?" Brooke asked in irritation.

"Who?" Cayden pulled down the gate. "That man, " she pointed at a passerby. "He's who I'm calling stupid, Stupid."

"Well fuck you! I think you oughta get over yourself."

Cayden put her hands on her hips and glared.

"Yes, Miss high and mighty. I made a mistake, how was I supposed to know you had an alarm? I watched you bang the damned gate closed moments earlier."

"It likes me, it gives me a minute." Cayden snorted and then smirked. Brooke was cute when she was all fired up.

"Do you find me amusing?" the blonde asked, loudly.

"Just a smidge." the brunette replied, holding up her thumb and forefinger to indicate how much.

"Oh, I don't believe you!" Brooke started, waving her arms around in the air. "First, you treat me like dirt, then you accuse me of telling sordid tales, THEN have the nerve to stand there and smirk at me like I'm funny! Well let me tell you miss, I'm not laughing! I'm pretty damned pissed off at you! You have no right to talk to me the way you have been... I hardly know you for gods sake!"

"According to your boyfriend, we know each other quite well." Cayden said with another cocky smirk.

"I didn't tell him anything!" Brooke insisted. "I swear!"

Cayden gave her a withering look. "Uh huh."

"I'm not lying!" Brooke stomped her foot.

"Sure you're not." Cayden was beginning to like this. "He just came up with it all by himself, picked me out of the blue too. Of course after making all of it up, he had to come to my shop and accuse me of corrupting his sweet innocent Brooke, who might I add is a lovely shade of pink, perfectly suited for her angelic attitude. I have every right to be angry with you. You disrupted me, you caused me unnecessary grief and aggravation."

"But I swear..." the blonde's eyes welled up with tears.

"Oh no! I do not need that! I will not feel sorry for you. No way!" Cayden shook her head yet, didn't walk away.

"Fine, don't believe me. I know it sounds crazy, but I never told him anything about me and you. There isn't anything to tell. Why would I make something like that up with a woman I hardly even know? Why?" Brooke was pleading with Cayden now.

"You tell me." Hmmm, oddly enough, I'm starting to believe her. Why would she go through all this trouble... oh no... she's really crying now. Oh shit. Now what?

Brooke was on the verge of telling Cayden what really happened, or at least what she surmised led Grant to believe they had something going on. She was tired of having Cayden angry with her.

"Ok, fine. Drop it." Cayden offered.

Green eyes looked up into dark sunglasses. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, just stop crying already."

Brooke tried very hard not to fling herself at the tall woman. Thank you god! "I didn't mean to get so upset," she started wiping her eyes, "It's just that I was so frustrated knowing I was telling the truth and you didn't believe me. It's hard to keep control."

"I never said I believe you. I just want this to end. I'm tired and hungry and I want to go home." Cayden said boredly.

"Well, excuse me for thinking you were nice! By all means, enjoy your dinner!" Brooke snapped, and started stomping away in a huff.

Cayden stood there a while longer and watched her walk away. Still.. that's one fine ass.

*  *  *

Brooke was so mad she wanted to hit something. She was not only frustrated, but humiliated. Cayden seemed to enjoy making her feel bad. I can't believe I thought she was hot! She's mean... she's rude... she's... she's... damn it, she's hot, who am I kidding? OOOO but she makes me so mad! I can't very well tell her why Grant chose her, I'd die! She'd probably get a kick out of that one, her and her cocky self. Oh, I am so screwed. I'll kill Grant. It's all his fault. How dare he go in there and harass her? She didn't do anything! Damn, she really had no choice but to think I'm lying. I have no explanation to give her, well I do, but I can't. What am I going to do? I don't want her to think I'm a liar, but how can I tell her? Oh excuse me Cayden, by the way, I dream about you naked, vividly, and apparently I talk in my sleep... and the fact that I doodled your name a hundred times on the bag you gave me doesn't help matters much. Brooke covered her red face in her hands and groaned. I cannot have her think I'm a liar! I don't want her mad at me anymore.

*  *  *

Wade was growing impatient, not to mention hungry. He already downed a beer and was halfway through another one by the time Cayden arrived home. "Well, what the hell took you so long?" he asked, raising his eyebrow as his tall room mate dropped the bag on the table and disappeared. He opened the bag and smiled to find two extra crispy end squares. He was about to thank her for the pizza when he heard the refrigerator slam so hard, the items on the door rattled. He cringed at the following drawer slam, listened to the tell tale hiss of a beer being opened then waited to hear the drawer slam again. It did.

Cayden was still pissed off. Really pissed off. She drank half the beer as she stood there, shivering as the cold liquid sliced a trail through her overheated insides. She stood there, leaning on the counter for a while listening to the fridge hum, relaxing her enough to take the deep breath she knew she'd need in order to face Wade.

Wade looked up at Cayden as she entered the room. "Cayd.."

"No." She held up her hand to stop him. "You wouldn't believe me if I tried to explain it to you."

"Try me." He persisted, biting into his pizza with an audible crunch. "Mmm, thank you, you're the best."

"She lied!" The tall woman declared, putting her beer bottle down with a bang.

Wade stopped chewing and raised an eyebrow. "Who lied?"

"Brooke! She lied right there on the sidewalk in front of everybody, and then the alarm went off, she had the balls to kick it, and then, Then she yelled at me! And to top it all off she goes and cries, right there! What was going to do? I told her to forget it!"

Wade stared curiously at his blabbering friend with wide eyes. "Cayden, you're going to have to back that baby up and start over."

"No, I'm finished now." she said, then bit into her own sausage pizza.

La La started pawing at Cayden's leg and Wade scurried over to remove his cat before Cayden could kill him. "Brooke came to the shop?" He asked, trying to make sense of her ranting.

"Yes." the tall woman replied tersely.

"She yelled at you?"

"Of all the freaking nerve!"

"You're not being any help to me. Please start explaining." Wade pled.

Cayden dropped her pizza on the bag she was using as a plate and took a loud breath. "Ok, Fine."

*  *  *

Brooke scoured her apartment for the phone number to The Huntington's cabin. She knew she had it, but was in such a state, she could not remember where it was. She tried Grant's cell phone repeatedly, but he was either out of range or he shut it off. She was more than angry with Grant, she was livid, and the longer she tore the house apart, the more she steamed. She fished her own cell phone out of her pocket book and started scanning the memory for the number, hoping that it may still be in there. It wasn't. Just as she emitted a frustrated growl, the telephone rang. She pickled it up with a deep scowl. "What? she asked gruffly.

"It's me."

Grant's voice was like Pavlov's bell and she snapped. "You! How dare you! What the hell were you thinking? What gave you the right? You have NO idea how angry I am with you right now!"

"You're angry with me? Are you nuts?" he asked with a humorless laugh.

"I must be nuts Grant, but you go ahead and tell me why I am." the blonde responded, clenching her fingers around the phone.

"When were you going to tell me about tall, dark, and gay?"

"There was nothing to tell!" She screamed. "You made it all up!"

"Oh, come on now. Cayden... ohhh Cayden..." he drawled out in a falsetto voice.

Brooke blushed furiously. "That was a dream Grant.. A DREAM you idiot!"

"I bet you didn't know that the love of your life is a slut did you?" he snorted.

"Slut? What are you talking about?" Brooke blurted out before she could edit herself.

"I thought not." He snickered. "She was all over these two women when I got to that shop, no couth whatsoever. But I tell ya Brooke, based on looks alone, you have great taste in women. You sure know how to pick 'em."

"Don't be an asshole. How dare you confront her before you knew the truth? Why didn't you just believe me when I told you there was no one else?"

"You said, there was no other man." he corrected smugly.

Brooke nearly screamed in frustration.

"Nice looking shop there." he added with a chuckle.

"Do you know how stupid I looked? I had no clue you went in there and threatened her! You are so stupid!"

"Oh poor baby. Did I cause trouble with .. Caaaayyyden?

"Fuck you, Grant! Just fuck you!" Brooke slammed down the phone angrily and screamed.

*  *  *

Grant stared at the receiver in shock. "Fuck me? Wow, she's really pissed."

*  *  *

Brooke surprised herself with the outburst, but Grant infuriated her. The way he said Cayden's name and the way he implied that he was thrilled with the problem he created made her see red. After a few more growls and screams Brooke realized she just fed into his imagination by being so angry. There was nothing she could do any more about Grant. His mind was made up and she pretty much made it all the more believable with her reaction. Oddly enough, she really didn't care what he thought, and as far as she was concerned she had nothing more to say to him. She strode into the bedroom with determination, and started throwing her clothes on the bed. She then stomped into the hall angrily, pulling out a small suitcase and brought it to the bedroom. She threw her clothes inside willy nilly, pausing to grab things from the bathroom and off of the dresser. When she was satisfied that she had all that she needed, she closed the bag and dragged it out to the front door. Dropping it heavily on the floor Brooke took a step back, one deep breath and then started to cry. The days events catching up with her all at once, she sat down on the bag and sobbed.

*  *  *

Cayden finished telling Wade what happened and left the room to wash the pizza grease from her hands. Wade sat there on the floor and gaped at her back as she left. Cayden was right, he didn't believe it. So, Brooke insisted that she didn't tell her boyfriend anything. Then, how would he even suspect that Cayden had anything to do with Brooke? Wade's mind was on overdrive. Why Cayden? They hardly know each other. Brooke even said that. Cayden said that Brooke was practically pleading with her to believe she was innocent. Hmm, but that's crazy. How is Cayden supposed to believe her? Really now, there had to be some sort of proof, something had to happen involving Cayden for her boyfriend to become suspicious. Wade furrowed his brows, deep in thought as Cayden returned with more beers. "So, do you believe her... just a little?"

Cayden shook her head and sighed. "I don't know. Wade, you should have seen her, she was crying, she was so upset. She said that it made her crazy to be telling the truth and me not believing her. I don't know what to think."

"You gotta admit, its hard to believe she's telling the truth."

They sat there, drinking beer and lost in thought until Cayden stood up and stretched. "You know, I almost believed her. She's either telling the truth, or a very convincing bullshit artist, and some how... I don't think its the latter. Maybe I don't want to think that."

"She must have put up a good fight."

"Actually she was pretty frustrated." Cayden grinned. "I know this is probably going to sound sick, but she was kinda cute when she was pissed."

Wade snickered. "I can't believe you would even go there. Now I really need to see this woman."

"She's certainly easy on the eyes my friend, but straight girls who tell tall tales aren't my type."

"I thought you said you believed her?"

"I said I almost did."

"I hear ya Cayd, but you know, maybe you should talk to her when you're both calmed down some. Maybe there's more to the story. She sure seemed insistent that she was telling the truth."

"She did." the shopkeeper agreed. "Though I can't really come up with any other reasons for her boyfriend to make his assumptions."

"I think if you two talk in a civilized manner, she'll tell you what's going on."

"Maybe. In the future. The very distant future, I might think about letting her explain."

*  *  *

"Brooke, do you want some tea?" Harriet Hewitt asked her depressed daughter.

"No, Ma, I don't want anything, thank you." the blonde said sadly.

The older woman moved to sit besides her daughter on the couch. Brooke looked miserable and it broke her heart. "Honey, I know it hurts. Do you want to talk some more?"

Brooke sighed. Her mother was under the impression that she was upset solely over leaving Grant. She couldn't tell her mother that Grant didn't matter half as much as Cayden's opinion of her. She felt horrible that she was perceived as a liar to the tall woman. She felt as if she humiliated herself, and Cayden just stood there, smirking, making her feel even worse. Frustration bubbled over Brooke's tolerance level and she felt her eyes well up uncontrollably.

"Brooke, come on honey, talk to me, or cry if you want to, but don't just sit there."

The small blonde who felt far smaller than her 5'5" broke out into tears. "Oh mom, I feel so horrible!" She sobbed.

"I know baby." Her mother cooed. "It's scary when we suddenly find ourselves all alone."

Brooke forced herself to stop crying. "That's not it Ma." she whispered through a sniffle.

"Then what can be bothering you so?"

"I can't. Nothing. I'll be ok." the blonde said unconvincingly and slipped out if her mother's embrace.

"Where are you going?"

"To bed, ma." Brooke sighed and went to her old bedroom.

*  *  *

Cayden awoke in the middle of the night her mind too active to sleep. She replayed the previous days events over again in her head, not wanting to, but unable to make it go away. She growled as she remembered Brooke's boyfriend poking her. What did she say his name was? Grant? Stupid name. The tall woman fluffed up her pillow and tried to go back to sleep, but her brain wouldn't allow it. Suddenly, her door opened, ever so slowly and she frowned. The bed shook as La La leapt up onto it, purring before he even reached Cayden. She reached out her hand and waited for the cat to head-butt it. She extended her long fingers and rubbed and scratched him until he started dancing around the bed. "Ok, that's enough, lay down now." she whispered. The fat cat flopped down and stretched all his paws out, purring like a machine. "Geez, you're getting louder by the second. You're going to wake up daddy and then what am I going to do if he catches us like this?" she joked, still idly petting him. "Can you believe that Brooke?" she asked La La, who really couldn't care less. A thought occurred to Cayden and her lips turned up into a smile. "You know..." she started, her eyes closing as she recalled their second meeting vividly. "She was definitely into me. In fact, La La, she was even staring at my ass." Cayden began snickering. "I bet you anything that Jodie is right... as always. I bet, that Brooke never had feelings for a woman before me." Cayden chuckled smugly. "Heh. I'm her first... and you know what?" The brunette shifted her feet and laced her fingers behind her head. "It doesn't feel half bad. I mean, compared to all the other mental cases falling all over me, I kinda like that Brooke thinks I'm hot." A cocky grin formed on Cayden's face and La La squirmed around until he got comfortable again. "Yep, it feels pretty damned good. Too bad she annoys me. For a woman with such a fine body and the sexiest green eyes, she really pisses me off."

*  *  *

Brooke was sitting astride Cayden's lap, facing her, the brunette's lips latched onto her breast, her large hands drifting up and down the blonde's naked back. Brooke groaned and dug her fingers into Cayden's shoulders and arched her back, forcing more of her flesh into Cayden's mouth. Electric blue eyes looked up and a shock jolted Brooke's groin. "I want you so bad..." she moaned in a throaty whisper. "Please, touch me..."

The tall woman's hand slid between Brooke's legs, long fingers touched her, spread her wetness around, glided up and down. Brooke shuddered and ground herself into the brunette's fingers as blue eyes never left her own. "Yess.. Oh Cayden yes..."

Brooke awoke with a violent shiver. Green eyes scanned desperately in the dark for something... anything to ground her and tell her she was awake. Finally aware of where she was, she sat up and kicked the sheet off of her damp body. "I don't believe it! You have got to be kidding me!" she muttered in wonder, wiping her hands over her face. "Why the hell am I still dreaming about her? After what happened..." she turned on the bedside lamp and swung her legs off the bed. "I am nuts! What is going on with my hormones? How can I still have those kinds of dreams after how she got off on my distress?" She walked into the kitchen, passing a sleeping Fred on the way. She smiled at the curled up little dog and proceeded to get herself some juice. Glancing at the clock she made a sour face when she saw it was only five-thirty. She still had time to sleep but doubted it would happen now. Her eyes were wide open, her pulse was beating rapidly as she tried to erase the sensations that were coursing through her body. The sound of tiny toenails informed Brooke that Fred was coming and the blonde squatted down to wait for him. She watched the little old dog stretch before she petted him gently. "So Freddy baby, what do you think about an early walk today?" Fred's ears perked right up at his favorite word. Brooke smiled and stood up again. "Okay, just let me shower and dress and we'll be on our way."

*  *  *

Jodie was completely confused. Wade had told her everything that happened between Brooke and Cayden in a late night phone call. Jodie wasn't confused about the story, she was confused about Cayden's behavior. Not only was her friend acting completely out of character by instigating a confrontation, but she seemed to enjoy being mean to Brooke. Sure, Cayden had every right to lay into the small blonde, but, she shouldn't have enjoyed it. Cayden hated making people feel bad. Not the teasing kind of bad because she did that all the time, but the genuine make someone cry bad. That struck Jodie as very odd. Wade too. They speculated as to the cause of this impromptu change in their friend. Wade thinks Cayden has serious feelings for Brooke and is transferring her emotions to anger. Jodie wants to agree, but she really wants to witness it for herself. True, Cayden had been acting rather strange lately, talking about meaningless sex, making out with Denise without a care in the shop. Still, Jodie needed some proof. She needed to be sure that Cayden was truly acting this way towards Brooke, because she couldn't really believe it. Both Wade and Jodie agreed that Cayden should be angry. They also concurred that Brooke's claim of innocence was flaky. Both Wade and Jodie wanted answers. If Cayden was really falling for Brooke, it should make sense they should sit down and discuss this normally and calmly, not with alarms blaring and big emotions. Wade said to leave it to him. Jodie was skeptical that he could come up with something but since she had no answers, she allowed him the chance.

PART 11

C AYDEN WAS WATCHING ice melt, intently. At least that is what it looked like to Jodie when she arrived at the shop. In truth, Cayden was lost in thought, deep thought. So deep in fact, that Jodie managed to sneak up on her and scare her half to death. "SO!" she yelled watching Cayden jump out of her skin.

"Jo! You are such an asshole!" the shopkeeper rolled her eyes and ignored her reddening face. "Why did you do that?"

"Just had to. So, tell me, what's digging a hole in your brain?"

"Hmph. Did you hear what happened yesterday? I'm sure Wade couldn't wait to share."

"Yeah, I heard," she said, plopping down in Cayden's lap. "He said you got all butch on her ass.... you know that turns me on." Jodie purred, blinking her eyes at Cayden.

"You're such an asshole." The shopkeeper tried to be annoyed, but chuckled at her friend. "Get up before I do get all butch."

"Ooooh." Jodie pretended to swoon.

Cayden flashed an evil grin before digging her fingers into Jodie's sides and tickling her. Jodie started shrieking, wiggling, and carrying on, 'til she rolled off of Cayden and onto the floor, laughing her heart out.

The bell tinkled and Cayden looked up to see Denise walking in. She blanched slightly and stood up, forcing a smile. "Hi," she said, her expression guilty.

"Hello," Denise replied, and raised an eyebrow at the muffled chortle coming from Cayden's feet.

The tall woman looked down and blushed. "It's just Jodie being an asshole."

"Oh really?" Denise asked, peering over the counter.

"Hey, so," Cayden moved back to let Jodie stand up. "What's up?"

"I was just passing by and I wanted to say hi," she replied awkwardly.

Jodie slipped out from behind the counter and busied herself with the shelves.

"Listen, Denise, I like you but..."

"Oh no, don't finish the sentence, I know all too well what's coming next. However, yes, I would like to stay friends with you."

"You do?" Cayden asked in disbelief.

"Why not? I like you. I'd liked to have you as more than a friend, but if you are not into it I understand."

"For real? You're not going to make a scene and tell me to go scratch my ass?"

"Really, Cayden. Besides, you aren't all that to get fired up over." Denise teased.

Jodie snorted from the back of the store.

Cayden shot Jo a look and then sighed in relief. "You don't know how good that is to hear. I really couldn't handle a scene at the moment." The tall shopkeeper said, slumping her shoulders.

"Why? Are you okay?" Denise asked in concern.

"Oh yeah, I just had a little thing with Brooke yesterday. It's still on my nerves."

"Brooke now? What did she do?"

"Well let me ask you, when that guy came in yelling at me, from the way he put things, didn't it seem like Brooke had told him something was going on between us?"

"Yes, definitely. He accused you of turning her into a lesbian. I heard him myself." Denise nodded as she spoke.

"Okay, well, she insists that she didn't tell him anything of the sort. I mean she was serious, she really swears to it!" Cayden explained.

"Really? Then where would he get it from? Do you believe her?"

Cayden frowned deeply. "I don't know."

"She wants to believe that Brooke has the hots for her," Jodie added.

"You can't tell me you didn't see the way that she looked at you Cayden!" Denise said with both eyebrows raised.

"Hell yeah, I saw it," she looked between Jodie and her stupid grin, and Denise with her wide-open eyes. "Okay, she's hot for me."

"And you're hot for her." The waitress said with a wink.

"No, I think she's hot, there's a difference." Cayden said, slightly defensively.

"Please, Cayden, you look like Homer Simpson when he sees a donut." Jodie joked.

"Then, when she pulled down those glasses, her eyes told a whole sordid story." Denise said.

"Oh yeah, I saw that, she was eating her alive!"

"From top to bottom!"

"Excuse me? I am still here you know?" Cayden pouted.

Jodie and Denise shared a laugh at Cayden's expense.

"No really, Cayd, she wants you, and you want her. Why don't you two just get together and talk about it?"

"Come on, Jo, I'm not even thinking of getting anywhere near her. I don't need things like that in my life."

Jodie gave Denise the eyebrow and smirked. I don't know about that, Cayd.

*  *  *

Brooke had work to do, but she couldn't concentrate on one thing for more than 5 minutes at a time. She spent most of the morning glancing at the wall that separates her cubicle from Bev's. She was bursting to tell someone about what happened the previous day but, at the same time, she didn't want to. She felt stupid about the whole thing now that she thought about it. If I just tell her the truth, all of this will be done. Brooke began blushing at the mere thought of telling Cayden she dreams about her. Oh God! I would just die, but I know that's the only way to get her to understand that I am not lying.

"Earth to Brooke." Bev teased.

Brooke cleared her throat and peeked sideways at Bev. "I was just thinking."

"I can tell, and it must be good judging by your cheeks."

"Yeah," Brooke agreed quietly. "Bev, I need your advice."

"What about, Honey?" the older woman came around the partition and leaned on Brooke's desk.

The small blonde swiveled her chair back and forth nervously. "I saw Cayden yesterday," she started.

"Oh? What happened?" Bev asked, smiling.

"It was a disaster."

"Oh no!" the older woman reached over and put her hand on Brooke's shoulder to reassure her.

"It was awful, Bev, we fought like crazy!" Brooke said, heartbroken.

"Over what? I thought you said you hardly know her?"

"I don't hardly know her... it was Grant."

"Grant? What did he do?"

Brooke groaned pathetically. "I guess I have to tell you."

Bev thought the worst. "Honey, tell me!"

"Well, remember I told you that I dream about her?" When Bev nodded, Brooke swallowed hard and continued. "Well, I think I talk in my sleep," she said quietly, a deep read blush coloring her cheeks.

"And?" Bev thought for a minute, then her eyes opened wide. "Grant heard you? Oh no!"

"Oh yes." Brooke nodded and hid her face in her hands.

"He told you?"

"No, but whatever I said or did, Grant made some assumptions... and he went and confronted Cayden."

"What! Oh my God! What happened? What did he say?"

"He accused her of turning me into a lesbian."

"Bev's eyes opened wide and then closed, then, she started giggling.

"Bev, it's not funny!" Brooke whispered loudly.

"Oh, Brooke! Can you imagine what kind of story Grant must have made up in his own mind?"

Brooke cracked a smile. "I know, it is kind of funny. He said something about a crazed pack of roller blading lesbians holding me hostage." Brooke giggled.

When Bev finally finished laughing, she turned serious again. "So, what happened, Cayden confronted you?"

"No, worse. I went in there with every intention of getting to know her better, and she hit me with it from left field. I felt like such an ass... you have no idea."

"Oh, baby, did you explain?"

"Explain? How can I tell her what happened? All I could do was deny that I told Grant anything. I can't tell her the truth. She thinks I told Grant that we were having an affair."

"Well, she's going to keep on thinking that's exactly what you did, unless you tell her otherwise."

Brooke groaned. "I can't tell her," she fidgeted with some papers on her desk. "Then again, I don't want her thinking I am a liar. That's driving me crazy more than anything!"

"Hmmm, so you think that Grant came up with this idea by listening to you talk in your sleep, then he went and confronted Cayden without any proof?"

"That's exactly what he did," Brooke said sourly.

"And now, Cayden thinks you are running around telling stories about the two of you?"

"Yes."

"You don't want to tell her the truth?"

"God no!" Brooke looked mortified.

"Honey, you are going to have to."

"No... well... maybe. But I don't want to!" Brooke pouted.

"Of course not, but think about it, if you tell Cayden you were dreaming about her, that could open up a world of possibilities for the two of you." Bev smirked.

Brooke blushed. "I suppose so," she replied. "I don't think she's going to be all too happy to see me any time soon though. I really pissed her off."

"When you fought?"

"Yeah, we were both pissed, and we were both yelling... it got out of hand." She said, crestfallen and embarrassed.

"Brooke, you two need to talk in a civilized manner. Why don't you try?"

"I'm telling you, I don't think she wants to see me."

*  *  *

Wade wracked his brain for a way to get Cayden and Brooke in a situation where they would have no choice but to talk. He came to the conclusion that it may not be such a good idea to have them alone. If Cayden was acting so weird with Brooke, she might think twice if there was others around. Just that little bit of thought on Cayden's part may make it easier for her to listen instead of talk. The idea hit him as he was flipping through the pages of his favorite gay weekly. A tea dance? Never. Oh! A mixer! A pet owners get together! He couldn't think of a better idea now that he had this one in his head. He decided to get a little party together with people treats, pet treats and music. He felt quite pleased with himself. The only thing that had to be worked out was location... and inviting Brooke. He would have to enlist Jodie for that and he knew that once he told her the idea, she would be thrilled.

*  *  *

"A mixer." Jodie repeated into the phone, mulling it over.

"Yes, we could invite the neighborhood pet parents, and this way it would be a party! Not only will Cayden have to behave herself, but Brooke won't feel on display for Cayden to scrutinize. I think it's perfect!"

"Where?" Jodie asked, skeptically.

"The shop." Wade said with expectation.

"No way! Cayden would never go for it!" Jodie insisted.

"I know you could convince her. Pretty please," he whined.

"Wade, you don't know what you are asking. If she knew your motives she'd kill you."

"Oh please, I know how to work her," Wade said confidently.

"You have to live with her, Buddy. Okay, I'll try." Jodie relented. "This has the potential to be disastrous."

"It also has the potential to be fabulous!"

"You better be right," Jodie warned, before hanging up the phone.

*  *  *

Cayden ate dinner in her room that night going over what Denise and Jodie had said to her. Actually, what they said around her. Yeah, she thought, I think she's hot. But that does not mean I have to sleep with her. Come on now, I think plenty of women are hot, Cayden stopped thinking for a moment to chew, but Brooke.... she just fires me up. I wonder why? She really didn't do anything to provoke me. I just acted like a jerk for nothing. Well, there is the fact that she is lying to me. I never did like dishonest people. Then again, I tend to be quite dishonest... a lot. No, that doesn't count. I pretend to be interested in the mindless morons because they spend money in my shop. The tall woman blushed slightly. Okay, I admit it, I'm a liar. But I don't lie to hurt people, she thought pushing her plate away from her. She frowned. Cayden you are being way too hard on the girl. It can very well be that she made up a story involving you to slap that annoying ass of a boyfriend in the face. She probably had no idea he was going to act on it. Feeling slightly guilty for terrorizing Brooke, Cayden sighed and pursed her lips in thought. Ah, but her actions directly affected me. I got harassed and then she lied about it. The shopkeeper got annoyed again. She shouldn't have lied.

*  *  *

Brooke cleverly avoided any questions by her mother, but her Dad, well, she never could hide anything from him. He looked at her in such a way that had her feeling like a 10 year old little girl all over again. She had to tell him whatever he wanted to know. She wasn't afraid of him, just the opposite. She always was and still is, Daddy's little girl. She loved him, and he adored her. She would feel extremely guilty to tell him a fib. She skillfully crept around him most of the evening, never looking him in the eyes. However, now that they were all sitting in the living room, Brooke had nowhere to hide. She felt the two sets of eyes burning a hole through her and wanted to get up and run away. She stared straight ahead at the television, her cheeks getting warm under the constant scrutiny. Finally, Bert Hewitt cleared his throat and leaned forward in his chair. Brooke closed her eyes and swallowed hard.

"So, Honey, mom tells me you've been moping around here, telling her she wouldn't understand what is bothering you."

Brooke nodded and refused to face him.

"Well, are you sure about that? When is the last time your Mom or I didn't understand you?"

Brooke grimaced. "You always do," she said meekly.

"So, come on Sweetheart, tell me what is bothering you. Talk to Daddy. Is it Grant?"

"That putz," Harriet blurted.

Don't look at him, don't look at him. "I'd rather not talk about it, dad, please don't force me."

Mr. Hewitt sank back in his chair and looked hurt. He shared a sad expression with his wife.

"It's not Grant," Brooke started.

"That putz," Harriet added again.

"Mom!" Brooke rolled her eyes. "I have a little something bothering me, but it's nothing you can help me with. I'm sorry."

Harriet looked skeptically at her daughter. "Is it work?"

"No, it's not work."

"If it's not work, or Grant, that putz, then what is it?"

"Harriet, she says she doesn't want to talk about it. She's a big girl, and she wants to work it out by herself. I can understand that. She doesn't need us," Bert said glancing at Brooke to see if it worked.

Brooke sighed heavily, "Daddy, it isn't that I don't need you... just forget it."

Mrs. Hewitt pointed at her husband and scolded him with a look. "Okay honey, whatever you want. You do realize that we love you and will support you through whatever it is?"

Brooke felt horrible. She nodded and stared at her feet. She opened her mouth and almost told them, but her heart suddenly began pounding in her ears and she stopped. "I know Ma, thank you."

*  *  *

Cayden was tired and a little cranky. She slept like hell, tossing and turning all night. She spent the subway ride smashed between two men who had never heard of soap, let alone deodorant, or mouthwash. They carried on a loud conversation around her, and Cayden thought she might be sick before her stop. It would figure that the men tried to cop a feel as she squeezed her way out of the train. She knew better than to wear a tank top during rush hour.

When she got to the shop, she failed to make it to the keypad in time, setting the alarm off and in her haste to press the code, dropped her coffee.

Yes, Cayden was cranky.

The tall shopkeeper spent most of the morning scowling and watching court TV shows. By late afternoon, she had won $500,000 on "Millionaire", and a trip to Hawaii on "Pyramid," lightening her mood just a drop. Despite the slight mood adjustment, Cayden still frowned at Jodie when she flounced in the door laden with bags.

"That's a pretty face you got there, Cayd."

"I save the special looks for you. What ya got in the bags?"

"It's a surprise. So," Jodie reached into her bra and pulled out a piece of paper, and smoothed it out on the counter in front of Cayden, "I thought you might want this," she said with a smirk

"What is it?" the shopkeeper inquired, leaning forward to investigate. Suddenly her eyes widened and she backed away. "How did you get that and why?"

Jodie smiled deviously. "I searched her up for you on the computer. You do remember I have that friend that is an investigator?"

Cayden tried not to stare at Brooke's address and phone number. "Friend, hardly. Isn't that the chick you screwed in McDonald's? Why are you giving this to me anyway? I don't want it." Blue eyes closed tightly to erase the words and numbers, but the writing on the paper was already seared into her brain. "Damn it Jo! I memorized it!"

"What's the harm? You know you want her. Go for it Cayd, make the first move. I think you owe her an apology anyway. And it was Burger King." Jodie stuck out her tongue.

"Christ, Jo, I don't want anything to do with Brooke Hewitt." The address once again flashed in Cayden's mind. "Shit!" she growled.

"Right, and I'm sure you haven't given her a second thought, like perhaps last night when you should have been sleeping."

Cayden narrowed her eyes to hide her guilt.

"I thought so," Jo replied smugly. "Hey, I have an idea."

"Oh, that sentence means nothing but trouble." Cayden groused.

"Why don't we throw a party?" Jodie asked, excitedly.

"For what?" the tall woman looked at her friend like she was crazy.

"For dog owners and cat people too! You know, like a mixer!"

"A singles party? Jo, are you nuts? Why?"

"Meet people, you know, maybe invite the less insane of your clients."

"Are you serious? Whatever gave you this crazy idea?"

"Actually, Wade came up with it and thought it would be a good way to meet people."

"The both of you are just sluts. You plan on using this party as a dating service... and where are you planning on throwing this thing?"

"Well, see, that's where you come in."

Cayden furrowed her brows, "Me?"

Jodie started to unpack party supplies from the bag.

"Oh no, absofuckinlutely not! No way!"

"Think about it, Cayd, you'll make a fortune! Dig out all those ridiculous jackets and novelty things from the back room. I'm sure people will be dying to outdo each other!"

"Oh Jo, this is the stupidest idea..."

"You know? This would be the perfect atmosphere to invite Brooke, and call a truce."

"What? Why the hell would I want to invite Brooke?"

"Well, you don't have to if you don't want to. So come on Cayden, maybe you will be able to meet someone new and you will make a shitload of money. You did want to go on that vacation."

"You mean you will be meeting new ho's... and I do want to visit Mom and Dad. Oh, but Jo, I don't know." Cayden began looking around her shop in a panic, imagining the nightmare of having people mingling.

"Pretty please?" Jodie begged, blinking rapidly and pouting.

Cayden rolled her eyes.

"If you say no to me, you'll have Wade to deal with when you get home," she warned.

"Of fuck... fine! Go on and make your party, but I'm not inviting Brooke."

"Fair enough," Jodie nodded. You won't have to sweetie. "Thank you Cayden, you're the best!" Jodie wrapped herself around her friend.

"Yeah, whatever."

PART 12

B ROOKE SPENT THE next few days convincing Bev, and herself, that there was no way to salvage anything between her and Cayden. She also skillfully avoided the third degree guilt trips from her parents. However, her nights were spent lost in carnal fantasies involving tall, dark, and unforgiving. Brooke was in a constant state of arousal, even a complete stranger brushing against her on the subway would make her nipples hard. The blonde was an emotional wreck half the time. Her unconscious brain wanted Cayden so much, in so many ways, that it wouldn't allow her to sleep quietly. It was because of these wild sexual dreams that Brooke decided not to face down Cayden again. She just knew that she'd never be able to look her in the eye without fainting away from embarrassment. There was no way in hell she was going to tell Cayden of her dreams. She knew that the tall woman would eat up the information and never let Brooke live it down.

It was late at night, after 11, and Brooke was drifting between erotic visions of a certain tall brunette when her cell phone rang. She sat up and stared at it sleepily, wondering who would be calling at such an hour. Whoever it was, was persistent, they hung up on the voice mail and rang again. Thinking an emergency, Brooke answered the phone, her voice husky from sleep and arousal.

"OOo, bad timing?" Grant said with an evil snicker.

"Drop Dead."

"You got mail." he said tersely.

"Oh, ok, I'll get it this weekend."

"No, you'll get it tomorrow."

"Excuse me? I'll get it when I get it!" Brooke yelled and slammed her phone closed. "The nerve of him!"

Mrs. Hewitt heard Brooke yelling and went to see what was wrong. She tapped on the closed door. "Honey, are you alright?"

"Yeah, ma, I'm fine." She lied, irritation still evident in her voice.

Harriet didn't believe her daughter, she'd been moping and pouting around the house for days. She was going to get to the bottom of this right now. "Brooke, can I come in?"

Brooke sighed. "Yeah."

The older woman sat down on the side of the bed and Brooke turned on the bedside lamp. She watched her mom take a deep breath and knew what was coming.

"Honey, I know something is bothering you deeply, and you can't say its nothing. It can't be nothing, not with the way you've been behaving. You were always able to talk to me, please tell me what's going on."

Looking into her mother's eyes was the wrong thing to do if she was going to brush her off. Her mom was concerned, very concerned, and Brooke felt just awful about it. "Mom, listen, it's pretty complicated. It's an unusual situation..." she began, then bit her lip.

"So... would you feel more comfortable talking to your father? I can go get him if you..."

"NO!" Brooke interrupted. "No," She grimaced, fidgeted, and then sighed in defeat. "See, I have this crush."

Harriet raised her eyebrow and urged her daughter on. "And..."

"Well, remember when Grant's parents told you... wait that's not true... ok, do you remember that Grant thought I was having an affair?"

Harriet's eyes widened. "Honey... you didn't..."

"Actually, no, but Grant wasn't entirely wrong in his assumptions." She said, blushing slightly.

Harriet pondered that a while as she watched her daughter's eyes dart around the room nervously.

"Brooke.... this woman with a "K"... I mean... are you?"

"No, we aren't, but she's real, Ma." Brooke admitted, her mouth suddenly dry.

"I see." The older woman's lips went thin as she thought about this news.

Green eyes closed and Brooke took a deep breath. Well, in for a penny... "She works a few blocks over... where I bought Fred his cologne. The Fuzzy Belly Deli."

"Interesting name. What does she do there?" Harriet asked, trying to forge more information about the "K" woman.

"She owns it I think."

"Well," Harriet chuckled. "You could do worse."

Brooke blushed. "Mom, it's not like that. We don't get along well at all." She said sadly.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, we get near each other and fireworks start, we fight, terribly. We get along much better just looking at each other from a distance."

"You know, that's a sign of passion." Harriet said seriously.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "Mom.. please. You don't know the half of it."

"So tell me." Mrs. Hewitt climbed into bed next to her daughter and settled down. "Go on."

"I don't think..." Brooke hid her face in her hands.

"It's not so bad honey, it's girl talk. How'd you meet?"

"See, I met Cayden once, in the shop, and I was instantly drawn to her. I couldn't stop thinking about her. It was scary actually. It was like I was obsessed." Brooke recalled, a small red blush crept up on her face. "Then, well, I started dreaming about her." She said quietly, embarrassed to be admitting this to her mother.

The older woman patted Brooke's leg. "Then what happened?" She asked, smiling warmly.

"So, I must talk in my sleep." she said, hanging her head down. "Anyway, Grant assumed I was having an affair by the way I was... expressing myself in my sleep. " Brooke paused to gather herself, she was so nervous her hands were shaking.

"It sounds like you're quite smitten with her. So when did you two start fighting?"

"After Grant went and told her to stay away from me."

"WHAT?? Are you kidding? That putz did what? How'd he know who she was?"

"You'll never believe me if I told you." Brooke said shaking her head. "You see..." She began to tell her the whole sordid story.

Mrs. Hewitt relaxed and listed to her daughter's story, sometimes snickering, sometimes gaping. At the end though, she could see why Brooke was acting the way she was. She couldn't very well force Brooke to talk to Cayden, or confess the truth, that would be highly embarrassing. She could however, be there for her daughter, and support whatever decision she makes and she told her as much. She left Brooke's room that night with a lot more information that she could have imagined. My daughter appears to be deep in lust with a woman. One who can't stand her it seems. This Cayden, I must see what she's all about.

*  *  *

Wade was very excited as he sat there surrounded by cute little invitations. He had gotten out his best paper, and started printing away, and now was enjoying the fruits of his labors. Actually, Jodie's labors too. Jodie was the one who stole Cayden's client list from her computer at work, and she was also responsible for the extra special invitation for Brooke. Now, Wade was happily stamping the invitations, ready to send them on their way. He heard the keys jangling outside the front door and panicked, scattering envelopes all over the kitchen table until he found Brooke's. He shoved it under his shirt just in time as Cayden walked in.

"What a goddamned day!" she declared, as she threw herself into a kitchen chair. "What the hell is all this?"

Wade grimaced. Cayden was cranky as all hell for the last few days. "Invites to our mixer."

"Hmph." Cayden folded her arms across her chest. "I can't believe I agreed to this. Maybe I'll stay home."

"That'll be bad form." Wade said, gathering his supplies.

"Like I care." Cayden snorted and went to the fridge to retrieve a beer. "I can just hide in the storeroom."

"Why? Cayd, you can sit behind the counter and pretend to be working."

"With all those people?" She asked, her blue eyes wide.

"It's only 20. I only invited the normal ones,.. and Butch."

"Great" She replied sarcastically. "So when is this wing ding again?"

"Friday night, 7 o'clock."

Cayden frowned. "Peachy."

"You'll at least wear something suitable?" he asked. "Maybe those black jeans and your white shirt with the top button missing."

Cayden raised her eyebrows. "The outfit you tell me is sexy? Why would I want to wear that for? I'm not there to show off, or shop for women. That's what Jodie's there for." She said with a smirk.

"Well, you just never know Cayden." Wade said with a smirk of his own. "I gotta go mail these if I want them out on time." he said as he left the room.

Cayden watched him go with pursed lips. Hmm. I'm really having a party. What ever possessed me to agree to this? Shit, she though sourly. Well, its done now. I'll just have to deal with it.

*  *  *

Brooke was all too excited to tell Bev of her mother's reaction to the news. Bev was thrilled and took Brooke out to lunch to celebrate. Bev and Brook shared coming out horror stories regarding people they knew, or had heard about and Brooke considered herself extremely lucky to have a mother like hers. She wasn't worried about her father either, he wasn't going to be disturbed by the news, her mother had assured her of it. She also assured Brooke that should it not be isolated to Cayden, and that her daughter should find herself attracted to other women, all will be fine too.

Bev also mentioned to Brooke that she may not be attracted to another woman, it could just be Cayden. Brooke wasn't phased either way... by her mother's or Bev's observations. So, if she was a lesbian, she was a lesbian. The blonde felt pretty good with the idea. She was sure it had something to do with the amount of love and support she had behind her.

As she sat on the subway on the way home, Brooke started looking at the various women to see if she found any of them attractive. She couldn't say that she did. No one did to her what happened when she looked at Cayden. A few women she was checking out made eye contact with her, and still, nothing happened. No soccer games in her belly, no pounding in her chest. Sighing and closing her eyes, Brooke thought sadly, that if the only person who makes her feel like that hates her, she'd have to do something to change it. She couldn't let it go. She needed to get close to Cayden. To do that, she'd have to tell her the truth. While not something she was looking forward to, it was something that had to be done. Brooke stuck out her chin and made her final decision. I am going to tell that impossible woman the truth. If she laughs, she laughs. I just can't go on without at least trying.

*  *  *

Cayden was in hell. Her television was broken. The cable had gone out in the neighborhood and she'd spent the last four hours flicking the TV on and off, seeing nothing but a blue screen. Not having the TV to occupy her, the brunette had much too much time to think, and all she thought about was the impending party, and Brooke. She was feeling quite smug though, that she got her way with Jodie, and Brooke wasn't going to be invited. It was bad enough she was having the damned thing anyway, to invite Brooke would have just made it worse. Why does she make me so crazy? Why can't I just forget her? I can't get her out of my stupid head all week long! She's haunting me. Why do Jo, Wade AND Denise insist on trying to get us together? Isn't it apparent that we are not made for each other? Yeah, I think she's hotter than hot, but damn she gets on my nerves. Stupid Brooke. Stupid straight Brooke. Cayden pouted for a while then her eyebrows sprang up. Hey... wait just a minute. Jodie gave in way too easily about not inviting her. That was odd... Her thoughts were interrupted by the bell tinkling and Cayden looked up to see a woman walk in. This woman seemed quite familiar to her and she cocked her head. "May I help you with something?"

"Oh, no, just looking around, thank you." Mrs. Hewitt said with a smile.

Where do I know her from... and why is she looking at me like that?

Harriet thought she was being very discreet as she took in the striking woman from the corner of her eye. Oh, not bad Brooke, dear. The older woman liked the shop too. Ah, yes there's those cookies...

Curious about this woman's behavior, Cayden stood up and watched her as she picked things up and smelled them. "Those cookies are a big hit," she offered.

"Oh, I know, my do... my friend's dog just loves them." Mrs. Hewitt turned and smiled brightly.

Cayden furrowed her brows. She has the same eyes as Brooke when she smiles... she wouldn't send her mother.. no, would she? "So, how did you hear about this place?"

"My friend with the dog and the cookies..." Harriet rambled. The way Cayden was looking at her with those ice blue eyes unnerved her. She could definitely see where Brooke would become intimidated. And she's so tall too! "Oh." The shop keeper said with a knowing smirk, and half narrowed eyes.

"Well, I ought to be on my way. It was nice meeting you..."

"Cayden."

"Cayden. What a pretty name."

"Thank you," she nodded. "Have a nice day now."

"I will. You too."

Harriet left and Cayden's eyes narrowed completely.

*  *  *

Brooke decided to stop by Grant's house on her way home and pick up her mail. She was grateful he wasn't there as she opened the mailbox to retrieve today's mail too. She was surprised to hear his voice last night, thinking he was still away. Either way, it didn't matter, she had her mail now. She scanned through it and found an envelope from The Fuzzy Belly Deli. What? She tore it open and her eyes widened as she read. She's inviting me and Fred to a party? ME? I don't get it! She read it again and chuckled. It's a really good thing Grant didn't get this one, she thought, then stared at the invitation. She must be joking... unless she wants to start over again? Maybe it's her way of calling a truce? Hmm.... an R.S.V.P. number. Is it hers? Would she be giving me her phone number? A party huh. Is this legit? Where the hell did she get my address from? I better think about this.

*  *  *

Harriet ran home to tell Bert all about Cayden. He wasn't impressed.

"So, she's tall, pretty and she owns a cute shop. What do you really know about her?"

"I know that Brooke is totally taken with her."

"So. I want to meet this woman."

"You're just cranky because Brooke didn't tell you first."

"I am not." He pouted.

Brooke put her key in the door and Harriet wagged her finger at her husband. "Don't you be cranky with her, you hear me?"

"Yes, dear."

Brooke darted into the living room, "Mom, can I see you for a moment?" then darted out.

"What do you think?" Bert asked curiously.

"Only one way to find out." Harriet said, standing up and smoothing her dress.

Brooke was standing by the door waiting for her mother. When she entered the room, Brooke closed the door and handed her the invitation. "Well?"

"Honey, let me look at this first."

Brooke sat on the bed, crossed her legs and folded her hands. "Did you read it yet?"

"Brooke!"

"Sorry." She twiddled her thumbs for about three seconds. "So?"

"Alright honey, I'm finished. Are you going to go?"

"MOM! That's what I need you for!" Brooke stood up and took the invitation away and stared at it.

"Your father knows." Her mom said offhandedly.

"You told him?" "Of course, Honey, he's fine. A bit overprotective, but that's typical whether it be a man or a woman."

"I can't tell him about this." she held up the invitation." He'll want to come and he'll give Cayden the third degree!" she said in fear.

"Honey, he'll be fine." Harriet assured her daughter. "So, what are you going to do about it anyway?"

"I don't know, ma." The small blonde sat heavily on the bed. "I really, really want to see her again, but a party? What if she gets all weird and picks a fight? Besides, how am I going to talk to her about... you know... if we can't be alone? What would you do?""

"I'm sure there will be a place to go to talk in private. I, personally think a party is a great idea. Baby, think about it. Not only will there be plenty of other people to talk to, but if she's hosting it, she can't possibly be a bear to you."

"You think? Should I go?" Brooke wondered.

"Well, I'd go."

"Should I tell daddy?"

"That's up to you. If you think you can get away with hiding this from him..." Harriet left the sentence hanging on purpose.

"Oh alright," Brooke sighed. "I'll go tell him."

*  *  *

"I don't like this. You say the two of you fight like cats and dogs and then she invites you to a party? How does she know where you live?" Bert frowned.

"I don't know how she knows, but apparently she does. Daddy, I'm sure it will be ok. We won't be alone." Brooke smiled her daddy smile.

"Dear, I think it's a great idea. Fred will be there to protect her." Harriet tried.

Bert harrumphed. "Well... Brooke, you're a big girl. Let it be known that I protest."

"Alright, Daddy, it's known. I knew you'd disapprove, but I just couldn't keep it from you."

"Why not?" he said, his voice tinged with hurt. "You didn't feel bad hiding everything else from me."

"Bert!"

Brooke sighed and went to stand behind her father, rubbing his shoulders. "I was scared, Dad. I didn't want to tell anyone. I'm sorry."

"You never hid anything from me before." He pouted.

"I won't hide anything from you again. I promise." She glanced at her mother. "I love you daddy." She said and kissed the top of his head.

"I love you too, honey."

"Brooke, I have an idea." Harriet said with a devious smile. "Don't R.S.V.P."

"Why not?"

"After everything that's happened, Cayden wouldn't have invited you if she didn't assume you'd be there. She's a bit cocky if you ask me. Imagine how she'll feel when you don't reply."

"Oooo, Mom." Brooke giggled.

"Then, picture her face when you do show up. I always liked the element of surprise." Harriet giggled back.

"That's good, Mom!" Brooke smiled.

"I don't like this idea." Bert added.

"It is known." Harriet teased.

*  *  *

It was Friday afternoon and Wade was highly disappointed that Brooke hadn't R.S.V.P.'d. He really hoped she'd come. The party will be fun anyway, but not nearly as good. The whole thing was arranged for Brooke and Cayden.

Jodie was down about it too, and had every intention of going to Brooke's apartment and dragging her bodily to the shop, but Wade convinced her it was a bad idea.

Cayden was no worse for the wear after having her two friends buzzing around the shop all afternoon. She sat like a fixture in her chair and stared at the television in between customers. A few inquired about the party decorations and when Wade or Jodie explained with enthusiasm, the customers promptly invited themselves. Cayden thanked any and all gods that Mrs. Ida Friedman didn't show up on this day. All she needed was the crazy woman in the orange beret and mismatched flip-flops singing opera in her crowded shop.

The tall woman frowned when Wade handed her a bag of clothes earlier in the day. She didn't feel like being sexy, and she certainly didn't want to dress that way in front of her clients. They knew her as the woman behind the counter in the comfy clothes, not some sexual being. It was uncomfortable. Regardless, between Jodie and Wade's persistence, and the slight headache developing at the base of the neck, Cayden didn't have a chance and changed into the outfit in the bag.

Now, sitting in a folding chair and pouting, the shop keeper watched Jodie arrange old product around the shop, and her whistling room mate hang decorations around the counter. "You're way to festive for your own good, Wade."

"And you're way too crotchety, Scrooge."

"Bah, Humbug."

"Aren't you excited? OOO! I am!" He exclaimed.

"Oh yes. I'm thrilled."

"I can see that, you spoil sport. Come on, loosen up, have a beer or something." He suggested.

"Yeah Cayd, let it hang." Jodie added.

"You couldn't handle me hanging." Cayden shot back. "I think I will have that beer." She went over to the folding table and took a beer from the cooler.

Wade, jumped off of the counter and gave Cayden the once over. "Oh yeah, gotta love those jeans baby... that's one fine ass you got there."

The tall woman stuck out her ass and snickered. "You wish you had an ass like this." she joked.

"I live vicariously through yours." Wade kidded and smacked said object as he passed.

"Oooo baby.." Cayden pretended to enjoy it.

"Ew!" Wade complained and disappeared into the back room.

Cayden took in the new look of her shop. Party decorations, folding chairs, tables... hors d'ouevres for people and pets. She pursed her lips, unable to back out now, and went behind the counter to pout. It was just before 7 and the bell tingled, signalling the beginning of a very long night for the shop keeper.

PART 13

B ROOKE LEFT WORK early on Friday, with a huge hug for luck from Bev. The blonde hadn't retrieved all of her clothes from Grant's house yet and didn't have a thing to wear to the party. Not that she planned on getting dressed up or anything, but her good stuff was still at Grant's. Harriet met her daughter at work and they set off shopping. Brooke was a mass of clanging nerves by the time she and her mother picked out what to wear. They had been to three stores and tried on countless outfits until Brooke finally approved.

Mrs. Hewitt looked over her daughter's shoulder in the mirror and smiled brightly. "This is definitely it." she exclaimed.

"Yes, it is." Green eyes roamed up and down in the mirror as Brooke turned sideways. "God, Mom, look what these pants do to my ass!" Brooke said in surprise.

"I know." Harriet giggled. "That's why I picked them."

"It's never looked like that before! What the hell is in these pants?" Brooke held onto her ass and began feeling it like it wasn't her own.

Harriet giggled again. "They have this newfangled lift thingy in them. I think it looks superb." The older woman said, pointing to Brooke's butt. "I think it will turn a head or two."

"There's only one head I want turning, Ma." Brooke said distractedly as she investigated her profile. "Mom, do you think the bra is a bit much?"

"No I think its fine. You have such a beautiful body, Honey, you should be showing it off. I know I did at your age."

"Mom, really," Brooke grimaced. "I can't stand to think of such things." Green eyes narrowed at her chest, the black bra doing things to her breasts she never knew possible. "No, the bra is too much."

"Okay, you don't really need it anyway, those things do fine on their own."

"Mom! God.... must you talk like that?" Brooke blushed.

"Just stating the obvious." Harriet said defensively.

"Well, I don't feel quite so comfortable talking about my personal parts like that." Brooke said as she repeatedly opened and closed the second button on the blouse.

"Honey, you're going to take that button off if you keep that up."

"I can't decide on the buttons... one open and it looks too stiff, two and the bra peeks out... among other things." Brooke hemmed and hawed, then took off the shirt entirely. "I'll take the black pull-over."

Harriet nodded, retrieved the shirt from the pile on the bench and handed it to Brooke.

The blonde put it on and smoothed out her hair, which had gone all static from the constant shirt changing. One final glance in the mirror and Brooke turned away. "Alright, I'll take this one. Hurry before I change my mind." She shooed her mother out of the dressing room and got undressed.

*  *  *

Cayden figured it would be all dog people, after all, who brings their cat to a party. She scanned the place every so often, recognizing people and smiling politely. Thankfully, Jodie and Wade flitted about the crowd making conversation and showing off things to buy. Cayden felt a little guilty about staying behind the counter, but she deduced that it was only right since people were buying things, and she needed to be there. Looking up again into the small crowd of people, the tall woman sighed heavily. Party's are so not my thing, she complained to herself. She spotted Jake, the owner of three Standard Poodles heading her way with an array of dog bowls. Those animals went through food bowls like some people go through food. She was surprised to see him here, but eternally grateful he left his horses at home. "Hi Jake, they destroyed the old ones already?"

"Yeah, it doesn't take them long. I didn't know you were having a party, I would have brought the kids." He teased, knowing she'd panic. The sheer look of terror on her face when he brought them in to say hello always made him laugh. The dogs were well behaved, but the smell of so many delights in one place made them nuts.

Cayden caught his grin and chuckled. "Oh, yeah, it was Jo's idea. Brilliant," she groused.

"Hey, at least you only have a few dogs in here, things could have gotten ugly."

"You ain't kidding." Cayden bagged the bowls and accepted his money. "So, you were just passing by?"

"Yeah. Should I be hurt that I wasn't invited?"

"No, I didn't do the inviting, Jo did. I bet she only invited the small dog crowd. No offense Jake, but all three of your kids wouldn't even fit in here right now."

"I'm only teasing. You go have fun, enjoy the party,"

Cayden liked Jake, he was a nice guy who she actually didn't mind chatting with. "Hey, stick around a while, unless you have to rush off..."

"I think I will stay. Can I get you something?"

"A beer would be cool." Cayden said, holding up her empty bottle for emphasis, and to show him which one to get.

*  *  *

A little while later, Wade came over to excuse Cayden from her duties. "You better get out there and mingle, Cayden. This is supposed to be your party."

"Yeah, yeah... but I like it here." She complained.

Wade pulled her up from her chair and quickly sat in it. "Now git." he ordered.

"Fine." Cayden pouted and snuck into the crowd. She mingled for approximately five minutes before hiding in a corner. She refused to make eye contact with Wade or Jodie, she didn't need their looks. She leaned against a wall and watched the people talk, pair up, and laugh. She smiled at the dog's sniffing each others butts, and generally having a good time. Well, it's not so bad, she decided. It could be worse. The tall woman debated with herself to have her fifth beer. She was feeling pretty good already, and another beer would have her good and buzzed. She looked at the clock on the wall and decided it would be fine. It was still early, and Jodie offered to open up the shop tomorrow in return for the party. What the hell... She thought as she reached for the beer.

*  *  *

Brooke bathed and dried Fred, and spritzed him liberally with cologne before she herself took a shower. She was standing in her room contemplating the bra, when there was a knock on her door. "I'm naked!" She yelled.

The door opened anyway with her mother walking in. "Oh please, like I haven't seen it already."

"Mother!" Brooke exclaimed and covered her breasts with her hands.

"Oh, those are nice panties!"

"Mom!" Brooke protested again.

"Are you going to stand there all night or what?"

Brooke turned her back on her mother and shoved herself into the bra quickly just to have herself covered.

"So, you decided on the bra?" Harriet asked innocently.

"Not really, you left me no choice."

"I can't believe you're ashamed in front of your mother."

"I'm not a baby any more mom. Things have changed."

"Oh, and heaven forbid I should see your Ooni. You know I kissed that thing when it was no bigger than..."

"Did you come in for a reason?" Brooke interrupted with a hand on her hip.

"I know you don't mean to be snippy, you're just nervous."

"Yes, very." The blonde admitted.

"I came in because wanted to tell you that I'm proud of how brave you're being. This is a very hard thing to do."

Brooke softened. "Thank you, Mom."

"Well, I'll leave you to get finished. You better come show your father what he bought you."

"Not to worry, I will." Brooke kissed her mom on the cheek and pushed her out of the room.

*  *  *

"What the hell is that?" Bert pointed to his daughter's chest in horror.

Brooke looked down at herself. "That would be my boobs, Daddy."

"Christ Brooke! I know that! They just never looked like that before!" he shielded his eyes.

Brooke chuckled. "Its a Wonderbra, and don't make me self-conscious now, I'm wearing it. I already put on my deodorant and if I have to take off this shirt I'll get white stuff all over it getting it back on again."

"But, really, Brooke..." Bert started to complain.

"It is known, Daddy, you protest."

Bert took his hand from his eyes, but refused to look at his daughter. "And you think Fred is going to hide those?" He asked his wife.

"No dear, that's the point."

"I want to meet this Cayden." He demanded. In response, he received two exasperated stares. "Oh Christ.! Fine, go on out and have a good time." He said rolling his eyes.

"Thank you, Daddy!" Brooke ran over and jumped on his lap to kiss him on the forehead.

"Don't you be doing that to anyone else young lady! Especially that Cayden character!" he warned. "Jumping on laps willy-nilly with a Wonderbra..."

"Dad, I'm a big girl." Brooke argued.

"Oh, I can certainly see that." He shielded his eyes again.

"Daddy, honestly." Brooke rolled her eyes. "I better go. Where's Fred?"

"Waiting patiently by the door." Harriet said, hugging her daughter. "You have a great time, and take that cell phone!"

"It's in my bag, Ma, love you! Come on, Fred." Brooke said, grabbing his new leash and heading out.

Bert glared at his wife. "You let her buy that bra?"

"Why not? I think she looks fine." Harriet argued.

"Jesus, Harriet! She looks too fine. I don't want Cayden the Tall getting any wild ideas about our daughter!"

Mrs. Hewitt smiled. "It is known, Dear."

*  *  *

Cayden was feeling pretty good, and was chatting by the folding table with Jake and Henry, who brought his two Yorkshire Terriers. Cayden hadn't picked up any clues about Jake before, but with the way he got on with Henry, the blatantly gay man wearing a pink triangle on his tie, the tall shopkeeper was wondering if she should leave them alone. Every time she tried to excuse herself though, one of them aimed the conversation at her and she was stuck there. She wasn't bored with the conversation and it was kinda funny to think that both of these grown adults were afraid to be alone, so she hung around. The subject started dancing around partners and Henry asked Cayden about her status.

"Oh, I'm single, happily so." she replied.

"You? Single? Look at you!" Henry gaped. "I'm assuming it's by choice, cuz honey, they must flock around you like you're the messiah."

Cayden had the good sense to blush. "Well, yeah, and thank you."

"CAYD!" Jodie just rushed up to her in a flurry.

"Jo?"

"Wade and Harley both dated the same guy!" she said excitedly.

"This is huge?" Cayden questioned her enthusiasm.

"At the same time!" Jodie blurted.

Cayden chuckled along with Henry and Jake.

"Can you believe it? That is so weird. They never would have known it of we weren't talking about you."

"Me?" Cayden became alarmed, she hated being the topic of conversation.

"Yeah, we were talking about disastrous blind dates, and since you hold the record, you came up." The waitress explained.

"No wonder she's happily single." Henry remarked with a snicker.

"Oh, but by choice." Jake chimed in.

Cayden glared at Jodie.

Jodie, apparently not the least bit intimidated went on. "You wanna talk about luck? Sexy here hasn't got any of it. Her horseshoe is definitely leaking."

"Jo!" The tall shop keeper warned.

The men laughed and Cayden pouted. "I do too have luck."

Jo stuck out her tongue. "Alright Cayden, you do have luck." she said is a teasing manner.

"You do realize I will have to get you back for this." The tall woman half joked.

"Yes, dear." Jodie said with an innocent expression.

"They fight like a married couple." Jake snickered.

"EW!"

"Get out!"

Both Cayden and Jodie replied at the same time, then laughed.

Jodie was happy to see her friend loosened up, she knew the beer had something to do with it, but that didn't worry her. Cayden wasn't coming to work in the morning, and she doesn't drive anyway, so it was all good to the waitress. She smiled up at her tall friend who had backed a few steps away from Henry and Jake. Cayden offered her friend a sneaky smile and Jodie caught on fast, pulling Cayden away by her arm. "I need her for a minute." she said as she dragged the tall woman away.

"Good going, Jo."

"So ya think?" she nodded towards the two men.

"Yeah. I never knew about Jake! How do you like that?" Cayden said in wonder.

"You just never know who you'll be attracted to Cayd. That's the funny thing about attraction, you can't control it, it controls you and it doesn't discriminate."

Maybe it was because she was paying attention for a change, or maybe it was her pleasant alcohol induced mood, but Cayden actually heard Jodie. Her brain digested what her friend said and she nodded mutely, Brooke's image flashing in her mind briefly.

Jodie watched her friend shake loose an apparently unwanted thought and swig her beer. Yep, that hit the spot, didn't it Cayd? "So, you wanna come mingle with me? I get all the dirt."

"Yeah, sure, why not? Cayden agreed and let herself be led away.

*  *  *

Brooke stopped just a few feet before The Fuzzy Belly Deli, her feet unable to take her any further. Her mouth was terribly dry and her palms were very sweaty. The urge to pick Fred up and run away as fast as she could was strong, and she took several deep breaths to fight it. She looked down at the small dog and smiled, despite her fear, when he looked up at her in anticipation. "Yes baby, I'll pick you up." She scooped up the dog and held him at her hip with one hand, she used the other to rearrange her hair in a store window. She was regretting her choice of clothing now, not feeling quite as cocky as she did when she was home looking in the mirror. "Who am I kidding with these tits?" she asked her reflection. She started to turn away and stopped herself. "You're here, just do it. You have Fred if you need him. She invited you for shit sakes. Just go inside."

Brooke approached the shop slowly and peeked inside. There were plenty of people, but her eyes cut through them all in search of Cayden. I can't do this... she thought fleetingly until the tall woman came into view. Brooke's heart pounded wildly and her knees went weak. "My god Fred, she's even more gorgeous than the last time!" Her belly curled with the familiar feeling of arousal as she watched Cayden drink a beer. "She even drinks sexy." She whispered to herself. "Feel what she's doing to you! You can't let this go!" The blonde put her hand on her chest and felt her heart beating crazily. "Go! Now!" she demanded of herself and entered the shop with an air of confidence she really did not feel.

*  *  *

Jodie, Wade and Cayden were hovering around the hors d’ouevres, watching a bird-like woman named Cheryl pick her way through the crackers. It seemed that she was searching for a particular cracker, as the three watched on with amusement. Her little Pekingese, Toto, was happily partaking in a gourmet bone.

Cayden leaned over to her friends to whisper. "You know, now that she breathed on all of them I don't want any."

"OH DEAR LORD!"

The tall woman became frightened when Jodie suddenly shouted and was about to turn and see what had upset her when she was spun around like a kid playing pin the tail on the donkey. "Jodie! What the hell is wrong with you?" She asked in irritation, getting dizzy.

"Nothing! I'm fine! Say, you know, I think we need more booties!" Jodie exclaimed, eyes wide.

"What?" Cayden was growing annoyed.

"In the store room, we need more booties!"

The shop keeper rolled her eyes. "Jodie, I hardly think there's a sudden run on... hey! Quit pushing! I'll get them!"

Jodie watched as her friend muttered to herself and disappeared behind the closed door. "Wade! Wade!" she panicked, "It's her! Brooke!" she turned Wade to face the newcomer. "She came!"

"Oh wow! She's a knock out! Holy shit, Jo!"

"Oh my god, what do we do?" Jodie took two steps forward then two back, waving her hands around.

"First we stop acting like a mental patient and go over and say hello."

"Good idea." Jodie agreed and made a beeline for the blonde.

Wade followed, looking over his shoulder for Cayden.

*  *  *

The tall brunette took the opportunity to sit in peace before she went back out to the party. She had no idea what had just come over Jodie, but now she was a little grateful that her nutty friend threw her in the store room. She sat down on a box and stretched out her legs, thinking of nothing in particular as the pleasant haze of alcohol clouded her brain.

*  *  *

"Brooke!" Jodie said, catching the blonde's attention.

"Oh, hello." Brooke smiled.

"I'm so glad you could make it." The waitress beamed.

Brooke couldn't help but smile back.

"Hi, I'm Wade, Cayden's roommate, great to meet you."

Brooke attempted to shake the offered hand and was totally charmed when the good looking man kissed her hand instead. "Oh! Why, aren't you sweet." she said.

Jodie hadn't taken her eyes off of Brooke yet, she couldn't believe how hot the blonde looked. Cayden didn't have a snowball's chance in Hell once she laid eyes on Brooke. Speaking of... "Cayden is in the back room, she'll be out in a second."

"There's a back room?" The blonde said in relief. Her heart began pounding again and she swallowed hard. That would be the perfect opportunity to talk to Cayden, if only she could get her legs to move.

Jodie saw the conflict pass across Brooke's features. "How about a beer?" she offered, pulling Brooke over to the folding table. Jo wasn't sure she wanted Brooke and Cayden alone.

Wade was making goo-goo eyes and silly faces at the tiny Chihuahua. "Who's this little guy?"

Brooke accepted the beer and blinked a few times, trying to snap herself back into the conversation at hand. "Oh, this is Fred." she said, holding him up for perusal.

Jodie petted the dog a bit while Brooke drank. "May I?" she asked, holding out her hands.

"Oh sure, he likes people." The blonde stared at the brown haired girl for a bit. "I'm sorry, I never did get your name."

"Jodie, but everyone calls me Jo." She saw Brooke's gaze darting around nervously. "The store room is back there." she pointed, "But Cayd should be out in a minute."

Brooke nodded, staring at the closed door. She warred with herself whether she should go back there and just confess to the tall woman, or wait til she gets out and try and mingle. No, I came here with a purpose, and I intend to see it through. "You know, maybe I should go back there..."

"No!" Wade said loudly, startling Brooke. "I just mean that, well, its all dirty and yicky back there."

"I'll live," Brooke joked. "Really, I have a few things I need to talk to her about and I rather they be in private. Will you watch Fred for me?" Please say yes, before I lose my nerve.

"Uhm..." Jodie gave Wade a look and he just shrugged. "Okay, I'll watch him."

"Well, then... I'll be on my way." Brooke said, trying to convince herself to go.

Jodie and Wade watched wide eyed as Brooke headed for the store room.

"Why did you let her go?" Wade asked.

"Me? You were no help? Now what?"

"We wait. Obviously she has something to say to Cayden." He said, staring at Brooke's ass. "Did you get a load of that?" he pointed.

"Holy ... Cayden is so dead." Jodie shook her head.

*  *  *

The tall shop keeper sighed happily as she gathered the booties for display. She chuckled, wondering how in hell dogs walk with these things on their feet. She recalled Anna Nicole, Harley's fat throw-rug of a dog, goose stepping in them last winter and snorted out loud. "Where is Harley anyway? You'd think he'd never pass up a party." she wondered.

Cayden reached for the doorknob, shuffling the little plastic packages of boots around in her arms. Pulling the door open, she did a little dance step to keep everything in place. Just as she got everything under control, she looked up and gasped. "No..." she muttered in disbelief. Jodie promised!

Brooke had stopped just outside the door to take a reassuring swig of beer when it suddenly opened. No sooner did she make eye contact with the tall woman did the door slam loudly in her face. Stunned for the moment, she looked over her shoulder to see Jodie and Wade in various degrees of grimace, before she turned her attention back to the closed door. "Of all the...how dare she?" Green eyes narrowed and Brooke marched herself right up to that door.

Cayden was in a panic. "Oh no! Brooke! Why? What did I ever do?" She kicked a box and groaned. "Oh shit! what do I do? She isn't supposed to be here!" Just then the door flew open and presented a very angry looking woman. Cayden swallowed hard.

Brooke attempted to stomp into the room but nearly killed herself tripping over little plastic packages of booties. "What the hell was that all about?" she yelled, slamming the door behind her. "Why did you do that?"

Cayden shrugged. It amazed her how sexy Brooke looked when she was angry. "Why are you here?"

"Why am I here? You invited me, you moron!"

"I what?" Cayden asked in disbelief. "I wouldn't invite you to my party if you were the last woman on earth."

Hurt by the tall woman's words, Brooke's nostrils flared. "Well that's fine! I only came to your stupid party to tell you what you want to hear anyway."

"Well, fine then!" Cayden yelled back, taking a step forward.

Brooke stood there breathing heavily and staring daggers into the tall woman. When Cayden stepped forward, she unconsciously stepped back.

"So? What do you want to say? What do I want to hear, Brooke?"

The blonde stepped back again and met a wall. "This isn't exactly what I had planned." she said angrily.

"Oh, trust me, me neither." Cayden snorted. Her gaze wandered up and down Brooke's form and her mouth went dry. That beer sure looks good about now. "Are you going to stand there and stare at me or what?" she asked.

"No, give me a second, I have something to say to you." Brooke felt stupid, and she wanted to run out of there, but now that she was face to face with Cayden, she would take the abuse just to be close to her. Besides, Cayden didn't scare her any more.

"Why didn't you send your father in here to tell me." Cayden said sarcastically.

"What?'

"You heard me. He's the only family member I haven't met yet." she said, her hands on her hips.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Oh, like you don't know. You're mother isn't very slick you know. Tell her the next time she comes in here to check me out, she should wear sunglasses. Maybe that way I wouldn't notice her eyes."

Brooke was floored. "My mother? Was here?" she squeaked.

"Oh, please." Cayden rolled her eyes. "And if you're not gonna drink that.." She snatched away Brooke's beer.

"Give me that!" Brooke yelled, snatching it back. "That's mine, thank you, get your own.' She stewed. She is so dead! I can't believe she came here! What was she thinking?

Cayden suddenly noticed something she hadn't before and her eye lids dropped halfway. Oh wow... I didn't notice those before... she eyed Brooke's breasts hungrily. I certainly would have noticed those... maybe it was her clothes...

"I can't believe she came here!" Brooke blurted out in frustration. "You have to believe me, I had nothing to do with it!"

"And you had nothing to do with Grant either." Mmm... Look at how the flesh spills over the bra.. I wonder what it feels like... why is she wearing a pull over?

"I'm telling you! I can't believe this! It's a test! I know it's a test!" Brooke grew angry. "God is punishing me for stealing those Tiny Tarts in the third grade..."

There should be buttons involved... open button... like two or three...

"Are you even listening to me?"

"Yeah yeah, it's a test..." Look at how green her eyes are when she's angry. "God is punishing you." They practically glow.

"Cayden!"

"Riley."

Brooke blinked rapidly. "What?"

"Riley. Cayden Riley. When people are that mad, they usually yell your full name." Cayden said matter of factly.

"Are you patronizing me?"

Cayden grinned. She was and she knew it. Why though, she had no idea.

"Here I am trying to make amends with you and this is what I get!" Brooke paused to take a drink. "I swear Cayden Riley you are impossible! I don't know why I bother..."

Suddenly the tall brunette, lost track of the words as blue eyes fell on wet lips. She took an unconscious step forward, her heart beating loudly in her ears.

"... and I had absolutely nothing to do with my mother! Or Grant for that matter..."

Cayden's fingers twitched and she licked her dry lips. The pounding in her ears got louder as the lips got closer.

"... because I dream about you. That's why." Brooke finished her tirade and turned her head.

Cayden snapped out of her haze when she lost sight of those lips and found herself within inches of Brooke. She took a step back and focused. "You dream... about me?" she asked, bewildered.

"Yes. Are you happy?" Brooke seemed very upset and Cayden suddenly wished she had been paying closer attention,. "What kind of dreams, Brooke?"

The blonde blushed darkly and cleared her throat nervously. Why is she standing so god awful close to me.. I can smell her cologne... it's sexy... Brooke's heart started beating rapidly and it wasn't from fear. Oh no... not now... I'm mad at her goddamnit!

Cayden's sex tightened as all sorts of sexually charged images of her and Brooke flashed through her mind. "Those kinds of dreams, Brooke?" she asked, her voice low and sultry.

"Yes." Brooke admitted shyly, yet her body felt as if there was a magnet inside, pulling her towards the tall woman. Why does she keep saying my name like that? It's driving me crazy!

Cayden couldn't help but notice Brooke's sudden heavy breathing, she was staring at her chest at the time. Her hands jerked as if they wanted to reach out and grab the teasing breasts, and Cayden balled her fists at her side.

"I talk in my sleep." Brooke said breathlessly, Cayden's proximity was making her weak. The object of her deepest fantasy was standing so close, she could reach out and touch her.

"What do you say?' Cayden asked quietly, almost afraid to hear. She had no idea what was happening inside of her, she seemed to have lost control of her body. It was humming, and her heart was beating so fast, she could hardly breathe.

"I must have said your name, because that's how Grant..."

She says my name? Oh god... Cayden lost it, she could no longer hear Brooke's voice over the buzzing in her ears. The image of Brooke naked, calling her name in passion jerked her physically and she struggled to shake it loose. When she focused again, it was on Brooke's lips.

".. I didn't mean to get you in trouble with Grant, believe me ... it was embarrassing enough to have been caught..."

The lips were moving, Cayden could hear them calling her name, she blinked and dropped her gaze. There they were, tantalizing orbs of flesh. Her eyes widened and she took a deep breath, forcing her gaze to a safer place. Oh god.. she dreams about me... says my name... does she touch herself? The buzzing grew deafening at that thought.

"....you MUST believe me... I swear...MPH!" Brooke's eyes widened to saucers as Cayden suddenly kissed her. The tall woman's lips were covering her own, half opened, and Brooke could feel the heat emanating from inside Cayden's mouth. Large, strong hands, Cayden's hands, were clutching her tight. One on her face, one holding the back of her head. Her long body, Cayden's unnaturally sexy body, was pressed up against her. She heard a strange, inhuman sound, and wondered which one of them made it. The blood rushed to her head and she felt faint.

Cayden had lost complete control of herself, she didn't know how or why, but she was kissing Brooke, and it felt like heaven. Unable to stop it, her tongue poked out and demanded entry into the blonde's mouth, her soft delicious mouth, that tasted of beer. She knew it would be sweet.

Brooke was positive the deep groan was her own as the soft, wet, tongue pierced through her lips. Oh god, its really happening! She's kissing me! Cayden is kissing me! What do I do? Oh god! Once the object of her erotic dreams entered her mouth, Brooke's body no longer listened to her, it acted on impulse. She threw her arms around Cayden's neck, her fingers wound themselves in soft black hair, and the beer crashed to the floor, forgotten.

*  *  *

Wade and Jodie had been listening at the door, and were perplexed when the yelling stopped. They stood, staring accusingly at each other, until the crash. Jodie's eyes widened at the sound of glass breaking and she threw open the store room door, fearing the worst. "Good god!" she whispered in shock.

"Holy shit!" Wade said, covering Fred's eyes.

The two women were startled and Cayden, although loathe to give up the kiss, turned her head towards the intrusion. "Do you mind?' she asked breathlessly.

Brooke hid her face in Cayden's neck, mortified at being caught.

"Oh... yeah... sorry." Jodie stuttered and closed the door quietly.

*  *  *

Cayden took a second to understand what had just happened before disentangling herself from Brooke and stepping away. "Oh shit..." she muttered, "I'm ... I don't know why..." she turned her back on Brooke and leaned her forearms on the wall. She dropped her head between her arms and stared at her feet. "I have no idea where ... Jesus!"

Brooke watched the tall woman back away from her like she had a disease. She blinked a few times in surprise and listened to Cayden apologize. "What just happened?"

"I kissed you damn it." Cayden said angrily, kicking her toe into the wall.

Brooke gave the tall woman the once over and her breath caught when her gaze met Cayden's ass. God... I just have to touch it... just a little touch...

"It's the beer... that's what it is. " Cayden said to herself. "No, I'll tell you what it is..." she turned around and narrowed her eyes. "It's those." she pointed to Brooke's chest. "They made me do it!"

Brooke arched her eyebrows and she'd be damned if she knew why she suddenly stuck out her chest. "My boobs?"

"Yes! That's what happened. One second I was pissed as all hell and the next... there the hell they were... taunting me!"

"Cayden..."

"I have no earthly idea why I kissed you!"

"Oh, yeah, and I beat you away with a stick." Brooke said with a smirk.

"Don't play with me, Brooke."

"Hewitt." Brooke offered, just to be cheeky.

Cayden gaped at her like she was insane. "You think this is funny? I don't go around making out with straight girls! Especially ones who make me crazy!"

"Oh yeah, I think I just proved to you how straight I am." Brooke snorted.

"That was a mistake. That can't happen again. I don't..."

"Cayden, shut up and get over here."

"No. You get away from me. You do things to me, and then I kiss you."

"Cayden Riley, you get over here right now." Brooke insisted, pointing to the floor in front of her, and poking out her chest just a little bit more.

Cayden tried not to look, but she couldn't control herself. Her gaze fell on Brooke's prominent breasts and her mouth watered so much she had to swallow. "Put those away!" She nearly whined.

"I won't bite you, I just want to talk." Brooke urged.

"No." The tall brunette's resisted with her head, but her legs began taking her towards the blonde. NO! Stop it!

"That's right." Brooke said, continuing to point at the ground until Cayden was in front of her.

Cayden was fixated on Brooke's chest again. Her pulse quickened and her hands twitched. She closed her eyes briefly, but the naked image of Brooke calling her name assaulted her. Blue eyes popped open quickly.

"I came here tonight with the sole purpose of telling you the truth, explaining why Grant made the assumptions that he did. It was the hardest thing I ever did. I was afraid you'd laugh at me." Brooke admitted.

Cayden nodded dumbly, trying to figure out exactly where Brooke's nipples were located.

"Cayden," Brooke lifted the brunette's head with her finger. "I'm up here."

Cayden lifted her head and looked up into green eyes. Her stomach clenched, she was too close to Brooke... she could smell her perfume, she could count the freckles on her nose. She swallowed hard and licked her lips.

"All I need to know is if you forgive me."

Those lips...that's what it is... Cayden nodded.

"Good, now, about that kiss.."

"You talk too much." Cayden breathed right before her lips came crashing down on Brooke's again. Without a second thought, her hands immediately fell onto the blonde's ass. Cayden groaned and bent at the knees for better leverage. Brooke lost all semblance of control and wrapped her arms around Cayden's shoulders. The tall woman was still holding her ass as she stood up, and Brooke had no choice but to wrap her legs around Cayden.

Cayden was lost, she pressed her body into Brooke's, pushing the smaller blonde back into the wall. The feel of Brooke's breasts mashing into her own made her whole body shudder and she groaned throatily when the tongue entered her mouth.

Brooke was breathing so heavily from excitement that she feared she'd hyperventilate. She eventually broke the torrid kiss, her hands clutching Cayden's shoulders for dear life. She fought the urge to rock her hips into the tall woman. Instead, she trailed her lips down Cayden's neck, "Mmmm.. you taste so good.." she mumbled, licking a hot trail behind the brunette's ear.

"Oh god..." Cayden strained to hold Brooke's weight. Her sex was throbbing and her body felt hideously warm. She tilted her head back and allowed Brooke more room, jumping slightly as the blonde nipped at her skin.

"I've dreamed about this..." Brooke said breathlessly into Cayden's ear.

"Brooke..." She groaned deeply, Brooke's mouth felt incredible. A dog barked and the tall woman’s eyes shot open. She unwrapped Brooke's legs from her body and wiggled out of the embrace. "No! This has to stop!" she insisted.

Brooke slid to the floor, her legs unable to hold her up.

"No, I will not allow it to go any further. Woman, I don't know what it is you did to me, but it has to stop. My head says no, but my body..."

"Just tell me why?"

"You're straight!"

"Excuse me?" Brooke asked in shock. "What part of my tongue down your throat didn't you understand?"

Cayden dazed over briefly as she recalled that tongue. Then she shook her head. "Just... no. This is sooo not good." She said, walking to the door.

"Cayden.. don't..."

But Cayden was gone. Brooke sighed. "I didn't even touch her ass."

PART 14

C AYDEN BLEW PAST Jodie and Wade, shouldering her way through the shop. "Of all the stupid..." she grumbled to herself, grabbing a beer on the way out.

Wade took the dog from Jodie, he knew the waitress was going to go after her friend. He looked nervously towards the store room, wanting to go inside, but afraid of what he might find.

*  *  *

"Cayden! Wait up!" Jodie yelled after her tall, fast moving friend.

"Jo, leave me alone."

The tone of Cayden's voice should have warned her off, but this is Jodie, she simply picked up speed and caught Cayden by the arm as she was about to cross the street. "What the hell happened?" she asked, catching her breath.

"You saw what happened." Cayden said bitterly, pulling her arm back.

"And do you always run out on women in the middle of a tongue dance?"

"Jo... that should never have happened." The tall woman said angrily.

"Why not?" Jodie moved Cayden away from the street, and led her to a wall to lean on. Her tall friend had a few too many and she didn't want her getting hurt.

"Because.... it's Brooke for god's sake!"

"Oh, that makes sense." The waitress said rolling her eyes.

Cayden growled in frustration. "You just don't understand."

"So, explain. Is it that she's hotter than hell? Or maybe it's her incredible tits. Oh, I know, its her absolutely edible ass. That's the big turn off."

"Fuck you, Jo. You just don't know." Cayden snarled, walking away.

"No, apparently I don't, and you're no help at all." Jodie turned to walk away then paused. "You know Cayden, if you don't start changing your ways, you will be that mean old spinster lady with 37 cats."

Cayden kept walking.

"Fuck." Jodie stomped her foot in anger and frustration. "Cayden!" she yelled, "At least take a cab!" But Cayden kept walking. Jodie cursed briefly and turned back towards the store. "What is she so freaking afraid of?"

*  *  *

Wade approached the door cautiously, and tapped lightly.

"Come in?" Brooke said hesitantly.

"Hey, I think this belongs..." Wade looked around and found Brooke sitting on the floor. "...to you." he squatted down and handed Fred to her.

"Thanks." Brooke smiled and hugged her dog.

"Uhm... if you don't mind me asking..." Wade raised a curious eyebrow.

"Oh," Brooke chuckled. "Yeah, Cayden sure is something else isn't she? She kissed me, and the next thing I knew..."

Wade offered is hand and she accepted, hoisting herself off of the floor. "So, she was that good, huh?" he joked.

"Even better." Brooke smiled dreamily. "So, you two are close..."

"Yeah. I know her well enough." he said confidently.

"Okay, then, is she always this impossible?"

"Pretty much."

"Great." Brooke said, then furrowed her brows in thought.

Wade watched the small woman curiously. What happened in here? Why isn't she upset? Cayden sure was....

"She's gonna be one tough nut to crack, but damn, I'd do anything for another one of those kisses."

Wade's eyebrows flew up. "OOO! Determination! I like that in a lesbian!"

"Well, yeah. If I could just convince Cayden of that little detail." She frowned.

"Oh." Wade understood. "It ain't gonna be easy, but she'll eventually come around. I'm sure you'll leave her no doubts."

"I thought I pretty much left her no doubts tonight, but I was wrong."

"Maybe you were too subtle?" he offered

"Subtle?" Brooke snorted. "I was about as subtle as a Mack truck!"

Wade snickered. "Maybe she wasn't thinking clearly, she had a few beers..."

"That's the thing Wade, she knew exactly what she wanted. My bra nearly burst into flames." Brooke said waving at her chest.

He laughed. "Then you got me." Wade shrugged, not knowing what else to say. "Those tits even enticed me."

"Yeah, she's fighting it. I don't know what she's running away from, but I'll find out. I'll haunt her if I have to. I've never felt like this about anyone before and I'm under the impression that she's just a wee bit attracted to me too." Cayden's sultry groan rang in her ears. "Oh yeah." she said with a hard swallow.

"She sure rocked your world, didn't she?" Wade smirked.

Brooke fanned herself. "I didn't expect it at all. She just kissed me out of the blue... it was like nothing I ever experienced, not in my wildest dreams, and believe me, my dreams are pretty wild." She said, then blushed.

Wade smiled. "Oh, do tell." he urged.

"I felt it everywhere. God, it was incredible, her neck smells so good." She said recalling the musky scent.

"Oh wow! You're in big trouble Brooke." Wade warned.

"What on earth gave you that idea?" Brooke replied sarcastically.

"No I mean it. You're in love... with possible the most hard-headed, obnoxious, impossible, temperamental..."

"Enough, I get the picture." Brooke frowned. "What do you suggest I do?"

"I really don't know." he said sadly. "But, you just give me time. I'll think of something." He added deviously. "So, tell me all about these dreams..."

*  *  *

Cayden was so confused that she had to stop walking and just think. She leaned against the traffic light and finished her beer, then threw it in the trash can. She took a deep breath and looked around. The train station is right up that block, she pointed out to herself. I can be in bed in half an hour. She started walking with a purpose towards the train station and groaned out loud, she could practically feel Brooke's tits smashed up against her. No... don't think. Just walk. A few steps later, Cayden's lips recalled what it felt like to be engulfed by Brooke's and she immediately started to breathe heavily, her heart pounding furiously. Oh no... go away. She ordered the sensation. Not tonight, I want nothing for tonight. In fact... She took a detour into an all night deli and bought a six pack. I don't want to think at all tonight.

*  *  *

Brooke walked home slowly, cradling Fred in the crook of her arm, and absently fingering the business card she took on her way out. She wore a devious expression, already thinking up ways to corner the tall sexy woman again. This night took her completely by surprise, she hadn't expected it at all. Of all the scenarios she imagined, sucking on Cayden's neck certainly wasn't in any of them. She hummed happily at the memory, her lips recalling the sensation of Cayden's soft skin. Oh, she wants me alright. I just have to convince her that I'm not playing games. This is not an experiment. I want her. She closed her eyes to savor the feeling of Cayden's tongue sliding against her own. She groaned, shuddered and licked her lips with the memory. "Oh yes, Cayden Riley, I want you. I don't know what demons you are fighting, but I'll find out."

*  *  *

Mr. Hewitt muted the television when he heard Brooke close the front door. He shared a concerned expression with his wife.

"Hi." Brooke said as she headed for her bedroom.

Harriet looked surprised. "Brooke?"

"Mom?"

"Honey, is everything ok? You've only been gone an hour."

"Yeah," she said from her room.

The older woman shrugged at her husband and got up to follow Brooke. She stood by the closed bedroom door as she spoke. "Sweetheart, what happened?"

"Oh mom!" the door flew open and Brooke stood there in her pajamas looking as if she may explode.

Harriet instantly shared the excitement as she ran over to Brooke's bed. "Tell me!" she insisted "What did you say? What did she say? What happened when she saw you? Was she surprised?"

"Floored."

"I knew that would work!"

"No, you see, she didn't invite me." Brooke said with a wry grin.

"What?" Harriet was confused.

"Let me get a drink and I'll explain."

*  *  *

Bert watched with a great deal of curiosity as his daughter passed back and forth through the room with his wife an inch behind her.

*  *  *

"So?" Harriet asked impatiently.

Brooke drank some water. "You see, according to Cayden, she wouldn't invite me to her party if I was the last woman on earth."

"Oh my! Honey!"

"She's full of hot air, ma, she wants me." Brooke said with a chuckle.

"Well if you ask me, she sounds pretty rude!"

"You know, that'll happen when my mother plays Bond right after my boyfriend threatens her. She's a little skittish. I can work around it." Brooke smiled slyly.

"Sorry. I just had to see her for myself." Harriet confessed with a guilty pout.

"Never mind that. It got me in a bit of trouble, but somehow, trouble seems to work for me."

"What does that mean?"

"She was so pissed off! Wow, she was yelling at me, I was trying to confess and she kept yelling. Suddenly she got all sexy and droopy and I could hardly breathe. Then she kissed me."

"She did? She kissed you? In the middle of yelling?" Harriet smiled to herself, she knew they had passion, but she wasn't sure she liked how Cayden was treating her daughter.

"She stopped yelling as soon as I confessed. Then, she got all syrupy and kept getting closer and closer. By that time, I was babbling like an idiot and she kissed me."

"Was it good?" She just had to know.

"Spectacular. I made her do it again."

"Brooke! I thought you'd be the woman."

Brooke laughed. "Its not like that ma. Not all female couples are stereotypical." Brooke smiled proudly at her knowledge of lesbians, thanks to her long talks with Bev. "She's a bit butch, I'll give you that, but not masculine. In fact, aside form the initial kiss, I was pretty much the aggressor."

"You were?" Harriet was shocked. Brooke had been so submissive with Grant, that she forgot all about her daughter's stubborn streak. She chuckled at her daughter's admission of aggression. Wait a minute, just what did she instigate? "There was more than a kiss?" Harriet wondered what Brooke meant.

"No, not really." The blonde blushed.

"I don't want to know that anyway." Mrs. Hewitt picked at her dress nervously. "So, what happens now? Do you date? Does she call you?"

"Well, there's a little problem. She's confused about what happened. She insists that I'm straight, she freaked out a bit over everything." Brooke said with her brows furrowed.

"Honey, I'm sorry. I know how much you like her." Mrs. Hewitt said sweetly, rubbing her daughters back for comfort, but secretly relieved that Brooke wouldn't be chasing after this problematic woman.

"No, it's okay. I can work around that. She had a few beers, she was a little tipsy, She may not have been thinking clearly."

Harriet frowned. "It sounds to me like your making excuses for her."

"That's because I am. I know she probably thinks this is some sort of straight girl conquest, an experiment. Bev said it may happen and I half expected it, but not so soon. I figured all I was going to do tonight was see if she was attracted to me, if she was, I would take it from there. I certainly didn't expect what happened. I'm guessing she didn't either."

Like it or not, Brooke was going to do this and Harriet promised her support. "Well, you got your answer, she is attracted to you." The older woman thought a second before voicing her concern. "Brooke, are you sure pursuing this is wise?"

"Absolutely not. I'm not sure of anything right now except I have to kiss her again. I don't care what I have to do."

"Think about it sweetheart. I don't want you getting hurt and there's great potential for that here. Can we at least meet her first?"

"Oh no. I'm not letting daddy anywhere near her."

"You'll never be able to pull that off. He'll go and find her himself."

"NO! Please! I'm in enough trouble already. Let me work on her a little. I'll get her here eventually."

*  *  *

By the time Wade and Jodie cleaned, closed up the shop and parted ways it was pretty late. Wade got home, fully expecting a Cayden-sized tantrum, instead, he was surprised to find her asleep on the couch. Squinting in the dark, he noticed she was fully clothed. Shaking his head in disbelief, he decided to take off her boots and when he neared the couch, tripped over empty beer bottles. "Fucking Cayden, you're gonna feel that in the morning," he said, puling off her boot,. While working on the second one, Cayden squirmed and groaned loudly. Fearing a puke, he quickly turned her onto her side, where she groaned again and reached out for something.

"Brooke..."

Wade chuckled. "You are so fucked my big, stupid, friend."

*  *  *

Jodie was happily ensconced in her role as shopkeeper. She arranged everything on the shelves perfectly, windexed the hell out of the windows and shelves and even faced all the money in the register the same way. It was pushing noon and she was getting hungry, and wondered where Cayden was. The last she heard from her, the tall woman was getting into the shower. Recalling the quiet, hoarse voice Cayden used made her wince. Her usually cranky friend was hung over, and probably felt miserable. Cayden was going to be a world of fun. However, the brunette never let anyone know when she was sick, she hated to appear weak. Jodie figured she'd tiptoe lightly into the shop and pretend everything was okay, even if she was dying. Wade told her how he found Cayden passed out on the couch with visions of Brooke dancing in her head. If memory served her right, the last time Jodie fell asleep on that couch, her neck hurt her for a week. Yep, she's gonna be a pit bull, a very quiet pit bull. Jodie snickered to herself, thinking about maybe taking advantage of the situation.

*  *  *

Cayden was absolutely certain that her eyeballs were throbbing, she could feel it clearly when she closed her eyes. The subway ride was longer than it ever was. She kept both hands on the strap, positive that the engineer was taunting her personally with his jerkier than usual braking. At her stop, she stumbled off of the train and forewent the urge to lay on the bench and nap. She'd wind up without her shoes, or worse, when she woke up and that would make her angry, and then for sure, her eyeballs would explode. It would be embarrassing at the very least.

The tall woman followed her nose up the stairs and onto the street where the coffee cart was calling to her. She bought the largest cup possible and prepared herself to face Jodie with a slight jerk of her chin. She would have stood taller and thrust out her chin, but she didn't have the strength.

*  *  *

Jodie looked up at the bell tinkling and tried to conceal her mirth as Cayden took two steps, tripped over her own feet and made a show of inspecting at the spot on the floor.

"Stupid carpet"

"Yeah, I just hate when it jumps up and bites my ankle."

Cayden almost wasted good energy on a glare, but realized Jodie wouldn't get the full effect until she took off her sunglasses, and that may not happen for a week.

"So, did you puke?" Jodie asked cheerfully.

"No." Cayden sat down carefully.

"Oh," Jodie said, amused by her friends apparent hangover.

"You sound disappointed." the shopkeeper barely whispered into her coffee cup.

"Nah, just smug." The waitress began lightly rubbing Cayden's shoulders.

"Oh Jo..."

"There, there, I'll make it all better." Jodie hummed softly.

Cayden tried to narrow her eyes but they kept going and closed. "What are you doing?" she asked nervously.

"Just making my friend feel better," Jo replied innocently.

Cayden slunk away from Jodie's hands. "There's an agenda. There always is," she said skeptically.

"Well, now that you mention Brooke."

Cayden moaned. "Now, I may just puke."

"What happened last night?"

"We kissed, that's it." Cayden said, feigning exasperation.

"There's more. Kissing shouldn't have been so damned traumatic that you had to drink yourself into a stupor."

Cayden rolled her eyes, "Ow." It hurt. "I really don't feel like talking about the "B" word right now."

"Oh no, you are completely at my mercy. I'm not letting this opportunity pass. Drink that coffee and talk to me."

"Jo..." Cayden groaned. "My head is splitting. Please." she begged.

Jodie stood over her friend and breathed on the top of her head, "No visible fissures. I think you're safe for now."

Cayden swivelled her chair so her back was facing Jodie.

"Brooke, kissing, spill it."

"Sounds like a good idea, maybe I will puke."

Jodie turned the chair back to face her and straddled Cayden's lap. "Talk to me stud. Did you know that Brooke lost the ability to walk, you wild woman?"

Cayden couldn't help the corner of her mouth from lifting.

"Miracle lips, sizzle kiss, magic tongue."

"Okay, I get the hint Jo, Jeez."

"Is that a blush?" Jodie inspected Cayden's cheek. "You have a clogged pore, lemme squeeze it?"

"God Jo, you're gross. No." She attempted to buck her hips, which took all of her strength. "You wanna get off?"

"Ooo, it starts with a kiss in the store room and now she thinks everyone wants her. Sure, what did you have in mind, sweet lips?"

"My lap, get off my lap." The tall woman sighed heavily. "Jo, I'm hung over." she finally admitted.

"No shit." the waitress climbed off. "It will be much less painful if you whisper but you will talk."

Cayden closed her throbbing eyes and sighed out a groan of defeat. "Okay, what do you want to know?"

"Goody!" Jodie clapped her hands and laughed maniacally until she saw her friend practically fold herself into a ball. "OOo, shh... sorry," she whispered. "So, how'd it start? What happened afterwards? Did you touch her ass?"

Jodie had already heard Brooke's side of the story from Wade, but she really wanted Cayden's version.

The brunette squirmed uncomfortably. "We were yelling. No, actually, first she was yelling, then I was yelling, then her tits provoked me, then her lips..." Cayden drank some coffee and purred as it went down. "Before I knew it, I was kissing her. it was like I had no control over myself. I tried to stop, but she made me come back. Did you know she has freckles on her nose?" Cayden's head fell heavily onto the back of the chair, she was exhausted.

"You're in love with Brooke." Jodie stated.

The tall woman's stomach flipped. "Okay, now I really am gonna heave."

"Admit it. Its so freaking obvious, you two are made for each other. You want her. I can see it now. Brooke and Cayden, I now pronounce you bitter, cranky, mean head and wife."

"No, Jo, I mean it, I'm gonna puke."

"No you won't, you'll never do that here in front of me. Admit it, you love her."

"I do not, you're being ridiculous. Insane!"

"Then you very much like her." Jodie tried with a smirk.

"I hate her."

"I knew it! Woohoo!"

The tall woman groaned and slumped her shoulders. "I don't know what I feel."

*  *  *

Jodie continued to prod and annoy Cayden until she did, indeed, throw up. Feeling really awful about it, she sent Cayden home in a cab, with the shop keeper complaining about a waste of perfectly good caffeine. Immediately after Cayden left, Jodie called Wade, they had a lot to talk about.

PART 15

W ADE HID BEHIND a rack of mid-length nighties as he spoke to Jodie. He was thrilled to have his suspicions proven and find out that Cayden was in love with Brooke. The tall woman never actually said so, but Jodie insisted that she was. Jodie also said that Cayden was practically panicking over her feelings, and they both were determined to find out why.

After his long talk with Brooke in the storage room, he knew without a doubt that she was in love with Cayden. Now the impossible tasks of getting Cayden to first admit it, and then putting them together lay before him and Jodie. Wade wasn't entirely convinced that Cayden puked from her hang over either. His tall room mate was most likely petrified at herself and her runaway emotions.

After hanging up the phone, Wade stared expectantly at Brooke's phone number. He was very excited when she gave it to him, instructing him to call her should anything change with Cayden, or if he had something juicy to tell her. He thought this definitely qualified as juicy. Cayden was home sick needing some heavy duty TLC and, maybe some chicken soup. He grinned deviously.

*  *  *

Brooke was skeptical. At first she fought Wade, knowing she was probably the last person Cayden wanted to see, after all, Brooke felt responsible for the tall woman's predicament. However, after hearing how sick Cayden was, she felt bad, bad enough to go with Wade's devious plans. Stepping out of the haven of her room, she was surprised to see her parents gone. Not knowing how much time she had, she quickly changed into much smaller clothes, took out a frozen container of Gramma Millie's chicken soup and threw that along with some Pepto into a bag. On her way out the door, her mother caught her.

"Brooke! Where are you running?" she held Brooke by the hand.

"Ma!" Brooke squirmed away. "You scared me! I'm just going out for some air." she said, looking away.

Mrs. Hewitt narrowed her eyes and tapped her foot. "It's 100 degrees out there." She peeked into Brooke's shopping bag curiously.

"Okay, I'm going to take soup to a sick friend," she confessed.

"Cayden." Harriet said, tight lipped.

"Mom, she's sick and home all alone." Brooke batted her eyelashes and pouted.

"Poor dear! Is she alright? What happened?"

"Umm, I think its a stomach thing."

"Well, Gramma's soup should do it." Harriet said confidently, as Brooke inched her way towards the door. "Oh honey, did Cayden actually invite you this time?"

"Uh, yeah?" Brooke tried.

"Hmph, well you just go tend to her." Mrs. Hewitt wasn't sure Brooke wasn't being taken advantage of. After what happened at the party, why would Cayden suddenly want to have Brooke at her sick bed?

*  *  *

Wade snickered evilly as he thought about Cayden's reaction to seeing Brooke show up at the door. Cayden absolutely despised company when she was sick, she hated coddling even more and Brooke was certain to mother her. He couldn't wait to get home. He already pictured Cayden in a napkin bib.

*  *  *

Brooke was surprised to find Cayden's apartment door open when she arrived. She checked the number on the door several times before becoming alarmed. As she was about to yell inside to see if Cayden was there, a gigantic cat came waddling through the house and sat at her feet. She raised both eyebrows in amusement. "Wow, aren't you enormous?" she said as she squatted down to let the cat sniff her.

"MAOW!"

"Is your mommy home?"

"MAOW!"

"You're no help at all, are you." She sighed and stepped over the cat, closing the door behind her. She was a little spooked about the door being open, and scanned the room for anything unusual. A muffled groan emanated from somewhere inside and Brooke grimaced in sympathy. "I bet I know what that means." she mumbled, searching for the bathroom. When she found it, she sighed. Cayden was draped across the toilet groaning.

Sensing company, Cayden glanced to the right and then banged her already aching head on the toilet seat. "Kill me now." she whimpered.

"Cayden! Stop that!"

"I want to die." she groaned, and not from the hangover.

"You poor baby." Brooke squatted down and pulled Cayden's damp pony tail off the back of her neck and blew on the damp skin.

"You leave the door open and anything can wander in." The tall woman tried to shrug Brooke away then groaned painfully.

"Are you gonna throw up again?"

"Well you know," she half whispered, "Once you open those flood gates..."

Brooke rubbed Cayden's back as she heaved, frowning guiltily at how clammy she was.

"Go away." the tall woman squeaked.

"No." Brooke left the room and started opening closets.

"Then slit my throat." Cayden moaned.

Brooke returned with a wash cloth, wet it with cold water and put it on the back of Cayden's neck. "Feel good, you big baby?"

"No, I hate it, I would like to be alone please. This is kinda personal."

Brooke ignored her completely. "Can you stand? Are you finished?"

"God, Brooke, can't you just go?" Cayden begged.

"If you think I'm going to leave you here laying on the floor with your face in the crapper you got another thing coming! Shit, why do you have to be so stubborn! I'm here, you're sick, I'm going to take care of you. Dammit, Cayden."

"Riley." the tall woman choked out before gagging.

Brooke held Cayden's hair back and waited, but nothing happened. "I think you're empty."

"Great observation, Brooke. Do you have a degree in the obvious?"

"Stop being so freaking impossible and get the hell off of the floor. I have Pepto for you."

Cayden frowned, but crawled to her knees. "Tell me, does it get any more humiliating than this?"

"Probably not, unless you shit yourself."

"Well, thank god for small mercies." Cayden managed a semi-menacing glare while she flushed the toilet.

"Yeah, I get the point and you don't scare me. Get up and wash out your mouth." Brooke tried pulling the heavy woman up by her arm.

"May I at least have some dignity?"

"Oh, yeah, sure." Brooke left the bathroom and went to the kitchen, she was surprised Cayden was taking this as well as she was. After how Wade described the probable scenario, she expected hellfire and brimstone. The blonde frowned. Maybe she feels too awful to put up a fight? A wave of guilt washed over her. This is all my fault too. Boy, she must really hate me right now.

*  *  *

Cayden brushed her teeth and growled all the way through it. JODIE! I will kill you. I will behead you and pull out all of your nails with a pliers. No, I'll pull out your nails first, then behead you. What were you thinking? What the hell am I supposed to do with HER in my house?

*  *  *

Brooke was melting the soup in a pot when she heard Cayden come up behind her. She turned around reluctantly with a guilty smile. "Hey, I'm making some soup," she said softly, "I know you don't feel like it now, but if you take some Pepto, you'll be in the mood later."

Cayden blinked several times then raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you were sick and since its my fault..."

"You feel guilty. Well, that's quite alright. I don't need soup, you can go now."

Ahh, that's the Cayden I expected. "It's over now. I saw you throw up and there's nothing you can do about it. Why don't you change into some comfy clothes and crawl into bed or something."

"You're just gonna stay here even after I threw you out?" Cayden asked, wide eyed and frustrated.

Brooke stirred the soup. "Technically, you didn't throw me out. You said I can go, which is true, I'm capable, but I'm not leaving. Go lay down somewhere, your head must be killing you."

Cayden's mouth opened but she didn't speak. She was beyond flustered. Her head did hurt from banging it on the toilet, her throat hurt from throwing up, and her stomach was unusually perky at the smell of chicken soup.

"Did you take the Pepto yet?" Brooke wondered as she turned off the flame.

"Uh, no."

"Well, what are you waiting for? The soup is done all I have to do is nuke it when you're ready."

"MAOW!"

"Looks like the cat is up for some soup." Brooke joked.

"Yeah, he is always up for food."

"What an adorable baby you are. What's your name big guy?" The blonde reached down to pet the dancing cat.

"La La Bird."

Brooke looked up in disbelief. "You're kidding."

"No, it's Wade's cat, I had nothing to do with it."

"That's just sick." Brooke said seriously.

"Yeah, and he swears the cat is simply big-boned." Cayden added.

"Okay. Well then, La La Bird, I'll fish some chicken out of the pot, while your human changes her clothes." Brooke stood up and gave Cayden the once over. "You can't be comfortable in that sweaty shirt, and for gods sakes take off your shoes and stay a while."

Blue eyes widened and Cayden kicked off her shoes where she stood.

"Better, now go change."

Cayden hung her head in defeat and looked at Brooke through her lashes. "Requesting permission to shower ma'am."

"No need for sarcasm, go take a shower if you want but I'll still be here."

Cayden watched helplessly as Brooke went into the living room, sat comfortably on the couch and found the remote. She scowled and followed her, snatching away the remote. "Mine." she said possessively.

Brooke sucked her teeth. "I don't know why I was worried. You and daddy will get along just fine."

"What are you babbling about, If you recall, your father is the only family member I haven't met and I have no intentions of it either."

Brooke heard Cayden, but didn't respond. The tall woman folded her arms across her chest as she spoke and green eyes were currently enthralled with the view.

"Fine, ignore me. I'm going to shower and you may as well go cuz I’m going to sleep afterwards." She pouted, then disappeared.

Brooke let out a deep breath when she heard the shower running. It was next to impossible to remain firm with Cayden. Every time she looked at the tall woman, she had to fight the urge to jump on her and kiss her to death, even after she puked which was hard to figure out. In order to pull off her act she had to channel her mother which also disturbed her no end. She had to be cool and no-nonsense, a trait which inexplicably vanished while with Grant, but now that she remembered how it felt to be stubborn, she wasn't going to closet it any more. Cayden thinks she's tough, well, she ain't seen nothing yet. Brooke had to get up and figure out how to work the cable box, since Cayden disappeared with the remote, and when she finally got it right, she sat back on the couch to watch her soap. Only a little while later Cayden reappeared.

"I can't believe you're still here?"

"You aren't getting rid of me so fast."

"Is that a threat?" Cayden approached the couch with a raised eyebrow. "It's a promise." Brooke made eye contact and didn't waver.

Cayden didn't understand, she was currently using the scariest glare in her repertoire and Brooke wasn't even faltering. Without knowing why, blue eyes looked away first. "I drank the Pepto."

"Good, now come sit down and relax, you really should sleep some."

"You seem like you know what to do, you must have a lot of practice. Drunk much?" Cayden said with a snicker, sitting down as far away from Brooke as she could.

"Actually, no. I had my first hangover last weekend and all I had was a headache."

"I hate you."

"I know you do. You can get closer to me you know. I don't bite."

"Yes you do." Cayden blurted out, then narrowed her eyes to cover the blush that occurred recalling Brooke's teeth on her neck.

"Heh, I suppose I do. Don't worry though, you're ill, I'll behave myself." she teased.

Cayden rolled her eyes. "Wait a minute!" she stood up. "Why am I doing this? Why am I letting you treat me like this? What's wrong with me?"

"Your defenses are down and you're sick. I won't tell anyone know what a big baby you are. Besides, you want me."

Cayden gaped. "I do not!"

Brooke waved her hand. "Oh please, tell that story walking. It was YOU who kissed ME. Twice."

Cayden just stood there breathing heavily.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." Brooke smiled smugly.

"I was drunk!" Cayden protested.

"Uh huh, and my tits made you do it."

"Fuck you!"

"Maybe, when you feel a bit better."

"I don't ever want to." Cayden yelled, then grabbed her head in both hands.

"Now look at what you did," Brooke huffed and forced Cayden to sit on the couch. She sat down next to her and tried to put Cayden's head on her lap.

"What are you doing?" Cayden fought.

"Just put your head down and let me rub it."

"No, I will not let you keep treating me like a baby." Cayden argued, trying to get up.

Brooke pulled Cayden down easily, the tall woman was weaker than she was letting on. This made Brooke feel even more like taking care of her. "Shut up, Cayden Riley, and just lay here."

Cayden obeyed, voicing her protest. "I do this under duress." she said, even though she hadn't the strength to stand up any more.

"Ok, I put it on the record. Shhh." Brooke soothed, staring down at the scowling profile. She wanted to do so many things at that moment, touch Cayden's lips, run her fingers through the long wet hair, trace her jaw.

"Oh my god! Is that a soap opera!?" The tall woman tried to sit up, but Brooke pushed her down. "I will not watch this, no fucking way."

"You have no choice, you confiscated the remote." Brooke gave into one impulse and started tracing Cayden's jaw, where the muscles were all tense and clenching.

Cayden swatted her hand away. "Why do you have to do that? Its bad enough I'm laying here..." she turned her head to address Brooke's face and wound up staring directly up at the blonde's breasts. "Can't you do something about those? Jeez!" she reached up to push them away but then realized that would require her touching them and quickly put her hand down. She closed her eyes and turned her head back. "I don't believe it, I'm trapped here."

Brooke's eyes narrowed. Yes, she could think of a million different things to do with her breasts, especially with Cayden where she was. She had Technicolor dreams involving that very thing, but outwardly though, she just snickered at the tall woman's outrage. "Never mind them, they can't hurt you if you just close your eyes."

Easy for her to say! They're right there! If I turn my head... GOD! I have to get up, I need to go into my room and shut the door, I need... "Ohhhhh yeah." Did I just groan out loud? Oh my god! I can't even control my yummy sounds. This is insane!

Brooke grinned to herself while running her fingers through Cayden's hair. It felt so nice, so soft and she didn't ever want to stop, especially after that moan.

"You don't have to do that you know." the brunette protested weakly.

Brooke smiled, Cayden had lost all her fight. "I know."

*  *  *

Wade waited all day for Cayden to call him, he expected her to scream at him at some point, but she never did. This frightened him, but not enough to face the wrath of Cayden should he wake her. He was dying to get home and find out what happened, because apparently Brooke either didn't show up, or didn't stay long, or he would have gotten a phone call from Cayden a long time ago. In the mean time, he called Jodie to check up on her. This saved him any trouble, putting all the shit on Jodie if she wakes her up.

*  *  *

The phone rang until the answering machine picked up, and Jodie frowned. She tried again, this time, hanging up before the machine. She waited, thinking of the consequence of waking Cayden up out of a hang over nap, then decided she could take her and dialed the cell phone.

*  *  *

Brooke didn't know what to do as the phone kept ringing. She cringed, hoping Cayden wouldn't wake up. The tall woman fell out some time ago, after much protest, and was sleeping soundly, her head still on Brooke's lap. The blonde relaxed when it seemed the caller gave up but as soon as she breathed deeply in relief, a small phone on the coffee table began screeching and vibrating. She reached for it in a panic, thinking maybe she'd hide it under a pillow, when she saw "Jo" on the display. Figuring no harm, she pressed the talk button. "Jodie?" she whispered.

"Uh, that's not Cayden."

"No, it's Brooke. Cayden's sleeping."

"Brooke!" Jodie shouted. "How the hell... wait just a second, Cayden's sleeping and you're whispering... how close is she in proximity to you?" her mind began conjuring up all sorts of images.

"She's on my lap."

However, that was an image she had not anticipated. "On your lap." she repeated, hoping Brooke would elaborate.

"She fell asleep almost two hours ago, after telling me she'd never be able to while on my lap." Brooke whispered smugly. "Now she's drooling on my thigh, and I'm watching television."

"Her head is on your lap. Ooohhh. You have no idea... never mind. Anyway, I can hardly believe she allowed you in the house in the first place! And now she's sleeping on your lap? Congratufuckinglations Brooke, you just did something incredible!"

Brooke smiled cockily. "What did I do?"

"You've tamed the savage beast." Jodie snickered.

"Don't say that just yet, she was pretty weak and had no fight. Wait until she wakes up, I'm sure I'm in for holy hell."

"You can take it I'm sure. After all, you got this far. Well, as long as I know she's in capable hands... hey just where is that other hand of yours anyway?" Jodie joked.

"Tangled in her hair. Long story."

Another answer Jodie didn't expect. "Okay." she said suspiciously. "I'm coming over, you'll fill me in on all the gory details. I want to know just which feminine wile you used to seduce Cayden onto your lap."

"A girl has to keep some secrets ya know." Brooke teased.

"Oh, I like you. We're going to keep you. I'll catch you later."

"Bye, Jodie."

Brooke hung up the phone and stared down at Cayden's face. A small indulgent smile graced her lips as she traced the sleeping woman's lips with her fingers. Cayden would kill her if she knew Brooke had been taking all these liberties with her sleeping body, but Brooke would have to be dead not to take advantage of this situation. She was tasteful in her explorations, and always wound up back at the tall woman's lips. They were chapped, Cayden was probably dehydrated, and Brooke kept feeling the rough skin of her lips and recalling how soft they felt on hers. Brooke couldn't wait for Cayden to wake up so she could pump her full of fluids, and of course, see those beautiful blue eyes. They'd most likely be glaring at her, but they were equally as enchanting whether giving her the sultry look of last night, or drilling a hole in her like earlier in the day. The blonde sighed and moved her explorations to Cayden's shoulder, and then her arm. The tall woman wasn't as muscular as Brooke was, but what she had was well defined, giving the illusion of brawn. Green eyes closed as Brooke's fingers curled around Cayden's bicep. She'd had very detailed dreams where she was grasping this particular muscle, and Cayden was definitely not asleep at the time. Her eyes popped open as the tall woman began to move. Brooke was able to dislodge her tangled hand and quickly held them both in the air so if Cayden woke up she couldn't accuse her of touching her in her sleep. To the blonde's amusement, and her dismay, Cayden settled down in a different position all together, lying on her back with her left foot on the far armrest, her right foot and arm hanging off the couch and onto the carpet and her face up in the blonde's lap. Cayden's mouth was way too close to Brooke's breast for her to be comfortable, and if the brunette was to wake up in that position, she'd surely throw a fit, blaming Brooke's breast for molesting her. Not knowing how to change the tall woman's position without waking her up. Brooke let it go for now, hoping that maybe she'd move on her own. In the interim, she just concentrated on not screaming as the blood flow returned to her hand.

*  *  *

As luck would have it, Wade and Jodie met on the sidewalk just outside Cayden and Wade's apartment building. Jodie stopped him from going upstairs, filling him in first on the phone call she had with Brooke. Wade was a non-believer and had to see this for himself so he ran up the stairs, forgoing the elevator, and flung himself into the apartment. He ran frantically into the living room and gasped. "Oh my god! Jodie was right!" He then proceeded to throw himself on the floor in a faint.

When Jodie arrived, she stepped over the swooning Wade and stood in front of the couch with her hands on her hips. "Has she any idea where her mouth is?" She wondered.

"No, she just turned over a little while ago and I was afraid to wake her." Brooke explained in a whisper.

"Well, it's high time sleeping beauty rises." Jodie said with an evil grin.

Brooke winced as Jodie began puling individual strands of Cayden's hair. "Jodie, that's gotta be annoying as hell."

"I know." the waitress replied with a snicker.

Cayden grimaced and swatted at her head a few times before smacking herself in the face. Oh, yeah, she thought groggily, Hang over. She became semi-conscious and let her hand fall back down when it stopped and leaned against something foreign and soft. She brushed her knuckles across the surface a few times trying to register what she was touching, and suddenly a new surface formed within the soft one. Furrowing her brows, she peeked open one eye and was completely disoriented. A snicker to her right made her open both eyes quickly and when she focused, her half open eyes widened enormously. She opened her mouth to speak, and a croak came out.

"Morning, beautiful." Jodie teased. "I bet you can use a cold drink about now."

Cayden pulled her hand off of Brooke's breast and scrambled into a sitting position, getting dizzy as she did. She looked to Brooke, who had a very humorous expression on her face, then to Jodie who was standing with her hands on her hips. She tried to form some spit in her arid mouth and swallowed. "Well, I was sleeping!" she said nervously. "How was I to know what it was?"

"Hey, it didn't bother me at all." Brooke said with a grin.

"Yeah, and you don't see me complaining." Jodie added with a smirk.

"Fuck off, the lot of you. Where's Wade? Why isn't he jumping at the chance to tease me?"

"He fainted." Jodie said, pointing to the floor.

"Candy ass." Cayden muttered, getting to her feet shakily. She was horrified that she was groping Brooke's breast unbeknownst to her, with an audience, but she'd never let on.

"I'm not really fainted." he said getting up. "I saw you feeling Brooke up. For shame Cayden."

"I repeat, fuck off." She began to make her way into the kitchen.

"Cayden, I have some soup for you, let me warm it up." The blonde followed the tall woman.

"I'm capable." Cayden shot.

"I'm aware of that, but you're also dehydrated and probably weak as a kitten." Brooke said, putting a bottle of water in front of her. "Drink this while I heat it up."

Jodie and Wade looked on in amusement as Cayden diligently opened the water. "Oh look, I did that all by myself, and weak as a kitten to boot." she drawled then guzzled nearly half the bottle at once.

"Don't fight me Cayden, you know you'll lose." Brooke said, with her back still turned on the tall woman.

Jodie covered her mouth as Cayden stuck her tongue out at Brooke's back and then made childish mimicking faces at her. When Brooke turned around suddenly, Cayden was the picture of innocence.

"Here." Brooke placed a bowl of soup in front of Cayden, then sat down opposite her at the table.

"You're not gonna just sit there and stare at me when I eat are you?" she asked crankily.

"Why, do you need me to feed you?" Brooke asked sarcastically. Cayden glared at her and clenched her jaw. "You're going to make your headache come back if you keep that up." Brooke pointed out. "Fine, you big baby, I'll go inside while you eat. You have to be starving by now. "

Cayden turned her glare on everyone in the apartment before picking up her spoon and eating. The soup smelled so damned good she wanted to shove her face in the bowl and slurp it out, but she curbed that desire and opted for the spoon. She couldn't let everyone know that Brooke was right.

Brooke carried a plate of soup chicken into the living room, right past the shocked duo of Wade and Jodie, with La La Bird hot on her heels. When she sat down on the couch and looked up, she almost laughed out loud. Jodie had the exact same expression on her face as the first time she saw her, prompting Brooke to think she was retarded, and Wade looked like he was about to drop down into another dramatic swoon. "What?"

Jodie pointed towards the kitchen, her mouth agape. Wade pointed at Jodie and nodded rapidly.

"Oh, her? She's easy." Brooke said with a snort. "I totally expected the worst, but if this is as good as she gives, ha, I can take it."

Wade and Jodie watched as Brooke fed La La chicken. Wade turned towards the kitchen and looked inside, then shook his head in wonder and smiled warmly at Brooke. "Can't argue with a woman who feeds my La La." He said with a chuckle.

"Well, I was kind of afraid not to. He was staring at me for hours." Brooke joked. "Ya know, I don't know about saddling him with a name like that. It may be why he turned to food."

Wade rolled his eyes, "Oh good, and here I thought I liked you." he teased.

Cayden shuffled into the living room. "Hey, Brooke, I want seconds. Do you think I should get up on my own and get it?" She asked obnoxiously.

Brooke crinkled her nose. "Go right ahead, I think you're capable."

Cayden looked outraged, but the need for more food forced her back into the kitchen.

PART 16

I T WAS LONG after Cayden finished eating her fill of Gramma Millie's soup, and she was currently hiding in her bedroom, while Wade, Brooke and Jodie communed in the living room. Cayden pouted, trapped in her bedroom, unable to go out there and face the traitorous group. "They're probably talking about me." she groused. A scratching at her closed door made her frown. "Oh no, you Brooke loving, back-stabber. You don't actually think I'm going to touch you with that chicken breath do you?"

The tall shop keeper felt like a baby. She couldn't believe Brooke had gotten away with as much as she did, or got her in the position she was in so easily. Not to mention how she felt waking up in the blonde's lap, in front of Jodie and Wade. Cayden growled. "I was groping her tit! God, it really doesn't get any worse." The brunette threw herself into her pillows, then a wry smirk formed on her lips. "Well, she's right, I coulda shit my pants."

*  *  *

Brooke forced Wade to allow her to wash the dirty dishes she created, then made coffee for everyone. They were all sitting in the living room, indeed, talking about Cayden

"So, then she threw up and I felt bad so I made her go home." Jodie finished.

"I'm surprised she even went into work at all!" Wade said.

"You know she never lets anyone know she's sick." Jodie reminded the man, then looked thoughtfully at Brooke. "Which brings me to you. How the hell did you get in here in the first place?"

"The door was wide open. She was pretty miserable when I got here."

Wade grimaced. "Boy, she must have held it in all the way home in the cab. God forbid she should puke in front of someone."

"She hadn't even taken off her shoes, I'm sure she ran straight for the bathroom, that's where I found her anyway." Brooke continued.

"Ooohhh. So that's how you managed it." Jodie snickered, then looked serious. "The fact is, she let you stay here. That's a big deal Brooke."

"Aww, she really had no choice. She was quite unable to fight. You have no idea how I pictured the scenario, I prepared for the worst after speaking to Wade. I thought she'd kick me out on my ass, but she was easy."

"Easy?" Wade laughed. "Just wait until she gets her fire back, you, my dear, are in for trouble."

"Please, if that's the worst, I can take her."

"Apparently. You had her head in your lap, not to mention your hand tangled in her hair at one point. Care to explain?" Jodie asked curiously.

Brooke blushed. "Well, you see, she was bitching and I thought some good head scratches were in order, and before I knew it she had fallen asleep."

"Ah, but you never took your hand away from her head did you." Wade asked with a silly smile.

"No." The blonde admitted. "It felt too good to stop."

Jodie smiled knowingly.

"What else did you do to her when she was sleeping?" Wade asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Nothing like that, Wade." Brooke said with a nervous giggle. "I only touched her lips, her cheek... and her arm, her ear, oh, and her fingers. She has such long, sexy fingers."

"Oh yeah, you got it bad." Jodie said with a chuckle. "You couldn't possibly have found anyone more difficult, Brooke."

"So I gather." Brooke said distractedly. "So, how did you all meet?" She asked to change the subject.

"I met Cayden when she came to live with me." Wade started. "She was looking for a roommate and she found me through a friend of a friend. We were living in Brooklyn at the time, both of us younger and poorer back then. She was the perfect roommate, spending all of her time in her room, you hardly ever knew she was there. Sometimes I didn't see her for days. Now, though, she's my best friend. She may not act like it but she's proven it on many occasions. She's very loyal and she'd give you the shirt off of her back."

Brooke smiled, she knew there was more to the tall cranky woman than met the eye.

"No kidding." Jodie agreed. "She doesn't have many friends, in fact I think we're it. She's a very private person in some ways, she likes to be alone. Sometimes, I force myself on her because I hate that she's sitting here alone." Jodie shrugged. "Sure, she says she's happy that way, but she's not. She really does want someone," Jo cut her eyes to Brooke, "We all do."

Brooke smiled and nodded. "I gotta tell you, I was drawn to her the minute I saw her, I don't know what happened. I thought I was fine, I thought I was happy, and I didn't know just how unhappy I was until I met her. Jodie, you never said how you two met?"

"I tried to pick her up. I fancy myself a sort of Casanova, and was totally baffled that she would have turned me down. I pretty much stalked her until she finally gave in and kept me around. She never did want me that way, but we became really close. I'm glad too, cuz if it would have been any different, she wouldn't be my friend right now." Jodie smiled warmly at the thought. "I know how you met Cayden, but tell me what was happening from your point of view."

Wade moved closer to Brooke and giggled. "Ooo, I love girl talk." He pulled La La onto his lap and listened intently.

"Well, I just happened to get out of a cab in front of the store, I had no idea it was even there and my parents live a few blocks away. Go figure."

"Karma." Wade said.

"Don't start with that what's meant to be will be crap." Jodie warned.

"Yes ma'am." Wade snickered. "So, you went into the store and..."

"I was cranky, and hot, and there was this man droning on and on about his cat. I was getting very irritated with him when I heard her voice and everything stopped. I remember that I thought it was sexy and I surprised myself." Brooke blushed at the memory. "So, finally this man stepped away and I saw Jodie. I thought you were retarded at first." She admitted.

"What? Why?" Jodie asked with a loud snort.

"You were looking at me with this expression, it was amusing."

"Ohh, yeah." Jodie snickered in remembrance. "I had just made a bet with Cayd to try and rap to the first woman that walked into the store. I was quite pleased to see you standing there."

"She talked to me because I was a dare?" The blonde asked in offense.

"Brooke, you do recall that she hardly said two words. She was dumbfounded by you. It was funny as all hell to watch."

"True. I thought she was retarded too."

Wade laughed. "Yeah, I still wonder about that myself."

"Anyway, something about her voice, it did something inside of me. I couldn't get her out of my head. Her voice, her eyes, I was totally confused about what was going on, but I knew I had to see her again."

"Lust at first sight." Jodie teased.

"I don't know what the hell it was, but I needed to see her, so I came back later. I was fascinated by her hands." Brooke recalled clearly. "Then the dreams started..." She drifted off in thought.

"Wow. That is so cool." Wade said. "You know, she was pretty upset after talking to you that night." He informed the blonde who raised her eyebrows. "Yeah, she was trying to pick you up as best as she knew how and you said you had a boyfriend. She was sure you wanted her until then."

Brooke frowned. "Yeah, in retrospect, I realized she was flirting with me, but at the time I had no clue. Actually, I have no idea why I brought up Grant."

"Subconscious fear." Jodie said.

"Shut up, Freud. Since when do you know this stuff?" Wade threw a pillow at her.

"I watch Dr. Phil." Jodie stuck out her tongue.

"Dr. Phil is banned from this house. Him and soap operas, they're poison according to Cayden."

Oh no... but she let me watch.... Brooke's eyes widened and she cleared her throat nervously. "You really watch Dr. Phil?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, he's a pip, entertaining as all hell. I love to watch him."

"Then you'd know enough not to stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

All heads turned to see Cayden standing with her arms folded and a scowl on her face.

"Hey Cayd, come join the party." Wade said, patting the couch next to him.

"No thanks. That couch is evil." She said, narrowing her eyes at Brooke. "What are you still doing here?"

"Cayden!"

"Never mind her, Jodie, she's just cranky because I saw her throw up. She'll get over it."

"Hey! I am not cranky!"

"Oh? So, you're normally this irritable? Maybe you should look into Pamprin." Brooke offered.

"You did NOT just call me hormonal." Cayden said, steamed.

"If the ovary fits..." Wade interjected.

"Shut up. No one asked you." The tall woman shot back.

"You know, Cayden, you don't scare me with your rude behavior. In fact, it gets my juices going." Brooke announced.

"Well then, you better get up off the couch, Wade hates that sort of thing on his furniture."

"Oh, you're a regular riot, Cayd." Wade snorted.

Brooke smiled sweetly. "I could always go sit on your bed, Cayden, I'm sure my juices are welcome there."

Jodie and Wade laughed uproariously. Cayden looked flabbergasted.

"What happened Cayd, La La got your tongue?" Wade managed to choke out between guffaws.

"I do not want your juices on my bed." Cayden insisted, though she was blushing deeply.

"Oh yeah, that's believable." Jodie teased her red friend.

Brooke simply sat and blinked demurely.

"Well, I don't! And what do you look so pleased about?" The shop keeper asked the blonde.

"Please," she waved her hand around. "You want me." Brooke said boredly.

"I do not!"

"You'll come around." The blonde said confidently. "Just give me time."

Wade and Jodie looked as if they were watching a tennis match, mouths agape and eyes wide.

"You're crazy! You can't make me do anything I don't want to!" Cayden insisted.

"Yeah right," Jodie said, "Hey, Brooke, how's those drool stains on your lap?"

"Shut up, Jodie!" Cayden stomped her foot in frustration. Everyone was ganging up on her.

"That was mature." Wade joked.

"Fuck you all." The brunette pouted.

"Aaaanyway..." Brooke started, "I'm glad you feel better Cayden, it was my pleasure to have you on my lap. Feel free anytime."

Cayden narrowed her eyes. Her blush was just dissipating and now it was back.

"I'm thinking, maybe next time, you'll want to hold off on the groping in mixed company though." Wade joked.

The shop keeper's nostrils flared. "I was sleeping! I didn't know what it was."

Brooke smiled saucily. "Again, it was my pleasure."

La La Bird jumped up and headbutted Brooke's leg, she began to pet him, while Cayden looked on with a frown.

"You know, Cayd, you're going to have to get used to Brooke. We like her and we're going to keep her." Wade informed the scowling woman.

"Fabulous." The tall woman stomped off into her room.

Brooke, Wade, and Jodie all snickered quietly at Cayden's behavior and drank their coffee in silence.

Brooke had learned a lot about the tall woman from her two friends, and was digesting the information. She was relieved to know Cayden wasn't as impossible as she seemed. The blonde kept her confident airs. Even though she acted smug, telling Cayden how much the tall woman wanted her, there was always that bit of doubt pricking at her. She needed some sort of proof. Of course the kisses in the store room were a good start, but Cayden was drunk. Brooke needed more than that and was trying to think up a way to get better proof.

Jodie was thinking how awesome it would be for Cayden to have a lover, she always wanted that for her friend. The tall woman was fighting this like crazy, and Jodie could understand the trepidation, if Brooke hadn't come here today. The blonde proved herself a hundred times over, Cayden wasn't an experiment. Brooke truly cares for her, and is willing to face her down. Cayden was always a tough nut to crack, but once Jodie figured out her bark was much worse than her bite, and that underneath that scowl was a brilliant smile, she always wanted to see it. Cayden rarely smiled genuinely, and Jodie thought that when she did, that smile and those sparkling, clear blue eyes could bring world peace. Jodie thought Cayden was hot, she never denied that she found the tall woman highly attractive, and the thing that most attracted her was her friend's eyes. She saw those eyes take on all sorts of emotions except love. Her heart warmed for Brooke, she desperately wanted Brooke to see those eyes looking at her with love.

Wade was studying Brooke, wondering if this blonde woman who came out of nowhere really was capable of breaking through Cayden's barriers and getting into her heart. He hoped she could, it was time Cayden knew what it was like to be wanted not only for her looks, but for herself. The tall woman's striking good looks caused more than a few problems when it came to women. Women were hardly ever interested in Cayden as much as they were in her looks. Wade really hoped his friend gave Brooke half a chance. Brooke was apparently trying her damnedest, no one ever stuck around long enough to see past Cayden's cranky demeanor. His tall friend was spoiled and stubborn, always being by herself made her a very uncooperative, if not impossible partner. However, he didn't think she would put up this kind of fight. Granted, she and Brooke got off to a rather unusual start, but Cayden should have seen by now, that Brooke meant business. It had to be hard on the blonde, her first real feelings surface and of all people it would have to be Cayden.

"Well, I better get going soon." Brooke suddenly said, breaking everyone out of their thoughts. "My mother has a third degree to give me and I really don't want to miss it." she added sarcastically.

"Your mother?" Wade asked curiously.

"Yeah, when I left Grant, I moved in with my parents. Joy."

"Poor you!" Jodie said sympathetically.

"Oh, it's not so bad. They're pretty cool. Mom's a bit of a handful at times, but I can deal with it." Brooke said with a grin.

"Cayden says she came in to spy on her." Wade snickered.

"Yeah, I could have killed her, but if she didn't, Cayden and I wouldn't have butted heads in the store room, and well, you know what happened." The blonde recalled with a sly smile. "She just wanted to see what got me so crazy."

"So she's really cool with you liking a woman?" Jodie asked.

"Pretty much so. Dad's fine too, He's a little jealous though, Cayden has been occupying more of my time than he'd like her too. Mom, on the other hand, is way too interested in my personal life. She wasn't half as nosy about my relationship with Grant. It seems she wants to know of every little fart that Cayden makes."

"Cayden farted in front of you?" Jodie asked, wide eyed.

Wade laughed. "Please, I live with her for 6 years and never heard her fart."

"She farted in front of me," Jodie said smugly, with a smirk.

"Oh, that's something to be proud about." Wade teased.

"You're talking about my bowels?" Cayden asked, outraged, staring at everyone with her mouth hanging open.

"How come you farted in front of Jodie but not me?" Wade asked with a jealous pout.

"Oh my god!" Cayden sputtered.

"Everyone farts, Cayden." Jodie pointed out.

"Yeah... but..." The tall woman blinked a few times, at a loss for words.

"Aw, leave her alone. I try my best not to fart in public myself." Brooke said, standing next to Cayden.

"Thank you." The shop keeper said, standing taller now that she had support. "It's a matter of being classy versus being a pig."

"What if you sneeze and a fart sneaks out? That doesn't make you a pig." Jodie said, waving her finger to emphasize her point.

"Well.. no... I suppose not." Brooke said thoughtfully. "But that's the only exception. Simultaneous bodily functions don't count."

Cayden nodded in agreement.

"Jo! Oh my god, look! They agree on something!" Wade said excitedly.

Jodie nodded, eyes wide. "I think that calls for a kiss, what do you think, Wade?"

"Oh, definitely. A big fat kiss of agreement."

"What kiss?" Cayen panicked. "We only agreed on when not to fart!"

Brooke snickered. "Come on, sugar lips, lay one on me baby. I know you've brushed your teeth." She puckered up and leaned into the tall woman.

"I will not. I don't want to kiss you." Cayden insisted, even as her insides started fluttering wildly at the thought.

"I'd believe that if I couldn't see your heart pounding from here." Wade chuckled.

"Come on, stud, you know you want to." Brooke urged, using her secret weapon and leaning her breasts into Cayden's arm.

Cayden was trapped. She knew damned well that she wanted to kiss the hell out of Brooke, but not here, in front of Wade and Jodie. it just wasn't her thing. However, once Brooke's breasts pressed into her, she had to catch her breath. She closed her eyes briefly to calm herself.

Brooke snorted. "Never mind, Cayden, you couldn't handle a kiss from me." She dared.

Cayden's eyes popped open. "What are you talking about? You're the one that nearly fainted from my kiss." She said cockily.

"That was a fluke." Brooke lied. Her instinct at the moment was to scale the length of Cayden's body with her tongue.

"Fluke, my ass!" Cayden exclaimed.

Jodie punched Wade in the arm and they both grinned like idiots. Brooke had Cayden right where she wanted her, there was no way out.

Brooke's heart was beating painfully hard. Was Cayden going to go for the bait? She was dying to feel that silky tongue tickling the roof of her mouth. She looked up with a smug expression and her knees went weak from the piercing blue eyes gazing down at her. "Well, I was in a weakened state. Your kisses aren't all that great Cayden." She said boredly.

A duet of "oooo's" were heard from Jodie a Wade.

Cayden ignored them, in fact, she didn't even hear them. She was drowning in Brooke's eyes despite her great efforts to remain lucid. She tried to pull away, tried to come up with every reason in the book why she shouldn't prove herself, but the pull was too strong. Brooke's lips looked deliciously inviting and her breasts felt so soft against her arm. She recalled for a moment, how it felt when she woke up touching Brooke's breast and she had to swallow hard to suppress a groan. Blue eyes blinked rapidly, trying to fight the urge, but her body was out of control. Cayden's tongue came out to wet her lips in preparation for the impending kiss and her heart beat furiously as Brooke mirrored her actions.

"What are you waiting for? Show me what I'm missing."

Jodie and Wade held their breath.

Brooke's voice was husky and breathy, sending a twinge of excitement to Cayden's groin. Her head lowered without her permission until they were so close they were breathing the same air. "I'll show you fluke."

Brooke groaned under her breath at Cayden's barely audible whisper and then it happened, warm wet lips were covering her own. Cayden's large hand pressed into her lower back, pulling her close. Brooke stifled another groan as long fingers spread out and dug into her, holding her in place.

Cayden saw colors behind her eyelids, she couldn't possibly describe how good it felt to have Brooke's body against hers.

Brooke's hands slid slowly from Cayden's hips to her ribs, purposely concentrating on each rib as it slid beneath her fingers. She needed grounding or she would fall to her knees.

Suddenly the kiss changed and Cayden grunted, thrusting her tongue inside Brooke's mouth, her other hand coming up to clutch the back of the blonde's head. This time, Brooke couldn't stifle the groan of pleasure when Cayden's tongue roughly invaded her mouth.

Jodie and Wade sat agape for a long while, watching the two women become deeply involved in their kiss. It was long, sexy, and sloppy in its intensity, but it was definitely hot. They looked at each other and shrugged, knowing somehow that if they didn't stop it now, things would get too heated.

"Geez, Cayd, don't choke the poor girl." Wade teased.

"Is it hot in here or what?" Jodie added.

Cayden withdrew from Brooke's lips, embarrassed and light headed. It took longer than it should have for her eyes to open and when they did, they were unfocused. She waited until Brooke's face became clear and her eyelids lowered at the look of lustful bliss on the blonde's face.

Brooke clung to Cayden for dear life, holding herself up on shaky legs. Cayden's hand was still wrapped in her hair, she could feel the tall woman breathing heavily on her face. She refused to open her eyes knowing that the look on Cayden's face would be her undoing. She rested her forehead on the tall woman's chest and took a deep breath, blowing it out slowly.

Cayden looked towards Jodie and Wade, trying to make some sense in her foggy mind. The two of them stood up and began applauding, drawing Cayden out of her trance. A cocky smirk spread slowly across her lips and she chuckled. "I suppose that rules out your fluke," she said, watching the blush creep up the back of Brooke's neck.

The blonde nodded. "You win." she said, peeling herself off of the tall woman. She couldn't go far, because, Cayden hadn't let go of her yet. "Whew," she fanned her hot face, "That was some kiss."

Cayden fought the urge to do a victory dance. Although she felt very smug, she also didn't want to let go of Brooke, but if she didn't get away from the sweet smelling blonde, she was afraid her urges would take control again. Taking a step back, the tall woman released her hold, blew on her nails and rubbed them on her shirt. "Yup, go on, say it, you can't handle my kisses."

Brooke couldn't believe the yo-yo transformations that Cayden underwent at the drop of a hat. She rolled her eyes. "Yes Cayden, I can't handle your kisses." She mimicked.

"My lips make you weak."

"Your lips make me weak." Brooke said, suppressing a giggle.

"I am a god."

Brooke snorted, "Now, don't you be getting your chest all that puffed my cocky friend, your godhood needs to be proven, and I rather that not be with an audience."

Cayden narrowed her eyes. "In your dreams."

"Oh yeah," Brooke purred. "Definitely in my dreams."

Cayden's eyes widened recalling that Brooke dreams about her, sexually. She swallowed away the sudden arousal at the thought and smirked. "You better be writing those dreams down for prosperity, cuz that's all you'll ever get."

"Please, you can't resist me, Cayden, you're as drawn to me as I am to you. When you finally admit that, we can stop the bullshit and start proving your godhood."

A flurry of erotic images danced through Cayden's mind. She cleared her throat and tried to look bored. "Whatever."

Jodie, Wade, and Brooke watched with smirks as Cayden once again, left the room.

*  *  *

Cayden closed her bedroom door and catapulted herself face down onto her bed. Her hands were shaking and her heart was beating in her throat. Never before had a kiss done to her what Brooke's kisses did, she could hardly breathe and her knees felt tingly. "Oh shit! This is crazy!" she mumbled into her comforter. She lifted herself up on her elbows and stared into space, trying to understand what was happening to her. Kissing was fun, she was reminded of that by Denise, but Brooke... kissing Brooke wasn't just fun, it was a religious experience. For a second, she panicked, trying to imagine what actual sex would be like with the blonde. She looked almost horrified at the thought of having sex with Brooke, if kissing was that intense, sex would surely give her a stroke.

Cayden closed her eyes and licked her lips, savoring the taste, and the memory of Brooke, how soft her shirt felt under her fingers and how good she smelled. Brooke's lips felt divine wrapped around her tongue. The shop keeper groaned, instantly imagining how her tongue would feel trapped in a much more intimate place. She shook her head rapidly to shake away the thought. "I never behaved like this before, she's made me into a perv!" Cayden didn't understand. She'd dated good looking women, kissed quite a few too, but nothing like this ever happened to her. Sure, she liked Brooke, the smaller blonde was extremely good looking, she had an incredible body and gorgeous green eyes, but her attitude... "What a bitch!" Cayden just barely tolerated egotistical people and Brooke was entirely too sure of herself. The certainty in which she declared Cayden wanted her irritated the brunette. "So what if I want her. Who wouldn't?" Cayden took a mental tour of Brooke's body from her legs to her face and when she was finished she was very pleased. "Oh yeah, ain't nothing wrong with her." She went back to picturing Brooke's breasts, in her half shirt, in the store room, then pressed into her in the living room. Cayden was very surprised to feel her mouth watering and her sex reacting in much the same way. She focused on the sensation between her legs, almost amused at how horny she had become from a mere kiss. It can't be just the kiss, there's got to be more. She touched me while I was sleeping! That's it! Maybe that turned me on? Hmph, I was dead to the world, or I would have woken up from her touching me, especially my face. I wonder if that's all she touched? Cayden grinned and chuckled. "Nah, then I really would have woken up. Hmmm."

The tall woman held up a hand, studying it, spreading her fingers open then closing them again. She has a thing for my hands huh... they're nothing special, she thought, then inspected her fingers more carefully. "Well, I do have long fingers," she said with a smirk. Cayden swallowed hard as an image came unbidden of her fingers touching Brooke intimately. Her hips rocked involuntarily and she groaned as her sex pressed against the crumpled blanket. "God, I can't believe how hot she makes me!" Despite her confusion, Cayden was horny as hell, and it wasn't going to go away by itself.

*  *  *

Brooke was all ready to leave and decided to say good night to Cayden. She raised her hand to knock when she heard an odd sound come from the tall woman. Suddenly alarmed, she thought Cayden was in distress and was about to throw open the door, when another sound emanated from behind it. Brooke's stomach flip-flopped as she processed the groan. She knew it all too well, she herself made that same sound quite often while she lay in bed fantasizing about Cayden. She tried to calm the ringing in her ears so she could hear it again, just to make sure it was what she thought it was. If Cayden was indeed doing what she thought, then there were no doubts left in Brooke's mind that Cayden truly wanted her, and the blonde wanted desperately to erase that doubt. She closed her eyes and held her breath, hoping for the chance to hear another muffled groan of passion. Instead, what she heard stopped her heart.

"Mmmm... Brooke."

A violent shudder ran through Brooke's body when she heard her name and she bit her lip to fight the groan. A forceful jolt of arousal nearly overtook her ability to stand. Her head swam with the image of Cayden touching herself, and she closed her eyes tightly. She thinks about me... when she... oh my god! The thought, combined with the picture was too much, and Brooke had to hold on to the door frame until she gathered herself enough to stand on her own. All at once, her attitude changed and she grinned deviously. Cayden Riley, you are so screwed.

PART 17

B ROOKE PRACTICALLY RAN home, and when she got there, Harriet was waiting with baited breath.

"Oh, good! I just made some tea, I'll go get you some." she said excitedly, patting the sofa where she just got up.

Brooke smiled, sat down and sighed happily. She was feeling very good, and her mother didn't seem to be a bother. In fact, she couldn't wait to tell someone what had happened.

"Here you are," Mrs. Hewitt returned with a cup and sat down next to her daughter. "So, is Cayden well?"

"Yes, she's fine now." Brooke replied with a smug smile.

"Honey, you look like the cat that ate the canary! What happened?"

Calmly, Brooke sipped at her tea, placed the cup down gently, then threw her hands in the air excitedly. "She kissed me again, and this time she meant it!" She declared happily.

Harriet frowned. "Brooke, she's sick, you could have caught something. Do you think that was wise?"

"Well, actually, she was hung over. She really wasn't sick." Brooke admitted with a guilty grin.

"She's a drinker?" Mrs. Hewitt asked in alarm.

"I don't think so, not after how sick she was. Anyway, that's not the point, the point is that she kissed me and she was sober and she wants me!" Brooke beamed with excitement.

"The kiss told you all that?"

Brooke blushed and blinked rapidly. "Uhhmm, well, not exactly, but trust me, she wants me. I know."

"Did she tell you? Are you just guessing, Brooke?"

"No, she didn't actually tell me per se.... but ... Mom, trust me, please." The blonde was becoming uncomfortable. Her need to tell someone started fading fast as she realized she couldn't explain herself.

"If you say so." Harriet blew on her tea and sipped it, looking sideways at her daughter. "Was she rude to you this time?"

"You have no idea." The blonde rolled her eyes.

"Brooke! Why do you stand for such nonsense? I know you like her, but is it worth it?" Harriet was getting concerned.

Brooke snickered. "She thinks she's tough, but she's not. Not to me anyway. Sure, she's impossible, and she was horror stricken that I was there when she got sick. I tell you, I was nervous at first, but I seemed to know just what to do. Good thing daddy gives you such a hard time, I must have learned a thing or two, because I turned into you for a few moments there." The blonde shivered.

"Oh, you stop that young lady. I'm not all that bad." Mrs. Hewitt joked.

"Well, I did, and it was eerie." Brooke teased.

"Did she at least thank you for helping her, or was she mean the whole time?" Mrs. Hewitt was liking Cayden less and less, but it didn't look like Brooke was going to give up any time soon.

"No, but if you knew her, you wouldn't expect it. She should be grateful I came when I did, her door was wide open, any lunatic could have wandered in." Brooke smiled to herself at Cayden's comment about that very thing.

"I thought you told me she wanted you there?" Harriet asked with both eyebrows raised.

Brooke looked guilty again. "Ok, she didn't. Her roommate and her friend asked me to take care of her, they were both working. It was the least I could do, after all, she got so drunk because of me."

"Why do you say that?"

"She freaked out after she kissed me last night and got really drunk over it."

The older woman couldn't hold her tongue any more. "Brooke, this doesn't sound like someone you should be getting so serious about, It sounds like she doesn't want you around."

Brooke smiled at her mom. "I thought so too, but I can tell you for a fact, that she wants me as much as I want her." Oh, boy does she...

"Soo, what about the kiss?"

"That kiss", the blonde took a deep breath, " it was unreal. It started off as a dare, and then... wow, she lost control, took my breath away. I could hardly stand up." Brooke recalled dreamily.

"A dare? This is sounding more and more distasteful to me. Honey, I don't like this at all."

"Oh Mom, it's okay. I won't get hurt. I promise." Brooke reassured. "Yes, she's a toughie, and she's going to fight me on this, but I know what I'm doing."

Harriet stared thoughtfully at Brooke. Her daughter was totally enamored, if not already in love with Cayden. The shop keeper wasn't what Harriet wanted for her daughter, if anything, her instincts wanted to keep Brooke as far away as possible. However, Brooke wasn't giving up. There had to be something about Cayden that was attracting Brooke, and Harriet promised her support. "I've never seen you so determined before in your life. I wish you luck baby, but be careful. Cayden doesn't sound to me like she's all too willing to give you a chance."

"She'll have no choice when I get through with her." Brooke said with an evil chuckle.

*  *  *

Cayden peeked at her alarm clock wearily and groaned. It was too early to be up, but with all the sleeping she did the previous day, her body refused to lay there like a lump. She tossed and turned, eventually earning a dirty look from La La who jumped off of the bed, stuck his tail in the air and marched out of her room. "Good, you were getting hair on my pillow anyway." she muttered, finally sitting up.

Blue eyes scanned the room, looking for something of interest before Cayden finally succumbed and turned on the TV. She searched the channels but at 5 in the morning, all she found were paid programming and old Munsters reruns. She stopped changing the channels and her eyes widened as she became deeply involved in a Bowflex infomercial. "Now, THAT is hot." she said to herself, lusting first over the machine, then over the woman demonstrator. "Her too." She propped the pillows up behind her and watched with enthusiasm. "She has the same abs as Brooke. I wonder if Brooke has this machine? No, she doesn't look like a jock, then again, she's a blader, that's sorta jockish." Cayden didn't even realize she was instantly thinking about Brooke not five minutes after she opened her eyes or she would have stopped herself. She was too engrossed in the program to notice. "Hey, I wonder how much one of them costs? If it can make me look like that..." she stopped talking when the woman with Brooke's abs reappeared. "Mm, mm, mm. Just look at her. Brooke has bigger boobs than her, but they certainly have the same body. I wonder what Brooke does to keep herself looking like that? Must work hard. Probably more than just rollerblading. I should start working out, I'm not fat or anything, but I could use a few muscles." Cayden drifted off into a pleasant daydream of herself with sculpted muscles, and as soon as she imagined herself showing off in the park, Brooke popped up.

In her daydream, the tall brunette didn't hate Brooke, in fact they embraced and kissed like lovers right there in the park. They held hands as they walked, hip checking each other playfully and stopping every so often for a kiss. Her heart began fluttering, her insides felt warm, and her mouth was dry. Cayden cut the daydream off with a shiver. "Ooh, that was weird." She complained to herself with a grimace. They were unusual feelings, ones she'd never experienced before and she had to think about it for a second. "I don't know if I like it or not." she mentioned to the dark room. She climbed out of bed and stretched, trying to shake loose the strange happenings inside of her. Her mind wandered briefly back to the daydream, the part where they were kissing, and she froze in place when all the odd feelings returned. Taking a deep breath, the tall woman forced the whole thing into the back of her mind and went to make coffee.

*  *  *

Harriet and Bert ate breakfast in silence, with Bert glancing over the paper every so often to give his wife curious stares. She was acting rather quiet, and while that was perfectly alright with Bert, he couldn't help but wonder what was going on. He figured, she'd be chatting his ear off with the latest in Cayden news, and truth be told, he really wanted to know. Cayden was a mystery to him, and he was really interested in her, and whatever was happening between Cayden and Brooke. Of course he couldn't act like he was interested, so he went back to staring at the stock market page like he cared.

"More coffee dear?" Harriet asked, rising to get herself some.

"Sure." Bert pushed his cup towards the edge of the table and watched his wife pour a healthy stream of salt into it. "Harriet!"

Mrs. Hewitt looked down and blushed. "Oh my! I'm sorry, I'm a bit distracted." She hurried to put the cup in the sink.

"Do you mind telling me what it is?"

"If I tell you, then it will make you mad and I don't want you interfering." She replied.

Bert stared at her in confusion. "What?"

Harriet sighed and sat down. "Well, alright, but you have to promise not to do anything first."

Mr. Hewitt narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I'll do no such thing. You tell me first, and then I'll decide whether or not I should do something."

The older woman sucked in her lips, fiddled with her robe, then sighed again. "I don't like that Cayden."

"What? I thought you liked her? What has she done?" He asked, already mad.

"Now, she hasn't done anything really, it's her behavior. I don't like how she's treating Brooke, it's disturbing me." She said in almost a whisper.

"Explain yourself." Bert demanded, smacking his newspaper onto the table. If someone is mistreating his daughter, he wants to know it.

"Calm down, dear, Brooke says she's alright with it so we should be too. At least we can't tell her we're not." Harriet said, adding a soft smile at the end.

"What is Cayden doing that disturbs you?"

"She's rude."

Bert blinked several times. "Harriet, rude isn't the end of the world." he leaned back in his chair in relief. "The way you're acting, I thought the worst!"

"Well, she doesn't want Brooke around and Brooke is insistent that this woman wants her. I don't know how she can think she does."

"Why does Brooke insist?"

"They had this kiss, apparently it was rather good."

"A kiss?" Bert asked puzzled. "Since when does a kiss allow Cayden to mistreat Brooke?"

"Brooke says she nearly fainted but honestly, a kiss isn't everything."

"She nearly fainted?" Bert asked with concern. "From a kiss?"

"That's what she says. I suppose this Cayden is a good kisser, but..."

Bert mulled it over. There was no excuse for bad behavior when it came to his baby, but Brooke isn't stupid. As much as he hated to admit it, she's an adult and can think for herself. He could recall a few kisses in his time that made him lose all sensibilities and he cleared his throat to cover his embarrassment. His daughter was usually a good judge of character, except for Grant. He'd never figure that one out. Maybe Brooke was in love? That could do all sorts of weird things to a person. Even acting rude. Hmm. He began to wonder if maybe Cayden was in love with Brooke and didn't know how to act. He could feel his own jumbled, whirlwind of emotions like it was just yesterday when he fell in love with Harriet. He smiled when he recalled their first kiss. "Have you ever nearly fainted from my kisses?"

Mrs. Hewitt blushed. "Bert!" she giggled.

"Well?" He asked with a smirk.

"Perhaps." Harriet said into her coffee cup.

Bert smiled smugly. "So then, you know what it's like. It's hard to ignore that feeling." he thought for a moment. "You say she insists Cayden wants her?"

"She says she has proof. Swears by it."

"You know Harriet, maybe Cayden's scared? Maybe Brooke nearly made her faint, did you think of that?"

Harriet's eyes widened. "Well, no..."

"It could be." he said seriously.

"Are you talking from experience?" Harriet asked with a sly smile.

Bert stood suddenly, picked up his pants and shook his head. "No! No... I was just saying... you know..." he explained badly as he ran from the room.

Harriet giggled. I do suppose its possible. Maybe I'm getting all upset for nothing. Brooke is an intelligent young woman, and she says she knows what she's doing.... maybe I need to meet Cayden again. Yes, I think Cayden should come here for dinner very soon. I'll know if she's in love with Brooke then.

*  *  *

Cayden holed up in her room while Wade readied himself for work. She didn't want to talk to him and she knew he had a LOT to talk about. He was going to talk mercilessly about the previous day and she didn't want to discuss it. She had no idea what happened, how or why either. All she knew is that Brooke had her where she wanted her at any given time. It frightened her to know that Brooke was able to do that. No one ever made Cayden do what she didn't want to, not even her parents. They always let her decide for herself once she was old enough to make proper choices. It spoiled her, she was used to getting her way. Sure, she let Wade and Jodie think they got their way, but if she really didn't want to do something, she didn't. Now Brooke, she had Cayden doing things the tall woman would never do willingly. Why didn't I fight harder? Why did I let her control me? Why didn't I just throw her out of the damned house?

The shop keeper waited for Wade to leave before she left her room, and then she went for more coffee. Dressed in gym shorts and a ratty T-shirt, she dropped into the sofa and sighed. And that daydream... what the hell was that all about? I don't even like Brooke! The tall woman frowned at herself, it wasn't true. Yeah, so, I like kissing her, I like it too much. She hugged herself as she remembered how it felt to kiss the blonde. But I don't like her! She argued against the feeling she experienced during, and after the kiss. I'm just horny. That's all it is. I need to have sex, and this thing with Brooke will pass. Satisfied with her observation, Cayden turned on the television to dismiss the whole thing.

Sometime later the phone rang and the tall woman was going to let the machine pick it up but a weird feeling made her get it. "Hello?"

"Oh, Cayden?" Denise asked, seemingly flustered.

Cayden felt almost let down hearing Denise. "Yeah, what's up?"

"I didn't know you were home today, I was all set to leave a message." She chuckled. "You confused me."

Cayden grinned, knowing that feeling well. "It's my day off on Sunday." she explained.

"Cool! I was just calling to see if you wanted to do something later, but since you're home now, you wanna get together?"

Cayden looked down at her clothes and frowned. "I'm kinda in my PJ's."

"So, it will take me a bit to get there, you want me to bring something to eat? There's a great deli right on the corner."

Cayden's stomach growled at the mention of food. She tapped her finger on her leg as she pursed her lips in thought. "Yeah sure, what the hell."

"Great! See you soon!" Denise said happily and hung up.

Cayden sat there in silence wondering what had just gotten into her. Wade and Jodie say I shouldn't just sit in front of the television all day. Yeah, that's what it is. I'm sure it will be cool hanging out with Denise. She stood up slowly and went to change her clothes. It'll do me some good.

*  *  *

Brooke opened the bathroom door in time to see her father run by, blushing and holding his pants up high. She snickered and made her way into the kitchen where she smelled bacon and coffee. Her mother was sitting at the table with a far away look in her eyes, and she prepared herself for the impending conversation. "I saw dad was pretty flustered, how much did you tell him?"

Harriet jumped a little in surprise. "Oh, good morning honey," she said happily and got up to make Brooke breakfast.

Fred came trotting into the kitchen and made himself comfortable by curling up on Brooke's foot.

"Mom, you don't have to cook for me, coffee is fine. You didn't answer me, how much of last night's conversation did you share?" The blonde reached down and brought the dog up onto her lap.

"I told him what I needed to tell him." The older woman replied, setting a cup down in front of Brooke.

"Hmm, well, why was he holding his pants? He only gets like that when sex is involved."

Harriet colored slightly. "Oh, that. Never you mind dear, it wasn't you."

Brooke grimaced "Nooo, mom... you guys and sex... blech." she made a sour face and stuck her tongue out.

"Your mother's not a virgin Brooke." Mrs. Hewitt teased.

"You only had sex once, and I thank you for it."

Harriet giggled. "Okay dear. So what are the plans for today?"

"I don't know. I was thinking about calling Bev, maybe having lunch or something."

"Bev? Isn't she the odd woman you work with?" Harriet asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Mom, even you know not to judge a book by its cover. Yes, she appears a little odd, but she's a wonderful person."

"Yes, you're right, I only met her that once... it wouldn't be fair."

Fred, sat up and put his tiny feet on the table in search of something to nibble.

"Mom, is there any bacon left?"

"Now, Brooke, he only has two teeth in his head, how do you expect him to chew it? It's not good for him anyway."

Brooke rolled her eyes. "And I suppose cookies are? He makes do." She argued even as her mother handed her a piece of bacon.

"You're not here a week and you've already spoiled him." Harriet said with a soft smile.

"He's 84 years old, he deserves it." Brooke countered, breaking of a little piece and watching Fred gnaw on it happily. "Mom, what are you going to do when he ... you know..."

Harriet stood up and smoothed her housecoat nervously. "Don't talk like that. He's perfectly healthy."

"Dad will go apeshit."

"Brooke, I said stop talking like that." The older woman said sternly.

Brooke kept quiet, but thought about it anyway. If anything was to happen to Fred, her parents would lose it. "What if we get another dog, you know as a playmate for him." Brooke figured, having another dog as backup wouldn't hurt.

"A playmate? Honey, Fred can hardly walk let alone chase a puppy around the house. No, not a good idea."

"I suppose you're right." The blonde agreed out loud, but still schemed on the inside. You wouldn't mind a friend would you buddy. she thought, while kissing the old dog on the head.

PART 18

C AYDEN CHANGED HER clothes, and set up a new pot of coffee. The more she thought about having Denise over, the better it sounded. After her early morning revelations, Denise would be a good distraction, maybe even a solution.

The tall brunette came to the conclusion that all of this Brooke nonsense was just her hormones talking. Maybe, there may be an opportunity to test the theory with Denise. Sure, she knew it was wrong, but if she just pushed Wade's and Jodie's reprimands into the back of her mind, there was a good chance that she could get away with a little nookie. The way she figured, she was horny, and solo sex wasn't cutting it for her. It was only natural to want another's touch and if she got it, she'd be satisfied, and Brooke would no longer be an issue. As soon as she gave herself the once over, the doorbell rang. Gathering her nerve, Cayden went forth to conquer.

*  *  *

Denise set the bags of food down on the kitchen table, then gave the tall woman a hug, unaware of Cayden's agenda. She was slightly surprised when Cayden kissed her hello, but not disappointed. She kissed her back, and only pulled away when she remembered that it was Cayden who said she wasn't interested. Giving the tall woman a suspicious look, she backed away and began unpacking the food. "I got bagels and stuff, I hope you like lox."

Cayden's belly grumbled, and she decided that food was first and foremost on her list of things to do. "I love lox."

La La galloped, full force, into the kitchen at the sound of bags, scaring Denise. "What the hell is that?"

"That's my room mate's cat. You said lox and now you must feed him."

"God, he's big! Does he like to be touched?"

"Loves attention, but if you start, you're bound to him all day."

Denise tried to avoid the cat and watched curiously as Cayden reached for plates and coffee mugs. The tall woman was dressed rather sexy, and she smelled really good. Her eyebrow raised as she wondered if Cayden wasn't trying to get in her pants. Not at all an unwelcome idea, but Denise was sure that after her talk with Jodie, that Cayden was after Brooke. Then again, Denise wasn't familiar with Cayden that well, and the tall woman may just act this way all the time in her own home. She decided to just let the morning progress and take it as it came.

"Do you want a real mug or a wussy mug." Cayden asked holding up the two choices.

"I suppose you expect me to take the wussy mug."

"Most do." Cayden replied with a charming smile. "I wouldn't think any less of you if you don't take caffeine seriously." She joked.

"Well, you may be surprised to know that I take it very seriously, real mug me please." Denise said with a charming smile of her own.

Cayden grinned, and poured them both coffee. "So," she began, not knowing how to start, "Are you gonna feed La La?"

"La La?" she asked in confusion. "You're not going to tell me that his name is La La?"

"Yeah, actually it's La La Bird, and don't look at me, I didn't do it." Cayden said as she prepared a bagel.

The fat cat started dancing around Denise's legs and she thought it was awfully cute. "I guess a little lox won't kill him."

Cayden snickered. "At this point, nothing matters."

They ate in silence for a while, Cayden taking careful glances at Denise, and Denise wondering what Cayden was up to. Cayden wanted to make conversation, but she didn't know what to say, and every time she thought of something, she thought it was stupid.

Eventually, Denise finished her bagel and gave Cayden a curious stare. She could sense the tall woman's hesitation and wanted to know what was going on. "Would you have invited me over on your own?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, if I didn't invite myself over today, would you ever have thought of it?"

"Maybe. I guess I would have. I'm not that good at entertaining." Cayden admitted.

Denise shook her head. Apparently Cayden was right, she wasn't very good at it. "Wanna go watch TV? Do you have any movies?"

"Sure, I have plenty of movies. Go on in the living room and check out what I got, and I'll clean up in here."

Denise wandered into the living room and found the stack of movies easily, she fished through them and was startled when Cayden crouched down behind her. She's definitely up to something. Denise played it cool, seeming to look through the movies as Cayden breathed down her neck. It was hard to concentrate, she was becoming increasingly turned on. She wanted Cayden badly, but the tall woman told her she wasn't interested, and Jodie told her Cayden was in love with Brooke. Denise thrust the tape she was holding behind her blindly and cleared her dry throat. "This one looks good."

Cayden laughed "Didn't know you were into this sort of thing." She teased. "But if you insist...Naughty Sailor Boy it is."

Confused, Denise took a good look at the tape and blushed. "Oh, uh, I meant this one." God... She was careful to make sure this one wasn't an all male porno too.

Cayden grinned cockily. She never did it before, but using her looks and her body seemed to be working just fine. "Is something distracting you?"

"Now that you mention it," Denise said slightly breathless, "Could you back up a little?"

"Why?"

"Because.. well... Cayden, what are you trying to do?"

"I thought it was obvious." Cayden said in a deep sexy voice that sent a shiver down Denise's spine. Noting the reaction, the tall woman bent her head and touched her lips to Denise's ear. "Put the movie in and come to the couch." She whispered, then got up and made herself comfortable on the couch.

Denise had to gather herself before she could even move. This was very unexpected, actually it was the last thing she had in mind. She invited herself over because after talking to Jodie, she thought Cayden might need someone to talk to about Brooke. She didn't think this was going to happen. Selfishly, she was excited, she very much wanted Cayden and here was the opportunity, however, something was wrong with the whole thing. She put the tape in the VCR and cautiously sat on the couch. "What's going on here?"

"What do you want to go on?" Cayden asked. She was feeling rather good about herself, being able to seduce Denise so easily made her feel pretty cocky.

"Hell, I want to throw you down on the couch and molest you, but...."

Cayden felt a surge of adrenaline and leaned over, kissing Denise suddenly. While it didn't do to her what Brooke's kisses did, it was doing something. She grinned to herself when Denise wrapped her arms around her, pulling her closer, exploring her mouth urgently.

Denise couldn't help herself, even though she knew this was the wrong thing to do, Cayden was so hot, and here she was for the taking. Never breaking the kiss, she climbed up onto the tall woman's lap and pushed her down onto the couch.

Cayden's heart beat fast in anticipation of finally having sex with another woman. This was exciting for her, she never did anything like this before. Knowing Denise was hot for her, and using it to get sex was a bit of a rush, and she took it for granted that Denise knew this was a one time thing. A leg fell between her own and Cayden groaned. Okay, maybe a two time thing...

Denise worked her hands between them and started making her way inside Cayden's shirt. She kept pushing away the conversation between Jodie and herself and concentrated on Cayden's stomach.

The tall woman was full of adrenaline, waiting for Denise to touch her, she was convinced that this is what she needed to get over her obsession with Brooke. NO! Do not even think about Brooke. Argh, don't even think her name. Stop it. She ran her hands down Denise's back and held onto her ass. See, that's not Brooke's ass at all, Brooke's is rounder, more muscular, it'd fit perfectly in my hand. Now, this isn't a bad ass, not at all, but it's not Brooke's. Finding that last thought highly disappointing, Cayden focused her energy on the kiss, and the hands resting beneath her breasts. Definitely not Brooke's lips, you know exactly what that feels like and this is not it. That thought disappointed her even more than the last one. Look at how shy she is to touch my breasts, now if it were Brooke, that woman would have had me naked and spread eagled already. That thought gave Cayden a rush of arousal and she groaned loudly. Brooke would be all over me like white on rice, she wouldn't be hesitating like Denise is, she'd have her hand down my pants so fast....

The loud groaning spurred Denise into action and she finally touched Cayden's breasts. Cayden jumped as if startled and Denise pulled away from the kissing to look at her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Cayden replied sheepishly. She jumped when she opened her eyes, fully expecting to see Brooke on top of her.

"Are my hands cold?" Denise asked, noting Cayden's body stiffening up.

"No, it's nothing really."

"It's Brooke isn't it." Denise stated, rather than questioned.

"Fuck Brooke! Why does everyone think I want her? I wouldn't be doing this with you if I wanted her would I?"

Denise sat up and removed her hands. "I don’t know about that, Cayden."

The tall woman got angry. "I don't want Brooke!"

"I think you protest too much. Jodie told me..."

"Oh crap! What did Jodie tell you?" Cayden jumped up from the couch and fixed her shirt.

"She told me that you're in love with Brooke and you don't know how to handle it."

Cayden stared at Denise as if she were crazy. "I am not! I want her out of my head immediately."

"And you thought this was the perfect opportunity."

Cayden shrugged guiltily.

"I'm not hurt Cayden. In fact, it was nagging me at the back of my mind. I don't think I would have let it get too much further without asking you about Brooke anyway."

"Fucking Brooke. She's ruining everything."

"Talk to me, what is she ruining?"

"You wouldn't understand." Cayden flopped back into the couch, embarrassed and dejected.

"Try me. I said I want to be your friend, and I mean that."

"She's haunting me. She's always in my head. And I mean always."

"Are they good thoughts?"

Cayden thought a bit before answering. "Yeah, I mean, I don't think about her in a bad way... but I don’t want to think about her at all."

"Why?"

"Its disrupting me. These thoughts, when I'm sleeping I dream about her when I'm awake I think about her. She's a determined little shit too, she wants me and she insists she'll have me."

"Why does that piss you off?"

"I don't want her." Cayden said, then blushed.

"Oh? I think you do. Why are you fighting this so much?"

"I'm perfectly happy the way things are, I don't want someone coming in and messing everything up."

"In what way?"

"She wants me, and if I let her have me then I have to be in a relationship. That's not on my agenda."

Denise just hit pay dirt. Cayden does want Brooke, she may very well even love her but she's scared to death of change. "God Cayden, you don’t have to marry her, what about dating her?"

"I hate dating."

"You haven't tried it with someone you really like."

"I never said I like her." Cayden said defensively.

"Oh, yes you did, loud and clear. You said you'd have to be in a relationship with her if you let her have you. That pretty much says it all."

Cayden frowned deeply. "I said that? Okay, I like, her. Fuck, I want her too. Why did this happen to me? I was minding my own business and she came along and screwed everything up!"

Denise smiled. It was going to be really easy to help now that she got Cayden to admit it. "So, she wants you bad huh?" Denise asked, nudging Cayden with her shoulder.

"Oh yeah." The tall woman nodded rapidly. "She made her intentions perfectly clear."

"What's the problem? Is it because she's never been with a woman, or do you even know that?"

Cayden shrugged, noncommittally.

There's gotta be a reason you won't give her a chance." Denise pressed.

"I don't want a relationship and Brooke does." Cayden stated, folding her arms across her chest.

"How do you know that? Did she tell you that?"

"No, but if she doesn't, I'm not interested either, I'm not an experiment for a straight girl. No way." Cayden rose and started walking into the kitchen. "Want more coffee?"

"Yeah, please." Denise thought about what Cayden was saying and it made some sense. She wouldn't want to be an experiment either, but Cayden was really playing hard to get. If I had someone that looked like Brooke after me, hell, I'd give her a go. Fuck that she's straight...

"Here." Cayden set the mug down and sat down next to Denise.

"So, she told you she wants you, how much more did she say?" Denise continued the conversation much to Cayden's dismay.

"She didn't only tell me... we kissed a few times and well... it wasn't your 'I got a crush kiss'. Those lips spoke volumes."

"Is she a good kisser?' Denise asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

Cayden closed her eyes and nodded, recalling the feel of Brooke's lips. "Oh yeah."

Denise grinned at her friends behavior, Brooke must pack one hell of a kiss. "Obviously, she turns you on, why are you denying yourself?"

"I don't want it to get too far. She's too intense, she's stubborn and pushy and demanding. She's determined to have me and I don't like it."

Denise pursed her lips in thought. "Did you tell her to tone it down? Maybe she doesn't realize how it makes you feel."

"She knows, and she gets off on controlling me. I can't believe how much she got away with."

"You were sick Cay, next time you guys are together, things will be different. Just tell her to slow it down, if she really wants you, she'll accommodate."

"You think so?" Cayden though a bit, then stood up. "Wait a minute, there won't be a next time, I don't want to get involved with Brooke. Period." The thought of having sex with Brooke frightened Cayden. It had been so long since she'd had sex, she was afraid of her own feelings.

"You think about her all the time, you dream about her, she turns you on, and you probably fantasize about her too." Cayden's squirming gave her that answer. "No ones saying you must have a relationship from the get go, just give her a chance and take it slow."

"Brooke won't take slow for an answer. Trust me." Cayden snorted.

"Do you really want her to go away altogether?"

The tall woman rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in defeat. "No, I guess not."

"What's wrong with asking her for dinner, or even bagels and lox?" Denise grinned, patting Cayden on the leg.

"I can't be alone with her, she'll be all over me and it makes me nervous." The tall woman admitted.

"Tell her. Cayden, she can't read your mind, she wants you and she's moving to quickly for you. Just tell her."

Cayden rolled it around in her head. She could tell Brooke to slow down, that would give Brooke the idea that there is something pending in the future, and maybe she'll ease up. Do I want to think about the future? Oh man, a relationship? That means sharing everything, talking about my day, being cute and nauseating in front of my friends.... holding hands and being romantic. Maybe sleeping with her isn't such a bad idea, being an experiment isn't that bad. Then again, straight girls usually fall in love with their first woman, and lord knows what will happen to me if we do. I may lose my mind and want to be in a relationship. Sex will do that to you. I know! I'll be lousy in bed, I'll be the worst lover, then she'll be turned off by me. Cayden knew she couldn't do that, and frowned.

"Have you even called her to thank her for taking care of you?"

"No! I didn't even want her here in the first place."

"Tsk, tsk, where are your manners Cayden." Denise teased. "It will get you two talking and maybe you'll wind up getting together, and be able to discuss things."

"Great, more talking, just what I always wanted." The tall woman said sarcastically.

"Well, I'd thank her if it were me. She didn't have to come over here and see to you, I'm sure you were less than cordial."

Cayden grinned. "I was a bitch, and she even made me soup."

"All the more reason to thank her. Think about it Cay. I'm going to get going. You probably have things to do. Thanks for talking to me, it means alot that you trust me."

"Yeah, well...." Cayden floundered.

"Call me sometimes, maybe we can all go out together." Denise leaned over and kissed Cayden on the cheek and saw herself out.

*  *  *

Cayden pouted around the house after Denise left, going over their conversation again and again. She wandered into her bedroom and sat on the bed, still deep in thought. La La hoisted himself onto the bed next to her and began licking himself. She scratched him behind the ears and frowned. "You know if we humans could do that I wouldn't be in the corner I'm in now." La La stopped licking and looked at her smugly. "Not you too!" she said with a heavy sigh. "Shit, I am so confused." She laid down and stared at the ceiling, the cat sat right next to her, looking at her as if he was listening. "See, I have the hots for Brooke, I definitely want to sleep with her... " Cayden took a moment to explore that idea and wound up groaning as her body responded eagerly. "The thing is, La La, I don't want it to get too serious. I don't want to be that sappy 'yes dear', I don't want to be controlled by Brooke's vagina." Cayden pursed her lips, a small debate went on inside of her about the merits versus the downside of being controlled by Brooke's anatomy. "Yeah, I told Jodie that one day maybe I'll want to settle down, but not now. I'm pretty contented being by myself with no one to answer to, and stuff like that." Cayden rolled over onto her stomach and studied the cat. "At least I thought I was... but now, I don't know. Brooke is taking complete control of my brain, I think about her all the time. Do you know, yesterday, I thought about her when I... well, you wouldn't know, you don't have any balls. Anyway, its safe to say, that maybe my subconscious is telling me I do want to settle down... with Brooke." Cayden frowned, regardless of what her subconscious was trying to tell her the whole idea of being half of a couple made her cringe. "Then we'd be one entity.... Oh look, there's CaydenandBrooke... I saw CaydenandBrooke at the supermarket and they were soooo cute... yuck." The tall woman sat up and sighed. "Denise does have a point, it really would be polite to thank Brooke for taking care of me, even if I didn't want her here. Hmm, than that may give her ideas, like I may want her to do it the next time I'm sick. I don't want that. I do like kissing her though, she has the softest lips and I would like to get a feel of those breasts. God La La... those breasts.... they sing to me." Cayden felt the tingles of arousal flitting around in her stomach. "Just thinking about them turns me on, I can't imagine what it would be like to touch them. Hell, just her kisses left me in bad shape, her mouth is so hot, her tongue...." Cayden shifted her position and pulled her shorts out of her crotch. "Its happening again." she complained. "Okay, I'm getting really horny thinking about her, maybe this is all a physical attraction, maybe I just need to sleep with her. Just have sex once and she'll be happy and I'll be happy and then we can go on with our lives." The tall woman smiled at her idea, until she thought about saying goodbye to Brooke. "Ooo, that was weird. It wouldn't be so bad to have her around after all. Shit. I just know she wants a serious relationship, I can't sleep with her right away, the quicker I sleep with her, the quicker we become CaydenandBrooke. Okay, so here's the deal, I'll call her to thank her, then maybe we can get together every so often, hang out, maybe even kiss a little. That should be alright. I'll tell her I'm not into sex right now, or relationships, and she'll back off and I can breathe. That sounds reasonable. Yeah," she gave the cat a squeeze, "That's what I'll do."

*  *  *

Wade stared at his cell phone is total disbelief.

"Don't say anything, don't even blink funny, or La La gets it." Cayden threatened.

"Excuse me, but can you repeat yourself? I thought you asked me for Brooke's phone number." Wade said, barely hiding his shock.

"I did, and don't you even THINK about saying something stupid. I have the cat."

"Yeah, um, what do you want it for?" He asked, worried Cayden may want to harass poor Brooke.

"Just you never mind why, give it to me." Cayden insisted.

"Okay, but no yelling, no attitude and no heavy breathing. Be nice Cayden."

"I'll be as nice as I can."

Wade narrowed his eyes. "Very frightening concept. Are you going to tell me why I'm giving you the number?"

"I want to be polite and thank her for taking care of me alright?"

Both Wade's eyebrows raised. "For real? You're not playing with me?"

Cayden sighed. "Just give it to me."

"Alrighty then."

PART 19

B ROOKE CALLED BEV to make a lunch date and was thrilled to find out that Sam and Nancy were visiting, she hadn't seen them in ages. They agreed to meet up at a coffee shop near Bev's apartment. It didn't take Brooke long to get there by cab, traffic seemed lighter than usual, and once she got inside the shop, she spotted Bev instantly.

"Brooke! You look fantastic!" Sam exclaimed, throwing her arms around the smaller woman and hugging her. "Have you joined a gym or something?"

Brooke giggled in embarrassment as Sam released her and drank her in. "No, but I've been rollerblading a lot."

"It shows." Nancy said, standing up to hug Brooke as well.

"Don't hog her all to yourselves, let her sit down and get some air, it's sweltering out there." Bev said, patting the seat next to her.

After sitting down Brooke kissed Bev on the cheek. "It's alright, I took a cab, and to my amazement, it was air conditioned. Besides, I don't mind the hugs." she winked at the two women across from her. They were smiling at her a little too brightly and Brooke narrowed her eyes. "She told you, didn't she." she said, turning towards Bev.

Sam and Nancy nodded in unison, still smiling with all their teeth.

"Bev!" Brooke said, then sucked her teeth.

"Don't be mad, I think its great news!" Sam said, reaching across the table and taking Brooke's hand. "Our little Brooke, all grown up, and a lesbian too."

"How much do you know?" The blonde asked Sam, yet turned again to face Bev.

"Everything." Bev admitted with a guilty grin.

Brooke sighed. "Well then..." she said, then stared at the table.

"So? Spill it! What happened at the party? Did you tell her? What did she say?" Sam asked excitedly. "Did you get any yet?"

Brooke laughed at her enthusiasm. "At least let me get some food first."

"Good idea." Bev agreed and they all picked up their menus and studied them.

*  *  *

Cayden stared at the phone in her hand for a long time, trying to think of what she would say to Brooke. She tried a few different things out loud and La La seemed to think she had the right idea with the second choice. She dialed the number quickly and when it rang three times she panicked, not knowing what to say to the answering machine. Just as she was about to hang up, someone picked up the other end.

"Hello?"

Cayden processed the voice and cringed. "Uh, Hi. May I speak to Brooke?"

"She's not in, who's calling please?" Harriet asked pleasantly.

"Oh, no, that's alright, I'll call back later." Cayden said quickly.

"Cayden? Is that you?"

Bert lowered his newspaper and peered at his wife over the top of it. "Is that Cayden the Rude?" He joked, chuckling when Harriet waved frantically at him.

The tall woman screwed up her face. "Yeah, can you tell her that I called?"

"How are you dear? I heard you weren't feeling well."

Mr. Hewitt leaned over in his chair and watched his wife harass Cayden. "Don't make her crazy Harriet." he warned.

Mrs. Hewitt covered the mouthpiece and hushed her husband.

"I'm better now." Cayden sighed and remembered this phone call was all about being polite. "And you?"

"Oh me? I'm feeling well, thank you." Harriet responded cheerfully. "So, Cayden, when will we be meeting you?"

Cayden panicked again. Meeting me? What did Brooke tell her? "I'm not quite sure."

"Brooke hasn't invited you over yet? I swear she has no manners. Well, you have an invitation dear."

"Yeah, and she'll come running for afternoon tea with Harriet the inquisitor." Bert snickered.

Cayden held back a chuckle at the overheard comment. "Thank you ma'am."

"Ma'am? Oh, you don't have to call me that! Call me Harriet!" Mrs. Hewitt insisted. "So, what are you doing on this hot day?" She turned around and gave Bert a glare to shut up.

Cayden sighed, and sat down on the couch. "Just had a late breakfast, I don't plan on much today, it's my only day off." She replied politely.

"Oh really? You keep the store open 6 days a week?" Harriet said, ignoring Bert's sour face. "So, do you own the shop?"

"Harriet!" Bert whispered loudly. "Leave the poor girl alone."

"Yes, I do." She's picking me for information. Cayden thought. Probably seeing if I'm good enough for Brooke. Funny, the father doesn't seem that worried. "My parents gave me the shop when they retired, it's a decent living, and I enjoy the work."

"Oh, so it's a family business." Harriet said as much for Bert's benefit as her own.

Bert's ears alerted at that, after all, he was a family man.

Harriet smiled, Cayden was proving to be quite polite, nothing like the monster Brooke made her out to be. "So, I take it you like animals?"

"I love them ma'am... Harriet." Cayden turned to look at La La. "Pets are innocent, they depend on you for survival, they don't judge you."

Hmm, interesting choice of words. Harriet pressed further. "I certainly understand. My Fred doesn't care if I do my hair in the morning or not, he just loves me for me."

"Yeah," Cayden pet La La lovingly. "Its unconditional."

Bert watched his wife get a thoughtful expression, then smile warmly.

"Yes dear, we could all use some of that."

Cayden squirmed uncomfortably. "I suppose."

"Shall I leave a message for Brooke?"

"Sure, tell her I called to thank her for seeing to me when I wasn't feeling so good."

"Oh, I certainly will! Does she have your number?"

"I'm sure she does. Thank you, Harriet."

"You take care!"

Cayden hung up the phone, her ears were pink and her hand was sweaty. She didn't figure that Brooke wouldn't be home, and her mother caught her off guard. "I was polite to her though, so that counts." she said to the cat who was standing on the couch next to her. "It wasn't too bad. She seems pleasant enough." She thought about the conversation a bit with pursed lips then shook it off. "Well, that should get the ball rolling. Brooke will call me back, maybe we'll get together, and when she starts acting too pushy, I can tell her to back off. What do you think La La?"

The cat yawned then turned over on his back.

"Yeah, it isn't hard to please you." Cayden said as she scratched his soft belly.

*  *  *

The four women made small talk all through their meal, and now with lunch finished, Bev, Sam and Nancy all looked at Brooke with anticipation.

Brooke smiled and stirred her coffee. "So, I bet you want to know what happened."

"YES!" They all replied in unison.

"Okay! Well, I got to the party and Cayden wasn't around. Her two friends, Wade and Jodie, told me she was in the store room. I took a beer and headed that way, I thought it would be a better idea to tell her what I had to say in private."

"What exactly were you going to tell her?" Sam asked.

"I needed to tell her why Grant confronted her, thinking we were having an affair." Brooke explained. "Well, you wouldn't believe the reception I got! She slammed the door in my face! That pissed me off and I intended to go in there and let her have it but damn, she's so sexy, and hot and I lost it for a while."

Sam snickered and Nancy elbowed her. "What? I think its cute." Sam explained.

"You want to talk cute? You should have seen her ass, good lord!" The blonde fanned herself.

"Yeah? Is it round and happy?" Nancy wondered, gesturing an ass with her hands.

"Oh yeah, you could put a drink on it. It's perfect." Brooke recalled dreamily. "Anyway, we started yelling at each other first. Cayden was being a bit snarky, so I got even madder, but it seemed the more angry I got, the more she liked it, so I toned it down and started talking. All the while, she was staring at my breasts."

As if practiced, everyone looked at Brooke's breasts. She raised an eyebrow and stuck out her chest. "It was the bra, trust me."

"You're doing fine just like that kiddo." Bev said with a snicker.

"Mom!" Sam wagged her finger. "So? She was staring at your chest..."

"It was getting hard to concentrate, she started getting all sexy, and droopy eyed and I could tell she wasn't listening to a word I said... that is until I told her I dream about her. Once I confessed to talking in my sleep, I swear, steam shot out of her ears. She just got closer and closer until I was backed up against the wall and then she kissed me."

"She kissed you? What was it like? Tongues?" Nancy asked.

"Oh yeah, tongues. It was incredible! I've been dreaming about what it would feel like almost every night, and the dreams paled in comparison. And then there was the second one..." Brooke closed her eyes to savor the memory.

"The second one?" Bev turned sideways in her seat to face Brooke.

"Well, we were kissing the first time and I dropped my beer, the crash made Jodie and Wade come in and they caught us. Cayden freaked out, she was unreasonably upset about kissing me. She blamed my breasts for making her do it."

Bev, Nancy and Sam erupted in laughter, Brooke wanted to be offended, but realized how silly the statement was and joined in.

"She was totally fixated on them, in fact, I had to lift her face to mine at one point and that's what started the second kiss."

"So tell me about this bra." Sam joked, wiggling her eyebrow.

Nancy leaned across the table, and smiled evilly, "I'll tell you my secrets if you tell me yours."

Brooke blushed. "I don't have any secrets, this is all new to me."

"Oh sweetie, we're just teasing. I guess this is a bit hard for you isn't it." Sam sympathized.

"I thought it was just like getting a man, but its not, and I'm confused." Brooke confessed.

"No, its not much different you just have a tough woman. Think of it as an uncooperative man, only with a killer ass." She joked. "So, then, how'd you get a second kiss?"

"I made her stop ranting and come over to me. She fought it at first, and I could see her warring with herself, but one glance back at my body and she just kept moving. Once she was in front of me, I wanted her to actually hear my confession, so I began to explain myself, but she said I talk to much and kissed me again!"

"Oooo, a shut up kiss!" Nancy said excitedly.

"There doesn't seem to be a lack of passion between you two." Bev noticed.

"No, see, that's what I thought too. That time while were kissing, she picked me up off the floor and I was all wrapped around her. I never felt anything like it in my life! My knees were weak, my heart was pounding in my ears and I could hardly breathe from the adrenaline rush! She was so into it too, she groaned and squirmed... the way she said my name gave me goosebumps. I don't know what came over me either! I tasted her neck and I think I even bit it, everything was great and the she suddenly dropped me on the floor and ran out! I'll be damned if I know what happened!"

"Major issues." Sam announced.

"You're telling me?" Brooke agreed. "She's impossible. I know she wants me, even though she denies it. I have solid proof. She keeps telling me I'm straight, but how can I be straight if I want her so bad? Why doesn't she see that? What do I have to do to show her?"

"Well, she's attracted to you, that's for sure." Bev said, "But she keeps running away, she's afraid of something."

"So tell me about this solid proof." Sam wondered.

Brooke blushed instantly and cleared her throat. "No, I shouldn't. But trust me on this."

"You could be misreading it, you say she blamed your breasts, she may only be interested in your body. It may be new for her or something." Bev offered.

"Yeah, and she keeps insisting your straight, she may be put off by someone she thinks is straight wanting to experiment with her. Being attracted to you, would just piss her off." Sam added.

"No." Brooke said, yet thought about it. "You think?"

"Could be. Have you talked about it?" Bev asked.

"Well, not really. Listen, I was at her house, the day after the party, she was hung over and sick and I took care of her against her will. She was obnoxious and argumentative with me, but even that night we kissed again, and I felt something in that kiss. It was more than just physical...much more, and believe me, it did something to her too." Brooke trailed off suddenly hearing Cayden calling her name while she touched herself. "I don't even think I care if it's just my body she's interested in."

"Are you sure? Brooke, then that IS an experiment." Sam said seriously.

"But I dream about it! I can hardly close my eyes without imagining us ... you know..."

"Are you sure its just not your body she wants?" Bev asked.

"I'm quite sure, I hear from her friends that she's been acting the same way as I am. They tell me she wants me and she's afraid."

"What is she afraid of? Maybe you two should talk."

"I'd love to, but we get together and start bickering right away." Brooke frowned. "What do I do?"

"You have to call a truce. You're both grown adults, and you need to talk like you are. I doubt she'll confess her fears to you just like that, so I think you both need to do a lot of talking before anything is to happen." Nancy offered.

"Then again, if its just the sex you want, you can always torture her with your body until she gives in." Sam added.

"Sam, that's not what she needs right now." Nancy chastised her lover.

Brooke narrowed her eyes. That wasn't such a bad idea.

*  *  *

"She's afraid of love honey!"

Brooke jumped in surprise as her mother ambushed her at the door. "What the heck are you talking about? Who's afraid of love?"

"Cayden!" Harriet exclaimed with a self-satisfied smile.

Brooked stared in puzzlement at her mother.

"Harriet, I said you should stop jumping to conclusions!" Bert yelled from the living room.

Brooke's eyes widened in fear. "What did you do?" she asked loudly. "How did you...you didn't call her did you?"

"Oh nooo, she called you." Harriet explained innocently. "I just picked up the phone."

"MOM! Oh my god! You didn't!" Brooke threw her hands in the air and stomped off to the living room. "Dad, what happened?"

"Cayden called to speak to you and your mother tried to pry." he shrugged.

It just sunk in, and Brooke took a seat heavily. "Cayden called to talk to me?"

"Oh yes, she wanted to thank you for taking care of her when she was sick. Brooke dear, she doesn't seem rude to me." Harriet said, sitting down next to Brooke.

"She wanted to... really?" The blonde asked in amazement.

"She was very pleasant, but I sense a sadness."

"Mother, what did you say to her?" Brooke wondered nervously.

"I didn't say anything!" Harriet answered defensively.

"Then where did you get that idea?" Brooke raised an eyebrow.

"Its just a hunch. Sweetie, I think Cayden is afraid of love, and getting hurt. Your father said that to me but I didn't believe him. You're going to have to go slow with her."

"Ma, everybody's afraid of getting hurt. That's nothing new."

"Trust me. She knows she's difficult and doesn't want to get involved for fear of getting hurt." Harriet explained.

"How do you know all of this? Mom! You didn't question her did you? Oh no!" Brooke panicked.

"No! I did not. She just mentioned something about animals loving unconditionally and I just figured..."

"I can't believe you could deduce something like that from a simple statement about animals."

"It was the way she said it honey."

"Wait a minute, she had a decent conversation with you? She wasn't unnecessarily abrupt?"

"No, not at all. Quite charming."

"Hmph. Go figure." Brooke rolled her eyes.

"Shame on you for not inviting her over here, but don't worry I took care of that." Harriet smiled proudly.

"Oh no... no way. She's not being subjected to you in person! It was bad enough you played analyst on the phone."

"Brooke, I'd like to meet Cayden." Bert piped up.

No!" Brooke answered quickly, then thought a second. "I'm sorry dad, I know you're only looking out for me." Hmm, so she was downright charming to my mother? It may be a very good thing to invite her over here then... she can't get obnoxious with me in front of them... "I'll think about it, alright?"

"Oh, that would be wonderful!" Harriet said excitedly.

"I haven't said yes yet!" Brooke waved her arms around.

"Well, do call her back honey, she expects your call."

"I will, ma." How strange. Cayden called to thank me, has a lovely little chat with my mother.... accepts an invitation... what's going on? I need to think. "I'm going to take Fred out for a while."

PART 20

B ROOKE WALKED SLOWLY with Fred, she had a lot of info to digest. She went over the conversation in the diner with furrowed brows, then what her mother had said. No matter how she looked at it, it was obvious, Cayden was afraid. Afraid of me... afraid of love... Brooke sighed heavily. I need to make her comfortable with me. She needs to know there's no pressure for anything serious. I have to make it all about having fun. Brooke nodded to herself, pleased at her decision, then she giggled at her next thought. She wants me, I don't have to worry about that, I just need her to relax when it comes to us. Us. What us? There isn't an us. Brooke pursed her lips, then raised an eyebrow. There's definitely sex, she's hot for me for sure, but sex isn't an option right now... that's going to take a while... isn't it? Hmm. The blonde started walking back to her mom's place with a slow smile spreading across her lips. Not really, it's certainly there. We get so carried away with a kiss... given the opportunity, there's no telling... yeah right. If I can keep her in front of me after the damned kiss. WAIT! I got it... Cayden's uptight about sex! Why didn't I think of that? Brooke's eyes widened. That's the problem here! She only runs when sex becomes involved. Ooo, she needs to loosen up about sex, and THAT I can handle.

*  *  *

Cayden appeared to be going about her day, but if you looked closely, you'd notice she hadn't strayed more than two feet from the phone. She even took it to the bathroom with her, giving La La the excuse that you never know who's going to call and offer her a million dollars to eat a bug. With no incoming calls by dinnertime, Cayden began pouting her way into the kitchen. She stuck her head in the freezer and narrowed her eyes at the food as if it was the food's fault that Brooke didn't call. She picked up practically everything and put it down again, finally deciding on a cheeseburger and tater tots, with a healthy helping of pickles to make her feel better. She noticed that the burgers were fused in one hunk, Wade apparently threw them together when he put them away and try as she might, she couldn't pry them apart. She growled now, having no choice but to cook two burgers. "Well Wade, you get dinner by default." In her sour mood, she briefly thought about burning his on purpose but then sanity made her realize it wasn't his fault any more than the frozen burgers which she was banging rhythmically on the counter. If Brooke didn't want to talk to her, it was her own damned fault for acting like an ass. She threw the meat one more ugly look as she put it in the microwave to defrost, then sat and stared at the phone until the oven beeped.

Wade ran in the door, eye's wide and tongue hanging out. "Did you call? What happened? Do you have a date? Did she fall down in a faint when you thanked her and then hit her head and now she's in the hospital with a big white bandage?"

Cayden snorted. "You're so funny I just wet myself."

"Well?" He yelled as he ran into his room to change out of his work clothes.

"She wasn't home, I left a message with the mother." She speared a pickle out of the jar.

Wade snatched the pickle and began to eat it. "You spoke to the mother? What was she like?"

"Actually, she wasn't that bad. Oh, she questioned me, but there was no inquisition."

Cayden moved away from the counter and Wade noticed two plates of food. "Oh my my! First breakfast and now this!" He feigned shock.

"You sabotaged the burgers, I had no choice." she shoved a plate at him and sat down with her own.

"You have more pickles than me." He pouted.

"I'm allowed. I cooked." Cayden said, trying to discretely locate the phone.

Wade sat down, then jumped up, pulling the cordless out from under him. He raised an eyebrow at her as she grabbed the phone away and put it on her lap. "New best friend?" He asked.

"Don't be a wise ass."

Wade just noticed there was something seriously wrong. "Where's La La?" he asked meekly, remembering Cayden's threat.

"Don't worry, I didn't off him." She chuckled. "At least not yet. I locked him in your room. He was driving me insane for tater tots."

Cayden checked the phone for a dial tone as Wade ran inside to free his cat. The tall brunette waited for the sound of the fat cat galloping through the house. La La didn't disappoint her. Cayden watched with unconcealed glee as he came flying into the kitchen, attempted a screeching halt at her feet, but instead slid helplessly across the linoleum and slammed into the stove. "Serves you right," she told Wade as he tried to console his dizzy cat. "You shoulda took a tot in there to appease him."

Just then the phone rang and Wade tried to take it away from Cayden. They fought over the phone until they heard the tell-tale beep that in the fracas someone had turned it on. They both froze and finally Cayden growled, yanked the phone away just as Wade let go and she flew back into the fridge. "Ooof!" was the greeting.

"Hello?" came the tentative reply.

Cayden glared at her snickering room mate and rubbed her sore shoulder. "Uh hi."

"Cayden? It's Brooke."

"I know!" She said with more enthusiasm than she wanted.

Wade started dancing around the kitchen singing, "Its Brooke! Brooke's on the phone!"

"Shut up" Cayden hissed, then paled. "Uh.. not you... its just that Wade was..." She blushed.

"No, its alright. Did I catch you at a bad time?" Brooke wondered at the odd behavior.

"No, its okay." She assured.

"So, I hear you called, mom hasn't stopped talking about it all day. You left quite an impression."

"Well... you know... she's a mother and all."

"Mom can be a pain in the ass. Thank you for being polite to her, I know it must have been hard for you." Brooke teased. "

"She was nice enough."

The silence grew and became uncomfortable. Brooke licked her lips and continued. "So, you called..."

"Yeah, I um, just wanted to thank you for bringing me soup and stuff." Cayden said awkwardly.

Wade applauded silently in the background and Cayden tried to shoo him away.

"Aw, it was my pleasure, even if you didn't behave."

"I didn't feel well." Cayden explained.

"I knew that. So, listen, maybe we can get together again under better circumstances?"

Cayden was greatly relieved that Brooke had asked and she didn't have to. "Sure. Maybe we can have dinner or something."

Wade swooned. "She did it.. she really did it." he pretended to weep.

Cayden rolled her eyes and left the kitchen for privacy.

"That sounds good, do you cook?" Brooke wondered.

"No, aside form the occasional burger and breakfast, I'm not that great. Wade's the chef."

"He's a chef?"

"Oh, not really, he's the bra police, but he's a good cook too."

Brooke laughed. "Bra Police?"

"Yeah." Cayden laughed too. She liked how it felt when Brooke laughed. "He's a security guard in a lingerie shop."

"Ooo, really? It may pay to get on his good side." Brooke said with a grin.

"If you like that sort of thing." Cayden replied. She got a mental glimpse of Brooke in a camisole and stockings and had to swallow hard so she wouldn't groan out loud. "Besides, you don't have to work too hard, he loves you already."

"Does that help my case with you? I mean that your friends like me?"

"It sure doesn't hurt." Cayden said quietly.

Silence once again took over and Brooke knew Cayden was getting weird. "So, maybe we could all get together as a group, you know, Wade and Jodie, me and you. Would that be cool with you?"

Cayden felt much more at ease with the suggestion. "Sure, that sounds great!"

"I have to confess, I want to see you before this weekend, can we get together Wednesday?"

Cayden blushed guiltily, as much as she was afraid, she wanted to see Brooke right now, not Wednesday. "That's fine. I'll tell Wade and Jodie."

"I'll meet you at work then. It's a date!" Brooke said happily.

"Yeah." Cayden smiled brightly. "It is."

*  *  *

Brooke hung up the phone, giddy with excitement. She scooped Fred up off of the floor and began jumping up and down on her bed. "I have a date with Cayden! How cool is that?" She stopped jumping when Fred's ears flattened in a panic. "Sorry little buddy, I got carried away." She sat down and smiled at Cayden's almost monosyllabic half of the conversation. "Just got to get her to relax. That should be easy, especially with Wade and Jodie there. She should open up much easier. Jodie tells me Cayden has a really neat sense of humor, I bet I'd like it...I bet you'd like it too." she told the dog, who licked the tip of her nose. "You know something Freddy, I think Cayden is worth all the trouble I'm going through. I just feel it inside... and don't ask me exactly what it is, cuz I don't know. All I know is that its there."

*  *  *

Cayden breathed out a sigh of relief. "That wasn't so bad." She grimaced, suddenly remembering that she offered up Wade without his knowledge. "Shit. That'll cost me." She put on her best guilty smile and went out to face the music.

"What happened? When's the date?" Wade asked expectantly.

Cayden noticed all her pickles were gone and she bit back a scowl in favor of the puppy dog look.

"What?" He asked nervously, "I know that face Cayden. What did you do?"

"The date is Wednesday night and you're invited."

"What? What the heck kind of date is that?"

"You're free Wednesday, right?"

"Yeah but..."

"Good, then you won't mind cooking for all of us then." Cayden said with her best sweet and innocent look.

"All of us?" Wade narrowed his eyes. "Cayden..." he said with a warning in his voice.

"Please Wade! I'll feel so much more comfortable with you and Jodie here." she said, blinking rapidly.

Wade thought about making her beg, but she was trying so hard to look pathetic that he gave in. "Oh alright."

Cayden picked him up out of his chair and began twirling him in circles. "Thank you!"

"I just ate!" He complained.

"That's ok, I cooked, you'll clean."

"You'd make me clean my own puke?"

She put him down and plopped into her chair to finish dinner. "Yep."

"What will I cook?" He asked already rooting through the fridge.

"Small things. Nothing gross looking and nothing I have to chew with my mouth open."

Wade raised an eyebrow. "Such as..."

"Spicy stuff. Anything that requires the intake of air as I chew."

"Ah, gotchya. And no garlic either. This is a date after all." he winked.

"It's not that kind of date." she said around a mouthful of food.

"We'll see."

*  *  *

The next day at work, Cayden could think of nothing else but Wednesday. She wondered what Brooke was going to wear, what Wade was going to cook, if Jodie would behave herself... if there'd be another kiss. Every time she thought about the kiss, her stomach jumped. It would be stupid of her to deny that she had feelings for Brooke, but Cayden was terrified of relationships. Try as they might, no one could figure out why, and Cayden wasn't talking. The last time Jodie tried, Cayden threw up and she didn't want a repeat of that incident so she backed off. Wade and Jodie were at a loss. They knew Cayden better than she knew herself and the fact that they couldn't break this one drove them crazy. They both wanted to see Cayden happy, the poor thing moped around half her life, and they saw the opportunity in Brooke to give their friend that lift. Cayden was fighting it hard though, they were very glad Brooke didn't give up easy.

Cayden turned to the television in hopes of some distraction when she came across Jeff Corwin. The poor guy, good looking as he is and no ass whatsoever. Cayden wasn't one for reptiles as much as things with fur, but somehow Jeff made it easy to get interested and she soon fell deeply into the show.

"You have got to be kidding me. Eyelash Viper? That has to be the lamest scary name in the entire wild kingdom. Oooo, the dreaded eyelash viper... scary...."

Eventually, Jodie popped in, and Cayden grimaced, ready for the tirade.

"Of all the nerve! You purposely waited until I walked out of the house this morning to leave me that message."

The waitress had a hand on her hip and what looked to be a cold refreshing Pepsi in the other. "For me?" Cayden asked.

"Absolutely not." Jodie wagged her finger. "Penny Pingleton you are permanently punished."

"Oh lord, she's quoting Hairspray."

"Okay, I'm over it." Jodie announced, sitting down next to Cayden. "Can I bring a date to your date?"

The tall woman looked at her in horror. "No way!"

"Then what will I do with Angela?" Jodie asked in all seriousness, opening the Pepsi.

"Set her up with Thursday night." Cayden teased.

"I will not! Thursday night is very special." Jodie huffed.

"You are such a slut." The tall woman stared at the can of soda "Are you going to drink that or tease me with it?"

"Ooo, so you're that easy huh?"

"Well, you'd have to do better than that." Cayden chuckled, pointing to the waitress uniform.

"Get over it, I'd have to be Brooke. Speaking of... how'd we arrive at this date?"

"I called Brooke to thank her for taking care of me when I was ... ill."

Jodie silenced Cayden with a raised hand. "WAIT! Stop! You did what?"

"You heard me."

"You thanked her? You?" Jodie asked in disbelief.

Cayden rolled her eyes. "Yes, I did. Denise thought it would be the right thing to do."

"Denise??? I'm lost."

"Oh yeah, we had breakfast, we made out some, then she told me I should call Brooke and thank her. Said it would get us talking."

Both Jodie's eyebrows flew up high. "You went from making out to Brooke?"

"Yeah, it pissed me off too." Cayden agreed.

Jodie sniffed the Pepsi then handed it over to Cayden. "Is this spiked?" she asked of the soda which Cayden happily accepted with a long swig then a loud belch. "Charming."

"Nope. Its good." she said, holding the can away from Jodie. "It's mine now. You gave it to me."

"Cayd, I don't understand, what happened with Denise that led to Brooke?"

Cayden tried to wriggle away the uncomfortable feeling she had recalling the incident with Denise. "Aw, it was nothing, we got carried away, realized it was wrong. That's all."

Jodie sniffled and wiped her eyes with the bottom of Cayden's shirt. "Cayden's all grown up now. Where has the time gone?"

"Hey! You're stretching my shirt!"

Jodie snapped out of it quickly and giggled like a schoolgirl. "So what else happened?"

"I spoke to Brooke's mom." Cayden offered.

"Really? What's she like?"

"She's cool, as far as moms go. Her dad sounds funny though, he was making wisecracks in the background the whole time. She invited me over but didn't say when."

"Are you going to go?" Jodie's eyes bugged out.

"Not sure. Let me get through Wednesday first."

"Oh yes, about that... what body part did you have to sell to Wade to get him to cook?"

"Oddly enough, I didn't even have to beg."

"Wow. He really does like Brooke as much as I do."

"So you guys really think this could all work out on my favor?"

"If you give it half the chance, sure. Why not?" Jodie nodded.

"She's too... she's just too too, ya know?"

"Cayd, since I know you, all you've ever dated were insincere assholes only after your looks, and a few awful blind dates. The only relationship you had was dating the same girl, Anna, for 2 months and we know how that turned out, she left you... OH MY GOD! She left you for a man! Cayden Riley is this what you're so afraid of?" Jodie stood up with her epiphany.

Cayden slunk down in her chair.

Jodie squatted down between Cayden's knees to look her in the eyes. "Are you freaking because you think Brooke's going to leave you for a man?" How the hell did we forget that?

"We aren't even together, how can she leave me?"

"That's it! You know, you can't think every one you are attracted to is going to do that."

"What's stopping her?"

"Cayden, she's different."

"How do you know?" Cayden mumbled.

Jodie thought about it. "Actually, I don't know, but I have a feeling."

"A feeling." Cayden deadpanned.

"Okay, so you can't base everything on my feeling, but Cayd, I've spoken to Brooke much more than you have, Wade too. She genuinely likes you, she wants you and cares about you."

"She hardly knows me for shit sakes." Cayden snorted.

"She feels as if she does. She wouldn't have gone through the shit she has if you we an experiment. Think about it! She totally set herself up for all sorts of hell by confronting you about Grant, confessing she dreams about you... PLUS, she took care of you when you were sick. If she were only interested in one thing, she wouldn't be bothered with you when you were puking."

"She could have felt guilty." Cayden said weakly.

"Think about Anna and how many times she took care of you when you were sick. Zero, none. Brooke already has one up on her."

Cayden pursed her lips in thought. Anna never cared if she was sick, or tired for that matter. She was only interested in sex, now that Cayden thought about it. They never went anywhere or did anything either, just had sex. But Cayden had fallen for her in a big way, and she was scared. She felt only half the things for Anna that she felt with Brooke. "Jo, I really like Brooke, but even so, I don't want to be in a relationship."

"Cayden , you don't know what a relationship is. Learn with Brooke."

"I don't know anyone besides my parents who have been together for a long period of time... happily. Even my parents are bored. They were always bored. They moved to Vegas to have something to do besides sit and look at each other for the rest of their lives."

"Give Brooke a chance."

"I am, aren't I?"

"I don't think so." Jodie said sadly.

"We have a date Wednesday, that's a start. You'll all be there so I don't have to worry about her getting all sexy with me."

"Why would that worry you? She's hot, Cayd! Don't you want her?"

"Hell yeah! But if we have sex, its all over. Then we're connected at the vagina as one entity, and life is never the same. I'll be stupid and drippy at first, 'yes dearing' my way through life, until we get tired of each other and then we're stuck with each other because we don't know any other way."

"Jeez, Cayd, that's a hell of a prediction." Jodie snorted. "You can't be serious. Just how long do you think you can hold out?"

"There will be no sex. At least until I am totally sure she's not playing with me."

Jodie frowned. Poor Brooke.

PART 21

U NLIKE CAYDEN, BROOKE'S day at work had no big revelations and there was no television to distract her. The day was slow. Long and boring, and Brooke was counting the minutes until she could go home. She complained sporadically at the length of the day to Bev, who merely chuckled in response.

"Why are there so many more hours in this day than all the others?" Brooke asked once again.

Bev's disembodied voice wafted into Brooke's cubicle. "Hang in there baby, Wednesday's coming."

"Tomorrow is going to be worse and Wednesday will be torture!" Brooke put her head on the desk and groaned pitifully.

Bev stood up and peered over the divider. "It'll get here I swear. Wednesday has never let me down before." Bev joked.

"It's never coming. I'm going to die from anticipation, I just know it." Brooke whined.

The older woman snickered. "What do your parents make of all this?"

"Are you kidding? They don't know anything about it. They want Cayden all to themselves."

"So you're just going to disappear Wednesday night and hope they don't notice?" Bev asked with a wink.

"Oh shit. I didn't think about that. I can tell them I'm having dinner with some friends."

"That'll work, but they will want to know who with. Trust me, I'm a mother." Bev noted.

"That's easy, Wade and Jodie." The blonde smiled, proud of her answer.

"So, do you know what will be served? How about what you're going to wear?"

"No idea about the food, but apparently Wade's a great cook, so I'm not worried. What to wear though, I'm not sure. Its been so hot and humid lately that I can't even think about too many clothes."

"That'll work in your favor." Bev laughed.

"Hey, there will be other people there." Brooke laughed back

"Yeah, but that won't stop Cayden from looking, will it?"

"Hmm, I suppose not." Brooke smiled evilly. "I may have just the thing to wear." And the perfect bra too.

*  *  *

Cayden slept like a log and felt refreshed and ready for anything. It scared her, because usually when she felt like this, anything did happen. The day started off iffy, as she set the alarm off while opening the store, but after that it was relatively easy. She got a delivery from the supplier, everything was there and in one piece, customers came in steadily with no altercations, and no one peed on the floor.

Cayden was looking forward to Wednesday night with less trepidation and more excitement than she expected. She really couldn't wait to see Brooke, and having the buffers of Wade and Jodie gave her a good, safe feeling about the whole thing. She wasn't ready to be alone with Brooke yet. Brooke made her feel things that frightened and confused her. Her body reacted to the blonde's presence without her permission and she had no control over her hormones. Just recalling the kisses caused her nipples to perk up and that was far more aroused than she could ever remember being from just a kiss. No, the memory of a kiss. It was intense... Brooke was intense and this was all too new for the tall shop keeper.

*  *  *

Mrs. Hewitt put the finishing touches on dinner as she waited for her daughter to get home. Mr. Hewitt sat in his favorite chair, his mouth watering as it did every night at this time. "We're not waiting on the Queen, Harriet, I'm hungry." he complained.

"Just you hush up, we go through this every day. Brooke is part of this house now and we don't sit down to dinner until the whole family is ready." She picked a slice of cucumber out of the salad and brought it to him.

"Brooke told you enough times not to stand on ceremony for her. She doesn't care if I eat without her or not." He took the cucumber and ate it quickly. "Ooo, yeah, now I'm full." he said sarcastically.

"Hold your horses, she should be home any minute." Harriet smiled haughtily as Brooke put her key in the door.

The sound of Fred's toenails tip-tapping on the hardwood floors instantly comforted Brooke and she squatted down to meet the dog as she closed the door. Picking him up and hugging him to her, she accepted his excited little kisses. "Oh, Freddy, you have no idea how good it feels to be home." She stopped and sniffed the air. "Ooo, hey, something smells divine!" She followed her nose into the kitchen. "Hi, ma, hi, dad, what a long day." She sighed and stuck her face in a pot. "Beef stew? Cool!"

Mrs. Hewitt smiled proudly, it was Brooke's favorite. "I haven't made it in a long time. I knew you'd like it. Go get washed and we'll eat."

"Thank god." Bert mumbled.

Brooke turned to the living room. "Hungry daddy?" At his eye roll, she detoured and walked towards him, kissing him on the head. "You know you can start without me."

"Well, tell that to Emily Post in there." He groused.

"Mom, how many times do I have to tell you not to starve daddy?"

"Brooke, what if you suddenly bring company home for dinner, how would it look?" Harriet asked with a hand on her hip.

"It would look a hell of a lot better than that." she pointed to her frowning father, his arms folded across his chest in some sort of pout.

"Thank you!" Bert said, feeling protected.

Brooke washed up and changed out of her work clothes. When she returned, Fred was waiting expectantly by her chair, the smell of beef taunting him all day. She sat down and glanced at her father, and with a nod, they both reached for the salad dressings. By the time Harriet turned around, they were halfway through with their salad.

"Well if you were that hungry you should have said something."

Bert's eyes widened and he looked plaintively at Brooke. "Do you see?"

Brooke snickered and made happy noises as a big bowl of stew was placed beside her. "So, I'm going out to dinner Wednesday night, you can feed daddy on time."

"Oh? Where? Who with?" Harriet asked.

"Just some friends, Jodie and Wade, at Wade's house." Brooke answered, never looking up from her plate.

"Wade and Jodie? I don't think I ever heard you mention them before." Harriet said with a furrowed brow.

"Oh, yeah, well..." Brooke busied herself breaking apart a cube of beef for Fred.

"Harriet, let the girl go in peace."

"I just want to know who they are, is that a crime? Wait... didn't you say Jodie was Cayden's friend? Yes! You did! Will Cayden be there?"

Brooke grimaced, lying wasn't her strong suit. "Yes, Cayden will be there." she admitted reluctantly.

"How nice! So you called her back after all?"

"Well yeah. We decided to have a little ... dinner party." She smiled at her ingenuity.

"That sounds very nice. What do Wade and Jodie do? Where does Wade live?"

"Harriet, leave her be already." Bert warned.

"I'm just asking."

"Wade is in security, and Jodie.. she's in the restaurant business. She goes to school too." Brooke replied carefully.

"How wonderful! Where did you say Wade lives again?" Harriet asked innocently.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "He's Cayden's room mate."

"Really? Is this some sort of double date?"

"No, ma. Its a simple dinner party." Brooke said as boredly as she could.

"Okay, well, you have fun then. " she winked. "And don't forget to remind Cayden she has an open invitation here."

"How can I forget." Brooke commented, earning her a grin from her father.

*  *  *

Cayden groaned languidly as Brooke's nails dug into her scalp. The tall brunette sucked Brooke's nipple slowly, washing her tongue around it lazily, pressing her face deeply into the blonde's soft breast. Cayden teased the other nipple with her fingers, pulling and squeezing the hard flesh, as Brooke squirmed beneath her.

Brooke dragged her nails down Cayden's arms, then up her bare back to return to her head, and tried to push the shop keeper lower. "Cayden," She begged. "Cayden... please... Cayden..."

"CAYDEN!"

The tall woman bolted upright in her bed, eyes wide open and her heart beating furiously. "Oh my god..." she mumbled in disbelief.

"Holy cow, I've been trying to wake you up forever." Wade complained.

"Wow." Cayden scrubbed her hands over her face and threw off the covers.

"Comatose much Cayden?"

"They're taunting me in my sleep now too!" She cried in dismay.

"Huh?"

"Brooke's breasts! They've crept into my subconscious now!" She closed her eyes and whined.

Wade chuckled. "Cayden had a dirty dream" he sang.

"It wasn't dirty." she corrected.

"Oh pardon me, Cayden had a titty dream." he sang again.

"Wade! This never happened to me before! I mean, yeah, I've dreamt about things like this, but wow.. it was so real! I can still feel it.. feel them in my..." Cayden shook her head and growled, sitting on the side of the bed. "This is so bad."

Wade smiled and sat down next to her. "It depends on how you look at it."

"It's bad." Cayden confirmed. "I don't want to be dreaming those things! How will In look at her? I'm trying not to think of sex with Brooke, and here I am dreaming up... that!"

Wade rubbed his friend's back, he was glad she was being so open with him for a change. "You'll look at her like you always do. Cayd, what's wrong with thinking about sex? Brooke sure is sexy." He said, trying to ease her distress.

"I don't want it to be in the front of my mind every time I see her. I don't want to rush into sex with her. I don't even know if I want to get serious with her yet!"

Wade laughed. "Oh, Cayden, don't you have a clue?"

"About what?" she asked defensively.

"You don't have any control over it. For those of us on the outside looking in, its already serious. How much so and how quickly it gets there is up to you, but Cayd, don't fight it so hard."

Cayden sat silently for a few second, shook her head, grimaced, then stood up. "I'm going to take a shower."

Wade watched her go. Maybe I shouldn't have told her.

*  *  *

Brooke stood under the cool shower spray with a shit-eating grin on her face. She replayed the last few minutes of her dream over and over in her head. She love these dreams. In them, Cayden was a fantastically sweet lover. These dreams were graphic and vivid... Technicolor images of what was to come, and Brooke could hardly wait.

*  *  *

"Hey, so you think Brooke's going to wear pants or shorts?" Cayden asked, wondering what she herself was going to wear.

Jodie stopped playing with the doggie toy and came over to her friend. "Jeans. Tight, faded, worn out old jeans." she replied dreamily.

Cayden frowned. "I didn't ask you what you want her to wear, Jo."

"Well, definitely not a skirt. I don't see her in a dress or skirt." Jodie thought hard. "Not even a skirt... or culottes."

"Culottes? Jo!" Cayden started laughing loudly.

Jodie looked offended. "They were in once, you know."

Cayden laughed louder. "Culottes? My grandma used to wear those... navy blue with big white dots!" she sputtered. "Oh god, I just pictured Brooke in those..." The tall woman was hysterical.

Jodie too pictured Brooke in navy blue culottes with big white dots and she couldn't control her laughter either.

"Oh Jo... that was good." Cayden slowed her laughter. "I needed that." She wiped her eyes.

"My pleasure." Jo snickered. "Anyway, back to the real question, what will you wear?"

Cayden scrunched up her face. "I don't know. Maybe my blue culottes." she broke into another fit of laughter.

"Okay, I get the hint. I'll pick out your outfit." Jodie said with a smile.

Cayden's eyes widened. "Oh no you don't! I can choose my own clothes thank you. I'll wear jeans and a T shirt."

"The faded 501's and your black tank top please."

Cayden lifted her eyebrow. "That tank top is too tight to be worn in mixed company." she reminded Jo.

"Exactly. Hey, it wouldn't kill you to look hot."

"Why? She already wants me and she seen me throw up."

"Jeez Cayd, give her a better image than that to fantasize about."

Cayden became flustered and tried not to choke on her own saliva. "She doesn't fantasize about me, Jo."

"Oh no? I disagree. She dreams about you, and she says your name in her sleep. She told you that much. What makes you think she doesn't do it when she's conscious?"

This talk about dreaming and fantasizing brought Cayden's own dream into mind and she blushed darkly.

Jodie wiggled her eyebrows. "Hot isn’t it? To think someone wants you so bad that they..."

Cayden hurriedly covered Jodie's mouth. "No! Don't go there."

"Since when are you so shy about sex?" At the shopkeepers embarrassed shrug Jodie gasped. "Cayd! You do it too!" Jo got so excited at her revelation she jumped up and down and clapped.

Cayden cleared her throat and her ears turned beet red.

"You do! You fantasize about Brooke!" The waitress shouted the information, then did some sort of crazy victory dance.

"JO!"

"God you two are pathetic." Jodie snickered. "Hey, I know, why don't you do it together? That'll cut right through the awkward stage."

"JO!" Cayden stomped her foot and shook her head violently, trying to dispel the images that Jodie's suggestion brought to mind.

"Don't poo poo the idea Cayd. You don't want to have sex with the woman, yet you do it to yourself with her in mind. This way, you won't have to actually touch each other.. ooo, think of the future fantasy material you can get from that!"

"Okay! That's it! Just how did we get from culottes to joint wanking? Enough of the subject." Cayden demanded, although the thought would haunt her long after the subject was closed.

Jodie held up her hands. "Alright, suit yourself, but the seed has been planted. My work is done."

Cayden groaned. Indeed.

*  *  *

Brooke dialed half the numbers into the phone, then shut it off. She stared at the business card, turned on the phone and repeated the same process. Finally, taking a deep breath, she punched in all 10 numbers and closed her eyes.

"Fuzzy Belly Deli."

Brooke was flustered. "Who's this?"

"I don't know, I can't see you." Jodie responded with a snicker.

"Jodie?" Brooke asked hesitantly.

"Brooke?"

"Yeah," the blonde sighed in relief. "You totally confused me, I was all psyched up for Cayden."

"Couldn't wait for Wednesday?" Jo asked with a knowing smile.

"No." the blonde confessed. "Do you think she'll mind?"

"Not at all! She'll be thrilled, but she's not here." Jodie sighed.

"She's gone for the day?" Brooke wondered.

"She'll be back, she said she needed new underwear for Wednesday night."

Brooke's eyes widened. "Really?"

Jodie snickered. "Nah, I'm just teasing. Actually she's a little nervous. How about you?"

"More than I expected. I wonder why that is?"

"Hmm. Sorry, I can't help you there." The waitress shrugged. "So, what are you planning on wearing?"

" I dunno. Jeans and a t-shirt I guess. What's Cayden wearing?"

"I'm trying to get her to dress in something flattering, ya know, give you a little eye candy." Jodie said with an audible grin.

"God Jo, don't kill me! I saw her once in cut-off shorts, pulling down the gates and I haven't been the same since." Brooke said, the picture coming in loud and clear as she spoke..

"No denying she's one hot piece of woman flesh, that's for sure. She hates to flaunt it though, it's got her in trouble in the past. You know, superficial women and all that. Cayden is much more than the sum of her parts."

"I can sympathize. Since I started roller blading again, I've been hit on in seven different languages including ASL." Brooke recalled.

"Brooke, I can't say I blame them. You are fine."

The blonde blushed. "Thank you. So she's really nervous?"

"Not terrible, but yeah. I think she feels safe knowing you two won't be alone. She's really looking forward to seeing you, but she's also afraid of you hon." Jo confessed for Cayden.

"She needs to get over that. I don't know what ever happened to her, but she needs to be convinced I'm not an asshole." Brooke said with a little irritation.

"Oh no! She doesn't think you're an asshole, she's just had a really bad time of dating. You'll have to go easy on her, that's all."

"Hey, am I right to assume she's got sexual hang-ups?" Brooke wondered.

Jodie laughed. "It would seem like that huh, but no, she's got no skeletons in her underwear. Its you Brooke, your tits have hypnotic qualities. You have the power, use it wisely Grasshopper."

Brooke laughed. "She does have a thing for them. Hmmm."

"Yes." Jodie replied.

"Yes? I never asked a question." Brooke chuckled.

"I know what you were thinking, and yes, wear the bra."

"You think it will be ok? I mean with the power and everything. She won't go pie-eyed and bark every time someone rings a bell?" Brooke joked.

Jo laughed, picturing Cayden barking. "I'd give anything to see that!"

Brooke giggled too. "Alright then, I'll wear the Wonderbra. What else, jeans are ok right?"

"Anything will be fine, except culottes."

"Culottes? Jodie! Where would you even get the idea that I would have culottes?" Brooke asked with surprised laughter.

"Just ruling them out is all." She replied with her own laugh.

"You're nuts."

"I've been told. I can't wait for tomorrow night! Want me to tell Cayden you called?"

"Better not, she'll think we talked about her. Thanks for the talk Jo, you're the best." Brooke smiled.

"My pleasure hon. See ya tomorrow!

*  *  *

Cayden returned to the shop to find Jo in an animated conversation with Butch. Anna Nicole, his overweight Shih-Tzu waddled around the shop untethered, in danger of roaming over to the cookies and eating away profit.

"Hey Butch, ya know I prefer leashes." Cayden reminded him.

"Hi Cayden, bad mood today?" He asked, running around to chase after Anna Nicole.

"Don't mind her, she has a big date tomorrow." Jodie said, rolling her eyes at Cayden's glare.

"Oh really?" Butch finally caught his fat dog and made an unattractive noise lifting her. "God I think I pulled a testicle."

Jodie snickered and Cayden grimaced.

"Soooo, tall, mean and scary, is she cute? Where did you meet her? Is she rich?"

The shop keeper narrowed her eyes at Jodie and sighed heavily. "Yes, here, and I have no clue about her financial status."

Butch and Jodie shook their heads.

"She a fount of knowledge huh?" Butch complained.

"Ooo, her name is Brooke, she's totally hot and has a body to die for. I don't know if she's rich, but she lives with her parents and they live right around here so that says something."

"Oh, a babe with family money!" Butch squealed. "Does she have a brother?"

"Ya know, I don't know." Jodie said with a frown, then looked to Cayden.

"I don't know either." She said, turning on the television.

"Don't you care?" Jodie asked with an incredulous look.

Cayden shrugged. "I like Brooke, not her money or her siblings."

Butch's mouth fell open. "Oh honey, I know everything there is to know before anything happens. What if they have a serial killer in the family? What if they're drunks? What if her sister is cuter than she is?"

Cayden rolled her eyes, and continued to watch TV, having no interest in the conversation.

"Jodie, teach her the rules." Butch said, hefting Anna Nicole to the other arm with another sound of pain. "Well, thanks for the food, I hope she likes it. Cayden, you have a great time on the date and remember, safety first!"

The shopkeeper grunted and waved.

"She's a wonderful conversationalist when she's in a mood." Butch commented. "Ok Jo, thanks for the food, I hope she eats it."

"She should, she really needs to lose weight." She watched as he left the shop and laughed once he did. His florescent green shorts riding deeply into his butt. "Did you see that?"

"I try hard not to look. You now it wouldn't kill him to wear drawers, what if he has a wet fart?" Cayden wondered.

Jodie scrunched up her face in disgust. "Oh Cayden, that's pure grossicity."

"But what if? He should have a big ole wet greenie, that would teach him a lesson."

"Cayden, you're grossing me out!" she squirmed around with the willies.

The shop keeper laughed. "Good, its payback for telling Butch all about my date.

"Oh please, who's he gonna tell? By the next time he comes in here, Anna Nicole will have done something brilliant and he'll forget all about the date."

"You better hope so. While I was out, I saw this really cool sale on navy blue culottes. You may want to run out and get several pair."

"Dry up." Jodie said, smacking Cayden on the shoulder. "Am I ever sorry I brought that up." She chuckled. "So, speaking of, are you going to wear the tank top?"

"Nope, I was thinking about wearing shorts though. If I wear that tank I'll feel naked. Probably a plain old T shirt."

"The cut-offs?" Jodie asked in excitement.

"Maybe." The shop keeper shrugged. "You think I should? They're kind of ratty."

"Oh definitely. Wear them." Jo insisted.

"Alright. I just wish I knew what Brooke was wearing, I'll be kind of casual and I don't want her to be uncomfortable."

"Trust me, the cut-offs are fine. If you're so worried, call Brooke and tell her to dress casual." The waitress suggested.

"Hmm. Maybe I will. You think I should? I mean, I'll see her tomorrow and all."

"Don't worry, I think she'd love to hear from you. She's probably wondering what to wear anyway."

"Cool, then maybe I will."

Jodie smiled happily.

PART 22

C AYDEN STOPPED FOR a chicken cutlet hero on her way home, she knew Wade wouldn't be home for dinner and planned on eating in the living room in front of the TV. Cayden liked eating over the coffee table much better than on the floor in her room, and she took advantage of it when she could. She was glad Wade would be out, she didn't feel like talking to anyone right now. This usually happened when she was nervous, or something was bothering her, and in this case, it was both. Cayden wasn't much of a phone person, and she was planning on calling Brooke. She wasn't sure that she could. She didn't know what to say, and was afraid she'd get Brooke's mother again. For now, Cayden wanted to forget about the phone call, and eat in peace. She was looking forward to the Pet Psychic to help her zone out. She wasn't sure the woman was legit, but she was bound to get absorbed quickly.

*  *  *

Brooke was hiding in her room, escaping her parents and their sudden need to play Trivial Pursuit. Brooke ran quickly when the evil blue box appeared. She hated playing that game with her parents. Her mother hardly knew any answers and, her father knew them all and was quite smug about it, which left Harriet pouting and insisting on a 2 pie-piece handicap. Brooke was usually the determining vote on whether her mother got away with it or not, and she always gave in, receiving a scowl from her father. She was certain he made up all of her questions after that. Even in her room, she could feel her mother pouting already.

*  *  *

La La stood with his back legs on the couch, and his front paws on Cayden's leg, kneading it, digging his nails into her as he inhaled the aroma of cutlet. The shop keeper felt guilty as she bit into the sandwich, knowing the orgasmic bliss that just one little piece of chicken would invoke in the cat. He was purring like a motorboat, and would have made several loaves of bread had their been dough on her leg. "Quit making biscuits out of my skin and you'll get some chicken." La La Bird's nails continued to dig into her bare leg. She shooed him off, and he ran around to her other leg to repeat the process. "Okay fatty fatty two by four, here." She tore off a piece of chicken and tossed it across the room. She couldn't help but laugh out loud watching his fat ass sway as he ran for it. Staring back at the TV, she sighed. "Sonya thinks she can talk to animals La La, wanna go and chat with the woman?" The cat burped. "No really. I bet you have a dirty mouth, we can go to the show, and you can swear a blue streak. That'll teach her. You can tell her about that time you jumped into the bath with Daddy and landed on his wing-ding." She snickered at the memory of Wade running through the house, naked and wet, screaming about how it was mauled. "Yeah, I'd like to see her work that into a reading." Cayden looked back at the TV and got reabsorbed by the show as she finished her dinner, La La standing vigil over every bite.

*  *  *

Back at the Hewitt house, the game was well under way and Brooke thought it safe to go get a drink. As she passed her parents, she noticed her father gloating, and her mother pouting. "Why do you insist on playing that game? What's wrong with checkers or Poker?" She asked from the kitchen.

"I like the game." Bert replied as he moved his piece. "Ooo, history! Go on Harriet, ask me."

"I don't like this game," she complained, "Brooke's right, let's play checkers."

Brooke snickered and hung around the table to watch them play. Of course her father got his question right. She stifled a chuckle as her mother landed on geography.

"The capitol of what?" Harriet asked, perplexed. "That's not a country."

The phone rang and Brooke reached for it absently, enjoying her parents. "Hello."

"Hey." Brooke almost choked on her water. "Cayden!"

"Yeah," The shopkeeper breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad its you, and not your mom."

"Is that Cayden dear? Ask her if there's an Uzbekistan."

Cayden snickered. "Uzbekistan?"

"Yeah, they're playing Trivial Pursuit and mom is sure dad's making up countries."

"And if its real..." Harriet added, "What's the capitol?"

"Harriet! That's cheating!" Bert protested.

"Sounds like fun." Cayden joked.

"Oh yeah, a regular blast." Brooke agreed with a giggle.

"Well?" Harriet asked Brooke.

"Mom, leave Cayden alone."

"Yes Harriet, leave her alone." Bert smiled, knowing his wife had no idea.

"No, it's alright. Uzbekistan is a country."

"Yeah?" Brooke asked. "So what's the capitol?" She dared.

"Tashkent."

Brooke took the phone away from her ear and stared at it.

"Well, what did she say?" Mrs. Hewitt wondered.

"It's real." Brooke said still surprised. "Tashkent is the capitol."

"That's not fair!" Bert complained.

"Thank you Cayden, darling." Harriet said with a grin as she added a little triangle to her pie.

"She's right?" Brooke asked wide-eyed.

"I watch the Travel Channel alot." Cayden explained.

"You must." Brooke said, proud that Cayden knew the capitol of Uzbekistan. "What else do you know?" she asked playfully.

Cayden snickered. "The women in Tashkent have long hair and they wear it in skinny braids, they have really cool palaces, they're Muslims...."

"No shit! You know this stuff for real?"

"Yep. It was on one day, I watched it and it stuck with me." Cayden shrugged.

"Cool!" Brooke smiled. Cayden was smart, she was probably great at Trivial Pursuit too. She shivered thinking of a game with her parents and Cayden and changed the subject in her head. "So what's up?"

"Oh, nothing really, just that, I was wondering, um, what time are you going to get to the shop tomorrow?"

"I get out of work at 5, I may come straight to you, I may run home and change, it all depends. What are you wearing by the way?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing. Casual. Are you wearing shorts or jeans? She asked shyly.

"Jeans. I don't know what kind of top yet, maybe a tank top if it's still Africa hot. I couldn't wear that to work though, no matter how hot it is. You're lucky, you can wear whatever you want." Brooke pouted.

"I guess, but I usually don't wear anything too skimpy, I hate when they stare at my boobs."

"You can't really blame them Cayden." Brooke blurted out before she could stop herself.

Cayden blushed and chuckled. "Its not so bad when you say it."

Brooke gathered herself after that embarrassing moment. "So, anyway, now you know what I'm going to wear, what can I look forward to?"

"I don't know. Jodie tells me to wear shorts, but I may go for jeans too. Jo is trying to instigate something.

"Shorts wouldn't be so bad." Brooke said with a sly grin.

"Hmm. Only if you wear them too."

"Okay, deal."

"Brooke, dear, ask Cayden when they took down the Berlin Wall. "

"Mom!"

"1989." Cayden chuckled.

Brooke laughed. "1989, now leave her alone."

"Honey, why don't you invite Cayden over to play with us one evening?"

"Cayden is not coming here to play games with you, now shoo!" Brooke waved her hand at her mother. "Cayden, you really know your stuff."

"I'm a TV junkie, stuff sticks with me. I have an endless fount of useless bullshit."

"I see." Brooke smiled. "I like that you're smart. When I can get you to talk it should be interesting."

"Yeah, well." Cayden blushed.

Brooke sensed the tall woman's discomfort. "Okay, so I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yep, tomorrow."

*  *  *

Cayden hung up the phone and sighed. It wasn't so bad talking to Brooke at all. It was kinda fun actually, and she wondered how it would be if they were face to face. She thought about their deal to wear shorts. I wonder what kind of shorts she's going to wear... I hope they're not tight, and short. I'll go crazy. I bet they will be. She'll definitely do that to me on purpose, to torture me. Well touche. I'll wear my cut offs and my black tank top and play just as dirty. That tank top is relentless....

*  *  *

Cayden didn't sleep as well as she wanted to. She woke up a few time during the night and was harassed by the BowFlex commercial each time. She began having dreams about the machine, and of course, Brooke was featured prominently. Half dressed and sweaty, the blonde stood over Cayden, forcing her to do reps... the tease of Brooke's musky, shiny body, inches away. Cayden awoke in the morning, sleepy, and horny, and from the second she opened her eyes, began counting down the hours until 6.

It was already hot and humid as Cayden exited the subway, another New York City summer day. She threw caution to the wind and joined the line of impatient, well dressed people in Starbucks and ordered herself a grande cup of something with 5 names. It sounded interesting, and tasted pretty good. There was enough caffeine and sugar in it to wake a small army, and it was just what she needed.

The shopkeeper turned on the air conditioner and waited for it to cool off in the store. While she stood in the silence, and sipped her trendy coffee she thought back to her dreams. She got a little nervous. If Brooke could arouse her that much in a dream, what could she do in short, tight shorts, standing in front of her? Cayden closed her eyes and mentally braced herself. The less she thought about the subject, the better she would be. Besides, the concoction she was drinking began kicking in and she was ready to start the day.

*  *  *

Bev waited for Brooke to get in and when she did she jumped in front of her. "Well? Today's the big day? Are you alright?"

"Depends, if you mean did I sleep last night, not really. If you mean did I dream about her last night, yes."

"Judging from the look on your face, those dreams are getting better and better."

"You ain't kidding. It's a wonder I can look her in the eye at all." Brooke said with a blush. "She called last night."

"Really? What happened?" Bev asked with a big smile

"It was great." Brooke recalled with a grin. "She surprised me. There's a lot of brains in that sexy head. I like her even more now."

"That's just wonderful! She's smart and she's pretty."

"Tell me about it. Just knowing she can carry on a decent conversation about anything in general excites me. I like that I can learn from her, however trivial the things may be, like the capitol of Uzbekistan." Brooke grinned.

"I'm not even going to ask." Bev said with a confused look. "I'm just glad that you discovered another side of Cayden, and that it makes you happy."

"Very happy. After Grant, you have no idea how refreshing that is."

*  *  *

Cayden was fairly busy at work, the idle chatter with the customers kept her occupied until she noticed the time. Her belly knotted up and she made a silly face. Ugh. I just got horny and sick at the same time. Where the hell was Jo all day? Didn't she know I could have used her silliness? Cayden took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. Ahhh, much better. Now it's time for Trading Spaces. She concentrated on the television, her belly slowly righted itself and she smiled. The bell above the door jingled and she glanced up, knowing it was just a little too early for Brooke. She became panicked, then slid down in her chair. Jesus H Christ, why today?

"ANGEL SWEETHEART! My wonderful Cayden!" Mrs. Ida Friedman did a rapid two-step towards the counter.

"Hello, Ida. What brings you here on such a brutal day?"

"It's the fifteenth, Dumpling! I told you I'd be here to pay for the indestructible cat toys! An old woman I may be, but I always keep my word. You could drop dead waiting for some people but NOT ME!" She shouted the last two words, jumped up and down, then twirled in glee, knocking her bright green hat askew.

Cayden swallowed hard and looked at the clock. 5:30. Ida was in a talkative mood, which meant she'd never leave before Brooke arrived. Fantastic. That'll be twice Brooke has to be subjected to Ida.

"How do you like my hat darling?" Ida leaned forward and whispered, suddenly adopting a British accent. "I had to buy it." She took several deep breaths, wiped the corners of her eyes with her pinkies, lifted one foot, then continued. "I'll tell you why." Ida seemed to be composing herself, she closed her eyes then talked slowly and calmly. "I went to the new Supercuts, there was a coupon in the Marketeer, so I cut it out and took it with me and asked for a trim for $9.99. WELL!" she suddenly shouted, making Cayden jump. "This is what they call a TRIM!" She tore the hat off, then hit herself in the head with it several times.

Cayden blinked rapidly, trying hard not to crack a grin. Even if Ida had a good haircut, the hat head, combined with a healthy dose of static made her look hilarious.

"How can I walk around like this?" She waved the hat around in circles over her head, pretended to cry, feigned chest pains, the threw herself onto a chair. "ANGEL!"

"IDA!"

"Do you recall my Olive Oil had that urinary tract infection, OH it was so horrible, the PAIN she was in! SO! I started to use cranberry powder I got from the herbalist, darling you know all doctors are evil, don't give them a penny of your money, I'll give you my herbalists card, well anyway..." Ida stood up and licked her lips a few times, "Wouldn't you know her PH is fine!" She laughed loudly. "Those doctors didn't know what they were talking about with their pills and their tests. They're devils and only want a poor old woman's money, if I let them they'd milk me dry, AND THEN WHERE WOULD I BE?" Ida stomped her golash covered feet and stuck out her chin. "NO MORE! Doctors are the devils darling." she said with a chuckle.

Cayden watched as Ida primped the big flower on her hat before taking pains at putting it on her head properly. The eccentric old woman clapped her hands together, looked up at the ceiling and wailed.

"OH I LOVE MY BABIES MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF!" Ida began sobbing uncontrollably.

*  *  *

Brooke worked distractedly for most of the day, excited and unable to sit still. She couldn't even finish a decent game of solitaire on her computer. Her decision to forego lunch was catching up to her and she was starting to feel hungry. She peeked her head over the cubicle and watched Bev pick at some chips with longing. "I'm hungry." She announced.

Bev handed Brooke the bag of chips and laughed. "First you're too nervous to eat and now your hungry. Typical."

"Hey, I'm allowed." Brooke said with a giggle as she crunched some chips. "Mmm, these are good."

Bev nodded. "They're my favorite, chips are comfort food."

"Yeah, when you can't get to the meatloaf and mashed potatoes." Brooke inhaled some more chips then suddenly stopped chewing. "Oh my god! These are barbecue!"

"Mesquite Barbecue." Bev corrected.

"My breath!"

"Oh, brush those teeth and you'll be fine."

"What if I burp or something?"

Bev laughed. "Calm down honey."

Brooke blew on her hand and smelled her breath. "Ew, great. Do you have any Listerine?"

"Just eat the chips and relax." Bev said with a soft smile.

Brooke groaned. "Its too late now anyway." She stuffed more chips in her mouth.

"Look, its 4, one more hour!" Bev announced happily.

Brooke put the bag down and frowned. "I'm not hungry any more."

"Nerves, you'll be fine." She noticed Brooke pick up a big bag from under her desk and surmised it was her clothes for the date. "Where are you going?"

"I'm sneaking out early, I'm going to get changed."

Bev promptly followed the blonde to the ladies room. Brooke emerged from the bathroom in lycra shorts and a sports bra, the big bag slung over her shoulder. "You're wearing that to a date!?" Bev asked loudly and in shock.

Brooke jumped out of her skin. "BEV! You scared me half to death! "

Bev stared openly. "Tell me you're not wearing this to dinner."

Brooke pretended to be hurt, watching Bev's eyes widen. Then she laughed. "No, I'm roller blading home," she patted the big bag, "I need to get rid of the nervous energy." Bev relaxed and released a loud breath. Brooke began laughing. "You should have seen your face!"

"Honey, it's not that you don't look good, you look fabulous, but ...I can't believe I thought you were wearing this." she blushed.

"Just think, I'll be all pumped and sinewy for the date. " Brooke winked.

"Trollop."

Brooke giggled. "And don't you forget it."

*  *  *

Cayden rolled her eyes and fished a tissue out of the drawer. She presented it to the hysterical woman, hoping she'd eventually pay and get out quickly. "Ida, I know you love your cats and they saved your life. How did they like the balls?"

Ida jumped up and down with excitement, stepping out of a golash and threw her hands over her head. "My babies LOVED them!" she declared. "Cupcake Junior, not Senior, plays and plays!" the crazy old woman laughed uproariously. "It's WONDERFUL! You should see them! Why don't you come over to tea, keep an old woman company? Oh you're a godsend! You should sprout wings and fly away!"

*  *  *

Harriet ran to the door as Brooke came in. "Honey! You're all red and sweaty!" she said with obvious concern.

"Yeah mom, it's a million degrees out." Brooke just wanted to get under the cool shower.

"Quick, come into the kitchen and drink something. I have iced tea." Harriet pushed Brooke to the kitchen.

"Ma! I'm okay, I just want to go take a shower!"

"Bert, talk to your daughter, tell her it's not healthy to be out in this heat with her rolling skates."

"Roller blades, Harriet." Bert leaned forward in his chair. "Brooke, at least drink something, make your mother happy."

"Fine, give me a drink." Brooke put down her skates and marched like a pouty child to the table.

Harriet beamed as her daughter drank. "There, now isn't that much better?"

"Much. Now may I go shower? I reek."

Harriet frowned. "Yes, go shower, a lady shouldn't smell.

*  *  *

Brooke checked herself out in the mirror a final time and was satisfied with her appearance. "Okay, now to pass through the living room without incident." She held her chin high as she walked directly towards her keys. "I'm going." she announced.

"Brooke!" Mrs. Hewitt exclaimed in shock. "That's not what you're wearing to a Dinner Party!"

Brooke rolled her eyes and turned to face her mother. "It's not formal or anything."

"What will the other couple think?"

"They're not a couple, besides, Cayden's wearing shorts too."

"Bert, look at your daughter."

Mr. Hewitt glanced up at Brooke and his eyes widened. "There you go with those again!"

Brooke looked down at her chest. "Daddy, they go everywhere with me. I grew them and I intend to keep them."

"Don't be fresh with your father." her mother scolded.

"Sorry, daddy."

"You should be ashamed." Harriet wagged a finger and tsk'd. "You fibbed."

"What?" Brooke asked in defense.

"There is no Dinner Party young lady, you're going to Cayden's house dressed like that for other reasons." Harriet narrowed her eyes.

Brooke reddened. "No." she said guiltily.

"I for one, would never wear shorts to a dinner party, OR a Wonderbra."

"You don't own a Wonderbra." Bert interjected.

"You shush." Mrs. Hewitt warned. "Cayden is dressing like that too?"

"Yes, ma."

"Well, I suppose you do look sexy if that's what you're going for."

"Exactly." Brooke admitted.

Harriet cracked a grin." Then you'll be fine."

"Thank you mom. Can I go now?"

"Yes. Bert, tell her to have a good time."

"I'll do no such thing!" He huffed. "There's only one kind of good time to be had with those in a frame, and I don't condone it."

"Daddy, it's not an orgy or anything, it's a friendly get together."

"Friendly my foot! I know what you're doing." He said with a scowl.

"Daddy, I'm a big girl!" Brooke argued.

"Oh, everyone can see that."

"Bert." Harriet pursed her lips and shot him a look. "Don't you trust her?"

"Yeah, Daddy?"

"Well, yes I do but...."

"No buts. Go, have a good time, Dear." Harriet kissed Brooke on the cheek.

Brooke went over and hugged her father and he squirmed and grumbled. "Thanks mom, love you daddy."

Bert scowled as the door closed. "Damn near suffocated me with those things."

Harriet rolled her eyes. "I thought you liked Cayden."

"I do, what I know of her, but Harriet!" He whined.

"Bert, she's not a virgin you know."

Mr. Hewitt threw his hands in the air and made a disgusted noise.

His wife just nodded and smiled. "Really, you know."

"That's not the point!"

"Yes, it is. She looks sexy and it disturbs her daddy."

"Perhaps. I don't want to be thinking those things."

"So don't. Tell her she looks nice and look away."

"Did you see her?" he pointed to the spot Brooke was last standing.

"Yes, Honey, if she and Cayden become a couple, you can't treat her like that."

"Yeah, yeah." he scowled even harder.

"You'll be alright Sweetheart."

*  *  *

Cayden groaned outright as the door opened and Brooke walked in. Ida in her dementia, ran to Brooke, arms flailing and laughed in glee.

"Isn't she an ANGEL FROM GOD?"

Brooke raised both eyebrows and nodded. "Oh yes."

"I keep telling her HE will come down from heaven and bless her with wings!"

The blonde grinned and turned to Cayden who looked as if she wanted to disappear.

"Ida, so you came to pay for the toys?"

"YES! 3 dollars! The Balls! Did I tell you how my babies LOVE them? OH! A better toy I'll never find!"

Ida began weeping again, but with a few dance steps and a large inhale, composed herself. She fished around dramatically in her wicker pocketbook.

Cayden gave Brooke a pained look, but Brooke couldn't hide her amusement at the woman wearing one yellow rain boot and a bright green hat with a giant flower on it.

"Yes darling, it's in here, I just have to find it. OH!" she pulled out a toothbrush. "I got this at the drug store, two for a dollar! Can you believe it? It's the good kind too... with the raised bristle. Do you change your toothbrush often sweetie, you should you know..."

Cayden fought the urge to scream. She looked over at Brooke and her eyes narrowed. Brooke looked way too good to waste on Ida.

"HERE!" Ida screamed, carefully counting the three dollars repeatedly, pulling them often to make sure they were indeed real, and then placed them neatly next to each other on the counter. "Three dollars exactly!" She turned to Brooke again and grabbed her by the cheeks. "Oh! What a sheina punim on this one!"

Now it was Cayden's turn to grin as Brooke's eyes widened.

"Such a beautiful face! Are you a model dear? I used to be a model you know, I was a famous singer with the opera too!"

Cayden began shaking her head wildly. "No, Ida, don't you have to get home to..."

Too late, Ida Friedman burst into song.

Brooke was impressed. "That's wonderful." she told the woman.

"Thank you sweetheart. Are you a friend of Cayden, my angel?"

"Yes, and we're planning on having dinner with a few friends in a little bit."

"OH! I'm keeping you lovely women from eating! Goodness! I better leave you now so you can eat! I don't want to overstay my welcome! Cayden, honey sweetie, love, you think about coming to my house for some tea!" Ida pinched Cayden's cheeks and with a large pirouette, turned to leave.

"Oh, don't want to forget this." Brooke pointed to the forgotten boot.

"Where would my head be if it weren't attached to my body?" Ida cackled hysterically as she replaced her boot. She then began singing at the top of her lungs as she left the store.

Cayden groaned and covered her face.

"So, hello there angel." Brooke teased. You ready to blow this taco stand?"

"Oh yeah, in a heartbeat." Cayden agreed. "Thanks for disposing of Ida, how did you do that anyway?"

Brooke snickered. "It's a gift."

Cayden looked the blonde up and down and decided she had quite a few gifts.

PART 23

W ADE GOT HOME early, meeting Jodie at the apartment. They cleaned everything spotless, including the litter box, putting trendy new "pearls" in it to look chic. La La wasn't impressed and as soon as the two stopped admiring the shiny pearls, he christened them.

The two friends set the table, argued about music and cooked dinner with a minimum of disasters. There was a slight altercation during the peeling of some tiny potatoes, and a dish towel caught on fire, but other than that it was smooth sailing.

"Jo, put the flowers on the table."

"Ooo, flowers, how gay!" Jo declared, smelling them.

"Gerber Daisies are not gay. Now Tulips... I'd question Tulips." Wade argued.

Jodie did as she was told, then rearranged the candles for the hundredth time. "Wade, I don't like this candle," she said, holding up a big yellow one. "Vanilla doesn't go with Salmon and roasted potatoes."

"We're not going to light that one. It's pretty and we're candle deprived. If someone didn't feel the need to hole up in her room and brood by candle light we'd have a bigger selection."

"Well, lets hope Brooke adds some light to her otherwise dark existence." Jodie said with a dramatic air.

"Oh, please, she's not a Fellini movie. She's a brooder, not irreversibly maudlin."

"It sounded deep." Jodie joked. "Okay, Salmon?"

Wade peeked into the broiler. "Check!"

"Potatoes?"

Wade took the tray out of the oven. "Check, and they're all crispy brown too."

"Salad?" Jodie questioned.

"Coming along smoothly." He held up half a cucumber and a knife and Jodie hung her head in sadness. "What just happened?"

"He looks like Pete."

Wade looked at the cucumber in puzzlement. "Pete?"

Jodie sported an evil smile. "Yeah, Pete was my best friend that weekend I ran out of batteries."

Wade gasped. "Jodie! That is so cruel! You know how I feel about vaginas and food!" He stomped his foot and pouted.

Jodie snickered. "You have nothing to worry about. Pete was a loyal friend but his time on this earth was brief."

"You're disgusting. I'm ignoring you."

"Fine, ignore me, so I won't tell you that Cayden and Brooke should be here any minute."

"What?" Wade dropped the cucumber and ran into his room. "I'm not dressed yet!"

Jodie laughed and finished making the salad.

*  *  *

"You look... great." Cayden said with a shy grin, unable to tear her eyes away from Brooke's chest.

"Thank you, I thought you'd appreciate them." Brooke said with a giggle.

Cayden turned pink and cleared her throat nervously. "I'm sorry, it's just that they're.. you know..."

Brooke patted the tall woman on the arm. "It's okay, feel free." SCORE!

So, I have to close the shop, so you want to help?" Cayden asked, changing the subject. Fishing for the keys would give her something else to concentrate on.

"I don't think I can reach the gate, you'll have to pull that down." Brooke said innocently, yet her heart sped up in anticipation of Cayden squatting.

"Well then, I'm going to turn off the lights and when I do, run outside unless you want a repeat of the last time."

Brooke chuckled. "No thanks. I'll go now to avoid that scene. My ears are still ringing from the last time."

Cayden watched Brooke's ass intently as she walked away. Her mouth watered and she took a deep breath. Calm down or you'll never make it through dinner.

With the alarm set, Cayden ran outside and Brooke's eyes stayed riveted to the tall woman as she pulled down the gate and squatted to put on the locks. The blonde smiled wolfishly as she stared. Oh, yeah... those thighs are irresistible. I could die to feel that skin on my cheeks.

"Man, it's hot out today." Cayden commented as she stood up. She turned to face Brooke and her pulse quickened at the way the blonde was looking at her. "Um, cab?" she asked, putting her sunglasses on.

Brooke blinked a few times before nodding. "Yeah a cab, it's hot alright." Stupid shades, her eyes are the best part.

Cayden chuckled to herself. It looked like Brooke was thinking with the same body part as she was. It was going to be a very interesting evening.

Cayden held the cab door open for Brooke and the blonde got in, leaving a very tiny space for the tall woman to squeeze into. Cayden stood outside until the people stuck behind the cab started honking and yelling. She gave them the finger and sat down, her body pressed firmly into Brooke's. "Wanna sit on my lap?" she mumbled.

"Don't tempt me stretch. That's an awful lot of lap." Brooke teased, nodding to Cayden's uncomfortably bent legs. "Why is it so cramped in the back of a cab anyway?"

"To annoy me." Cayden replied with a sigh, she could feel herself getting damp where their bodies met and it wasn't from the heat. She was nervous.

"God, I'm already stuck to the seat." Brooke complained.

"That’s cuz you hardly have any clothes on to protect you." The shop keeper said with a raised eyebrow.

Brooke just smiled, pleased with herself.

Cayden sneakily spied on Brooke behind her glasses, she was so close the tall woman could smell her hair. It looked so soft, Cayden wanted to touch it right then and there and had to ball her hands in her lap to control herself.

Brooke didn't have on shades and wasn't as subtle, she openly drank in the tall beauty. Such close proximity to the object of her every desire was stirring her libido, and images of her nightly dreams cascaded before her eyes. She swallowed hard and sighed heavily. "You smell good." she said, her voice husky.

Cayden's gaze fell on Brooke's lips as she spoke, the urge to smother those full, pink lips with her own startled her. She closed her eyes to break the connection. "I smelled better this morning." she said absently. "You smell good too."

"Thanks, Irish Springs, the yellow one. It has vitamins in it."

"Hmm, mine's something green, I'm not sure what though. Wade bought it." Cayden said, trying to squish herself into the door.

Brooke smiled at the tall woman's attempts. She was testing Cayden to see if she would say something and thought it was sweet how she didn't. "You could always ask me to move over you know." she said, scootching over a bit.

Cayden flashed an embarrassed grin. "Well... it wasn't killing me or anything. Just that... it's hot and all."

"That's perfectly alright, it was killing me." Brooke said, fanning herself.

Cayden felt a twinge of excitement knowing Brooke was having the same trouble as she was. I make her horny. she thought with an excited internal chuckle. Not that I didn't know that already, but still...it gets me tingly.

"How's Wade and Jodie"

Cayden turned to Brooke and addressed her chest. "I haven't heard from them all day. I have no idea what to expect when I get home, I'm a little nervous."

"I'm sure it will be alright. I don't know about Wade as much as Jodie, but Jo, she's harmless. She just tries too hard, she cares about you a lot. Wants to see you happy."

"Yeah, I suppose. " Cayden pondered that. "Hey," an evil grin formed on her face. "You want harmless? Just you wait until I put on the outfit she has planned for me, then tell me harmless."

Brooke's heart rate doubled. "I can hardly wait."

*  *  *

"They're coming!" Wade yelled as he ran to Jodie. "I just saw them get out of a cab, and wait until you see Brooke!"

Jodie clapped her hands excitedly. When Cayden put her key in the door, Wade yanked it open, pulling Cayden inside and almost to her knees.

"Wade! You almost took my arm off." She complained.

He dismissed her with a wave. "Don't be so dramatic sweetie. Brooke, come in and let me look at you."

Brooke stepped passed Cayden and into Wade's open arms. They hugged and Wade laughed. "Ooo, look at these tits girl! Baboom!"

Cayden averted her eyes, she'd been trying not to look at them.

Jodie hugged Brooke too and made yummy noises. "Hey Cayden, have you taken a good look at them yet? They're wonderful."

"Yeah, I saw them. It's kinda hard not to."

Brooke, Jodie and Wade giggled to each other and Cayden rolled her eyes. "I need a shower, I'll be quick. You guys go ahead and eat that leafy green substance without me."

"Oh no, it wouldn't kill you to eat a salad, we'll wait." Wade said, pulling Brooke into the living room. "Have a beer, Jodie, go get her a beer."

"Aye, captain."

Brooke drank gratefully from the cold bottle. "So the bra was a good choice?"

"Wade snorted. "Good It was a smashing idea. You're going to get some for sure. Cayden can't resist those tits and that ass."

Jodie walked behind Brooke and hummed her approval. "Oh definitely. Cayden would have to be dead not to indulge in some of that."

"Hey now, I'm not looking for her to throw me down or anything.... on second thought..." Brooke's ears turned red from her sudden thoughts.

"Looking a little flushed there, kiddo." Jodie teased.

"Oh my god, the things she does to me. It should be illegal to get someone so hot." Brooke shook her head and flopped into the couch. "Where's La La?" She looked around curiously.

"He's locked in the bathroom. It was best for everyone involved if he was far away from the salmon." Jodie answered.

"The poor thing. " Brooke sympathized.

"Trust me, once he gets a good knead going, your in big trouble, and where there's salmon involved, it could get ugly."

Cayden's voice drifted through the house. "Stupid cat, I'm trying to get dressed!"

Brooke turned towards the voice and sighed, drinking down the rest of her beer.

"Wait until you see what she's wearing." Wade said with a smirk.

"Bring it on, I need new fantasy material." Brooke said with a wink.

Cayden's voice was heard again, less muffled than before. "You know, why is it that every time my legs are wet, La La wipes his fat ass on them? And what in god's name is in that litterbox?"

"They're pearls dear, they're chic." Wade said snootily.

Cayden popped her head into the room. "Brooke do you really give a rat's ass what the cat craps in?"

"Well, I always wanted to see what the pearls looked like."

Cayden rolled her eyes and disappeared again. "I'll be a second." Everyone waited patiently until the tall woman entered the living room.

"Dear Lord." Brooke's eyes bugged out. Cayden's hair was wet, her shorts short and her tank top testing the very limits of cotton.

Wade elbowed her and chuckled. Brooke's gaze followed Cayden as she went to sit down at the table.

"I'm starved, are you guys coming?" The brunette asked "I know its rude to start without you all but I'll give you 5 seconds."

The three friends ran to the kitchen and Brooke sat herself between Jodie and Cayden, across from Wade. She tried desperately not to stare at the shop keeper but was failing miserably. Cayden's just washed hair smelled delicious, and Brooke shivered imagining it tickling her skin. She glanced up at the stupid smiles on Wade and Jodie's face and cleared her throat. "Okay, all set, Cayden you can eat now."

"Good." The tall woman doused her salad with dressing, and smirked to herself. She could feel the tension rolling off of Brooke and felt very smug. Ha. So there. "Ranch?" she asked, holding up the dressing to Brooke.

Brooke nodded, and took it. "Thanks. Hey, cucumbers. My dad loves cucumbers." she said just to make conversation and bring her mind out of the gutter.

Cayden speared a cucumber with her fork and studied it. "Any relation to Pete?"

Jodie snickered and Wade spat out his salad. Brooke looked amused, but puzzled.

"Pete was Jodie's special friend. Cayden explained with a wink, then popped the fork in her mouth.

"Oooh." Brooke nodded. "I have a special fried too, but you won't find it in any salad plate. My parents would have strokes."

"Which one do you have? I have the jammer, I'm in love with it." Jodie asked excitedly.

"Really? I was looking at that one but I..."

Wade dropped his fork with a clang. "Must we?? he asked in horror.

"Oh, I forgot, Wade's got vaginaphobia. We'll continue this conversation later." Jodie said with a definitive nod.

Cayden was busy trying not to hyperventilate. Oh god, she has a vibrator, she uses it....

Jodie noticed Cayden's expression and chuckled to herself. "So Cayd, how's work?"

"Good." The shop keeper grunted, stuffing salad into her mouth.

"A very... colorful old woman was there when I got there. Ida I think her name was, Brooke mentioned.

"Oh! Ida Friedman! Ain't she a pip? I love her. Cayden is an angel of the highest order."

"I am not. I have evil thoughts." Cayden argued.

"Oh yeah? Like what?" Jodie dared. "Ow!" she yelled after Cayden kicked her under the table.

"She was really evil the other morning when she dreamed... OW!" Wade rubbed his shin.

The tall woman glared at her friends, her face turning red.

"She's being evil right now, look at that tank top." Wade continued. "There ain't nothing pure about that shirt."

Brooke took the opportunity to openly stare at Cayden's chest since everyone else was. "Oh yes... definitely impure... evil..." She muttered, trying not to throw herself face first into Cayden's cleavage.

"And you're one to talk honey," Wade smirked, pointing his fork at Brooke.

Brooke stuck out her chest and Jodie stood up and applauded. "You go girl! Nothing wrong with flaunting what ya got. Cayden, you better claim your woman before someone else steals her right out from under your nose."

Cayden panicked. They could do that? She looked at Brooke who was still showing off her boobs and her nostrils flared. Of course they could, she's not mine or anything... ooo... mine? she wondered tracing Brooke's body with her eyes. I don't want anyone but me touching her. Cayden's stomach clenched thinking about actually touching Brooke. Her gaze met Brooke's and Brooke's cocky little smile changed into a sultry stare.

"Well, there you go." Wade said of the way the two were staring at each other. "It looks like the claim has been staked."

Cayden broke the eye contact and calmly placed her fork down.

"I don't know really," Brooke said, "She really hasn't said or done anything to prove that to me."

"What do you want me to do?" Cayden asked seriously.

"Claim your woman. Kiss her or something... just claim her." Jodie urged.

"I already kissed you." Cayden told Brooke.

"No, you attacked her, this time, do it like you mean it. Make her want you." Wade pushed.

Brooke's eyes widened. Want her more than I already do? Is that even possible? Good grief! I'll explode!

"Here? At the dinner table? During salad?" Cayden asked nervously.

"We don't mind. "Wade spoke for Jodie. "Do you Brooke?"

"Not at all." The blonde breathed out, already able to feel Cayden's lips.

The tall woman licked her lips and bent her head, and Brooke tilted her head up. Their lips met tentatively, lightly as they were both very aware of their audience. Cayden froze at the contact, the only thing moving on her body was her lips which she adjusted just slightly to fit better with Brooke's. That little movement was all the incentive the blonde needed and she reached up and threaded her fingers through Cayden's hair, pulling her closer and strengthening the kiss. Cayden emitted a tiny whimper from the back of her throat, and slipped her tongue out, tracing Brooke's lips. The blonde groaned, opening her mouth to give Cayden permission to explore.

The shop keeper's blood was pounding in her ears. This kiss was so different in comparison to the others... she could feel it in her toes. Her scalp tingled as her tongue wandered over the different textures in Brooke's mouth. She didn't quite understand why this kiss was so different, so much more intense than the others, even though it was less desperate. It felt like something, it seemed to mean something.

Brooke's tongue met Cayden's and sparklers went off in the blonde's brain. She slid her tongue sensuously over and around Cayden's, gripping her head tighter, not ever wanting her to move. If this kiss was meant for claiming, the deed was done. She couldn't dream of anyone else invoking such an intense feeling of want in her. Her knees were shaking and she felt like she wanted to scream.

Cayden was startled as she felt someone lifting her arms and placing them around Brooke. She wanted to protest, but once she had Brooke in her grasp, she forgot what she was thinking. She flattened her hands on Brooke's back, and pulled her as close as the chairs would allow. The lack of body contact prompted a growl of frustration from her chest.

Brooke sighed into the long, sexy kiss, it was so satisfying. Cayden's large hands, were warm and comforting, yet strong and exciting at the same time. She leaned back into them, drawing another growl from the brunette.

"Wow," Wade said quietly, "Now, that is a kiss."

Cayden, suddenly shy, withdrew, and after long moments, opened her eyes. They focused on Brooke's damp, parted lips, and her belly tightened so dramatically, her body jerked. No, I do not want anyone else touching those lips. A strange possessiveness washed over her and she leaned back in her chair. "How'd I do?" She asked her voice shaky and deep.

Brooke blinked rapidly, shook her head to clear it, and blew out a long breath. "God, Cayden."

Jodie smiled happily, her insides all warm and fuzzy. "I'd say you scored Cayd."

"Big time." Wade agreed, noting the flush that crept up Brooke's neck.

Cayden smiled and puffed up with pride. "Well, then, so I've claimed my woman?"

All eyes turned towards Brooke, who was still flustered from the sensual intensity of the kiss. "Yes." she nodded, then turned to Cayden and grinned. "But I may need some more convincing."

Cayden, a bit full of herself headed in for another kiss, but Brooke held her back.

"Later, or I swear to god, my head will explode." Brooke said, reaching up and tucking some stray hair behind Cayden's ear.

The surprise Cayden felt when Brooke pushed her away turned to cockiness and she smiled smugly. "Okay." she said, her heart beating hard at the implications. "I suppose we should finish eating then?"

Wade snickered and stood up. "Coming right up. Sheesh, you'd figure after something like that, you'd skip right to dessert!"

Brooke grinned "I have plans." she said with a wink.

Cayden's mouth watered and it wasn't from salmon and little roasted potatoes.

*  *  *

Dinner was a very tense affair for Cayden and Brooke, and neither of them knew each other's problem. They both dwelled on the sensations that the kiss invoked, and were thinking up scenarios in which they could do it again. All the while they kept up their end of the lively chatter, leaving Wade and Jodie to assume they both had gotten over the kiss incident.

Cayden's mind was stuck on replay, of the moment that her tongue entered Brooke's mouth. Cayden liked kissing enough, but for some reason, this kiss was so much more than a kiss, it was sex. Her tongue was enveloped in sweet softness and her mind clicked to something a lot more intense. She never associated a kiss with sex, sure, lots of kisses could lead to sex, but the kiss itself never felt so arousing. And that was another thing, after the first two kisses with Brooke, Cayden swore she could never be more turned on by a kiss, but this one was far more arousing, and in a different way. The last two, were hungry and hard, they made her hot, in a frantic sort of way, and she needed immediate release. This kiss was sensual and soft, and turned her on more than the others, and it was the sort of arousal she could stand forever. A sweet torture of hours of kisses, the build up more satisfying than the release.

Brooke was fixated on sensation. How soft Cayden's lips were and how hot her hands felt. She recalled over and over how her tongue felt against the velvety texture of Cayden's and the striking difference in the sharp strength of the tall woman's teeth. She shivered a few times, imagining those teeth nipping at the skin of her throat. Brooke wanted Cayden in a bad way. The kiss proved that Cayden was a lot more than she appeared to be. There was a gentleness hiding under that facade, and knowing she had that quality, among the others, excited Brooke in more ways. She fantasized, as she ate, of the many different ways in which Cayden would make love to her. Gently, rough, soft, hard, and she wondered how Cayden liked to be touched.

Wade started to collect the empty plates. "Who wants cappuccino?"

"If you're going to drag that machine out, I'll take one. Ooo, can I make it?" Jodie asked.

"No, it's my machine. " Wade denied her.

"Give it up Jo, he gets irrational if someone else froths his milk." Cayden joked.

"Do not!"

"I'll have one." Brooke said, getting up to help Wade clean.

"No, sit," he insisted," I got it." he turned to Cayden, "But I'll need you there woman to get the machine down from where you hid it."

Cayden stood up and rolled her eyes. "Well, if you didn't insist on making cappuccino at ungodly hours I wouldn't have put it up there."

"I was PMSing." Wade said with a pout.

"No, I was PMSing, and you just pissed me off." She replied, reaching up to take down the heavy machine.

"Oh yeah, work those delts baby." Jo remarked.

"Mmm." Brooke agreed.

"Aww, there's nothing special about my delts. You know, I'd look much better if I had a Bowflex." Cayden said, looking directly at Wade.

"I think you look fine." Wade commented, rinsing out the machine.

"I can look better and so can you."

"I look fine thank you." Wade said, flexing his biceps.

"What gives?" Jodie asked.

"The Bowflex is expensive and Wade won't go halves with me. He'd rather go to the gym and smell boy sweat."

"There's more to the gym than boy sweat." Wade said with an eyebrow waggle.

Cayden turned to Brooke. "have you seen the Bowflex?"

Brooke nodded, "Of course, who hasn't?"

"Its the only thing on 48 channels after midnight." Jodie added.

"I think it's a sexy machine, I can see the attraction." Brooke said.

Cayden stood by Brooke and smiled triumphantly. "Brooke, tell him the benefits!"

"Well..." Brooke stumbled. "Um, you know, if you put in the sweat equity at home, you'd have more time to socialize at the gym."

"Yeah!" Cayden said excitedly.

"Plus, you'd be able to stand around and look fabulous while everyone else sweats." Jodie added.

"Hmm." Wade furrowed his brows in thought. "You may have a point, I'll think about it."

Cayden's eyes lit up and she hugged Brooke spontaneously. Her breath caught when their bodies met and she breathed deeply, capturing the scent of Brooke. Her eyes closed and she blew out the breath, blowing warm moist air across Brooke's skin.

The blonde shuddered, her nipples tightened, and she swallowed hard. She pulled away and tried to calm down.

Cayden wanted more than just the hug and fought the urge to reach out and take what she wanted. This new feeling of dominance was strong, she never had the urge to take control like she did with Brooke. She was sure it had something to do with the whole stake your claim thing. Regardless, the feeling was new and she wasn't sure she could keep it at bay.

"If you'll excuse me." Brooke said, getting up.

"Don't let La La out!" Wade called after her.

"I'll be careful." Brooke closed the bathroom door behind her and ran the cold water. God, I am so incredibly turned on! She splashed the cold water on her face, and when that didn't cool her off, she filled up the sink and submerged her whole face. Gotta do something about this. I want more Cayden.

"Oh, Cayd, this is so perfect! Don't let her get away!" Jodie exclaimed the second the bathroom door closed.

"Yeah, play for keeps Cayd." Wade agreed. "I saw that kiss with my own eyes, it said something."

"I know." Cayden admitted. "It was wild... I want her so bad."

"Hell, I want her!" Wade exclaimed. "I'm frothing for you now Jodie."

"Oooo baby, froth for me... it makes me hot."

"Let's not talk about hot, I'm on fire here. Did you see her tits? Oh my god, they're reaching out to me, they're begging me to touch them." Cayden whined.

"I'm sure we can find a way to leave you two alone." Jodie said, with a wink.

The bathroom door opened. "Cayden, can you come here a minute? I need your help."

All eyes turned to the brunette and she raised her eyebrow. "What in the world could she need me to... " a smirk spread across her lips. "Coming." she yelled and got up quickly.

"Hey the bathroom, now there's a novel idea." Jodie joked.

"We won't wait up." Wade giggled, slapping her on the shoulder.

"Oh please, like we'll really do anything in the bathroom, how tacky can you get."

PART 24

C AYDEN WONDERED WHAT Brooke really wanted by calling her to the bathroom. The door was closed and she could hear La La purring from where she stood. She tapped on the door tentatively. "Brooke?" The door opened enough for her to see one green eye, "You called for me?"

"Yeah," Brooke answered nervously.

Cayden let herself in, then closed the door behind her, mindful of La La. The small blonde was standing by the bathtub, next to the john. "So...."

"Um..." Brooke looked the tall woman over, then smiled. Cayden looked good, real good, and she had her all to herself. "I thought I could use a little more convincing." she said coyly.

Cayden's body twitched as all of her muscles felt the jolt of nervous excitement. "You could, huh?" she replied while trying to figure out how to get the three steps to Brooke without stepping on the cat or falling into the toilet. Her worries were over when Brooke moved to lean against the sink and crooked her finger.

"Kiss me, Cayden."

The tall woman advanced eagerly, and in one long step was as close to Brooke as she could be. Never before giving kissing so much thought, this awkward moment puzzled her, and she felt her palms start to sweat.

"What's wrong?" Brooke asked in a whisper, afraid Cayden was backing off.

"I think I'm nervous." Cayden said quietly, confused by her emotions.

Brooke placed her hands on the tall woman's hips and pulled their lower bodies together. "You weren't nervous before, in fact," she moved her hands up to grasp Cayden's ribs, "you knew exactly what you were doing."

Cayden's lips formed a lopsided grin. "I think quickly under pressure. This is quite planned." she said with a raised eyebrow. "As is this." she reached over and opened the door, letting the cat free, then locked it behind him. "So..."

"Do you not want to kiss me?" Brooke asked, tilting her head back invitingly.

"Hell yeah, but I feel like it counts, I don't want to screw it up."

"Trust me Cayden, you can't screw it up." Brooke assured, gripping the tall woman's ribs tighter.

Cayden closed her eyes and hoped for the best. She felt all the hairs stand up on the back of her neck when her lips touched Brooke's. In less than a second, their mouths opened simultaneously and each tongue darted out eagerly. Brooke whimpered as their tongues danced sensuously, and she pulled the shop keeper even closer.

A surge of adrenaline sparked through Cayden's body and she momentarily lost her mind.

Brooke grunted in surprise as she was suddenly lifted off the floor and placed onto the sink. The thin porcelain edge didn't offer much balance so she instantly wrapped her legs around the tall woman for security, lacing her fingers behind Cayden's neck.

The shop keeper groaned at the intimacy of the position, her hands were shaking from the rush, and she wedged them between their bodies. Her heart pounded when Brooke's stomach muscles contracted at the contact.

Brooke pulled away and buried her face in Cayden's neck. "You make me so crazy." she breathed into the still damp black hair.

Cayden shivered as the warm, moist, breath touched her skin.

"And you smell so damned good, I can't control myself." Brooke added before throwing her head back for another kiss.

Cayden silently agreed and she devoured the blonde's lips. She never felt the way she did at this moment, and was just a tiny bit at ease with Brooke's admission. Being out of control was a rare thing for Cayden, but in this instance she really didn't want to think about it. Brooke's hands were traveling all over her body, leaving tingles and goose pimples in their wake. All the shivering she was doing caused her nipples to react strongly, and they became rock hard and very sensitive. Just the thought that they were so close to Brooke's, possibly even touching hers made Cayden terribly horny.

Brooke adjusted her body for comfort and in doing so, felt Cayden's extremely hard nipples brush against her. She arched her back, crushing their breasts together, drawing a sexy groan from Cayden.

The tall woman's knees trembled and she leaned heavily into Brooke. The small woman had to let go of Cayden and brace her hands on the sink, creating a gap between their bodies. One blue eye opened to see what happened and when she saw Brooke's body, arched back in invitation, Cayden had only one urge, and she acted on it without thought.

Brooke had no idea what her posture looked like to Cayden and was startled when her breasts were covered by two large, insistent hands. She gasped and then groaned deeply, her hips surging into Cayden's abdomen.

Arousal ran through Cayden's veins like wildfire when Brooke bucked against her. The heat on her belly felt delicious. She could barely feel the points of Brooke's nipples poke into her palms and she groped excitedly, kneading them, rubbing them, cursing the material impeding her touch. She wanted to feel the soft flesh in her bare hands, rub her cheek on those breasts, taste them. Her mouth began to water and she pulled away from the kiss.

Brooke opened her eyes slowly, trying to focus. She was far more aroused than she'd ever been in her life, and her heart beat wildly when she came to her senses and realized this was really Cayden. Cayden was actually squeezing her breasts, breathing erratically, looking at her through half-lidded, sexy, blue eyes. Oh my god.... this is so much better than any dream. She took a deep, shaky, breath and glanced up at Cayden's parted lips. They were wet and swollen and looked so hot. She lunged at the tall woman, arms tight around her neck, legs wrapped around Cayden's waist. The tall woman stumbled backwards under the attack until she hit the door.

Brooke kissed Cayden aggressively, hungrily, pressing herself into the brunette's stomach. She sucked Cayden's tongue into her mouth, and the shop keeper's legs gave out, bringing them both to the floor in a tangled heap. Cayden groped blindly for Brooke's ass and pulled her close, flexing her stomach muscles as Brooke's sex made contact.

The blonde took Cayden's hands, and brought them back to her breasts, craving the tall woman's touch. She placed her own hands on Cayden's breasts and the shop keeper groaned pitifully, her senses overloaded. Brooke hummed in pleasure, finally having her dream come true. Her sex throbbed painfully in empathy as she pinched and toyed with Cayden's nipples.

Cayden saw stars. The material of her shirt was so worn it was almost invisible. Somehow, Brooke knew exactly what she liked and was doing it to perfection, making her stomach clench. She could feel herself getting wet, and the shorts that rode up on her when she slid to the floor felt horribly tight. She couldn't control her moans as Brooke fingered her nipples to complete distraction. Fuck, this is so good.. she just can't be straight... what was I thinking? She shook her head and broke the heated kiss, having to pull her tongue forcefully from Brooke's grasp. She banged the back of her head on the door and closed her eyes tightly. "God, Brooke, " she panted, "I need to touch you." Brooke latched onto her neck and began licking and biting the sensitive skin, her hot tongue and sharp teeth igniting a raging fire in Cayden's sex. She pushed forward suddenly, trapping Brooke beneath her, forced her hands under the blonde's skin-tight shirt, and with a throaty moan, dropped her head for another torrid kiss.

Brooke felt as if her skin was on fire where Cayden touched her, and she unlocked her ankles, planting both feet on the floor to give Cayden room to move.

The shop keeper took advantage of the space and stretched her legs out, sliding them both across the bathroom floor, until she had proper leverage. She leaned her lower body heavily into Brooke, drawing a strangled whimper from the blonde. She also let loose a groan into Brooke's mouth as her clit received some much needed attention. Not wanting to give up the delicious contact, she fumbled desperately to get to Brooke's bare breasts, but was unable to in her current position. She grunted, tugging at the shirt. "Off." she demanded breathlessly, pulling Brooke's lower lip with her teeth.

Brooke arched her back off the floor and tugged at her shirt, lifting it under her chin. Cayden's hands pulled at the bra in frustration, so Brooke twisted around until she was able to open the clasp.

The moment Cayden's hands touched the bared skin, she froze mid-kiss and held her breath. Perfect, they feel absolutely perfect. She sat up, with the need to see them, to see Brooke.

Brooke took the opportunity to catch her breath as Cayden lifted up her weight, she was blissfully light-headed from their frantic activities. Green eyes watched blue as they drank in her naked breasts, and Brooke shivered from the look of pure hunger on Cayden's face.

The brunette watched her hands carefully as she brought them back to touch Brooke's breasts. They were perfect pale globes, not too large, not too small, with the most beautiful pink nipples standing proudly in the center. Cayden licked her lips, glancing at the blonde's face to gauge her reaction as she lowered her head for a taste.

Brooke groaned loudly as Cayden's hot tongue bathed her left nipple. She grabbed the brunette's head with both hands and begged her not to let go.

The tall woman knew for sure there was a wet spot on her shorts from the rush of arousal. She wrapped her lips around the perfect bud and began to suck, reveling in Brooke's reaction.

The blonde thrashed when Cayden bit her nipple, her head coming in contact with something hard. She opened her eyes to see where she was, and upon seeing the toilet, a feeling of panic overcame her. Oh my god! She tried to sit up, but couldn't as Cayden held her down, and she eventually gave up as the tall woman created a fire in her groin. She turned her head the other way, and was staring at a litterbox. "Cayden, wait..." she said, pulling the brunette's head away from her breast.

Cayden looked up in concern. "Did I hurt you?" she muttered breathlessly.

"God, no, but we have to stop." Brooke said, shimmying out from under the tall woman and sitting up.

Cayden looked completely baffled. "What happened? What do you mean, stop?"

Brooke started to dress, putting her bra back in place.

"No... what are you doing?" The brunette protested, and tried to stop her.

"Cayden," Brooke started, pulling down her shirt. "This isn't right."

Cayden's eyes went wide, was Brooke crazy? Isn't this what she was trying to do from the very start? She took a deep frustrated breath and calmed herself. "I don't get it? From the moment we met you have been flaunting your tits at me, and now, when I finally have them, it's suddenly not right?" The tall woman was annoyed, highly aroused, and quickly becoming angry.

Brooke took Cayden's hands in her own and sighed. "Yes, I have been tossing my tits in your face, and yes, this is what I wanted, but not here, not in the bathroom with my head in a litterbox, and Jodie and Wade waiting on us."

"God, Brooke! Do you have any idea how turned on I am? How could you just... I mean... Brooke! This isn't fair! I had it in my mouth!"

Cayden sounded like a little kid who lost her lollipop and to Brooke it was sweet, even though Cayden was suffering.

"Oh, and you don't think I'm on fire here? It was my tit in your mouth! I have been dreaming about this moment for a long time, and let me tell you something... I thought my dreams were pretty vivid, but hell..." Brooke took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "those dreams had absolutely nothing on the real thing."

La La started scratching on the door and both women turned to look.

Cayden frowned deeply, she was coming to her senses, but even though her brain was telling her Brooke was right, her body was screaming otherwise. "So, we just stop? Just like that? You better tell my vagina that it's all your fault, because I don't think it had any idea it was being punished."

Brooke tried not to look at Cayden's crotch, but the tall woman spread her legs and pointed to it. "Please don't torture me." she whimpered.

"Oh no, you apologize to it, because right now it's in heat." Cayden said with a smirk, feeling good about Brooke's dilemma.

The blonde smirked too, there was only one way to get Cayden to stop looking so smug. She bent her head towards Cayden's sex, and smiled deviously. "I'm sorry sweetie, I got entirely too carried away, but I promise you, when the time is right, your mommy can suck my nipples to her hearts content. In fact, I can hardly wait for your mommy to suck on my nipples again, roll them around in her mouth... bite them... while my naked body squirms underneath hers. Just think, she'll be naked, and I can get a hold of her tits too, and..."

"Brooke!" Cayden closed her legs tightly and groaned. "That's just about enough. God! You're evil!"

Brooke grinned in satisfaction. "That'll teach you to get cocky with me."

"You are so mean." The tall woman stood up and grimaced. "Okay, you'll have to leave the bathroom, I need to wipe some of this away."

"Why wipe it away? You can always use it ya know." Brooke said with a sexy smile.

"I'm not going to use it, with you waiting on the other side of the door."

"Hell, that's what I was going to do."

Cayden received a loud signal from her crotch and it made her shudder. "Oh, no you don't. You will not do that anywhere near me. No way. You suffer like I suffer."

Brooke chuckled. "You can't handle knowing that I do it." Cayden shrugged and looked away in embarrassment. "I think about you when I do." Brooke said, leaning into Cayden.

A strangled whimper escaped the shop keeper. "God, why are you doing this to me?" She asked, looking everywhere but at Brooke.

"Admit it, you think about me when you do it too." The small blonde rubbed her cheek on Cayden's breast.

The tall woman jumped away. "I do not." she said, blushing darkly and running from the bathroom.

Brooke laughed, but ran from the bathroom too as La La darted in and headed straight for the litter.

*  *  *

Wade and Jodie had been doing their best not to hold a glass to the bathroom door. They cleaned off the table, and prepared dessert, but not knowing what was happening in the bathroom was killing them. Finally Jodie started towards the closed door when a series of moans stopped her dead in her tracks. She ran back to Wade, arms waving frantically and nodding like crazy. "I think they're doing it!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"No! In the bathroom?" I feel faint." Wade said sitting heavily on the couch. "Has Cayden no couth?"

A thump was heard from the bathroom and both of them turned to look.

"Then you tell me what that was!" Jodie said, hands on her hips.

"I have the right mind to go in there and drag them both to a bed." Wade said, stomping his foot. He advanced towards the bathroom, Jodie right behind him.

"What if they're really doing it Wade, do you want to see that?" Jodie whispered.

Wade stopped moving. "On second thought, there's a scrummy, new, fluffy bath mat in there."

The door suddenly opened and they both ran into the living room looking innocent. Cayden barreled in, red faced, her hair in disarray and she stormed her way to the sofa. Jodie and Wade looked curiously at each other until Brooke hurried in. Like Cayden she to was flushed, her hair a mess, but her shirt was stretched completely out of shape. Cayden stared at the floor, Brooke stared at Cayden and Wade and Jodie stared at each other.

"So...." Jodie said, picking up a plate of cake. "Dessert?"

Cayden crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. She made a very unpleasant face as she crossed her legs, then she stood up. "I'll be right back."

"Oh, no you don't." Brooke jumped up to follow the brunette. "If I can't, you can't."

"I'm not gonna! I just need to.... wash up."

"I'm coming with you." Brooke announced.

"I can manage all by myself. Been doing so for quite some time now." The tall woman bit back.

"You're just cranky because you're horny."

"And who's fault is that?"

Jodie and Wade watched the back and forth with great interest.

Brooke grinned. "Hey, it takes two you know."

Cayden frowned. Brooke sure was right. If anything, Cayden instigated the whole thing, and she really had no right to complain. She glanced at Brooke who was smiling, and had no choice but to grin back. Brooke was the one with her bare back on the bathroom floor and if she could smile, Cayden could certainly find the humor.

"Okay, we have two grinning lesbians, this is much better." Wade commented. "Let's eat cake!"

"I'll get the coffee," Jodie said, "Brooke, you come with me, we still haven't finished that conversation." she winked, pulling the blonde with her.

Wade made a sour face. "It's that vagina conversation." he told Cayden.

The tall woman nodded. "I rather not hear that either." She commented, leaning over to inspect the cake. "OOo, is that Blackout cake?"

"But of course." Wade said with a proud smile.

"Well? What are you waiting for, get me fork!" Cayden said excitedly.

*  *  *

Jodie started the cappuccino. "Cinnamon?"

"Yes, please"

"Details woman! What just happened in there?" Jodie asked, putting down the coffee. "You have that 'I just had sex look.'"

"Almost. We got a little carried away in there, but it just wasn't right."

"I get ya. You want romance, flowers, satin sheets, foreplay." Jodie winked.

Brooke chuckled. "Hey, I'm not that picky. I just didn't want to make love with Cayden for the first time with cat litter in my hair."

Jodie's eyes went wide. "So you're telling me that Cayden started it?"

"Actually, I started it, but girlfriend took it and ran." The blonde swallowed hard. "God, she's incredible."

"Oooo, you must elaborate." Jodie leaned over and giggled excitedly.

Brooke blushed slightly, she never was one to kiss and tell, but she was about to burst. "I'll tell you what, if that's how she sucks my breast, I'm such a dead woman."

"Oh my god! It went that far?"

"It sure did." Brooke closed her eyes and sighed in pleasurable remembrance.

"Wow.... she's that good?" Jodie was thrilled. "No one's ever said that about her before... then again, I never asked, but still, you'd think if she's that good they'd want to brag."

"Hell no! They wouldn't want you to know. They'd want her all to themselves."

"Like I'd want to steal that piece of work from anyone.... no offense." Jodie grinned.

"None taken. I know what you mean, but I'm perfectly aware of what I'm getting into. That woman runs hot and cold so fast. Maybe that's why I like her so much. There's never a dull moment.

"Brooke, she's cranky, stubborn, broody.... then again, she sucks a mean breast. That oughta count for something."

Wade popped his head into the kitchen. "Hey, where's the damned coffee?"

"Vagina! Vagina, vagina, vagina." Jodie exclaimed.

"EW!" Wade ran away.

Brooke laughed and stood up. “I suppose we should get in there with the coffee."

"Never mind, I'll get it myself." Cayden said, walking to the cappuccino machine. "Did you have a good chat?"

"Oh yes... very informative." Jodie said with a smug smile.

Cayden blushed and shot Brooke a look. "Oh?"

"Yeah. So, stud muffin, what were you talking about in there?"

"Well, it wasn't vaginas."

"You guys better get in here, I can't keep La La away from the cake forever." Wade shouted.

Cayden hurried out, she'd be damned if the cat was going to get any of her cake. Brooke was hot on her heels and sat as close as she could to Cayden on the couch. The taller woman moved away, trying to put some space between them, but Jodie smooshed up to her other side, trapping her.

"Don't you all look comfy. Three pretty lesbians all in a row." Wade commented.

La La leapt up onto Cayden's lap, his tail straight up in the air, poking the shop keeper in the face. She swatted at his tail and pushed him towards Brooke. "You remember Brooke, the chicken lady?"

"You just come here sweetie." Brooke cooed. "I like you just fine, of course you remember me."

"How can he not? An elephant never forgets." Jodie joked, getting a snicker out of Cayden.

"He's not fat..."

"He's big boned." Both Cayden and Jodie finished Wade's sentence.

"Well, he's not." Wade said defensively.

Brooke smiled as La La purred loudly. "You know, he is a little on the hefty side, Wade."

Wade frowned. "He only eats once a day, and he hardly gets any table food."

"HA!" Cayden shouted.

Wade rolled his eyes. "Speaking of food, how's the cake?" He changed the subject quickly.

"It's delicious, I don't think I ever had this before, what kind is it?" Brooke wondered.

"Blackout cake. Cayden's favorite."

Brooke turned her head in time to see Cayden inhale a forkful. "I see. What else is her favorite. I need to know these things."

"She's a typical meat and potatoes butch. Shove a burger down her throat and she's happy." Wade joked.

"She really likes Italian food, Chinese too. Come to think of it, she's really not that picky." Jodie said with a wink.

"You know, I'm sitting right here." Cayden pouted. "I can answer for myself."

"Okay, so tell me, what is your favorite meal in the whole world?" Brooke asked.

"My all time favorite?" She asked, giving it some thought.

"Anything she doesn't have to cook." Wade quipped.

"Zip the lip, bra man." Cayden flicked a crumb at Wade. "I can cook if I need to. I can grill just about anything."

"Please Cayd... grilling is a top ten requirement in the butch handbook."

Cayden turned her whole body away from Wade and rolled her eyes. "Anyway," she addressed Brooke, "My all time favorite would have to be baby back ribs and garlic mashed potatoes."

"Oh baby!" Brooke agreed heartily. "Have you ever eaten that at Outback Steakhouse? They do it to perfection."

"Absolutely, I love it there." Cayden nodded.

"Gee, I haven't been there in a long time." Brooke hinted.

"Me neither."

Jodie poked Cayden and the brunette jumped and poked Jodie back. "Why'd you poke me ?"

"You are so clueless." The waitress sighed.

"What?" Cayden asked.

"Jodie wanted you to ask me out to Outback." Brooke assisted.

"Oh." Cayden grinned in embarrassment,. "You wanna go to the Outback?"

"Hmmm, I don't know Cayd, Australia is a bit far." Brooke kidded.

"Oh, you're really funny." Cayden pretended to be offended.

"Sure, I'd love to go. It'll be cool. We can both get messy and not be embarrassed."

Cool." Cayden agreed.

Brooke leaned into Cayden and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks.

Cayden swallowed hard and closed her eyes. Just when I thought I cooled off.

"Whassamatter there, Cayd? You look a little warm." Jodie joked.

"That's cuz I am." she replied, narrowing her eyes at where Brooke's body touched hers.

"Want me to blow on you?" Brooke teased, blowing softly on Cayden's neck.

The tall woman shivered, groaned then jumped up off the couch. "I need more coffee." she announced and ran into the kitchen.

Brooke snickered. "I never had it like that before, this is so cool."

"Remember what I told you, use your power wisely." Jodie said with a wink.

"That is so neat! I never saw Cayden this hormonal before." Wade said, clapping excitedly.

"I feel bad for her actually." Jodie remarked. "I know what it's like. There was this one girl, who took no interest in me and I was totally in lust with her. Every time she was around, my crotch would draw me right to her. One night, I was at a club, and my groin jumped to attention. To my sheer delight, she came right up to me, and laid a big hot kiss on me. We hardly made it back to her place without tearing off each others clothes and as soon as I got her panties off, she got her period."

"Ew!" Wade exclaimed with a pinched face.

"So there was no reason why you couldn't get some was there?" Brooke asked.

Jodie sighed. "Yeah, there was. She didn't think it was fair for her if I got all the action, so she made me wait what turned out to be a full 7 days! It was torture! We saw each other every day, and I swear my poor little hoochie was blue."

Brooke grimaced. "I'm torturing her aren't I?"

"Well, yeah, but I'm sure you're suffering too, so it's not so bad." Jodie said with an understanding smile.

"Crud. I'm not being fair to her. Maybe I shouldn't hang around her until ..." Brooke stopped talking when Cayden reappeared.

"Not hang around me until when?" The brunette asked in confusion.

"I feel bad, your hoochie is blue and I'm blowing on your neck." Brooke said with a pout.

"My what? Jodie, what are you telling her?"

"I just said..."

"Never mind! I don't really want to know." Cayden said, sitting down again.

"Do you think it would be best if we don't see each other until the right time?" Brooke wondered.

Cayden felt a knot in her stomach. Not see her? Can I do that? Hell, do I even want to?

"I mean, if it's hurting you." Brooke added.

"It's not hurting me, being horny is not killing me. Besides, how will we know it's the right time if we aren't together?"

"She has a point." Wade said with a nod. "Besides, I don't want to live with her if you deprive her of those." he pointed at Brooke's breasts.

"They are quite exquisite." Jodie agreed. "If I had a taste of those, you'd have to get a pry-bar cuz girl, I'd be at them all day."

Both Brooke and Cayden blushed.

"By the looks of that shirt, I'd say that was her intentions." Wade pointed out, aiming his look at Cayden.

Brooke grinned and Cayden blushed harder.

"That's alright honey, I certainly didn't mind." Brooke assured the red faced shop keeper, rubbing her thigh as she spoke.

Cayden looked at Brooke's face and impulsively tucked a few stray hairs behind the blonde's ear. Brooke watched as Cayden then stared at her hand in embarrassment. "Never mind, I'd have done the same thing."

"Sucks when you have no control huh?" Wade joked.

"Ya know, I sense a little chuckle in that statement." Cayden said, pursing her lips at Wade.

"Just a teensy one." he admitted. "I like seeing you be human for a change. It's refreshing."

"On that note, It's kinda late, and I should be going." Brooke announced. "I still have to walk Fred."

Cayden stood up quickly. "I'll walk you to the door."

"Don't give the neighbors a show. Mrs. Ginzburg still thinks you're nice." Wade warned.

Cayden walked Brooke to the door and they both stood awkwardly in the doorway.

"I do hope you're going to kiss me goodnight. You see... I can't really make the first moves, I can't reach your lips without a little help."

Cayden grinned. "I didn't think of that. Of course I'll kiss you good night." She said, making herself shorter so they can meet halfway.

Brooke melted into the kiss. Cayden's lips were magical to her and the woman could do no wrong when it came to kissing. She savored the taste of the brunette's mouth, and when the kiss ended, placed a few smaller kisses on each of Cayden's lips.

"That was cute," The tall woman said with a grin.

"So, why does Mrs. Ginzburg think you're nice?" Brooke asked, tracing Cayden's full lips with her finger.

"I helped her with her groceries once and now I get a card every Chanukah." Cayden replied in a distracted whisper.

Brooke stood on her tip-toes and asked for one more kiss, which was slow and sexy. Her uncontrollable groan signalled the end and they both pulled away, heavy lidded and smiling.

"You sure have a way with those." Brooke said breathlessly, once again touching Cayden's lips.

"I could say the same thing about you." The shop keeper agreed. "Go on, and go home before I drag you back inside and disappoint Mrs. Ginzburg."

"I had a great time Cayden. Can I call you tomorrow?"

"Definitely."

"Good night then." Brooke said, turning away.

Cayden watched until Brooke was gone before closing the door. Then she ran to the window and waited until she got in a cab.

"How's it feel, stud?" Jodie asked, suddenly at Cayden's side.

"Scary."

"I know. You can always talk to me."

"Thanks, I just might."

PART 25

B ROOKE WALKED CAREFULLY and quietly to her front door. She slowly inserted the key, making as little noise as possible. The last thing she wanted to do tonight was have a chat with her mother and she tried ever so stealthily to avoid it. She opened the door silently, slipping inside unnoticed. She was quite proud of herself as she closed it behind her, not even Fred was aware that she came home. Sure, he was an old man, and could hardly see or hear any more, but he always knew when she was coming and greeted her happily. She placed her keys on the table by the door, cringing when they tinkled a bit. She stood by the door with a triumphant smile. All the lights were out, and once her eyes adjusted to the dark, she tip-toed into the kitchen for a bottle of water.

"Must have been some party."

"YAH!" Brooke jumped out of her skin and dropped her water. "Daddy! What are you doing sitting in the dark? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?""

"Bert? What just happened in there?"

Brooke and Bert froze at Harriet's voice. Brooke made a scared face and shook her head rapidly at her father pointing towards her mother's voice.

"Nothing dear, go back to sleep." Bert assured

Brooke let out the breath she was holding and sat heavily into a chair at the table. "Well? What are you doing up? Are you waiting for me?"

"Nooo." Bert said, waving his hand around. "I couldn't sleep, that's all."

"Uh huh." Brooke didn't believe him one bit. "This is new. You're waiting for me and mom's sleeping."

"Your mother had a headache this evening and you know her, she gets woozy on a Tylenol. She's sleeping it off as we speak." Bert crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair. "So, how was the dinner party?"

Brooke grinned. "Come on daddy, you know it was a date." she patted his hand across the table. "It was great. We had salmon and roasted potatoes, and blackout cake. Have you ever eaten that before? Its totally sinful."

"Yes, I have had blackout cake, but your mother won't buy it any more. I don't bother cutting myself a slice, why should I when it's only going to tip over and fall apart on my plate? I eat it with a spoon, straight from the box. Your mother doesn't like that very much." he grinned.

Brooke giggled quietly. "Bad daddy." she scolded playfully.

"How is Cayden?"

Brooke rolled her eyes. "She's fine."

"Good." Bert nodded, and sat silently for a while. "Was everything alright between you two?"

"Daddy, everything went fine. She wasn't mean at all today, in fact she was.... rather good." The blonde answered cryptically, failing to hold back a shiver at the memories. She stood up quickly to cover it.

Bert raised an eyebrow. "Is that the same shirt you left in? It looks different somehow."

Brooke turned her back on her father and nodded, "Yeah, its the same shirt." This is what it looks like after Cayden's big ol' hands have been under it. "Well, I'm sleepy, I have work tomorrow." She turned to leave the kitchen and banged right into her mother. "Oh great."

"Brooke dear! How did everything go? How was the food? Was Cayden rude? Did you enjoy yourself? What did they serve for dessert? How did you get home?"

"Mom! One question at a time!"

Bert snickered under his breath and Brooke shot him a killer look.

Harriet put on a pot of water and pulled out three cups. "I'll make tea!"

"Mom, I'm tired and I want to go to bed. We'll talk in the morning."

"Nonsense, it's not late, you stay up until all hours watching television anyway. I want to know what happened tonight."

"Of course you do." Brooke groaned, and sat down again, resigned to the fact that she wasn't going to get out of this. Fred came trotting into the kitchen and tried to climb up Brooke's leg. She looked down at the small dog and smiled. "Hail, hail, the gangs all here." Brooke watched her mother as she busied herself at the stove. Her hair was sticking out all over the place, her bathrobe tie was twisted and her slippers were on the wrong feet. She chuckled to herself. How someone could get stoned on Tylenol was beyond her, but then again her mother was not the average human.

Mrs. Hewitt turned and faced Brooke. "Honey, so, what did they serve?"

"Salmon, it was good."

"They had blackout cake, Harriet." Bert added in a pouty tone.

"Hmm, well, maybe one day when your father learns some manners we could have blackout cake here too."

Brooke shook her head, grateful when the tea kettle began to whistle. She gave her father a pleading look and he just shrugged. They were stuck there, more to the point, Brooke was stuck there. Bert could leave at any time and the fact that he stayed showed his support for Brooke and she smiled gratefully at him. He nodded almost imperceptibly and accepted his cup of tea.

"Here, "Mrs. Hewitt said, giving Brooke a steaming cup. "What else did they have?"

"Salad, with cucumbers," she said to her father, "and little roasted potatoes. They were really good, I think Wade put paprika on them. Why don't you use paprika on the potatoes?"

"Your father's delicate system doesn't care for paprika. He gets heartburn and keeps me up all night moaning and groaning..."

"Harriet! I am not delicate!"

"Of course not dear." she said sweetly, while nodding to Brooke. "Did you have wine? Was it fancy?"

"There was wine, but it wasn't fancy. It was just two couples having dinner... and dessert." She added with a grin to herself.

"Were you dressed appropriately? What were the other people wearing?" Harriet asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Wade was wearing a stunning strapless sequined evening gown and Jodie was wearing a day-glo orange tube top with a blue suede Tarzan loincloth. Cayden was naked." Brooke replied.

Harriet was aghast at first until she saw the shared smirk between father and daughter. "You think that's funny? I'm on medication, it's not nice to tease someone when their senses are all a jumble."

"Sorry, mom." Brooke said, while still smirking. "Everyone had clothes on, even the cat."

"Are you teasing me again?" Mrs. Hewitt narrowed her eyes at the both of them.

"Would I tease you? Anyway, it was a great dinner, and an even better dessert."

"What did you talk about? It doesn't take so long to eat? Did you play games afterwards or something? Cayden would be just marvelous at Trivial Pursuit. What is it you young people do on a dinner date?"

Brooke stayed perfectly still until the urge to blush subsided. "Oh, you know, we talked... about a lot of things. Boy am I tired, I better get to bed." She stood up and stretched loudly to make her point clear.

"That's it? You talked about things? It doesn't sound too exciting of an evening if you ask me. In my day...." Harriet stopped and raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "Dear, what happened to your shirt?"

Brooke did blush this time, and quickly reached behind her to pull the shirt taut. "Uhm, nothing mom... its not tucked in, that's all."

Harriet eyed Brooke skeptically. "No, it looks all stretched out like..." Her eyes widened and she gasped. "DID YOU HAVE SEX?" she asked so loudly, everyone was startled, including Fred.

"NO!" Brooke replied, equally as loud, but in a very high pitched voice. "Of course not...."

"Brooke! There was another couple there! Dear lord, what did you do, run off to the bathroom for a quickie?" Mrs Hewitt covered her mouth in shock.

Brooke turned bright red and her mouth fell open. She wanted to defend herself but was too horrified.

Bert cleared his throat nervously. "Harriet, she said she didn't, so she didn't."

"Then why is that shirt so stretched out? Hmmm? Can you explain that? Oh my! I didn't raise you to have sex on the first date!" Harriet was frantically walking back and forth in the kitchen with her crazy hair. "And that other couple, what can they be thinking?"

"MOM! I didn't have sex!" Brooke managed to defend herself, lamely as her intense blushing told another story.

"Bert, speak to your daughter, tell her what happens when a girl gives it up so easily. What is that they say about the cow and the farm?"

"It's a cow and milk, mom."

"Harriet, leave her alone! She said she didn't have sex and I believe her. There's probably a perfectly good explanation."

"Thank you daddy." Technically, they didn't have actual sex, but still, Brooke felt guilty that her father believed her. Now she had to come up with something believable while under the microscope. Not a very good liar, especially to her parents, Brooke panicked.

"I'm waiting." Harriet pressed her daughter, arms folded, and foot tapping.

Bert was looking eagerly at Brooke and she smiled weakly. "We had a tickle fight." she said, then rolled her eyes at her own excuse. "And everyone's clothes got pulled...."

"Tickle fight? At your age?" Mrs. Hewitt harrumphed. "Hardly! I mean I know you and Cayden like each other, and probably cuddled and canoodled, but Brooke, I don't believe a tickle fight for a second."

Brooke raised both her eyebrows. "Canoodled?"

"I can see it happening." Bert said with a nod.

"Canoodling?"

"No, honey, a tickle fight. You know, a little wine, some blackout cake...all the fixin's for a tickle fight if you ask me." He gave Brooke a hushing look and folded his hands on the table, asking her to leave it up to him.

"That's because you can't imagine Brooke in any other circumstance. A tickle fight my foot. There was some hanky panky going on and you just don't want to admit it. Bert, you can't even look at her when she wears that bra."

They all looked at Brooke's chest.

"See, I can look at it." he said proudly. Brooke covered her chest with her arms.

"Can we leave my boobs out of it?"

"Oh, I think it's your boobs that got you into it." Harriet said accusingly. "I knew that bra was a bad idea."

Brooke gave her mother a surprised look. "What? You picked the thing out for me! It was supposed to get Cayden's attention and now that it did, it's a bad thing?"

"Wait a second, just what kind of attention did it get you?" Bert asked, suddenly concerned.

"Oh lord." Brooke covered her face. "I didn't have sex." She took a deep breath and stood tall. "I'm going to sleep now. I have to be up early tomorrow for work and I am finished with this conversation. Good night daddy." She kissed him on the head.

"Then you didn't have sex?" Her mom asked.

"For the last time, no. We ate, and talked and that's it."

"No kiss hello or good bye?"

"Of course there were kisses, we're dating mom."

Looking satisfied with the answer, Harriet unfurrowed her brow. "Well, alright. I suppose a few kisses are okay. I mean, you two are dating."

"Glad you approve, because, you know, I wasn't going to kiss the woman until I had your permission."

"Bert! Do you see how fresh your daughter is to me?

"Leave her be, Harriet. She just came home from a date and you're jumping all over her. I'm sure if there was anything interesting, she would tell us. Now say goodnight to her and we can all go to bed."

Harriet stuck out her bottom lip. "Good night dear."

"Night mom."

Brooke ran off to her room and threw herself onto the bed, letting loose a scream into her pillow. "Oh my god! That was just insane!" she said to the dark empty room. She began to mimic her mother. "What did you two run off to the bathroom for a quickie?" She covered her face and shook her head. "How the hell did she know that?"

After undressing and getting settled, Brooke began to replay the evening in her mind. Pretty soon, she was reliving the events in the bathroom, and it was becoming impossible to sleep. She could feel Cayden's hand's touching her, her lips devouring, her tongue teasing. The blonde squirmed in her bed, and her nipples sprung to attention as she recalled what it felt like to have Cayden's hot tongue tasting them. She groaned, knowing that the more she thought about it, the hornier she'd become, but she couldn't wipe the thoughts away. She slipped a hand under her pj's and began caressing her breast, recalling the feel of Cayden's lips. This was much better than any fantasy she'd had in the past, now she had actual sensations to work with. Her soft caresses became deliberate and soon her other hand drifted between her legs. It would be a long while before Brooke got any sleep.

*  *  *

The tall shopkeeper didn't get much sleep either, and was pretty slow moving this morning. To avoid setting off the alarm, she put her coffee on the sidewalk in front of the shop as she opened up the door. As it was, whenever she pushed her way inside the shop, her back pack would slide down to her elbow and jar the coffee, making a mess, and that's where the problem would start. Without having to juggle the extra item, she was able to run to the alarm unencumbered, and shut it quickly. With a smug smile, she sashayed to the door to retrieve her coffee. When she opened the door, she jumped back a step as Brooke was standing there holding the cup.

"Morning." The blonde said cheerfully, sliding into the shop.

"Um... morning." Cayden replied, totally flustered. The blonde looked really cute in her work clothes, a shiny little sleeveless top and a sweet short tailored skirt. Cayden wanted to touch the shirt, it looked so smooth.

Brooke leaned against the counter. "Surprise." She said, scrunching up her nose in a cute way.

"Yeah." Cayden agreed with nod. "No work?" she took the coffee and put it on the counter, dropping her back pack to the floor.

"Yes, but I woke up pretty late this morning, my co-worker Bev is covering for me. I figured I'd say good morning to you." At Cayden's blank stare, Brooke became nervous. "Are you mad?"

"Mad? No! Just surprised." The tall brunette smoothed her hair, then picked at her nail. "I'm kinda happy you're here." she said quietly.

Brooke's smile lit up the shop. "I felt like last night ended too soon." She reached up and took Cayden's dark glasses off, swallowing hard at the striking blue of Cayden's eyes.

"Yeah, me too." Cayden replied, not knowing what to do with her hands. She looked at them, put them on her hips, then shoved them in her pockets. She felt uneasy without her glasses.

Brooke stepped closer to Cayden and smiled sweetly before slapping her in the stomach.

"OW! Hey! What the hell was that for?"

"That is for shoving me into a cab last night." The blonde said, narrowing her eyes.

"Huh? Well, how were you supposed to go home?" Cayden asked, confused.

"It would have been nice to have you smooshed up against me in the cab again." Brooke tried to lighten it up, seeing as Cayden had no clue. She stepped closer and put her hands on the tall woman's hips. "Besides, it would have been the chivalrous thing to do."

Realizing her mistake, Cayden blushed and felt guilty. "Oh. Yeah. I'm sorry." she became upset with herself and tried to pull away, but Brooke held her tight.

"Don't run off. It's okay, I'm not angry with you or anything. You'll learn. I suggest you have a chat with Jodie or Wade on the rules of a relationship." she half joked.

Cayden took her hands out of her pockets and covered her face. "I'm an idiot, huh?"

"No, just clueless. I'll have you opening doors and pulling out chairs in no time."

Cayden grinned. "So, it's like that, is it?" She shivered a bit as Brooke began to drag her fingertips up and down her long arms.

"Absolutely. I like being treated like a lady, but don't go overboard. I'm only joking about pulling out chairs." Brooke said with a grin of her own, leaning into the tall woman's body.

"So, are you making up for lost cab time?" Cayden asked of their closeness.

"Oh yeah." Brooke got even closer and slowly inched her way to her tip toes. "Cayden, I'm trying to make the first move here." she said, tilting her head back.

Cayden snorted, "Oh, you know me, clueless." she said before lowering her head to meet Brooke. She sighed at the sweet contact with Brooke's lips. They were so soft, and it was wonderful to kiss them... to kiss Brooke. The blonde's hands stopped tickling up and down her arms and rested on her shoulders. Cayden groaned as the short nails dug into her skin. She kissed Brooke like she was starving, making the blonde lean heavily into her and sigh loudly.

Brooke savored the taste of Cayden's mouth; sweet, with a hint of coffee. She held the tall woman close, not wanting the kiss to end, and hummed happily. Having Cayden pressed against her was becoming her most favorite thing and she wanted to be in this position as much as she possibly could.

 When the kiss eventually broke, Brooke laid her head on Cayden's chest and wrapped her arms around the tall woman’s body. They stood like that for long moments, just basking in the feeling.

"Your heart is beating as fast as mine." Brooke noted, not lifting her head.

Cayden grinned shyly. "Yours is doing the same thing?" Brooke nodded and pulled one of Cayden's hands to her chest. "Wow, it is." The tall woman felt a sense of relief from the hard thumping against her hand. She wasn't the only one going through these changes.

"I guess kissing is a big hit with the both of us." Brooke joked and let go of Cayden, stepping back enough to resume touching the tall woman's arms.

Cayden groaned softly, and closed her eyes. "That feels good." she admitted, placing her hands on Brooke's waist and enjoying the sensations traveling through her body.

"Perfect. I want to make you feel good." Brooke said in a half-whisper.

"Well, you are." The shop keeper said, opening her eyes and watching the finely manicured nails work their magic on her skin.

"I mean, the big picture. I don't ever want to make you feel bad, or frown. You have a gorgeous smile, did you know that?"

The brunette blushed. "I don't know what it is with you, but I blush at the drop of a hat. I can't tell you how many women compliment me, but when you do it, I get shy. I'm not shy Brooke."

"That's because I'm sincere. They all just want to get in your pants. You know me better."

Cayden smirked. "So, you don't want to get in my pants?" She asked playfully.

"Oh my god yes, but you know what I mean." Brooke kissed Cayden on the bicep, then pulled away from her grasp.

"Leaving so soon?" The tall woman joked, feeling lonely already.

"I have to get to work... eventually." Brooke said with a giggle.

Cayden pouted. "What if I want you to stay longer?"

"Cayd, I want to, trust me, I want to, but if I don't get way from you now... you're just too tempting." The blonde took a deep breath and grinned. "Why do you think I slept so late? I didn't want to wake up from my dream."

"Oh?" Cayden smirked.

"You don't have to be so full of yourself you know." Brooke playfully swatted the tall woman's arm.

"You dream about me, that's cool, and what you said yesterday, about... you know... when you...do it." The shop keeper blew on her nails.

"Like that's a big shock. I told you that before, and I know you think about me when you do it, so don't act all smug." Brooke teased.

"I do not!"

Brooke gave the tall woman a peck on the shoulder. "Yes, you do. Your red ears are a dead give away." Brooke smiled knowingly, she didn't think now was a good time to tell Cayden she heard her.

"Yeah... well... maybe. Once. Maybe." Cayden stammered. She did that very thing not soon after Brooke left last night, and just remembering the act was making her horny.

"You're cute when you're mortified." Brooke chuckled, pulling Cayden into a hug. "I have to get going, seriously. You try and have a good day today."

"I will as soon as I get to my coffee." Brooke started walking towards the door and Cayden jumped in front of her to cut her off. "I think another kiss would help me have that good day."

Brooke felt a warm surge in her stomach, Cayden was making a move all on her own. She accepted the kiss, her mouth already open when their lips met. Their tongues tangled restlessly, both trying to dominate the other. Cayden's hands reached for Brooke's ass, holding both cheeks tightly, pulling the blonde close. Brooke withdrew her tongue, bringing it back inside of her mouth, giving Cayden control of the kiss. The brunette slid her tongue sensuously around in Brooke's mouth, tasting every niche and space deliberately, before licking and sucking each lip provocatively.

Brooke's sex flinched and she groaned loudly, pulling away. "Okay... enough." she said breathlessly. "No one's ever made me this hot this quickly before. You make me nuts!" Green eyes stared into blue in disbelief. She couldn't believe how wired her entire body could become from kissing this woman.

"I didn't do anything." Cayden said, innocently, her hands drifting lightly up and down Brooke's back.

"Like hell you didn't! That last thing you did with your tongue... I felt it everywhere, and I do mean everywhere." Brooke closed her eyes and tried to ignore the tingly sensation between her legs that Cayden's touch was causing.

"I like kissing you, I like the way you react to me, so I want to do things to make you react." Cayden shrugged, then grinned. "You'll have to get used to my creativity."

"You're going to kill me one day, I just know it. We're going to finally make love and I won't even remember it because I'll be the one lying there in a coma through the whole thing." Brooke whined and banged her head against Cayden's breastbone. "You smell good, you look good, you kiss divinely..." Brooke ran her hands up the back of Cayden's legs and squeezed her hips. "...and you feel extraordinary.... God do I want you."

Cayden swallowed hard, her arousal peaking quickly. "Me too."

"Okay, for real, I'm going now." Brooke said, not moving.

Cayden felt good, she didn't want Brooke to leave, she was thoroughly enjoying the feel of the shiny shirt as it slipped beneath her hands. She continued to caress the length of Brooke's back, not helping the blonde's dilemma.

"That feels so nice, I think I could fall asleep just like this." The blonde sighed in contentment then dropped her hands from Cayden's hips. "Okay, I'm moving, for real. I let go, now you have to."

Reluctantly, the shop keeper removed her hands and pouted. "Go on, I know you have to get to work."

"I'm still calling you later, okay?" Brooke asked, looking into bright blue eyes.

"Sure. We can make that date for Outback."

"Cool." Brooke smiled, happy that Cayden remembered and seemed eager. "You're going to have to step to the side. If I try to slide around you, I'm going to get stuck to you again. I'm magnetized to you or something."

Cayden chuckled. "I know what you mean." she stepped away and held the door open for Brooke. As the blonde walked through, she gestured to the door. "Eh? Am I learning?"

Brooke grinned. "You'll be a stellar pupil. Thanks sweetie."

Sweetie? Cayden felt suddenly shy again. "My pleasure. Get to work safe."

"I will. You go drink that coffee, it's probably cold by now."

Cayden was disinterested in the coffee, cold or otherwise. She watched Brooke walk until she disappeared around a corner, then turned back into the shop with a crooked smile. "I like surprises. Especially when they come in attractive little well dressed packages."

*  *  *

Brooke snuck into work, quite late, and slipped to her desk. Bev ran into her cubicle right away, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the date.

"Well? What happened?" she asked rubbing her hands together.

"It was very interesting, to say the least. Wade and Jodie are great, and the food was delicious, but dessert was even better." Brooke said with a sly grin.

"Dessert? What did they have?" Bev asked, then after looking at Brooke's expression, it dawned on her. "OH! Dessert, dessert! Really?" She asked both eyebrows raised high. "Last night?"

"Noooo." Brooke corrected. "No, well, almost, but no. I'm still a virgin lesbian if that's what you mean."

"Almost?" Bev narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean by almost, and where were Jodie and Wade at this time?"

"God, you sound like my mother. We were in the bathroom, Jodie and Wade were in the living room."

Bev made a sour face. "The bathroom, Brooke? Kids do that in disco's and bars. Couldn't you at least get to a chair?" she scolded.

Brooke had the good sense to look guilty. "Well... I just wanted a kiss, but it got out of hand, and before I knew it, I was laying on my back, choking on my wonderbra."

Bev laughed, the image was more than she could stand. She covered her mouth so she wouldn't guffaw out loud.

Brooke looked around nervously, the strangled sounds Bev was making was sure to draw a crowd. "Bev! It's not that funny."

"Oh, yes it is!" She said between fits of shnorfles.

"It didn't come out right, I wasn't actually eating it or anything, it was just.. oh never mind." Brooke pouted.

Bev controlled herself and took a serious expression. "No, I'm sorry, go on."

"I don't know if I want to now." Brooke said, swivelling her chair the other way.

"Aw, Honey, come on. Tell me what happened."

"I called her into the bathroom to jump her for a kiss but in no time, we were totally carried away. We almost did do it right there on the floor. Once my head bumped into the toilet though, I put an end to it. Boy, was Cayden upset. She was all revved up and frustrated, and I wasn't doing any better, but I had to stop it then."

"You did the right thing, Brooke. That wouldn't have been a charming memory at all. Your first time should be special, don't you think?"

"Totally. Speaking of charming, Cayden is not one of the more well mannered type. Can you imagine she shuffled me out the door and let me go home alone?"

"What? You didn't say anything?"

"I did this morning and she was genuinely embarrassed. I don't think she really meant to be rude, I think she just didn't know any better."

"Well, you can't blame her then. You've got some training to do." Bev joked.

"I feel a bit embarrassed myself. Am I stereotyping if I expected her to just do these things?"

"Perhaps. Maybe she always had a more masculine partner that did these things for her in the past? Then again, maybe she doesn't label herself at all."

Brooke thought about that. "I wouldn't consider her masculine. Actually, I wouldn't consider her feminine either. She's just Cayden."

"That's good enough. As long as it doesn't matter to you. However, you must let her know how you prefer to be treated, after all, she doesn't know and can't read your mind. She's going to have to adjust to you and visa versa."

"This is going to be fun." Brooke said with a groan.

*  *  *

Jodie showed up at the shop around noon and found Cayden swinging back and forth in her chair, a pleasant expression on her face. "Are you drunk?"

"What?" Cayden asked in confusion. "Why would you ask that?"

Jodie studied her friend and hummed in thought. "Why are you so happy? It's totally not like you."

"Please, can't I just have a good day?"

"No. Spill it. Something happened."

"Okay, Brooke came here this morning and did she ever look cute! She had on these adorable sandals that tied up around her ankles and really soft shirt..."

Jodie started chuckling.

"What?" Cayden wondered what was so funny.

"I should have known. Brooke, that's what." Jodie said with a smile.

"Do you want to hear or not?"

"Of course!" Jodie sat up on the counter and waited for Cayden to continue.

"Well, she brought me my coffee and we kissed a couple of times. God, Jo, she feels so good in my arms, I didn't want to let her go. It was scary and great at the same time."

Jodie beamed. So this is what Cayden is like in love. It was a dramatic, yet wonderful change in her usually cranky friend. Of course now the down side was having to hear about every little adorable breath that Brooke took, but she didn't mind.

"She felt it too, our hearts were beating the same way, and kissing her... man... I could kiss her all day!"

"That is so cool, Cayd!" Jodie hopped off the counter and hugged the tall woman. "This is great!"

Cayden suddenly pushed Jodie away and looked serious. "Jo, I made a big mistake last night by letting her leave all by herself."

"I could have told you that."

The shop keeper pinched the waitress on the arm. "Then why did you let me?"

"Hey! No pinching! You have to learn your own lessons!" Jodie said, rubbing her arm.

"Not if I have you I don't. Start talking, what do I have to do? She wants to be treated like a lady, but not too much, no pulling out chairs." Cayden looked expectantly at her friend.

Jodie pursed her lips in thought. "Sounds to me like you need butch lessons. Okay, first things first, she lives with her parents. You have to get on their good side, pronto. Make an impression, a good impression. No farting or belching out the alphabet, that's not the butch that we're looking for here."

Cayden listened and nodded. "Okay, what else?"

Jodie got comfortable, it was going to be a long afternoon.

PART 26

B ROOKE SAT ACROSS from Bev at lunch and picked on her napkin as she spoke. "The thing is, I know enough about Cayden now to know what I'm up against. I don't want to change her, I don't mind her moods."

"But you do." Bev argued.

"No, not really. I can handle whatever mood she throws at me, I've been warned by Wade and Jodie, and even experienced Cayden at her worst. I can handle her, for craps sake, I grew up with Harriet and Bert! Let's just say, I'd like to enhance her." Brooke said with a giggle,. "And, most importantly, I don't want her to feel as if I want her to change either."

Bev smiled. "I see. Hmm. " she took a sip of Diet Coke and pondered that thought. "Yeah, if she thought you wanted her to change, she'd feel insecure. So, you think leaving it up to her friend is going to help?"

"Definitely. Jodie is the perfect choice." Brooke replied confidently. "Wade may be a problem though," she added with a snicker. "He'll have her wearing leather and combat boots."

Bev snickered too. "You're sure Jodie knows what you want from Cayden?"

"I don't want any astronomical alterations... just some insight into couplehood. I don't think Cayden has any good history to base her behavior on. Jodie knows her best and I think she'll do the right thing."

"And you're so sure Cayden's willing?"

"If she hasn't already asked for help, I'll eat my napkin."

Bev laughed. "She's worth it all?"

"Every single bit."

*  *  *

Jodie stuck her chopsticks into the Chinese food carton and pulled out a pea pod. Cayden looked on with great intensity. "Her needs come first. I mean if your finger is hanging off at the joint, or you're having a stroke, of course you come first..." She popped the pea pod in her mouth and chewed. "But all other times, she does. Capice?"

Cayden nodded, still perplexed at the whole chopstick thing. "How do you do that?" She looked at her fork and frowned.

"Never mind the chopsticks... do you get what I'm saying?"

"Yeah, I guess." The tall woman stabbed at a shrimp with her fork.

"Okay, and example, if she drinks Coke and you don't, you make sure you have Coke in your fridge, even if there's no room for your Pepsi. It's the little things, Cayd."

"The little things, huh?" Cayden replied, digging around in her container with chopsticks.

"Yes, and stop that." Jodie took them away. "You're only going to drop a shrimp in your lap again and be annoyed all day." She pointed to the drop ceiling. "Look, the chopstick is still hanging there from your last tantrum."

"They were my good pants!" Cayden explained.

"Okay, I gotta run, I'll drop by tonight and we can talk about this more. Maybe Wade has some suggestions."

Cayden looked horrified. "Not Wade!"

Jodie winked and giggled. "Later Tater." She picked up her food and left.   

Cayden stuck her tongue out at Jodie's back and picked up the chopsticks, making a big effort to place them in her fingers properly. Her tongue poked out as she concentrated on trying to open and close the two sticks, and suddenly, her face lit up. She held the chopsticks in the air triumphantly, opening and closing them over and over again. Eyeing the white carton of shrimp and black bean sauce with determination, and holding the chopstick hand very still, she picked up the box with her free hand. carefully and ever so slowly, she lowered the open chopsticks into the container, and closed them securely around a shrimp. She glanced around the shop, wishing someone was there to witness the big event. She began to lift the shrimp, slowly... slowly... she opened her mouth wide in expectation, which was hard to do with a smug smile , and lifted the shrimp higher.. almost there.... she bent her head to meet the tasty morsel and.... plop.

"Dammit to hell!"

Cayden jumped up and threw the shrimp from her lap, a big brown stain already in it's place. She threw the evil chopsticks across the store and cursed a blue streak.

*  *  *

Brooke was more than happy to get home, the heat was oppressive and she felt like she couldn't breathe. She threw her keys on the side table, scooped up an excited Fred, and plopped herself on the couch. Dad watched with sympathy from his chair.

"Oh, good! You're home! Dinner's almost ready, honey." Harriet called from the kitchen.

"I'm too hot to eat, let me soak up the air conditioner a while first."

"Take a cool shower, it'll help." Bert offered.

"Daddy, was it always this hot in the summer, or is it getting worse as I get older?"

"It's both. When I was younger, there were days I didn't want to get up from my seat on the subway because I was sure it looked like I wet my pants. Back then, it wasn't the heat that bothered me as much as the sweat. Now, though, I can hardly tolerate the heat itself."

"It's the ozone layer." Harriet said from the kitchen. "From the hair spray."

Bert and Brooke shook their heads and rolled their eyes.

"Yeah, ma, damn the 80's and the freakish hairstyles."

"Don't be fresh young lady, if I recall, you had quite the hairdo. Rather high if you ask me."

Brooke made a sour face at the kitchen and turned to her dad. "I took a cab home, trying to avoid melting off of the subway platform. The only access for the air conditioner to reach the back seat was through the tiny little holes in the partition. I swear I wanted to strip off all my clothes and hang out the window but it only opened four inches."

Bert nodded. "I know, just the other day your mother and I went shopping and she kept her face pressed up against the money slot the whole way." He snickered.

"I'd have given anything to see that." Brooke giggled. "I feel better now, I'm going to take my shower and I'll be out in a minute."

*  *  *

It was almost time to close the shop, and Cayden was preparing to leave, when Butch came strolling in. She had to grin, the man's attire never ceased to amuse her. Today, he was wearing a powder blue cut-off tank top and lime green bicycle shorts, with a bright pink bandana tied around his neck like a cowboy.

"God, is it hot!" Butch exclaimed, fanning himself with a tissue. "Did you know there's a chopstick in the window?" He asked as he sat down heavily into a chair.

Cayden grunted in embarrassment.

"This place feels delicious, bless you for being open. I was coming dangerously close to a swoon out there."

"If there's one thing I don't skimp on its AC, you wouldn't like me very much when I'm hot." Cayden said, disappearing into the back.

"You mean you get crankier?" Butch joked.

"Just for that.." The shop keeper pulled away a cold bottle of water she was going to give Butch.

"Oh please Mary. like I just told a secret, gimme that water or I'll flick my chest sweat on you."

Cayden handed it over quickly and watched with a grin as he wiped the bottle all over his neck.

"Bliss and joy." he breathed, then stopped what he was doing, and pointed at Cayden's crotch. "Starting a new fashion trend?"

Cayden looked down in confusion, then blushed. She had forgotten she hung a doggie T-shirt from the front of her pants. "I dropped something in my lap." she explained, red faced. At the time, the "Spoiled Rotten" T-shirt seemed like a good choice.

"I'm not even going to ask you to explain, that's how nice I am."

"I'm letting you suck up all my cold air, you better be nice." Cayden warned playfully. "Need anything, or just loitering?"

"Loitering, I was just heading for a manicure when the heat got to me." Butch sat back down and crossed his legs.

Cayden observed the man with a smile. He sure is feminine, maybe I can talk to him about my problem? Nah, how the hell could he know what a woman wants. She snickered to herself as Butch primped his hair. Who am I kidding? He's more woman than I'll ever be.

"Hey, did you see the new carpenter on Trading Spaces? His name is Carter, and he is to die for."

"Yeah, I saw him. I dunno, I think he's too pretty if you ask me."

"OOoo, speaking of pretty..." He turned around in his chair and faced Cayden, "What ever happened with that cute girl you had a date with? Did you go?"

"I went, it was alright." Cayden answered with a shrug.

"Well? What's the news? Is it special?"

Cayden thought about not saying anything, but figured it couldn't hurt. "I like her... a lot, but if I want it to be special, I need to be more butch."

Butch leaned over and sucked his lips into his mouth. "Hmm. How butch?"

"I don't know!" She said with frustration.

"Are we talking easy, like opening doors and pouring wine... or serious, like fatigues and steel toed boots, because frankly honey, I don't see you on a Harley."

"Nooo, not to extremes, pouring wine is fine.... I think."

"You think? Sweetie, did she tell you this point blank or are you just assuming?"

"Well, actually, she didn't say anything, Jodie said I have to be more butch. Brooke said I should have been more chivalrous after I sent her home from the date in a cab. Jodie said I need to be aware of her needs right?"

"Yes. That's exactly what you have to do. Open doors, bring her a flower, tell her she looks pretty.... the little things."

"That's what Jodie said!" Cayden remarked. "How am I supposed to know what the little things are?"

"Trial and error. You'll need to spend more time with her before you get it right. You can't anticipate her needs until you're more aware of them."

"Okay." The shop keeper narrowed her eyes in thought. "Spend more time together, that's easy." She smiled. If anything, she couldn't wait to spend more time with Brooke.

*  *  *

Bert was right, as soon as Brooke came out of the shower she was starved. She ate dinner and was looking for dessert. "Mmm, ice cream." She opened the freezer expectantly and grinned when she found not one, but two cartons of ice cream, the vanilla, chocolate, strawberry kind. "Pay dirt!" She quickly opened one box and found only the stripe of strawberry left. Frowning, she pulled out the other box and found the same thing. "What the hell is with the ice cream?"

"It's strawberry, dear."

"I can see that ma, but why?" Brooke pouted.

"Your father likes chocolate, and I like vanilla."

"So you leave the strawberry in here for what?"

"For guests. Bert, that reminds me, we need more ice cream. Put it on the list."

"Why don't you just get one vanilla and one chocolate?" Brooke asked, feeling cranky now.

"Then what will the guests eat?"

"Argh!" Brooke slammed the freezer closed and stomped off to her room. "How old is that ice cream anyway." she grunted as she passed.

*  *  *

Despite her prayers, Jodie and Wade were waiting for Cayden when she got home. She tried to duck passed them unnoticed but they caught her.

"I made fruit salad for dinner," Wade announced then looked down and snickered. "Nice look." he said, pointing to the doggie shirt.

Jodie smacked her in the arm. "I told you to leave the chop sticks alone!"

"I almost did it!"   Cayden replied defensively.

"Almost." Jodie repeated with a chuckle.

"I'm taking a shower, half of the city is stuck to me. My subway car had no AC."

When Cayden reappeared, Jodie had a dish towel over her arm, and Wade was wearing a rubber dress and a hideous blonde wig. "What in god's name..."

"Right this way ma'am." Jodie said with a strange accent, leading Cayden to the kitchen.

"I'm not going anywhere, Wade, what the hell is that?" She pointed to his outfit and then his hair, unable to decide which she wanted explained first.

"Can't you tell? I'm Brooke! This is Dinner for Dummies." Wade said excitedly.

"Ohhh nooo. I'm hot and tired and I just want to grab a bowl and eat in bed."

Jodie pushed Cayden with a finger to the small of her back all the way to the kitchen table. "Your seat ma'am."

The tall woman closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I don't need lessons, I already know how to eat." She tipped the chair until La La jumped off.

Wade blinked demurely and giggled. "Aren't you going to pull out my chair Caydiekins?"

Cayden narrowed her eyes and then smiled innocently. "But of course, honey lamb pie." She went over and pulled out the chair with a small bow, and when Wade went to sit, she pulled it all the way out. He landed on the floor with a shriek and his feet in the air.

"That's not funny! I could have broke my spine!" He pouted scrambling to his feet.

"You landed on your fat ass, drama queen." Cayden hid the amused grin as his skirt rode way up in the fall.

"Cayden, just behave for five minutes will you?" Jodie said, pushing the tall woman back into her chair.

Wade made a show of smoothing the back of his skirt before he sat in the chair. "Ooo, sweet lips, the salad looks so delicious!" he said in a high falsetto.

Cayden rolled her eyes and Jodie poked her with a fork. "Ow! Quit that!"

"Now's where you offer your date some food, air-head."

"Brooke has arms, she can spoon her own fruit salad. Besides, the waiter is going to bring all the food to us anyway."

"Pretend, will you? One day you're going to cook for Brooke and you should show some manners. Sheesh!" Jodie complained.

Cayden frowned at first then sighed. They weren't giving up. "Would you like some, sugar butt?"

"I'd love some, ginger snap." Wade lifted his bowl and winked dramatically.

Cayden spooned some salad into his bowl. "Say when, tulip."

"When, marigold."

"I'm gonna throw up." Jodie announced.

Cayden gave her the evil eye. "Shut up, I'm sure this was your idea, now you have to deal with it." she turned to her date, "Right, sweet potato?"

"Yes, Brussels sprout." Wade pointed to his glass with another big wink.

"Oh, sorry, would you like something to drink, peach cobbler?"

"That would be splendid, apple crisp."

"Good lord, just eat already!"

They both turned to Jodie and she put her hands up in surrender.

Cayden began to eat, when she was struck with an attack of the willies. "I can’t do this."

"What happened?" Wade asked with concern.

"God, are you a butt ugly woman." She replied seriously.

Jodie laughed loudly and soon Cayden was laughing too.

Wade primped his hair and straightened his dress. "Well, I didn't have time to wax."

Jodie snorted a few times before getting it together. "Wade, it's not the stubble, you're just butt ugly."

"Where the hell did you get that outfit? That hair?" Cayden wondered.

"I stole it off of a mannequin at the shop." he said with a giggle.

"Put it back, you're much better looking as a guy."

"Well, that's funny, cuz," Wade jumped up onto the chair and began dancing, "Man, I feel like a woman!"

Jodie began to sing the music part. "Da da da da da da!"

"The best part about being a woman..." Wade shook his hips back and forth.

"Is the prerogative to have a little fun," Jodie jumped up on a chair and began swinging the dish towel in a circle.

"FUN!"

"FUN!"

"FUN"

They each shouted the word alternately and did the bump as they sang.

"OH OH OH..."

"I'm getting the hell outta here!" Cayden said as she grabbed her bowl and tried to leaved. Wade and Jodie jumped off their chairs and each grabbed an arm, shimmying up and down the tall woman.

"Totally crazy... men's shirts, short skirts.. oh oh oh..."

Cayden broke free and disappeared into her bedroom, wide eyed. "Come on, La La, they're nuts."

*  *  *

Brooke ran to the phone. "I'll get it!" she shouted, grabbing the cordless away from her mother. "Hello!" She said breathlessly.

"Did I catch you in the middle of something?" Cayden wondered.

"Oh, hi! No. I just saved you from Harriet hell." Brooke said with a giggle, closing the door to her room.

"Thanks, I'm glad you answered." Cayden nodded, and popped some cantaloupe in her mouth.

Brooke heard Cayden chewing, "What are you eating?"

"Dinner, fruit salad. It's pretty good."

"You didn't have to call if you weren't finished with dinner yet."

"Oh, no, La La and I had to escape the kitchen, Wade and Jodie have flipped out or something and are singing Shania Twain songs. Besides, I wanted to call you." She admitted.

"I wanted to call you a few times today myself, but I didn't want to seem pushy." Brooke also admitted, lying back on her bed and getting comfy.

"Pushy? You? Nah." Cayden replied sarcastically, but with a grin. "I almost called you today too, but I dropped the shrimp so I didn't call."

"What?" Brooke asked in confusion. "What shrimp?"

Cayden blushed on her end of the phone. "Oh yeah you'd have no clue would you. I almost got some chopsticks to work today and while I was lifting the shrimp to my mouth, the first thought I had was calling you to brag. But I dropped it."

"Oh, Cayden, that is so sweet." Brooke smiled warmly. "You just scored, big time."

Cayden sat up straight. "I did?"

"Yes, you did. See? And you didn't even know it, it's not so hard is it?"

"Well, no, I suppose not." She smiled proudly. I scored, and I didn't even do anything.

"So how'd the rest of the day go? Anything interesting happen?"

"Besides wearing my lunch, nothing much happened. Your visit this morning, was the most exciting part of the day. Everything was boring after that." Cayden said matter-of-factly, popping a grape into her mouth.

"Wow. You just scored again!" Brooke beamed happily.

"Huh? Yeah? I mean, yeah." She said confidently, puffing out her chest.

"Oh Cayden, you're so cute I can't stand it." Brooke said with a giggle.

Feeling quite good, Cayden swallowed the grape and grinned cockily. "So, you want to go to Outback tomorrow night?"

"I'd love to! Truth be told, I can't wait to see you again." Brooke said with a sigh.

"Yeah, me too."

"What time and where Cayd?" Brooke asked excitedly.

Cayden took a deep breath and braced herself. "Well, I'll pick you up at your house," There, it was done, she couldn't take it back now. "You tell me the time."

"My house?" Brooke practically yelled. "Do you know what you're getting into?"

"Yeah, I mean, no, I haven't met our parents yet, at least both of them, but yeah, I guess so."

"Cayden, you're unbelievable. Here I thought I had some serious work to do with you and you're scoring all over the damned place!"

"I learn quickly." she shrugged.

"Okay, if you're sure you want to be subject to Harriet, come around 6:30, I should be ready by then."

"No problem," Just then Wade and Jodie burst into the room, La La jumped off of the bed in fear.

"R... E... S... P... E... C...T..." They sang, jumping up on Cayden's bed, Jodie wearing the wig now.

Brooke laughed heartily. "I thought you said they were singing Shania."

The two danced all around Cayden in a circle, flouncing and flailing.

"I guess they graduated to Aretha. They're in the big time now. Wade I can see your package from this angle, I'm trying to eat."

"His package?" Brooke asked through laughter.

"Yeah, he's got a rubber dress on... long story, and he's jumping on my bed. I can see clear up his skirt." "A dress? Oh man..." Brooke continued to laugh as Jodie and Wade belted out the song.

"Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me..."

"I better go, I can hardly hear you. GUYS! Off my bed!"

Brooke nodded and yelled into the phone. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Next time call me if you want, shrimp or not. have a great night."

"I will, you too."

Brooke hung up the phone and wondered how a cranky person like Cayden could ever put up with the likes of Jodie and Wade on a regular basis.

PART 27

C AYDEN OPENED THE front door to find Brooke, wearing the bicycle shorts and sports bra that she remembered from the park. Brooke leaned against the door frame and licked her lips, inviting the tall woman for a taste. Cayden took the one step needed to close the distance, and swooped the small blonde up off of her feet. Brooke wrapped her arms around Cayden's neck, their lips met hard, tongues burst into each other's mouth frantically. Brooke was hot and sweaty, her skin slick and glistening. It felt sexy under Cayden's hands as she slid her right palm up the blonde's back past the nape of her neck and slipped her fingers into Brooke's hair. The tall woman walked them into the bedroom, both grunting and groaning with the hunger of arousal. She propped her knee on the bed, lowered Brooke to the mattress, and lay on top of her. Brooke wrapped her legs around Cayden, pulling her weight down, covering her body completely. The kiss broke, Cayden gasped for breath. Her heart was beating so forcefully it hurt. "I want you." she breathed, in a gravelly deep voice.

Brooke opened her arms and legs, until she was spread-eagled, threw her head back and pleaded. "Please, make love to me Cayden, hurry."

*  *  *

Cayden groaned in her sleep, clutching the pillow tightly. She turned over, kicking the blankets from her overheated body, disrupting La La from his nap. The annoyed cat smacked her in the head and jumped off of the bed with a loud meow.

Blue eyes popped open and Cayden looked around her room with great disappointment. "Aw, shit," she complained. "Always when I get to the good part." She sat up and threw a pillow at the cat. "Thanks a lot, fat ass, I almost got some."

*  *  *

"Good Morning mom!" Brooke kissed her mother on the cheek and bounced into the kitchen for coffee.

"Well, good morning to you too!" Harriet said cheerfully. "You've been waking up in a good mood an awful lot lately. I like it."

"Me too." Brooke said with a grin. Heh, if she only knew what kind of dreams put me in this mood she'd keel over.

"Do you want anything special for dinner tonight, honey?"

Brooke's eyes widened. "Oh! About dinner... I'm going out with Cayden."

"Really?" Mrs. Hewitt marched right into the kitchen. "So soon?"

Brooke smiled smugly. "But of course. She can't get enough of me."

"Where are you going? What time? How will you get there?"

Brooke rolled her eyes. "Outback, 6:30, and she's coming to pick me up here."

"Here?" Harriet's eyes were like saucers. "When were you going to tell me? My goodness, Brooke, I could be wandering around in a house coat when she gets here! Good grief! I have to vacuum, and that credenza needs dusting, OH, and I need to clean the bathroom..."

"Mom! Calm down, she's not going to be here long enough to see the credenza."

Harriet looked shocked. "What? Aren't you going to invite her in? I'm sure your father wants to meet her."

"Daddy isn't who I'm worried about." Brooke held up her finger and pointed at her mother. "You are going to behave yourself, do you understand?"

"Me? Misbehave? Not I." the older woman said innocently.

"Don't give me that, you know what I mean. Leave the talking to daddy and limit yourself to 5 questions."

"FIVE!?" Harriet blurted. "How will I know anything with five questions?"

Brooke continued to wag her finger. "Five." She went off to her room feeling confident that her mother's big fat pout meant she'd listen. Besides, I'll have Cayden out of here in three questions.

*  *  *

Wade handed Cayden a cup of coffee when she exited her room. "Thanks." she grumbled.

"Ah, but aren't you a refreshing burst of sunshine." he chuckled.

Cayden spun around and sighed heavily. "You know... every single time I have a dream about Brooke, we never get to the good stuff. Do you think it's a sign?"

"Never?" Wade questioned.

Cayden stomped her foot. "No!" She stuck out her lower lip.

Wade watched his adult room mate sit down on the floor and pout. "No honey, I don't think it's a sign." he said convincingly, rubbing her shoulder. "You're frustrated and it's been so long... hey! Just think about what it will be like when you finally do do it. Boy oh boy," he smiled and then laughed. "Can you imagine?"

"Actually, no!" Cayden growled.

"Aw, come on Cayd, you almost got some, just remember that before you go to sleep tonight. You had diddies all to yourself. Naked Brooke diddies."

Cayden couldn't help but grin, Wade just incited a hormonal riot. She shivered recalling the taste and feel of Brooke's flesh in her mouth. "I need it Wade, or I'm going to spontaneously combust."

"You'll get it." he assured her.

"That's just it! I can go and get laid anytime I want. Hell, I know at least 6 people who would sleep with me right this second, but that's not what I want. I want Brooke."

Wade smiled knowingly. "Sweetie, you will have Brooke, just have patience."

"I'm running out of patience. I dream about her every freaking night, I daydream about her all day, I can smell her scent at random..." Groaning, she banged the back of her head against the wall. "Mark my words, I will get me some more diddy." she declared.

"Yes, you will!" he urged her on.

"In fact, I want more than just that, I want to make love with Brooke. I want to feel all of her in my mouth."

"Sing it sister!" Wade threw his hands in the air and hailed Cayden.

"She wants me, I want her, so what am I so worried about?"

"Hallelujah, amen!" Wade danced circles around the tall woman.

Cayden stood up, revved with confidence. "Who knows, maybe tonight's the night."

Wade stopped dancing and raised both eyebrows, his face the very picture of delight.

"Oh no you don't. I don't want to see your big old face peering back at me when I walk in the door. You better just disappear tonight." Cayden warned.

Wade gasped dramatically and grabbed his chest. "I'm shocked, shocked I tell you."

"Puullease," Cayden waved him away and poured her coffee into a travel mug. "Like you wouldn't be standing there cheering me on. Lord only knows what you'll be wearing then."

"Hey I happen to have the perfect legs for a cheerleader skirt, and pardon me if I'm happy for you." He said with a pout. "I want you to get laid as much as you want to."

"Oh, Wade, you can't even begin to fathom how badly I want to get laid." she stopped, thought about what she just said, then smacked herself in the forehead. "Listen to what I'm blabbing on and on about. I have to wait until Brooke is ready, it has to be right for her." Wade grabbed her hand and smiled happily while she continued. "I mean, I want everything perfect, I don't want another scene like the bathroom. I want her to be absolutely certain."

Wade wiped the corners of his eyes with the bottom of his shirt. "I'm so proud of you."

Cayden looked perplexed.

"You're thinking of Brooke first, not your..." he held his hand over his mouth and whispered, "Vagina." then shuddered.

"Trust me, I haven't stopped thinking about my vagina." She stopped, concentrated then smiled. "See, just thought about it again." Wade grimaced. "No, really though, it'll be her first time and everything. It should be special I guess." Cayden shrugged.

Wade wept. "My little lesbian is all grown up."

*  *  *

"I have another date with Cayden!" Brooke gushed as she ran into her cubicle.

Bev clapped as she ran to join Brooke. "Fabulous! When?"

The blonde dropped her roller blades and giggled like a school girl. "Tonight! I'm so excited I can't wait! We're going to Outback, I'll get the salmon. Oooo, I think I'll wear my yellow dress, no my sun dress and my sandals. I saw the way she was eyeing them the other day."

Bev laughed at Brooke's enthusiasm. "Well look at you!" She watched Brooke jump around her office like a wind up toy.

"I know! I brought my blades to skate home and expend some of this energy. I hope it works."

"never mind that, have you seen what skating has done for your legs? Your butt?"

Brooke stretched out a leg and stared at it. 'You think?" She tried to look at her but and wound up spinning around in circles a few times. "I didn't even think of that."

"Of course Honey, its a terrific work out. Even I saw it and its only been a few weeks."

Brooke turned off her computer and looked at the reflection of her butt in the darkened screen. "Hey, what do you know... it is looking fine."

"I told you. Now, tell me more, what time is the date?" Bev asked, smiling brightly.

"6:30, I gave myself time to skate home, shower and nothing else. She's picking me up at my house, can you believe that? How sweet is she? I didn't even prompt her!"

"That's a good sign. She must have already spoken to her friends.

"See? I told you it would work. She even scored a bunch of times on the phone last night. Oh, Bev... I like her so much, I never felt like this about anyone before. I think she may be the one."

"Really? Oh my god! That's huge!" Bev hugged Brooke heartily.

"I really think so." Brooke pulled away from the hug looking a little frightened. "I just scared myself."

"Oh, sweetie, that's perfectly normal. being scared is healthy, just don't let it get the best of you."

"That's just it, I'm scared, but I still want her. You can't imagine how much I want her. I'm totally ready."

Bev laughed. "Oh, Brooke, you were ready the instant you saw her." She joked.

Brooke giggled, slapping Bev playfully. "You know what I mean."

"I do, and I'm really tickled for you. Do you think it may happen tonight?"

"I don't know what Cayden has planned, but if she's willing to try, I ain't fighting. Even if it happens on the bathroom floor."

Bev beamed. "If it does, you'll have to tell me all about it! Just leave out the details, I'm an old woman."

"Don't you worry, I'll tell you everything." Brooke joked, wiggling her eyebrows.

*  *  *

The time was dragging on and on and Cayden was growing frustrated. She couldn't get interested in the television and her attention span was zero She was begging for a distraction and she didn't even care if it came in the form of Ida Friedman. All she could think about was Brooke, and their upcoming date. What was she going to wear? What was Brooke going to wear? What should she say? What should she do? Should she pull out the chair? Should she offer her a taste of her food? Jodie and her always do, but is it right for Brooke? She put her head down and sighed. The little things. Cayden stood up, paced around and frowned. "Never mind the little things right now, you have to meet her parents tonight... on their own turf!" Just as she was going to panic, Jodie walked in the door. Cayden was never so happy to hear that bell tinkle.

"Hey Cayd, how's it hangin?"

"On a hook in the back of my closet. I thought it a little too much for Outback."

Jodie pretended that she couldn't breathe from laughing so hard. "You are a riot." She said flatly. "No, really, what's up?"

"I'm freaked out a little about tonight." She admitted quickly.

"Aw honey, it will be alright."

"What about dinner? What if she orders wine? Should I pour it for her? Do I have to taste it first?"

"That's why you should have paid attention during our dinner lessons. " Jodie stuck out her tongue.

"Gee, thanks for the help." Cayden narrowed her eyes at her friend..

"Okay, here's what you do. You get to her house, and act natural. You get to the restaurant, and act natural."

"That's it?? That's the advice?" Cayden was almost furious.

"That's it. You'll be fine. I have the utmost faith in you."

"Thanks, but I don't feel too confident." The brunette said with a frown.

"Trust me. last night, she told you that you scored a few times and you said you didn't do anything. That was because you really know how to act and what to say. You did it without even thinking about it, that's important. I told you, you'll be fine." Jodie said with a sincere smile.

"You really think so?"

"Yes." The waitress put her hands on Cayden's shoulders and pursed her lips. "Ooo, you're tense! You poor thing. Want a head scratchies? Loosen you up a bit?"

Cayden thought about it, Jodie had the best nails for a head massage. "No, I'm too horny and it will confuse my personals."

"Cayden, if an eyelash fell on you it'd set you off."

"No kidding."

"Honey, you need to get that thing under control, cuz when you do finally nail Brooke, it will be over too quick."

"I'm not going to nail Brooke. Geez Jo!"

"You're not?" Jodie said hiding her smile. "What are you going to do then?"

"Make love, you asshole."

Jodie broke into a brilliant smile. "WOOHOO! I was hoping you'd say that. Cayd, you're in this all the way aren't you! This is so cool! So when do you think it will happen? Any plans?"

"I don't know. I'm not going to push her, I suppose I'll let her make the first move?" she asked more than said.

"You could do that, or you can just ask her if she's ready. She's new at this."

"Oh, you don't know Brooke, She's not the least bit shy about making the first move. Hmm, though I could ask her, that's a thought. Then again, what if she says no, that'll suck. And, if I make the first move, and she's not ready, she'll think I'm over eager or something."

"Cayden, you're a horny mess for crying out loud."

"She doesn't have to know that."

"Why the hell not? She'd be thrilled to know how hot she makes you, she's not going to do something she isn't ready for. Shit, I'd be so freaking smug if I knew I was making my woman wet her jeans."

"Jo! But what if she feels obligated or something... ya know, because I'm wetting my jeans."

"Brooke is a big girl, she'll do what she wants, I think you know that by now. She won't do anything just to please you, especially something this important. She wants it to be special."

"That’s the whole thing, how can I make it special?"

Jodie smiled sincerely. "You'll know when it is."

"Sure, leave it all up to me. I'll know when it's special, I'll know how to act, I'll know what the little things are. Shit this is hard."

"Tell me about it." Jodie grinned.

*  *  *

Cayden had to close the shop early in order to make it to Brooke's on time, and make a special stop along the way. She had been looking forward to this date all day, and now as she closed the store gates, her stomach filled with butterflies. "Get a grip," she scolded herself, "Jodie said you'd be fine... just remember the little things."

The shopkeeper went just two stores down to the florist and stopped dead in front of the big refrigerator. Crap! Look at all of them! She made her way slowly through the shop, amazed at just how many colors flowers came in.

"May I help you?"

Cayden turned to the saleswoman and grinned shyly. "Yeah, well, I wanted a flower, but.... there's way too many."

"Is it a special occasion?" The woman asked.

"I guess so. It's a date."

The woman walked Cayden over to the roses and waved her hand. "Is it a first date, or just because?"

"Technically, it's not really a first date, but..." The tall woman squirmed uncomfortably. "What's the difference what date it is, I just want a flower."

The sales woman opened the glass door and picked out a red rose. "How cute. I hardly ever get women buying roses for men. Here, a red rose means you love him."

Cayden rolled her eyes. "It's not for a man, its for a woman, and I don't think I want red. Can I see that really cool purple one?"

The saleswoman blushed in embarrassment. "Oh.. yes... well I...." she sputtered. "Purple is nice." She handed Cayden the nicest purple one there was to make up for her indiscretion. "Would you like me to wrap it up with some greenery?"

Cayden smelled the rose and smiled. "Sure, yeah."

After leaving the florist, the shop keeper stopped at an ATM. Once she was sure she had everything she hurried home.

*  *  *

Brooke was out of breath when she got home, and hoped she could bypass her parents. Of course it was impossible, her mother was waiting by the door when she opened it.

"Sweetheart! I don't like this skating in such heat at all! You're all flushed, go right inside and drink something this instant!"

"Ma," Brooke whined, "I don't have time for this right now. I'm going to take a shower."

"Bert, make her drink something!"

Mr. Hewitt glanced at his wife boredly. "Harriet, if she's thirsty, she'll drink."

Mrs, Hewitt ignored her husband with a verbalized huff, got a glass of iced tea and chased Brooke into her bedroom. "Here." she put it on the dresser and sat on the bed watching Brooke dig frantically through her closet. "Wear the light blue dress honey." she suggested, as the garment in question flew past her to the floor.

"No, I don't like that one," Brooke replied, voice muffled. "I know what I'm looking for."

"What then?"

The sun dress with the little flowers. I want that one." Brooke tossed more items of clothing across the room. "Aha!" she emerged from the closet triumphant, holding the dress in the air.

"I'll take that before you throw it on the floor. It could use a good ironing."

"Oh ma, thank you!" Brooke ran over, kissed her mother on the cheek and ran to he bathroom."

Mrs. Hewitt eyed the dress skeptically. She still thought the blue one would look better and fished it out of the pile on the floor.

When Brooke came out of the shower there were three crisply ironed dressed laid out on the bed. She shook her head and covered her eyes. She thought she wanted the flowery one, but now with all these choices she stared doubting her selection. She held all of them up to herself in the mirror and sighed. They all had their merits. The blue one looked great with her eyes and hair, the yellow one showed off her newly acquired dark tan, and the flowery one was the smallest, showing off the most skin. "Tan, vs. hair, vs. cleavage." She muttered, eyeing all the dresses. She grinned suddenly and picked the original one. "Cleavage always wins out."

*  *  *

Cayden was nervous, so nervous she was standing in the middle of her room in her underwear, talking to herself. "Maybe I should pretend I'm late. Maybe I should just call her and tell her to meet me at the restaurant."

"Not a good idea, missy." Wade replied.

Cayden jumped. "I was talking to myself... and when did you get here?"

"Did you think I'd let you go this alone? I left work early." He said walking directly to her closet. "You'll wear this and this. " he ordered, holding up clothes.

Cayden looked at the outfit with pursed lips. "I'll have to iron the chinos Wade and I do not iron,."

"Silly, that's what I'm here for. Put on that shirt and you'll look edible... and roll up the sleeves to your elbows, your forearms are to die for."

Cayden narrowed her eyes. "Isn't a white button down shirt too boring?"

"Sweetie, you just can't go wrong with an Oxford. It's classy, tasteful and understated. Oh, and wear a T-shirt underneath in case Brooke gets cold in the restaurant and you need to give her your top."

"She's not going to get cold."

"How do you know she won't?" Wade asked.

"How do you know she will?" Cayden argued.

"Listen woman, I know you're nervous but fighting me will get you nowhere. You'll do as I say. Now, get dressed."

"Can I wear my red T-shirt?"

"Cayden! No! White, and not a yellow one you think is white, or a white one with yellow pits. On second thought..." He dug around in her dresser drawers. "This one, this one is perfect."

Cayden frowned, stuck out her tongue and grabbed the shirt. "Yes, dear."

"That's more like it, now give me those wrinkled things and start getting dressed." He left the room with the pants and hummed all the way.

Cayden dressed and looked around her room. "Oh no I have to clan this up! What if she comes back here tonight?" She panicked and began cleaning up frantically.

"Here," Wade came back with the pants to find Cayden's butt sticking out from under the bed. "Woman, get off the floor, you're wearing white for goodness sakes! And you can't be serious about those underwear."

"There's dust bunnies under there and ... what the hell's wrong with my underwear?" She asked defensively, looking down at her skivvies.

"Orange? Cayden please. Wear the Calvin Klein boxer briefs I got you for Christmas."

"There's nothing at all wrong with my underwear..." She paused and sighed heavily as Wade handed her the boxer briefs. "Did you see my bra? Is it up to your standards?" she asked sarcastically.

"Cayden, what if Brooke were to see those underwear, she'd drop dead laughing. The bra was fine, now change those drawers, put these pants on and lets go!"

La La trotted into the room and Cayden stood up and pointed. "Oh no you don't! It's your tumbleweeds under my bed! Out you hair factory!"

The cat turned around, raised his tail and farted.

"Wade!"

"Oh alright." Wade picked up the cat with much effort and they both left the room. "Like you never fart."

Cayden slammed the door behind them. put on the requested clothes and rolled up her shirt sleeves. She looked in the mirror and raised both eyebrows. "Hey, not bad at all." She turned sideways and put her hands in her pockets, posing. She nodded, liking what she saw and then glanced down at her feet. "Shoes!" she thought nervously. "What shoes.... WADE!"

The door opened and Wade's voice drifted in. "The black lace-ups or the brown loafers."

"Thanks, hey, where's that vanilla candle from the other night?"

"Still in the kitchen, why?"

"I want it."

"Now?"

"For later! In case Brooke comes home with me..."

"OOOOOO!" Wade screamed in delight.

"Don't bust a nut there Wade. If her parents don't like me I'm screwed." Her heart suddenly beat frantically. "Oh no maybe I should cancel. I don't want to meet her parents after all."

Wade snickered. "Don't you worry, you'll be fine. Pretend that they're customers and be pleasant. I've seen you be pleasant to the worst dreck."

"That’s just it. I don’t want them to think I'm a phony. What if I don't like them? Or worse! What if they hate me?"

"Impossible. They can't hate you."

"You're biased. If they don't like me, or I manage to make an ass of myself, which is entirely too possible, Brooke has to live there and hear about it every day."

"Well, it is entirely possible you make an ass out of yourself, but man is it a cute ass. An ass like that can be forgiven very easily for its misgivings." Cayden just glared at him. "Oh Cayd, I don't think it matters at all to Brooke if they like you or not."

"Yeah but it wouldn't hurt if they did." She put on her shoes and stood back.

"True. I'm sure you'll be fine. They have to love you, look at you for cripes sake! You look fabulous, you're impressing the hell out of me."

Cayden smiled. "Thanks, you really do try."

"What are friends for. Now go! I'll get the candle and everything will be fine." He pushed her towards the door. "Oh, and a small gift wouldn't hurt."

Cayden came out of the kitchen with the rose. "Will this do?"

"OH MY GOD! A rose? That's perfect! Don't tell me you thought of that all by yourself?"

The tall woman smiled smugly. "As a matter of fact I did." She said, all puffed up.

"Sweetie, you have nothing in the world to worry about. You have it all under control."

"That's what you think. I hope I make it there without shitting my chinos." She said seriously.

Wade chuckled. "Go get her tiger. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"That doesn't leave much." Cayden laughed.

"Exactly."

*  *  *

Harriet peered through the peephole on the front door, saw nothing and walked away. Just as she did, Fred's ears pricked up and she ran back over and looked out again.

"Harriet, don't ambush the poor girl."

"Hush up Bert. I have to get her before Brooke does."

"Remember, you only have 5 questions." Bert chuckled.

Mrs. Hewitt glared at her husband. Fred stood up at attention and walked to the door. Harriet flung it open quickly to reveal a startled Cayden. "Welcome! Come in dear!" Harriet exclaimed. "Brooke's not ready yet, but do sit down and have some iced tea while you wait."

Fred danced around Cayden's feet, while the tall woman squirmed uncomfortably. Brooke's mother was giving her the once and twice over and she was not sure what to do with the rose behind her back. "No thanks, I'm not thirsty." she lied. Cayden had absolutely no spit in her mouth whatsoever.

"Well, then, why don't you come in and make yourself comfortable.. is that a flower?"

"Yes." Cayden revealed the rose. "It's for Brooke." she explained shyly.

"How sweet! Bert do you see the flower? Isn't that charming?"

"Yes, Harriet."

"Come, sit down." The older woman shuffled Cayden to the couch. "Oh! How inconsiderate of me! I'm Harriet and that's my husband Bert."

Cayden was halfway to sitting when she was introduced and struggled awkwardly to stand up again. She extended her hand to Mr. Hewitt.

Bert raised both his eyebrows and shook her hand, hiding a smirk at how clammy Cayden's hand was. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Cayden."

"Yeah, same here." The shopkeeper replied, finally sitting and giving her shaky legs a rest. Harriet was grinning wildly at her and she knew she was in for it so she created a diversion. "You know, on second thought, I would really like that drink."

Mrs. Hewitt ran to the kitchen and Bert cleared his throat. Cayden looked over at him nervously.

"So, you really like Brooke do you?"

"Yes, sir." Cayden said, her dry throat making her voice crack a bit.

"You're not going to screw her around like that idiot Grant, are you?"

Cayden struggled to swallowed. "No, sir."

"Good. Brooke made a bad choice last time around, and I fear sometimes she doesn't think too clearly. The way she talks about you, the sun rises and sets out of your behind. It would be terribly unfortunate if I had to tell her otherwise."

Cayden smiled weakly. She never knew Brooke thought that of her. She never knew she had such power. "Sir, I will do everything I can to make Brooke happy. You have my word."

"Is it any good?" Bert asked, looking Cayden dead in the eye.

"It's all I have." She replied honestly.

Mr. Hewitt narrowed his eyes a bit, considering the intent behind Cayden's conviction. "Alright. I have your word."

Cayden breathed a silent sigh of relief and wondered just where the hell Harriet was with her drink. She was about to choke.

"Here you go!" Mrs. Hewitt appeared and Cayden polished off half the glass of tea at once. "I knew you must have been parched, it's so hot out there today."

Cayden nodded, relieved that she was able to swallow the wad of cotton that formed on her tongue.

Mrs. Hewitt leaned over in her chair and smiled brightly at the tall woman. "So, tell me, where abouts do you live?"

"Chelsea. I was lucky to find such a great place in that location."

"Chelsea? My, my, that's a very nice neighborhood. The shop must be doing well for itself then."

"Yes, it does, but I do have a room mate. It's next to impossible to live alone in the city."

"Oh, yes, yes," Harriet nodded. "So, what does your room mate do?"

"He works in apparel... does Brooke know I'm here?" Cayden asked, glancing around the room.

"I'm sure she does." Harriet replied. Bert started to get up, but she shot him a look. He sucked his lips, shook his head and sat back down. "What about your parents? Do they live in the city?" Harriet continued.

"No, they retired early and moved to Vegas." Cayden saw Harriet's eyes light up and quickly covered herself. "We have other family in Vegas. Mom volunteers with the elderly and dad plays golf. They don't gamble."

"Vegas, what an interesting place. Do you go there often to visit? Do you like to gamble?" Mrs. Hewitt asked in a semi-hushed tone.

"No, I don't really care for the noise and the chaos. I will occasionally play a few hands of Blackjack, but that's the extent. I visit them every Christmas, we have a family thing then."

"Oh, I enjoy the casinos! I love the slot machines, but I never win much. I love the excitement!" Harriet said with much enthusiasm.

Cayden shifted around uncomfortably, wondering if she should scream or something to alert Brooke she was there.

"So, about this lesbian thing..."

"Harriet!"

"Cayden's not embarrassed are you dear?"

Cayden was too mortified to do anything but blink.

"See? So, how does this lesbian thing work?"

Cayden drank down the rest of the tea. "Pardon?"

"Well, my sister is a lesbian, oh yes, it's not completely foreign to me, but you just don't ask questions. These days, you young lesbians are much different than in the old days. You parade around, proud and all. So, what's the difference? I mean, if there's no man and woman, who pays for dinner?"

Cayden blinked rapidly a few times, then glanced over at Bert, who had pretty much the same expression as Cayden. "Uhh, well.... no, there's no man and woman.. no, that's not right, sometimes there IS a man and a woman, a butch and a femme girl.. and well... but that's not me really.... and I'm ... uhm..."

"Harriet, leave the poor thing alone!"

Cayden sighed and smiled gratefully at Bert who merely nodded. The tall woman quickly occupied herself with the tiny dog who was prancing around her legs. She picked him up and began cooing at him.

"You must love animals Cayden, what with the job you have, and just look at how well Fred takes to her, Bert! You must have a gift." Harriet said sweetly. "Do you have a dog?"

"No, a cat."

Harriet grimaced. "I don't like cats. They climb up higher than me and can jump on my head at any given moment."

Cayden couldn't help but chuckle. "Not my cat. He's a bit larger than average. He's a Maine Coon and they can grow to be 20 lbs, but with the way my room mate spoiled this one, he's probably breaking some sort of record."

Brooke walked into the living room and came to a skidding halt, her mouth hung open and she stomped her foot. "MOTHER!"

"What?" Harriet asked innocently.

"How long has she been here?"

Cayden jumped up and stared at Brooke. She looked hot.

"She just got here honey."

Brooke glared at her mother for a few moments before walking over to Cayden and hugging her. "Oh, you look great and you smell delicious."

"Wow, I can say the same for you." She handed Brooke the rose. "Here, I got this for you and I had no idea it was going to match your dress."

"Oh Cayden, it's so gorgeous! Where did you get a lavender rose?"

Cayden blushed shyly. "I have my sources."

"Sit Brooke! I was just going to ask Cayden a question."

Brooke glanced at her father who held up 9 fingers. "Oh no.. you've asked just about enough questions for tonight. We have to go!" She hooked her arm with Cayden and walked them both to the door.

"It was a pleasure meeting you both." Cayden said over her shoulder.

"Likewise." Bert agreed with a wink.

Cayden swallowed hard and eked out a smile.

PART 28

A S SOON AS the door closed behind them, Brooke took Cayden's hand and looked up at her apologetically. "I'm sorry about my mother."

"She wasn't that bad, except when she asked me about the lesbian thing. That was rough." Cayden half-joked.

Brooke stopped walking and her eyes went wide. "She what? What lesbian thing?"

"I think she just wanted to know who's on top." Cayden chuckled.

"Oh, God." Brooke buried her face in Cayden's chest out of embarrassment. When the tall woman stiffened up, she realized what she had done and pulled away quickly. "I'm sorry. I just, I was..."

Cayden cleared her throat nervously, but she wasn't too nervous to smile. "That's alright, I didn't mind that much." She looked Brooke over and her smile got even bigger, the blonde looked really good.

"Thank you for the rose, it's beautiful." Brooke said with a genuine smile, sniffing the purple flower. "It smells so good too." She gave Cayden a little hug. "But not as good as you, mmm."

Cayden bent over and sniffed Brooke in an obvious fashion. "You smell pretty good yourself, fancy, like a woman. I like it, and you look really hot."

Brooke beamed. "Thank you." she leaned close and whispered. "I'm not wearing a bra."

Cayden's stomach flopped. She looked down at Brooke's chest reflexively and grinned wolfishly before she could stop herself.

Brooke slapped the tall woman playfully. "I knew you'd like that."

"Oh, I do, and if I must say so, I think they look just fine."

"Are you telling me you don't like the Wonderbra?" Brooke asked, smiling seductively.

"Are you kidding?" Cayden's eyebrows leapt into her hairline. "Of course I do, but, there ain't nothing wrong with them all on their own."

Brooke chuckled, and pulled Cayden along by the hand. "Sweet talker. Come on, let's get a cab."

Cayden allowed herself to be dragged along, and felt the childish urge to stick her tongue out at every person who they passed just because they didn't have Brooke pulling them along. She was quite happy to be attached at the hand to such a fine looking woman, and began to wonder why she didn't feel the least bit uneasy about it.

"Cayden, the cab is waiting."

Brooke interrupted her from her thoughts and the shop keeper smiled, and scooted into the back seat. After telling the driver where to go, she made a show of measuring the distance between their legs and frowned. "I do believe that there's at least 2 inches of space between us and that will never do."

Brooke looked skeptical. "You're not going to turn blue and faint if I get closer?"

Cayden played hurt. "Me? Blue? I'll show you blue." The tall woman not only got closer, but wrapped her leg around Brooke's and held it tight. "Now, a piece of paper can't get between us. Do I look pasty?"

Brooke's mouth hung open. "Alright, just a second. Who are you and what have you done to my Cayden? You know her, the perpetually cranky curmudgeon, who can't stand more than one second of body contact at a time."

Cayden poo-poo'ed the blonde with an eye roll. "Oh her. I left her home with Wade and La La. This one intends to show you a hell of a dinner, if it kills her."

Brooke smiled warmly. "You have to be the sweetest person... I know this is hard for you and you're doing so good."

Cayden smiled at the compliment, feeling pretty good with herself. Her smiled must have been contagious, because soon enough, the two women were sitting there smiling at each other. Cayden took the opportunity to really look into Brooke's eyes. They were a bluish-green, very bright, and somewhat sneaky. This made her chuckle to herself, if nothing else, life was going to be eventful with Brooke.

Brooke also took advantage of their closeness and studied Cayden's eyes too. Bright sky blue, shy and intelligent. She got a tingle of excitement being able to openly stare into the brunette's eyes. She noticed Cayden's focus shift suddenly to her mouth and she licked her lips unconsciously.

The tall shop keeper was very aware of being watched so intently, she regretted leaving her sunglasses at home. It was an awkward feeling to be so brazenly studied. She was a little uncomfortable, and wanted to turn her head away and blush, but at the same time, wanted to continue looking at Brooke. She shifted almost imperceptibly and stood her ground, bringing her gaze from Brooke's beautiful eyes to her lips. Cayden's eyes began to narrow of their own accord when the blonde's tongue poked out, so she forced herself to blink a few times to cover it. Brooke's lips were wet, and looked so inviting, Cayden's heart began to beat faster. She tried to avert her gaze to avoid embarrassing herself in the back of a cab, but failed, and before she knew what was happening, she was kissing Brooke.

Brooke saw Cayden concentrating on her lips and she did the same. The tall woman's mouth was slightly open, showing just a glimpse of her perfect, white, teeth from between her full, enticing lips. She fought the urge to grab Cayden and kiss her, figuring the tall woman would be mortified, but to her surprise, suddenly, Cayden was kissing her. She melted at the contact, the sweet feeling of Cayden's soft lips made her body tremble. She dropped the rose on the seat and held the back of the brunette's head, begging her silently not to stop.

Cayden had no idea what had come over her, but once she tasted Brooke's delicious lips, and felt her fingers slide up the back of her head, she couldn't care less. Her mouth opened, deepening the kiss, eliciting a small groan from Brooke. The tiny sound reverberated through her insides and made her legs feel weak. Their tongues danced sensuously together, their entwined legs got tighter, and Cayden moaned softly.

"You know, I could stop at the Holiday Inn."

Brooke started snickering at the cab driver's suggestion and Cayden followed suit. The kiss broke abruptly as the two semi-embarrassed women laughed.

"Excuse us." Brooke managed to apologize through chuckles.

"Oh, I don't mind. I was just noting the timely approach of the hotel."

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary." Cayden said as politely as she could muster.

"Maybe later." Brooke added, squeezing Cayden's leg.

The shop keeper closed her eyes as a surge of adrenaline coursed through her at the very proposal.

Brooke leaned over and touched Cayden's face. "Did that scare you?"

"No!" The brunette answered quickly. "It didn't, believe me." She turned to Brooke who was giving her quite the saucy look and narrowed her eyes. "You just better behave." she warned playfully.

"Or else?"

"Or... or... I'll think of something and it will be bad." Cayden said, poking Brooke in the ear.

"Hey!" The blonde giggled. "I need to get you alone more often! I like you!"

"I should hope you like me." Cayden said, with a mock look of shock.

Brooke looked up at the tall woman through her lashes. "Oh, Miss Riley, you better believe that I more than like you, and I intend to show you just how much."

Cayden stopped breathing for a moment and her stomach flipped. "Are you saying that you want too...you're ready for..." she stuttered.

Brooke moved her hand to Cayden's upper thigh and squeezed. "Uh huh."

Cayden's sex twitched and her mouth watered. She's ready! She wants to make love! OH MY GOD! Where? When? How? Oh shit, she's not wearing a bra.... tonight???

"Are you going to be alright there stud?" Brooke asked, fanning the tall woman.

Cayden nodded. "I think so."

"Good, because we're here."

*  *  *

Cayden held the door open for Brooke, and watched the blonde's backside sway in front of her with delight. She was sure that was the only reason behind this particular chivalrous act, to watch the woman's butt. They didn't have to wait at all and were shown their seats right away. The tall woman made a beeline for Brooke's chair and held it for her as she sat down. Not sure if she could push the blonde in gracefully along the carpeted floor, she stood there for an awkward moment.

"You are pulling out all the stops tonight aren't you?" Brooke turned her head and said with a happy smile.

Cayden grinned and nodded. "I told you, I intend to impress."

"Well, you already have," She giggled. "Go sit down so I can look at you." Brooke said with a hand gesture to Cayden's chair.

The shop keeper did as she was told, and was happy just to stare at the blonde. However, she was getting uncomfortable being studied herself, and started to grin sheepishly. The waitress suddenly appeared, handing them both menu's and water, giving her a reason to break eye contact.

"Anything to drink?" The young waitress asked.

Brooke ordered a Coke and Cayden frowned. She wouldn't be able to pour wine in an impressive fashion like she planned. I'm sure there will be other opportunities, she thought.

"Are you going to have anything?" Brooke asked, wondering what was going through Cayden's mind.

"Oh, yeah." The brunette scanned the menu quickly. "Would you mind if I had a beer?" she asked the blonde.

"Go right ahead." Brooke said with a sexy smile and a wink. "Maybe I'll get you drunk and have my way with you later."

Cayden ordered, red faced, and sat back in thought. She wondered how Brooke could be so open and daring, and secretly wished she was able to do the same thing. The blonde had no problem announcing what she wanted, or reaching out and grabbing it. Cayden, on the other hand, had to go through a million changes just to say hello. She wasn’t necessarily shy, but maybe hesitant was more the right word. She just didn't want to seem pushy, or spoiled, and feared that's exactly what she would be perceived as, not only because of her looks but her size. Being a good looking woman, and knowing that she was, made it difficult for Cayden. She didn't want it to seem like she used her looks to get what she wanted, and she didn't always like to be intimidating. Of course, she liked to be intimidating most of the time, it kept people at a distance, but she was afraid she didn't know how to turn it down when it wasn't appropriate. Like now. Perhaps she was overcompensating, and that was what made her seem so shy. While she was thinking about this, Brooke picked up her menu and Cayden decided not to think at all and just continue to run on instinct.

"What are you going to have?" Brooke asked, her face popping over the top of the menu.

"I was thinking I want the Swordfish." Cayden replied, not even opening her menu.

"I think I want steak. Yes, mmm. That's what I want." Brooke decided. She smelled her rose one more time and stood it up in her water glass.

Cayden grinned. "Inventive."

"I try." Brooke grinned back. She reached across the table and took Cayden's hand. "Did I tell you how scrumptious you look?"

The tall woman blushed. "Yes, something like that." She said quietly. "That dress is perfect on you, and I can't believe I got a purple rose. Of all the colors they had, I was set on that one."

"We must be on the same wavelength." Brooke said, raising her eyebrows. "Karma."

Cayden rolled her eyes. "Oh, no, not you too. Jodie is into that, ohm and karma and rot like that."

Brooke pretended to be offended. "I beg your pardon, it is not rot."

"Yeah, yeah... okay, be into it, but just don't Zen me to death." The tall woman smiled playfully. "I like being cranky."

"I'll try not to." Brooke winked. "Besides, I kinda like your cranky side. It's hot."

"It is not." Cayden blushed and laughed. "It's not supposed to be!"

"Honey, I've seen you at what I suspect to be your absolute worst and still found you to be incredibly hot."

"Puking?"

"Please, you know what I mean." Brooke chuckled. "Did I not kiss the daylights out of you?"

"Excuse me, but I think I kissed the daylights out of you"

Brooke narrowed her eyes. "You go on and tell me that you weren't horny after that kiss. Go on, tell me."

Cayden narrowed her eyes too, but failed to reply. She recalled running off to her room to touch herself after said kiss and certainly wasn't fessing up to that.

"Ha! See? I rest my case." Brooke said haughtily.

Cayden snorted. "There's no case, I made you melt, if I wasn't holding you up, you'd have slid into a puddle at my feet."

"Oh, is that so? Okay, you just wait until later and I'll show you who melts who." Brooke said cockily.

Cayden raised both eyebrows. "How can you be so confident?"

"What? You don't think I'll kiss the shit out of you?"

"No, I mean in general, you have balls Brooke. I wish I had them."

"Honey, if you had them, you'd be rich." The blonde joked.

"Hardy har." Cayden snickered, then turned serious. "I like that about you, you're determined and you're not afraid to go for it."

Brooke blushed slightly. "Thank you."

The waitress showed up with their drinks, and took their orders. Cayden sipped her beer and smiled. "That's good beer."

Brooke took Cayden's glass and smelled it. "Smells pretty good. I'm not much of a beer drinker so anything to me is good. I'm glad you like it."

Cayden felt all warm inside. Brooke was smiling, and happy that Cayden liked her beer. How cool is that? She's really happy about something so silly. That's the difference between Brooke and everyone else...

"What are you thinking?" Brooke asked, squeezing Cayden's hand.

"Want me to be honest?"

"Always please."

"I was just thinking about how special you are." Cayden said matter of factly.

Brooke looked like she wanted to cry. "Oh Cayden, you just scored big time."

Cayden shrugged to herself. What did I say? I only told the truth.

"Honey, you're special too. You just don't realize it, but I'll show you. You leave it to me." Brooke said, smiling brightly.

Cayden's cheeks felt hot and she looked everywhere but at Brooke. She had a feeling that denying her specialness would open a whole can of worms so she kept it to herself. Besides, so far, Brooke had made her feel pretty damned good, and she was sure if the blonde tried, she'd make her feel special too. A smile broke out across her lips at the thought, and then she chuckled. "Just how do you intend to make me feel special?" She asked playfully.

"You'll see." The blonde winked and blew Cayden a kiss.

Cayden's insides fluttered. Mercy!

Their food came, interrupting their conversation, which was a relief for Cayden. She'd never tried to eat while horny before and didn't know if it was even possible. She stared straight into her plate and picked up her fork.

"Ooo, that looks yummy! Did you see this steak?" Brooke asked pointing to her meal. "It looks so juicy."

Cayden looked up and her eyes went directly to Brooke's cleavage. She blinked and blinked but couldn't draw herself away, it was a very attractive sight.

Brooke giggled and bent her head down to make eye contact with Cayden. "That's not where I was pointing, but feel free to stare." She sat up and thrust out her chest.

Cayden's eyes went wide. "I, uh...." She swallowed and closed her misbehaving eyes. "Sorry, I don't know why..."

"I don't mind at all. It's not like I didn't have an ulterior motive with this dress you know." Brooke said with an evil grin.

The brunette opened her eyes in time to see Brooke's devious expression. "Oh? So you knew what that dress would do to me all along?"

"Of course." Brooke looked down at her chest, then squeezed her arms together, popping her breasts halfway out of the top of the dress. "I have an agenda."

Cayden choked on her own spit.

"Oh! Are you alright?" Brooke asked with concern as Cayden coughed. The waitress showed up to see if everything was alright.

After shooing the waitress away, and embarrassed about causing a scene, the tall woman pointed at Brooke's breasts. "They tried to kill me! Those things are always out to get me! From the minute I laid eyes on them they've been tormenting me."

Brooke couldn't help but chuckle. "They're my best weapon when it comes to you."

"Trust me, you don't need a weapon, when it comes to me. I have a very healthy imagination and believe me, I use it. Now, wrangle those things in so we can eat." Cayden said with a hint of a smile.

"I can eat just fine with them." The blonde replied with playful smile.

"Well I can't." Cayden said, covering her eyes with one hand and stabbing around her plate blindly with her fork.

Brooke laughed, went quiet for a minute then laughed again. "Okay, you can open your eyes."

Cayden did, and folded her arms across her chest, a look of amusement n her face. "And you think I can eat with you looking like that?"

Brooke looked down at the napkin she tucked into her dress and shrugged. "It's better than having you choke on your food all night."

Cayden snickered. "Alright, if you aren't embarrassed, then I'm not either." She dug into her fish and made a contented sound. "Mmm, this is so good."

Brooke enjoyed her steak too and then grinned. "You do realize that we were supposed to eat ribs tonight."

"With a white shirt on? Not on your life. I'm a bit of a klutz." The tall woman said shaking her head.

"You could have tucked a napkin in your shirt." Brooke giggled, sticking her chest out once again.

Cayden pointed at her in warning. "Behave."

Brooke cut a piece of steak and offered it to Cayden. "Here, you just have to taste this."

Cayden accepted it and hummed in delight. "That is soooo good. I love this place, everything is good."

"Especially dessert." Brooke added.

Cayden grinned, and offered Brooke some fish. She didn't even want to admit where her mind went when dessert was mentioned.

Brooke swallowed her food and touched Cayden's sexy lips with her finger. "I know where your mind just went. Can you manage to hold that thought?"

"How long?" Cayden blurted out.

"As long as I want you to."

"Brooke, I've been holding this thought for a loooong time now, don't torture me."

The blonde pulled the napkin out of her shirt, took her cold soda and touched it to the back of her neck, shivered then stuck out her chest. "Now that's torture."

Cayden became instantly riveted to Brooke's hard nipples. "Brooke!" she whispered loudly. "Why'd you go and do that for?"

"You said having smutty thoughts was torture and I wanted to clarify the meaning of the word. Now, I've made my point huh?"

"Oh yes." The brunette nodded rapidly, still staring at Brooke's nipples. "Two points to be exact."

Brooke snickered and resumed eating, leaving Cayden to fend for herself against the onslaught of nipple.

The food was done, and actually eating it was quite an experience for Cayden. The poor thing had a very hard time concentrating on her food while Brooke sat there with her breasts. The worst part was Brooke knew exactly what she was doing to her and admitted it proudly. Cayden wondered if she'd ever survive through dessert, knowing first hand that everything in this restaurant comes with whipped cream on top. She sat back and contemplated if she even wanted anything more to eat, dinner was so good and she was pretty full. She looked at the menu again for desserts and while full, she didn't think she could turn down the brownie sundae entirely. "Would you be up to splitting dessert? I'm kinda full, but I think I can squeeze in some brownie."

"That's a great idea, I'm full myself." Brooke smiled and crinkled her nose.

Cayden thought that to be the cutest thing and smiled.

"You really ought to do that more often. It's highly becoming."

Cayden blushed. "See? You say something nice and I blush like fool. I don't get it."

"Me neither, I'm afraid to see how you'll react when I tell you how fantastic you are in bed."

Again, Cayden began choking on her own saliva.

Brooke shook her head and patted the tall woman on the back. "I keep forgetting how sensitive you are to that sort of stuff."

"I'm not!" Cayden said between coughs. "I'm not sensitive! I can talk about sex all day long if I wanted to. It's just when you say things... I just lose it."

They ordered dessert and once the waitress disappeared, Brooke stared at Cayden, deep in thought. Her eyes wandered from the tall woman's eyes to her nose to her mouth. Her gaze lingered on Cayden's breasts, then closed, leaving a blissful expression on her face.

Cayden crooked an eyebrow. "What was that all about?"

"You can't believe how much I want to get you naked." Brooke said, eyes narrow.

Cayden didn't choke, but swallowed really hard. "Oh, yes I can." She said, giving a lingering glance to Brooke's chest.

Their sundae arrived, and the blonde leaned over the table and licked her lips sensuously. "Is Wade home tonight?"

Cayden's mouth went dry. "Yes."

Brooke looked sad. "Oh, that's too bad." she said, leaning her breasts on the table.

"But he promised to leave us alone!" Cayden blurted out quickly.

Brooke perked up and smiled, slithering back to her chair enticingly. "Good. Then we better finish dessert fast."

Cayden didn't have to be told twice and dug in with her spoon. Just as she was about to put it in her mouth, Brooke stuck her finger in it and came away with a dollop of whipped cream. Cayden's eyes widened as her gaze followed that dollop right into Brooke's mouth. The blonde licked her finger sensuously, her eyes closed slowly and when all was said and done, her lips parted with a delectable little moan. The shop keeper quivered, her whole body felt like jello, and she was frozen in place by the display.

"Mmmm, that's sooo good." Brooke commented, picking up her spoon and taking some dessert.

Cayden nodded mutely and watched as Brooke opened her mouth for the spoon. She caught a glimpse of her pink tongue as it cradled the spoon before her lips closed around it. Cayden swallowed the drool that formed in her mouth and when Brooke licked the spoon, she dropped hers with a loud clang into the plate.

"Aren't you going to eat any?" The blonde asked innocently.

"Eat?" Cayden croaked.

Brooke tried to control the giggle welling up inside. "Yes, eat, you know..." she picked up Cayden's spoon and held it to the brunette's mouth. "Open," she whispered, smiling as Cayden obeyed. "There," she put the spoon inside Cayden's mouth, "Close and lick the brownie off of the spoon. Like this," she let go of the spoon which stuck out of Cayden's mouth and began to lick hers.

Blue eyes focuses intently on Brooke's tongue as it wrapped around the lucky spoon. The shop keeper's sex clenched in empathy, and she crossed her legs tightly. She managed to clean her spoon and pull it out of her mouth without making too much of a spastic scene and placed the utensil quietly on the plate. She narrowed her eyes as Brooke picked up more whipped cream and repeated her seductive moves.

"Mmmmm.... I love whipped cream, it's so sweet and silk... slides on my tongue."

Cayden gulped and blinked rapidly as she tried to get her mouth to work. "You do realize that you are making me crazy, don't you?"

"Well, aware sweet heart."

"Brooke! You just can't say and do those things to a lesbian in a public place! Oh my god! I can't move!"

Brooke giggled playfully and leaned across the table. "Wanna leave?" She asked with a swipe of her tongue to her lips.

"I swear, I can't move. I'm afraid to uncross my legs, if I can." Cayden complained in a low voice.

"Oh, honey, did I do that to you?" Brooke asked batting her eyelashes.

Cayden scowled and took mental inventory of her body parts. "Yes, you did that to me and don't you play innocent with me young lady. Oooo, if I didn't know better, I'd swear you've been taking lessons from my so called friends on how to DRIVE ME INSANE!" She half yelled.

"There's no need to get all upset, should I talk about dead babies or squished bugs something? Is it like blue-balls?"

Cayden shook her head and had to laugh. "No, it's not like blue-balls... I think... I don't know." she continued to snicker as she uncrossed her legs. She glanced down briefly before feeling satisfied that she could walk.

"Is everything there?" Brooke asked, nodding towards Cayden's crotch.

"So far, so good, you evil wench."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll get back at me somehow." The blonde batted her lashes once again and then winked.

"Yeah, somehow. Just you wait here while I pay the bill." Cayden warned Brooke playfully with a wag of her finger and she went off to pay.

Brooke burst out laughing, and ate some more of the dessert. "No sense wasting it." she mumbled. She was rather pleased with herself, making Cayden crazy was on the agenda, but she really had no idea how. It was funny, but she thought she would have to treat Cayden differently than she would a man, but in the end, it was the same old same old. Sexy was sexy and she knew how to play it. Feeling quite cocky with herself, Brooke sat and waited for Cayden to return to help her up out of her chair. I like how she's being so chivalrous and sweet. I wonder if she'll walk me to my door, or if she'll just.... wait a second, didn't I pretty much insinuate I wanted to go back to her place? I did! Ooooh..... yeah, I did. Oh no.... Brooke felt like she painted herself into a corner. She flirted her ass off tonight and gave Cayden the impression that she knew exactly what she was doing. However, Brooke suddenly realized that she was stepping into uncharted territory. I've never slept with a woman before! A real woman, not my dream woman. What do I do? What does she like? Uh oh...

Cayden came back and plopped money on the table for a tip. She pulled Brooke's chair out, oblivious to the blonde's internal drama and held out her hand. Brooke's hand felt clammy and she became concerned. "What just happened while I was gone?"

"Um, nothing. I was just thinking."

"Well, don't do that, it doesn't sit well with you. Are you ready to go?"

"Yep."

Cayden held the door open and stared at Brooke as she walked through. Something happened and Brooke wasn't talking about it. "Did someone say something to you? I'll go back in there and ..."

"No, easy Tiger.... I just had an attack of the nerves, that's all."

"Nerves?" Cayden stopped walking and grabbed Brooke's hand. "For what?"

"Cayden, I feel so stupid, after all I put you through tonight. I want to make love, I really do... but... I don't know... what if I can't... I have no idea..."

"Brooke, calm down! First thing, I will not pressure you into anything. Second, if you ask me anything, I'll answer, and third, it's nothing to worry about. Honest. Don't get all upset over it. I can wait if you want."

"I don't want to wait, I want you so bad I can’t take it any more"

Cayden shivered. "I want you too, but no pressure Brooke. We have time."

"I want you now, I'm just afraid I ..." Cayden silenced her with a finger to her lips.

"We'll go slow as you want, there’s no rush and honestly, I swear you'll do just fine." Cayden took her finger away and gave Brooke a quick kiss. "After the way you played me in there... I have no doubt you'll do everything right."

Brooke felt like a weight had been lifted off her chest and she threw herself at Cayden. The tall woman braced herself and caught the blonde, lifting her off the sidewalk. Brooke wrapped herself around Cayden and began peppering her face with kisses.

"Hey, what's this for?" The tall woman asked, not caring who was watching them.

"Thank you Cayden, for being so incredibly unpredictable. Now, take me home, I want to make love to you."

Cayden almost dropped Brooke on the ground. "God woman!" She unwrapped an arm from around the blonde and managed to hail a cab. She placed Brooke gently on the sidewalk and opened the door for her. "After you madam."

"No, I want to watch you crawl into the cab for a change sexy cheeks." Brooke pinched Cayden's ass and laughed as she yelped.

PART 29

O NCE IN THE back of the cab, and on their way to Cayden's apartment, the tall woman began to get butterflies. She glanced surreptitiously at Brooke, who was smiling and humming along with the radio. That was some attack of the nerves she had there, I wonder if she'll be alright. Maybe we shouldn't go back to my place, maybe I should take her home. Then again, she really wants this tonight, if I take her home she may feel insulted, like I don't want her or something. Then again, maybe she's not entirely ready... maybe I'm not entirely ready. I've never been in this position before. Cayden's butterflies took a wild turn. She looked again at Brooke. She seems fine, no reason to get nervous now. She took a few slow deep breaths and calmed down. Brooke turned to her and smiled even brighter, taking her hand. Cayden smiled back, and with a wink, squeezed the blonde's hand tight. Blue eyes gazed at green and Cayden didn't see much more than excitement. The shop keeper relaxed considerably. Brooke looked fine and Cayden decided not to think any more. Go with it... there's plenty of time to think later.

Brooke couldn't wipe the smile off of her face. The panic she felt earlier was gone, Cayden made her feel totally at ease. She was still very nervous, but was looking forward to making love with Cayden so much. She was so full of nervous energy that she could hardly sit still. She was going to finally do this, she had been waiting, and dreaming for what seemed like forever. Her smile broadened and when Cayden looked at her, she wanted to scream she was so excited. THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING! WAHOO!!!!!

Brooke giggled excitedly and Cayden grinned. "What was that all about?"

"I can't wait! I feel like I'm going to explode!"

The tall woman knew the feeling well. "Me too." She caressed Brooke’s hand with her fingers and chuckled quietly when the blonde shivered. Boy she's receptive. I can't imagine what she'll be like when... uh oh. I wonder if she's loud? Cayden's nostrils flared just imagining what Brooke would sound like in the throes of passion. She stifled a whimper and squeezed Brooke's hand tighter. Oh god, Wade will have a field day with that... he promised me he'd get lost, I'll kill him if he doesn't, I swear I'll kill him.

"Cayden, are you alright?"

The tall woman shook loose her murderous thoughts, looked at Brooke, and immediately smiled. "Oh yeah, very alight. We're almost home, are you alright?"

Brooke nodded and beamed. "Perfect."

*  *  *

Brooke waited patiently, pressed up against the back of the tall woman as she fumbled to get her key in the door.

"I can't think with your boobs touching me." Cayden complained.

Brooke snickered. "Um, Cayd, you're going to have to do much more than just think with my boobs touching you soon. Think of this as practice."

Cayden groaned. This was true, she'd soon have Brooke's beautiful naked breasts touching her anywhere she pleased. GOD! Get a hold of yourself, you've had them in your mouth for crissakes! Why is this so difficult? "Okay, I got it. Be prepared for anything with Wade."

"Aye, aye." Brooke said, making a show of bracing herself as the door opened.

Wade was sitting at the kitchen table with La La, both of them had on walkman headphones. "Oh, hello." He said ultra-calmly. "La La and I were just sitting here listening to Barry Manilow, don't mind us."

Cayden glared at Wade, Brooke laughed out loud.

"No, really," Wade waved his hand in the air, "Don't mind us."

Cayden narrowed her eyes and inspected the walkman. It was on, and La La didn't even seem to mind. "Alright," she said, still skeptical, "You promised." she reminded him.

"Homo's honor." he said, crossing his heart.

The tall woman gave him one last narrow-eyed look and took Brooke by the hand. "Let's go in my room, I don't trust him."

Brooke winked and gave Wade the thumbs up, Wade threw his fists in the air and celebrated silently. When Cayden turned around, they both stopped and played innocent.

"Do you want something to drink?" The tall woman asked, right before she closed the door to her room.

"Sure, anything will be fine." Brooke looked around the bedroom and her eyes widened. This is it! It's going to happen now... She smiled at Cayden as she left the room for the drink, and sat on the bed. Here's the bed, in a few minutes, I'll be laying here with Cayden, doing what I only dreamed of doing. Her heart pounded like crazy and she stood up. Oh, wow... I'm more nervous than I thought. That's alright though, Cayden said we could go slow, she even said we don't have to do anything if I don't want to. Oh, but how could I do that to her? No, she said it and she means it. Brooke became surprisingly calm and smiled brightly. Just knowing she said that makes so much difference. I trust her, this will be fine. OH MY GOD! This is really happening!

"I hope water is alright."

Brooke spun around at Cayden's voice and took the water. "It's just fine."

Cayden sat on the bed and patted the spot next to her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Brooke put the water on the night stand and sat down. She wrapped her arms around the shop keeper and sighed. "I'm fine, I keep getting these waves of trepidation, but not in a bad way. Just nerves, but don't get me wrong, I really want this."

Cayden turned and wrapped her arms around Brooke too. It never ceased to amaze her how good it felt to have her in her arms. "I want this too." she said quietly. Brooke shivered. "Are you cold?" Cayden asked, tugging at her blanket.

"No, just excited, I'm far from cold." Brooke took Cayden's hand off the blanket and started touching the tall woman's fingers.

Blue eyes felt heavy as Brooke's fingertips traced up and down her fingers. It was relaxing and erotic all at the same time.

"When I first saw you in the shop, I was fascinated with your hands." The blonde said so quietly, it was almost a whisper. "I don't know why... but I can remember staring at them and getting an excited twinge in my stomach. I dreamed about what they'd feel like touching me... everywhere."

Cayden took a deep breath to mask a groan. She was really going to feel Brooke, all of Brooke with the hands that were being sensuously caressed. Innocent as it might have been on Brooke's part, it was the best foreplay Cayden had in years.

Brooke lifted Cayden's hand up to her face and kissed it. "I don't know what I'm expecting to feel, but I suppose you'll show me."

Cayden's heart leapt into her throat as Brooke placed her hand on her left breast. She reflexively closed her fingers and held the blonde's breast... her eyes closed, when the nipple hardened under her touch. Brooke's face spoke of her nerves, but her body told a whole different story. The shop keeper leaned her face closer, letting Brooke know she was about to kiss her. Seeing no negative signs, she let her lips gently touch the blonde's, and Brooke met her more firmly. As it always did, Cayden's heart rate jumped at the contact, and she took a sudden gasp for air as Brooke leaned heavily into her hand.

Brooke thought for sure her heart would burst out of her chest and was surprised Cayden didn't mention how hard it was beating. The brunette rubbed her palm around against the material of her dress, making her nipple tingle all the way to her sex. Did it feel like this in the bathroom? I don't think so... are her lips always this soft? Why can't I think? Cayden's other hand suddenly held Brooke's right breast and she groaned. Why am I even trying to think....

Cayden reveled in that little groan, knowing it meant everything was alright. Their tongues met and caressed, fought playfully and retreated. It was like a little dance that they had always known and never had to practice. Kissing was never something to think about with them, it was just so perfect, it turned Cayden on so much when they kissed.

Brooke whimpered quietly into Cayden's mouth when the tall woman removed her hands. She felt Cayden struggling and opened her eye to see the shop keeper opening the buttons on her shirt. Brooke didn't realize she was holding her breath, so by the time the Cayden pulled the open shirt out of her pants, Brooke broke the kiss with a huge gulp of air.

"Oh no! I'm sorry, did you want me to keep it on?" Cayden yanked the shirt closed and started scrambling to close it.

Brooke grabbed both sides of the shirt and pulled it off of Cayden completely. "Off, I want it off." She drank in the tall woman sitting in her bra and loved what she saw. She reached out and began touching the material around Cayden's breasts, but not touching them. Cayden was watching her, sitting as rigidly as she could, Brooke sensed Cayden was afraid to move. She glanced up at the tall woman's face for approval, then closed both hands around her breasts.

Cayden's eyes closed of their own accord, but she popped them back open. She didn't want to miss one iota of Brooke's expression as she touched her. The blonde was tentative and soft, and it made it all the more sexy.

"Is this alright?" Brooke asked nervously.

Cayden nodded and leaned into Brooke's touch, trying to give her more confidence. "Very alright. You can touch harder, I won't break." she said with a reassuring smile.

Brooke kneaded Cayden's breasts, exploring them and finding they're not all that much different from her own. With that revelation, she sought out the tall woman's nipples and began to play with them. The became hard as rocks and Cayden moaned softly, her head falling back slightly. Brooke felt a serious pang of arousal. "Can I take off your bra too?"

"Only if you kiss me." Cayden replied, leaning in for the kiss.

Brooke accepted the offer, melting when their lips met. She hummed her contentment as their tongues touched and felt her tension start to slip away. She moved to open Cayden's bra, but was stopped by the brunette's hands holding hers where they were. Instead, the tall woman reached around and unhooked her own bra, leaving Brooke holding it in place over her breasts. The blonde was eager to feel Cayden's skin but hesitant to move at all.

Cayden had a feeling that would happen and intensified their kiss, conveying assurance with her mouth. She reached up and cupped Brooke's face with her hands, letting her know she was very satisfied to just kiss the blonde. At first Cayden was nervous, never having been in this situation before. She was always fighting off the more eager pursuers, but now, as she kissed the hesitant blonde, and gave her security, she felt a sense of control she hadn't ever felt before.

Brooke reached up to pull Cayden closer, leaving the bra to fall on it's own. Once the tall woman was pressed against her, she realized Cayden was naked from the waist up. This excited her and she felt the adrenaline move through her veins, causing her heart beat to quicken once again. She had a sudden need to feel Cayden's naked skin against her own and pulled away from the embrace.

Cayden took the opportunity to catch her breath, she sat up straight and let Brooke decide the next move. Oddly enough, she didn't feel the least bit exposed as she sat there watching Brooke look at her. She was dying to make love to Brooke, and to feel the blonde touch her again, but willing to let it take it's time. Her eyes widened in pleasure as Brooke stood up and turned around, presenting her with her back.

"Can you unzip me?" The blonde asked in a shaky voice. She was filled with excitement, nerves and arousal, and wasn't sure she would be able to see straight when she turned back around.

Cayden reached out and opened the zipper, exposing Brooke's naked back. She had to close her eyes and compose herself, knowing that Brooke's breasts, the very things that were taunting her all night, were right there, and about to turn around and face her. She drew her gaze to exactly where they'd be when the blonde turned, and waited. Instead, she was treated to an impromptu striptease and Brooke shimmied out of her dress entirely. Now she was faced with the blonde's perfect backside, in the sexiest little pink underwear. Lord have mercy.... that is the most amazing ass I have ever laid my eyes on... oh god, please let me touch it...

Brooke turned suddenly and caught Cayden drooling over her butt. She smiled, very pleased that the tall woman liked what she saw, forgetting that she was presenting her breasts. When blue eyes darted right to them and filled with hunger, Brooke became more aroused, and more confident. "You like?"

"Do I like?" The brunette choked out. "Oh my god, come over here and I'll show you how much I like."

Cayden's voice was an octave lower and so very sexy, Brooke couldn't wait to hear it again. She stood between Cayden's legs and shivered as the tall woman's breath fell across her skin. Two large, but gentle hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her even closer. Brooke groaned and grabbed the brunette's head tightly when Cayden's mouth suddenly latched onto her nipple. "Oh... yesss..." she hissed, her fingers tightening in Cayden's hair.

It was a tough decision for Cayden, breasts, ass, belly, lips... she had no idea where to start, or if Brooke would even want her to, but once the blonde shivered, she knew the answer. She glanced up, just to make sure, saw the anticipation, and went for it. Her center twitched as she licked Brooke's nipple. Her hands itched to move, she wanted to feel all of the blonde at once and forced herself to have control. As it was, she wasn't sure it was fair that she was still wearing her pants, while Brooke was nearly naked, but wasn't giving up that nipple for anything.

Brooke never knew her nipple could get that hard, or be so sensitive. She was getting wetter and more turned on by the second. She could hardly stand still, she wanted to touch Cayden and smell Cayden and taste Cayden, yet she didn't ever want the brunette to stop what she was doing. The shop keeper moved to taste her other breast, and dragged her hot tongue across Brooke's skin as she did, making the blonde's legs shake. "Cayd..." she groaned, "You're making me crazy."

The shop keeper mumbled and nodded, suckling and nipping at the delicious nipple in her mouth. Her skin tasted divine, and she had a sudden thought about how Brooke might taste elsewhere. She groaned and pulled harder at Brooke's nipple. As she did so, she felt the blonde's legs start to tremble and reached around and held her backside, guiding her to sit on the bed. To her surprise, Brooke laid down on the bed and Cayden's heart rate tripled. YES! This is it! She wants it! She's ready! She reluctantly released Brooke's nipple and looked into the blonde's eyes for any signs of fear. Her first instinct was to jump on top of Brooke and go for it, but she wasn't sure it would be the right thing to do. "Are you sure?" she asked, reaching up and running her fingers through Brooke's hair.

"Yes, definitely." Brooke crooked her finger and beckoned to Cayden. "I want to feel you."

Cayden's eyes narrowed as she drank in the sight before her. She slowly straddled Brooke's body and hovered over her, staring unblinkingly into green eyes for any signs she may back out.

"Cayd, I'm okay, I swear." Brooke said, running her fingers up and down Cayden's bare sides. The tall woman shivered almost violently, her nipples puckering even tighter. Brooke watched them in fascination, reaching for Cayden's breasts with both hands.

The shop keeper watched Brooke's face as she played with her nipples. It wasn't easy, Cayden had a hard time keeping her eyes open, but seeing Brooke get pleasure from her body gave her more pleasure, if it were possible. Cayden's underwear were wet and uncomfortable, and she was sure the wet spot even showed on her pants. She couldn't wait to peel them off, but Brooke hadn't made any mention of it, so she wasn't going to do it on her own. Brooke began to slowly sink lower on the bed and Cayden knew what was happening. Brooke wanted to return the sentiments. Oh no, my arms will give out for sure and then I'll fall on her, break her nose or something and she'll never want to sleep with me again. "Damn!" Cayden suddenly shouted. Brooke didn't dally, she went right for the nipple and put her tongue to work.

Cayden held herself up as long as possible, but soon enough, her arms did give out. The pleasure she was receiving was more than she could take, and the fact that it was actually Brooke, giving her this pleasure, was too much. She fell down onto her elbows, and Brooke took advantage of the closeness, wrapping her arms securely around her back. The blonde was experimenting, licking, nipping, and biting her nipple, sending waves of delicious sensations to Cayden's sex. Her clit was throbbing and she didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing. She let out a long low moan, and squirmed. Much more of this and when it came down to touching her, she'd fire off like a bottle rocket in a matter of moments. The tall woman tried to pull away, but Brooke was having none of it. The blonde held her tightly, and dug her nails into her back. Cayden arched and groaned.

Brooke panicked. "Did I hurt you?"

"It's too good." Cayden mumbled, "too much."

It was kind of cryptic, but Brooke understood, and pulled Cayden down for a kiss. "I could do that all night... this too." she whispered right before their lips met.

Cayden was grateful for the reprieve but it would be brief. Once Brooke's tongue entered her mouth, her body reacted on it's own, and her lower body ground into Brooke.

The blonde was in heaven with Cayden on top of her. All her fear's disappeared as the tall woman's weight fell upon her, she felt secure and protected. She had a brief recall of how it felt to have Grant on top of her, and it was nothing like this. It was stifling and sweaty and she couldn't breathe. Usually she couldn't wait to come, and for the act to be over. Now, firmly ensconced under Cayden, in the warmth of her body, she felt blissful. This is incredible, absolute perfection. I could kiss her like this forever. Just as she thought that, Cayden broke the kiss and she felt at a loss. Suddenly, the tall woman buried her face in her neck, and began to lick little trails. "Oh Cayden... mmm."

The tall woman hummed right back and began to nip little bits of skin, making a trail to the blonde's ear, where she traced the sweet body part with the tip of her tongue. Brooke squirmed beneath her, the smaller woman's hips, meeting hers firmly, seeking out more intimate contact. Her nails dug rhythmically into Cayden's back and the shop keeper knew it was almost time. She brought her hand down and began running her fingers slowly p and down Brooke's body, slipping a finger under the elastic of the blonde's panties. Brooke inhaled deeply, apparently a shot of nerves. Cayden held her hand there and put her lips to Brooke's ear. "Can I?"

Brooke groaned deeply, hyper-excited about what was to come. However, she just realized that Cayden had her pants on that would never do. She was afraid she wouldn't know what to do to the tall woman, but she'd be damned if she didn't get the chance to try.

Cayden waited patiently, her heart bursting out of her chest, her sex throbbing uncontrollably. Please, oh, please say yes... please.. I'm dying...

"No."

Cayden lifted herself up and stared wide-eyed into Brooke's face. "No?"

Brooke took hold of the tall woman's belt loop and tugged. "These simply have to go."

The brunette jumped off of Brooke, and like a tape on fast forward, opened her belt and took off her pants in record time.

Brooke was speechless. Cayden was a sight to behold standing in her boxer briefs. "God damn, you're gorgeous!"

Cayden was having a hard time speaking too, looking at Brooke laying there waiting for her, made her center clench. "Stop that." She said quietly, beginning to blush. She leaned her knee on the bed and gently placed her hands on Brooke's hips. sliding her fingers under the material of her panties. "May I now?"

Brooke swallowed hard and nodded. She's doing it... I'll be naked and we can't go back.

Cayden sensed Brooke's fear and climbed back over her. She kissed her deeply, relaxing the blonde, and at the same time, feeding her own arousal. "Listen to me Brooke, this will only go as far as you want it to, if you want to stop now, I'm alright with it. If you don't feel comfortable touching me, that's alright too."

Brooke reached up and ran her fingers through Cayden's long black hair, tangling them in it and holding the handfuls. "Cayden, if you don't make love to me right now, I'm going to spontaneously combust and it will be hell cleaning that off the sheets. "

Cayden grinned on the outside, but screamed like a maniac on the inside. She took a deep breath to control herself and began to slowly pull Brooke's underwear off. The blonde, still holding handfuls of her hair, pulled her down and began kissing her hungrily. Cayden found it hard to concentrate, Brooke's kisses ignited a raging fire in her sex and she wanted nothing more than to flop down on top of her and rub herself on the blonde. Knowing this wasn't the intimate first time experience Brooke would want to remember, Cayden controlled her urges and was able to pull the panties off.

Brooke needed to kiss the brunette or she'd be screaming with excitement. Once Cayden got the panties down to her knees, she managed to kick them off on her own. Laying completely naked under Cayden was every one of her erotic dreams come to life. She slid her hands all over the tall woman's body, mapping out every inch of her back, her shoulders, her backside. She tentatively slid her hands inside the back of Cayden's underwear and when she got to the smooth flawless skin of her ass, she groaned. "I knew it would feel like this." It was such a difference from a man's ass and she suddenly wondered what she ever wanted with a man's ass in the first place. This is what she craved, this is what was making her sex drip, Cayden was what she'd been waiting for all along. "Please take these off." she begged, tugging at the tight material.

Cayden struggled to get them off, as she didn't want to get up off of Brooke. Once she was naked, she laid all of her weight down on the blonde and they both groaned simultaneously.

Brooke was so thrilled, so excited to feel all of Cayden, that she didn't know what to touch first. She rubbed her feet all over the tall woman's legs while her hands felt every inch of her body she could reach.

Cayden wasn't exactly idle, she was drinking in the sensations Brooke was causing in her, it was almost an overload, and she lifted her torso up to make eye contact with the blonde. Green eyes were filled with passion and excitement and Cayden shivered from the intensity. She lowered her body once again, sighed happily and bent her head for a kiss. Brooke's mouth was ravenous and the kiss started off wildly, wet and hungry. Cayden longed to make love to this beautiful woman, make love to her and keep her forever.

Brooke was marvelling in the feel of a woman's body on top of hers. As much as she didn't want to, she couldn't help compare it to a man. Cayden was soft and hairless, smooth and silky. While Cayden was big, she wasn't unbearably heavy, and most importantly, there was no insistent poking between her legs. She could feel the brunette's pubic hair touching her and even it was soft and ticklish. She felt an overwhelming sense of rightness, and knew there was absolutely no turning back now. No turning back now.. That thought suddenly panicked her, and she became scared. What would happen if this didn't turn out right and she would never feel Cayden again? She felt a terrible fear of doing the wrong thing, not satisfying the tall woman and losing Cayden forever.

Cayden felt Brooke's heart pounding and assumed it was arousal until the blonde froze. Nervous dread overcame the tall woman as she slowly pulled her head back to see what happened. Brooke was suddenly frightened and Cayden couldn't figure out what had happened. They were kissing, they loved kissing. What did I do? The brunette felt awkward and sat up, taking both of Brooke's hands in her own. "Have you changed your mind?" she asked, praying Brooke didn't.

"Yes... no... I don't know. Cayden, I'm scared. What if I do the wrong thing? What if I don't give you pleasure? What if I don't know how? Then you'll never want me again, and I'll just die!"

Tears welled in Brooke's eyes and Cayden's heart broke. "Oh no... nononono.... Brooke, stop thinking like that. I thought I told you that there was no doubt in my mind that you can please me. Remember?" Brooke nodded and cracked half a smile. "Right. And what we were doing now," Cayden gestured to their bodies, "It was fantastic, I am so turned on right now I can burst. I don't think there is anything you can do that wouldn't turn me on."

Brooke grinned. "Really? What if I blew my nose right now?"

Cayden pretended to give it serious thought. "Nope, it wouldn't change. I'd still be horny as hell. You turn me on, regardless. I want you, that makes a big difference."

Brooke smiled, slightly embarrassed for overreacting. "I want you to... but...."

"Baby, this is all new to you, you've never even touched a woman before and now you want to make love. I get that it's scary. This is new to me too, I never been with a woman for her first time. I would understand awkwardness, its going to happen, but I won't throw you away because of it."

Brooke smiled brighter, feeling much better that Cayden assured her. "So if I'm lousy in bed, you'll still keep me?"

"Oh, I sincerely doubt you're lousy at anything, especially this." Cayden bent own and kissed the blonde. "Besides, I suppose I can give directions if you so please." She added with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

"Well that's good, because I want to make love to you so bad, but I don't know where to start." Brooke looked Cayden over from head to toe and shook her head in disbelief. "God, you are so gorgeous, what do I do first?"

"Well, first you calm down. Why don't you do whatever you feel like doing. I promise you, whatever you do, wherever you touch me, I'll like it." The tall woman climbed off of the blonde, laid down on her back and gave Brooke a lopsided grin. "I'm all yours."

"You mean I get to be on top?" Brooke asked, half joking, half fascinated.

"Sure, why not?" Cayden shrugged, pulling Brooke by the waist.

Brooke's eyes widened and she straddled Cayden, sitting on her thighs. "Oh yeah, this is nice," she said, her hands instantly going for Cayden's breasts. The shop keeper groaned quietly and closed her eyes as Brooke toyed with her nipples. "Verrrry nice." The blonde purred, very pleased that Cayden was enjoying it. She bent over and scooted down, placing a quick kiss to each nipple, squeezed Cayden's breasts together, then licked up her cleavage.

"Mmm..." the tall woman hummed, tickling the length of Brooke's back. "Feels very good." she added breathlessly as the blonde began exploring the underside of her breasts with her tongue.

"I can lick you everywhere, you taste so good, you're so soft." Brooke mumbled into the tall woman's skin.

Cayden was using all of her control to stay still, and not throw Brooke over and make love to her. It was hard, and her body was strung tight, making everything Brooke touched even more sensitive. The smaller woman began stroking up and down the tall woman's stomach and ribs, her hands coming very close to the danger zone. Cayden's breath came quicker, and she felt wetness seep out in anticipation. She squirmed, her stomach tensing and flexing as Brooke's fingers skimmed along.

"This is good?" The blonde asked, sitting up on Cayden's legs to observe.

"Oh yeah," The tall woman purred.

"Oooh," Brooke shivered. "I like when you talk in that voice." She dragged her touch lower and grazed the dark pubic hair. Cayden's belly clenched and she groaned. "This is okay?"

Cayden was finding it difficult to talk. "How about, I tell you when it's not okay." she grunted out as Brooke's fingers strayed even lower.

"I want to touch you.... what should I do?" Brooke whispered, resting her hand on top of Cayden's sex.

"Anything." The brunette groaned, dying to feel Brooke's touch. Her legs opened and she placed her hand on top of Brooke's. "Just touch it, it's alright."

Brooke's heart jumped into her throat as she pressed her hand more firmly into Cayden. She gasped and her eyes closed briefly when she felt how wet the shop keeper was. "I did this?" she asked in disbelief.

Cayden nodded and moved Brooke's fingers deeper into her folds. "All of it."

Brooke kept her hand still for long moments getting used to the feeling of another woman's wetness. Slowly, she began to explore, moving her fingers slightly this way and that, watching Cayden's face as she did. The tall woman was biting her lower lip, her eyes half closed, her breathing heavy. Brooke knew that Cayden wasn't lying, she was enjoying it, very much. She spread her fingers a little wider, and Cayden's hand dropped away from hers, giving her confidence. It was a strange and wonderful feeling to have her fingers in Cayden's sex. It was a vagina, not unlike her own, and as she explored further, she found that it had the same parts and the same sensitive spots, but Brooke could never recall herself being so wet. She dragged her fingers through the tall woman's wetness and lifted her hand to see it. It was exciting to know she was the reason Cayden was so ready, she did this to the tall woman, something she had only dreamed of. She studied her fingers, spreading them apart and watching the thick wetness cling to them. She was about to smell it when a large hand brought her back to the moment by placing her hand back where it was.

"You're killing me." Cayden groaned.

Brooke blushed, "Sorry, it's just... god Cayden, this is so hot." Brooke said, as she felt the heat from the tall woman's sex. She climbed off of Cayden's legs, crawled between them, and rested her cheek on the tall woman's thigh, watching her hand as she touched Cayden. She used both hands, one to part Cayden's folds and the other to touch everything she could. She purposely lifted her head as she brushed the tall woman's clit, and saw it was a very good thing to do.

"Oh yeah..." Cayden groaned.

Brooke grinned and did it again, with the same reaction. She felt her own sex heat up as she touched Cayden's, it was almost like she was touching herself and it made the act so much hotter. With that revelation, she wondered if Cayden liked to be touched the way she did and began to rub the tall woman's clit.

Cayden was so close to the edge to begin with that it wasn't going to take much doing to make her come. When Brooke was merely exploring, she was quite relieved to have the time to gather herself, but when she started to touch her with an agenda, it was all downhill. Her hips surged off of the bed and she moaned loud and long.

Brooke's entire body tingled with excitement from Cayden's reaction. She could smell the tall woman's sex and it made her even more excited. Oh my god, I'm doing it, she's going to come.... from me... The blonde inhaled deeply and groaned from the musky scent, she wanted to taste it, but wasn't bold enough to do so. Cayden's thighs tightened and Brooke's heart pounded in her chest.

"God Brooke, yes... just like that baby..."

"Are you going to come?"

"Fuck yess..."

Cayden's deep husky voice sent shockwaves to Brooke's center. She unknowingly sped up her actions in response to her own arousal and Cayden's hips bucked. "Yes Cayden," she whispered, "Yes." she urged.

The tall woman tensed up and arched her back. "Ooooh." she moaned, her eyes closed tightly and her body convulsed.

Brooke moaned along with Cayden, she could feel Cayden coming on her hands and felt as if she could come too just from experiencing it. She looked up at Cayden's face and saw what she was doing to her. Her heart beat furiously and her sex dripped, it was like nothing she ever felt before. She didn't want it to end, but finally Cayden grabbed her hand and pulled it away.

"Brooke..." she panted, "That's enough... gimme a second."

The blonde watched as Cayden shuddered a few times, sat up, leaned on her elbows and caught her breath. She brought a hand back between the tall woman's legs and Cayden gasped and pulled it away.

"Baby, give me a minute." Cayden said, with another shuddering aftershock.

Brooke looked at the hand Cayden pulled away in wonder. "You're so wet, I don't think I've ever been this wet." she held up her glistening hand.

Cayden boldly slipped her hand between Brooke's legs and the shorter woman jumped with a gasp. The brunette came away with soaking wet fingers and displayed them for Brooke to see. "How about this wet?"

"God no.... never." Brooke said in disbelief. As brief as Cayden's touch was, she could also assure the tall woman she'd never been this horny before either... it felt good, so good.

Cayden saw from Brooke's expression that she was not at all adverse to being touched right now, and the tall woman couldn't wait. She'd held herself back this long and felt like her head would explode if she didn't touch Brooke right this second. She gently pushed the blonde down onto the bed and leaned over to kiss her.

Brooke's heart began thudding heavily in her chest, she knew what Cayden was about to do and even though she was more than ready, she was scared. Soon though, she became so involved in their kiss that the nerves subsided. She knew Cayden was waiting for her to make the move so she mentally took a deep breath and took Cayden by the hand. "Touch me." she whispered into the tall woman's mouth.

"Oh, I'll do more than that." Cayden promised.

What does she mean by that? More than touch me? How can she more than touch... Cayden began dragging her kisses lower on the blonde's body and Brooke's eyes shot open wide. Oh my god... she's going to... it's going to happen.... I'm going to finally know what it feels like to... "Ohhh..." she groaned as Cayden began bathing her ribs sensuously with her flat tongue. The brunette's wet hot mouth, combined with her warm moist breath was driving Brooke insane. "Cayden, please." she begged, dying to feel that mouth lower, dying to know what it will feel like to be made love to that way by Cayden.

Cayden's heart was pounding, she was going to taste Brooke, she was going to make love to her... finally. She could feel herself getting wet all over again just anticipating it. She slid lower, licking and kissing Brooke's perfect stomach, loving the way it rolled and clenched under her tongue. She could hear Brooke panting heavily, waiting for her, wanting her. She looked up at the blonde, her eyes were closed firmly and her mouth was open, her breath coming out in little moans. Cayden's sex twitched all over again, it was so hot a vision. She could smell Brooke's scent, her mouth watered and she brought her tongue lower, to mingle with soft blonde hairs. As she did, Brooke grabbed her head, her fingers clenched tightly in her hair. Her legs fell open wider and Cayden wiggled between them. She was there, inches away from nirvana, and suddenly very nervous. "Can I?" she asked tentatively.

Brooke shook violently when Cayden's breath fell across her sex. Can she? Good god!

Cayden grunted as her face was shoved into Brooke's vagina. Her chin was instantly soaked and she quickly stuck out her tongue to catch the juice, not wanting to lose a precious drop.

"Oh my god... that is unbelievable!" Brooke nearly shouted. This is fantastic! Ohhh.... what is she doing.... yes! Cayden's tongue felt like hot velvet against her swollen folds. It was nothing she ever dreamed of, she was in heaven, absolute heaven. "Oh yes, don't stop." she pled. It was wonderful, and she couldn't believe how many years went by without it.

Stop? Is she insane? Cayden was lost in the feeling of Brooke's sex on her tongue. She lapped the length of it, circled her clit and lapped again. She didn't want it to end. How could Brooke even think she'd stop? She stuck her tongue out as far as it would go, covered as much of Brooke's center as she could and shook her head back and forth.

"Yes!" Brooke's body jumped off of the bed and Cayden used the opportunity to take hold of her backside. She held the blonde's body up, and slowly poked her tongue at her opening.

Brooke's body had a mind if its own as she felt herself thrust forward, urging Cayden to enter her. "Holy...." Not that is not a penis.... sweet Jesus that's good! She found herself thrusting into Cayden's face, and begging for more, and she got it.

Cayden was humming blissfully, her face buried in Brooke's heat, her tongue enveloped by sweet ambrosia. Brooke was dancing on her tongue and she couldn't be more ecstatic. However, she knew how turned on the blonde was, and didn't want to torture her, so she pulled out her tongue.

Brooke glanced down to see what happened and caught Cayden licking her lips. I must taste good, I wonder how she tastes... Suddenly, her clit was enveloped by heat and she jumped halfway into the air. "Cayden!"

"Mmmmm" The tall woman replied, sucking the swollen flesh rhythmically.

"Oh, yeah.... yeah..." Brooke gasped.

Cayden pulled out the big guns and began to bat her tongue across the tip of Brooke's clit. The blonde sat up straight, grabbed Cayden by the ears and held her so tightly she couldn't breathe.

Brooke had no idea anything could feel so good, her stomach tightened, her legs began to tremble and the orgasm was powerful. A strangled sound escaped her, and her whole body shook, she had no control.

Cayden groaned as Brooke came, a great surge of wetness flooded her chin and she was disappointed she missed it. She held on for as long as she could, while Brooke held her hostage, and only stopped when she couldn't breathe any more.

Once Cayden stopped what she was doing, Brooke's body was able to relax and only then did she realize what she was doing to the tall woman. She forced her legs apart and eased up on the choke hold. "Oh Cayd..." she breathed. "I'm sorry... I couldn't.."

"Shhh. That's alright." Cayden grinned, quite pleased with herself. She crawled up over Brooke and waited until she caught her breath.

"Oh my god, that was unbelievable! I don't think I ever felt anything like that in my life!" Brooke gushed, grabbing the tall woman and hugging her fiercely.

"So, it was okay huh?" Cayden asked, knowing the answer.

"Okay? It was fantastic!" Brooke pulled Cayden into a kiss.

Cayden was more than happy to oblige, she felt wonderful. Not only did Brooke survive her first time, but enjoyed the hell out of it, and Cayden was feeling pretty cocky. When the kiss broke, she couldn't wipe the self-satisfied smile off of her face. "Hey," she said, stroking Brooke's cheek. "You did it, we did it."

"So we did." Brooke sighed happily. "Can we do it again?"

"Oh, I'd absolutely love to, but it's late, and..."

"OH SHIT! My mother!" Brooke bolted up in the bed and nearly threw Cayden on the floor. "Oh no... what am I going to do... she's going to know. Oh man..."

Cayden snickered. "Relax. How will she know?"

"Trust me! She'll know!" Brooke groaned and covered her face with her hands.

Suddenly Wade's voice drifted past the closed door. "Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl... knock knock.. it's eleven o'clock... she would meringue, and do the salsa YEEHAW!"

"Only 11?" Cayden checked the clock in surprise. "Hey, it's only 11, that's great! You have plenty of time to get home and it will still be early."

"You don't know my mother, she probably had every chew of dinner timed and I'll have to account for the 84 minutes we spent in bed."

"We spent 84 minutes in bed?" Cayden asked, wide eyed. "I don't think I've ever spent that long in bed with someone in my life!"

Brooke looked at Cayden skeptically. "Come on, never?"

"Nope. Only you." she grinned, leaning over and giving the blonde a quick kiss. "And if it were up to me, we'd be here til morning."

"Oh Cayden, that's so sweet." Brooke kissed the tall woman back. "As much as I detest leaving, I have to. If I don't come home, my mother will be knocking on that door and she won't be singing about showgirls."

Cayden frowned, and reluctantly let the blonde go. "Aw alright, but I let you go under duress."

Brooke smiled, and climbed off of the bed. "Where's my panties?" she asked Cayden, who was busy drooling in her direction. "Cayd, yoo hoo..."

"Oooo, you are so sexy, so perfect..." The tall woman swallowed hard and grabbed the blanket, and wrapped herself in it like a straightjacket. "I can't watch you put your clothes back on without a fight." she groaned

Brooke blushed. "Oh and you think it will be easy for me to leave you sitting there naked? No way! I still have plenty I want to do to you miss. Just sit there quietly and it will be over before you know it."

Cayden sighed heavily as the blonde pulled her panties up, covering herself. "No, this isn't over at all. Not by a long shot."

"Oh baby, you got that right." The smaller woman walked over to the mummified brunette and stood in front of her. "You're taking me home."

PART 30

C AYDEN WAS ON her best behavior, at least she thought so. Brooke wandered around the bedroom, clad in only the cutest little pink panties, ranting and raving about her mother. Blue eyes followed the blonde back and forth, fixating on one body part after the other, and never once did she unwrap herself from her blanket and pounce on Brooke like a wolf in heat. Instead, she ogled and drooled quietly, from her cocoon.

"So, when we get there, immediately start talking about the weather, or basketball, or Uzbekistan, or something."

Cayden nodded and bit her bottom lip. The blonde was once again standing in front of her, this time waving her hands around as she talked, making her breasts bob about in a very interesting fashion.

"Why aren't you getting dressed?" Brooke suddenly wondered.

"I can't. Not until you're fully clothed will I allow my hands to be free."

The blonde smiled and blushed. "Are you saying that you may not be able to control yourself?"

"No. I'm saying that I definitely can't control myself with you and your breasts running all over the room. Not to mention that delicious specimen of an ass following right behind. Now get dressed before I have a stroke!"

Brooke blushed harder and gave Cayden a quick kiss on the lips. "You say the sweetest things sometimes."

Cayden watched with great relief as Brooke picked up her dress and stepped into it. She knew she'd have to zip the blonde up but was satisfied that she'd be in control once all the vital parts were covered.

"Can you liberate a hand to help me?" Brooke asked turning her back to the brunette.

"You bet." Cayden replied confidently, throwing the covers off of herself and reaching out to Brooke. However, her hands went straight for the blonde's backside and she grabbed whole handfuls of it.

Brooke giggled. "Ooo, that's not my zipper Cayd."

"I know, but I can't control my hands." she complained. "Stop that!" She reprimanded them, pulling them reluctantly from Brooke's ass, and zipping the dress. "There, all done"

This time when Brooke turned around, she was the one drooling as Cayden sat there in all her naked glory. "Oh, Cayd," She purred. "I see exactly what you mean." she gulped hard and forced herself to turn around again. "Hurry and get dressed, I don't know how long I can control my hands."

"Ugh." Cayden groaned.

"What?" Brooke turned to find the tall woman wearing a Tee shirt and her underwear, with a sour face on.

"My underwear are gross."

"So wear another pair, but hurry, my mother's probably pacing around the house driving daddy crazy."

Cayden changed, threw on some jeans and smirked. "You know, no matter what underwear I wear we probably smell like sex."

Brooke paled. "We do?" She inhaled deeply. "Do we?"

"I can smell it from here." Wade said from the other side of the door, and then sprayed air freshener.

Brooke panicked. "Oh my god, we need to take a shower!"

Cayden chuckled. "Calm down babe, it's alright. I kinda like the way you smell." She licked her lips in an obvious way. "You taste pretty damned good too."

"You still taste me?"

"EW!" came the comment from the hallway.

"Oh yeah, that's the best part, its the gift that keeps on giving." Cayden joked.

"Good lord, then my parents will smell it! Go brush your teeth!"

"Aw Brooke, but I don't want to, I want to keep you in there."

"I'm going to vomit." came the voice from the other side of the door.

"WADE! Take a walk will you!" Cayden threw open the door and Wade was sitting on the floor with a glass of wine and a half eaten tray of cheese and crackers.

"Don't even tell me you've been here the whole time."

"You must be insane. I only came here to hear the awkward after moments, which may I add, weren't all that awkward. I think I’m in love with the both of you right now, you are so cute!"

Cayden rolled her eyes. "Oh, that's just what I wanted."

Brooke blushed.

Wade suddenly turned serious. "Cayden, if you do one stupid Cayden thing to lose this wonderful woman I'll kill you."

The tall woman sighed dramatically. "Why are you here? Isn't Queer Eye on television or something?"

"I'm taping it, I wouldn't miss this for the world. Not even Carson."

Brooke smiled, and winked at Wade, but didn't forget the original topic. "Teeth, now." she reminded the frowning brunette.

Cayden furrowed her brows even deeper, pouted, then dragged her feet to the bathroom.

Wade popped up from the floor and giggled happily. "So, what was it like? Tell me all about it, baby girl! Well, not all about it, but, you know. Ooo! I'm so happy for you!" He began to fix her messy hair and grinned wildly.

"Oh, Wade, it was wonderful! Cayden was charming, super, spectacular, amazing..."

Wade's eyes widened and he looked towards the bathroom. "Our Cayden?"

"Yes! She made me feel so at ease, so special... she was incredible, and oooo, what a lover." Brooke said, her eyes turning dreamy.

Wade's mouth hung open. "That Cayden?" He pointed to the bathroom.

Brooke laughed. "Yes, that Cayden. I never felt anything like that in my life! She was so patient, and sweet. Oh Wade, she's so terrific, and understanding. I knew it was there, I knew she was more than just the sum of her parts." Brooke smiled and sighed. "I just knew it."

Wade pulled Brooke into a bear hug. "Oh my god! Honey, I think you're in love! That's fabulous! I'm so happy!"

Cayden showed up as the two of them were jumping up and down, spinning around in circles. "I hate to break this to you, but that dance went out with Devo."

"Oh, come here and shut up you big ol' softie!" Wade jumped on Cayden and gave her a bear hug too. "This is so wonderful!"

"God, Wade." Cayden protested and squirmed away.

Wade just smiled knowingly at her. "Now, watch it you, I love this woman," he pointed at Brooke, "You better treat her right, or I'll try my best to hurt you."

Cayden couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, yeah. I happen to like her just a wee bit too. I intend to keep her around a while so don't you worry."

Brooke wrapped her arms around Cayden and sighed contentedly. "Good. I want to be around for a long time."

Cayden circled Brooke with her arms, and they stood there basking in their admissions.

Wade couldn't resist, and made it a group hug. To his amazement, Cayden didn't shoo him away. "Brooke, I really don't want to remind you honey, but your mother." He whispered, hating to break the mood.

Brooke sighed again, but it wasn't a happy one. "You're right, let's go, Cayden."

The tall woman, took her time unwrapping herself from Brooke and quickly ran her fingers through her hair. "Do I look ok?"

"Don't ask me, I'm biased." Brooke said with a smile.

"You both look like you just rolled out of bed." Wade offered.

"Gee thanks, you're a pal." Cayden replied sarcastically. "Well, it's now or never, let's go before I chicken out."

Brooke grabbed Cayden by the hand and pulled her to the door.

"I can't believe this is my Cayden, look at you girl! Just going willingly and everything!" Wade shook his head and folded his arms over his chest. "You should have met Brooke a long time ago."

"Why, thank you." Brooke said, tugging Cayden through the open door. "I am good for her, aren't I."

"I like her this way, you just keep her whipped." Wade teased.

"I'm right here you know." Cayden could be heard complaining as Wade closed the door.

*  *  *

Harriet paced the house, furious that Brooke left her cell phone at home. She was so worried at the time that she drove Bert right out of bed, and now he sat in the living room scowling at his wife.

"Harriet, it's not like it's the middle of the night, you never worried at all when she was out with Grant until all hours."

"Well, she wasn't living here then. I can't possibly sleep while she's out gallivanting around the city all night!"

"It's hardly midnight, she's not going to turn into a pumpkin. Geez Louise." Bert complained, folding and refolding his legs.

"It's the coach that turns into a pumpkin, not Cinderella, and what does that have to do with anything anyway? She was only going out to dinner, what could be taking so long?"

Bert raised his eyebrows and then frowned. He just had a very good idea about what they could be doing and it didn't please him. "Just don't ambush her at the door."

"I'll do whatever I want, she's my daughter and she is late and didn't call to let me know where she is. I'm very mad Bert."

"You'll live."

Mrs. Hewitt stared at him in shock. "Bert! You can honestly say you're not the least bit upset?"

"Of course I'm upset, but I'm sure the time just got away from them, that happens when... you know... "

Harriet gasped. "Why'd you have to say that for? I refuse to believe they're having sex." she covered her eyes with her hands.

"Hey, I don't like it any more than you do, but Harriet, what can we do?"

Mrs. Hewitt shook her head rapidly. "No. They're just walking around window shopping."

"At midnight?"

"Bert!"

*  *  *

"Almost an hour and a half?" Jodie shouted into the phone in disbelief.

"Yes! I swear! You should have heard it! Cayden rocked Miss Brooke's world, and let me tell you, the feeling was mutual."

"Wade, I just can't believe you listened at the door."

"I wasn't listening at the door, I was checking every so often and happened to get the good stuff. I was terrified I'd hear instructions or something, I don't know if I would have lived through it."

"So what was Brooke wearing? What was Cayden wearing? Who was louder? Tell me, tell me!"

*  *  *

As soon as they entered the building, Brooke slowed her step. Cayden had an idea what they were in for and knew leaving Brooke at the door and running away wasn't a good idea. She poked the blonde in the back and urged her forward. "The sooner we get there, the sooner it will be over."

"I know, but..."

"No buts, come on."

Brooke took a deep breath and put her key in the lock. The door was pulled open fast, and there was Harriet. "Uh, hi mom?"

Mrs. Hewitt's eyes were slits. "Where were you? Why didn't you call? Do you know what time it is?"

Brooke backed up and Cayden stepped forward, smiling a charming smile. "Hello, Mrs. Hewitt, we are so sorry, we were having such a great night that time just got away from us."

Harriet folded her arms over her chest and harrumphed, turning from the door and allowing them entrance. Bert gave Brooke a sympathetic look as she walked in, and she pouted at him.

"What could you have been thinking young lady, look at the time, its almost..." Harriet stopped talking and gave them then once over. Her eyes widened from their slits to really huge, then she covered her mouth in horror. "Bert! Look at what she's wearing!" She exclaimed, pointing at Cayden.

Bert looked at the tall woman, then Brooke, and shrugged. "What?"

"They had sex!" Mrs. Hewitt threw herself into a chair dramatically.

"Because Cayden changed her clothes?" Brooke asked, trying to hide her reddening face.

Cayden cleared her throat nervously and stepped a few feet away from everyone.

Harriet waved a finger at Brooke. "I know what you did. I can see it all over your face."

Brooke wanted to die, and Cayden was right behind her. The tall woman sidled up to Brooke and smiled weakly. "Boy, it sure is hot out there." She tried cutting in.

"Mother! I'm a grown woman for crap sakes, if I want to have sex, I don't need your permission, and I certainly don't have to explain myself!"

"You did?" Harriet asked covering her mouth again.

"Harriet, what in God's name has gotten into you?" Bert wondered.

"You allow it?" She asked her husband.

"No, I mean yes, I mean it's not up to us! Leave the poor girls alone."

Cayden and Brooke edged closer to Bert.

"What's the big deal ma? You knew I was sleeping with Grant, I was living with him! Is it because Cayden is a woman? All of a sudden it's terrible? You bought me the bra to seduce her in the first place! What happened?"

Harriet looked guilty as she lifted her eyes. "I don't know."

"Mother, I don't understand what's gotten into you, if you're mad because I didn't call, then fine, I'm sorry, but if you're mad because I had sex, well you'll have to get over it because I liked it and I'm doing it again."

Bert coughed nervously and Cayden turned magenta.

"How about those Knicks?" The tall woman suddenly asked, licking her dry lips, hoping she wouldn't have to actually bring up Uzbekistan.

"Oh yeah, they're something else." Bert replied, nodding rapidly. "Did you see the game last night?"

Cayden nodded, even though she didn't know a thing about it. "Boy, I can use a drink." she said, trying to get Bert into the kitchen, and give Harriet and Brooke some time.

"Me too, let's go look in the fridge." Mr. Hewitt agreed and they went off to the kitchen.

"Alright mom, tell me what's going on. Now." Brooke insisted.

"Nothing. I just, well, I don't want you to, I like having you here, and..."

"So you think because I slept with Cayden that I'm instantly moving in with her?"

"Isn't that what lesbians do?"

Brooke laughed. "No... at least this one doesn't."

"So, that's it? You're a full fledged lesbian now? Will you be wearing rude T-shirts, cutting your hair and dying it orange?"

Brooke raised a curious eyebrow. Orange? "Ma, just calm down. I'm not changing a thing, I'm still me. I'm not moving out any time soon and I certainly won't be doing anything to my hair." Brooke took her mother's hand and smiled. "I don't know where you get this stuff from."

"I read. I watch television, there's lesbians all over the place now." She said looking up at Brooke. "You know, I'm not mad that you had sex. I'm uncomfortable, just a little bit, as any mother would be, I guess I was afraid to lose you. Grant stole you away from us, we hardly saw you at all."

"Oh, mom, Cayden certainly isn't Grant, that's for sure."

"I suppose she's okay. You're father seems to like her."

"Well, I like her, and that's what matters. So it's alright now? You're alright?"

"Yes. I was just upset. I thought you were leaving again. I like you being here. Fred likes you being here."

"I can't promise that I'll never move out ma, I think this thing with Cayden is serious, really serious, but I'm not rushing it. I'll still be here for a while."

Harriet's eyebrows shot up. "How serious?"

"Very." Brooke admitted with a nervous smile.

"Honey, you just left a relationship, I hope you know what you're doing."

"Oh, this is no rebound. Trust me." Brooke assured.

"So, she's the one? Hmm. You could do a lot worse. In fact, you did. Tell her she can come in here now, I want to talk to her."

Brooke panicked. "Promise me not to say anything about it being serious! I don't want to scare her away!"

"She's so skittish?"

"Well, not exactly, but promise me mother."

"Oh alright." Harriet frowned. "I promise."

"Good, I'll go get her."

*  *  *

Cayden concentrated on the beer Bert gave her like it was the most important thing on earth, all the while trying to come up with something to say. As it was, Mr. Hewitt was just standing there, looking at her, waiting. The tall woman's brain scrambled for something inane to bring up, but she was on the spot and nervous.

Bert eyed the tall brunette as she guzzled the beer. Surely she wasn't that thirsty, and he didn't fancy her a drinker. He pursed his lips as he thought how awkward she must feel, after all, Harriet wasn't an easy pill to swallow. Just the very idea of Harriet's mother knowing he had sex with her made him queasy... he could only imagine how Cayden felt. He looked her up and down, and tried to make eye contact to no avail. Cayden was attractive, with great physical attributes, he could see what Brooke saw in her, but she wasn't much of a talker. Not like Grant, who could talk an ear off.... whether you wanted him to or not. Bert grinned, he kinda liked that Cayden was the quiet type, but he also wanted to know more about her. She was, after all, Brooke's idea of sliced bread.

Cayden finished the bottle of beer and began picking at the label. Bert was staring at her, taking stock, and she felt like she was under a microscope. While she wanted to pass inspection, she wanted to get the hell out of there as soon as she could. She wondered if Brooke and her mom were finished, there wasn't any yelling, and she had no indication as to what was going on. She looked down at Fred, who suddenly appeared and was extremely grateful for the old dog. "So," she started, squatting down to the floor, "How've you been Fred?"

The small dog cocked his head to the side and whimpered. Cayden scooped him up and stood, holding his nose up to her face, happy she had something to concentrate on.

"He's old, but he's doing well." Bert answered for Fred.

"Actually, Sir, these teeny dogs have a long life span."

"Please, call me Bert. I really didn't want a dog, but Brooke drove us crazy. Would you believe she tried to convince us that a Great Dane doesn't take up much space?" Bert chuckled.

"I like the big dogs too, but be realistic, this is a New York apartment. I think Fred fits in just fine."

"Yeah, Harriet and I went looking for dogs, for weeks we searched. One day, Brooke comes waltzing in here with what we first thought was a rat. Turned out to be old Fred. She was so in love with him, how could we say no? She's determined when she wants her way."

"You're telling me?" Cayden blurted without thinking, placing Fred down.

Mr. Hewitt nodded sympathetically, he knew what Brooke put Cayden through. "She certainly got what she was after with you. I see, though, the feeling is mutual." His eyes suddenly turned serious. "Isn't it?"

Cayden swallowed hard. "Oh, yes, yes sir... Bert." The tall woman made a funny face as the beer rumbled around in her belly. Brooke walked into the room and Cayden felt a sense of relief. The blonde walked right up to her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Hey grumpy, mom wants to interrogate you." Cayden's eyes widened. "Oh, don't worry, I'll be right there and Daddy will protect you." Brooke glared at her father who agreed with a nod. She wrapped her other arm around the brunette and squeezed eliciting a huge belch from the tall woman. Brooke backed up and stared at Cayden, her mouth agape.

"Oh my!" Harriet exclaimed. "Bert! Excuse yourself!" She scurried into the kitchen wagging her finger.

Cayden held up the empty beer bottle, red faced and apologetic. "Heh, that was me." she admitted.

"Well, then, what do you say Cayden?" Harriet stood, tapping her foot.

"Er, excuse me." Cayden grabbed Brooke and pulled her so she stood in front of her.

Shaking her head, the blonde took the empty bottle and put it on the counter. "God, Cayden, that was gross."

The tall woman shrugged and didn't see the gross factor. Brooke stood and watched her barf for an hour and a burp was gross? Women. I could have farted.

Harriet patted Cayden on the arm and smiled. "You're excused. Let's go into the living room and have a nice little chat, shall we?"

Bert rolled his eyes. "Harriet, it's late."

"Nonsense, this will only take a minute."

Brooke twisted up her face as her mother left the room. "Just tell her what she wants to hear and we're home free."

"Can't we just run into your room and pretend to fall asleep?"

"Cayden, if I get you into my room, there will be no sleeping happening in there."

Bert cleared his throat. "I'll just be..." he scurried out quickly.

Brooke leaned into Cayden and smiled seductively. "Kiss me."

Cayden looked around nervously.

"Okay nervous Nelly, then make it quick." Brooke stood on her tip toes and pursed her lips.

Cayden did as she was told and to her surprise, Brooke almost pulled her down to the floor. The kiss was intense and Cayden soon lost all her bearings. She reached down and lifted Brooke onto the counter, pulling her as close as she could. The blonde groaned and wrapped her legs around the tall woman, Cayden was making her crazy all over again. Their tongues fought and tangled in each others mouth, they panted loudly between passionate kisses, totally forgetting where they were.

"Goodness!" Harriet gasped as she stepped into the kitchen. "Brooke! You'd think you could control yourself for just one minute!"

"Mom! can't I just get a moment?" Brooke leapt down from the counter.

Cayden refused to turn around. She blamed herself for the little indiscretion and was too embarrassed.

Bert ambled in, hopefully giving the girls ample time to disengage. "What's the shouting about?"

"They were practically doing it right on the counter!"

"We were just kissing daddy, don't listen to her."

Bert waved it away as if it were nothing, knowing full well he'd have had a whole other reaction had he caught them in the act. "Honey, try and keep it in your room, your mother seems to have forgotten what new love feels like."

Harriet was shocked. "I did not! It was just that.. I didn't expect it, that's all. I mean, right here in the kitchen, where I cook!"

"So, you'd feel better if we went into my room?" Brooke asked with a cheeky smile.

"Yes, I mean NO! Don't go in there... I mean, well... Bert, do you see how she's being fresh?" Harriet pouted.

Bert pointed his finger at Brooke as a way of reprimand.

Oh yeah, that'll teach her. Cayden thought, beginning to like Bert more and more.

Harriet turned to Cayden. "Now, come inside and sit down, would you like some tea?"

"No thanks." Cayden replied, following Brooke into the living room.

Mrs. Hewitt sat on the couch and patted the spot next to her. Cayden, reluctant to let go of Brooke's hand, dragged the blonde with her. It was a Cayden sandwich with a Hewitt on each end.

Bert sat in his usual chair, twining his fingers together and placing them slowly in his lap. He knew Cayden was uncomfortable, and truth be told, he had no idea what Harriet planned to say. He was as nervous as Cayden.

"So, I know that you two are a couple, lovers right?"

"Yes, ma." Brooke answered, rolling her eyes and squeezing Cayden's hand.

"Cayden, you don't mind that Brooke never had a relationship with a woman before?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Brooke asked.

"Hush up, I'm talking to Cayden. I watch Maury and I know all about these things. Brooke, you can be quite pushy when you want something. Like they said on the television, you newbies tend to fall in love with your first partner and I want to make sure Cayden is prepared for that."

Six eyes stared, and three jaws dropped at Harriet's rather observant statement.

Brooke glanced at Cayden and saw the brunette lick her lips nervously. The blonde became nervous too, could it be that Cayden wasn't prepared? What would she do if Cayden dismissed her?

"Well," The tall woman began quietly, totally flustered at being the center of attention. "I am well aware that Brooke has no experience with women, and in the beginning, I did fear getting involved because of the very same reason you brought up. I avoided it at all costs." Cayden looked at Brooke, who seemed to have shrunk into the couch. Puzzled, she continued. "But I couldn't fight the attraction. I like Brooke, an awful lot. Denying it was stupid. As for her being pushy, I'm really glad she is."

The blonde sighed in relief and kissed Cayden on the cheek. Cayden blushed and squirmed.

"I see." Harriet looked deep in thought.

Bert smiled at the tall woman. He knew it must have taken some effort on her part to confess that to Brooke's mother. Poor Cayden didn't know when she dates Brooke, she dates Harriet.

"See? I told you I know the way lesbians work, pretty soon you'll be living together and wearing each others clothes."

"Ma, I told you, we have no intentions of rushing into anything! If we do live together it will be in the future and not any time soon." Brooke imagined Cayden in her clothes and giggled.

"Are you going to get cats? I don't like cats very much at all, and I know lesbians like cats." Mrs. Hewitt said with a shake of her head.

Cayden and Brooke looked at each other and shrugged.

The brunette started to reply. "I don't actually know..."

Bert interrupted, "Harriet, for shoot sakes, they're only dating a week! Give the girls a break, how the heck should they know?"

"Well... I don't like cats."

"Point taken." Brooke said with a smile.

Cayden grinned to herself. We MUST get plenty of cats.

"Can we go now?" Brooke asked.

"I suppose." Harriet said with a sigh. "One more thing, Cayden, I know she's all grown up, but she's always going to be my little girl. Promise me you'll be good to her."

"Yes, ma'am." Cayden breathed a sigh of relief, that wasn't anywhere as bad as she had imagined. She stood up, and pulled Brooke out of the couch by her hand. Her eyebrow lifted at the look on the blonde's face.

"We'll be right back." Brooke said, dragging Cayden towards her bedroom. Once the door was closed, Brooke pushed Cayden onto the bed and climbed on top of her. "You don't think that kiss in the kitchen was enough do you?"

"No, but..."

"Shh." Brooke leaned down and kissed Cayden sweetly, and backed away. "I know you're sweating bullets knowing Harriet and Bert are in the living room, so I'll let you off easy." She kissed her again, this time with much more intent, tickling the tall, woman's lips with the tip of her tongue. Cayden's mouth opened and the kiss deepened, both tongues darting out and meeting. Brooke groaned, Cayden was the best kisser she's ever encountered and she felt as if they could kiss forever, but she knew the circumstances were uncomfortable for the tall woman. Breaking the kiss, she took a deep breath and sighed.

"Wow." Cayden breathed. "My lips tingle when you kiss me."

Brooke smiled in agreement. "Just you wait." She warned playfully. "There's plenty of you left to kiss and I intend to do just that." She saw the brunette's eyes narrow and smiled to herself. She climbed off of Cayden and stood up. "Come on, I know you want to get home and I really must get into that shower."

Grateful, yet disappointed at the same time, Cayden got up off of the bed. "Look here Brooke, don't you think you're the only one going to do all the kissing. There's quite a bit of you left for me to explore too." Brooke swallowed hard and Cayden chuckled. "That's right, you go to bed tonight with the same ideas that you put into my head."

Brooke groaned. "You're not fair."

Cayden leaned over and kissed the blonde. "Good night, Brooke."

Brooke pouted. "Good night. Get home safe okay?"

"Yes ma'am."

Cayden slipped out the door and stood there for a moment. Brooke sure knew how to start her engines and she needed to slow down before she faced the parents. Taking a few breaths, she calmed a little and braced herself as she turned the corner into the living room. "Well, I'll be going now, thank you for the beer Mr. Hewitt, it was nice chatting with you Mrs. Hewitt.

"Please," Harriet stood, "Bert and Harriet, and it was a pleasure chatting with you too." As Cayden opened the front door, Harriet stepped up behind her. "Oh, by the way, so this store of yours..."

"Harriet!"

Mrs. Hewitt frowned. "Never mind. You get home in one piece."

Cayden let the door close behind her and breathed a sigh of relief.

PART 31

T HE RIDE HOME for Cayden was quick and painless. She was in a sort of haze at from the whole evening... so much had taken place. First and foremost, finally making love with Brooke. Every time this came to mind, the tall woman took on a glazed expression, a goofy smile gracing her lips. Dinner was all but forgotten, and Harriet and Bert were slowly fading into the background too. She saw visions of Brooke, laying beneath her, eyelids heavy with passion, mouth half open, soft groans filling her ears. It was a daydream she didn't want to wake up from, and one she wanted to bring to life again as soon as she could.

Abruptly broken out of her fog by the cab driver, Cayden pouted. She paid the man and slipped out of the car. She stood on the front stoop for a moment, fingering her keys absently. She made love with Brooke. The goofy smile returned and a slow warmth spread through her belly. Anybody passing by would have thought her just another lunatic as she stood there grinning stupidly, playing with her keys. But not Wade. He flung open the door and shrieked.

"I've been waiting all night! Get in here and start talking!"

Cayden jumped out of her skin, dropped her keys and growled. "What is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what time it is and you're screaming like an animal in the street."

Wade wiped Cayden's bad attitude away with his hand, and then placed it firmly on his hip. "Did you think I could wait until YOU were ready to tell me about it? Honey, I must know now... and ambush is the best policy with you."

The tall woman pushed past him and entered the building, muttering under her breath about ruining a perfectly good evening.

"Pish-tosh. Go sit down and get comfy, I already have a fresh bag of Doritos waiting." He ran ahead of her and opened the apartment door.

"Pepsi too?" Cayden asked, her favorite drink and snack food.

"Of course." Wade sat cross legged on the couch and waited patiently for Cayden to give in.

The tall woman stood in front of the coffee table, eyeing the junk food longingly. "It's too late to eat that now, I'll get agita."

Wade reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a roll of Tums. "Covered. Now sit and tell me all about it, but you know the rules. Please omit tastes, smells and textures and all adjectival phrases."

"Wade, I can't talk about this with you." Cayden began blushing, swigging some soda to cover it.

"Honey, you know I'll only get all the dirt from Jodie tomorrow so you may as well eliminate the middle man. You do know how Jodie loves to exaggerate."

Cayden coughed nervously. He had a point, there was no way in hell she would get out of it tomorrow. Jodie would harass her until her head exploded. "So, if I tell you, then will you tell Jo?"

"Mmmm.... maybe. We'll see how good you weave a tale."

"Well, it was.... it was great." Cayden began haltingly. "It was romantic, and well... great."

Wade raised both eyebrows. "That's it? It was great? Was she nervous, were you nervous... was it awkward, how did you make the first move? Who went first or did you do it at the same time?"

"I can't talk about that!" The tall woman blushed again and stuffed her mouth with chips.

"Try."

"Yes, I was nervous... she was nervous. It was awkward in the beginning, but I let her know that we could stop any time. She liked that, and it went pretty smoothly from there. Can I go into my room now?"

Wade sighed in defeat. "Yeah. I'll just have to hear the second hand news... as always. " he pouted. "Will you at least tell me about the parents?"

"Oh, that. It was weird. Her dad is cool, I like him... quiet and unassuming, but he's no slouch. Brooke is his little girl, there's no mistaking that. The mother, well, she's a piece of work. Turns out, for all her nuttiness, she's just worried about Brooke. Can't really blame her, I just seemed to pop up out of nowhere under the craziest circumstances. Anyway, I think I did good. The father, Bert, was polite enough." Cayden stopped to eat some more chips, wiping the orange residue on her jeans. "We spent some uncomfortable moments in the kitchen while Brooke and her mom ironed things out, but after all, he's pretty nice. I didn't pit-sweat or anything. I wonder what they did after I left."

"Probably talked endlessly about your fashion sense. What the hell are you wearing?"

Cayden looked at herself and furrowed her brows. The T-shirt was all wrinkled and the jeans had a hole in the knee. "It was the first thing I grabbed. If you didn't approve, you shouldn't have let me leave in the first place." she countered.

"Honey, I was still all tingly from Brooke. Girl, she is totally besotted with you. I hope you're ready for this."

The brunette took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Wade, I sure hope I am too. Can't say that I'm not besotted with her."

Wade beamed. "I knew it!" he jumped up and ran over to hug Cayden. "How did you know?"

The tall woman grimaced and ate chips in silence, while she tried to put it into words. "Tonight... it was different. Everything felt different.. touching, holding her hand... kissing ... the feeling of it all. I can't explain it, don't make me try. All I know is that I just left her and I wish I was there."

Wade smiled knowingly. "God, Cayden. You have it! Everyone wants it! I want that too. I'm so happy for you. Of all the people I know, you deserve this the most."

"Aww, you big sissy, don't get all weepy now." Cayden teased the teary-eyed man.

"No, I mean it. I'm so happy that Brooke came into your life. Okay, so it was in a highly unusual fashion, but still, she's here now. That's all that matters."

"Yeah, but.... I don't know what to do now. What happens next?" Cayden asked, her eyes wide.

"Oh sweetie, don't worry. It comes naturally now. Only the two of you can know what comes next. Go with it."

"Pretty scary thought." The tall woman stood up and stretched.

"No one said it would be easy."

"No, no one did." Cayden walked slowly away.

Wade watched as Cayden disappeared into her bedroom. He smiled to himself, knowing that from here on in, life would never be the same.

*  *  *

Surprisingly enough, Brooke was left on her own after Cayden went home, and she quietly made her way into bed. She lay there, smiling, and every so often giggling uncontrollably. She wasn't just happy, she was giddy. Cayden was wonderful, not only in bed, but she said some very important things tonight that made the blonde beam. And speaking of bed... Brooke was awed. Cayden was super, understanding, gentle and sweet. Not to mention she knew all the right spots. Sex with Cayden was a complete 360 from sex with Grant. Sure Brooke was ultimately satisfied with Grant, she made sure of that, but with Cayden, she didn't have to give instructions, and she never wanted it to end. Cayden was soft, and silky, smooth and sexy. She smelled so good Brooke wanted to bury her nose in Cayden neck and just breathe. Her fingers were gentle when they should be, and not so gentle when they shouldn't be. There was no clumsy pawing and god, what she did with her tongue. Brooke rolled over and sighed contentedly. She began replaying the night over and a smile so big appeared, the only thing you could see in the dark room was teeth.

She tried to sleep, but it was hard. She was pretty wired and her mind kept going back to Cayden. The tall woman was so sweet at dinner, and even though Brooke was trying her damndest to seduce her, Cayden kept a semi-cool head. The blonde grinned to herself. She was very bad at dinner, driving Cayden crazy at times, and in the meantime, herself, but that's what led them to bed after all. She wasn't so sure Cayden would have made that move so soon, and Brooke was more than ready.

Brooke groaned and flipped over onto her other side. She could still feel Cayden's hands, caressing her, her lips tasting. A thought occurred to her and she sat up in bed. They were lovers now, it was official. She could call Cayden her lover, her partner, her girlfriend. Was that what Cayden wanted? Of course it is, she said so much to mom... I wonder which she would prefer. While thinking about that, another thought occurred to her. She made love to me with her mouth! I'm going to be able to do that too! Oh god...tasting Cayden.... She flopped down face first into her pillow and groaned loudly. She didn't think she'd survive the first lick. She'd never done anything like that.... never even dreamed of it before Cayden came along, and now, she was supposed to do it. Not that she didn't want to, oh she wanted to, but she didn't know the first thing about it... Damn, but to taste Cayden, do to her what she did to me. GOD! She wanted to make Cayden feel as good as she did, and she wasn't sure she would be able to. Cayden slept with women before, she knew what it felt like, Brooke couldn't just wing it. The blonde began to panic, she suddenly felt inadequate. All sorts of sexual disasters began circling around in her head until she had enough. Brooke was not afraid of anything. Taking a deep breath and relaxing she felt a bit better. Okay Brooke, calm down, there's plenty of ways to find out about this. I could read a book, watch a movie... ask Jodie. I just have to do it right!

*  *  *

Cayden tossed and turned for a while, flipped the channels on the television endlessly, then finally turned on her light. Brooke was a total distraction, not in a bad way, but in a lack of sleep way. Cayden didn't mind all the wonderful images bouncing around behind her closed lids, not at all, but it sure wasn't conducive to sleep. What it was conducive to was running back over to Brooke's house and jumping into her bed. Not even to make love either, but to feel her naked skin against her own, a thought that surprised Cayden, who's not particularly fond of snuggling. Knowing that snuggling or otherwise would not go over well at all with Harriet and Bert, she decided to retrieve the bag of chips and munch. It would give her something to do, and maybe the crunching would drown out the thoughts she had now about suddenly not wanting to be alone. Turning on the living room light, she was faced with La La's ass sticking out of the open bag of Doritos.

"WADE!"

Wade came running out of his room in his boxers in a panic. "What!?!"

Cayden pointed to the scene, and as she did, La La backed out of the bag, his face covered in orange cheese dust. "That cat just fouled up my Doritos! I'm sure there's tumbleweeds of fur rolling around in there now!"

"Oh please, he doesn't eat them, he just licks the flavor off. Find the wet ones and toss them."

"WADE! Remove him!"

"Yes dear." Wade hefted the cat off of the table, sifted through the bag and threw out three chips. He glanced at Cayden who was still glaring at him, so he blew into the bag for good measure. "There, no hair."

Cayden growled. Her plans shot. "Now what am I supposed to do? I can't sleep and my munchies not only have La La fur, and drool, but you just breathed sleep breath all over them."

"There's pretzels in the cupboard."

"I wanted the Doritos!"

Wade turned up his nose. "Ew, when did you start whining? It's so unbecoming."

Cayden pouted. Just when did she start whining? "Never mind." She went and got the pretzels and plopped onto the couch. "You can go to bed now." she said with a sigh.

"You gonna be alright? Can I trust you with La La?"

"I'll be fine. And La La lives as long as he keeps his nose out of my pretzels."

*  *  *

It was early Saturday morning, and Jodie was fast asleep, when her cell phone began to ring. Opening one eye slightly, she reached for the phone and brought it into bed with her. "Mmm."

"Jo? Are you sleeping? It's Brooke."

Jodie's other eye opened and she yawned loudly. "Yeah, I was sleeping, but I'm awake now. Congratulations!" She said with a smile, sitting up and stretching.

"You heard?" Brooke asked, surprised.

Jodie giggled. "Nothing escapes me. So, how was it?" She asked, shuffling into the kitchen for coffee.

"It was spectacular! Cayden is such a wonderful lover." the blonde said dreamily.

Jodie knew this information already from Wade, but she just needed to know from Brooke exactly what Cayden did to be so fabulous. She couldn't imagine her Cayden being so perfect. "Hey, why don't you tell me exactly what happened?"

"Okay, well, dinner was great. I was a bad girl though, and seduced Cayden throughout dinner." she admitted with a grin.

Jodie laughed. "You did? Oh my god, Cayden must have died!"

"Just about, she choked a couple of times." Brooke snickered. "Yeah, I really did a number on her, especially with whipped cream. She was primed and ready for the rest of the night."

"I can only imagine." Jodie tried to picture Cayden under a sensual assault involving whipped cream. She laughed again, it must have been something to witness.

"Well, anyway, it was really sweet. Cayden was nervous, probably as nervous as me, but she covered it really well. It was slow at first, but things got going rather quickly. She was so amazing, letting me call the shots and making me as comfortable as I could be." Brooke remembered the experience well and her heart began to beat quicker.

Jodie was floored. "Wow. You mean to tell me she let you take control of the situation? Even though you never did it before?"

"Yep, and let me tell you honey, that was all the incentive I needed. Cayden naked under me.... a whole lot skin to discover. Mmm, mm Heaven."

"I just can't believe it." Jodie shook her head, awed at how understanding Cayden was. Knowing how the tall woman went into this with so much trepidation, something must have changed without her knowledge. Cayden was turning out to be a real charmer. "So, what did you do?"

"Well, here's the thing, it's what I didn't do." Brooke said with embarrassment.

"Huh?"

"See, I touched Cayden, and that was amazing... wow..." Brooke became distracted for a moment. "Okay, but Cayden, well, she um, she didn't only touch me...she..."

"Oooooh." Jodie smiled knowingly. "And... how was it? Was it what you dreamed of?"

"Oh my god... better that that! But the thing is, I didn't do that to her, and I'm not quite sure I can."

Jodie pondered that. "Do you want to, or does it turn you off?" she asked fearfully.

"Oh no! I definitely want to do that, but I don't know what to do!" Brooke whined.

"Oh" Jodie snickered. "That's perfectly alright. Nothing to worry about at all."

"Jodie, I don't want to look like I haven't got a clue! Help!"

"Brooke, just calm down. Here's the thing, everyone is different, and everyone likes different stuff. You just have to ask her what she likes."

"She knew exactly what I liked!"

"Honey, judging from the hours of foreplay I'm sure anything would have been sufficient." she joked. "But honestly, nothing really to worry about. Do what you want, and believe me, you'll know if she likes it." While before Brooke, Jodie couldn't ever picture Cayden in bed with someone giving instructions, now she had a feeling things had changed.

"What if she doesn't?" Brooke worried.

"Brooke, stop worrying. I'm sure it will be fine. Trust me."

"If you say so, but I'm not convinced. Maybe I should watch lesbian porn."

Jodie snickered. "The only thing you'll learn from that is what not to do. Just relax, why don't you start out doing to her what you like done to you?"

"I suppose I could, but I only ever had it done that once, I don't know if there's anything else I like besides what she did that time." Brooke obsessed.

"Brooke! Stop worrying! I swear it will be fine! Now, go get some coffee and sit in your room daydreaming about what you did last night."

"Oooh that is a great idea. Thanks Jo."

"Anytime."

"Are you going to visit Cayden today?"

"Yes I am." Jodie was near to bursting, dying to know Cayden's side of the whole thing.

"Tell her I think she's amazing." Brooke said with a sexy drawl.

Jodie laughed. "Honey, I do that and girlfriend would melt out of the chair and die."

*  *  *

Cayden was a bit sleepy when she arrived at work, but not as cranky as she should have been. Usually, when she didn't get enough sleep, everyone around her on the subway suffered her narrow eyed looks, and menacing glares, but not today. Although yawning uncontrollably, and nearly toppling over a few times when the train stopped short, the tall woman was in a rather pleasant mood. She stopped to get her usual coffee at the corner vendor, and even sprung for a bagel too. Typically, not a morning eater, Cayden was surprised at her hunger, but didn't question it. If she began to question all the new and weird things that had been happening to her she'd wind up going crazy. Settled comfortably in her chair behind the counter, she turned on the television and got ready for the day ahead.

*  *  *

Brooke awoke in a great mood, and to Harriet and Bert's surprise, was up bright and early cooking breakfast. "Good morning everyone!" She said with a smile as her parents meandered towards the smell of bacon. "Who wants pancakes?"

Harriet and Bert shared raised eyebrows.

"Well, this is a change." Bert said, sitting at the table and accepting the cup of coffee Brooke put in front of him.

"Mom, tea?"

"Yes, honey, thank you." Mrs. Hewitt retied her robe and stood there for a long moment, eyeballing her daughter, who was crumbling up a few pieces of bacon for Fred.

Mr. Hewitt sipped his coffee peacefully. "This is a wonderful surprise, Sweetheart, thank you."

"You're welcome, daddy, here." Brooke placed a plate of pancakes in the middle of the table and gave her mom her tea. "There. Now dig in." she said, sitting down to eat too.

Harriet looked sideways at Brooke, then folded her arms across her chest. "You can't tell me you didn't have sex last night."

Bert dropped his fork with a loud clang. "Harriet!"

"Well, why else would she be this, this... look at her, she's glowing!"

"Just eat your pancakes and leave her be. Sheesh, must we talk about this over breakfast?"

Brooke winked at her father and poured a generous amount of syrup on her plate. "Yes mom, I had sex last night and it was fabulous."

"BROOKE!" Harriet was horrified.

Bert winced into his coffee.

"Well, you were just dying to know, so now you don't have to guess any more. We did it, it was great and we'll do it many times over."

"BERT!"

"You asked Harriet, you asked."

"That's enough of that talk!" Harriet covered her ears and squeezed her eyes closed.

Brooke smiled evilly. "Okay then, lets eat."

"I don't know that I can now."

"Try Harriet, try."

Brooke chewed cheerfully, Fred's little head poking just above the table as he sat in her lap. "MMm, this is sooo good." She made slightly lewd noises as she chewed, earning a disgusted look from Harriet, and a warning glare from Bert. She chuckled to herself and ate the rest of her breakfast in silence.

*  *  *

Jodie arrived at the shop to find Cayden sweeping the floor, singing along loudly to a commercial. "Well! Aren't you in a good mood?" She took the broom away and ushered Cayden to her chair. "Talk to me! Come on, you know you're dying to tell me. You're about to explode aren't you? "

"I am not." The brunette shook her head.

"Oh, yes you are. I know you are." Jo insisted.

"Tell you what?" Cayden asked innocently.

Jodie jumped up and down excitedly. "Everything! Tell me! Hurry!"

"Are you sure YOU aren't about to explode?" The shop keeper snickered.

Jodie flung herself on Cayden's lap and bounced up and down. "ALRIGHT! I'm about to explode! Tell me!"

The tall woman sighed. "I don't kiss and tell. Besides, haven't you already heard from Wade?""

"That lame ass story? Pulleease. You can do so much better." She got up off of Cayden's lap and sat up on the counter. "I'm all ears."

"I know, your mother should have done something about that at birth."

"Cayden!" Jodie pouted, lower lip distended and eyes fluttering. "Please."

"Oh Christ! What do you want to know?"

"How was it? Was it everything you imagined? Was she as soft as you thought? Is she loud?"

Cayden blew out a breath, knowing she'd have no choice but to talk. "Yes, she's soft, very soft, but not mushy." She made a yuck face. "I don't like mushy. She's strong, yet soft, I like that."

"Ooooo, go on."

"What?" Cayden asked curiously.

"You're gushing, I like it."

"I am not gushing. I don't do that sort of thing." The tall woman said defensively.

"Okay then, you're not gushing, you're exuding." Jo said with a grin. "Anyway, go on... what else?"

Cayden narrowed her eyes, not quite sure she knew what she was exuding, but decided not to argue. "What else? We ate dinner, we went back to my place... and you know the rest." The shop keeper attempted to get up and walk away, knowing full well Jodie would have none of that.

"Oh no you don't! You come right back here and give me details." Jodie pulled Cayden back to the chair and stood in front of her.

"God, it's like the inquisition!" The brunette complained.

"Ve haf vays of makink you talk. The sooner you spill it, the sooner I let you go."

"What sort of details are we looking at here?" Cayden wondered nervously.

"Dinner, what ya eat? Clothes, what did she wear? Sex, what was it like?"

"I had swordfish, she had steak."

"Decadent... and..."

Cayden eyed Jodie, and continued. "She was wearing this hot little sun dress thing, with those adorable shoes she had on the other day, and the flower I got her? It matched her dress perfectly. It was so cool."

"You bought her a flower? Cayden? Bought a flower?"

The brunette harrumphed. "Yes, I did, a rose in fact." She replied smugly, neglecting to tell Jodie of her meltdown in the florist. "Brooke loved it."

"Scored big did you?" Jo smiled, smacking Cayden playfully on the arm.

Cayden smiled back. "I do believe I got a kiss. Anyway, speaking of kissing, I practically attacked her in the cab, couldn't control myself, but she got me back real good in the restaurant. Whoo! She played me like a fiddle." The tall woman began to blush while remembering.

Jodi clapped her hands with excitement. "She did? What happened?"

"She put her boobs on the table, not naked! Just laid them on top of the table for me to peruse... she did bad things with whipped cream too. She knew exactly what she was doing." She chuckled at her own reactions. "I fell for it hard."

"Honey, you haven't been thinking all that much with your head lately, it's only natural that you'd fall for her boobs. Like I always say, if ya got 'em, flaunt 'em, and she's got 'em."

"Sure does." Cayden nodded in agreement, her mind going straight to those boobs and how they feel. She groaned, and closed her fists as if those boobs were right there and she was avoiding touching them. "Jo, just thinking about her does strange things to me."

Jodie smiled knowingly. "Aw, Cayd, it's normal, you slept together last night for the first time, probably replaying it over and over all morning... I bet you didn't get a wink of sleep either."

Cayden grinned sheepishly. "It happens to everyone?"

"Yeah, you're not special kiddo. However, you will be telling me more about last night. Who was on top?"

"Jo!"

"No, really!"

Cayden groaned. "At first me, but then later her. She was really nervous and I figured if I just let her have at me, she'd feel better. Quick learner that Brooke." She grinned and crossed her legs.

Jodie pointed at Cayden's knees and laughed. "Memories huh?"

"Shut up."

"So, our little Brooke knew what she was doing?"

"Yeah, she did. I mean, it was nothing fancy, I could of did the same thing to myself, but I'd be damned if it would ever feel that good."

"So it was good?"

"Didn't I just say that?"

"Did you tell Brooke?"

Cayden rolled her eyes. "Of course I did, besides, she was there Jo, she knows it was good."

"I'm just saying that because I think she feels a little insecure about it."

Cayden looked Jodie up and down suspiciously. "You think, or you know."

"I know. Cayd, it was her first time, she was worried that it wasn't good enough. She's a nervous wreck that she won't know how to please you with her tongue."

Jodie just put Brooke, pleasing, and tongue in the same sentence and Cayden had to squeeze her legs together tighter. "She is?" The tall woman was surprised. "Really?"

"Yep. So, should this discussion come up, I'm sure you'll handle it swimmingly. But you didn't hear it from me."

Cayden nodded, thinking about how Brooke must feel. How could she be insecure? She had to know that I liked what she did, I came in a second! God, all she really has to do is look at me and I'm ready. She couldn't possibly do anything wrong with her tongue. Oh god... her tongue...

"You in there?" Jodie inquired of the dazed shop keeper.

Cayden swallowed hard. "Oh yeah, I'm here. You got it, I'm becoming a real pro at calming her down lately. You would have been proud of me last night."

"So I hear! Charming, special, wonderful, spectacular... all adjectives describing you, my cranky friend. Adjectives I never thought I'd hear attached to your noun."

"Spectacular?"

"Among other things, yes. You did good." Jo rubbed Cayden's shoulder. "Real good. I'm actually proud of you for being completely out of character and treating Brooke perfectly."

Cayden blushed darkly. "Quit it! Don't you have somewhere to go?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. I do." Jo gathered her things and started to leave. "Oh, and call her today, and don't be rude."

"I thought you were going?" Cayden said with half a smile.

"Ta Ta... She of the wonderful tongue."

Cayden looked for something to throw, but couldn't find anything. "She did NOT say that!"

PART 32

B ROOKE WENT OUT roller blading, not quite sure what to do with her energy. She went to the park and joined the multitude of people who were skating around to the music, attempting to keep her mind on the beat. It worked sporadically, nothing could keep Cayden out of her head full time. While she was enjoying herself, blending into the crowd and dancing happily, she also wished Cayden was there. She had a feeling the tall woman wouldn't appreciate the sweaty throng of people, but she still wanted her there. After a while, she broke from the pack and skated off through the park, taking in the various greenery, and the occasional cute baby in a stroller. Even though she was having a good time, with her skating and her thoughts, it was a hot day, and she was getting over heated and decided to call it quits. Feeling less energetic than before, yet still full of smiles, she chalked the experience up as successful, and headed home.

*  *  *

Cayden just finished her lunch and was sitting peacefully watching television when the bell over the door tinkled. She glanced up in time to see Brooke, red faced and sweaty, climbing awkwardly into the shop. She stood up to see what was going on and noticed what the blonde was wearing on her feet. She ran out from behind the counter to assist her on the rather bumpy carpeting.

"Aren't you sweet?" Brooke said with a bright smile. "Thank you."

Cayden nodded mutely, taking in Brooke's skimpy clothing with a hungry look.

"Is it alright that I came here?" Brooke wondered.

"Fine! It's fine that you came here. It's just... look at you... wow."

"Yeah, I'm sorry I'm sweating all over you, its just that it's so hot... " Brooke stopped talking when she noticed Cayden's facial expression. She grinned and pulled away from the shop keeper's grasp, doing a little circular maneuver, allowing Cayden a good look at her lycra covered butt.

Cayden let out a little grunt of approval, and blushed a little for being unable to control it.

Brooke giggled. "I take it that you like the outfit just a smidge?"

"Oh, just a smidge." Cayden agreed, a wolfish expression on her face. "So, you want something cold to drink? I have soda, or water."

"Water's fine."

Cayden went into the back to retrieve it and when she turned around Brooke was right behind her. She calmly placed the water down on a ledge. “You know Brooke, " she began, advancing on the smaller woman, "You can't be this close to me, dressed like that, and not expect me to do this." The tall woman swooped down quickly, and latched herself onto Brooke's lips like she was starving.

Brooke was surprised, but pleased and grabbed onto the shop keeper for support when she began to roll backwards. Finally hitting a wall, she relaxed into the kiss, using her tongue to tease the tall woman, tickling the roof of her mouth until she fought back. Their tongues tangled, first aggressively, then softly just as the kiss ended.

Brooke took a moment to compose herself before opening her eyes to find Cayden staring at her with a lopsided grin. "Pretty proud of yourself there, huh?" Brooke breathed, fanning herself.

"Quite. Now take that body of yours out there so you can feel the air conditioner." Cayden rolled the shorter woman out into the shop.

Brooke grabbed the water on the way out and allowed Cayden to plop her into a chair. She was surprised when Cayden knelt down in front of her and opened the bottle for her. "You are just full of tricks aren't you?"

The tall woman smiled. "I'm trying. I'm glad you're here, and not just because I got to kiss you. I was thinking about you all night."

Brooke made a very contented sound when she finished guzzling the water. "Me too. I just had to come by to see you. I just can't get last night out of my mind."

"Which part?" Cayden asked with a smirk.

"All of it." Brooke said with a dreamy expression.

"It was all good you know. Everything." The shop keeper said, taking Brooke's hand.

"Was it really? I mean, I know you liked it and all, but was I good?" The blonde asked shyly.

"Perfect. Just perfect. I couldn't sleep half the night just replaying it." Cayden admitted reassuringly.

A sense of relief washed over Brooke and she leaned over and kissed Cayden quickly on the lips.

The shop keeper pouted. "That's it?"

"Cayden, if I get any closer to you, there's no telling what I may do." Brooke said with a playful grin.

"Live dangerously. Come here."

Brooke leaned forward and allowed Cayden to kiss her again, this time it was slow and sensual. Cayden caressed Brooke's tongue with her own, teased her lips, and finally, lightly nipped one.

"Oooh... you better stop that." Brooke warned, laying her head on the tall woman's shoulder. "I'm getting way too turned on for my own good."

"You know, you're not half bad yourself. You can do wonders with that tongue of yours." Cayden said, playfully peeking into Brooke's mouth.

Brooke blushed. "Cayden, you don't know that I can do anything with it."

"Don't I? Its that tongue in there, " she pointed to the blonde's mouth, "that gets me all fired up like nobody's business! Jeez, Brooke!"

"Oh stop that." The blonde said, slapping Cayden gently on the arm..

"Why would you think anything else?" She asked seriously, dipping her head to meet Brooke's eyes.

"I've never used it in any other way...one that counts anyway." The small woman was beet red.

"Hey, there's no need to be embarrassed, none at all. I'm glad you told me that, it's important." Cayden kissed Brooke on the cheek. "Brooke, you don't have to worry about a thing. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you can please me any way you try. Your fingers, your tongue, hell you could use a Q-tip and I'm sure I'll drop dead."

"You're just saying that."

"Excuse me? Just where the hell is MY Brooke? Mine is cocky, and determined and not the least bit insecure."

Brooke giggled. "I'm not exactly insecure... nervous maybe." She put a confident look on her face. "Don't you think for a minute that I'm not going to try either."

"That's more like it." Cayden smiled. "You better, I'm looking forward to it like you wouldn't believe."

"You are?" Brooke asked with a sexy smirk.

Cayden raised both eyebrows. "In the worst way." She looked down at her crotch. "You hear that? She's gonna do it so settle down."

Brooke laughed and spoke between Cayden's legs. "You bet I'm going to do it, so don't you dare settle down!"

"Oh? You want me this horny all the time?" Cayden asked, leaning close to the blonde.

"It's to my benefit." Brooke took the opportunity to inhale Cayden's scent. "You always smell so good." she said, then buried her face in the tall woman's neck.

Cayden shivered from Brooke's breath on her skin. "Dangerous territory there, Blondie."

"I thought you wanted me to live dangerously." She replied before licking a path to the shop keeper's ear. "You taste good too." she whispered breathily into Cayden's ear. "I bet you taste good everywhere."

Cayden pulled away quickly. "Okay, that's enough." She stood up and took a deep breath. "The living dangerously mission is now aborted."

Brooke, full of confidence, stood up too. "Meet you at your house at 8?"

"You better."

Brooke moved closer to Cayden and the tall woman stepped back. "Nuh-uh. My hands are sweating, my tongue is twitching and my personals are on fire. You best be leaving young lady."

"And here I was worried that my tongue wasn't working."

"Indeed." Cayden said with a chuckle. "Git!" She pointed to the door.

Brooke laughed as she left, full of piss and vinegar, and more than ready for 8 o'clock.

*  *  *

Wade hurried to hide behind a rack of camisoles and answered his cell phone. "Hello there, oh sated one."

"What are you doing tonight?" Cayden asked.

"Nothing, I was planning on ordering in and watching a movie. Why?"

Cayden glanced up at Butch and nodded. "You're going out with Butch tonight. He'll pick you up at 7:30."

"Cayden! NO! The last time we went out he dragged that fat gas bag of a dog everywhere! No way!" Wade stomped his foot in defiance.

Cayden laughed out loud. "Good, so be ready, he'll be prompt. He'd be pleased to know how much you like Anna Nicole."

"CAYDEN! That dog was wearing a tutu! What are you punishing me for? Ohh... is this payback for the bearded lady I set you up with? I'm sorry, I'll never do anything like that again. Cayden! He doesn't wear any underwear and his nuts fall out all the time! And not in a good way!" Wade was whining pathetically.

Cayden sucked in the roar of laughter bubbling inside. "Great, he's looking forward to it too. Bye bye." She said calmly and hung up the phone. "Great, Butch, he'll be ready at 7:30."

"How long do you want me to keep him out?" Butch asked with a sly smile.

"At least midnight. Thanks, buddy, you're the best."

"No problem. I'll keep him busy." Butch leaned over and kissed Cayden goodbye. "You just have fun tonight."

"I plan on it. Thanks again." The shop keeper smiled happily as Butch sashayed out of the shop.

*  *  *

The day seemed to fly by for Brooke, and before she even knew it, it was dinner time. This was fine with the blonde, if time kept flying this quickly, she'd be with Cayden in a flash. Sitting down at the table, she began to put food on her plate when she noticed her mother looking askance at her. "What?"

"Nothing." Harriet replied quickly.

Brooke looked to her father, who just shrugged and stuffed salad into his mouth. "Mom, what?"

Harriet sighed. "Nothing, really."

Brooke shrugged too and began to eat. Soon enough, her mother's heavy sighing and sideways looks got on her last nerve. "WHAT?" She asked loudly.

"Are you going out dressed like that?" Harriet pointed to Brooke's shirt.

The blonde looked down at herself and giggled. "Mother, I'm a grown woman, I think I can dress myself by now."

"Everything's all over the place! That button is about to pop!"

"Just think, it's easy access for Cayden." Brooke replied calmly.

"Brooke!" Mrs. Hewitt nearly choked.

"Yep. We're gonna have sex again tonight, so why should I clutter things up with big cumbersome clothing."

"Bert!" Harriet's mouth hung open and she dropped her fork.

"That's enough, Brooke." Bert warned. He was getting queasy himself.

"Sorry daddy, but you should see how she's been looking at me."

"She's still your mother and you can't go around saying things like that at the dinner table."

"So, should I wait until we're alone to tell you all the juicy details?" she asked her mother, waggling her eyebrows.

"You're being nothing but fresh young lady ever since you had sex. OH! I can't believe I just said that." Harriet covered her mouth.

Brooke snickered. "It's not the first time I had sex, you know. It's just the first time you knew about it."

"Well, I don't want to hear any more." Bert said, giving Brooke a stern look.

"Okay, I'm sorry daddy."

Brooke glanced at her mother and smiled, opening one more button on her top.

*  *  *

Cayden arrived home to find Wade pouting hideously on the couch. His face was all scrunched, his knees all the way up to his chest, arms folded tighty across them, and his lower lip hanging practically to the floor. She snickered and dropped to one knee in front of him. "God, you're beautiful. Marry me?"

"I hate you." Wade said through his pout.

"Aw, lighten up, it's just for one night. You can't possibly tell me you don't deserve it after all the insane women you set me up with."

Wade stuck out his chin. "I'm outraged."

"Yes, it's nothing a night out with the girls won't cure. Go on, get ready, he'll be here soon, and I'm not going anywhere until I make sure you leave with him." Cayden said, with a confident smile.

He got up and stomped to his room childishly. "I still hate you." he said before closing his door.

Cayden chuckled. "So you're not going to marry me?"

The bedroom door opened, "Not even if you looked like Antonio Sabato Jr. and had a magnificent penis." Then the door slammed.

"I happen to have a gorgeous penis for your information." Cayden replied with a haughty snort.

"It's swirly purple, Cayden. Swirly purple penises are not gorgeous. They're insane, like you, and I still hate you."

Cayden rolled her eyes and opened his door without knocking. "Come on, you don't hate me." she said, starting to feel a little guilty.

Wade put his hand on his hip. "And what if I was naked in here?"

"I'd bow down in supplication to your God-like member."

Wade smirked. "Damn right you would." He began to grin. "I don't really hate you."

"I know you don't, you're just incredibly pissed with me." Cayden gave him a good set of puppy dog eyes. "I'm sorry."

Wade grabbed his chest and pretended to go into cardiac arrest before throwing himself to the floor.

The tall woman raised an eyebrow. "Uhm, and that would be for...."

Wade choked on his tongue for a bit. "Cayden... Riley... said... she's sorry." He gasped, clutched his throat, twitched, and fell silent.

"And the Oscar goes to..." The brunette pretended to open an envelope, read an imaginary card, then put on a ridiculously thrilled expression, "WADE!" she clapped rapidly and pretended to wipe a tear.

Wade sprang up from the floor, weepy and shaking "I'd like to thank God, my Epilady, and of course my third distant cousin Jedbobbillyfrank."

Cayden burst out laughing. "Epilady?"

"Well, I was in the moment."

"Go get dressed, I need to shower and change myself."

"I sorta figured you had a reason for throwing me out. Brooke?"

"Who else?" She asked, as if he was nuts.

"Just checking. Okay, well, you have fun, I'm sure you'll figure out how to do that without me. But I'm warning you, if just one hair is missing from my cat..."

"I won't shave him or anything, although that's not a half bad idea."

Wade's mouth hung open in shock.

"Oh, please, like I'd have the patience to shave a cat." Cayden said with an evil grin.

"Promise me you won't!" He gave her suspicious looks.

"I'll be having far too good of a time to be bothered." she once again, grinned evilly, but for a far different reason.

"Just in case, I'm hiding the Epilady."

Cayden laughed and left his room.

*  *  *

Unlike the rest of the day, the last hour until Cayden was dragging for Brooke. She was slightly hyper, filled with nervous energy about their date. It was unspoken, but she knew darn well what was expected of her. She suddenly got a rush of adrenaline with that thought, and jumped up and down to dispel it. Oh man. I gotta calm down or I'll be a wreck when I see Cayden! She grabbed Fred and headed out for a walk, hoping to relax a little. The whole time she thought, not bad things, no more disastrous oral sex nightmares, but sex was the subject. Curious by nature, she was almost besides herself with wonder about this new prospect. Tasting Cayden. It sounds like a foreign film title. she giggled to herself, although the thought did arouse her a bit. I can't believe this is happening. Just a few weeks ago, I was still straight, and now.... She smiled. Yup. I'm a lesbian who can't wait to taste her girlfriend. Her first girlfriend. God. This is so exciting! There must be books about this sort of thing. Before she knew it, Fred was done with his business and she was back home. She ran in, washed her hands, touched up her make-up and headed back out. "I'm leaving." she called out to her parents.

"What time will you be home?" Harriet asked.

"Hmmm, how long does sex take?"

"Bert!" Mrs. Hewitt shouted.

"Brooke!" Bert warned.

Brooke snickered. "Late, I'll be home late."

*  *  *

Cayden paced around the apartment nervously, every so often stopping to fix something that really didn't need fixing. She fluffed the couch, rearranged the TV guide on the coffee table and straightened the towel hanging from the stove. She was also running back and forth to the window waiting for Brooke to show up, her stomach tingling each time a cab came by.

Wade had only left a few minutes ago, and there was plenty of time before Brooke was to show up, but Cayden was waiting anyway. She blew in her hand and smelled her breath, and nodded to herself in acceptance of the smell. It really couldn't be bad, she brushed her teeth twice in the last fifteen minutes, as well as dabbing on cologne twice too.

She stopped to wonder why she was so nervous, when the first time, she was pretty cool headed about the whole thing. Maybe it was because this was totally planned, there was an expectation tonight that wasn't there last time. Perhaps she was more nervous for Brooke's sake than she was for her own. After all, poor Brooke was probably losing her mind over having to perform.

Cayden took a calming breath and decided to allow Brooke an out if she was too nervous. It wasn't fair on Brooke to give her so much pressure. This decision actually made Cayden feel better and she sat down in surprise. Huh? I really was nervous for Brooke. That's so weird! Suddenly, the doorbell rang and she jumped. "Oh shit..." she muttered, running for the door, forgetting everything she was thinking.

*  *  *

Brooke exited the cab, and glanced up at Cayden's window. Not seeing the tall woman peeking out, she was able to shimmy, and shake out her tension. Since jumping up and down worked earlier, she did it again right there on the sidewalk. She was terribly excited, but scared at the same time. She was really looking forward to a night of making love with Cayden, but for some reason her belly was in knots. She couldn't imagine why. Their first time, which was supposed to be awkward, was fabulous, so what was making her feel such trepidation this time was puzzling. She knew if she wasn't ready to do anything new, Cayden would be understanding and not force any issues, yet she was still freaking out. Brooke did some deep breathing, pictured Cayden in the nude and warm tingles replaced the butterflies in her stomach. Feeling just a little better, but still experiencing dry mouth, she walked slowly to the front door.

*  *  *

Cayden opened the door and was so happy to see Brooke standing there. "Hi." she said a little shyly, taking in the smaller woman’s outfit. "Come on in."

Brooke smiled at Cayden's reaction, thinking it was awfully cute for the tall woman to be shy, but her whole attitude changed once she saw Cayden's butt walking away from the door. She grinned wolfishly, openly staring at it.

Cayden turned, saw the blonde's expression and swallowed hard. She marvelled at how it only took one little look from Brooke and she was aroused. "So, can I get you anything?"

"Yeah, I seem to have left all my spit at home, how about a drink?"

"Good idea, you're going to need that spit later." Cayden joked, then immediately regretted it, hoping it didn't scare Brooke.

The blonde snickered. "Well, from what I can remember, you don't need any help in the, er, wet department."

Cayden's eyes went wide and she stood there for a moment in shock.

"I didn't embarrass you, did I?" Brooke went over to the tall woman and leaned her body into Cayden's.

"Oh... no... it's just..." Cayden stuttered. "My, my aren't you fresh?" She bent her head and gave the smaller woman a quick peck.

Brooke crinkled her nose. "That's what mom keeps saying."

The tall woman chuckled, got a bottle of water and handed it to Brooke. She shook her head and smiled, laughing to herself at ever thinking Brooke would be nervous. If anything, Brooke was in rare form.

"Ohhh, that felt good." The blonde purred after drinking a large gulp of water. "Now you can give me a proper kiss." She slinked up to Cayden and tilted her head.

Cayden took the bait like gangbusters and wrapped herself around the smaller woman. She lifted her off of the floor and carried her to the couch, eliciting a small squeal of surprise from her.

Brooke found herself sitting on Cayden's lap, completely engulfed by the tall woman's limbs. It felt good, it felt comfortable and safe. She melted into the warmth and sighed happily into the kiss.

Cayden groaned quietly into Brooke's mouth when their tongues met. It was like a little spark would ignite each time they kissed passionately. The sensation when Brooke sucked her tongue was always a jolt to her sex, and this time was no different. However, her sex knew what Brooke had planned for it tonight, and it was on its worst behavior.

Brooke teased and sucked Cayden's tongue, wrapping her lips around it, pulling gently, then tickling lightly and torturously. She could hear the slight growls and grunts coming from her tall lover and this spurred her on to more inventive tactics. She tickled the roof of Cayden's mouth, and only stopped when the shop keeper's tongue fought hers from it's position. She nibbled Cayden's full lower lip, sliding her tongue back and forth across its length.

Cayden was squirming and unable to control her arousal. All these wild tongue things Brooke was doing to her was making her crazy, not to mention uncomfortably wet. She felt as if her boxers were stuck to her, and she longed for some intimate contact.

Brooke, sensing the squirming, pulled away from the kiss and stared inquisitively at Cayden. "Is everything alright? Am I hurting you or something?"

"Oh no." The tall woman grinned. "Not at all. Just the opposite in fact. I'm horny as all hell."

"Oh yeah." Brooke purred. "I never knew kissing could be so incredibly erotic, but when I kiss you, I lose my mind." The blonde went back for more kisses, prefacing them by licking Cayden's lips.

"Uhh." Cayden grunted, quickly switching her position so that she was on top of the blonde. "You're killing me with that tongue." she mumbled against Brooke's lips.

"You say that now..."

Cayden stopped what she was doing and pulled her head back. "Brooke, if you're nervous, or you don't want to... you know... we don't have to. It's perfectly alright. I don't expect anything..." Cayden was hushed by Brooke's hand to her mouth.

The blonde smiled warmly. "I know and that makes all the difference in the world. Cayden, you're the best. You understand, you aren't pushy or demanding and because of that, I want to do everything with you." Brooke licked her lips sensuously.

Cayden's eyes narrowed. "Everything?"

Brooke nodded. "Yep. But for starters, I really want you naked." Cayden jumped up from the couch and began to strip. Brooke laughed at her enthusiasm. "Oh yeah, and after you're finished, take my clothes off."

Cayden stopped undressing and blushed a little. "Actually, I want you to leave that top on. Opened, of course, but it's so sexy, and well.. "

Brooke sat up and stared at Cayden seductively as she slowly opened the buttons on her shirt. She forced herself not to laugh as the shop keeper's eyes narrowed to slits, waiting not so patiently for her breasts to appear. After opening all the buttons, she held the shirt closed and smirked. "Aren't you forgetting something?" she asked.

Cayden shook her head in disbelief. Just a mere second ago, Brooke was hesitant and in a flash the tables were turned. She continued to undress under watchful green eyes and stopped short of her underwear. "Now, I think you are a little overdressed." she commented with a twinkle in her eye.

"I thought you were going to undress me." Brooke replied, crooking her finger at Cayden.

The tall woman bolted over and dropped to her knees in front of the blonde. She tugged at Brooke's hips, silently asking her to stand up. When she did, Cayden unbuttoned the top button of Brooke's shorts and unzipped the zipper. She stopped and glanced up, drinking in the sight, the open shirt barely covering anything. She swallowed the moisture that pooled in her mouth and slid her hands up Brooke's sides, under the shirt, and stopped short when her thumbs came in contact with the soft swells of flesh. Brooke shivered and Cayden watched as the blonde's nipples rose, poking at the thin material of her shit. She closed her eyes briefly, recalling what they look like and pictured them in her mind. She hummed in pleasure, opening her eyes and focusing on Brooke's dreamy expression.

"It feels so good when you touch me. Everything feels like you mean it."

"I do." Cayden replied, dragging her thumbs across the underside of Brooke's breasts.

"Mmm, see, like that, what you're doing. No one's ever paid attention to me in this way. It was always nipples, clit, hole, and I'm going to sleep."

"Stupid people just didn't know what they were missing." Cayden whispered, most of her attention focused on the soft skin she was touching.

Brooke reached down and ran her fingers through Cayden's long dark hair, sifting it through her fingers, enjoying the feel of it as it slid through her hands. She shivered again as the tall woman's hands, began a slow course back down her sensitive sides. Large hands rested on her hips, and she glanced down to see Cayden looking up at her with a question.

"Take them off, honey."

Cayden, leaned forward first and placed soft kisses across Brooke's belly, breathing heavily and steadily on the silky skin. Brooke shuddered and whimpered, making the tall woman smirk to herself. Yes, Brooke was indeed ready, and not the least bit nervous. She peeled away the skimpy material and had to fight in order to keep Brooke's panties up at the same time.

"Those too. Please. I want to feel you soon or I'll burst." Brooke breathed out, her fingers curling into Cayden's scalp with each hot breath that fell on her skin.

The tall woman slowly slid the panties down Brooke's legs and then sat back on her heels. She could already smell Brooke's arousal and it made her heart pound. She was inches away from heaven, yet she knew there was much more to do before she could get there. She reached out, lifted the smaller woman's leg, and unwrapped the clothing from her ankle, then repeated the process with the other leg.

For Brooke, everywhere Cayden touched her, felt hot. The blonde was incredibly receptive to everything her lover was doing, and she liked the feeling. She hardly ever initiated lovemaking with any of her former partners, except one time, and that was just after she dreamed about Cayden. It seemed with the tall woman, all she needed was subtle look, a kiss hello, or a breath on her skin, and she was ready to pull off her clothes. It thrilled her to know she was capable of making the first move, not being the least bit intimidated by the new situation. In fact, she felt empowered in a way, knowing that she had the exact same effect on Cayden. A long hot breath across her most sensitive area jolted her out of her musings and she grabbed Cayden's head in surprise.

Cayden groaned pathetically. "I thought that would get your attention, but it backfired. I just blew your scent right into my face."

Brooke chuckled quietly. "Serves you right. Come up here." She attempted to pull the tall woman to her feet by her head.

Cayden stood to her full height and cocked her head. "Hmm?"

"Take me to the bedroom, and lose those." Brooke pointed to Cayden's underwear.

"Bedroom first." Cayden said, swooping Brooke off of her feet and carrying her away.

PART 33

C AYDEN CARRIED BROOKE all the way to the bedroom, and instead of depositing her on the bed, she sat her on top of the dresser.

"Interesting." Brooke commented of her perch.

"Don't move." The tall woman instructed, disentangling herself and leaping onto the bed. La La, who was minding his own business lounging on the blanket, jumped a mile in the air with a scream. "Out! And take every hair with you!"

The fat cat ran like the dickens, stopped to twitch his tail, and left behind a rather rank smell on his way out the door.

"Why I oughta..." Cayden threatened, ready to take off after him.

Brooke couldn't take her eyes off of Cayden's naked torso, and didn't want to lose her to the cat. "Easy tiger, I think you had other business to attend to."

Cayden turned to see Brooke, nearly naked, leaning in a come hither fashion and smiling quite seductively. Instantly forgetting about the cat, she was in front of the blonde in one large step. "I do believe you're right." She drawled, leaning in close and nudging Brooke's cheek with her own.

The blonde turned her head a smidge and caught Cayden with her lips. Instantly they became locked in a heated embrace, Brooke's arms and legs entrapping the tall woman, their tongues wrestling sensuously. Feeling Cayden's breasts against her was delicious and Brooke pressed her body tightly into the shop keeper.

Cayden moaned, the contact sweet, the rest of her body anticipating Brooke's touch. She reached around, lifted the blonde from the dresser and brought her to the bed. She sat, with Brooke on her lap, and continued the oral assault. Their kiss was hot and wet, tongues and teeth, and foretelling of things to come.

Cayden's sex was twitching, she could feel Brooke's tongue sliding between her legs, just as it did through the niches in her mouth. She opened her legs, hoping Brooke's butt would drop down between them and give her some form of contact. It didn't happen, instead, Brooke's legs opened and Cayden could sense the heat coming from her crotch.

Brooke felt as if she was on fire, not just between her legs but everywhere. Her nipples were as hard as they'd ever been, rubbing sensuously against Cayden's breasts. They were sensitive to everything, and aching to be touched. The blonde reached around and pulled one of Cayden's hands off of her back and brought it to her breast. She groaned in pleasure as the tall woman instantly began tweaking and rolling her nipple. She arched her back, giving the shop keeper more flesh to touch, and Cayden followed the silent order.

Brooke felt like she couldn't breathe, she pulled away from the kiss and gasped, confused, never feeling this overwhelmed before.

Cayden searched Brooke's face, she herself finding it hard to catch her breath. "What is it?" she whispered, terrified Brooke would want to stop.

"It's just so much." Brooke replied, tucking a lock of stray hair behind Cayden's ear. "Nothing ever felt so good before, I feel like I want to scream."

The tall woman grinned with relief. "I know. I've done this before and believe me, no one's ever made me feel this way either."

Brooke pulled back to study Cayden and all she could see was honesty. "Are you telling the truth?" Cayden nodded, the hair Brooke just tucked fell forward again, covering the side of her face in a sexy way. "Do you know what this means?"

The shop keeper shrugged, her gaze fixed on the blonde's swollen lips. She was dying to kiss taste them again.

"We were meant to be, Cayden. All the signs are there." Brooke said with excitement.

"Good, we were meant to be, soulmates and ohm. Shut up and kiss me."

Brooke grinned and gave Cayden her wish. The brunette leaned back onto the bed, pulling Brooke on top of her. As they settled Brooke's shirt found it's way between them and Cayden was having none of it. She tugged on the shirt and mumbled. "Off."

Brooke giggled. "I thought you wanted it on?" she said, then nibbled on Cayden's lip.

The shop keeper growled. "I lied. Off."

Brooke shimmied out of the shirt and settled back on top of the tall woman. It felt so good they both hummed in pleasure. Cayden took advantage of the exposed skin, dragging her fingers all over Brooke's body.

The blonde followed suit, only able to touch her lover's sides and legs. She began licking and tasting Cayden's neck as she raised up onto her knees. She toyed with the waistband of Cayden's underwear, slipping a finger underneath it and sliding it back and forth.

Cayden squirmed, the idea of what Brooke had in mind for her already had her on the edge, knowing it was coming soon was almost too much. She lifted her butt off the bed and pulled down her underwear, groaning as Brooke's tongue slid across her throat. "Oh god, you're killing me."

"But in a good way." Brooke commented, sucking gently on a particularly sensitive spot. She couldn't help but stop what she was doing and look down as Cayden kicked the boxer-briefs off of her feet. The very idea of having the tall woman naked beneath her was enough... actually seeing it made Brooke shudder. "Oh, look at you..." she breathed.

Cayden's eyes narrowed at the blonde. Brooke was on her hands and knees, hovering, her breasts dangling in a very tantalizing fashion. "Look at me? Oh baby, look at you." The tall woman scooted down lower and wrapped her lips around Brooke's nipple, causing her to groan. She took the neglected breast in her hand and teased that nipple with her fingers. Brooke's eyes closed and her back arched, the sight all too sexy for the tall woman. With her free hand, she started slipping Brooke's panties down, only able to get them mid-thigh. Reluctant to abandon the nipple in her mouth, she left them there, and slowly began sliding her hand up the blonde's inner thigh. Her heart started pounding hard, the closer she got to her goal.

Brooke's body was as tight as a bow, and she anticipated the touch with a whimper. Opening her eyes, she saw her lover's mouth at work, and it was hotter than anything she ever saw. The persistent pull at her nipple was making her wetter by the second. She was so eager for Cayden to make contact and stop teasing, that she sat down suddenly, trapping the tall woman's hand between her legs. "Oh yes!" she groaned through a deep growl.

The sound gave Cayden a tingle that started in her throat and wended its way down to her clit. She was dying to be touched, but didn't want to stop making love to Brooke. The wet heat of Brooke's sex felt so good on her hand, her mouth watered. She attacked the blonde's breast with hunger, sucking deeply on the already sensitive nipple, making Brooke squirm and whine.

"Cayden, oh....that's so good."

Unable to really touch Brooke with her trapped hand, the brunette had to move. In a quick maneuver, she had Brooke on her back, and pulled the blonde's panties off as fast as she could. "Now, where was I?'

"You were thinking about going lower" Brooke said, pushing down on Cayden's shoulders.

She needed no further coaxing. Cayden began licking a hot trail down Brooke's torso, paying special attention to her ribs, nibbling and nipping at the skin. Brooke, in turn, squirmed and squeaked, wriggling beneath the tall woman. Cayden liked this reaction, it made her own body respond in empathy. She was hot, ready, and hungry all at the same time.

Brooke, knowing Cayden was about to do her new most favorite thing, grabbed for the tall woman's hands and linked their fingers together. She wanted to have as much contact with Cayden as she could with her being so far away. "Oh god..." she groaned, waiting for the sensation of the shop keeper's silky tongue to slide through her lower lips. It was a feeling she replayed over and over since she first felt it.

Cayden stopped to suck gently on Brooke's hip bones, earning her more wiggles and squeals of ticklish delight from the blonde. She grinned to herself, knowing she was the first to tread these waters, stoked and cocky that she alone gave Brooke these feelings.

The small blonde jumped slightly as Cayden's hot breath settled on her sex. "Please," she begged as the tall woman breathed in her scent. "I can't wait." she whined, thrusting her hips up, squeezing Cayden's hand painfully tight.

The brunette's stomach clenched as she inhaled the delicious aroma of Brooke's arousal. The touch, the scent, the feel, and eventually, the taste of Brooke was like a feast for her senses. Never before had she paid so much attention to these things. She briefly wondered why, what was the rush with everyone else? Then Brooke's pubic bone bumped her in the nose and she realized, it wasn't about everyone else, it was all about Brooke. Brooke was the reason why it was so special. She felt a joyful rush envelop her and a small chuckle escaped her as she lowered her head. It will always be all about Brooke. she thought as she stretched her tongue out for a taste.

"Ohhhh, Cayden...." Brooke dug her fingernails into the backs of the shop keeper's hands.

The tall woman groaned. She wanted to hear that deep, throaty purr for a long time to come. She buried her face, not too gently and hummed in delight. Brooke tasted delicious, and she savored every bit. She probed her tongue into every crevice, and only stopped when she was satisfied she hadn't missed a single spot. Slowing down, she licked the length of Brooke slowly, pausing at her clit and pressing into it with her tongue flat.

"Oooooh, yessss." Brooke hissed, her hips rising off of the bed. She didn't realize how wound up she was until Cayden touched her clit. She let go of the tall woman's hands and buried her fingers into her hair, holding her there. "Don't stop baby." she ordered in a raspy whisper.

Cayden knew exactly what was happening and although she was disappointed that it would be so fast, she couldn't bear to make Brooke suffer. She sucked the hard bit of flesh into her mouth and tickled her tongue across the tip. Brooke's pelvis shot up, smashing Cayden's face into the most wonderful place. She grunted her approval, wrapped her arms around Brooke's legs and held her up.

"Cayd... I can't believe... so close..." Brooke managed to groan out between sounds of pleasure.

Cayden pulled harder at the blonde's clit, sucking in a quick rhythmic fashion, and when Brooke's fingernails bit into her scalp, she knew it was time. Never letting go with her lips, she began to flick her tongue back and forth across the swollen nub.

"OH GOD!" Brooke cried out, her thighs trapping Cayden's head. Her body trembled and her legs shook, as she tumbled into ecstasy.

Cayden never wanting it to end, clamped down hard on Brooke's thighs and continued to feast. Brooke, jumped, gyrated and convulsed, all to Cayden's utter delight.

Finally, unable to breathe, or take any more stimulation, Brooke screamed for Cayden to stop. She was surprise to see Cayden's face sporting a cocky little grin as it peeked out from between her legs.

"Oh... my... god!" Brooke shivered and shuddered, trying to regain her composure. "Are you actually smirking?' She gasped, finding it quite disturbing that her body wasn't paying any attention to her.

Cayden chuckled. "Just take deep breaths and relax, it'll stop." she assured, stroking Brooke's legs.

"Ooo," the blonde shivered. "Don’t do that. Just come up here and hold me."

Cayden as more than eager to comply and climbed up the delicious body beneath her. She pulled Brooke to the side and totally enveloped her in a hug, kissing her gently.

"Wow. That never happened before." She said with some fascination.

The brunette smiled. "Yeah, I got a bit carried away." She stuck out her lower lip and pouted. "Do you forgive me?"

"God, Cayd, it wasn't like it was a bad thing. You're forgiven." Brooke kissed the tip of the tall woman's nose. "You do realize, that I can do that to you too."

"I have no doubts that you can." Cayden replied with a wink.

Brooke's eyes narrowed playfully. "And I intend to get started now."

Brooke pushed gently at Cayden's shoulder in an attempt to get the tall woman on her back. Cayden complied readily and settled comfortably for the blonde. Brooke sat back on her heels and drank in the delightful image of her lover, naked and waiting for her touch. She reached out and began caressing Cayden's shoulders, dragging her slight touch down towards the shop keepers breasts. Cayden shivered from the sensation, goose flesh appearing all over her body. Brooke grinned, sparing a sexy glance up at those beautiful blue eyes. "Sorry." she whispered, not really apologetic at all, more pleased that Cayden's nipples puckered taut from the chill.

"S'alright." The brunette whispered back, her back arching slightly as Brooke's nails skimmed across her nipples. Catching the slightly devious expression flitting around Brooke's face, Cayden sighed to herself. This was going to be torture, a sweet, wonderful torture. She grinned and laced her fingers behind her head. Could be a hell of a lot worse if you ask me. she thought to herself.

Brooke raised an eyebrow at Cayden's new position. She got the idea that the tall woman was enjoying the teasing as much as she was and decided to take it a step further. Climbing over to straddle Cayden's body, she bent forward slowly, and made sure the brunette saw her stretch out her tongue.

Cayden's eyes widened at what was to come, and she groaned deeply as Brooke began licking a slow, heated trail from her ear down. Her sex tingling with excitement, her belly clenching each time Brooke's nipples tickled her skin, then pressed firmly against her as the blonde descended further.

Brooke emitted little happy grunts and sighs as she tasted her way across the long expanse of flesh laid out for her. She noticed that every time she made a sound, Cayden made one too. Hearing the tall woman express her pleasure aroused her all over again. It excited her to know how much she fed off of Cayden's feelings, especially in this sort of fashion. She made a conscious effort not to hold back her delight as she explored new territory with her tongue.

The shop keeper was trying very hard not to jump off of the bed with every swipe of Brooke's wet tongue. Currently fixated on the soft, sensitive place between her breasts, it seemed like Brooke was going to leave no iota of skin untouched. Cayden squirmed and growled deep in her throat when the blonde gently squeezed her breasts together and ran her tongue between them. Cayden's nipples were excruciatingly hard, and begging for attention. Just a little tweak, just a tiny little touch was all they were asking for. She peeked down at her new lover and saw her green eyes shut, the lids fluttering as she enjoyed her pleasurable task. It didn't look like she was going to get her wish any time soon.

Brooke thought nothing of it when Cayden shifted, but the groan made her open her eyes. They widened when she saw the brunette fondling her own nipples. "No!" she reprimanded, swatting away the offending hands. "Mine." she muttered, instantly replacing Cayden's hands with her own.

"Mmmm, that's all I wanted." Cayden breathed, her face the picture of bliss.

Brooke continued her tongue torture, now licking slowly at the underside of the brunette's left breast. It was so soft and silky and she loved the way Cayden was twitching and squirming. She was pleased beyond belief at how responsive the tall woman was to her touch, and her heart sped up, pounding hard in her chest when she thought of what was to come. She began tasting her way down the firm, sexy belly beneath her, her fingers pulling and squeezing at Cayden's nipples more intently. The muscles under her tongue began rippling and flexing, the tall woman's legs opened wider. "You like?" She mumbled into Cayden's skin.

"Ooooh, yeeeeah." Cayden drawled. "Very much." The shop keeper was truly as aroused as she could be, and thoroughly soaked. She clenched her fists at her sides in an effort not to push Brooke between her legs. She was well aware of the rapidness of their last love making, and knew Brooke was exploring everything she missed. This wasn't easy, but she knew what it was all leading up to and focused on that.

Brooke was in hog heaven. Her hands left Cayden's breasts and began wandering over all the skin she could touch. Here was Cayden, all of Cayden, waiting to be touched, and tasted, squirming and moaning underneath her. Brooke almost laughed out loud with pleasure, this was every dream come true. She ventured lower, tasting everything she could, touching whatever she could reach, until her chin rested on Cayden's pubic bone. The tall woman jerked her hips, and rested her warm hands on Brooke's shoulders. Brooke knew what Cayden was expecting, it wasn't a moment ago she was in the same position. Her breath came in short spurts, her excitement at high pitch. This was what she was anticipating, this is what they were both waiting for. Cayden pushed slightly, and her grip became a little firmer on Brooke's shoulders. The blonde took a deep breath, settled her hands on Cayden's hips and slid down.

The tall woman's heart beat rapidly, she knew she was soaked, more ready than she ought to be for Brooke to make love to her. She didn't want it to be quick, so she took a few deep calming breathes and tried to think about everything but her sex. She opened her eyes and saw Brooke, eyes wide, looking back at her. Her stomach flopped with fear. "You don't have to...."

"No," Brooke cut in, "I really want to. I just don't know how to get started, where to go first."

"Do anything, baby. Anything you want." Cayden assured.

Brooke scooted down further, dropped her hands from Cayden's hips to her thighs, causing the tall woman's legs to flex. She knew Cayden was more than ready, and she felt so loved knowing how the tall woman was behaving for her. She looked down nervously, and took another deep breath. That would be her undoing. The scent of Cayden's arousal made her mouth water and her sex clench. She wanted to taste the brunette now more than ever, but was still unsure of what to do first. She took a second to think about what she liked when Cayden made love to her and it dawned on her that it really didn't matter at all, as long as it was Cayden. With that new confidence, she dropped her head and took a long lick.

"Yes!" Cayden groaned loudly, her grasp on Brooke's shoulders tightening.

Brooke hummed loud and long in delight. She took another long swipe up the length of Cayden's sex and felt a rush at how hard the brunette's clit was. The tall woman let out a sort of yelp when she brushed the hard flesh and Brooke backed off quickly. There's no way I'm going to let this end. She wanted to taste more at once so she flattened her tongue and licked again, stopping short of the most sensitive spot. Cayden was really wet, and getting wetter. Brooke could hardly keep up with it. She could feel herself becoming more and more turned on as she licked and it egged her on. She explored the entrance to Cayden's vagina with the tip of her tongue, poking at it and licking it, circling it and sucking at it. The tall woman's fingers dug into her shoulders painfully hard, and Brooke knew she had something. She poked tentatively, lightly until her lover growled in frustration, then thrust her tongue inside.

"Sweet Jesus!" Cayden gasped. Never one for penetration, she was stunned at how her body was reacting to Brooke's teasing. She was on the verge of shoving Brooke's face into her, when the blonde finally did it on her own. It felt beyond heavenly and she began to pump her hips in an attempt to get Brooke to follow suit. All she could think of was having Brooke inside of her. "Please, Brooke.." She groaned.

Brooke read all the signs perfectly and she withdrew her tongue slowly, then slid it back inside. It felt so incredible, the warm silky sensation of her tongue being engulfed inside Cayden, the taste just made it all the more wonderful. Suddenly her soft place clenched tightly around her tongue and Cayden's hips thrust up, it startled her, but it was terribly arousing. God, look at what I'm doing to her! When she withdrew her tongue, Cayden groaned at the loss. Brooke smirked slightly and thrust her tongue inside again. She kept up the tall woman's rhythm, humming happily, and soon Cayden's long sexy leg settled over her shoulder. "Mmm." she mumbled. It was exquisite to feel the warm flesh against her face, the weight of her lover's leg on her back.

"Oh Brooke... it's soooo good."

Brooke shivered, she loved when Cayden's voice got that deep and raspy. Arousal poured out of her lover and she was disappointed that she was missing it. She stopped what she was doing and followed the trail of wetness downward, moaning happily as she delved lower, her face pressed between Cayden's delicious ass.

"Damn!" Cayden jumped in surprise and ecstasy. No one ever licked her ass before and as innocent as Brooke was, she sure didn't expect it now. She couldn't complain, it felt fabulous, but attention was needed elsewhere.

Brooke wasn't satisfied that she got every drop, but Cayden's strong hands pulled her head up. She delved in deeply, pressing her face into the brunette's sex until she couldn't breathe. It tasted wonderful, smelled delightful, and felt like nothing before. THIS is where I belong. God, what I was missing! She licked and tasted everything running her tongue everywhere, in every crevice and over every fold until her cheeks were as wet as her chin.

Cayden was nearly hyperventilating, she couldn't take any more. "Brooke." she whimpered. The blonde looked up suddenly and Cayden almost wanted to laugh at the look of sheer pleasure on her face. "Please."

"What?" Brooke whispered in wonder.

"Make me come." Cayden pled pathetically.

"But I just got started!" Brooke looked crestfallen.

"Babe, please, there will be other times..." Cayden didn't finish her sentence, she pushed Brooke's head back down. "My clit." Cayden instructed in a raspy whisper.

Brooke pouted to herself briefly, but the pout turned into a surge of adrenaline when she licked Cayden's clit. The tall woman emitted a long, drawn out groan of relief, and wrapped her other leg around her back. Totally engulfed in Cayden, Brooke couldn't be any more satisfied. She played with the hard bit of flesh, moving her tongue in all sorts of ways across, around and over it. The shop keeper was practically thrashing, and without thinking, Brooke sucked it into her mouth.

"FUCK!" Cayden screamed.

Brooke's own sex throbbed at the outburst. She began suckling on it almost instinctually, rhythmically as if she always knew this what Cayden wanted. The tall woman grunted, and her whole body went taut. Brooke's heart beat out of control knowing Cayden was about to come. She groaned as her lover's legs trapped her head in place and sucked harder, wishing she could watch Cayden receive this pleasure.

"Oh...oh... Brooke..."

The sexy tone of Cayden's voice nearly sent Brooke over the edge with her. Brooke whimpered in empathy as Cayden began to shake, and her back arched off of the bed. She never stopped what she was doing, her nose buried deeply in dark pubic hair, her face and head surrounded tightly by Cayden. "Mmm hmm," she urged, as the shop keeper's orgasm drew out. She could feel Cayden's legs clamp and unclamp her head uncontrollably, as her fingers dug into her scalp in time.

"Oh god, Brooke... stop..."

Brooke shook her head and grunted her disappointment. She wanted just a teeny bit more, and stayed her ground.

Cayden sat upright and whined. "Brooke!" She tried to pull the blonde away but Brooke wasn't letting go and Cayden was too weak at the moment to fight.

The blonde made happy noises as Cayden convulsed around the bed, begging her to stop. She knew from first hand experience that she wasn’t hurting her lover, only torturing her a bit.

"BROOKE!" Brooke said she could do it to her, but she didn't expect her to actually follow through.

Brooke reluctantly stopped and backed away from Cayden's sex. "Oh alright." she said reluctantly.

Cayden scooted away from the blonde and brought her knees up to her chest, hugging them as she twitched and groaned. "I'm going to kill you." She threatened between shivers.

Brooke giggled and licked her lips. "Mm. You taste so good."

"Just come over here and kiss me." Cayden ordered.

The blonde happily complied and threw herself at the shop keeper. Cayden dropped her knees and Brooke sat on her lap, they both groaned as their breasts touched, even more so when their tongue's met. Their kiss was hot and sloppy as they shared each others taste, and only ended when Cayden shuddered again.

"I can't believe you did that to me." Cayden snickered into Brooke's mouth.

"I could do that all day." Brooke replied dreamily. "That was fantastic. YOU are fantastic. Can we do it again?"

"Now?" Cayden questioned.

"Yeah!" Brooke replied excitedly.

"No, not right this minute." The brunette chuckled. "However," she said shifting herself forward and laying on top of the blonde, "I don't think there's anything stopping me from touching you now is there?" her eyes sparkled evilly.

"Not a thing." Brooke agreed, pulling Cayden down for another steamy kiss.

PART 34

T HE FIRST THING Brooke was aware of when she rose to consciousness was the warmth, the next thing she sensed was that she was being stared at. Confused, she opened her eyes and gasped in alarm as she was nose to nose with La La. Reflexively, she tried to push the fat cat away from her face, when she realized she was trapped. Gathering her scattered thoughts, it took her a moment to understand that she had apparently fallen asleep after a night of making love, and was now wrapped in Cayden's arms. A warm feeling spread through her body and she sighed happily. Concentrating on the warmth of Cayden's skin where their bodies met, she snuggled her face deeper into the pillow and smiled. This is pure heaven. she thought, I could lay like this forever.

Long peaceful moments passed, with Brooke contented to listen to her lover breathe in sleep. She must look so sweet, so serene. I wonder if her mouth is open or closed. I bet her hair is a mess. She wanted to turn around, longed to watch Cayden's beautiful face in repose, but didn't want to wake her up. Settling back down in the comfort of strong, yet soft arms, Brooke closed her eyes and soaked up the wonderful feeling.

"Wakey wakey corn flakey!" Wade shouted from somewhere.

La La jumped from the bed and tore for the door. It was then that Cayden stirred. She groaned and grunted and stretched her legs. "Why is my door open?" she asked in quiet, husky voice.

"I don't know, maybe Wade opened it." Brooke replied, fighting a shiver from the sound of Cayden's morning voice.

Cayden's head popped up fast and she stared at Brooke for a second or two. "Oh... yeah... cool." she mumbled, then dropped back down onto the pillow with a happy sigh of her own. "We fell asleep." she said, reminding herself.

"Looks like it." Brooke smiled indulgently as Cayden's arms tightened around her. "Mmmm. This is nice." Cayden nodded, and Brooke felt it on their shared pillow. "Your so warm and cuddly in the morning."

"You're not so bad yourself." The brunette replied.

"Ooo, you have the sexiest morning voice." Brooke purred, scooting her butt deeper into Cayden's body.

"Hey," Cayden chuckled, "What are you trying to do to me?"

"Me? You're the one with the melty voice."

"Melty? That's new." The shop keeper backed away and pulled at Brooke until she turned over. Looking into sleepy green eyes, she smiled. "Morning."

"Morning, yourself."

"Come on you decadent wenches! Some people have to work today!" Wade said from outside the door.

"We're not moving until there's coffee involved." Cayden replied, then grinned.

Brooke still glowing in the feeling of waking up with Cayden, giggled.

"What's so funny? Is my hair a nightmare?"

"Yes, but that's not what's funny." Brooke answered, attempting to smooth the brunette's unruly locks. "I just can't believe that we, us, who were at each others throats just a short while ago, are laying here contented in each other's arms."

Cayden snorted. "Yeah, imagine that." She moved her leg and slid it between Brooke's until it reached it's goal.

Brooke groaned and squeezed the long leg with her own. "What are you doing?" she asked with narrowed eyes.

"You wanna?"

"Now?" Brooke asked in surprise. "I haven't even brushed my teeth?'

"Your teeth aren't what I'm interested in, actually." Cayden said with a devious smirk, rubbing her thigh against Brooke's sex.

"Oh.... mmm.... Cayden! Stop that!" She said with a laugh. "Wade's right outside, probably making us coffee as we speak."

Cayden pouted dramatically. "You're no fun at all."

"Oh, yes I am." She glanced towards the door for a few seconds. "Fine. You let me brush my teeth and you can have anything you want." Brooke replied with a devious smile of her own.

The brunette perked right up. "Okay!" She disentangled herself from Brooke and sat up. "Go ahead, brush quickly, I'm next."

Brooke jumped out of bed, and looked around for her clothes. Just then Wade tapped at the door.

"Knock, knock, is everyone clothed?"

"NO!" Brooke yelled and jumped back into bed.

"Well, I'll just leave this here..." he backed into the room and placed two mugs of coffee on the dresser. "Brooke, your mother called at 6 this morning. Boy, were her panties twisted."

"Oh my god! Where did she get the number from?"

Cayden wrapped an arm around Brooke and sighed. That'll teach me to put the phone in my name. "It's alright, she should really have the number, you know, in case of an emergency or something."

Brooke hung her head and groaned. "Oh, is she gonna let me have it."

Cayden scowled, now that Brooke's mother was involved, the blonde certainly wouldn't want to fool around. "Wade, why'd you go and tell her that for?"

Wade turned around, in hopes they were covered. "Hey, I didn't want to break up the after sex snuggle any more than you did. It's her mother, she should know." he replied defensively. If he had to wake up at 6 to speak with Harriet, someone else should suffer too.

"What did she say?" Brooke asked, a nervous expression on her face.

"She wanted to know if you were here. She was just dying to know more but I wouldn't say anything." He smiled broadly. "Just look at you two! Snug as two bugs in a rug!" Wade jumped into bed with them and hugged them. "OOooo, I could just eat you both up!"

Fabulous." Cayden muttered under her breath, trying to push Wade off of her naked woman.

"Oh my god, you two stink like s..e..x!" he declared, and ran off the bed with the willies.

Cayden rolled her eyes. "Well, that'll happen." she replied sarcastically. "No one told you to jump in bed with us."

"I thought it was cute." Brooke said, blowing a kiss at Wade.

"Thank you." He blew one back. "I like this. I like having Brooke here in the morning, she gives the house some class."

"Hey!" Cayden replied, throwing a pillow at him.

Wade ran away from the pillow like it was on fire. "I can't be smelling like vagina, I work in an underwear store! " He smelled himself. "Smell me, quick!" he asked Brooke.

"Nope, you smell fine to me."

"How would you know? You have her up your nose. Oh ew, now look! I'm talking like a lesbian!"

Cayden and Brooke watched as Wade ran out of the room, his shirt halfway over his head.

"You know, I should call my mother." Brooke said with a sour face.

Cayden frowned. "Damn."

Brooke smiled and kissed the brunette on the lips. "After I get of the phone, I'm getting right back into this bed and letting you have your way with me."

"Woohoo!" Cayden bounced up and down. "Well hurry up then." she swatted Brooke's butt playfully.

"You wont be needing this." The blonde said as she pulled the blanket off of the bed and wrapped it around her.

"Hey! You can't leave me here naked! I have to go pee!"

"Throw something on." Brooke said with a cheeky grin as she left the room.

Cayden couldn't help but smile at the swathed blonde as she waddled down the hallway. "Wade, can you bring me my coffee on your way out?"

*  *  *

Brooke pulled the phone away from her ear and grimaced. "Yes, ma... I know ma... I swear I will next time....." She winked at Wade as he passed her by, wearing a completely different outfit. She saw him heading towards Cayden's room and tried to get his attention, but couldn't.

"AAAAAHHHH!"

Wade came barrelling past her waving his arms in the air frantically. "My eyes! I'm blind! I can't see!!"

Brooke covered her mouth and stifled the laughter. "Nothing ma, it was Wade, he saw a bug. Yes, I will call next time. No, I don't think I gave you 32 new gray hairs. I think you grew them all by yourself. I'm going now.... I don't know when...later... MOTHER! I'm going now!" She hung up the phone and took a deep breath. Boy, she sure was mad. She then opened and re-wrapped herself in the blanket, her lips pursed. Maybe I should go home.... calm mom down. Then again, Cayden is waiting for me, naked...

Wade kissed her on the cheek. "I'm leaving. Put a towel on the couch if you're gonna sit on it naked."

Brooke glanced over at the front door as Wade left for work. We're all alone and Cayden's naked. A wicked grin spread across her lips. Mom can wait.

The brunette was all washed and brushed when Brooke reappeared in the bedroom. Blue eyes watched hungrily as the blonde dropped the blanket and approached the bed. "Well, hello there." Cayden drawled, opening her arms.

"Hello to you too." Brooke replied as she climbed on top of her naked lover. "Mmm, I love how your skin feels against mine. It's so soft, no scratchy hair."

Cayden chuckled. "I should hope not." She pulled Brooke down for a kiss, and hummed as their lips met. If it were up to her, she could kiss Brooke all day. She slid her tongue over and around the blonde's, smiling to herself at the joy she felt in doing so. I can't believe this is really Brooke. she thought. She couldn't figure out how it went from a screaming fight outside her shop to this. She shrugged. Who really cares?

Brooke ran her hands through Cayden's hair, enjoying the feel of it as it slipped through her fingers. God, this is so not a man.... this is perfect. She squirmed on top of Cayden, recapturing the feeling of their skin meeting. Mmm, yes.... perfect.

Cayden dragged her fingertips down Brooke's back and settled her hands on the blonde's backside. She caressed the silky skin, and sighed when Brooke shivered. "Want me to get the blanket?"

Unhappy that Cayden broke their kiss, Brooke pouted. "Nope." she shook her head and sucked the brunette's bottom lip.

"Mmm. I like that." Cayden whispered.

"What else do you like?' Brooke wondered. Drawing back to look into the tall woman's eyes.

"Huh? I like a lot of things."

"No, I mean sexually, what do you like? What can I do to make you feel good?"

"You're doing just fine." Cayden emphasized her statement with a squeeze of Brooke's butt. "What do you like?"

The blonde smiled. "Baby, you seem to know exactly what to do."

"Really?" Cayden asked.

"Oh, yeah, exactly what to do." Brooke rolled off of her lover and shot Cayden a devilish look. "Come over here and prove my point."

"You don't have to ask me twice!" The brunette pounced on Brooke with a growl.

*  *  *

The couple eventually peeled themselves apart and Cayden saw Brooke off. She sat down on the couch and revelled in the last kiss goodbye. A bright, genuine, smile lit up her face as she relived the moment. La La hopped up onto the couch and head-butted her. She absently pet the fat cat and sighed happily. "Well, La La," Cayden propped her feet up on the coffee table, I had me a hell of a night."

La La purred, threw himself onto his side, and began kneading Cayden's leg.

"The morning wasn't too shabby either." she snickered and leaned her head back. "That Brooke, she's a fast learner if I ever saw one." The tall woman chuckled a bit, then became serious. "Wow. You know," she began scratching his belly, "used to be, I craved my alone time, especially Sunday's. Couldn't be bothered with anyone or anything. Here it is Sunday, Brooke just left and I want her back. Isn't that something?"

*  *  *

Brooke hurried into the apartment, and ran quickly to her room.

"Brooke!"

She cringed at her mother's annoyed tone. "Just a minute, mom." She stripped down fast and threw on her robe.

"Brooke!"

The blonde winced. Harriet was on the other side of her bedroom door. "Yes?"

Mrs. Hewitt let herself in, and stood there. Arms folded and foot tapping, she demanded Brooke's attention.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "Mom, I told you, I fell asleep. It happens, I will make sure I call you next time, the second I yawn."

"The least you could have done was left me her phone number so I didn't have to go half blind squinting at the phone book."

"Sorry." Brooke played sheepish.

"You should be. I was worried half to death! I woke up for my middle of the night pee and you weren't home!"

"Ma, it's done. I'm fine, I'm here and it won't happen again. You can calm down now. It's over."

"Just wait until you have children." Harriet threatened. "Oh, wait a minute..." She turned deadly serious. "You are going to give me grandchildren aren't you?"

Brooke's eyes widened. "I don't know that."

Harriet looked crestfallen. "You don't?"

"Ma, please! Can we not talk about this now?"

"Don't you want kids?"

"Maybe. And don't you bother Cayden about it!"

"Oh! Cayden is coming?"

"I'm going to ask her to dinner, and if you do one thing, ONE THING to embarrass me, I'll stab myself in the heart with the salad fork. I swear."

"Brooke! Don't talk like that. I wouldn't do anything of the sort." Harriet huffed.

Brooke narrowed her eyes. "Well, alright." she said, still skeptical.

*  *  *

Cayden was roused from an afternoon nap by the doorbell. She sat for a minute in hopes the person would go away, but the bell kept ringing. She scowled as she shuffled sleepily to the door. "Who?"

"It's me, who else?" Jodie replied.

The shop keeper scowled harder, knowing exactly what the visit was all about. She sighed and opened the door to stare at Jodie.

"Just spoke to Wade, lemme in!"

Cayden's shoulders slumped, and she stepped to the side. She watched Jodie waltz right into the living room and make herself comfortable. "Why don't you harass Brooke?" she asked, closing the door.

"Oh, I will, trust me." Jodie smiled and patted the space next to herself on the couch.

Cayden yawned and sat down purposely in a chair instead.

"I don't smell." Jodie said, sniffing her armpit.

"No, but I do. I haven't showered yet." Cayden said with a short chuckle.

"Oh, so Wade was right! You guys were at it all morning?"

The tall woman nodded. "Pretty much."

"That means that Brooke found her groove! Fantastic!"

"Believe me Jo, she didn't need to look very hard to find it." Cayden grinned. "That woman is something else, insatiable."

Jodie bounced up and down on the couch with excitement. "Really? I'm so happy for her.. and you, you lucky shit!"

"That's true, I am lucky." Cayden pursed her lips in thought.

"What's wrong then?" Jodie leaned forward and looked concerned.

Cayden sighed and cleared her throat. "I'm not sure that anything is wrong, but a whole lot of stuff is new. I'm not used to it yet."

"Like what?"

"Well, sex was never all that important to me before, now I just look at Brooke and .... well... I want her." She motioned with her hands, her eyes wide. "Then, she leaves, and five minutes later, I want her to come back. Even worse, I don't even want her to go in the first place!"

Jodie smiled knowingly. "Aw, Cayd, that is so fucking sweet."

"To you, maybe, but to me it's not. I don't know where all this is coming from."

Jodie moved to sit on the floor in front of the brunette. "Cayd, you big dummy, you're in love with her."

Cayden's eyes widened like saucers. "What?"

"Alright, tell me, when she smiles at you, does your stomach get all tingly? Do your legs feel soft when you kiss?"

"Uh.... yeah, but..."

Jodie patted Cayden's leg and shushed her. "Is her skin the softest you've ever touched? Does she smell better than anything you ever smelled?"

"Yes." The tall woman was starting to get scared.

"Is making her smile, the single most important thing to you?"

Cayden nodded. "I'm in love with her?" She asked, in awe.

Jodie giggled happily. "Yes!" She jumped up and threw her arms around Cayden. "Oh my god, this is so cool! It was bound to happen to one of us and I'm so happy it's you!"

Cayden's eyes felt dry and it occurred to her she hadn't blinked in a while. "This is what it's like to be in love?"

Jodie nodded and pulled away, climbing back down onto the floor. "Isn't it wonderful?"

"I suppose."

"Come on girl! Get excited, this is great news!" Jodie popped up and ran into the kitchen. She returned with two beers, handing one to the still dumbstruck shop keeper. "Well, open it! We need a toast." she said, taking the caps off of both bottles. She clinked hers to Cayden's. "To happiness. I couldn't think of a better couple."

Cayden swallowed her beer quickly, and shivered.

"So, when are you going to spring it on her?"

Both of the tall woman's eyebrows shot up. "I can't tell her! What if she doesn't feel the same? What if she freaks out? I'm her first woman."

Jodie smiled reassuringly. "If you've never trusted me before, now's the time. She feels the same."

"How do you know." Cayden's eyes narrowed.

"I just do."

Cayden sat there quietly, digesting this new information. She does? I can hardly believe I do! Am I supposed to tell her first? Can't she say it first and I can just agree? Oh wow.... this is crazy. I don't know her long enough to be in love with her. Then again, there is love at first sight... heh, but that didn't happen, or did it?

The phone rang and jolted Cayden from her thoughts. She reached for it and mumbled her greeting.

"Huh?" Brooke wondered if she got the wrong number.

Cayden sat straight up in the chair. "Oh, Brooke, hi!"

Brooke giggled. "What was that all about?"

"I was sort of thinking, sorry." Cayden replied sheepishly.

Jodie smiled from ear to ear, and hugged herself. Cayden waved her away and turned her back, blushing.

"I was just wondering, are you doing anything for dinner tonight?"

"No." Cayden answered rather quickly. She would love to see Brooke again as soon as possible.

"Great! Would you want to come over here for dinner? I know mom and dad are a turn off, but you know, if you do it now, it will be over with and you hardly have to do it again." Brooke closed her eyes and held her breath.

"Uh," Cayden scrunched up her face. There? Over there? With her mother?

"Please, Cayden?"

"Okay." Cayden's mouth hung open in surprise at her own answer. All she said was please and I gave in like that?

"Oh, thank you so much!" Brooke breathed again. "Mom is going to make pot roast, you'll love it, it's pretty good. You know, I'm glad you said yes. I miss you so much already." she confessed.

"Me too." Suddenly, the tall woman's palms began sweating and all she could think of was that she loved Brooke.

"You really do?" Brooke asked.

"Yeah, I really do. I sorta missed you right after you left." she said quietly, but not quiet enough. Jodie was standing in front of her grinning like a fool.

Brooke's insides felt warm and fuzzy. "Hearing you say that just made me melt. I wish I was with you so I could kiss you right now."

Cayden gave Jodie the evil eye and once again turned her back on her. "I'd like that very much. When should I be by your place?"

"6-ish. Dad likes to eat at a certain time. Thank you again for coming."

"Don't thank me, I want to see you. I would have asked you to come over here anyway."

Brooke melted again. "I really can't wait to see you tonight."

"Me neither. I'll be there at 6."

When they hung up the phone, Jodie just smiled at Cayden with a sappy look. "What is your problem?"

"It's so sweet to see you all gushy and stuff. Who would have ever thought?"

Cayden blushed and grinned, still uncomfortable sharing her feelings. "Anyway, I'm going over there for dinner tonight, can you believe I said yes? Just like that?"

"Stranger things have happened, Cayd. Get used to it, you'll find yourself doing anything for a pout."

The tall woman chuckled. "It's like that huh? I used to laugh at people like me."

"Who says you can't laugh at yourself? Stop being so serious, tis is a good thing you know. This is love! How often does it happen? Have fun with it, get down with it."

"I have a feeling I'll be looking for that fun at dinner tonight. I can't believe I agreed to it. Dinner with Harriet and Bert." Cayden shook her head solemnly.

"Well, you can always picture them naked."

"Oh god Jo! Don't put that in my head!" Cayden squeezed her eyes shut and winced. Suddenly she leered and grinned wolfishly. "I'd rather picture Brooke naked."

Jodie laughed loudly. "That'll be great! I love it! Speaking of naked," Jodie giggled and then wiggled her eyebrows. "Was it really as good as you say or are you protecting Brooke."

"Oh no, she was super amazing. I had no idea what to expect, I was nervous, probably as much as she was, but it was perfect. I swear, I created a monster, she can't get enough."

Jodie snorted. "Oh, you poor thing." she said sarcastically.

Cayden snickered. "Yes, pity me." She joked. "Hey, you know how I just love to sit and chat...."

"I know, I know... you need to shower and think about dinner. I'm going." Jodie got up to leave. "I hope you know, I really am excited for you. This is a good thing, don't go and do anything to sabotage this. Brooke is the coolest woman I've met since I met you. You're both important to me now."

Cayden smiled shyly. "Thank's Jo. I will try my best. I promise. Now go, I have things to do."

Jodie kissed Cayden on the cheek and was gone.

PART 35

B ROOKE WASN'T AS nervous as she should have been about Cayden coming over. Instead, she was very excited, and couldn't control her energy. She bounced around the house either smiling uncontrollably, or giggling happily as she waited for dinner time.

"Brooke, can you help me for a second?"

"Sure, mom." Happy to have something to do, Brooke darted into the kitchen eagerly.

"Can you mash the potatoes? My arms are tired."

Brooke took the masher and went to work. "Home made 'tatoes ma? Did we run out of the fake stuff?"

"Don't you think Cayden deserves real potatoes?"

"Oh she deserves it." the blonde agreed. "She deserves anything she wants." she added quietly.

Harriet looked pointedly at her daughter. "Cayden is very important to you, isn't she?"

Brooke nodded and didn't look up from the potatoes. "It's like she's the most important thing. I think about her constantly, more than I ever thought about anything." She paused and glanced at her mother, who appeared to be listening in earnest, "I've been in relationships, I was in love before," she stopped mashing and looked her mother in the eye. "Why is this so different?"

Harriet sighed in thought. She folded her arms across her chest and leaned on the sink. "You've never felt like this before?"

Brooke shook her head. "No."

Mrs. Hewitt patted Brooke on the arm. "Tell me about it."

"Ma, I didn't even know her and I was dreaming about her. I thought it would stop once I got to know her, but now... she consumes my waking moments too! What's wrong with me?"

Harriet cracked a grin, she knew what Brooke was feeling all too well. "I think you'll be just fine, honey." She smiled warmly at her addled daughter.

Brooke sighed heavily. "I hope so." Finished with the mashing, she wandered distractedly into the living room. Sitting down, she continued to wonder. Mom smiles like she knows a secret. She says it's okay to feel like I do, but is it healthy? Am I obsessed? Is it normal to feel like I positively NEED to be with Cayden?

"Brooke?"

Brooke blinked a few times. "I'm sorry daddy, what did you say?"

"Well, " he began, then folded up his newspaper neatly. "I heard what you said to your mother," he crossed and uncrossed his legs uncomfortably. "She's right you know."

Brooke smiled at his effort. "Thanks daddy."

Bert picked up his paper again and disappeared behind it. Sure it was alright for Brooke to be this preoccupied with Cayden, but he was going to find out if Cayden returned the sentiments.

Brooke wandered into her room to check her hair and as soon as her bedroom door closed, Harriet ran into the living room. "Bert!" she whisper-shouted. "Do you think she knows? Should we tell her?"

"Harriet, leave her alone. She doesn't need us to stick our noses into this any more than you already have."

Mrs. Hewitt narrowed her eyes and huffed. "Fine." she said and marched back into the kitchen.

*  *  *

Cayden was rolling the last of the cat hair off of her shirt when Wade came home. As soon as he stepped into the apartment she stormed inside. "When did you teach that fat fuck to open drawers?"

"Huh?" Wade took off his shoes and looked confused.

"I came out of the shower, and that" she pointed at the cat who was obliviously licking himself, "was inside my drawer.. happy as you please!"

Wade chuckled at first but after seeing how unamused Cayden was, made a serious face. "Bad La La Bird" he scolded half-heartedly. "Anyway, the big question is why you look so spiffy on your day off? Where's the torn panties and over washed T-shirt I've grown so fond of?"

"I'm going to Brooke's for dinner." Wade's eyes went wide, but before he could respond, Cayden held up a hand. "No comments please. I'm nervous enough. I'm going and that's that."

A broad smile covered his face. "Aww, this is so damned cute. I bet she said pleeeease."

Cayden's mouth hung open.

"I know I'm right. Something is happening isn't it Cayd?"

"Big time." she admitted, swallowing hard. "I had a lot of time to think today, and well, um.. I think Jodie may be right. " she said, getting a case of the nerves all over again.

"Jo's right? About what?"

"She says I'm in love with Brooke." Cayden replied in a low whisper.

"Oh, pshaw. I could have told you that ages ago. Now stop being such a wuss, pull up your big girl bloomers and go see your woman."

Cayden took a deep breath. "You're right. I'm an adult who's scared like a child."

"Aw, Cayd, it's new. Trust me, it'll grow on you if you let it."

Blue eyes narrowed in thought. "Ya think?"

"I know. Hey, I'm not exactly inexperienced in this you know. I've been in love. All these new confusing emotions, especially the neediness, it will all calm down. You'll find peace, trust me."

Cayden cracked half a smile. " Thanks Wade."

Wade opened his arms wide. "Oh come here you big, in love ol' lesbian."

Cayden chuckled and accepted the hug. The reassuring embrace felt good and she smiled. "Well, time to face the parents."

"You just be yourself, you ain't all that bad."

*  *  *

Brooke jumped from the couch when the doorbell rang. Hurrying to get it, she bumped into her mother who beat her there. "Ma, it's my date not yours." she hissed.

"It's my house and I get to answer the door." With that, Harriet flung it open. "Why hello Cayden, you look lovely."

And I try so hard not to look lovely. "Hello, Mrs. Hewitt." Cayden replied respectfully, looking around for Brooke.

Brooke stepped in front of her mother, and pushed her backwards with her butt." "Hi." she said cheerfully.

Cayden had both eyebrows in the air at the curious behavior. "Am I late or something?" she wondered.

"Nope, you're right on time." Brooke said, suddenly getting a whiff of Cayden's cologne." God, she smells so good! "Come." she took the tall woman by the hand.

Cayden was surprised when she was led right past the living room and Mr. Hewitt, but grinned when she realized where they were going.

Once Brooke had Cayden behind her closed bedroom door, she threw herself into her arms. "Mmm, I missed you so much today."

Cayden sighed happily and wrapped her arms around Brooke. She felt suddenly complete and not at all anxious any more. Wade was right, just let it happen, it will be alright. "I missed you too." She kissed the top of Brooke's head and relaxed into her body.

The smaller woman pulled back and looked into comforting blue eyes. "From the moment I first saw you, I was amazed at the color of your eyes. I still am. They're gorgeous."

Cayden grinned shyly and tried not to look away. "Thank you, and yours aren't so bad you know." She looked deeply into Brooke's eyes and her stomach flipped over at the honesty she found there. She looked away quickly.

"What just happened?" Brooke asked, worried.

Cayden took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. "Nothing," she smiled. "I think I need a kiss."

Brooke didn't hesitate to cock her head back and offer her lips. She hummed in pleasure as their mouths met. Cayden's soft, warm lips never ceased to turn her knees to jelly, and when her hot tongue slipped past her lips, Brooke's stomach twirled.

Cayden lost herself in Brooke's kiss, it was always the most delicious sensation when their tongues met, but now, it reminded her of more intimate contact and she was immediately turned on.

Sensing a change in Cayden's intent, Brooke pulled away. "Whoa, easy there tiger. We have to eat dinner."

Cayden closed her eyes and willed her heart to slow down. "Sorry, I just... you make me... God!"

Brooke smiled and giggled. "You don't have to explain. I know exactly what you mean."

They stood there a moment to collect themselves before venturing out.

*  *  *

"Dinner's ready!"

The two women made their way through the apartment, Cayden again being led by Brooke. Once at the table, Cayden's nerves came back. Just as they did, Brooke squeezed her hand reassuringly, as if she knew how Cayden felt.

"Cayden." Mr. Hewitt said in acknowledgment. He was at a loss as how to greet her. Usually, he'd shake hands with Brooke's dates, but he wasn't sure this was appropriate for a woman. He nodded politely at her and made a mental note to ask Harriet of she'd heard of this on Maury.

"Hello, Mr. Hewitt." Cayden sat down in the chair indicated by Brooke. This put her across from Bert and to the left of Harriet. She tried to discretely scoot her chair closer to Brooke, but the chair made a hideous noise as it scraped across the floor. "Sorry." she said in embarrassment.

"S'okay honey." Brooke said with a grin, and poured Cayden a glass of water.

Honey? In front of her parents? Nobody seemed to have noticed so Cayden let it drop.

Harriet took the pitcher and poured herself and Bert a glass. "So, Cayden, tell, me, how was your day?" she asked.

And we're off..Cayden smiled. "It was good. A quiet day at home is always nice." She drank some water to wet her dry mouth.

"Oh, so you don't work today?' Harriet inquired, dishing salad out to Bert and herself.

"No, it's my only day off." Cayden watched uncomfortably as Brooke took the tongs and filled both their salad bowls. Must talk to her about that.

"Dressing?" Brooke asked, smiling warmly.

Cayden couldn't help but smile back. "Yes." she replied, taking the bottle away from Brooke. "You don't have to wait on me." she said quietly. Although it was cute, she didn't need attending to.

Bert seemed to be engrossed in his salad, but surreptitiously studied Cayden. She was nervous, that was obvious. He'd used the same phony smile plenty of times in his life. However, her whole demeanor changed when she looked at Brooke. Her smile was real and her eyes were warm. This pleased Bert. Cayden was genuine in her feelings for Brooke. He could eat his salad now.

Cayden waited uncomfortably for Bert to finish his salad. Mrs. Hewitt was staring at her and she just knew the woman was biting her tongue. She looked sideways at Brooke, who was smiling, and it gave her a little bit of relief. She opened her legs a bit wider, so her thigh touched Brooke's and felt even more at ease when it did.

Brooke was so happy that Cayden was actually there, sitting next to her that she couldn't stop smiling. Mom seemed to be behaving as best she could, and dad looked about as relaxed as ever. She slyly reached a hand under the table and rested it on Cayden's thigh. The tall woman started at the touch and shot a nervous look in her direction, but Brooke didn't flinch, nor did she move her hand. She sighed to herself in pleasure as the warmth of her lover's skin seeped through the fabric her pants.

Cayden just knew one of the parents saw Brooke's hand disappear. Harriet, it had to be her, she hadn't stopped looking at the tall woman the whole time. Surely she saw her jump in surprise. Cayden's nerves started fluttering back in a big way. With no food in front of her to play with and unable to bolt from the table, she took Jodie's sage advice and tried to picture Bert in his underwear. She looked at him through her eyelashes and hardly anything changed. She figured that's just as well, she could only see him from the waist up. Picturing Bert in an undershirt wasn't a stretch. Now, Harriet... she thought, glancing over at the older woman. Her eyes narrowed as she concentrated on Harriet's upper half. Stifling a snort at the sight she conjured up, Cayden blinked away the vision. Oh lord... who wants to see their woman's mother in her bra? What was I thinking? Snickering to herself, she turned towards Brooke just to clear her mind and nearly fell out of her chair. Oh, sure. HER I can see clearly in underwear. she thought, squeezing her eyes shut. This didn't help matters, as once her eyes were closed, her imagination ran wild with images of Brooke in various lingerie. Opening her eyes quickly, she focused on her glass of water.

"Okay, here's the pot roast!" Harriet announced, plunking down a large tray in the middle of the table. "There's potatoes and peas too. Dig in!"

Cayden, grateful for the distraction from Brooke's half naked images, dug in.

Brooke eyed her lover curiously, she was behaving strangely, even for Cayden. "Are you alright?" she asked quietly.

Cayden turned to Brooke, opened her mouth, then closed it quickly, eyes wide. Turning away she replied to her plate. "Fine."

Brooke's stared skeptically. "Hmm. I don't believe you." she whispered.

Cayden, refusing to look at Brooke, nodded rapidly. "Yes, I am. I'm fine." she said through her teeth.

Brooke pouted. She can't even look at me. I wonder what happened? Maybe it's my hand? As she thought that last bit, she unconsciously squeezed Cayden's thigh and she swore she heard the tall woman groan. Interesting... "Cayden, is everything alright?"

Her stare fixed to her plate, Cayden responded. "Yes, it's great. The potatoes are fantastic. Nothing like home made." she babbled.

In between forkfuls, Brooke glanced at her lover. Her leg was bouncing fast and furious and she refused to look in any direction but forward. What is she up to? She watched the brunette steal a peek at her, blush and look away quickly. That was weird, she wasn't even looking at my face and ... Oh Cayden... just what are you thinking? Brooke smirked, and gave her theory a test. "Cayden, honey, is there something on my shirt? I think I splashed, but I can’t tell."

In a terrible bind, Cayden swallowed hard and willed her imagination to behave. She turned her head slowly to catch a glimpse of Harriet in a turn of the century bustier, and then quickly averted her eyes to good old Bert in a dirty undershirt. Having nowhere else to turn, she turned to Brooke. Her lover was sitting there in a cupless bra and the tiniest panties in the world. A loud gasp escaped her. Shit She cursed even as she inhaled, knowing what she did. Her eyes went wide and as Cayden is want to do, began choking.

Harriet panicked instantly. "Oh! Slap her on the back! Pick her hands up in the air! Hang her by her feet!"

Mortified, Cayden lifted a hand and shook her head.

Although her lover was choking, Brooke smirked. Sex. She only chokes when there's sex. She patted Cayden on the back and whispered. "Serves you right for what you were thinking."

"My goodness!" Harriet stood up and ran to Cayden, whacking her on the back.

"Mom! Don't beat her!"

"She's choking to death!" Mrs. Hewitt yelled.

"Stop being so dramatic, she probably swallowed the wrong way." Brooke handed Cayden a glass of water and again leaned close to her. "Shame on you, thinking smut in front of my parents."

Bert cocked his head and looked at the sputtering houseguest. "If she's choking, she's breathing. Give her a chance to catch her breath."

Cayden gave Bert a thumbs up as her hacking wound down.

"It's alright mom, she does this alot." Brooke said, rubbing slow circles on her bright red lover's back.

"Really? It does? Maybe her epiglottis isn't working."

"Her what?" Brooke asked, puzzled.

"Or her uvula... yes, it's probably her uvula!"

Cayden stopped coughing and settled down. "I think I breathed a pea." she choked out, her face bright red from embarrassment, and the things Brooke was whispering to her.

"See Harriet? I told you no one wanted peas. You almost killed Cayden." Bert mentioned dryly.

Harriet covered her mouth with her hand. "I'm sorry!"

"No, it's alright." Cayden couldn't tell her why she choked, and she couldn't have Harriet think she nearly killed her either. "It probably is my epiglottis." she said with a nod.

"Yeah, right." Brooke agreed sarcastically. Cayden shot her a look. "I suppose your uvula got caught in it." She got an even more evil look. "But you're okay now pookums."

Cayden wanted to crawl under the table, she needed a distraction from the horrifying situation. "So, Mrs. Hewitt, was there something you wanted to ask me?"

Harriet's face lit up like a million suns.

Bert and Brooke's mouths fell open in shock. Cayden must have just lost her mind. She must have suffered a loss of oxygen from her choking jag. There was no other possible explanation.

"Well, now that I think about it..." The older woman beamed with excitement, "Tell me, where are your parents? When did they retire? How long have you had the store?"

Cayden swallowed hard as Brooke sat and smirked. Bert just rolled his eyes and played with his peas.

"My parents live in Vegas, they moved about 3 years ago. They gave me the shop before they moved, so I've been running it for 5 years now." The brunette stuffed a forkful of potatoes in her mouth.

Harriet seemed satisfied with those answers. "Very nice, very nice.. so is it a good living? I know you have a room mate, is it a necessity?"

Cayden's leg began bouncing again. "Rent is quite high, so yes, it is a necessity due to the area we live in. If I wanted to, I could a afford a lesser apartment on my own. The store brings in money, but it's just a little neighborhood shop. It's not a million dollar business." She looked to Brooke for help, who thankfully, was fully clothed.

Brooke smiled. "I think what my mom is getting at, is are you able to take care of me."

"Brooke!"

"Well, that's what you want to know."

Cayden grinned. How typical. "Sure, I could take care of Brooke properly, but I really doubt she wants to be taken care of."

Bert snickered. "Go on Harriet, I know there's more."

"It just so happens there is, and if we're going to be blunt, am I ever going to see grandkids?"

Cayden's eyes widened like saucers. That one was not expected. Brooke patted her gently on the leg.

"Ma, I think we discussed this already."

Cayden stared at Brooke. "You did?"

"Don't worry honey, I don't plan on that any time soon."

Cayden began breathing again.

"Don't you like children?' Harriet questioned with narrowed eyes.

"Uh, sure... it's just... now isn't..."

"Jeez Harriet, do you want her to choke again?" Bert gave his wife a sour face.

Harriet pouted. "I'm not getting any younger you know, and neither are you." She looked pointedly at her daughter.

"Excuse me? I'm still in my 20's thank you very much!" Cayden chuckled at Brooke's outrage. "I'd hush, you're older than me." Brooke gave her lover a glare.

Cayden figured it was up to her to fix this mess. "Look everyone, I am not opposed to kids, just not right now. Brooke and I are still new, we have a lot of learning to do before we can talk about our future."

Brooke felt tingles all through her body. She sees a future! Our future! She leaned over and hugged Cayden, planting many little kisses all over her face. "Thank you." she whispered.

"For what?" Cayden was confused.

Brooke just smiled. "Everything."

PART 36

B ROOKE, CAYDEN, HARRIET and Bert all sat around the table drinking their coffee. It seemed Harriet had her fill of questions and this pleased Cayden. She was able to relax and enjoy the rest of dinner, but something changed during dessert. Brooke was slowly fingering her thigh, had been for a while, and it was causing a slow burn in Cayden's body. Brooke wasn't intending to be sexual, but Cayden had no control over her reactions when it came to the smaller woman. It seemed every touch from her was 100 times better than anyone else's. Blue eyes drifted closed for a moment as Cayden savored the feelings stirring inside of her. She felt herself start to grin wolfishly at her less than pure thoughts and opened her eyes quickly for fear of getting caught. She glanced innocently at Brooke, and her eyes went wide again. Oh no, no more.. She blinked rapidly, trying to force her brain to clothe her lover.

Brooke hearing the change in Cayden's breathing, peeked at her. The brunette's expression told her all she needed to know, and she smirked. She nudged Cayden with her knee and as soon as blue eyes turned her way, she slowly spread her legs under the table.

Cayden's mouth opened and snapped shut, she swallowed hard while still staring between Brooke's legs. That sneaky.... she knows! She's playing with me! Looking up, their eyes met and Cayden attempted to glare at her lover, but all she could come up with was a sultry stare. It was Brooke's turn to look away. Cayden snickered to herself and tried to look interested in the sugar bowl.

Harriet suddenly stood up. "So, what do you girls have planned for this evening?" she asked, while taking the dishes to the sink.

Cayden couldn't help but think dirty thoughts so she declined to answer.

"Uhm, well, I was thinking maybe Cayden and I could go into my room." Blue eyes shot her a surprised look and Brooke gave the perfect impression of innocence, "Maybe watch a movie."

Bert raised his eyebrow, obviously skeptical. "Oh? What movie?"

Cayden smirked, waiting to hear what movie they were going to watch.

Brooke shrugged. "I don't know, but there's bound to be something on that we can watch." She looked to Cayden for help, but she just grinned.

Mrs. Hewitt turned from the sink. "Isn't that gay show on? You know the one.. with all the lesbians sleeping with each other."

"Oh! Yeah! That's right. It's on tonight." Brooke smiled triumphantly. There was legitimate reason for her and Cayden to be holed up in her room for a whole hour.

"Well, you have some time yet, why not take old Fred for a walk. He's been waiting patiently this whole time." Bert suggested.

"Dad, Fred's been snoring this whole time. You and mom just want to talk about us. " Brooke said, rolling her eyes. "But yeah, it'll be good to walk off dessert." She grabbed Cayden by the hand and pulled her out of the chair.

Cayden stopped and cleared her throat. "It was a fabulous dinner Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt. Everything was very good, thank you."

Harriet beamed. "Thank you, dear. Please, it's Harriet. It was my pleasure, you're welcome by any time, with or without Brooke."

"Yeah." Bert agreed with a slight nod.

"Thank you." Cayden smiled and allowed Brooke to pull her away.

*  *  *

"That was amazing! They really like you!" Brooke exclaimed, jumping up and down on the sidewalk.

Cayden smiled at Brooke's excitement. "What's not to like?"

The small blonde smacked her lover playfully in the arm, leading Fred to a tree. "You were awfully quiet, not that you're a talker anyway, but, what were you thinking about?"

"Things." Cayden replied, looking away.

"Oh, I know where your mind was Cayden, I just want specifics." Brooke grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. "I know I was a subject."

"You have no idea." The brunette chuckled. "I was nervous, Jo told me to picture your parents in their underwear. I did and that was awful. Then, I looked at you, and well..."

"You choked on your uvula." Brooke said sarcastically.

"That's not so funny you know. I'm sure plenty of people have my affliction."

"Yeah, sex on the brain. Terrible disease. They're having a walk-a-thon next Sunday."

Cayden chuckled. "You're just fresh is what you are." She watched Brooke toss out the poop bag and turn on her heel. "That was a quick walk."

"I want you in my bedroom." Brooke began walking away with an extra swish in her walk.

Cayden's eyebrows raised. "I'm right behind you."

*  *  *

Cayden sat on Brooke's bed, waiting while she fetched them something to drink. She was nervous, very apprehensive of doing anything sexual with Harriet and Bert in the living room. On the other hand, she didn't think she could deny Brooke if anything got started. She wanted Brooke, she always wanted Brooke, and after what her mind did to her during dinner, she wanted her even more than usual. The door opened and the object of her desire slipped in with two beers.

"I hope you wanted one, I did, so I just assumed." Brooke handed Cayden a cold bottle.

The shop keeper wondered of putting it between her legs would do anything to cool her libido. "Thanks, a beer is fine."

Brooke kicked off her shoes and sat next to Cayden. "Tell me, sexy, what did you see when you looked at me."

Cayden put her beer down and colored slightly. "Underwear."

Brooke giggled. "I know that. What kind of underwear?"

"Don't make me go there again." The brunette swallowed hard.

"Oh, so you have a very dirty mind do you?" Brooke leaned over and kissed the taller woman lightly on the lips. "Tell me."

Cayden squirmed a bit. "Well, first you were wearing, um... a half of a bra."

"Half? Which half?" Brooke stood and walked to her dresser. "Turn around for a minute."

"Why?" Cayden asked nervously.

"I want to change." Brooke replied, sweeping her hand at her lover in a swirling gesture. "Turn around."

"I've seen you naked." Cayden argued.

"Humor me." Brooke said with a smile. "It's a surprise. Anyway, tell me which half."

Cayden sighed and turned around. "It was a bra with no cups, and a tiny little pair of panties. It was not what I expected to see at the dinner table with your parents. Can I turn around yet?"

"Nope, just a few more seconds. You got hot seeing me like that?"

"Well, yeah! Of course I did."

"Turn around now."

Cayden turned her head and her eyes bugged out.

"Was it anything like this?"

Brooke was wearing a cupless push-up bra and a thong.

Cayden stuttered. "Uh, yeah.. it was... that is.. you are...wow."

Brooke grinned saucily. "You like?"

"I like?? Brooke!" Cayden was on her feet and standing in front of the blonde in a second. She didn't know where to look first and started to resemble a bobble head.

Brooke giggled and held Cayden's face with both hands. "When you look at my body like that, it makes my stomach tingle and my knees weak."

"You can't possibly tell me that no one appreciated your body before." Cayden tried to keep eye contact, but her gaze drifted downward.

Brooke arched her back, giving Cayden half a heart attack. "No, not recently. Besides, no one makes me feel like you do." She took Cayden's hands and placed them on her hips. "No one."

The tall woman licked her lips and took a deep breath. She never wanted anyone as much as she wanted Brooke. She never wanted to touch anyone, taste anyone like she craved to with Brooke. Blue eyes glanced up to meet deep green ones. Her heart began pounding in her ears, she could read Brooke's eyes far too easily and she knew Brooke could read hers. This was getting far too intense. Looking away, Cayden tried to catch her breath.

Brooke's heart was pounding also. She almost told Cayden she loved her and it scared her to death. Unsure of her lover's reaction to such an admission, she held her tongue, but Cayden saw it anyway. In a very unexpected twist, she was sure she could see the very same thing in Cayden's crystal clear eyes. Seeing the tall woman start to shy away, she took action.

Cayden began breathing slower as Brooke's hands caressed her back. The tension eased and the urge to touch Brooke took over. Her hands, which were resting on Brooke's hips began traveling up, her eyes reaching two very enticing breasts long before her hands. Her mouth watered. "Where did you get this? It was exactly what I pictured... Damn..." She struggled to keep her hands just under Brooke's breasts.

Brooke pulled Cayden closer. "Go on," she urged.

Cayden looked nervously toward the door. "But, your parents."

"We'll just have to keep quiet. Please, Cayden, I want you so bad."

That was all Cayden needed to hear. Her watering mouth attached to a nipple before anyone had time to blink.

Brooke inhaled sharply and fell against the dresser with a thud. Cayden's mouth was hot, so hot she would swear Cayden was holding hot water in it. A sudden thought occurred to her and she spotted the beer. "Cayd," she whispered, trying to gently pull her lover away from her breast. She wasn't budging but she did manage to grunt. "I have an idea."

Cayden's eyes popped open when she felt cold by her cheek. Looking to the side, she saw Brooke holding the beer. Reluctantly she gave up the nipple. "I'm not thirsty." she commented, and bent her head again.

"Wait!" Brooke held her back. "Drink some anyway, and then... you can go back." She wiggled an eyebrow.

The brunette looked puzzled. "But I... " a light bulb went off over her head. "Ooooh." she nodded in comprehension. Not only did she drink the ice cold beer, but she held it in her mouth as long as she could. Her eyes narrowed as she swallowed, and she didn't put the bottle down, but held it as she bent her head to Brooke's breast.

"Oh my god!" Brooke gasped as she grabbed the back of er lover's head. Her whole body broke out in goose bumps when Cayden's cold mouth enveloped her breast. It was a new and very nice sensation, but it faded quickly as Cayden's natural temperature came back. It didn't matter really to Brooke, any way Cayden touched her was fabulous.

Cayden grinned as she enjoyed Brooke's nipple. She opened her eye and slowly guided the bottle to Brooke's other nipple, almost snickering out loud as she did.

"Ah!" Brooke jumped and the beer went flying. "Cayden! I wasn't expecting that." she scolded with a laugh. "God that's cold!"

The tall woman juggled the bottle until she had a firm grasp. She put it down and laughed herself. Brooke was all covered in beer from shoulder to waist and it was slowly being absorbed by her thong. She was unusually excited by Brooke's wet breasts and with a sudden change in her facial expression from amused to devious, she grinned.

Brooke looked strangely at Cayden at first, but once the tall woman began licking her shoulder, she got a clue immediately. She bit her bottom lip in an effort not to groan out loud as Cayden's tongue lapped at her skin. Large hands clasped her ribs and that velvety, smooth tongue took long, slow swipes from her throat to the top of her breast. She whimpered, grabbed the balled up shirt from the dresser and held it over her face.

Cayden glanced up at Brooke at the sound of a muffled groan. Grinning, she bathed Brooke's nipple with her tongue flat, swiping up and around, watching her lover squirm. She had to admit, had Brooke been doing this to her, she wouldn't have been able to be silent either. Feeling a bit naughty, she left Brooke's breast and began to travel down.

Green eyes widened and Brooke dropped the shirt. "Cayd, what are you doing?" she whispered, her body twitching all over ion response to Cayden's attention. She got no answer to her question though, as the brunette kneeled lower, her tongue sneaking under the elastic of her thong. "Baby... not right here by the door!" she begged quietly, pulling Cayden gently by the hair. Cayden growled and her tongue ventured lower still, mingling and playing with her pubic hairs. "Oh god... you're going to do it right here."

Cayden nodded and began to slip Brooke's thong off.

"Baby please! If you're going to do that I'm going to need more than my shirt over my mouth."

Cayden relented, under protest, and sat back on her heels. Looking up at her lover, she had to catch her breath. Brooke was staring down at her, half lidded, in state of arousal, barely dressed in that enticing outfit. She felt her sex clench and stifled a groan of her own. "Will a pillow do?" she breathed out. Brooke nodded and licked her lips, which Cayden found even more arousing. She stood up and watched as Brooke walked shakily to the bed. Having a full view of the blonde's sexy ass made her swallow hard. She crawled on the bed and straddled Brooke's prone body, taking in the whole thing in one long leer. Her nipples hardened in response and she sat down on Brooke's thighs to get some contact to her sex. Concentrating on her lover's moist lips she almost growled. "You're going to need that pillow."

Cayden's kiss was hot, and devouring, and Brooke hadn't felt anything like it. It could have been sloppy and a turn off had anyone else kissed her this way, but she found coming from Cayden, it was completely hot... and hungry. It turned her on in a big way and she felt her hips jerk before she could stop them.

The shop keeper hummed and growled into the kiss, Brooke's thoughts were right, she was hungry and she didn't know where to start. Her body felt hot, and she wanted to take of her clothes, but couldn't stop touching and kissing Brooke to do so. She kissed, licked and sucked Brooke's lips, trying to eat the smaller woman alive.

Cayden's hands were everywhere at once, and Brooke found herself writhing under the onslaught to allow Cayden access to as much of her body as she wanted. She craved Cayden's skin, she wanted to feel her naked skin, her body weight laying on top of her. She started pulling the brunette's shirt out of her jeans, groping at the material, trying to pull it over Cayden's head.

The tall woman made a frustrated sound deep in her throat as she sat up, and flung the shirt from her body quickly. Brooke grabbed at her bra, and Cayden reached behind her and opened it, the two of them pulling it off together. Brooke took hold of her lover's shoulders and pulled her down, Cayden almost protested. She thought briefly that they should slow down. Things were much to frantic, but the look of pure need on Brooke's face stopped that thought from ever becoming a worry.

"Oh yes." Brooke groaned as their bodies met. She took Cayden's hand and pushed it between them. "Please, touch me, Cayden, I can't wait."

Cayden sucked in her stomach and reached further between them. She reached the top of Brooke's thong and her heart pounded. Brooke whimpered in anticipation and nodded rapidly, lifting her hips off of the bed. Cayden looked down between them, their breasts were touching, it looked so hot, and she felt a slow throb build between her legs. Her mouth watered again, even though she was breathing heavily. Brooke tensed her stomach, waiting for the touch. Cayden looked up at her lover, and she wet her lips before she spoke. "I need to taste you." she rasped out.

"Oh, god yes." Brooke agreed, pushing Cayden down by her shoulders.

The tall woman scrambled down to kneel between Brooke's legs. Brooke opened her legs wide to accommodate and Cayden gulped. "You are so hot, so sexy, and all mine." she muttered, wrapping her hands under the smaller woman, grasping both ass cheeks.

"All yours." Brooke replied, eagerly lifting her pelvis high.

Cayden didn't bother with the thong. She dropped her head between Brooke's legs and began licking the thin material. Brooke's right leg came up quickly and wrapped around Cayden's body. The tall woman groaned, barely tasting Brooke's essence, but smelling it strongly. Brooke was holding her by the hair, breathing heavily and thrusting her hips., begging silently for more.

Cayden licked and nipped at the hot swollen flesh through the fabric until the thong was soaking wet. Brooke was groaning and whimpering quietly, holding Cayden's head tightly, firmly in place. Cayden slid a hand forward and hooked her pinky into the crotch of the thong and pulled it away. She stared hungrily at Brooke's wet, exposed sex, the way it opened under her gaze made her nostrils flare, and without ceremony, she dove her face right into it.

Brooke hissed loudly, her hand left Cayden's hair and she covered her face with a pillow. "Oh fuck!" She shouted into the pillow, her hips moving without her permission.

Cayden stifled a loud moan of her own. Brooke was hot, wet and delicious, and she couldn't get enough of her. She ran her tongue all over, inside and out, in no particular rhythm. Brooke jerked erratically, and hollered into the pillow, egging the tall woman on even more.

With one hand, Brooke held the pillow tight, with the other, she held Cayden's head for dear life. This was wild, and frantic and she loved it. Cayden was devouring her... hungry, animalistic grunts and growls escaped the shop keeper, and with each sound, Brooke got wetter. This was a side of Cayden that Brooke never knew existed, and she liked it. Alot.

Cayden had no idea what had gotten into her, it was like she needed Brooke, right this very second. She was as horny as she'd ever been, each tug of her hair translated to a throb in her sex and she was dying for relief. On the other hand, it was almost painful how badly she needed Brooke, to taste, touch, and smell her, and she concentrated all her efforts on Brooke, blocking out her own need for relief.

Brooke groaned languidly as Cayden's tongue thrust deep inside of her. Cayden seemed to know exactly what she wanted, when she wanted it. She could feel Cayden squirming between her legs and couldn't wait to touch her. Instantly, she could feel the tall woman's sex under her fingers and in her mouth. Just as she did, Cayden switched tactics and latched on to her clit. Brooke jumped a mile in the air and her orgasm exploded from her.

Cayden hung on and didn't stop, taken by surprise by Brooke's powerful climax, but thrilled at the response she caused in her lover. She waited until Brooke started to relax before she released her from her lips. Laying her head on the smaller woman's thigh, she caught her breath and sighed. She could make love to Brooke all day, forever, and she was sure she'd be the happiest woman on the planet. Brooke's fingers loosened in her hair and suddenly she could hear her lover breathing again. She looked up and the pillow was gone,. Brooke was red faced and sweaty, breathing heavily through her mouth. She smiled, and crawled up Brooke's body to lick her dry lips.

"Oh.. baby." Brooke breathed out. "You better put that tongue away before you kill me."

Cayden looked innocently at her panting lover. "Me? I'm not the one that had a pillow plastered to my face now was I?"

Brooke pulled Cayden down for a kiss and slipped her leg between the tall woman’s. She pressed it upwards and Cayden jerked and groaned. "That's what I thought." she said with a sexy grin. "Get those pants off now. You need some attention."

"It ain’t worth it. Trust me. It'll be over in a second. You may as well let me do it."

Brooke pouted. "I wanna."

Cayden climbed off the bed and opened her pants. "If you say so, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Brooke watched with rapt attention as Cayden peeled off her pants. She motioned for the taller woman to come closer and when she did, slipped her fingers into the waist band of her underwear. "Let me unveil my prize." She slowly pulled the underwear down.

Cayden felt all her muscles tense at once, as Brooke inched closer, her breath blowing softly across her skin. She was desperately anticipating Brooke's touch, and willed herself to stand still when the blonde got even closer and inhaled Cayden's essence.

"In a million years I never dreamed I'd be so hungry for another woman, but here I am, dying for you." Brooke waited for Cayden to kick off her underwear, and then pulled her closer. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, her face barely an inch from Cayden's sex, breathing in the delicious sent of her lover, rubbing her cheek on the tall woman's stomach.

Cayden watched intently, nobody ever paid such attention to her, nobody told her they were dying for her... nobody looked at her the way Brooke was looking up at her this very second. She studied, her lips, her nose, her eyes... those beautiful green eyes, looking at her with complete admiration... and something. Cayden swallowed, she almost felt tears in her eyes for a moment and felt a bit foolish. Not wanting Brooke to sense anything, she smiled and ran her fingers through messy blonde hair.

"Are you less .. um.. ready? Brooke asked.

Cayden smiled even bigger. "Yeah, much better. I say you have maybe 5 minutes now."

Brooke chuckled, and ruffled her nose through Cayden's pubic hair. "Do you want to lay down?"

Cayden thought about it for a second. You know what? No. Broke trusts me with everything she has, the least I can do is something I never did before for her. She propped a long leg on the bed next to Brooke and grinned.

Brooke's eyes widened. "Mine?" she asked playfully.

"Yours." Cayden replied honestly, meaning it.

Brooke ran her fingers through Cayden's sex, and the tall woman gasped. Brooke liked it too so she did it again. She looked up at her lover's reaction as she did it and thought Cayden looked beautiful. She was so wet and silky, and she sought out every fold with her fingers.

Cayden was re-thinking this standing up business. Her knees went weak the instant Brooke touched her, and she was sure she'd fall down. Standing there on display was something she never experienced either, and as self conscious as she got, she stood her ground and allowed Brooke the explorations.

Brooke shared her interest between watching her fingers, and watching Cayden. Blue eyes kept fluttering and Cayden was biting both lips. "Remember, you have to be quiet." Cayden nodded, and inhaled deeply through her nose. Brooke toyed with her lover's opening and the tall woman jerked, reaching down to hold onto her head. Brooke smiled and slid the tip of her finger inside. Cayden's muscles grabbed at her finger and she closed her eyes. Brooke wasn't sure she wanted Cayden's eyes closed, but giving her pleasure was all that mattered. She slid her whole finger inside and Cayden whimpered, she stopped biting her lips and her mouth hung half open. Brooke added a second finger, leaned forward and licked her clit.

"Yes!" Cayden hissed, trying desperately to be quiet. She thrust her sex into Brooke's mouth and begged for more.

Brooke was thoroughly into her task, licking and tasting everything, while steadily moving her fingers. Cayden had thrown her head back and was rocking into her, her thigh and stomach muscles flexing with every move. Brooke watched every reaction Cayden had to every move she made, knowing exactly what the tall woman liked the best.

Cayden wasn't sure she could keep quiet with what Brooke was doing to her. She looked down and encountered a pair of very intense green eyes looking right back at her. She groaned softly, and reached down to hold her head with both hands.

Brooke pulled away for a second. "Are you close?"

"Very." Cayden groaned, pulling Brooke back.

Brooke's stomach clenched, she wanted so badly to watch Cayden come. She paid close attention to her lover's clit and never took her eyes off of her. Cayden whimpered and began breathing erratically. Brooke quickened her pace, with both tongue and fingers, her heart beat hard in her chest.

Cayden bit her bottom lip, jerked her hips and shuddered, her head fell forward and she groaned. "Brooke... god." she gasped.

Brooke groaned right along with her. Watching Cayden in her orgasm took her breath away, she was never more beautiful.

"Whoa... stop, I gotta sit down." Cayden squeaked out and disengaged herself from Brooke.

Brooke waited until Cayden flopped down on the bed and then she wrapped herself around her. She held her while little aftershocks shook her and kissed her after they stopped. "You are magnificent."

Cayden didn't have the strength to blush after trying to stay upright and silent so long.

"No, really. You are." Brooke crawled over Cayden and tried to arrange her hair neatly.

Brooke was staring at her, deeply. Her heart began beating hard and she felt nervous. "What?"

"I love you."

Cayden stopped breathing. She blinked a few times, opened her mouth, then closed it.

"Cayd? Is that bad? Was I wrong to tell you? Oh fuck. I am so stupid... I don't know why I said it.. it just fell out." Brooke started climbing off of her lover when she was pulled back by her arm.

"Don't go." Cayden whispered.

"I'm sorry. I thought you... I just... I don't know what I was thinking."

"Don't." Cayden put her hand over Brooke's babbling mouth. "I, uh, I do too." Brooke's eyes got wide. "I was, um waiting.."

Brooke pulled Cayden's hand away. "Tell me!" she insisted. "Say it!"

"I did!"

"No you didn't. Say the words. Please."

Cayden suddenly felt embarrassed. Then it struck her. How could I be embarrassed to say three words after the position I was just in? "I love you." It was actually a relief.

Brooke whooped and jumped on top of Cayden. "Oh my god! This is perfect!"

Both women kissed and hugged and rolled around on the bed in celebration until they rolled right onto the floor. Then they began to laugh.

PART 37

M RS. HEWITT GLANCED towards the hallway and hmph'd for the millionth time.

Bert sighed. "Harriet, what is it now?"

"It's just too quiet in there. When Brooke watches that program she's always laughing or clapping at something or another."

Bert shrugged and muted the television. Muffled laughter followed by a thud caused him to raise an eyebrow. "Are you happy now?"

Harriet's eyes were wide. "What was that thump? You don't think... Bert!"

"No, I don't think, now hush up and let them be."

"I just want to make sure everything's alright." Harriet got up from her chair and headed towards the bedroom despite her husband's protests.

Brooke and Cayden froze at the knock. They were on the floor, buck naked, and entangled in the blanket.

"Girls?"

"Ma!" Brooke panicked. "What is it?"

"Is everything alright? I heard a noise. Can I come in?"

"NO!" Brooke shouted as they scrambled around the room for clothes. "We're uh... I'm uh... not right this second."

Harriet's mouth hung open. "Brooke!" she hurried back into the living room. "Bert! You don't think you said... That's exactly what they were doing!"

Bert grimaced. He didn't want to know that information, but as much as he didn't want to know, Brooke was an adult. "Sit down Harriet, they're in the room there, they can do whatever they want." Even as he said it, he pulled a face.

"I'm horrified. We were right here!" Harriet scurried back and forth across the room.

"Do you think the girl is a nun or something? Geez." he shook his head.

"Well, no, but still." Harriet wrung her hands and sat down. "I suppose you're right."

Bert chuckled. "Harriet, don't you remember when we were young and in love?"

Harriet blushed.

"Good. Now, leave them be and don't make a scene when they come out. They must be embarrassed enough at you interrupting them and all."

Harriet's eyes widened. "Do you think I did?" She felt a little guilty. "Maybe I should apologize."

"Don't you even get out of that chair." Bert warned.

*  *  *

Cayden and Brooke stood there looking at each other, not knowing what to do.

"That was so lame! I had no good excuse... she knows what we were doing." Brooke covered her face with her hands.

Cayden couldn't help but grin. "It'll be alright. She probably complained to your father and he's pretty cool."

"You think my dad's cool?"

"Well.... yeah. He is." Cayden said with a shrug.

"You could be right. She hasn't been back." Brooke listened at the door. "How am I going to go out there and look at them?"

The shop keeper wrapped her arms around her lover. "We'll both go out there. We'll threaten to take over their TV with our show and they'll chase us back in here." she said with a grin.

Brooke settled into the hug and giggled. It felt safe and warm in Cayden's arms, her mother didn't matter any more. She slid her hands up the back of the tall woman's shirt and caressed her back. Cayden shivered at the soft touch and Brooke smiled. "I love how you react to my touch."

"I love how you touch me." Cayden closed her eyes and enjoyed the tickling sensations.

Brooke looked up at her lover. Those gorgeous blue eyes were closed. "Open your eyes please." Cayden did and the unmasked emotion startled Brooke. Cayden walked around most of the day with sunglasses on, and without them, Brooke could see what she was trying to hide. "I really do love you. I think I knew it a long time ago, but just didn't want to admit it."

Cayden felt warm all over. "I think I did too. I just didn't know what it was. Everything is so different, more intense."

Brooke stood on her toes and tipped her head back. Cayden took the invitation and they kissed softly, letting their mouth's confirm their confessions.

Cayden was the first to pull away. "We are missing the show you know." she said with a grin. "We can finish watching it, and by the time we leave the room, your mom will have calmed down."

Brooke nodded and led Cayden back to the bed. When she didn't turn on the TV, Cayden chuckled. "Or there's always this." she said, pulling Brooke down on top of her.

*  *  *

Much, much later, the spent, but happy couple did leave the bedroom to no incident. Harriet looked a little frazzled, but no uncomfortable words were exchanged.

Cayden sat in the cab, tired, but content, a big smile on her face. She loved Brooke, and she told her. It felt good, and wasn't as scary as she anticipated. She supposed it was easy because Brooke said it first, and that in itself made her smile wider. Making love after saying I love you, was somehow different. Not better, not worse, but different. She couldn't figure out what had changed, although she did feel a level of trust she didn't feel before. Not really trusting anyone to the extent she trusted Brooke was new, but not as unpleasant as she imagined. Everything she experienced in the last few weeks was new for her, and she was pretty surprised at how easy she accepted it all. Shrugging at her thoughts, Cayden left the cab and with a certain spring to her step, went home.

*  *  *

"Was the show good?" Harriet asked, as her daughter passed through the room.

Brooke opened the bottle of water she just fetched and grinned. "Yeah, it was good."

"Oh. I wasn't sure. Usually, you carry on while you watch. "

Brooke chuckled. "Ma, you know I didn't watch the show."

Harriet feigned surprise. "Really?"

Bert rolled his eyes. "I'm going to bed." he announced.

"Night daddy."

Harriet studied her daughter carefully. She was very relaxed, and grinning non-stop. A big change from the jumpy Brooke of earlier. "Honey, Cayden mentioned a future, have you talked about that?"

"No, not yet."

"You seem very happy."

"Oh, I am. I'm in love ma, totally in love." Brooke giggled and beamed.

Harriet was very happy for her, but at the same time, a little worried. "Brooke, I am thrilled that you found Cayden. She seems to care a great deal for you, and you both seem terribly in love, but people don't like lesbians. I don't want you to get hurt."

Brooke smiled and got up to hug her mother. "Aw mom, I know your worried. I'm ready for it. I have Cayden, Jodie, Wade and Bev. Most importantly, I have you and dad. I have the best support system ever, I'll be alright. I promise." She kissed her mom on the cheek.

"Well, okay." Harriet sighed. "I just worry. I'm your mother, I'm allowed."

"I'm happy ma, incredibly happy. Finally, I know what it really feels like." Brooke practically gushed.

Harriet smiled. "Good for you honey. " she hugged Brooke and relaxed. "Good for you."

*  *  *

Cayden entered her apartment quietly. La La danced around her feet, making her navigating dangerous. "Git!" she whispered, moving the purring menace with her foot. "You're gonna trip me."

Wade suddenly exploded from his bedroom. "Well hello there! What happened? How was dinner? What did you eat? Was the mother a nuisance? Oh my god! Look at you! Is that a hickey?"

Cayden slumped against the wall and chuckled. She held a hand up and kicked off her shoes. "One question at a time." she said, making her way into the kitchen. "God, I'm thirsty."

Wade followed hot on her heels. "Oh, yes. I know that thirst well." he said with a grin. "So, tell me, what happened?"

Cayden turned to him and smiled. "Everything was good. The food was great, although I choked on a pea. The parents were minimally invasive, but they really care about Brooke, so that was tolerable." Cayden drank deeply from the bottle or water and sighed.

Wade stared at her. She had an odd expression, it was almost blissful. Cayden? Blissful? "What is going on with you? Something happened."

Cayden confirmed with a nod. "Something did happen. She told me she loves me and I didn't feel sick."

Wade's eyes grew wide. "She did! And you didn't run screaming?"

"Nope." Cayden smiled and then chuckled. "Actually, I said it back."

Wade threw himself on the floor.

The shop keeper laughed. La La came to investigate the prone man. "It didn't kill me. I said it, and it felt good."

Wade twitched and writhed.

Cayden snickered and stepped over him. "I'm going to take a quick shower and get some sleep."

Wade grabbed her leg. "Oh no you don't! You just don't say that and go to bed!"

"It worked for Brooke." she said with an eyebrow wiggle.

"Ooo, you had I love you sex?" He got up off the floor and blocked the kitchen doorway.

"Yep. Wade, this is weird. I'm in love and I'm alright with it. In fact, I feel great!"

Wade smiled warmly. "This is the best thing in the world. I am so happy to hear it Cayd. You totally deserve happiness."

"I think I'm due." she grinned.

Wade poked her in the neck. "So, is that a before or after I love you hickey?"

Cayden blushed. "After." she recalled the sensation of Brooke's mouth, leaving that mark and had to suppress the shiver. "Definitely after."

"She pissed on you, you know."

Cayden laughed. "Let me tell you, if that's what it feels like to be pissed on, she can do it all she wants."

"You never had a hickey before?" Wade asked in disbelief.

"Nope. There's been a lot of firsts with Brooke."

Wade smiled knowingly. "God it's great to see you so happy."

"It feels great." Cayden replied. "I really do have to get to bed. I have something to do tomorrow morning before work."

Wade was stunned. "What?! You are getting up early? You? Who needs to lay in bed until the very last second or you turn into a witch?"

The shop keeper smiled. "Yep."

Wade shook his head. "This new Cayden is going to take some getting used to."

"Don't I know it."

*  *  *

It was 8:15 AM, and Cayden waited patiently, albeit nervously. She was leaning on a parked car, in front of the building, holding a brown paper bag. Every time the door opened, her heart pounded, and she stood up straight in anticipation, only to flop back against the car. Finally, the door opened one more time, and her wait was over.

"Cayden?" Brooke was puzzled. "What are you doing here?" She walked quickly to the shop keeper and smiled.

Cayden smiled back, and shrugged awkwardly. "I came to take you to work. It seemed like a good idea."

Brooke leaned into Cayden and laughed "It was a very good idea." She bent her head back and Cayden snuck a cocky look at all the passersby before planting a proper good morning kiss on her lover.

"Mmm, now it's a good morning. What's in the bag?"

"Coffee and bagels. I didn't know what you liked so I got plain, with butter." The tall woman held up the bag shyly.

"You are the sweetest thing!" Brooke grinned and took Cayden by the hand. "Come on, I don't want to be late!"

As the couple walked towards the subway, Brooke took Cayden's free hand. The shop keeper smiled proudly and even swung their joined hands a little as they walked.

Brooke eyed her lover, her cut off shorts especially, and squeezed her hand. "You look really good. Have I told you how I love your legs?"

Cayden blushed a bit. "No."

"They're glorious you know. Long, smooth, sexy, tasty." Brooke stopped herself, it was far too early in the morning to go where she was going. Besides, Cayden looked uncomfortable. "Thank you for coming here, it was highly unexpected, but wonderful."

Cayden chuckled. "It wasn't as hard to get out of bed as I thought."

"Gee thanks." Brooke snickered.

Just as they made their way down the stairs to the subway the train roared into the station, and they made a run for it. Once on the crowded train, Cayden led Brook to a small open spot against a wall. She placed Brooke against it and stood in front of her, protecting her from the horde of passengers, lurching and stumbling as the train jerked out of the station.

"My hero. I should take you with me every morning." Brooke joked before taking another long look at Cayden's bared legs.

"I don't want any sweaty, smelly people leaning on you. " Cayden shrugged, then flexed the leg Brooke was staring at.

Green eyes narrowed. "You know, your legs flex like that a lot when we... you know."

Cayden's eyes widened. "Brooke!' She warned playfully.

"Oh, but they do, and your belly..." Brooke had that hungry look in her eye.

Cayden dug into the bag and handed Brooke a coffee. "Here." she said, hoping to distract her horny lover.

"Thanks." Brooke snickered at Cayden's distress. "You're cute when you're shy."

"Yeah, and you're drop dead cute when your angry." Cayden countered.

Brooke thought about that as she attempted to sip her coffee on a moving subway. The only time she saw me angry was... Suddenly she got a clue. "Oh my god! That's why you were smiling at me!" she back handed the tall woman in the belly. "I was losing my mind, in the middle of the street and you were chuckling! I was incensed!"

Cayden chuckled again at Brooke's anger. "See? You're downright adorable."

"Ooo, you just wait, I'll show you adorable." The blonde threatened.

"You can't possibly get any better."

Brooke softened immediately. "Aww, thank you."

Their stop came quickly and Brooke pulled Cayden by the hand. "Come up with me. There's someone I am dying for you to meet!"

Cayden grimaced. "I don't know..."

"Please? She's really nice and I've told her all about you."

The tall woman walked a bit slower. "You did? What did you say?"

"I told her I am in love with the hottest, most impossible woman in the world."

Cayden narrowed her eyes playfully. "Oh really? Impossible?"

"The worst. You can't deny that you gave me the hardest time. You were a big fat meanie."

The shop keeper grinned shyly. "Yeah, I suppose I was. But I was justified with that Grant thing and all."

"Hush. We don't mention that putz's name out loud. I guess you have a point though. God, I probably seemed like a nut."

"Yeah, you did, Lucky for you, nuts are my favorite snack food." Cayden said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

"Mmm, I can tell." Brooke exhaled loudly and shook her head. "Let's not go there right now. Come on... this is the building."

Cayden had no idea what to expect, or who she was going to meet and it made her hesitant. Brooke sensed something wrong and gave Cayden a great big reassuring smile. "It will be fine, Bev is a really good friend. She's going to remind you of the mother on that Queer show, you'll love her. Don't worry."

As soon as they left the elevator, they were standing in cubicle hell. Cayden always wondered how anybody could work in a place like this and not lose their sanity. She gave Brooke a sympathetic look and thanked anyone who would listen that she had the shop. She noticed quite a few people giving her the once over and clung closer to Brooke.

The open stares of appreciation didn't get past the blonde and she smiled proudly as she marched her lover through the office. She felt the excited butterflies as she approached Bev's cubicle. "Bev, there's someone I want you to meet."

The older woman sprung up from her chair. "Oh my! From the look on your face I'd say this is Cayden?"

Cayden nodded and hesitantly held out her hand, unsure of what to do.

"Oh please, handshakes are for business meetings, give an old lady a hug!"

Before she knew what was happening, Cayden was swept into a bear hug. It wasn't bad, Bev smelled good enough and she wasn't sweaty. That was a plus. Taking a step back once she was released, she stood awkwardly for the older woman to size her up.

"Oh, Brooke, she's magnificent! So, this is Cayden."

"Yep! Isn't she divine?" Brooke gushed, leaning heavily into her lover.

Cayden cleared her throat, quite uncomfortable with it all. "Uhm, where should I put the bagels?"

"I'm in the next cubicle, we'll go in a second. Bev, she met me outside of my building this morning with coffee and bagels. Isn't that just the sweetest thing? She came all the way to work with me on the subway! Could you faint?"

Bev, gave Cayden a smile of approval and clapped her hands excitedly. "Quite a change from the stories I heard before. I'd say you're a quick study. Good for you. I've never seen Brooke happier!"

"I've never been happier. We had a very good night last night. Right Cayd?"

"Very good." the tall woman nodded, and rustled the bag in her hands.

"I better get her out of here before she runs off with my breakfast. We'll talk at lunch." Brooke smiled one last time for Bev, and they both giggled, before the blonde dragged Cayden off to her cubicle. "This is my piece of Paradise."

"Charming." Cayden said sarcastically.

"Yeah, I know, but it's all I got. I'm usually too busy to notice how ugly it is. You sure are lucky baby, to have your own place."

Cayden couldn't agree more. "I'm not taking it for granted any more, that’s for sure. So, you and Bev talk about me?"

"We have. I needed advice on how to wrangle me a real live lesbian." Brooke winked and laughed.

"Well, you got me so I guess I shouldn't complain, although I am a bit uncomfortable with being talked about. I mean, she said I learned quickly? What does that mean?"

"Etiquette and all that. Remember, holding doors and pulling out chairs?"

Cayden nodded. "Oh yeah, I can't possibly forget that. I'm an old pro already." She patted herself on the back.

"Hmm." Brooke pretended to think hard. "No, you're right, I can't think of anything. You've done very well. My sexy chivalrous girlfriend."

Cayden turned pink. "That's enough you."

Brooke stole a quick kiss. "You're so adorable. I bet no one knows just how cute you are."

"I'd like if it stays between us." Cayden nodded over towards Bev.

"Don't worry, she doesn't know all your secrets. I'd be a fool to publicize everything, women would come running form every direction."

Brooke.." The tall shop keeper blushed harder, and saw Boooke was about to continue her embarrassing roll. She leaned down and initiated a long sexy kiss that left Brooke reeling. She chuckled at her affect on the small blonde. "I gotta go, here's breakfast. I'll call you later?"

"You bet you will." Brooke watched with admiration as her lover began to walk away. "Cayd?"

The tall woman turned around. "Hmm?"

"I love you."

"Me too."

PART 38

W ORK WAS A breeze for Cayden. After visiting Brooke's office and seeing how the other half toils, she was very grateful to have her big comfy chair and TV. Currently utilizing both, the shop keeper thought about what comes next. She supposed after they both admitted they love each other, that all sorts of stuff happens. While a mature adult, Cayden felt like a babe in the woods in this situation. It was a bad feeling, not knowing what to do. The only good thing about all of it was that Brooke loved her too. The tall woman frowned and sighed. Brooke was in love before, she must know what comes next. Okay, we're in a relationship, that much I know, but honestly, what now?

The bell over the door tinkled and Cayden looked up.

"Ooo, forehead wrinkles." Jodie observed. "What's cookin'?"

Cayden watched as her friend aligned some boxes on a shelf as she passed. She could talk to Jodie, so far, Jo hadn't given her any bad advice. Then again, just where was Jo getting all of this information? Jo was a run around, commitment phobic.

"Cayd? Really, what's wrong? You stay like that too long and you'll need botox."

Cayden sighed and shrugged. "I'm not so sure what's wrong."

"Well, you had to be thinking about something." Jo leaned over the counter and smoothed Cayden's forehead. "Was it dinner? Was it the parents? Did the dog pee on you?"

Cayden bit her lip.

"Come on! You know you can talk to me of all people." Jo was really intrigued.

Cayden smiled despite her shyness. "Actually everything went pretty good. Surprisingly good, even though I choked on a pea."

"Then why the forehead?'

"We said I love you last night."

Jodie wanted to jump up and down and scream, but something about this was eating at Cayden. "And, you're upset why?"

"Oh, I'm not upset, just ... confused a little."

Jodie pretended to wipe her forehead in relief. "Wow! So you both said it? Who said it first? Was it an after orgasm blurt? Did you have I love you sex?" she reached across the counter and pointed to Cayden's neck. "When did she piss on you?"

The shop keeper chuckled. "Jo, why does everyone say she pissed on me? It was a passionate thing... not property."

Jodie gave Cayden a skeptical look. "Alright, I'll buy that for now. So? Who said it first?"

"She did. At first I was a little stunned, I didn't know it was coming, but it's all cool. I didn't freak, and yes, we made love after." she said with a grin.

"Oh Cayd, this is fabulous! I'm so happy for you! Does Wade know?'

"Yeah, he knows and he pretty much said the same thing. You guys are really happy for me?"

"Fuck yeah! Honey, we're your friends, and friends only want each other to be happy. Don't you feel that way about us?"

"I guess. Thing is, I know I’m such a prick sometimes, and you guys are always there.. and now, with Brooke and all, you're still there, and you both care the same."

"Stop babbling, we'll always love you. Sure, it's a plus that we like Brooke too, but even if we didn't, if she made you happy we'd have to deal."

Cayden smiled. "Shut up, before I get mushy."

"So, tell me, what's bothering you."

"I don't know what happens now. Is something expected of me? Doesn't everything change?"

Jodie grinned. "Things only change if you want them to. The best thing for you right now is to actually talk to Brooke. Both of you need to decide what is next in the relationship. Commitment, monogamy, phone calls, dates, you both have to set boundaries... or not." Jodie snickered.

Cayden looked confused again.

"Hon, it will all fall into place. Hasn't it done just that so far?"

"I suppose."

"Don't worry so much. The most important thing is that you both have each other. Both of you are learning together, and as long as you trust each other, it should all work out."

Cayden seemed to relax. She leaned back into her chair and began to swivel a little from side to side. I walked her to work this morning."

"You did?"

"I met her outside her building and took her to work. Got breakfast too."

"You did that all on your own?" Jodie's eyes were wide open.

"Yeah." Cayden said proudly.

"See? You have nothing to worry about at all. You're doing just fine." Jodie smiled warmly at her friend.

Cayden pursed her lips in thought before speaking. "I feel like it wasn't enough. I want to be with her right now. And I mean be with her."

"Of course you do. I bet Brooke is feeling the same way right now. It'll subside after a while. Bask in it for now. It'll be something to reflect on when you're old and grey and can't get it up any more."

"Gee thanks, Jo." Cayden chuckled.

The phone rang and Jodie picked it up. "Fuzzy Belly Deli. Oh, hello there Brooke, we were just talking about you. All good. Hold a sec and I'll hand you over to blue eyed and horny."

"JO!" Cayden swatted at her before taking the phone. "Hi." She said sheepishly.

"Horny, huh?" Brooke asked with a giggle. "Just what were you two talking about?"

"Don't listen to her, she's an ass." Cayden narrowed her eyes at Jodie who stuck her tongue out. "We weren't talking about that."

"Hmm. That's too bad, because I'm just sitting here thinking about how horny I am right now."

Cayden's eyebrows shot up and she cleared her throat. "Really? Cuz, if you really want to know, me too."

"I think I may be addicted to you Cayden Riley." Brooke said in a sexy voice. "All of you."

Cayden shivered and turned her back on Jodie. "Oh really?" She purred.

"Uh huh. Especially that really tasty spot just below your..."

"Okay!" Cayden interrupted, feeling her body reacting strongly to Brooke's voice. "Uhm, so, when am I going to see you?"

"Personally, I'd like to be attached to you permanently, but since we'd never fit in my computer chair, I'll settle for tonight."

Cayden grinned like an idiot. She feels the same way! "Why don't you come to my place. Wade will be there, but I think it will be less dramatic than your place."

Brooke agreed and did some quick calculating in her head. Subway, dinner, shower, walk Fred..."How's 8:30?"

"Perfect." Cayden agreed. She scanned over her shoulder for Jodie, who was attempting to look innocent. "Can you uh, wear that... you know... from yesterday?"

Brooke laughed. "Absolutely."

"Yum. I'll see you later." Cayden closed her eyes and smiled happily.

"Wait a second here. If I wear that, you have to wear something for me too."

Blue eyes popped open in fear. "I do? What?"

"Let me think..."

Cayden squirmed. What could Brooke ask her to wear? The possibilities were endless.

"I know! You know that tank top that you wore... "

Cayden blew out a relieved breath. "That? Sure." she grinned. "You got it."

*  *  *

Brooke rearranged herself on the side of Bev's desk. "And then, I see her look at me sideways, and before I knew it she was choking!" The blonde laughed.

"Priceless!" Bev giggled along with her. "Did she tell you what she saw?"

"Oh yeah, and it was amazing. I had the exact same outfit sitting in a drawer... it was a gift from Grant, a long time ago, and I never could bring myself to put it on. It just sat there. I guess it was just waiting for her. Boy, you should have seen her face when she turned around and I was wearing it."

Bev grinned knowingly. "So, I take it the rest of the evening went very well."

"Oh yeah." Brooke couldn't hide the heat in her face. "She liked it, alot." She leaned over closer to Bev. "And she wants me to wear it tonight."

Bev laughed happily. "Ah, young love. I remember it well."

"Love." Brooke repeated dreamily. "I never thought it could feel like this."

"Sweetie, are you sure Cayden is it? No regrets? No second thoughts?"

"None." Brooke replied adamantly. "None at all. I told her I love her, and she told me she loves me too. I never felt more complete in my life. It was like when she said it, I could breathe again."

Bev smiled warmly. "That's beautiful, Brooke."

"I couldn't agree more. So, I want to get out of here early today. I have so much to do before 8 and now I have to wash that thong and I don't know how I'll get it dry!"

"Blow dry it. I've done that with more pantyhose than you can imagine." Bev offered. "It works.

"Good idea! I'll do that. I gotta run. Thank you for taking care of my shit." Brooke hugged Bev and smiled. "You're the best."

"Well, when I find a hot young stud to sweep me off my feet, I know you'll do the same for me."

Brooke hugged her again, "You know I will."

*  *  *

Cayden was eager to close the shop, she wanted to hurry home, and couldn't wait to see Brooke. She hurriedly counted out her register and shut the gates.

As Cayden sat on the subway, her eyes closed behind her shades, all she could think about was this talk she was supposed to have with Brooke. Did she really have to have it? Couldn't they just go on as they were? Was it really so important to do this? Now?

The tall woman made her way towards the doors as the train rolled into her station. Putting the talk in the back of her mind, she began to think about what to do with Wade. I could send him out again, but he won't go. He almost killed me after the Butch night... Hmmm. I'll feel really weird with him in the house. Or will I? I mean, we did it with her parents right in the other room... it wasn't so bad. Then again, I hated to have to keep quiet, even more, I hated that I couldn't hear Brooke. With that thought fresh in her mind, Cayden entered her apartment, sounds of Brooke's pleasure filling her head.

Wade gave his friend an odd look as she made a beeline for the shower, not even stopping to say hello. He tapped on the bathroom door. "What happened? Did something pee on you?"

Cayden stripped down and jumped under the spray. "No, Brooke will be here soon and I want to be ready. Ah! Fuck!"

"Burn yourself?"

"No, just the opposite, I need to cool off. Now go away and let me shower."

Wade chuckled to himself. "Had to cool off? Already?" He squatted down and hefted up La La "Guess it'll be you and me bud while auntie Cayden entertains tonight." La La struggled to get away and when Wade dropped him, he ran to Cayden's room. Wade grabbed him just as he was about to lay down in her underwear drawer. After detaching a pair of panties from the cat's claw, he reprimanded him. "This is a no no. Don't you recall an Epilady threat? Trust me, with your gut, you won't look good bald."

*  *  *

Still damp from the shower, Cayden struggled into the tighter than tight tank top. It rolled and twisted and pissed her off, but she finally got it on. Now it was deciding what to wear with the tank top. While searching through the drawers, Wade popped his head into the room.

"Ooo, that's the innie tank top."

Cayden raised an eyebrow. "Innie?"

"Yeah, it's so tight, your nipples become innies."

The tall woman laughed. "I got news for ya, one kiss from Brooke, and I guarantee they'll prove you wrong."

Wade poked Cayden in the nipple. "What are they cast iron?"

Cayden just stood there, staring at Wade's finger.

"No need to get all huffy, it didn't do a thing for me." He explained.

"My nipples are off limits to you bud. How'd you like it if I poked you in the nut?"

Wade grimaced. "Okay! I got it. No more ninnie poking. So, what's the plan Stan?"

"The plan is, I have to find something to wear, other than this shirt, feed myself, and be ready in half an hour."

"Half an hour! I'll throw together a sandwich for you, and you find pants. Oh, and don't wear the blue panties." He shook his head.

Cayden fished in her drawer and pulled out the blue panties. "What's wrong with them?" she asked, examining them. Her eyes narrowed. "Wade? Why are there several little holes in these panties?"

Wade shrugged and backed out of the room. "One ham sandwich coming up!" he announced as he fled.

*  *  *

Brooke finished everything she had to do early, leaving work when she did paid off, and now she had time to kill. She sat on her bed, looking down at her clothes, a plain T shirt and shorts and giggled. It looked so normal, no one would ever guess what she was wearing underneath. Oh, but Cayden knows. I wonder how long I can sit there, with her knowing what's underneath, before she tears off my clothes? She giggled again then turned serious. Is this normal? Just wanting her naked all the time? Shouldn't we talk, or go to a movie, or something? Brooke thought about it a while, and decided to ask Jodie or Wade. Cayden wouldn't know, she was as new to this as Brooke was. Wade, speaking of him, he's there. I should spend some time with him too. Can't just run off into the bedroom. Glancing at the clock, she still had some time to waste and had an idea.

Harriet stopped Brooke from leaving. "If you're not coming home tonight, I expect a call young lady!"

"Yes, mother." Brooke rolled her eyes.

"You have work tomorrow, you can't be out until all hours. And what were you blow drying in your room for all that time?"

Brooke sighed. "My thong."

"Thong? You wear a thong? I'll never understand how anyone could wear that thing. Doesn't it chafe?"

Brooke ignored the questions. "I'll be home tonight, and I won't be out until all hours."

"Good. Now have a good time, and be careful walking the streets."

"Love you. Love you too daddy."

"What your mother said, and not the thong part."

*  *  *

Cayden waved the punctured panties in Wade's face. "This new development of that hairy beast in my underwear drawer has got to stop."

"Face it Cayd, he likes you and wants to be near you. And stop waving them around, something may fall out onto your sandwich."

Blue eyes narrowed. "The only thing that will fall out of these is cat hair."

"Then it's a good thing you didn't wear them. How would you explain that to Brooke?"

"ARHG!" Cayden snatched the sandwich and stomped off to her room. "I need to put pants on."

Just as Wade popped open a beer for Cayden, there was a knock on the door. he opened it and grinned. "Hiya sexy.' They kissed and Brooke walked inside. "She'll be right out, here, have a beer." He handed her Cayden's beer.

"Thanks! It sure is humid out." she drank gratefully and sat down. "Is she in the shower?"

"No, she's shoving food down her throat and putting on pants. So! Tell me, what's it feels like to be in love with that one." he pointed to the bedroom.

Brooke giggled. "She has her moments, but I guess it's good. I know I don't want to be away from her for any length of time, and when I am with her, I can’t get close enough. I want to be in her skin, but I don't want to smother her so some definite restraint is involved."

Wade opened is mouth to speak when Cayden bellowed from the other room.

"Plain ham on bread? I'm gagging in here? Where the hell is my beer?"

Wade looked sheepish and Brooke's eyes widened.

"Oh, you bad boy." The blonde got up and hurried towards Cayden's voice. She tapped on the door as she pushed it open and was pleasantly surprised to see Cayden standing there in her panties. Her back was turned and Brooke couldn't stop the wolfish grin from stealing her lips.

"Good grief Wade, I'm choking to death in here, my back is sweating and Brooke will be here any second! I need to find pants!"

"I think you look fine just like that."

Cayden spun around and blushed. "Oh, hi." she said her face turning dark red.

"It's just my opinion, but I have no complaints." Brooke handed over the beer and stood back to admire her lover.

Cayden drank, never taking her eyes from Brooke. "You're staring at me, my... it."

Brooke nodded. "I happen to be very fond of it."

Cayden chuckled. "Well, either you strip down to your panties, or stop gawping, cuz it's no fair."

Brooke made like she was going to open her pants, when Wade interrupted.

"Hey, do I have to take the hose to you two? How's about some socializing?"

Brooke frowned momentarily. "He's right you know. We should..."

"Yeah." Cayden agreed. "We'll be right out!" she yelled.

"Trust me?" Brooke asked.

The tall woman nodded, a little puzzled.

Brooke reached into the open drawer and pulled out some shorts. "Here, decision final."

Cayden grinned and put on the shorts. "Hey, do you trust me?"

"Of course."

Cayden fidgeted a little and pursed her lips. "Do you think we have to talk?"

"About what?" Brooke wondered.

"I don't know. Us?"

"What about us? Is something wrong?" Brooke began to panic.

"No!" Cayden hugged Brooke for reassurance. "Nothing like that. It's just I thought maybe, well, I don't really know.... this is like the first time... I spoke to Jo and Wade...."

Brooke cut her off. "Cayd, it's alright. Do you love me?" The brunette nodded. "Do you trust me?" another nod. "Well the same here. I think that as long as we agree on that, we can work anything through."

Cayden nodded mutely, still uncertain.

"Okay, well, what did Jo and Wade say?'

"Jo said what you said."

"Great minds and all that." Brooke grinned. "What pearl of wisdom did Wade give you?"

"Wade told me to chill out, put my big girl panties on and deal with it."

Brooke laughed. "I have a question for you. Do you think it's normal to want you every second of the day?"

Cayden's eyes widened. "God I hope so. That's how I feel."

Brooke felt instant relief. "It doesn't scare you?"

"Sure... this whole thing scares me a little, but knowing I'm not alone, makes a big difference."

Brooke stepped into Cayden's arms and rested her cheek against the tall woman's chest. Cayden's heart beat soothed her like it would a nervous puppy. She looked up into loving blue eyes and smiled happily. "You'll never be alone."

"Promise?" Cayden bent her head to meet Brooke's lips.

"Promise." Brooke whispered before her lips were claimed in a kiss filled with love, honesty and hope.