by Robin Hicks
Koty leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lovers' lips. "Thanks Baby." Turning to her partner she said; "Hey Laney, you want a mixed drink or wine?"
"Just wine for now thanks."
"Make that two wines for now Kase, maybe I'll have a drink a little latter."
"Kay."
Emerald green eyes watched the two detectives come into the living room to find somewhere to sit smiling widely as she watched the shorter of the two. Well if you could call 5'10 short.
'God, I was hoping she would be here tonight, I'm glad Kristi invited me and Jodi to come with her.'
She was brought out of her musings as a napkin was wiped across her chin. She turned with a frown when she saw Jodi laughing at her.
"You were starting to drool and I didn't want you to make a fool of yourself."
"You are such the comedian aren't you?" Randi snatched the napkin from her friend then threw it at her."
Laney turned at the sound of loud laughter and caught her breath as she spotted Randi and Jodi as they started wrestling on the love seat. Green eyes looked up and locked with blue and momentarily neither one seemed to be able to breathe.
The moment was broken when Koty elbowed her friend in the side. "I'm going to have to ask Jamie to turn the AC down lower if you put off any more heat from that look Jacobs."
"Shut up Silvers!" Laney hissed under her breath. "I didn't know that she was going to be here tonight." 'And I know that she said that she and Jodi were just best friends but do they have to be touching each other like that all of the time?'
"Jamie and Trish know a lot of people Jacobs, I'm sure one of their friends probably invited them. Besides," Koty smiled, "aren't you glad to see her?"
"You're asking for it Silvers. I'm going to tell your wife you are picking on me again."
Koty gave an indignant huff. "And I am supposed to be frightened?"
Koty squealed as a hard pinch was placed on her rear. "Dakota Silvers, quit picking on Laney and behave yourself and you damned sure better be frightened." Kasey said as she handed her lover and Laney their wine.
"Yes Ma'am."
Laney broke out in a sharp laugh. "Ha, you are so whipped!" Now it was Laney's turn to squeal as a pinch landed on her rear as well.
"That goes for you too Detective Jacobs, you behave as well."
"Yes Ma'am."
Kasey grinned brightly at her control of the two tall detectives. "That's right, always listen to and respect what your Mama says."
Koty leaned inward to leer at the doctor and whispered. "I'm not having very motherly thoughts about you right now Miss Brooks." Kasey blushed and Laney laughed at loud again.
"Hello detective." Laney felt a feather light touch on her hip where a small hand rested. Her eyes followed the hand up to the owner's eyes and smiled.
"Miss Daniels, how are you?"
"Much better now, good to see another face that I know. A friend invited Jodi and I and now I'm real glad she did. How is the house coming along?"
"Well actually pretty slow, I haven't had much time in the past day and a half since I've seen you last. I've been sooo busy, with flying to France, visiting the Statue of Liberty and…"
"Everyone has to be a comedian tonight don't they?" Randi laughed at Laney's attempt at the small joke. The detective finally seemed to be feeling a little more comfortable around her.
"Can I buy you a drink from this nice establishment later and maybe have a dance?"
Laney's eyes widened just a bit before she spoke. "The drink will be fine. I don't know about the dance. I…"
"So'kay Laney, no pressure alright?"
"Alright." She watched Randi walk away from her to speak to a large man walking in the door with a box that looked like it might be full of comic books. 'Comic books huh, wonder if he has any Fantastic Four?' Laney blushed again as she remembered Randi calling her the Thing.
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
Koty was walking towards Laney when the front door suddenly opened and she saw two familiar faces come through. A huge smile lit her face and she went to greet them giving the taller of the two a crushing hug.
"Mel. God it's good to see you." She turned to the shorter one with the curly hair and gave her a light kiss on the lips causing her to blush and smack Koty on the butt. "Gina, you are looking as cute as ever, how are you?"
"You Miss Dakota Silvers are a big old flatterer and I'm doing just great, where's your wife?"
"I'm right here, how are you guys?" Kasey said as she hugged Koty's long time friends. "I'm really glad you guys could make it, I wasn't so sure you would with your new rehab center being built."
Mel and Gina had been doing wildlife rehab at their home in the mountains of West Virginia and decided to open up a medical center for the wildlife and actually bringing on two veterinarians and four assistants. Mel said she had so much money from her father's will that it would have made him proud to know that she did this. He had been a huge animal lover.
"We have two people we trust to handle things for two days while we're here and Gina's sister is at the house watching the dogs while we're gone."
"Dogs?" Koty asked as they walked further into the house so Mel could place their suitcases by the bedroom door they would staying in while they were here.
"Yeah, dogs. We rescued two little beagle puppies from the shelter a week ago. You guys are due to come up there soon and I know Kasey that you will just fall right in love with them."
Kasey grabbed Gina's hand and pulled her towards the living room making their partners follow behind them. "We will be there for the opening of your clinic you can count on that."
"Good, now lead me to Jamie and Trish. I haven't seen them since Jamie was in the hospital…"
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
Randi watched as a short Spanish looking woman walked up to Laney with two glasses of wine in her hands and scowled at the look on the other woman's face.
"Hello good looking woman. I see mi alto Amiga really did bring me a present si?"
Laney ducked her head slightly embarrassed at the attention Koty's friend was giving her. "Hi."
"Relax Detective, Koty will tell you I really am harmless. Sometimes." She said with a laugh when she saw the blush on Laney's cheeks. "Please, I just brought you a glass of wine since I noticed your empty glass and just wanted to say hello."
"Sorry, and thank you for the wine. It's Alex right?" Laney asked as she extended her hand for the smaller woman to shake.
"Yes, and you're Laney correct?"
"I am. So Alex, what makes a woman want to be a Coroner?"
Alex directed her hand towards two chairs that had been place against the wall for extra seating. "Please sit with me for a moment Detective will you?"
Laney sat as the other woman sat as well and turned towards her. "I have always liked solving puzzles even as a child. The more complicated the puzzle, the more I just had to figure it out. Solving a crime is much like a huge puzzle no?"
"Well, I guess it is. I've always liked puzzles myself. It's so fulfilling when you finally put the last piece in place and see the whole picture. I guess our professions are very similar really but mine is a lot easier."
"Maybe, but yours is also a lot more dangerous. The dead can't harm you. Your puzzles carry guns and knives and such. I don't envy you that Detective. So I say maybe we both have similar jobs. Speaking of jobs how is that case going with the young ladies car?"
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
"Pouting doesn't suit you my friend." Jodi said as she sat next to Randi. "Who is that she is talking to?"
"Don't know, I've never seen her before but she doesn't have to sit so close to her and she damn sure doesn't have to keep touching her while they are talking."
"So why don't you just go over there and claim your territory?"
"It's not like that Jo, she isn't my territory. She isn't my anything."
"But you want her to be don't you?"
"Jesus, am I that obvious?" Randi sighed as she plopped
her head against the back of the love seat.
"It's only obvious to those who know and love you Sweet Cheeks. And to those who don't know you so well but are watching you now."
Randi followed Jodi's gaze and met up with the blue eyes of Koty. She sighed harder and slumped further into the cushion she was sitting on. 'God I am so out of my league here. I feel like a teenager.' She glanced once more in Laney's direction just in time to see the Spanish woman stand.
She felt the tension start to leave her chest only to rush back like a blow to the stomach and shot invisible daggers across the room when the woman leaned over and placed a soft kiss to Laney's cheek…
"Thank you pretty lady for joining me in conversation, I think I will take my leave now before that cute little blonde sitting in that love seat comes over and kicks my ass."
Laney's eyes widened as she quickly glanced at Randi. 'Why does she look so pissed off?' "Thank you Alex and enjoy the party." She told the Coroner and stood to go stand by the love seat and cute blonde in question.
"Hey Sparky."
Randi looked at Laney then over to the evil harlot walking into the kitchen. She looked back at Laney and the hard lines around her mouth softened into a smile. "Hello Thing. Enjoying the evening?"
"Quite. I'm going out on the deck for a few minutes to get some fresh air, care to join me?"
"Lead on." Randi stood and followed the woman in front of her while she enjoyed the view of Laney's backside until she almost slammed into the back of her when Laney stopped to allow two women to come in through the patio doors before she walked out.
Other than a couple that was walking towards the end of the back yard they were the only ones out there. Laney leaned against the railing of the deck and took in a lung full of air. "It's really nice out tonight. I'm surprised that more people aren't out here right now."
"Um, it is nice out but right this minute I'm glad they are inside."
"Yeah, How come?" Laney turned towards her companion just as Randi moved in closer causing her breathing to cease completely.
Randi moved in even closer and put her hand behind the detectives head. "Because right this second I really want to kiss you."
"Randi I…"
"Shhh." The younger woman pulled Laney's head down and placed her lips on the softest she had ever known in her life. She pulled back briefly but when Laney didn't seem like she wanted to stop her she leaned back in for a more passionate kiss.
Time seemed to stand still as Randi found her hands wondering slowly up inside Laney's soft blue t-shirt. She heard a muted moan as her thumb brushed under Laney's right breast. "God, I must have died." She husked out.
"W…What do you mean?" Laney breathed out harshly trying to catch her breath.
Randi placed her lips to Laney's left ear. "I must be dead because surely you are an Angel. I know that sounds like a line but it isn't, I really believe that."
"Rand, I…" Laney cleared her throat to try again. "I…"
"Talk to me Lane. Don't be afraid to…"
"Come home with me." Was whispered before total silence.
"Laney, don't say things that …"
"I mean it Randi. Please don't make me beg, this is really hard for me. Say no if you don't want to but…"
"Yes." Was all that was said before the younger woman pulled Laney into a full bodied hug. "Lead on."
The detective reached down and gently entwined her fingers with Randi pulling her towards the sliding glass doors. Randi went to find Jodi to tell her where she was going and Laney went to seek out Koty and Kasey finding them leaning against the wall with Koty's arms wrapped securely around her partner.
"Hey guys, I'm going to take off, I…" She stopped briefly as Randi slid up next to her and placed her hand on her back.
"Ready?" The antique dealer asked with a sweet smile.
Koty got a shit eating grin on her face and barked out a laugh which she quickly stifled when she felt an elbow to her ribs from her lover.
Kasey smiled at her friend. "That's alright Laney. Do you need to take the Mustang? We can borrow Jamie or Trish's car later."
Laney turned to the woman at her side with a raised eyebrow. Randi grinned and said, "No, I have my truck. Jodi is getting a ride home with Kristi."
Laney smiled sweetly at her companion and Koty rolled her eyes and had to smother a laugh for fear of Kasey's wrath. "You two drive careful." She said instead.
Chapter Thirty One
Laney closed the door behind them and leaned against it reaching behind her to turn the knob of the deadbolt. Briefly closing her eyes she felt Randi's hands slide on both sides of her hips. She slowly opened them and felt as much as saw the raw need in the younger woman's emerald eyes.
"Laney, you have been awfully quiet the whole trip here, having second thoughts?" Randi asked as she slowly slid her hands up under her friends' breast.
The taller woman's body shuddered as her eyes closed once more. "No. I…" She swallowed hard. "I'm not sure what to do. You know I've never been with…"
"I know. And yes you do. All you have to do is go with what you feel Sweetheart."
"But I feel so much right now, where do I start?"
"Hey, why don't we just lie in bed and let me hold you for awhile first. We will take it from there and see what happens. If something does…then beautiful. If not, then we always have tomorrow or the next day okay? This won't happen until you are completely ready Lane."
Randi gently pulled Laney towards where she remembered the bedroom was when she helped her move the bed in there. Kicking her shoes off by the bedroom door she reached down and pulled off the older woman's sneakers.
She took Laney's hand again to lead her to the bed. "Come on, let's just lie awhile."
Laney pulled her to a stop. "Wait Rand."
Mistaking the hesitation Randi paused. "It's okay Honey; we can do this another time."
"No. That's not what I mean. I…"
"I won't hurt you Lane. I would never ever do that."
"I know." Laney clasped the edges of the younger woman's green Polo shirt and slowly pulled it over her head pausing to just take in the sight in front of her before she dropped it on the floor at their feet. She swallowed hard then leaned in for a soft kiss.
"Are you sure about this?"
Laney couldn't speak so she just nodded her head to let her companion know that she was sure. She placed her hand on the cheek close to her lips and leaned for yet another kiss.
Randi reciprocated and pulled the t-shirt off of the lean body before her placing a series of soft kisses to the swell of Laney's breast. "So soft," she murmured…
As Randi lowered herself onto Laney's body both women gasped at the sheer erotic feeling of skin meeting skin for the first time. "Jesus Rand…"
"I know Honey, I feel it too." She lowered herself fully putting all of her weight on the taller body beneath her and truly felt as if she were in Heaven. Slowly she slid her hand over her lovers' hip then down over the muscle hardened thigh.
"Let me love you Lane. Let me show you how beautiful it is between two women." She whispered.
"Please." Laney rasped. And Randi did. Then Laney did. Then Randi did again.
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
A single blue eye opened and looked down. Seeing the blonde head asleep on her shoulder with an arm across her belly and a toned thigh draped over her leg, she smiled and sighed deeply. 'Adorable.'
"Are you okay?" Randi asked in a raspy voice when she felt the slight movement below her hand.
"I'm fine. You?" Laney slid her hand into the blonde locks. "Go back to sleep, it's only 3am."
"Umm." The younger woman turned her head and caught sight of a beautiful mound. "Oh my…" She whispered as she latched on.
"Christ Randi…!"
Much later a deep guttural cry escaped Laney's lips. "Are you trying to kill me Sparky?"
"Huh un. But boy what a way to go if I was huh?"
"Oh yeah, I'd say. Come up here." She said
as she pulled Randi up in her arms. "You are incredible."
"You're pretty damn incredible yourself. I thought you said you were a novice."
"I'm a fast learner and had a beautiful teacher. You are beautiful you know."
"And you are such a charmer Thing. Guess what, I'm hung…"
At that moment Randi's stomach chose to let itself be known and a tremendous rumble came from it causing both women to burst out laughing until they almost rolled off the edge of the king size bed they were laying on.
"Damn Rand, that thing is worse than mine and let me tell you, THAT is pretty bad."
"Hey, I didn't eat supper tonight."
"Raannd." Laney admonished. "You should have said something Sweetheart. I would have made sure that you were fed."
"As I recall both of our minds were on something else at the time and I was going to grab something at the party but then someone tried to seduce me."
"Hey, wait a minute. I didn't start this as I recall. I seem to remember someone backing me into the deck railing and kissing me first."
"Details My Dear, details."
"You know, I make a pretty mean cheddar cheese and bacon omelet. Want one?"
"Honey," Randi looked at the clock on the bedside table. "It's 3:45 in the morning."
"Well, I'm sure its 8am somewhere Sweetheart. Come on, let me make you breakfast. It's the least I can do since you missed dinner..."
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
Randi turned from the front door one last time to place a tender kiss on Laney's lips. "When can I see you again Detective?"
"When do you want to?" Laney asked as she pulled slowly away. She didn't really want the younger woman to go and yet she was suddenly a little apprehensive. This confused her because she didn't even know why.
"I'd love to see you tonight but I already promised Jodi I would go to a movie and then Laces with her. I wouldn't even be leaving right now but I need to go shower before I meet her for lunch. We are going to Suffolk afterwards to check out some stuff this man has in his garage he wants to get rid of."
'Hmm maybe that's why.' "That's fine. Just call me sometime when you have a chance. See you later."
Randi immediately felt the distance and sucked in a breath. 'What the…back off Rand, she's probably scared. This is still all new to her.' "Ok, take care today Laney and I'll see you later. Bye."