by Radclyffe
"So how about coming to the tea dance tomorrow? Its the fourth of July weekend. Youve never seen anything like it," she pressed.
Reese sighed. "You know Im working -"
"Right - and I know damn well youre still working splits with Smith. You can come to the tea and have plenty of time to sleep before the late shift.
Reese had refused thus far to accompany Marge to the popular afternoon event, somehow worried that it would conflict with her official position. To go dancing amidst the people she was supposed to be protecting seemed like the taboo of an officer fraternizing with the enlisted troops. She had to admit that excuse was getting a little thin. She lived in Provincetown - attending the dance wasnt likely to cause any greater stir than simply going out to dinner seemed to. And she did want to be personally familiar with as much of the unique communitys life as possible.
"Okay," she finally relented, "for a little while."
"Excellent," Marge enthused. "And Reese? Lose the uniform or youll have every woman in the place hanging on you."
**********
Marge looked her over with satisfaction when Reese met her at the gym at four-thirty the next afternoon. The white tank top displayed her impressive shoulders nicely; the tight faded jeans hung low on her slim hips. Not for the first time she felt the stirring of desire. Her new friend was all the more attractive because she obviously didnt know it. Marge was certain that Reese never noticed the open stares she received - in uniform or out. For her part, Marge simply enjoyed looking at her, knowing she would never act on it.
Reese regarded her quizzically. "What? Am I late?"
"Youre never late," Marge asserted dryly. "Come on, Sheriff. Lets go to the dance."
They could hear the music from two blocks away, and already the small dance floor was crowded. For two hours at the end of the day, after the beach and before the nights activities began, most of the towns inhabitants would make the pilgrimage to the Boatslip for the tea dance. There was a huge outdoor deck with tables overlooking the harbor, several bars, and a dance floor that never seemed big enough but somehow always managed to accommodate the crowds. The ratio was probably four to one men to women, and unlike in many other bars, everyone got along. The atmosphere was usually one of unrestrained enthusiasm.
"Whatre you drinking?" Marge asked as they threaded their way through the throngs to the outside bar.
"Just a diet coke," Reese said, heading toward the end of the deck that overlooked the beach while Marge joined the long line at the bar. She leaned against the rail, one booted foot up on the lower rung. She watched the couples strolling along the water's edge, some of them running playfully in and out of the froth. Two women stopped to share a kiss. The sight stirred her unexpectedly, and she had to look away. She was unsettled enough that she wasnt aware of the woman beside her until she spoke.
"I thought I saw you come in," Tory said, one hand shielding her eyes in the sun. Reese had a strangely distant look in her eyes. "You all right?"
Reese shook her head, smiling. "Just daydreaming."
Tory smiled back. "Glad to hear it. Listen - theres someone here I want you to meet. Have you got a second?"
Reese looked around and saw Marge deep in conversation with someone in the bar line. "Sure."
"Great - Catherine just got here and _"
Reese recoiled with an involuntary gasp, stepping back a pace in surprise. "No, I - I dont want to intrude," she managed to say as an unfamiliar tightening in her throat threatened her voice. Whatever was causing the icy ache in her chest was enough to force her to turn away, searching frantically for Marges familiar back and the offer of escape.
Tory reached for the tanned forearm, shocked at Reeses reaction. She had never before seen Reese lose her composure. Her entire body was stiff with tension.
"Reese!" Tory cried in alarm. "Whats the matter?"
Reese couldnt explain to Tory what she didnt have words for herself. She only knew that if Tory was here with her former lover, she didnt want to see them together. She struggled for an excuse. "Its late - I should go-"
Tory continued to study her intently. There was no mistaking the turmoil in those deep blue eyes. What she didnt understand was the fleeting look of something close to pain that had marred Reeses usually implacable features. And she wasnt about to let her away before she did understand it.
"Reese! Damn it! Tell me whats wrong!"
"Nothing -really," Reese responded evenly, her feelings now firmly in hand. "Im sorry - it isnt you. I really cant stay."
Tory didnt believe her, but she knew by now how stubborn Reese was. She wouldnt talk until she was ready. "At least stop and meet my sister?" Tory asked.
"Your sister?!" Reese couldnt keep the confusion from her voice. "But I thought-"
"Yes," Tory replied, just as surprised. "Who did you -" She stopped in midsentence, staring, trying not to blush. "You thought I meant Kathrine - my lover, Kathrine."
It was Reeses turn to blush. "Yes," was finally all that she said.
They stared at each other as the air around them grew dense with feelings neither of them dared put words to. Tory finally broke the silence, her hand still grasping Reeses arm.
"It wouldnt be her," she said softly, "for a number of reasons. We havent kept in touch, and I dont want to see her. There is nothing between us now." As she spoke, her fingers slid slowly down to lightly clasp Reeses. It was important that Reese understand that Kathrine held no claim on her.
"You dont need to explain," Reese responded quietly.
"No?" Tory queried just as gently, feeling Reeses fingers intertwine with hers, trying to ignore the quick thrill of excitement that small closeness produced. "Perhaps not, but I wanted to."
Reese smiled slowly, giving Torys hand a tug, breaking the tension. "Come on then. Introduce me to your sister!"
Marge joined them eventually at the small table they had commandeered. Torys younger sister was as extroverted and gregarious as Tory was solitary, and in no time she had talked Marge into taking her off to the dance floor.
"Thats the last well see of them for a while," Tory remarked as she glanced after her sister fondly. "Cath loves to party."
Reese stretched her long legs out to the side of the table and settled back with a sigh. "At least shes in good company. Marge has enough energy for two or three people!"
"Besides that, Marge is a great dancer, and Cath could dance all night," Tory added. "Its so great to have her here. Shes got two kids, a demanding job - even with a husband whos willing to help, its hard for her to take time away. Shes between jobs now, so Ive finally got her to myself. I was worried about showing her a good time."
Reese saw Tory glance down at the brace protruding below the cuff of her white cotton slacks. In some part of her mind, Reese was always aware of it, too. When she and Tory worked out without it, Reese was careful to temper the force of her throws and takedowns. She would never risk further injury to someone who had already suffered so much. Even when they walked through town in the evenings after a dinner out, Reese was aware of their pace, the surface of the pavement, the surge of the crowds around them. Although she never thought of Tory as disabled, or less than totally capable in any way, she felt an instinctive protectiveness she would never admit to her. Knowing that Tory felt inhibited by her injury made her long to change it.
"You know something," Reese said. "Ive never learned to dance. I always managed to avoid those insufferable military affairs by volunteering to take the duty."
Tory stared at her. How could it be that someone so accomplished could have missed so many of the simple pleasures of life? And why did it not seem to bother her? Could she really be so self-sufficient that she didnt need what most people spent their lives seeking - some connection with another human being? That thought saddened Tory unaccountably.
"Well that has to change." Tory stated emphatically. "As soon as Cath gets back Im assigning her the task of teaching you."
"If I have to learn, Id rat
her it be with you."
Reeses tone was so gentle, Tory found herself struggling with tears. "Id love to," she managed finally. "But I dont think I can."
Reese pushed back her chair and held out her hand. "Lets find out."
There was something about the compassionate insistence in her voice, and the comfort of that outstretched hand, that Tory couldnt resist. Without wanting to think what it might mean, she stood, grasping the strong fingers.
"All right - but we have to at least wait for a slow song."
Reese nodded and led the way through the crowd to the edge of the dance floor. When the pulsing music slowed, they stepped to a corner of the small space and faced one another.
Tory looked up into Reeses smile and stepped into her arms. "You lead," she said quietly.
"As long as you keep me on track," Reese rejoined as she slipped one arm around Torys waist. Tory fit effortlessly against her, and despite the frequent physical contact they had on nearly a daily basis in the dojo, this felt vastly different. Reese was aware of the press of Tory's breasts against her chest, and the length of firm thigh just touching her own. Torys head rested lightly on her shoulder, her hair rich with the scent of sunshine and sea. For a second Reese was breathless from the assault of sensation.
"Youre shaking," Tory whispered, hoping that Reese couldnt feel the trembling in her own body.
"Nervous," Reese murmured, closing her eyes, unconsciously tightening her hold as they moved together, tentatively at first, then with a growing confidence as each sensed the others rhythm.
Tory couldnt remember the last time anyone had held her, and she could no more control her response than she could stop her heartbeat. It was as if her skin was opening, allowing the heat from Reeses body to penetrate to her core, and the fire that flared within had a life all its own. Unconsciously she pressed closer, cleaving to the strong frame, her fingers on Reeses back tightening as waves of heat threatened to eclipse her senses. When Reeses hips shifted naturally forward into her, she couldnt prevent a soft moan.
"Okay?" Reese questioned softly, her breath warm against Torys cheek.
Tory tried to steady her voice as she replied, "Just out of practice. Dont let go, I may topple over." She fervently hoped Reese couldnt feel just how true her words were.
"Dont worry about that," Reese answered. She scarcely recognized her own body. It seemed to have developed new senses in just a few scant moments. Her skin was tingling, her pulse pounded in her ears, and she swore she could feel Torys heart beat in time with her own. Whatever was happening, she had no desire for it to stop. In fact, when the music changed to a faster beat she didnt even notice. The heady mixture of physical stimulation and emotional confusion muted her awareness of anything beyond Tory and herself.
"I have to sit this one out, Reese - its going to get very fast in a minute," Tory said as she leaned back to look up into her taller partners face. Reese was staring at her in the strangest way, her grip about Torys waist tightening instinctively as the contact between them lessened. Tory tilted her head questioningly as she relaxed against Reeses body. "What is it?" she asked. She had to raise her voice as the music pounded and more people crowded onto the floor.
Reese looked around, fully cognizant of her surroundings for the first time in what seemed like hours. Her loss of connection with external events was enough to frighten her; that coupled with the apparent mutiny of her senses left her totally baffled. She leaned close, her lips against Torys ear.
"Im ready to sit down, too, but my legs seem to have acquired a mind of their own. And theyre saying stay."
Tory laughed, slipping her hand down Reeses arm and grasping her hand.
"Come on! Ill lead the way."
As she turned to guide them through the crowd, she was acutely aware of Reese pressed against her. She told herself it was because of the throng of people close around them, and not due to any intent on Reeses part. Regardless of the reason, she couldnt deny the surge of pleasure the contact provoked.
Marge and Catherine, sandwiched against the narrow rail enclosing the dance floor watched them go. Marge had just replenished their drinks and they were catching their breath before the next round on the dance floor.
"I cant believe my eyes," Catherine muttered. "I havent seen her on a dance floor in ten years. That friend of yours must be a magician."
Marge grunted. "The likes of her Ive not seen before."
Catherine looked alarmed. "Dont tell me shes some kind of playboy - playgirl rather, - or something worse! My sister had her heart broken once already by someone like that!"
"Thats not what I meant," Marge soothed. "Shes about as honorable as they come - maybe too honorable. Shell protect your sister to the point of holding back what the doc might like offered."
"Shes not straight is she?"
"Havent seen any signs of it," Marge said with a grin. "But then you dont exactly shriek married mother of two."
"Yes, well, I dont look like a combination of k.d.Lang and Gregory Peck either!"
"True enough -" Marge conceded. "Ive known Doc King for three years, and I know damn well she can take of herself. Reese Conlon is a tough one to figure, but I get nothing but good feelings from her. And I can tell she thinks a lot of your sister. And Id bet my last dime that shes gay. I know youre going to worry, but it wont change anything."
"I know. Its just that Tory's had so many lousy breaks. She deserves so much more."
Marge nodded. "Whatever happens between them, you dont have to worry about Reese Conlon. She believes that Marine Corp stuff - including the semper fi ."
God, I hope so, Cath thought. She had seen the way her sister looked at the woman.
"I cant believe how crowded this place has gotten!" Reese exclaimed as she maneuvered the Cape Codder in its tall frosted glass onto the small table in front of Tory. She slid into the seat beside her, nearly draining her own seltzer and lime in one deep draft. "Dancing is quite the experience," she commented. "Thank you for the lesson."
Tory searched for a hint of sarcasm, but found none. "My pleasure," she said, knowing only too well how dangerously true those words were. "Youre a natural. I didnt do anything except follow your lead. Youll have to ask my sister to fast dance with you - shes great."
"No thanks," Reese said emphatically. "Youre more than enough for me. Let her wear Marge out if she can."
Tory couldnt help but blush, even though she knew perfectly well that Reese wasnt flirting. She wouldnt know how to flirt if she wanted to, Tory thought to herself with disgust. You have got to get over yourself with this woman!
"How would you like to have an early dinner?" Reese asked.
Tory hesitated, still searching for calm after the way she had felt dancing. Reese looked so damn handsome with the sun highlighting her blue-black hair and her tanned, golden skin. The fact that she was watching Tory intently didnt help. If she didnt know better, shed swear the woman was asking her out. Her body refused to behave. Her pulse skipped, her stomach fluttered, and there was no denying the wet warmth that pounded insistently between her thighs. Reese excited her, and that was impossible. That way lay disaster. She saw Marge and her sister approaching with relief.
"I cant," she said, beckoning her head toward the women. "I need to spend some time with my sister."
Reese felt a quick stab of rejection, which made no sense at all! Of course Tory needed to see her sister. Her acute disappointment was embarrassing. She stood abruptly, needing suddenly the comfortable familiarity of her work.
"Of course - I should be going anyway." She looked about to say more, but she simply turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Marge looked after her retreating back in surprise. "Wheres she off to?"
Tory sighed. "To work, would be my guess. Where else?"
Now Marge stared at her in astonishment. What was it with these two? They both looked as if they had lost their last friend.
"Your sister and I were just discussing dinner. You ready for that
?"
Tory pushed herself up, reaching for her cane from the back of the chair. "Im not really hungry. Why dont you two go? Ill be at the clinic. You can pick me up later."
She didnt wait for their reply. She was too preoccupied with the memory of Reese Conlons face when she walked away. Despite an attempt to hide it, Reese had looked hurt, and that upset Tory more than she wanted to admit.
Chapter Fourteen
It was close to two a.m. Reese was parked on the pier, facing Commercial Street, watching the last of the visitors straggle out of town. She was looking for anyone who wasnt fit to drive.
"Reese? You copy?" the disembodied voice of the night dispatcher called over the car radio.
"Im here," Reese responded. "Go ahead."
"We just got a request for you to call the East End Health Clinic..."
Reese gunned the engine, flipping on her lights with one hand as she wheeled out into the street. "Whats the situation?" she questioned, her voice tight. "Is it another break-in?" She was two minutes away, and it seemed like an eternity.
"Unknown. Handle as routine."
A call from the clinic at this hour could hardly be routine, and Reese knew it. No one should even be there. It had to be Tory. Reese slammed into the lot, half-way out the door before she even had the car in park. Torys Jeep was the only vehicle in sight. She scanned the entire area as she raced toward the door, looking for signs of an intruder. The front door swung open just as she reached the porch. Suddenly Tory was there.
"Reese -" she began.
Reese grasped her shoulders, searching her face intently. "Are you all right?" she questioned hoarsely. She pulled Tory out of the backlit doorway as she peered into the interior of the building, automatically shielding her with her own body.