The blustering wind blew early on this cold Chicago spring morning. The brown bare trees struggled with trying to reign in the new season as their branches shook along the dull gray streets. Old apartment buildings lined the east and west side of the asphalt. The kind of buildings that are called flats in this part of town, convenient structures which allowed two or three families per building the needed space to live and become a part of the community. Entrepreneurs were quickly purchasing these in order to turn them into condos to make a quick buck.

Inside the red brick three flats on the corner of Fletcher Avenue and Nelson Street, a lone figure stood by the window looking out at nothing in particular. She leaned against the window frame hugging herself as she contemplated what would happen if the money to pay the taxes didn't come from somewhere soon.

Behind her, at the kitchen table, Max jumped up and laid himself across the litter of bills. He stretched out to his full length and meowed for some attention from his mamma.

"What are you doing, my little Mo-mo? Are you being silly so I'll pet you?" She reached over to scratch his furry belly.

He began to lightly purr.

She sat down and took him in her arms. Brushing his soft downy gray and white fur, she said, "We need some money Maxi. I hope someone will come calling for that apartment downstairs."

Suddenly the doorbell chimed.

The young blonde kissed her cute companion then let him go, so she could answer the door. She looked out the front living room window to see a tall figure with jet-black hair and a black leather bomber jacket. She quickly walked over to the intercom, and pressing the button, said, "Can I help you?"

The tall woman looked to her left at the small beige plastic box attached to the doorframe. She pressed the button to respond. "Hello. I'm here about the apartment for rent."

The low contralto voice was sexy to the ears of the building's owner. "I'll be down in a sec." With a huge grin on her face, she sprinted down the stairs. Opening the door she said, "Please, come inside."

"Thanks." The taller woman commented as intense ocean blue eyes met with a pair of sea green for the first time.

They walked up the stairs in silence.

"Please have a seat, Ms? um." The young blonde started.

"It's Lerios, but please call me Mike." She sat her long body on the wooden chair.

"Okay, Mike. I'm Samantha Deneb. So, you're interested in renting?"

"Yes, I am. Are your origins Greek?" the dark woman asked.

Samantha smiled, but wasn't sure why. There was something about this stranger that made her comfortable. "My father was Greek and my mother Irish. And thus I came about." She chuckled at her own answer. "And what about you? I presume with the name like Lerios, there must be some Greek in you."

Mike leaned forward with her forearms on the now cleared off tabletop. "Both of my parents are from the Greek islands."

Both women looked at each other a moment to take in what they currently could of the other.

Finally, Mike broke the silence. "May I see the apartment?"

Samantha snapped out of her daydream. "Oh, yes, of course. Sorry about that." She got up to fetch the keys from off a hook inside the broom closet. "It's downstairs. I just finished remodeling it a week ago. Follow me."

They went out the kitchen door and down the enclosed back porch stairs.

"The laundry room is part of the first floor porch. The door on the right leads into the apartment. But this is the laundry area." She opened the door to expose a small insulated and very clean room with two washers and two dryers. In the corner, there was a long folding table and two folding chairs. The opposite corner held a portable clothes rack for hanging garments and there was a brownish beige recliner.

She then directed Mike into the apartment. The kitchen itself was quaintly decorated in mauve with all the frames and crown molding in maroon. There wasn't any room for a table and chairs but the L shaped counter made up for it. Mike knew that a couple of bar stools would be perfect for the area. The large stove was a glossy black that complimented the dark wood cabinets and the black, brown, and maroon speckled marble counter. A black and chrome dishwasher was nestled into the corner where the counter connected from the stove to the sink.

Off to the right was the first bedroom that was all maroon with mauve on the window and doorframe. Down the hallway and to the left was the fair sized bathroom not in the typical white color. Instead it was all gunmetal gray with the walls in a much lighter shade. The end of the hall lead into the dining room area and the second bedroom off to the right. Both the dining area and the living room were in the color of veiled light with a soft spring green for the moldings. The bedroom was a light purple but not lavender. The smells of fresh paint still lingered. There was a bay window in the front of the living room, complete with a window seat.

"The ad says the rent is $750," Mike stated.

"Yes, that's right. The rent includes heat, water and the use of the laundry room because it's not coin operated. If you've noticed, the windows have bars attached just as a precaution, though in all of my years living here, there's never been a problem in the neighborhood."

Mike turned around to face the shorter woman. "I'll take it." She pulled out her checkbook and began writing.

"Really? You want the apartment?"

A dark eyebrow rose. "Yeah. Is that alright?"

"Of course, I'm just? I'm so happy. I've had that ad running for some time and I wasn't having any luck."

"I see. Well, I'd like to discuss the lease for the place," Mike countered softly.

"Sure, let's go back upstairs. We can talk over tea or coffee," Samantha offered.

They sat down once again at the table. Mike read over the lease just to be sure it was standard, and then signed it. "I appreciate this being a yearly lease."

"Oh? What do you want to do in the future?" the blonde asked.

"I just don't know that I want to stay in Chicago. I really don't have any reason to be here," Mike shrugged, ducking her head, slightly.

Samantha handed her a cup of Earl Grey tea. "What kind of work do you do? If you don't mind me asking."

"I work part-time as a chef. But don't worry. I have the money to pay rent on time every month. I'm just using the chef job as a sort of break from the hum drum of my previous career." Mike finished writing the check, tore it off and handed it to Samantha.

She looked at the amount and her jaw dropped.

"Is there something wrong? Did I write the wrong amount? First and last month's rent plus the security deposit which is one and a half the rent amount equals $2,625, right?" She stared at the woman and noticed how cute she looked with her mouth hanging open. Resisting the urge to gently reach out and close her mouth, she called Samantha's name once again.

"I'm sorry, it's just been a long time since someone has just so willingly paid it all right up front. In the past years I've dealt with people who beg me to accept the first month or just the security deposit because it's all they can afford, and then sometime throughout the year they pay me the rest a little at a time or? sometimes never." Samantha looked into sapphire eyes and shivered for a split second. "Thank you, and welcome to the neighborhood." She offered her small hand for a shake.

Grasping the warm hand, Mike smiled. "Well, I better get going. I have a lot of moving to do. Oh, feel free to call the bank to make sure the check is good. I don't mind."

"It's okay. I have a feeling? I can trust you," the blonde returned the smile.

****************

A week had gone by and the weather was finally showing signs of the visiting Spring season upon the city.

Mike settled into the place quite smoothly and she was very pleased. She began stuffing her wet clothes into the dryer when she heard someone grunting and swearing out on the porch. Peeking out from the doorway, she saw Samantha struggling with two large boxes she was trying to pull up the stairs on a two-wheeled dolly.

"Hey there, let me help you with that." Mike offered as she grabbed onto the bottom end of the dolly.

"No, it's okay. I've got it," Samantha huffed.

"Please, it's no bother," the brunette urged further.

Samantha finally conceded, and up they went.

At the second floor, the small blonde said, "Um? this needs to go to the third floor apartment."

"By the gods on Olympus, what the hell is in these boxes?" Mike asked, panting a bit from her exertions.

"Floor tiles, wall tiles, and grout," the smaller woman confessed, blushing slightly.

They finally reached the back door and Samantha pushed it open with her rear end.

"We can just leave it here in the kitchen," she offered.

Mike looked around as she dusted off her hands. "Are you going to be running an ad for this apartment also?" The place was only half finished. The floors definitely needed to be worked on, and she wondered what else was she not seeing that needed work.

"Yeah, I do plan on renting this out. It's just going to take me some time to finish it. It's not easy to do the work myself but I can't afford to hire someone so it takes me longer," Samantha explained.

"Did you do the first floor by yourself?" Mike inquired, her low, contralto voice filled with admiration.

"Yep, but I got sort of lucky because all of the material was already inside that apartment. Now with all these things to drag up here, I didn't anticipate it being a pain in the ass," the small blonde admitted, her face coloring, again, slightly with embarrassment.

Mike looked into emerald green eyes and felt her heart flip. "You did a great job downstairs. Very professional." She broke the gaze then said, "I think I may have someone interested in the apartment. A very good friend of mine is looking to move."

"Really? Damn, but I can't get all this done now. It'll take me a few weeks," Samantha began to panic.

"I'm sure she won't mind waiting. I'll give her a call. She may be a great benefit to you. She's a certified plumber and electrician," the brunette said, waggling her dark eyebrows.

"Damn, that's awesome. I'll get to work right away on the apartment," Samantha was practically jumping up and down with excitement.

"I'd like to help you," Mike added, quietly.

"No, that's okay. You've helped plenty already. But I appreciate it." Samantha stuck her hands in her pockets to prevent any fidgeting.

Mike took notice of Sam's body language. Hmm, Sam. It suits her nicely. She thought to herself. "I really would like to help you. I used to be a carpenter, and I have the free time. Plus, that way the apartment will be ready sooner."

Samantha could not believe the kindness of this tall woman. Gods, a tenant who is financially secure, clean, and wants to help me finish this place. And she is stunningly beautiful. Wait a minute where did that come from? She asked herself, puzzled by her physical response to the tall brunette. "Okay, then. Thank you very much. But I'm knocking off one month's rent."

"Oh no. No deal. I keep paying the rent on time every month," Mike shook her head adamantly. Suddenly an idea occurred to her, "But how about you make me dinner one evening?"

The short blonde chuckled. "You don't want me cooking. That is not my forte. I normally eat take-out or ready-made type meals. So, I'll just take you to dinner."

"Okay, deal." the brunette extended her large hand for a shake.

***************

A week and a half went by with both women working on the apartment. The floor was complete and the walls had a fresh coat of paint.

Mike was working on the new front door and new locks when Sam walked in, just having mopped the kitchen floor.

The blonde stood there for a minute in silence and watched the play of muscles on Mike's shoulders and arms through the white tank top as she worked on the hinges. Her eyes traveled down the solid looking back past the round firm ass tucked nicely in a pair of old cut off jeans shorts. She stared at the flexing of the calf muscles above the edge of the black leather work boots when Mike reached up to the top hinge. Green eyes moved back up to the tight ass and just lingered.

Feeling a presence behind her, Mike turned around. A dark eyebrow arched its way up her forehead when she noticed the way she was being stared at. I didn't think she was family. She thought, as she cleared her throat and crossed her arms.

Sam was pulled out of her reverie and quickly turned three shades of scarlet at being caught gawking.

"Did you want something?" Mike asked in more ways than one.

The blonde woman mentally kicked herself. "I? uh? I was? just seeing how things were going with the door."

Suddenly a cell phone sang out its tune.

Mike unclipped it from her belt and flipped it open. "Hey."

Sam turned around to chastise herself further. What is wrong with you Samantha? You just don't stare at someone like that. And you got caught. That makes it worse. What is going on with you? I didn't think I was like that. But gods, ever since we met Mike has sure stirred desires in me that I didn't know existed.

"That was Danny to see the apartment. She said she's just around the corner," the object of Sam's thoughts explained, clicking her cell phone closed.

"Oh, okay," the small, still blushing blonde, shrugged, making a clear effort to try and be nonchalant.

The three women walked through the place with Samantha leading the tour. She couldn't believe the Amazon size of Mike's friend. She was just as tall as the brunette, but had wider shoulders and more of a man's build to her body. Also she had a crew cut type hairstyle which sported very little of her auburn hair --- whereas Mike's hair came down to the top of her shoulders. Her eyes were a soft brown unlike Mike's intense blue eyes, and she seemed genuinely pleased with the apartment.

"This place is awesome. It's like paradise compared to the dump I'm in now. I'd like to move in right away," The Amazon eyed both women as she took out her checkbook from the back pocket of her jeans.

"I can't believe this is happening. A month ago, I thought I'd never get these two apartments finished, let alone rented. Thank you so much Mike. And, I do owe you a dinner," Samantha grinned like a child on Christmas morning.

Mike smiled shyly then caught, from the corner of her eye, the big smirk on Danny's face. She smacked her best friend in the arm.

Sam saw the interaction and wondered what that was about. She took the offered check and was practically beside herself with the amount written on it. Now, she could pay all the bills in full, and even have something extra left over to treat herself for her upcoming birthday. Bright green eyes looked up with a smile. "Thank you, and welcome to the neighborhood. Oh wait, the lease needs to be signed. I'll go get it."

Danny looked at her long time friend, as soon as Samantha left; grinned evilly, and asked, "So, Slick wassup with you and our hot little landlord?"

Mike gave her the infamous "look", and replied, "Nothing Weasel, so get your mind out of the gutter."

"Oh, but I like it there. It's more fun. So are ya gonna put the moves on her?" Danny continued, both brown eyebrows waggling.

Mike rolled her sapphire eyes in surprise. "No!" Then it was Danny's turn to roll her eyes. Mike sighed, "I don't know. She's my landlord."

"So what," Danny shrugged. "I used to be Laura's plumber, and it didn't stop me from getting some action. Come on, I see the way you look at her. You can't hide it forever."

Samantha returned, lease in hand. "Okay here it is." The sudden silence caught her attention. "Is everything okay? You still want the apartment right?"

Danny gave her a toothy grin. "Of course." She signed her name and returned the document.

"Don't you want to read it over?" The short blonde queried.

"Nope. Mike's already informed me everything I need to know. I'm going to get my shit. Thank you very much. I look forward to living here." She gave her friend a nod and then said to the both of them, "See ya later."

*****************

The weeks passed and soon it was Samantha's birthday. She spent the lazy day playing with Max and reading a book about sexuality. Ever since she began to experience strange feelings about a certain dark-haired beauty, she hadn't stopped questioning her sexuality or trying to sort out what she wanted.

She knew she had not dated since college and even then dates were rare. Boys just didn't interest her. They made good friends and sometimes really fun companions, but she never wanted to spend the rest of her life with one. And sex with them, well?she had yet to experience satisfaction with one. She always felt short changed when they orgasmed, rolled over, and fell asleep. She soon discovered that she was her own best lover, and many nights, weeks, and years had been spent exploring her likes and dislikes with herself.

But there was something more that she sought in a lifelong companion than great sex. She wanted a spiritual connection, an understanding, and to feel completely secure and confident with that person. All in all, there was something about Mike that she couldn't shake ---- like maybe they were companions in a past life.

Mike put on her chef's hat then washed her hands thoroughly. At the counter, she began cutting the onions, tomatoes, and green peppers for the beef kabobs. She let her mind wander to a certain short golden-haired, green-eyed hottie that she so badly wanted to kiss from day one. She remembered the look she saw on Sam's face the day that Danny took the apartment. She was so surprised by the evident lust and withheld passion in those emerald green eyes. Had her cell phone not interrupted them, she was sure she would have taken Sam right there on the floor.

Samantha closed her apartment door. From the bottom of the stairwell she heard a whistle. Turning in that direction she saw Danny coming up the stairs and smiled.

"Woo-wee, if you don't mind me saying Samantha, you sure are looking incredibly hot tonight. There are many hearts which will break when you pass by." Danny stood there slowly shaking her head. She couldn't believe this short blonde was all femmed up and looking more gorgeous than ever.

Samantha's cheeks turned a crimson color. "Thank you Danny. I'm just going out to dinner for my birthday."

"Well happy birthday to you. I sure hope your date doesn't pass out at the sight of your stunning beauty," Danny added, grinning from ear to ear.

"Oh, no, there's no date. It's just me," Samantha shrugged.

"You've got to be kidding? Who wouldn't want to be with you?" Danny asked, truly amazed that the little blonde was without companionship.

"Well, I guess? I'm picky," Sam sighed. "I haven't found my type."

"And what's your type?" Danny continued fishing.

"Um? tall, dark hair, eyes that pierce my soul ----- someone who grips my heart, someone sensitive and soft yet strong," Sam suddenly stopped talking, not wanting to give herself away because she knew she was describing Mike to a tee.

Danny eyed her suspiciously, "Well, do you have a restaurant picked out? Cause I know a great place."

"Oh, where?" Samantha's interest was clearly piqued.

"It's down on Clark Street. It's called Apostoli ---- a Mediterranean restaurant. The food is divine and the service is excellent ---- not really expensive. Tell the host I sent you," the larger woman offered.

"Hmm, it sounds great. And I really like good Persian/Greek food. Thank you," the blonde smiled.

"No problem. I hope you have a great evening," Danny walked past her with a huge conniving grin on her face.

*****************

Mike tested the spiciness of the soup, and then checked the bread, briefly. Her cell phone sang out a tune, and as she answered it, she motioned for one of the other cooks to finish the raspberry vinaigrette dressing for the salad.

"Hey Slick, I know you don't like being harassed at work but this is important," Danny's voice boomed from the small receiver.

"What's up?" Mike's low voice clearly reflected her irritation.

"It's Samantha's birthday today and she is going to be at the restaurant," Danny could not keep the huge grin off her face.

Mike froze a moment trying to comprehend what she just heard. "What?"

"I'm serious," Danny affirmed.
"How do you know all this?" Blue eyes blinked, reality slowly dawning on the brunette.

"I bumped into her in the stairwell. She was all decked out in some very feminine clothing looking very sexy and after complimenting her we began talking. She told me she was going to treat herself to a nice dinner, but that she was going alone. So, I'm telling you, now is your chance," Danny's grin widened.

"Chance for what?" Mike's blinking continued.

"Come on Slick," Danny blew out an exasperated breath. "I've known you, like since...forever. Don't pussyfoot with me. She likes you. I'm sure of it. I asked her what her type was and she was basically describing you. Plus, you've already told me the way she sometimes looks at you."

"But she's my landlord," Mike whined.

"Fuck that Slick. Just do it," Danny snapped.

Mike didn't respond. Instead she took a peek into the dining room from behind the swinging door and saw Sam sitting alone at a small table. "I gotta go. I'll talk to you later." She didn't bother to wait for a response. After a few seconds of contemplating what to do, she flipped open the phone again and made a quick important call.

The waiter who attended to Samantha said he would return when she was ready to order. He walked into the kitchen and immediately Mike waved him over.

"Yes, Mike what is it?" he asked.

"Toli, I want you to give the woman at table seventeen the extra special treatment," the brunette directed.

"Ah yes, the extra special treatment. Is she one of your friends?" Toli smiled, fondly.

"Sort of. Now, this is how I'd like you to handle it." Mike spoke with her good friend and uncle of all that she would like to see happen.

The older gentleman with the peppered head of hair and black bushy mustache listened attentively. He smiled throughout much of the conversation and even laughed at his niece's excited anticipation. They had grown close when she started working at the restaurant and he was glad to see that she was moving on in her life.

Samantha read the whole menu and couldn't quite decide what to order.

Toli returned to the table with a big smile on his face. "Ah, Miss Deneb, our head chef has been informed that you are here for a special occasion, and is very delighted to prepare you a choice meal which will not disappoint. And since it is your birthday, we are happy to make your time here a wonderful one."

"Thank you very much, but how did you know it's my birthday?" Samantha asked, slight concern evident in her voice.

"Ah?" Toli tried to come up with an answer quickly before the whole plan was ruined. "Well? you told the host that Danny McKinney sent you. She called to inform us of your possible arrival."

"I see," the small blonde offered the waiter a tense smile.

"If you please, Miss Deneb, the head chef is ready to tantalize your taste buds, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy," Toli finished with a flourished bow.

Surprised at what she was hearing, Sam decided to go along for the ride. "Okay."

Another waiter approached with a bottle of 1993 Shiraz and poured a glass for the birthday girl, then left the bottle on the table.

Samantha took a sip and was very pleased with the subtle fruity flavor.

Toli returned with a baby green mixed salad with the special raspberry house dressing, a small loaf of fresh hot bread, roasted garlic, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.

Minutes later the blonde was presented with smaller versions of three of the most popular dinners. She couldn't believe her eyes. At first she thought it may have been some kind of mistake but the waiter insisted that this is what the chef wanted her taste.

"Excuse me," Samantha began, "But I'm worried I may not be able to afford such an extravagant dinner."

Toli just smiled and said, "There is no need for concern. The head chef would like the opportunity to sit with you and enjoy the presence of your company." He stepped aside and there stood Mike with a vase of two-dozen pink and white roses in her hands.

Samantha's eyes grew wide at the sight of this tall woman in black pants and white button shirt. Her hair hung down about her shoulders and she had a mischievous grin on her face.

"You're the head chef here?" Sam's green eyes blinked slowly.

Mike nodded as Toli walked away. "Um? happy birthday. This was the best thing I could come up with on short notice." She placed the flowers on the table and said, "These are for you."

Sam just shook her head. "This is all just so incredible. Danny set me up didn't she?"

"I think she set both of us up," Mike added.

The short blonde frowned at the comment, pondering the meaning behind it.

"Would you mind if I joined you?" the brunette asked, gesturing to the empty chair. "I mean, unless? you prefer to eat alone?"

"Oh no, please sit. It will be great not to eat alone for once," Sam smiled. "At home, Max, my cat, keeps me company at meal time but he isn't much of a talker."

The two women shared a light laugh, happy to have set a lighter mood for the evening.

"So, what are all these things that have been laid out before me?" the smaller woman waved her hands over the enticingly laid table.

Mike was more than happy to talk about the different dishes at length.

As they sampled the various dishes and talked quietly, Samantha found herself swept away, by both the gourmet feast, and it's creator.

"Gods, this food is absolutely incredible!" Samantha enthused. "The salmon with the blood orange and rosemary sauce was to die for! The marinated beef and chicken kabobs with the dill rice were scrumptious, oh and I'll never forget the roasted quail in plum sauce!" the small blonde moaned in pleasure. "You truly are an excellent chef. Your life mate is going to be so lucky."

Mike smiled at the last comment. "Oh but wait, we're not done. The dessert should be ready by now."

"Dessert? What is it?" Sam found herself practically drooling at the possibilities.

"You'll see. I'll be right back," and, with a sexy wink, the tall brunette left the table.

Mike returned a minute later with two plates, each containing something different. Sitting down, she pointed to each delicacy in turn, and said, "This is baklava and this here is amygdalopita."

Sam looked at the sweets curiously. "Okay, now baklava I'm familiar with, although I have never seen it in this shape or style."

Mike picked up one of the small log shaped rolls. "This kind has the honey trapped within the folds of the fillo. The center is a rich chocolate ganache. Once it's rolled up, more honey is drizzled over it and then dipped in finely chopped walnuts."

"Gods, that sounds heavenly," the blonde groaned. "Did you make it?"

"No," Mike shook her head slowly, her raven locks swaying side to side. "We have a baker who comes in early every day to make the desserts. But I do know how to make them."

"May I try it?" Sam asked, licking her lips in anticipation.

Mike offered the morsel to her and was surprised when Sam leaned over to bite into it instead of taking it with her fingers. Soft lips made brief contact with her forefinger that resulted in making Mike shiver.

"Mmm? oh that is so good!" the smaller woman exclaimed.

Dumfounded, Mike ate the other half of the treat and felt a flutter in her belly from the sounds Sam was making.

"And what is this?" Sam asked, pointing to the sweet cake slice.

"Oh, this is a Greek nut cake. It's made with ground almonds and cinnamon." the chef broke off a piece of the slice and once again offered it to her blonde companion.

Sam took it in her mouth and moaned at the moist texture and light nutty flavor.

Mike gripped the table's edge with her free hand as another flutter and shiver hit her core. What the hell? I'm getting aroused at the sounds she's making. And, I can't seem to help it.

The two women finished their desserts with further conversation and a couple of cups of strong coffee.

"I feel bad that I took up your evening. You're not going to get fired, are you?" Sam asked, quietly, as they exited the establishment, together.

"No. It'll be fine. My aunt owns the restaurant," Mike confessed, her full lips turned up in a sly grin.

******************

They spent the night walking off all the rich food they had consumed and sharing stories from their childhood.

Mike walked Samantha to her door and bid her good night. In the moment of intense silence, that followed, she moved ever so slowly towards the blonde's waiting lips, and kissed her softly.

Samantha opened her mouth slightly and allowed the entrance of a velvety soft tongue to caress hers. Gods, it feels so ethereal --- so divine. Not like kissing a guy? oh shit, I'm kissing a woman. She panicked and, abruptly, broke away and snapped her eyes open. She covered her mouth with a small hand and just stared, fearfully, into glowing blue eyes. Completely flustered, she pushed her door open and jumped inside slamming it behind her.

Mike stood there, stupidly, with surprise and confusion on her face. "Okay, that didn't go well. Goddamn it." She whispered harshly, and walked downstairs, dejectedly.

****************

Three days had passed without either woman seeing or talking with the other.

Mike lay on her stomach on the couch listening to her favorite Nine-Inch Nails CD on the stereo, while Danny sat in the recliner munching on chips and guacamole.

"I don't understand it. I just don't understand what happened between the two of you. Tell me again what happened," Danny asked, as she crunched another chip, noisily.

"No, I don't want to. I've already told you three times. Why must you analyze it?" Mike groaned, and grabbed a pillow to place over her head so as not to have to hear her friend rant.

"Because I'm good at getting to the bottom of things?" Suddenly the light bulb in Danny's head lit up. "I got it! Damn, why didn't I catch it before? Mike, she's new!"

"What?" the brunette lifted the pillow, covering her head, slightly, and peered out from underneath it.

"She's never kissed a girl, let alone be in a relationship with one. She's a baby virgin dyke. Her reaction was a result of her feelings, of being so new --- that's all," Danny finished her analysis with a flourish of her hands and a big toothy grin.

"Maybe you're right," Mike frowned, turning over all Danny had said in her mind.

"I know I'm right," Danny defiantly declared. "You should try to talk to her."

"NO WAY!" the brunette exclaimed, punching her pillow for emphasis. "Sam needs to be comfortable. I don't want her to feel pressured into anything."

"Okay, then at least write a note. Leave it at her door. Just something simple..." Danny paused to consider what the small blonde might need to hear at this point in time. "...apologize for overstepping her boundaries, say that you thought you were reading her correctly, but you may have been wrong. Say you didn't mean to ruin her birthday --- that you hope she is alright. Something along those lines."

Mike eyed her friend and sighed. She gave Danny her trademark raised eyebrow look and said, "Okay, get out. I swear you come down here only to eat what food I have. Go find yourself a girlfriend who'll cook for you."

"But I thought that's why I have you," Danny responded sarcastically. Then she jumped up and sprinted out before Mike could chase her.

Upstairs, Samantha cuddled with Max on the bed. She was tired of crying and fighting with herself about her sexuality. "Maxi, I think your mommy is a lesbian. Is that okay with you?"

The green-eyed cat purred in her arms.

She kissed him on the cheek and decided to get up.

In the kitchen, she prepared a turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich with a glass of soymilk.

After lunch, the small blonde sat on the couch to think about how she would approach Mike, about this topic and explain her actions the other night. Ah, yes the other night when she felt those lips against hers and that wonderfully soft tongue caressing her own. Her mind drifted to how that evening played out and then back to the kiss and how it made her feel. Soon her sex was knocking on the door of her mind. She slid off her jeans and leaned back onto the cushions. One hand slid under the T-shirt to tug at a rapidly hardening nipple unencumbered by a bra. The other hand found its way into her panties and between her sodden, swollen folds. She thought of Mike's strong, calloused hands stroking her body and her hips jerked.

Mike quietly approached the second floor apartment door. She laid down the card with Sam's name on it and placed the pink rose on top. She was about to leave when her keen hearing picked up a groaning sound.

"Ohhh? touch me. Ahhh?. Yes Mike, fuck me. Fuck meee," Sam's voice husked.

The tall woman's legs turned to rubber as she heard those words. She gripped her sex and accidentally leant forward too far thumping her head on the door.

Sam heard the noise and composed herself. She stood at the door a moment palms flat on the wood's surface and just listened. Grabbing the doorknob, she swung the door open only to find the platform empty except for the card and rose. She returned to the couch and read the contents of the envelope. Hmm, she's being very sweet. But this also means she must have heard me. Oh no. Sam's face scrunched in frustration. Goddamn. Alright alright, I can't dwell on that. She's made an attempt to reach out to me. Gods why is this so difficult?

Mike lay on the living room carpet, her heart beating wildly. She barely made it through the door without getting caught. Not wanting to give in to the tremors of her libido, she crawled to the phone and called Weasel.

Samantha looked out the window while she contemplated what she would do. Suddenly an idea came to mind so she went upstairs.

Danny opened the door surprised to see the short blonde. "Hey, what's up?"

"I need a favor," Sam asked, fidgeting nervously.

"Sure," Danny grinned, stepping back to wave the smaller woman through her doorway.

They sat at the kitchen table, after Danny cleared off all the pizza boxes and empty cartons of Chinese food, and talked about getting Mike's attention.

"So do you think that will work?" Sam asked.

"Definitely. Trust me. I know Slick like the back of my hand," Danny gave Sam a knowing wink, accompanied by her trademark toothy grin.

"Why do you call her Slick, sometimes?" the small blonde inquired, her nose scrunching slightly, as she did so.

"Well, in high school, she used to be really smooth with the girls," Danny let out a wistful sigh, her mind lost in remembering simpler times, with her best friend. "She broke many hearts and she made more than half the girls in school reconsider their sexuality."

Sam smiled at the thought. I know I would have fallen for back then too. "And why does she call you Weasel?"

"Um?" Danny blushed, furiously under the blonde's scrutiny. "Well I can be rather sly about getting my way," She explained, giving Sam another wink and grin.

"Thanks for your help Weasel," the small blonde returned both the wink and the grin. "So I'll see you at 7 pm?"

"Yep, we'll be there," Danny nodded, walking Sam to the door. "And, don't worry," she called after the slight figure retreating down the stairs.

****************

Danny walked in through the kitchen.

"What took you so long? You said you'd be right down," Mike asked, her irritation with her friend's laid-back attitude, clearly evident.

"I had some business. Chill out," Danny grinned, the brunette's mood not fazing her in the slightest.

"Let's go," Mike snapped.

"Wait a minute," Danny gave her friend the once over. "You've got to change."

"What? When did I ever have to change to go have a beer with you?" Mike spat out.

"Starting tonight," Danny answered. "Just go put something on in case you meet a girl. Ya never know what could happen."

"For Christ's sake," Mike muttered.

"Please Slick?" Danny gave her a huge toothy grin and batted her eyelashes.

"Blah," Mike said, "Please don't ever try being femme."

****************

The clock struck the hour as Samantha stepped out of the taxi. She looked at the front of the bar and took a breath to muster her courage. She stepped inside and immediately saw Danny and Mike.

The two women were playing a game of pool. It was Mike's turn, and when she bent to take the shot something caught her attention in her peripheral vision.

There stood Samantha in a short brown suede skirt, thigh high nylons, brown-heeled loafers, and a cream colored silk blouse. Sam took off her brown leather coat and walked over to her target.

Mike's mouth hung open and Danny elbowed her to close it. Danny then decided to head to the bar to leave them alone.

Samantha stepped right up to Mike and said in a low voice, "Thank you for your note and the beautiful rose, but I'm the one who needs to apologize. Could we talk?"

"Sure." They moved to one of the tables nearby. "What would you like to drink?" Mike asked.

"Sam Adams," the blonde answered, her green eyes sparkling.

Mike retrieved the cold beverage and sat down.

"I'm sorry for not talking to you in the past few days," Sam began nervously. "And I'm sorry that I broke away from the kiss that one night. You didn't do anything wrong. It was all me. It was?" She twirled her beer then continued. "It was my first time kissing a woman --- I just panicked when I realized it. But I wanted to be kissed. I wanted it so badly that I was giving you all the cues. I mean I took the desserts from your fingers with my mouth. That's an obvious indication," Samantha blushed, and then continued on with her confession.

"So, I spent these past few days crying and trying to figure out if I'm a lesbian or not. I needed the time to reflect and make sure. I've also done a lot of reading on the subject. I think I'm what is called a femme," the blonde took a swig of her beer.

"Because, you see, I never found an attraction to other femmes or even androgynous women, and for me, that's where I thought, no I'm not a lesbian. But then you came along and I noticed right away that you only wear men's clothing and men's cologne and you carried yourself differently. I found it all so intoxicating and I realized I was attracted to you. But I should've told you all of this long before now. I didn't want it to turn out this way. And?"

Mike laid her hand over Sam's smaller one. "It's okay. We don't need to rush into anything."

Sea green eyes met with ocean blue for a long moment.

Samantha returned Mike's hand squeeze, "Um? you heard me earlier today, didn't you?"

Mikes eyes grew wide and she didn't know how to answer.

"It's okay," the small blonde moved her hand on top of the larger one and caressed it soothingly. "So, you know how I feel about you."

The taller woman just nodded slowly. "I? I didn't do it on purpose."

"I know," Sam smiled and took another swig of her beer.

Danny approached. "Hey, I'm taking off --- going for a pizza with the redhead at the bar."

Mike took a look past her shoulder. "Don't you know her name?"

"Of course I do. It's? Kim," Danny stated proudly, giving both women her big toothy grin. "So, I'll see ya guys." She wiggled her eyebrows at Samantha and took off.

"So..." Mike's contralto voice drew the word out. "Weasel told you we'd be here. That's why it took her so long to come downstairs," She watched as Sam dropped her eyes and blushed furiously. "What did the two of you talk about?"

"Well? I wanted to make sure you were interested," Sam muttered. "And, I asked if you liked femmes. She said that both you and she find women in skirts and heels a big turn on. I also asked?" the blonde continued to fill Mike in on the details of her conversation with Danny, earlier, as they finished their drinks.

*****************

Mike paid the taxi driver and offered her hand to Sam when she stepped out. Inside the main doorway Sam pulled her down for a kiss. Tongues danced in the passionate embrace.

"Do you want to come inside?" Mike asked softly.

"Mmm, I want to do a lot of coming," Sam responded, seductively.

Mike's libido went on high alert and she didn't think her legs would hold her up.

Inside the brunette's apartment, they kissed their way to the bedroom. Mike turned on the small bedside lamp, and blue and green eyes locked onto each other.

Sam took Mike's hands in hers and brought them up to the buttons of her blouse.

Mike took the cue and slowly undid them. She gently and sensuously stroked all of the blonde's skin with her fingertips as each article of clothing fell to the floor. With lust filled eyes, she gazed at the black lace bra and panties and smiled.

Sam brought very nervous fingers up to begin removing the black button down shirt then the white T-shirt followed. When she started on the black jeans, she felt a finger hook under her chin. Looking into radiant sapphire eyes, she felt the soft lips once again on her mouth. A moan escaped her throat when the tip of a tongue ran across her top teeth. Her nervousness subsided and was replaced with a fiery passion she needed to have quenched. With dueling tongues engaged, she managed to take everything off Mike and herself. She pushed the taller woman onto the mattress and proceeded to climb on top of her.

Mike was floored by the vivaciousness of this small woman. The feeling of skin on skin set her body ablaze. Her hips jerked up slightly when Sam straddled her pelvis and she felt the heated wetness touch her.

Sam's hands erotically slid down her own body and onto Mike's. She brushed up and across Mike's small firm breasts causing her to moan.

In the blink of an eye, Mike flipped them over and began to devour her neck as she ground her hips between Sam's legs.

The delicious friction had Samantha trying to pull Mike further in.

Finally, Mike stuck a firm thigh at her sex and Sam mimicked the actions with her thigh between Mike's legs. Mike swallowed a perfectly pink nipple and rolled the other between her forefinger and thumb. They ground into each other until Sam couldn't take it any more.

"Please? I need you? inside," the blonde panted.

Mike immediately complied.

The feel of those two fingers slipping inside her pussy made Sam's hips increase the pace of their rhythm. She slid her own two fingers inside of Mike and was in awe at how beautiful it felt. Mike's groans urged her onward.

Pumping in and out of each other, their climatic cries were swallowed by their passionate kisses.

Mike collapsed on top of Sam, and then rolled to the side. She held the smaller woman against her body and gave her soft languid kisses along her cheek, temple, and forehead.

Sam's body melted into her new love. A tear rolled down her cheek and suddenly the dam of her emotions broke free. She buried her face in the crook of Mike's neck and sobbed.

Mike stiffened slightly, wondering if the woman in her arms felt this was all a mistake. But her thoughts soon changed as Sam's hold on her increased. When the blonde's tears died down, Mike gently wiped her tear-stained face with her thumb and tenderly kissed the trail of drying tears.

"Thank you for letting me cry," Sam whispered. "There was just so much emotion and I couldn't contain it any longer."

"S'okay," Mike murmured.

They fell asleep with legs and arms wrapped tightly around one another.

About an hour later Mike awoke and decided to take a shower to get the smell of bar smoke off her body. As she began to rinse, the shower curtain pulled aside and in stepped Sam.

"May I join you?" the small blonde asked, green eyes raking over Mike's long, muscular body, appreciatively.

"Of course," Mike responded with a smile. Grabbing the soap, she took the opportunity to wash every inch of the smaller woman's fit, compact body.

Sam relished in the feel of large, slippery, soapy hands traveling along her wet skin. Both bodies were set on fire once again, so they rushed to the bed to satisfy their desires.

Mike kissed her way down Sam's body, lingering at her breasts giving each one the attention they deserved ---- biting lightly, pulling, twisting and suckling ---- bringing Sam higher on the plane of ecstasy. She then kissed along the blonde's flat stomach until she reached the soft reddish gold triangle of her swollen sex.

Sam spread her legs and draped them over Mike's shoulders at her request. She gripped the sheets when Mike's long, talented tongue licked at her folds until it reached in to tease her sensitive bundle of nerves. Two fingers slid inside and set a pace along with the tongue above. Sam couldn't help but press herself against Mike's face, and as she did so, she cried out her love's name.

As Sam's orgasm took control of her body's jerking movements, Mike held on to lap at the sweet ambrosia that seeped from the blonde's core. When she felt Sam start to come down from off her high, she crawled up and passionately kissed her.

Sam tasted herself on Mike's lips and tongue and wondered if the taller woman would taste just as wonderful. She pushed Mike to lie on her back then worked her way down the hard muscled body. She was compelled to twist and pinch the dark rose-colored nipples causing Mike to scream then replaced the somewhat harsh treatment with a soft wet tongue. When she moved downward, the scent of Mike's arousal reached her nose and made her head spin with feral passion. Small fingers played with the outer folds covered in the short, coal black, downy hair.

Mike's hips jerked off the bed at the exploratory touch.

Green and blue eyes connected as Sam slowly dove in to tease the pearl of Mike's sex. She sucked heartily at the erect nub and moaned at the exquisite taste of her lover. She inserted two fingers and pumped in and out matching the rhythm of Mike's hips.

Mike quickly reached the pinnacle of her release, but instead of having the opportunity to come back down, the passionate blonde drove her into another orgasmic wave, making her scream for mercy.

Sam watched the brunette's juices flow, and then licked them away. She crawled up and just gazed at this beautiful woman that she found herself falling in love with. "Is it always this wonderful?"

Mike turned and smiled at her new lover, "It can be."

The small blonde returned the smile and whispered, "I want more."

Mike looked a bit puzzled, wondering if she meant she wanted more in the relationship or more sex or?

"You have toys, right?" Sam asked, mischievously.

"Uh? yeah," Mike blinked, slightly stunned by the blonde's eagerness to play.

"You don't like talking about sexual things, do you?" Sam remarked, her nose wrinkling, slightly.

"Well, I've just? never come across someone who wanted to talk freely about it. So, I'm a little surprised," the brunette answered, with a sexy grin. "But don't let that keep you from doing so. I have all kinds of toys. Just depends what you're interested in."

Emerald green eyes flickered with renewed passion, "Everything."

Mike smiled not believing that she may very well have met her match in bed, "Okay."

"As long as it doesn't involve pain, bondage, or golden showers," Sam clarified.

Mike chuckled then rolled over to the nightstand. Opening the cabinet door, she pulled out the bin of her toys and laid it on the bed between them. "What do you want to try first?"

Sam peered into the bin; "You sure have a lot of cocks in there. Why so many?"

"Each one is different and has its purpose," Mike wiggled her eyebrows, her sapphire eyes twinkling.

Sam pulled out a small silver egg shaped device with a small thin cord attached to the other end where a small flat device about two inches long turned it on, "What is this?"

"It's called the bullet vibe. You can rest it on your clit or inside or I can put it inside this cock, strap it on and fuck you with it," Mike explained, the look of desire on her face making it clear which option she wanted to exercise.

"So you would feel pleasure too, right?" the blonde asked.

"Yep, and you'll also get a little extra something because you'll feel the vibrations," Mike added.

Sam gave her a wicked grin, "Fuck me with this one first then."

Mike returned the grin and began preparing the cock.

Sam positioned herself on her hands and knees, turned her back to her lover, then looked over her shoulder.

Mike approached the blonde's sexy ass, and wrapped her arms around Sam's slim waist. They kissed as Mike's large, calloused hands stroked her flesh from chest to sex. She fingered the folds of Sam's pussy and upon feeling the evident wetness, she gently nudged Sam to bend over onto her hands. She slowly slid in from behind and turned on the device to the first setting from the small control pad hanging over the nylon strap at her waist.

Sam faintly felt the gentle vibrations. It was a good start. She began to move her hips to and fro setting the pace and moaning softly.

As they moved to a quicker rhythm, Mike turned the bullet vibe up a couple of notches.

"Gods? yes. You feel? so fucking? good," Sam cried out. She leant over onto her forearms, with her face resting on the pillow while her free hand worked its way to her clit. She rubbed the wet, swollen nub in circular motions driving herself further into a frenzy, "Oh? Mikey? I'm gonna come. Ahhh? come with me."

Mike turned the vibe up higher and within seconds fell over the precipice with her lover. She pulled out and removed everything, then lay curled up in the smaller woman's embrace.

Silently they listened to each other's heartbeat, and just basked in the glow of their lovemaking.

***************

Green eyes opened, and a smile came to Sam's lips as she recalled last night.

"Everything okay?" Mike asked, gently.

"I didn't know you were awake," Sam looked up into the Grecian features of her lover's chiseled face. "How did you know I was?"

"I felt your smile on my chest and figured you were," Mike answered, softly.

"I was just thinking?" Suddenly the smaller woman's stomach rumbled, interrupting her.

A dark eyebrow rose under Mike's bangs, "Do you have a little monster in there?"

"I better go. I have an appointment with the bank today," Sam began to collect her clothing.

"You can wear my robe upstairs," Mike offered, climbing off the bed to grab the item in question.

"Thanks. That'll make things easier," Sam brushed soft lips against her lover's. "I'll see ya later."

*****************

Sam's heels clicked on the black and white marble flooring of the main entrance to the bank. She walked up to the familiar third desk and announced her arrival to see Mr. Layton. While she waited in one of the plush slate colored chairs, she tried to breathe evenly and calmly. Having to meet with this disgrace of a human being always turned her stomach, and yet she was somehow cursed to only meet with him regarding the building.

"Miss Deneb," the secretary called out, "Mr. Layton is ready to meet with you."

Sam let out a sigh, thanked the woman, and walked into his office. The scent of his cheap sweet cologne immediately assaulted her nose.

"Good afternoon Samantha," Mr. Layton hissed in a leery sort of way. He smoothed down his greasy brown hair and gave the blonde an unappealing toothy grin, showing off his yellowed smoker's teeth. "It is so good to see you again." He pulled out a bottle of scotch and two glasses.

"Hello Mr. Layton. No, thank you, I'm not drinking," Sam, declared, firmly. "You know I'm here because you sent me another letter about my delinquency. I've already made a payment of $3,000 so I don't see how I'm delinquent."

"Ah, yes, that, " Layton took a swig of the brown liquid and sat himself on the edge of his desk as close as possible to Sam. "You forget that there are late penalties, and you were extremely late. So, there is the matter of an additional $1,500."

"What? I have 14 days grace, and I was only late by three days," Samantha hated dealing with this conniving piece of filth and yet she was trapped with him because there wasn't another bank in town who would consider re-financing her loan.

"Now Samantha dear, we have a relationship. There have been times when you couldn't pay, and I let you go on for a month or more. I think it's time I collect on those IOU's. Unless you have a better offer for me." The slimy little man stared right at her full breasts then moved down to her waist as he licked his bottom lip.

"You little shit. I will get you for this --- some way, some how. You will have your money, and afterwards, I don't want to hear from you for at least six months," the small blonde felt dirty as she stood and stomped out. She knew he was staring at her ass as she left. When she returned home, she knocked on Mike's door. There was no answer so she left a quick note and stuck it in the door jam. Entering her apartment, she undressed and took a shower in hopes of washing away the feeling of Mr. Layton eyeing her like a piece of meat.

******************

Mike made another batch of the pomegranate sauce for the roasted quails, and checked on the marinated lamb chops on the grill. By the end of the night, she felt exhausted and was ready to go home. Climbing the steps to her apartment, she saw Sam's note on her door.

Hi,
If you're not too tired and you're interested, I'd love to have you come up. The door will be open.
Sam

Mike smiled at the invitation then made her way into the shower to let the hot water soothe her aching shoulders. Dressed in a fresh pair of gray sweat pants and a red T-shirt, she made her way up the stairs.

Sam sat on the couch watching nothing in particular on television when the front door opened. Her breath caught in her chest at Mike's stunningly handsome features, "Hi," she breathed.

Mike sat down close to the smaller woman and kissed her tenderly, "Hi."

Sam buried her face into Mike's chest as she held her tight.

"Hey there Sparky. What's going on?" Mike asked, gently.

"I just had a bad meeting with the bank. I hate dealing with that slime ball Layton," Samantha shivered.

"You want to tell me about it?" the brunette prodded, gently.

Mike listened attentively as Sam poured out her story about having to take out a second mortgage on the building when her mom died so she could fix up the place and get it rented. And how Edward Layton has been letting her slide with late payments but now he wanted it all paid back, his real motivation being to get her into bed, adding the fact that she gagged every time she had to meet with him, but couldn't go to another bank and so on and so forth.

"How much is there left to pay?" Mike inquired.

"About $6,000, and I can't wait to be rid of him, but he's added on another $1,500," Sam sighed, heavily.

Mike thought about the best way to handle the situation. "Well, I've got a solution."

"What?" the small blonde asked, green eyes wide with anticipation.

"How about I call my cousin who's an excellent attorney and she'll represent you," the brunette suggested. "All of your negotiations would be handled through her and there wouldn't be anymore so called penalties. Plus she might be able to get this Layton on harassment charges."

"But what's going to happen if I'm late again or I'm short on the payments?" Sam's voice grew thick with emotion. "Things haven't been easy, since my mom blew all of our savings on her gambling addiction."

"I could pay the remainder," Mike offered.

"What? NO!" Sam exclaimed. "You can't. I mean, this is my responsibility. I will not have you pay my way. I'm not a leech!"

"Calm down Sparky," Mike interjected. "It was just an offer. I won't push it, but please think about it. Okay?"

"Alright, I'll think about it." Sam took the larger hand in hers and held it to her chest. "Would you stay with me tonight?"

"Sure," the brunette smiled warmly, clearly pleased by the invitation.

****************

As the morning sun came over the horizon, Mike rolled over to spoon behind Sam. Something very soft swooshed across her face but she ignored it thinking it was Sam's hair, until it happened again. Ocean blue eyes opened to see Max's rump mere centimeters from her. His tail swung by again. She reached up to pet him and he rolled over with a purr. He stayed there between their heads enjoying the warmth and companionship.

Sam turned around when Max began to softly tap the side of her head, "Max cut it out!" she grumbled.

"Meow," He responded.

"No, you can wait for your food," Sam mumbled.

"M-e-o-w!" Max protested.

Sam opened one green eye, and glared at him, "You are such a pain."

Mike lifted her head, and croaked, "Morning."

"Hi," the small blonde smiled, affectionately at her lover. "Would you like to go out for breakfast?"

"Well, actually I have a flight to catch," Mike muttered. "I'm uh? going to San Francisco for three days to look at a house my real estate agent found."

Sam remembered that Mike told her that first day she moved in that she had no reason to stay in Chicago. "Okay," She looked down at Max so that her eyes wouldn't convey her disappointment.

"I'll see ya when I get back," Mike lifted the small chin with an index and kissed Sam's pink lips, softly.

****************

The salty water lapped at tan feet standing there at the shore watching the surf. The sun was just over the horizon and it gave the once blue water a glossy black glow.

The tall figure looked up and down the shoreline and thought of how wonderful it would be to have a dog to play with on this beach. Even though the beauty surrounding her was breathless, it all felt rather lonely and empty. What would be the point in having an awesome house with your own private beach when there was no one to share it with? Mike found her thoughts turning to how long she'd been alone and didn't like the feelings that came with it.

The brunette turned to look back at the house with the large patio overlooking the ocean, and thought of the terrific barbecues and parties that could take place there. Then she thought of a certain short blonde sharing the house with her and what kind of life they would live. "Would she want to come out here with me?" Mike asked, her question floating out to sea on the breeze.

A woman with long brown hair and a dark gray skirt with matching jacket waved from the patio.

Mike waved back and started walking towards the house.

In the kitchen, she took a seat at the wooden table.

"So, what do you think? Isn't this place great?" the woman asked.

"It sure is, Pam. How about you show me around the town?" Mike asked, her eyebrows waggling, playfully. "You can inform me about all the gay hot spots you've researched."

The woman smiled, "The things I do for you, Mike. It's a good thing you're my cousin. I don't do this for other clients. Come on, we'll drive to the local dyke bar. Maybe I can find someone as good as that little blonde you keep talking about."

***************

Mike opened the door to her apartment and could hardly wait to fall into her bed. Her nerves were shot, and she was an exhausted wreck from being on a flight with a wailing infant whose mother couldn't seem to care less, and another young child who made it a point to not only spill his juice on her but run up and down the aisle singing. The flight attendants barely got him under control and didn't have much luck at keeping him in his seat or keeping him quiet. It didn't help that the father of this boy was passed out from whatever knock out pills he mixed with his alcohol.

She fell onto the mattress and thought she would close her eyes just for a few minutes, but within seconds she was in a deep r.e.m. sleep.

Sam walked into the building with two paper bags of groceries. One of the bags began to rip at the bottom so she quickly set it down and closed the main door. She noticed that Mike's door was left ajar, and she wondered if the tall woman was already home. She peeked in and called out her lover's name.

Mike's ears picked up the sound but she was too tired to get up, since a throbbing headache had started without warning.

"Mike? Are you home?" Sam called out again.

"I-i-n-n h-a-r?" Mike mumbled loudly, wincing at the pain that caused.

Sam stepped into the room to see Mike half undressed and only wearing one boot, sprawled out on the bed, "Are you okay? I thought you'd be home later."

"S-s-t-r-ess-ful flight? sooo t-i-r?" the brunette muttered.

Sam decided to help Mike get more comfortable and started by removing the remaining boot and then her jeans. She managed to work off the shirt but left the tank top on, "Roll onto her stomach, and I'll massage your shoulders."

Mike did as she was told, and as the massage began, she moaned unintentionally, as her muscles began to relax under Sam's skilled and loving touch.

After a few minutes, Sam realized she couldn't continue the massage with all the moaning that was going on. She quickly ended the session, and whispered into a tantalizing ear, "I'm going to make some dinner. You sleep well."

Some time later, blue eyes snapped opened, as delicious smells reached Mike's nose. She got up, had a good stretch and realized she actually felt pretty good, except for a slight touch of flight fatigue still lingering in her muscles and joints. Briefly remembering that Sam said she was making dinner, she decided to quickly jump in the shower. With her hair slicked back and wearing a fresh pair of red Hanes underwear, she followed the aromas into the kitchen where the spicy scents were coming from.

Sam just finished the tossing of the Caesar salad when strong arms encircled her. "You startled me," She gasped, then smiled, as her wide green eyes trailed the length of her lover's body. "I love that you wear men's Hanes. They are so sexy on you. Do you normally run around in such a state of undress?"

Sapphire eyes filled with passion added to the alluring smile Mike had plastered on her face. "Yep," She leaned forward for a kiss that left both women needing to break for air, "What are you making? I thought you said you didn't cook," the brunette asked, leaning even further forward to better inhale the tantalizing aromas coming from the oven.

"Well, I spent the last couple of days reading up on how to cook, and I tested out a recipe on Danny yesterday," Sam grinned. "It must have been good, because she scarfed down the whole pan of lasagna in one evening. Plus, I owed you dinner from some time ago, and I wanted to surprise you."

"Thank you," Mike ducked her head for another soft kiss. "Is that lasagna that smells so good then?

Sam nodded, blushing slightly, "It's the only thing I learned how to make. It's one of my favorite dishes and I figured it couldn't be too difficult."

"So, how long before it's done?" the brunette asked.

"It'll be an hour. But there's salad if you're hungry now," the smaller woman turned to grab the bowl but was stopped.

A dark eyebrow rose half way up her forehead as she looked into sea green eyes, "Oh, I'm hungry but not for food just yet. Let me show you how appreciative I am for the dinner." Mike grabbed Sam by the waist, pulled down her navy blue sweat pants and hoisted her up onto the counter. She then took the salad bowl and put it in the fridge. Returning to a surprised blonde, she reached under the shirt and unsnapped the bra. Large hands brushed along steadily hardening nipples.

Sam sucked in her breath and spread her legs. She pulled Mike in for a kiss before she laid herself back onto the counter.

Mike stroked the downy reddish gold curls then separated the lips to see the beautiful pink pearl staring at her. A long tongue flicked the nub causing Sam's hips to rise. She sucked on the bundle of nerves while two long, strong fingers pumped in and out.

"Ohhh? gods, Mikey. Give me more," Samantha panted.

Mike added a third finger and felt the blonde's muscles clamp down.

Sam knew the fullness in her pussy along with Mike's tongue on her clit was going to throw her over the edge sooner than she expected. She screamed Mike's name, as her release ripped through her, then collapsed back on the counter.

Mike took her time lapping up her lover's essence. She then picked Samantha up in her arms and carried her to the bedroom.

The two women lay side by side completely naked, kissing passionately and stroking as much of each other's bodies as they could reach.

Sam rolled on top of her lover and straddled her hips. She ground into Mike with some frustration showing on her face.

Mike pulled a double-headed dildo from under her pillow along with the harness, and offered it to her lover, "Will this help?"

Sam smiled as she stared at it, "Oh yes." She proceeded to insert the shorter end into Mike and strapped the harness in place. Once it was secure, she slowly let herself down onto the thicker longer end and groaned at how good it felt sliding in. She slowly moved her hips while she tugged and twisted on Mike's nipples.

Mike brought Sam's sweet, pouty lips down for a soul-searing kiss.

As their tongues danced against each other, Sam moved her hips faster, until she broke away, arched her back and screamed out in ecstasy.

Mike soon followed her lover over the edge, every muscle in her body quaking from the force of her release.

The two lovers continued their sexual dance with the dildo ever so slowly as they worked their bodies into a frenzy, once again, and fell over the abyss together. Completely sated, Sam helped unbuckle the straps and tossed the apparatus to the side, then lay there spooned against Mike's long, well-muscled body.

Within minutes, tears fell from Sam's green eyes.

"Sparky?" Mike kissed the golden crown of hair, "Why are you crying?"

"Because I've fallen in love with you, but you're not staying in Chicago," Sam sniffed.

Mike eyes grew wide at Sam's confession, "I'm in love with you too, Sparky."

The blonde turned around and looked deeply into the blue eyes that held her soul captive, "Really?"

"Yes. And while I was looking at that house in San Francisco, I wished that you were going to share the place with me," the brunette confessed. "It was so beautiful out there, and I wanted you to experience it too."

"You? want me to move in with you?" Sam blinked, swallowing hard. "And go? to California?"

Mike nodded.

"I thought I'd always be stuck here and it saddened me. I would love to live with you," Sam whispered, tears still streaming down her cheeks. Suddenly, her green eyes grew wide, "Oh shit, dinner!" She jumped off the bed and ran to the kitchen with Mike on her heels.

The meal turned out great and Mike was impressed, "This is very good. And, the salad is equally delicious." Mike's blue eyes sparkled, as she asked, "Does this mean you're going to turn into the little cook when we move in together?"

"Maybe," Sam leaned back on the couch and contemplated laying things out honestly to her lover about her past. "Um? if we're going to be together, there are some things I feel I need to tell you."

"Okay," Mike turned to face Samantha and took her lover's small hand in her own.

"Well, the reason I struggle with paying off this building is because my mother was a compulsive gambler. The building was under my father's name but he died of cancer and my mother was left to keep up the building and supervise the tenants. Well, she didn't," Sam paused and let out a deep sigh. "The tenants constantly complained about things needing to be fixed, but she spent my dad's life savings on her addiction, the building was neglected, and the bank wasn't even being paid. She died a year ago of untreated pneumonia because she didn't have insurance. The only good thing she did was purchase the material for the first floor apartment, but she couldn't pay the workers. I had to drop out of college after my freshmen year because she got a hold of my college money and gambled it all away."

Tears began to stream down the small blonde's cheeks, as she continued her tale, "I lived in the third floor apartment, and worked very hard on the building, as well as trying to figure out how to make ends meet, because the building was our only source of income. I didn't have much job experience, except as a secretary, and I didn't ever want to go back to being that. So, I took the knowledge dad taught me about being a landlord and worked my ass off to improve this situation. I couldn't sell the building because there was no way I could survive paying for an apartment and working at Burger King. So all in all, you need to know that I'm poor, basically unskilled, and, well you already know I'm deeply in debt."

"What were you studying to do in college?" Mike asked, softly, her long fingers, gently brushed the blonde's tears away.

"I wanted to be a pediatrician," Samantha whispered, leaning into Mike's touch.

"I can totally see that," the brunette smiled.

"Yeah, well, that's long and gone now," the small blonde sighed, once more.
"No. It doesn't have to be," Mike kissed the back of her lover's small hand before she continued. "I should confess something to you, now. I have enough money to support the both of us."

Sam frowned and said, "How much money do you have?"

"I'm filthy rich," Mike's beautiful face split into a huge grin. "Let's just say, you don't ever have to work if you don't want to, that is."

"So the money you offered me was just a?" the blonde paused, unsure of exactly what to say next.

"A drop in the bucket," Mike nodded. "Six thousand means nothing."

"Okay, start from the beginning, and tell me how you became this way," Sam prodded.

"Alright, well, right out of high school, I went into real estate, and then into construction," the tall woman began. "By the time I graduated from college, I owned my own construction company, and was still doing real estate, on the side, but only part-time. I stopped working in construction when a good friend of mine was killed on the site from a freak accident that I blamed myself for. I still own the company but the employees have never seen the person who signs their paychecks. From all of my real estate dealings in the past, I had invested heavily into the stock market and I guess got really lucky. So, I decided to work part-time, as a chef at my aunt's restaurant just to keep busy, since food is a passion of mine. That's all."

"Wow. Well, you're very modest for being filthy rich. I like that," Sam smiled, and kissed the lips before her. "I would like to keep the building after we move. With all three apartments rented out, I think it will provide me with the money needed for school."

"Sounds good," Mike nodded in agreement.

"So, do you happen to have any other friends who'd be interested in this place?" the small blonde asked, waggling her eyebrows in an attempt to imitate Danny.

"Yep. I know a flamboyant drag queen that has a hard time finding a decent place because of his lifestyle," the brunette answered. "I also know my attorney cousin will soon need a place to live because she just divorced her husband. This place would be perfect for her."

"Do you think Danny would like to be the building manager?" Sam asked. "Because, I'll need someone I trust to watch the place and manage things."

"I think she'd be happy to do it," Mike moved closer and tenderly kissed Sam's soft cheek, then moved down to her neck.

*****************

The overpowering scent of fresh popcorn and hot melted butter drifted past a small button nose. Samantha immediately stood in line and looked at the glass casing under the counter to see what else she would like to have beside the popcorn.

Mike stood pressed up behind her lover, with strong hands firmly planted on the compact hips in front of her. She lowered her head and caressed the small ear with her words, "I'd like M&M's."

Having the tall woman pressed against her, whispering in her ear made Sam feel faint. She enjoyed the feel of this woman's strength surrounding her.

They took their armfuls of goodies down the hall and into room number four where the movie would start in a couple of minutes.

"Where did you want to sit?" Sam whispered.

"The last row in the back. Is that alright?" Mike answered, pointing one long finger towards the desired seats.

"Sure," Sam smiled up into sparkling blue eyes.

They climbed the stairs and settled into their seats. They were the only ones in that section. Even the two rows in front of them were empty, so they had plenty of space and didn't need to be concerned with others' voices around them.

"Thanks for coming out with me even though you've already seen this movie," Mike commented.

Sam faced her and smiled, "Sure. I really like this movie, so seeing it again is a treat."

The lights dimmed as the curtains opened and the previews began, and then minutes later the movie.

Two thirds of the way through, the sex scene threw Sam for a loop. She had totally forgotten about it and wasn't prepared for how her body reacted.

Mike could see that it definitely aroused the young woman from the erect nipples that were poking through her shirt. She placed a large hand on Sam's thigh then moved it up. The reaction she got was just what she had hoped for.

Sam felt Mike's hand burn her. She closed her eyes a moment wishing they were home so she could impale herself on those long, beautiful fingers. And, as the thoughts consumed her, she could feel the evident wetness seeping out from between her nether lips.

Mike cupped Sam's sex and pressed against the seam of her jeans. She then moved her hand up and unbuttoned the jeans and lowered the zipper.

Sea green eyes locked onto ocean blue with a hint of fear.

Mike leaned in and whispered, "I won't if you're uncomfortable with this. It's just that that scene was so hot, that I need to touch you."

"I'm just concerned someone will catch us," Sam whispered back.

"We won't be caught if you're not loud," Mike wiggled dark eyebrows at her lover.

Sam looked around for a second and believed that everyone was too engrossed with the movie to notice them, plus they were in the last row. She took the hand that was resting at her apex and shoved it beneath her panties.

Mike smiled and proceeded to stroke the wet folds as she resumed watching the movie. Two fingers dipped into Sam's dripping wet sex and pumped deeply in and out while the base of her palm created the needed friction on Sam's swollen clit.

Sam moved her hips forward and threw her head back. Biting down on her hand to stifle any noise, her free hand clutched Mike's wrist to urge her further.

Mike knew she was close as the muscles gripped her fingers. One more push, and Sam's hips rose off the seat as they bucked in the air. The orgasm hit her so hard that a couple of tears squeezed themselves out from tightly shut eyelids.

"Sparky?" Mike gently queried when she saw the reflection of a teardrop.

"I'm fine. It was just intense," Sam snuggled against the well-muscled arm still in front of her.

"More?" the brunette whispered, wiggling her fingers, lightly, inside her lover's core.

Sam nodded and bit down on Mike's upper arm as her lover's fingers circled her still swollen clit, bringing her over the edge again.

While the movie credits played across the screen and the lights brightened, the two women just sat there holding each other. When the screen finally went blank and every person was gone, they kissed tenderly.

**************

The last of the boxes were packed into the moving truck. Two figures stood face to face holding hands.

"Thank you so much for taking the responsibility of building manager," Sam stated, grinning broadly up at the woman before her.

"Sure no problem. And don't worry, if there are any problems, I'll call ya," Danny squeezed the blonde's hand, and winked down at her.

"Hey, you sure are holding on to her hand for a long time!" Mike joked, as she sauntered up the front steps.

Sam chuckled, "Are you jealous?"

"Well, I just don't want there to be any funny stuff going on," Mike added, punching her longtime friend in the arm. "Plus, you don't know where Weasel's hands have been."

"Hey, now I washed my hands yesterday when I took a bath," Danny commented, wiping her other hand off on her jeans.

"Ya see what I mean?" Mike laughed.

The two friends exchanged a heartfelt hug and pat on the back.

Sam gave Weasel a chaste kiss on the cheek and thanked her again for everything she had done in bringing her and Mike together, and once again, for watching the building.

The taxicab pulled up and the three knew the time had come to say their final goodbyes.

"You'll come visit us, won't you?" Sam asked Weasel, right before she stepped into the cab.

"Of course. You two have a great time," Danny waved, as they drove off. "Enjoy your lives together. You deserve it," She muttered into the air.

Mike brought Sam's small hand up for a kiss. With a big grin, she said, "California, here we come."


The End