Language: mild.

Sex: Yes, there is plenty of erotic sex in this update! Special Thanks: To all of the fans who continue to support the story. To all the Webmasters, who tirelessly work to support my writing passion. To Stoley and Monica who maintain both sites and to Julia for editing the story and to all three for their support!

NEW ADDRESS: Please take note that I have a new email address, as I will no longer use AOL's service. The new address is Cruise@clububer2000.com

Part XII

After leaving the Thanksgiving festivities Rayne and Lark decided to stay at Lark’s house. Rayne steered the car into the driveway and laughed when she put the car in park and looked at Lark who had the seat stretched all the way out, rubbing her tummy. Rayne chuckled and exited the car walking around to open the door for Lark. “Rayne, I think you’re going to have to carry me. I’m too full to walk.” Lark whined when Rayne looked at her.

“Darling, I don’t think I could carry you considering everything I saw you eat earlier. I’m strong, but not that strong.” Rayne teasingly grinned and reached for Lark’s hand, to help pull her out of the car. “What were you thinking eating that much anyway?” Rayne asked, as Lark stood before her.

“I couldn’t help it. The food was absolutely delicious and I just couldn’t stop.” Lark sheepishly grinned.

“I have never seen another woman put as much food away as you.” Rayne chuckled and walked to the back of the car opening the trunk. She took Lark’s luggage out of the trunk and closed it.

“Oh, you must think I’m a pig.” Lark answered worriedly.

Rayne approached her with a sly grin. “Not too much of one.” Rayne teased and kissed Lark, then walked towards the house.

“Rayne! Do you really think that or are you teasing?” Lark whined worried that Rayne thought badly of her.

“I’m teasing sweets. I’m just wondering where you put all of that food on your incredibly hot body though.” Rayne complimented and leaned in, capturing the inviting lips for a searing kiss.

“Hmmm, whew.” Lark sighed after breaking the kiss flustered by it. “Come inside my house and I’ll show you were I put it on my naked body.” Lark suggestively offered in with a provocative grin.

“Show me the way.” Rayne answered in a low seductive tone and smiled lustfully.

Lark giggled flirtatiously and attempted to unlock the door, but was unable to concentrate as Rayne was showering her neck with feathery kisses. She leaned her head back against Rayne and closed her eyes, lost in the ecstasy she felt from Rayne kissing her. “Do you need some help?” Rayne asked in a deep throaty tone and placed her arms around Lark, taking Lark’s hands in her own, to open the door.

“Thanks.” Lark answered in barely a whisper, flustered and amazed by how wonderful Rayne made her feel. Lark turned within Rayne’s arms and pressed her lips against Rayne’s for a deep, sensual kiss.

“Hmmm, tasty.” Rayne smiled, thoroughly impressed by the kiss and moved down, picking up the luggage she left sitting on each side of her. She stood back up in front of Lark and stared into her sea of mesmerizing green. “I missed you so much my love.” She seductively told her in a soft whisper stepping closer to Lark.

Lark bumped into the door, which opened and she giggled nervously. “Wow, you take my breath away.” Lark admitted, lost in Rayne’s deep blues.

“You do the same to me.” Rayne sexily answered, dropping the bags when they entered the house and wrapped Lark in a tight embrace, pressing her lips against Lark’s. Rayne’s tongue slipped past Larks lips and moved deep within, passionately kissing her.

“Oh, baby I’ve missed you so much.” Lark whispered breathlessly through her kiss and tightened her hold on Rayne.

“Then show me how much.” Rayne suggested pleadingly and kicked the door closed. She casually reached behind her and turned the lock, then wrapped her arms around her lover.

“My pleasure.” Lark softly answered and inhaled deeply to calm her racing heart. She grasped Rayne’s hand and walked down the hallway towards her bedroom.

Lark led Rayne to the bed and turned her, then guided her down on the bed standing before her. She stared at her raven-haired lover with passion filled eyes and held Rayne’s face in her hands. She lovingly smiled and leaned down, passionately kissing her. She broke the kiss much to Rayne’s dismay and softly moved her hands down Rayne’s neck to her shirt, slowly unbuttoning it as she intently stared into the wanton blues before her. She unbuttoned Rayne’s shirt and thwarted Rayne’s attempt to remove her shirt. “No, no I’m going to do that.” Lark provocatively whispered and slipped her hands inside the shirt. She pushed the shirt off Rayne’s shoulders removing it.

Lark’s sensuous stare and touch sent searing sensations swirling between Rayne’s legs. Her heart pounded and her mind screamed, ‘take me now,’ her eyes hypnotically fixed on Lark’s dominating stare. She gasped when Lark removed her bra, brushing her hands against her breasts when she removed it. Rayne placed her hands on Lark’s hips and pulled her closer, leaning up and kissing her. “Please, don’t make me wait any longer. I need you now.” She pleaded, ending the passionate kiss.

“Soon, my love, soon.” Lark’s sweet voice resonated through her ear, instantly sending a tingling down her spine. Lark’s kiss softly caressed the warm skin along Rayne’s neck before moving down, stopping at her breast. Lark gently circled her tongue around the hardened nipple. She felt Rayne’s hand reach behind her head and gently move her closer.

Rayne looked down and gasped when Lark wrapped her lips around her breast, softly suckling her nipple. She held the back of Lark’s head with one hand and lightly stroked her back with the other. She closed her eyes at the sheer pleasure of what Lark was doing to her and opened them, looking down when Lark slowly moved to the other breast. Her center was throbbing and aching for her young lover to move between her legs, and satisfy its insatiable desire for her. She smiled happily when Lark’s tongue trailed down and over her quivering stomach, stopping at her waistband. “Oh, baby. I want you so bad.” She told Lark as her heart beat faster, her breathing deepened and the throbbing between her legs intensified.

“Soon.” Lark hinted provocatively, glancing up at Rayne and back down as she unbuttoned Rayne’s pants. Rayne fell back on the bed as Lark removed her pants, then her underwear quickly discarding the clothing onto the floor. She crawled up on the bed and straddle Rayne who placed her hands on Lark’s hips.

“You have no idea what you are doing to me Lark. I’ve never wanted someone as badly as I want you right now.” Rayne sincerely admitted, her wanton eyes telling Lark exactly what she wanted from her.

Lark smiled and leaned down, tracing Rayne’s lips with her tongue before slipping past her parted lips, gasping when she felt Rayne melt into the passionate kiss. She broke the kiss and moved back off the bed, grasping Rayne’s hands and pulling her up. She smiled and brushed Rayne’s hair back off her forehead that sat panting heavily. She had never seen anyone look at her the way Rayne does and it touched her deeply. She wanted Rayne to know and feel how much she loved her. She began to unbutton her blouse when Rayne reached up to help with Lark lovingly pushing her hands away. “You are to watch right now my love.” Lark told her in a hushed, raspy voice that went straight to Rayne’s core.

Rayne’s breathing changed suddenly when she saw Lark methodically and erotically remove her blouse, revealing her young, perky breasts. She hoped Lark would hurry and remove the bra that covered what she wanted to wrap her mouth around. Lark obliged her wish and moved the straps off her shoulders. She moved closer to Rayne asking in a soft inviting voice, “can you unhook my bra for me?” with Rayne eagerly reaching behind her back to help her. As Rayne fumbled with the hooks, Lark moved closer and Rayne gave into her temptation by wrapping her mouth around Lark’s erect nipple. Lark gasped and threw her head back at the satisfying feeling of having Rayne there. Her desire to have Rayne’s lips all over her escalated and she held her head with her hands, gently guiding Rayne to her opposite breast.

Rayne tossed her bra to the side and tenderly moved her hands down Lark’s body to her pants. Rayne’s touch sent Lark’s senses soaring and her breathing escalated when Rayne pushed her pants off, which fell to the floor in a heap. She moved her hands, cupping Rayne’s face and tilted her head back, staring into desire filled blues. She gave her a sensual, quick kiss and lustily told her, “Lay back for me,” which Rayne did without hesitation. Lark leaned over Rayne, resting her hands on each side of her and lowered her body onto Rayne’s, instantly feeling the heat from her skin. She had a wondrous tickle in her stomach and warmth swept over her when Rayne wrapped her arms around her. She kissed her lips, then moved her kiss down to each breast, over her taut abdomen and finally stopped where Rayne wanted her, between her legs. She moved onto her knees and knelt before Rayne.

“Oh, yes. I’ve been waiting for you to take me baby.” Rayne breathlessly told her, feeling Lark’s breath on her sex. She pressed her head back on the bed when Lark kissed her mound and grasped the comforter from the shear ecstasy of what Lark was doing to her.

Lark guided Rayne’s legs apart and dipped her tongue past her lips, lightly caressing her hard clit with her tongue. She moved her ministrations along with Rayne’s rhythmic movements of her hips. Her tongue stroked the clit, flicking it and loving every moment of it. Rayne’s scent was an aphrodisiac and she buried her face in her mound, breathing her in. “Rayne, you taste so wonderful.” She said in barely a whisper, then moved her tongue down and dipped deep inside of Rayne who reared her head side to side, placing her hand on the back of Lark’s head. She pushed her face harder against her and bucked wildly with every stroke of Lark’s tongue.

“Lark, Lark.” Rayne moaned sensuously, gasping for her breath and couldn’t hold it any longer, releasing her nectar for her lover. “Oh, yes!” She shouted as another orgasm consumed her. Lark held her hips that bucked with another orgasm and rode the wave with her, licking and sucking her clit until Rayne had no more to give. Rayne panted heavily and hoped her pounding heart would calm as she looked up at the ceiling, spent by what Lark had just done to her. She closed her eyes and let out a satiated sigh, smiling gloriously as she felt Lark lightly kissing her mound. She felt Lark move her kiss to her stomach and cupped Lark’s face in her hands, and then sat up looking down at her. “I have never felt something as wonderful as that Lark and I didn’t think anything could top the first time we made love, but you have. You are incredible.” She wholeheartedly professed and brushed her long blonde hair off her face, smiling adoringly. “Come here.” She softly suggested and put her hands under Lark’s arms, guiding her up to a standing position.

Lark stood before her and smiled giddily when Rayne engulfed her in a hug, tucking her head against her stomach. Lark wrapped her arms around Rayne’s neck and kissed the top of her head. “I love you so much Rayne, you just have no idea.” She softly admitted and looked down when she felt Rayne move. She met loving blues when she looked at her and couldn’t help, but smile feeling her butterflies within taking flight.

Rayne smiled and leaned forward, kissing Lark’s stomach, then moved her hands to her backside. She slid her hand down to the back of Lark’s leg and guided it towards the bed as she held her with the other hand as Lark put her leg up on the bed. She sat on Rayne’s lap and moved her other leg up on the bed, straddling Rayne who wrapped her strong arms around Lark, pulling her closer. She looked up and smiled lovingly, “yes, I have an idea as to how much you love me. You tell me every time you look at me Lark. I love you completely and with all of my heart.” Lark’s heart fluttered from the profession and she gasped trying to hold back her tears of happiness. She leaned down and soundly kissed her lover.

Rayne deepened the passionate kiss, her want for Lark escalating when she felt Lark’s wet curls on her stomach. Her tongue explored everything about Lark as her hands slowly and softly moved down her back. Her hand slid down Lark’s backside, searching for her warm, wet center. Lark broke the kiss and gasped, throwing her head back when Rayne’s finger dipped deep inside her. Rayne stroked her finger in and out as she kissed Lark’s chest between her breast, slowly moving and capturing her darkened nipple in her mouth. Rayne reached up with her other hand and held Lark behind the neck to support her when Lark began to stroke her hips back and forth in rhythm with Rayne, deep inside her. Lark looked back down and cupped Rayne’s face in her hands, watching her sucking her breast. She loved how Rayne’s finger plunged deep within her, then slid out slowly and would thrust back inside of her. She slowly and erotically moved her hips to Rayne’s movements as Rayne moved to her other breast.

Rayne’s tongue circled Lark’s nipple and she buried her face in her breast, wrapping her mouth around her when she felt Lark’s wet, hard clit on her stomach. Her clit throbbed uncontrollably from the way Lark moved and felt. She plunged her finger deeper and picked up the pace as did Lark with her lips. “Rayne you feel incredibly in me. It feels so good, baby. Please don’t stop.” She pleadingly requested in a husky tone and threw her head back, gratified by what Rayne was doing to her. Lark looked back down at Rayne who met her gaze. Lark moved down to kiss her and Rayne breathed in her scent on Lark’s mouth before their lips touched. Rayne moved her head up to Lark, slipping her tongue inside her mouth unable to wait for the kiss. Lark pressed her lips against Rayne’s who deepened the kiss and stroked Lark’s center faster. Lark moved her hips faster and broke the kiss breathlessly. She gasped for her breath and moved faster, feeling her orgasm overtaking her. “Oh, Rayne! I love you so much.” She shouted completely satiated with Rayne.

“I love you.” Rayne whispered and felt Lark’s body stiffen, then relax when she released her orgasm.

“Oh, oh!” Lark shouted and wrapped her arms around Rayne’s head, holding her tightly as one wave after another of orgasms consumed her.

Rayne held her tight and reveled in the way Lark felt. She was enthralled by the beautiful and sensual lovemaking they just experienced, holding Lark tightly until she felt her relax against her. She slowly slid her finger out of her and felt Lark buck forward when another orgasm over took her. Lark breathed hard and shuttered through her sensuous spasm. Rayne lightly kissed her chest and breasts as Lark fought to calm her racing heart. She was amazed by how erotic, passionate and loving Lark was, as no one had ever been with her. She looked up when she felt Lark move back and smiled when she peered into her loving greens. Lark leaned down and pressed her lips against Rayne’s, sensually kissing her. She reached up and held Lark’s face, then broke the kiss lovingly staring at her. “You are so beautiful and absolutely incredible. You make me so happy.”

“I feel the same way about you Rayne.” Lark smiled and kissed Rayne’s forehead.

Rayne stood up with Lark still wrapped around her and turned towards the bed. She leaned forward so Lark could lie back on the bed. Lark laid on the bed and released her hold of Rayne with her legs, intently staring into the blues she loved so much. Rayne sexily grinned and leaned down, giving her a fleeting kiss before lying next to her on the bed. She moved onto her side and propped her head up with her hand as she lovingly stared at Lark. She slipped her hand on Lark’s stomach and guided her closer. She smiled when Lark moved closer to her and lovingly brushed the errant strand of blonde hair off Lark’s face. She leaned down and softly kissed Lark as her hand moved up, stopping on her breast. Lark moved her hand onto Rayne’s hip and pulled her closer as Rayne gently kneaded her breath, deepening the searing kiss.

Rayne broke the kiss and smiled at Lark, thinking about how lucky she was to have the beautiful blonde in her life. “If you keep tempting me with your sexy body like that you’ll never get to sleep this evening.” Rayne flirtatiously told her, grinning as she adoringly looked down at Lark.

“Who said anything about sleep this evening?” Lark lustfully asked and moved Rayne on her back.

Rayne chuckled at her flirtatiousness and watched as Lark climbed on top of her. She caught her breath that momentarily escaped her when Lark tossed her blonde hair to the side, lost in her beauty. “We have plenty of time to sleep.” Rayne softly said and grinned with anticipation when she felt Lark’s wet mound on her leg as she lay on top of her. She gasped and felt her heart race when Lark passionately kissed her, then reached between her legs for another round of lovemaking.

Rayne woke and smiled blissfully as she felt Lark’s warmth next to her. She brushed Lark’s hair off her face and turned her head, smiling lovingly as she gazed upon her peacefully sleeping lover who laid on her side facing her. She wiped the sleep from her eyes and caught a whiff of Lark on her mouth instantly sending warmth throughout her. She smelled her sweet scent everywhere, on her fingers, her mouth and wished she were making love to her right then. She moved closer to Lark and brought her hand to barely touch the smaller woman’s face, but decided not to as she didn’t want to wake her. She laid her head on the pillow and faced Lark who was oblivious to her admirer as she slept soundly. ‘She’s so beautiful and she has captured my heart like no one else. She makes me quiver with lusty anticipation every time she kisses me. I wonder if she would be willing to go to the wildest extremes so I could see the look of complete ecstasy in her eyes. I would for her.’ She adoringly thought and smiled, thinking that she would do anything for the beautiful blonde lying before her. ‘I love how her adoring smile radiates across her beautiful face and I wonder why anyone as charming, smart and beautiful could be remotely attracted to me especially after the hard time I gave her when we first met.’ She inwardly chuckled, remembering that time and how persistent Lark was with her. ‘I don’t ever want to hurt her and I want to give her all that my heart will give.’ She lovingly thought as a smile lifted the corner of her mouth and she leaned forward to kiss her. Her soft kiss lingered on the younger woman’s cheek and she moved back, happy that she didn’t wake her. She quietly slipped out of the bed, watching Lark and hoping she didn’t wake her. She smiled mischievously and headed out of the room to fulfill the thought that popped into her head.

She smiled uncontrollably as she padded down the carpeted hallway and stopped in her tracks when she heard someone in the kitchen. ‘Shit, Lark didn’t tell me someone would be here.’ She thought caught off guard and looked down at the attire she wore, nothing, and quickly scrambled back to the bedroom. She slipped on her shirt and pants before heading back down the hall wondering whom it could be, then it dawned on her when she smelled the coffee brewing. ‘It must be her housekeeper.’ Rayne surmised and turned the corner of the hall, entering the spacious kitchen. “Good morning Hazel.” She cheerfully greeted, hoping she didn’t scare the woman.

“The same to you Rayne. I hope you both are hungry?” She asked with a grin, knowing Lark’s voracious appetite.

“I’m famished. Lark didn’t tell me you would be here.” Rayne answered and grabbed the coffee mug sitting on the counter then poured a cup of coffee.

“Elaine asked that I come over and prepare a nice breakfast for you both.” She explained with a smile and pulled the toast out of the toaster.

‘I have to remember to thank and chastise Elaine for having her come over here. Damn, what if I would have walked in here naked!’ She thought with a snicker at her latter thought. She was slightly bummed out that she wasn’t going to be the one preparing Lark breakfast, but from the taste of the coffee, she couldn’t wait until she ate the food Hazel was preparing. ‘My coffee doesn’t taste this good.’ She thought and took another sip. “This coffee is wonderful and if those eggs taste as good as they look I’m going to have to steal you from Lark.” She grinned and chuckled, as did Hazel.

“Well, thank you for the compliment.” Hazel blushed and carefully arranged the plates on the tray.

“What kind of coffee is this? It’s wonderful” Rayne asked, sipping the last of it and turned to pour more.

“It’s ‘African Cinnamon Hazelnut’.” Hazel answered and held the tray in front of her for Rayne to take.

“Wow, it’s great! Oh, thanks.” She stammered and placed her coffee mug on the tray then took it from her. “Thanks again, we really appreciate it.” Rayne smiled gratefully and walked a few steps, but was stopped by Hazel.

“You must not forget the best part.” Hazel grinned and placed the vase with one single rose on the tray. She glanced at Rayne smiling and winked saying, “This will score you extra points with her.”

“Good thinking.” Rayne added and smiled. “Thanks again.” Rayne nodded and headed down the hall to the bedroom, closing the door behind her.

She placed the tray down beside the bed and quickly stripped off her clothes. She lay on the bed next to Lark who was still oblivious to her surroundings. “Hey, baby.” She softly whispered and lightly stroked Lark’s arm to not startle her. She couldn’t bring Lark out of her dreams and leaned down, lightly kissing her. She leaned back and smiled when Lark peered up at her.

“I thought you would never kiss me.” She softly said, trying to clear the sleepiness from her voice and smiled lovingly. She stretched and giggled from the wonderful sensations she still felt from her tryst with Rayne the previous night.

“Well, let me give you another then.” Rayne offered with a smile and leaned down, obliging the blonde with another kiss.

“Hmmm, yummy.” She smiled blissfully and lovingly gazed at Rayne.

“I have a surprise for you. So, close your eyes and sit up.” Rayne informed her and propped the pillows up against the headboard of the bed.

“Ooh, I like surprises especially from you.” Lark smiled and did as Rayne told her.

“You’re not looking are you?” Rayne asked, climbing off the bed and looked back at her.

“No, I promise I’m not.” Lark giggled, eagerly waiting for her surprise.

Rayne grinned and lifted the tray up, then placed it in front of Lark. “Okay, open your eyes.” She told her and grinned wickedly.

“Oh, how sweet! I can’t believe you made me breakfast. Come here and let me thank you properly.” She smiled and pulled Rayne closer, kissing her as Rayne leaned over the tray.

Rayne leaned back, in front of the tray, across Lark’s legs and reveled in her beautiful smile. She though of how she always wanted to make Lark smile. “As much as I would love to take credit for it, I can’t. Although, I did have good intentions of making you breakfast, but Hazel beat me to it.” Rayne sheepishly admitted.

“Hazel’s here? Wow, it’s a good thing I didn’t walk down the hall naked!” She asked surprised and commented with a laugh. Rayne looked down at the bed and scratched her forehead laughing, that she almost gave Hazel a peep show. “You didn’t?” Lark asked, in disbelief.

“Well, almost. I heard her before I got to the kitchen and hurried back to get dressed.” Rayne answered with a laugh, shared by Lark.

“What is she doing here anyway? I didn’t tell her to come in today.” Lark asked confused by why the woman was there.

“It seems that your dear agent Elaine told her to come in and make a wonderful breakfast for us.” Rayne explained and chuckled as she grabbed a slice of bacon. “By the way, remind me to thank Elaine for almost exposing myself to Hazel the next time I see her.” Rayne chuckled, looking up at Lark and biting into the piece of bacon.

“Well, that sneak! I’ll have talk to her and have her inform me the next time.” Lark giggled and ate a forkful of eggs. She chewed and swallowed, then placed the fork down. “Come here my love you are too far away.” Lark told her and smiled when Rayne moved closer to her.

“Is this better?” Rayne flirtatiously asked, sitting next to her.

“Definitely.” Lark answered and kissed Rayne soundly. Lark broke the kiss and smiled affectionately as she looked at Rayne. “Would you care to be my date for a movie premiere at the end of the week?” She asked hopeful Rayne would accept her offer.

“I would love to be your date for a movie premiere or any other day of the year.” Rayne accepted with a flirtatious smile and laughed when Lark giggled excitedly as she nibbled on her neck.

“Earth to Lark!” Elaine called out and snapped her fingers to get the absent blonde’s mind back in the real time.

“Huh?” Lark asked, after breaking free from her thoughts and turned to Elaine.

“What’s up with you spacing out like that Lark? You’ve been doing that quite frequently lately.” Elaine asked and sat in the chair next to Lark, who was waiting for the make up artist to begin.

“Oh, sorry. It’s nothing.” She evasively answered and tried to shrug it off.

“No, come on. Tell me what’s going on.” Elaine coaxed, knowing that’s exactly what Lark wanted her to do.

She sighed and looked at Elaine. “I’m nervous about mine and Rayne’s first year anniversary Elaine.” Lark admitted with a worried look on her face.

“Why? Did you two have a fight or something?”

“No, nothing like that.” Lark answered as her thoughts trailed off.

“Well, what’s going on then?” Elaine asked, touching Lark’s arm to bring her back into the conversation.

“You know that Rayne and I have been looking at houses to buy right?”

“Yeah, I thought you had decided on one down at the beach.” Elaine answered, remembering Lark telling her about it.

“Well, that’s what I thought, but now I’m getting the feeling that Rayne isn’t too thrilled about us buying a house together. I’m wondering if maybe she’s having second thoughts about our relationship and doesn’t want to move in with me. What if she’s tired of being with me?” Lark asked, feeling insecure.

“Lark, come on. There is no way Rayne is getting tired of you. I have never seen someone so in love with another as she is with you. She absolutely adores you. Why would you think that?”

“Oh, maybe I’m just being silly.” Lark answered and tried to wave it off.

“This is really painstaking getting this conversation out of you Lark. Tell me what’s going on.” Elaine demanded, frustrated by the way Lark was being so evasive.

“Okay, well I would really love to get the house on the beach and I thought Rayne wanted that one as well, but now she’s being really evasive when I talk to her about purchasing it together. She keeps brushing me off and telling me she has to speak with her brother in regards to all of the legal stuff in purchasing the house. So, I’m thinking she might be having second thoughts and then, she still hasn’t given me a ring to seal our devotion to each other.” Lark explained with a whine.

“Are you kidding me? All of this nonsense is about her not giving you a ring?” Elaine incredulously asked in disbelief of what she was hearing.

“Well, we’ve been together for almost a year now so why hasn’t she given me a ring and why is she being so evasive about purchasing the house together?”

“Lark, I really can’t believe that you need Rayne to give you a ring to show her devotion to you. Besides, she gives you gifts all the time to show you how much she cares about you. Need I point out the dressing room full of flowers she sent you on Valentine’s Day? Oh, dear don’t let me forget the beautiful diamond studded heart shaped pendant she gave you on that day as well. Oh, how about all of the other days she sent flowers to you, just to let you know she’s thinking of you or the gorgeous diamond bracelet she gave you on your six month anniversary that matches your necklace. Ooh, lest I forget that beautiful crystal dolphin statue she gave you for your birthday. With all of that said, I do need to remind you of the gift you gave her on your anniversary, a drawer. Maybe that’s the problem. She’s sick of giving you so many elaborate gifts when all you give her is a drawer.” Elaine sarcastically told her, still in disbelief of Lark’s attitude.

“Elaine! I thought the drawer was a great gift idea and it said to her that I wanted her to be a permanent person in my house. Besides, I gave her a beautiful silver necklace for Valentine’s Day as well.” Lark defensively answered.

“But a freaking drawer on your anniversary Lark? You’re filthy rich, couldn’t you have given her a dresser or an entire closet to say that?” Elaine asked with a snide remark.

“I understand how you think it would be a stupid gift, but at the time I didn’t want her to think I was rushing us to move in together. I came on so strong in the beginning that I just didn’t want to scare her away by insinuating that the u-haul was coming for her things. It was my subtle way of telling her I wanted her there without me pressuring her to move in. Besides, she loved it!” Lark explained.

“I think that is a very strange way of telling someone you want them there permanently and I really think you should be having this conversation with Rayne.” Elaine answered exasperated by her friends reasoning.

“Maybe I am just being silly, but think about it. If she really wanted to live with me, she would have asked me, right?” Lark asked, trying to validate her reasoning.

“Maybe she was waiting for you to ask, besides why are we having this conversation if the two of you have been looking for a house to buy together?” Elaine asked confused.

“At the drawer point we weren’t talking about buying the house. It came up recently and the more I thought about it, I wondered if she was just going house hunting with me to appease me because I brought it up and maybe she really doesn’t want to live with me.” Lark explained with a fretful look on her face at her last comment.

“Lark you are freaking killing me. Are you going to get your period at any minute now?” Elaine asked, narrowing one eye at Lark skeptically.

Lark chuckled and looked down, knowing she was busted. “Yep, it’s due in next week. Oh, I’ve been so silly Elaine. I’m sorry.” Lark admitted with an embarrassed blush about her when she looked up at Elaine, knowing she was being very irrational.

“Look honey, there must be a logical explanation for why Rayne is being so evasive now about the house. Maybe you think she’s being evasive and really she’s not. Do you really need a ring from her to know her devotion to you?” Elaine asked, knowing her friend wasn’t that shallow.

“No,” Lark sheepishly admitted and realized how bad that sounded. “You’re right, I’m being such a spoiled rotten bitch about this. She’s on assignment out of town with my father and she’s not going to be home for our anniversary, I miss her terribly, my period is planning my doom, I want us to live together and I’m just feeling so freaking insecure. I know I shouldn’t be that way because I know how much she loves me and now that you’ve pointed it out to me, I have really given her some shitty presents! I’m going to have to make up for it.” She rambled on in an answer, feeling guilty for the way she was acting. Tears welled in her eyes and Elaine put her arm around Lark’s shoulder to comfort her who leaned her head against Elaine’s shoulder.

“Oh, now come on. No tears, everything is going to be alright. Maybe something can be worked out that you two will be able to spend your first anniversary together. It wouldn’t hurt to ask again right?” Elaine softly asked and patted Lark’s arm, looking down at her for the answer.

Lark wiped the tears from her eyes and looked up at Elaine. “No, you’re right, it won’t hurt to ask again. Thanks for talking to me and helping me to keep things in perspective.” Lark smiled appreciatively.

“That’s my job my dear.” Elaine chuckled as did Lark. “You never know, she may give you a ring for this anniversary.” Elaine added with a giggle shared by Lark.

The two women sat silently thinking back on the conversation when Lark asked, “what was I thinking giving her a stupid drawer? She must think I’m an idiot, but she told me she liked it. I think she was just telling me that so I didn’t feel bad.” Lark rationalized, thinking back on the day she gave it to her.

“The great thing about Rayne honey is that she loves you no matter what, even if you do give her a stupid present like that drawer. I’m sure she knew what your intentions were and appreciated them for what they were.” Elaine reassuringly smiled, looking at Lark.

“Yeah, you’re right and I love her that much more for it.” Lark answered and smiled, leaning her head against Elaine’s shoulder again. “I wonder what she is doing right about now?” She asked, her mind wandering off to the raven-haired beauty.

“She’s probably bored to death sitting there in one of your father’s meetings.” Elaine answered with a laugh and shook her head feeling sorry for her.

“Yeah, more than likely.” Lark added with a smile.

“Forrest, this better not be another wild goose chase with this asshole. We’ve come too close to finding out who is behind all of these threats against Congressman Morgan, for it to be a dead end.” Rayne told him, agitated by all the dead ends they encountered as her, Forrest and two other agents slowly approached the large home through the cover of the trees.

“Our sources tell us this is where the mastermind lives.” Forrest reminded her as the team stopped. “Okay, you two head around to the back and we’ll take the front. Let us know when you are in place.” Forrest ordered as the other agents nodded in acknowledgement and headed off.

“I am ready to take this asshole down that’s for sure. We are never going to get another assignment if we don’t hurry up and close this case.” Rayne answered as the pair ducked behind the shrubbery, waiting until the other agents were in place.

“So, what do you have planned for your first anniversary?” Forrest asked with a silly grin, turning to look at his partner who intently stared at the house as they waited.

“Aah, that would be none of your business. Besides, we are leaving for Cape Cod with the Congressman later tonight and our anniversary is in two days, don’t you remember?” Rayne asked, never breaking her gaze from the front.

“Oh, yeah. Shit I have lost all track of time. Man, that sucks.” He added and pushed the earpiece in when he heard a transmission. “10-4. We’re moving in now.” He acknowledged into his mic and nodded at Rayne for them to get moving.

The pair stayed behind the cover of the shrubs and made their way towards the house. They crept onto the porch and both jumped against the wall when they saw a man pass by the window near the door. “Shit, we’ve been had.” Rayne replied when she saw a man hurry out of the house and jump into a car. “Stop him!” She shouted as they ran off the porch and aimed their guns at the car, which screeched its tires to leave.

“Elaine, my poor baby is probably ready to fall asleep listening to another one of my father’s speeches.” Lark told her with a pouting look on her face.

“I really don’t know how she stays awake at all of those functions. It must be that someone is screaming in her ear piece to keep her awake.” Elaine surmised and both laughed at the comment. “More than likely they are just hanging out with your dad, at his office doing nothing. I mean what else would they be doing?”

“I don’t know because she can’t talk about a lot of stuff she does at work because so much is top secret, but it must be the most boring job in the world standing around watching my dad all day.” Lark answered and looked in the mirror as the make up artist put the finishing touches on her face.

Rayne and Forrest fired their guns at the car and Rayne shoved Forrest to the ground when a shot whizzed by them from the house. “What the hell?” She cursed and turned toward the house, seeing a man by the windowpane of the door with a gun. “Try to find out where that car is heading!” Rayne shouted and took off running towards the house as Forrest scrambled to his feet.

Rayne saw the man in the window move towards the door, she ran faster and jumped, kicking the door in and knocking the man behind it down. She tumbled once inside and stood above the man who was knocked out just as the other two agents entered. “Nice move Rayne.” They approvingly told her with a chuckle.

“Thanks, cuff him and check the rest of the house. I need to help Forrest.” She told them out of breath and ran out of the house. She glanced up to see Forrest chasing the erratically weaving car on foot and shooting at the same time. She caught a glimpse of a motorcycle sitting inside the garage and ran towards it. “Come on, hopefully the keys are here so I don’t have to hot wire it.” She said, climbing onto the bike and found them in the ignition. “Yes! Thank you!” She chuckled and fired the engine on the motorcycle. She kicked it in gear and screeched the tires when she took off.

She quickly passed Forrest who was out of breath and pointing in the direction of where the car went. She made the turn and sped up to catch the car that was off in the distance. She leaned down towards the handlebars to reduce the wind resistance and turned the throttle wide open. She locked up the brakes and squealed the tires when the car made a sudden turn. She gunned the throttle again and quickly approached the car. “Shit!” She shouted when she heard a bullet fly past her after she swerved to miss it. She maneuvered the motorcycle to make it difficult for the assailant to fire on her and sped up, closing in on the car. She pulled her gun out and began firing at the car. The car made a quick turn and she locked the brakes up, but couldn’t stop in time to make the turn. “Oh, this is going to hurt.” She shouted and laid the motorcycle down on its side, pushing it away from her and tumbling off to the side just before a car ran the motorcycle over. “Aah!” She shouted in pain when she came to a rest along the road in a patch of gravel. “Oh, man does that hurt.” She said and lay there for a moment. “I can’t believe that asshole got away.” She shouted frustrated and lay panting, trying to catch her breath.

She reached into her pocket for the cell phone that was ringing. “Forrest?” She asked in the phone without looking at her caller ID.

“No, it’s me. Hi, honey. What are you doing? I miss you.” Lark sweetly told her in the phone.

“Lark, aah hi babe.” She stammered surprised and quickly sat up, moaning in the process. She reached over and picked up her gun that lay next to her, placing it in the holster.

“Are you okay? What’s going on?” Lark worriedly asked, by Rayne’s strange demeanor in her voice.

“Oh, I’m fine. Listen, I’m right in the middle of something here, could I call you back in a little while?” She calmly asked, hoping Lark wouldn’t catch on to what was happening with her and be worried.

“Sure, call me back soon. I love you.” She giggled and smiled, waiting for Rayne’s answer.

“I love you too babe. Bye.” Rayne answered and clicked the phone off, shaking her head and chuckling at the timing Lark had with her phone calls. She rose to her feet and limped towards the car that hit the motorcycle. “Are you okay?” She asked when she approached.

“I’m fine, but what the hell were you doing?” The man angrily asked.

“I’m a Secret Service Agent and I was chasing someone, I apologize. Our office will take care of any damages to your car.” She informed him and flashed her badge his way.

“Oh, okay. Yeah.” He stammered not expecting to run into a Secret Service Agent and turned towards the two cars that screeched to a halt next to them.

“Rayne are you okay?” Forrest shouted after exiting the car and rushing over to her.

“Oh, never better.” She sarcastically answered bent over with her arms extended on her legs, trying to catch her breath and calm her racing heart. “The bastard got away.” She angrily told him and stood up, limping towards the car. “Hey, Frank get this man’s information so we can take care of the damage to his car.” She called out and climbed in when she saw Frank approach the man. “How the hell did you find me?” She asked, curious as to how they arrived so quickly.

“I took a wild guess, but manly the noise of the car screeching gave it away. Here.” Forrest explained and offered her a handkerchief. “Your head is bleeding.” He told her and motioned towards it. She took the cloth and put it to her head, pressing down to stop the bleeding. He shut the door behind her and climbed into the driver’s seat. “We better get you to the hospital to be checked out. How did you hit your head?” He suggested and looked at his partner who looked like hell.

“Probably on the handle bars or the freaking rock I ran into when I fell or maybe my gun. Who knows, but I’ll be fine.” She sarcastically reassured and leaned her head back against the seat, casual about her injuries.

“It’s a good thing you didn’t shoot or kill yourself in that accident.” He commented, worried about his partner.

“Hey, you know we aren’t suppose to lose our guns, I had to keep a hold of it. Besides, I’m fine dude.” Rayne sarcastically added, down playing the accident.

“Not the way you look you’re not.” He added with a chuckle and started the car up. “You’re going to get checked out and that’s final.”

“Come on man. I’m more pissed off about that fucker who got away. I can’t believe it!” She fumed and shifted in her seat.

“Well, we’ve got the other guy so let’s see what we can get out of him. Hey, what the heck did you do to that door? I think Tim and Frank are going to be telling tall tales at the office for quite some time from the way they were gloating about how you got the other guy before we left the house.” He asked and told her with a chuckle.

“Aah, I just ran towards the door, jumped and kicked it in. I got lucky because I wasn’t sure it would work. I could have easily being laying flat on my back if the door wouldn’t have opened.” Rayne answered with a chuckle.

“You nailed that guy big time and you are still going to the hospital. I know you’re trying to butter me up so I won’t take you.” He added with a laugh.

“You can be such a nag some time. Now, I have to call Lark back and I don’t want you letting on that I was injured.” Rayne warned with a stern look.

“Then don’t give me any shit about taking you to the hospital or I will.” He added with a sly grin.

“Deal,” she conceded and moved the phone to her ear after dialing the number. “Hi honey.” She cheerfully greeted into the phone.

“What are you doing Rayne? Are you stuck in a boring meeting?” Lark asked, smiling giddily from hearing Rayne’s voice on the phone.

“Oh, yeah in a boring meeting. Listen, I’ll give you a call later tonight when I get home okay?” She asked, trying not to alert Lark to any problem.

“Okay, uh I’ll talk to you later then.” She answered disappointed.

“I’m sorry sweets. I’ll be able to talk more later though.” She told her and grimaced when she straightened out her knee.

“I look forward to talking to you. I love you.” Lark sweetly professed and smiled.

“Same here honey. Bye.” She smiled and ended the conversation, then placed the phone back in her pocket.

“Why didn’t you tell her you were hurt?” Forrest asked, turning to look at her.

“Because, I’m not hurt that bad and I didn’t want to worry her. She would have been nervous and stressed out, practically killing herself to get here to see me for nothing.” Rayne explained looking at him then leaned her head back against the seat.

“She should know Rayne.”

“I know, but I didn’t want her to worry. I would hate for anything to happen to her if she were to rush here to be with me. I’ve got some abrasions, I’ll be fine.” She reasoned and looked at him.

“Let’s have the doctor determine that okay, but you need to tell her later.” He added with a sly grin.

“Okay, nag.” She conceded and laughed, as did Forrest.

“Besides, you’ll get some major sympathy points.” Forrest added with a grin and chuckled, as did Rayne thinking of how many soothing kisses of Lark’s she would receive for all the bumps and bruises she had from the accident.

“Elaine, I really need to speak to my father about his boring speeches and torturing my honey so much. She didn’t sound so well when I spoke to her both times.” Lark told her worriedly and moved off the chair.

“Lark, I don’t think your father can help the fact that he gives boring speeches, but if you think it will help, talk to him.” She chuckled and followed Lark towards the set.

“Listen, I’m sorry for the way I acted earlier. I really am not that shallow and I was just feeling insecure. I know Rayne loves me very much and she’s told me many times that she wants us to be together forever. Aah, I hate these raging hormones every month. They wreak so much havoc on my emotions.” Lark sighed, feeling stupid and guilty for the way she was acting earlier.

“Yeah, well you aren’t they only woman who suffers with them hun. Try to find a solution to your anniversary problem. Maybe there is a way for the two of you to spend time together.” Elaine smiled warmly and stopped, facing Lark.

“I will, thanks.” Lark smiled appreciatively.

“Now, get to work and make us both stars!” Elaine teasingly pushed her towards the set as Lark looked back and laughed before heading off to work.

Lark entered the darkened house and turned on the light, closing and locking the door behind her. She sighed disappointed when it hit her that Rayne wouldn’t be there with her. She dropped her purse on the couch and rushed towards the phone when she heard it ring. “Rayne?” She asked, bringing the phone to her ear.

“How did you know?” Rayne asked with a chuckle.

“I have ESP don’t you know that?” Lark teasingly giggled and flopped down on the couch, happy to hear from her tall lover. “Rayne, I have something to tell you. I feel so bad.” Lark whined, feeling awful for the way she was earlier with Elaine.

“Oh, well I have something to tell you too. You go first.” Rayne suggested and worried about what Lark had to tell her from the way she sounded.

“Well, I’ve been really upset that we aren’t going to be together for our anniversary and I was feeling wicked insecure about our relationship. Rayne I’m so sorry I gave you that drawer for an anniversary present. I should have given you something nicer. Are you sure you want to move in with me?” She uncertainly rambled on.

“Whoa, Lark what’s up with all of this?” Rayne asked flabbergasted by what she just heard.

“Rayne, I told you I was feeling really insecure about us today and I was talking to Elaine about it. She talked me through it and I realized how much of a spoiled bitch I was being and…” Lark attempted to explain and was cut off by Rayne.

“Hold it right there. You aren’t a spoiled bitch, you are a spoiled princess and one that I love with all of my heart.” Rayne corrected with a chuckle and continued. “Yes, I want to move in with you and I loved the drawer you gave me on our anniversary. I thought it was a very original gift and I appreciated the meaning of it then and now.” Rayne calmly reassured.

“Are you sure? I mean, I was thinking that maybe you just told me that not to hurt my feelings about the drawer.” Lark asked, needing reassurance from her.

“Lark, I didn’t just tell you that to not hurt your feelings. I completely understood the meaning of it and I appreciated the fact that you were subtly sending me messages that it was time for us to move in together. In fact, I was going to ask you to move in with me, but then worried that I might be moving to quickly for you. So, I backed off and when I got your clever message with the gift I figured it was fine for us to take that next step. Unfortunately, we were both so busy with work that we haven’t been together enough until recently to start looking for a home. I’m telling you with all of my heart that I want us to live together.” Rayne wholeheartedly told her.

Lark wiped the tears that trickled down her cheeks and smiled, feeling her heart flutter from what Rayne just told her. “I’m sorry for being such an emotional wreck Rayne. I am so upset that we won’t be able to spend our first anniversary together that I can barely stand it.” She tearfully admitted.

“I know, me too sweets. I wish we could be there, but hey I’ll be back on the weekend and we can celebrate it then. How does that sound?” Rayne asked, hoping it would calm Lark down. “Lark, please don’t cry, you’re breaking my heart baby.” She softly pleaded, hearing Lark sob in the background.

“I’m sorry Rayne. I just can’t help it. You’re right, we’ll be together over the weekend and can celebrate it then.” She reasoned and wiped the tears away. She inhaled deeply and said, “So, what did you have to tell me?” trying to change the subject.

“Oh, it’s not important. What’s important is that you are okay. Are you feeling better?” She worriedly asked and leaned forward in the chair, resting her elbows on her legs.

“I’m fine, I promise. Now, it is important so tell me.” Lark reassured her and coaxed, for an answer.

“Well, aah I was in a minor accident today.” Rayne attempted to tell her as gentle as possible and looked up at Forrest who had stepped into the doorway.

He heard her tell of the accident and mouthed; “minor accident?” then shook his head in disbelief at her cavalier attitude. She waved her hand at him to go away and he motioned with hand gestures that their dinner was there.

She shook her head in acknowledgement and held up one finger indicating she would be there soon. She grimaced when she heard Lark shriek in a panic, “You were in an accident? Are you okay? Why didn’t you call me? What happened?”

“Lark, Lark,” Rayne attempted to calm her down and clenched her eyes close wondering why in the hell she bothered to tell her, knowing she was going to react this way.

“Rayne I can’t believe it are you in the hospital? Where are you, I’m on the next plane there, I don’t give a shit about what happens with the movie.” Lark angrily and worriedly told her, springing to her feet and pacing back and forth nervously.

“Lark, just calm down. I am fine. I have a cut on my forehead, some bruises and road rash from having to lay the motorcycle down. Trust me, I’m fine baby.” Rayne soothingly explained, trying to keep Lark calm.

“Why didn’t you call me?” Lark asked, feeling left out and held her chest, hoping to calm her racing heart. She had a flash of how ghastly it would feel if something terrible happened to Rayne and she wasn’t in her life.

“I didn’t want to worry you babe. I knew I was fine honey. I’m sorry I didn’t call you, I promise I will the next time.” Rayne sweetly apologized and promised.

“You better and you better not be lying to me. I’m going to call daddy later to make sure your injuries are minor or you are in big trouble.” Lark angrily warned, her heart still racing from the fear she felt.

Rayne chuckled and leaned back in the chair, “I promise and your father will vouch for my minor injuries,” reassuring her.

“What were you doing on a motorcycle anyway?” Lark asked confused.

“Well, we were on assignment and one of the suspects was getting away so I had to chase them.” Rayne explained in a generic way to keep Lark calm. If she knew she had been stuck in something that resembled an elaborate police chase from an action movie she would flip out even more.

“But a motorcycle? Rayne you promised with the motorcycles that you would be more careful and you wouldn’t ride them like a wild woman. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you Rayne.” Lark whined fearful for Rayne’s safety on the motorcycles.

“I know honey, but it was the only thing available to me at the time. I know I made a promise to you about the motorcycles. That’s why I bought my car and parked my motorcycle. I don’t want anything to happen either. I couldn’t imagine not seeing your sweet face.” She thoughtfully told her.

“Aah, you are so adorable and frustrating Rayne.” Lark told her with a giggle. “I can’t imagine my life without you in it Rayne.” Lark sincerely admitted and felt a catch in her heart from her statement.

“The same goes for me sweets. Now, trust me when I tell you that I’m physically fine, I love you with all of my heart and there is nothing more in the world I would like to do than to live with you in our new home. Shayan is still checking the paperwork, property taxes etc for the house we want on the beach okay?” She asked, hoping to reassure and calm Lark’s fears.

“I can’t wait for us to buy the house and move in together. I want to be able to wake up next to you and know that you have more than one drawer for your clothes in OUR home.” Lark told her with a laugh shared by Rayne.

“Me too babe. I look forward to us moving in together. Are you feeling better now?” Rayne asked, hoping she was.

“Yes, I felt better the second I heard your voice.” Lark admitted with a giggle.

“Same here when I heard yours.” Rayne added with a chuckle. “I will give you a call later okay. I’m going to grab something to eat and we have to make our security rounds, but we’ll talk more later, I promise.” Rayne guaranteed.

“I look forward to hearing from you baby. Have a good dinner and I love you very much.” Lark wholeheartedly professed.

“I love you sweets.” Rayne smiled happily after Lark told her how much she loved her and felt a tickle in her stomach. “Bye.”

“Bye honey.” Lark answered and blew a kiss into the phone.

Rayne chuckled and blushed from the way Lark had a way of making her feel as she clicked the phone off. She held the phone against her mouth thinking of how Lark had made such a significant impact on her life and of how happy she was to be apart of Lark’s life. She inhaled deeply to calm her racing heart and stood up, walking towards the door to join her fellow agents for dinner, feeling complete with the love of a beautiful woman in her heart.

Rayne had been trying to catch Lark by phone any chance she had throughout the day and into the early evening, but was unable to reach her. ‘Where is she, I want to tell her happy anniversary.’ She wondered frustrated by her inability to contact her and clicked the phone off. ‘Maybe she’s had additional hours at the set today that she forgot to tell me about? I can’t believe she didn’t try to call me. What if something happened to her?’ She nervously worried as thoughts ran rampant through her mind. ‘No, Elaine would have called me if something happened to her. She’s fine, just busy. She’ll call, now calm down.’ She jumped startled when the phone in her hand rang. She quickly put it to her ear. “Lark?” She asked into the phone.

“Happy anniversary honey!” Lark’s sweet voice greeted into the phone much to Rayne’s relief.

“I’ve been so worried about you Lark. Whew, I’m glad to hear your voice. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you all day and I was getting very worried that something bad happened to you.” Rayne answered in a relieved sigh and felt her racing heart calm to a steady beat.

“I’m sorry honey. I had a wicked long day on the set. I miss you and wish I could be in your arms right now.” Lark confessed longingly.

“Me too.” Rayne softly said and leaned her hand against the wall for support as she stared out the window into the darkness. “I want to hold you, smell your alluring scent, kiss you, make love to you and tell you how much I love you. I want to give you your anniversary gifts and make love to you all night, and into the weekend.” Rayne informed her, reflectively looking off into the distance wishing she were with Lark. She looked down and pulled out the present she had for Lark that was in her pocket. She smiled and couldn’t wait to give her the present as she lightly moved her thumb over the gift, then placed it back in her pocket.

“Oh, baby that sounds absolutely wonderful. I would love for you to do all of those things to me and more.” She flirtatiously answered and felt a warmth rush straight to her core.

“Rayne!” Forrest called out in a soft voice to not scare her.

She turned towards him unhappy with the intrusion and covered the phone. “What?” She agitatedly asked.

“Congressman Morgan needs to speak with you.” He informed her.

“Can’t he wait?” She asked aggravated by the fact that she was finally able to speak with Lark and had to get off the phone.

“No, he was pretty adamant about seeing you right away.” He told her and exited the room.

‘Damn.’ She thought angrily and turned, looking back out the window. “Hey, aah honey. I have to go, but I’ll call you back very soon okay?” Rayne asked, reluctant to lose her connection to Lark.

“I understand sexy. I’ll be here waiting for you.” Lark reassured her.

“Happy anniversary babe. I love you.” Rayne softly said and smiled, thinking of how much she loved Lark.

“I love you too honey. Bye.” Lark giggled and clicked the phone off.

Rayne chuckled and ended the call as she exited the room to find out what the Congressman wanted of her.

“Sir, you wanted to see me?” She asked, entering the study where he was reading.

“Yes, I need you to do me a favor.” He answered placing the book in his lap and turned towards her.

“Okay, sure.” She answered and shrugged her shoulders waiting for her instructions.

“A guest of mine has arrived and they are at the guest cottage. I would really appreciate it if you checked out the cottage for me and made sure they were settled in.” He asked with a hopeful smile.

“No problem. I’ll head down there now.” Rayne told him and turned to leave.

“Thanks a million.” He called out when she exited the room.

‘What the hell does he think we are? Does he think we are servants or something? Couldn’t he get someone else to go down there?’ She thought agitated by the request and donned her jacket before exiting the house.

Rayne gasped for her breath after opening the door when she felt a crisp chill in the air strike her face. She wrapped her jacket tighter around her body and folded her arms across her chest for additional warmth as she made the long trek to the guest cottage. ‘Shit it’s cold out here.’ She thought and saw her breath in the cold, night air. She did as she was instructed and checked the outer perimeter of the cottage, and then moved around to the front. She knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. She stood stunned and speechless when she saw who opened the door. ‘Now, I know why he sent me.’ She thought with an appreciative chuckle, checking the figure out before her.

“Happy anniversary my love. Care to join me in this toasty cottage?” Lark flirtatiously asked with a smile.

“Absolutely.” Rayne was finally able to muster from her surprise as she stood staring at Lark who had a small blanket provocatively draped across her naked body.

Lark reached out and took her hand, pulling her into the cottage and quickly engulfed her in a tight embrace as Rayne kicked the door close. “I am so happy to see you baby.” She whispered in her ear and lightly kissed her cheek, reveling in the wondrous feeling of having Rayne’s strong arms wrapped around her.

“I can’t believe you are actually here Lark. I missed you so much sweets.” Rayne softly told her and leaned back, gazing lovingly into Lark’s warm greens. She smiled happily and leaned in, brushing her lips against Lark’s. She felt Lark’s lips quiver and pressed her lips against Lark’s for a passionate kiss.

Lark melted into the searing kiss and tightly wrapped her arms around Rayne’s neck who lifted her off the ground, deepening the kiss. They broke the kiss breathless and leaned their heads against each other, reveling in the feeling of their long awaited reunion. “I couldn’t be away from you for another minute Rayne and I was so happy that we finished filming early so I could come here.” Lark told her, smiling happily.

Rayne leaned back and smiled. “So your father was in on the ruse huh?” She asked with a sly grin.

“Yeah, I told him we needed to spend our first anniversary together and he agreed. It helps to know people in high places.” She explained with a smile.

“I’m glad he agreed and it’s no wonder I couldn’t get in touch with you all day.” She answered in a low tone and kissed Lark again.

“Me too.” Lark whispered through the kiss and deepened it. Lark broke the kiss and giggled giddily as she was ecstatic to see Rayne. “I have some very special presents for you my love.”

“Oh, yeah?” Rayne flirtatiously asked intrigued by what Lark was going to give her.

“Yes, follow me.” She provocatively invited and lead Rayne towards the bedroom.

“Wow! This is great Lark.” Rayne commented when they entered the bedroom, which was filled with candles, roses, along with champagne and food on the table.

“I’m glad to hear you like it babe, but this is just the beginning.” Lark told her with a suggestive wiggle of her eyebrows. “Sit down.” Lark said and guided her down on the bed. She winked at Rayne and poured a glass of champagne for her.

“This is wonderful Lark and you look, wow so freaking incredible.” Rayne told her in awe of everything especially Lark who stood before her with the drink. She took the glass from her and sipped the champagne, then looked up at Lark. “I want to give something to you that I have wanted to and should have done a long time ago. I don’t want to wait any longer.” She explained to Lark and took her hand, guiding her to sit on the bed.

“Okay.” Lark softly answered and sat on the bed anxiously waiting to see what Rayne was going to give her. Her heart raced faster when she saw Rayne pull a small box out of her pocket.

“Lark, I love you with all of my heart and I want you to wear this as a reminder of my love for you and of my promise to always love you.” Rayne softly told her and took the ring out of the box to place on Lark’s finger.

“Oh, Rayne it’s so beautiful.” Lark tearfully exclaimed and lovingly watched as Rayne placed it on her finger. She was giddy and overwhelmed by the beautiful 1-carat diamond set on a 24 carat gold band, which sparkled in the light.

She gasped when Rayne gave her a sideways glance with her devastatingly gorgeous blue eyes. “I don’t want you to ever doubt my love for you. You are the only person I want to spend my life with.” Rayne told her with a loving smile and chuckled when Lark kissed her.

Lark broke the kiss and engulfed Rayne in a tight embrace. “You are so wonderful to me and I’m very lucky to have you in my life.” She softly whispered and leaned back, lovingly staring at Rayne. “I want to love and be with you for as long as I live. I want to make you feel loved and happy every day of your life with me.” Lark tearfully professed.

“I can’t imagine how you wouldn’t. You’ve already made my life completely happy since you entered it sweets.” Rayne admitted and smiled, then raised Lark’s hand and placed a kiss on the ring she gave her.

Lark smiled and felt her heart flutter as she watched Rayne kiss her hand, then peer up at her with those fabulous eyes. “You are so romantic.” She softly replied and smiled lovingly.

“So are you and are you going to tempt and tease me all night by wearing that blanket or are you going to lose it and allow me to make mad passionate love to you?” Rayne suggestively asked with a flirtatious smile.

“I’ll get to that in just a moment, but first I want to give you the present I have for you.” Lark grinned and took a step towards the table and grabbed the gift. She stood before Rayne and handed her the bag. “I wanted to give you something very intimate.” She explained and watched as Rayne opened the bag, then smiled when she saw Rayne blush after seeing the present.

“This is very intimate Lark.” Rayne answered with a chuckle and looked at the sex toy Lark gave her.

“Well, that’s not the intimate part of it Rayne. I tried to think of an intimate, special and memorable present to give you. I wasn’t able to find a present that expressed all of those, until I realized there was only one thing that could and that was me giving you my virginity. I know it’s so cliché to say that I’ve been saving myself in that way for the right person to come along, but it’s the truth. I’ve been with other women, who have wanted to do that, but it didn’t feel right to me and I never allowed that to happen until now. I want to give you the most intimate thing about me baby, my virginity.” Lark wholeheartedly explained and lovingly stroked her thumb against Rayne’s cheek.

“Lark that is so the most romantic and loving gesture I’ve ever had. It means a lot to me that you want me to have that of you and you have made me so incredibly happy by the offer, which I will accept on one condition.” Rayne informed her and lovingly stared at her.

“Okay, what is that?” Lark asked, waiting for Rayne’s answer.

“That you take my virginity as well. Like you, I’ve never wanted to give that of myself to anyone until I fell in love with you.” Rayne genuinely admitted and smiled.

“Oh, baby that is so sweet and loving. You have taken my breath away.” Lark smiled and patted her chest to calm her racing heart and inhaled deeply. “I can’t wait to give myself to you Rayne. Please, don’t make me wait any longer.” She softly requested and fervently kissed Rayne.

“I won’t.” Rayne whispered through her kiss, deepening it and laying Lark on the bed. She broke the kiss, locked loving blues with warm greens and guided her up on the bed. Rayne leaned over her and passionately kissed her as her hand moved down to Lark’s chest. She reached inside the blanket and moved it off of Lark, brushing her hand against Lark’s hardened nipple. Lark gasped at the contact and waited wantonly for Rayne to make love to her. “I’ll be right back. Just close your eyes and think of how much I love you until I’m ready.” Rayne whispered and kissed Lark before climbing off the bed.

‘I can’t believe she gave me a promise ring and how stupid I was to doubt her for not giving me one before. Elaine was right about the ring. She is so incredibly romantic and is so good to me. I can’t wait to make love with her and allow her have all of me as no one has ever had me before.’ She thought and opened her eyes when she felt Rayne climb on the bed again. She smiled and lovingly kissed Rayne who moved on top of her. She felt a tingling sensation rush straight to her core when she felt Rayne’s naked body and the sex toy pressed against her body.

“I love you.” Rayne sincerely proclaimed through a whisper in her ear and smiled when she felt Lark kiss her cheek.

“Rayne, you are such an incredible lover. I am so happy that I saved myself for you baby and it felt so good making love to you like that. It was wonderful and so beautiful.” Lark smiled uncontrollably with a glow from what they experienced with one another as she lay on Rayne’s chest, looking up at her.

“I know it was breathtaking. I never wanted to give myself like that to anyone before and actually, never thought I would want someone to take my virginity until I met you. I loved you from the moment I first saw you and knew you were the woman I wanted to be with no matter how much I fought going out with you. I knew I wanted to give all of me to you, in every way. My feelings for you were so strong and terrifying that I tried to stay away, but couldn’t resist your fatal charms.” She explained with a loving smile and lightly stroked Lark’s golden locks.

“Why did you fight it that much if you knew you loved me from the start?” Lark asked, with a smile from the admission.

“I was terrified by the way I felt for you that you might not feel the same about me after we went out and if something did work out for us I was afraid of losing you. They are strange reasons, but I had suffered so much pain before that I couldn’t handle that again. I’m glad I stopped fighting and agreed to go out with you. You have made me the happiest woman in the world and what we both just shared was so intimately beautiful that I’m still having a hard time expressing the feelings I’m having for you. My heart is ready to explode with happiness.” She bashfully admitted and blushed.

Lark giggled at Rayne’s reaction. “Baby, you are so adorable and I know exactly what you mean. I feel like I’m walking on cloud nine and you are a part of me and I’m apart of you now. I have never felt as special as I do when I’m with you Rayne.” Lark smiled lovingly and felt a tickle in her tummy from the feelings she was having.

“I want it to always be that way sweets.” Rayne lovingly confirmed her comment with a kiss.

“Hmmm, me too.” Lark answered, thoroughly satisfied with the kiss they just shared.

“Oh, I do have one more gift for you that I think you are really going to like.” Rayne grinned, amused and excited with the present she had for Lark.

“Another one? I think you have given me plenty Rayne.” Lark asked and said surprised that she would have something else for her.

Rayne grinned mischievously and sat up, reaching for her jacket that was draped across the chair. She reached into the inside pocket and pulled the next present out. She laughed and jumped back on the bed knowing Lark was going to be very happy with the present. Lark giggled at Rayne’s enthusiasm and sat before Rayne on the bed anxiously waiting to see what Rayne had in her hand. “Here.” Rayne exuberantly smiled and held up the present for Lark to take. She had been caring both presents with her on the trip for when she was lonely for Lark and would take them out to make her feel better.

“A key? I’m confused.” Lark asked as she took the key that had a red ribbon on it and looked at it. “Is it the key to your heart?” Lark asked with a giggle.

“You don’t need a key to my heart sweets, you already have that. The key is to our new home.” Rayne explained and mischievously smiled when she saw it register with Lark.

“Oh, my god! Rayne, you bought the house on the beach?” She excitedly shouted and smiled uncontrollably.

“Yes, I wanted it to be a surprise so that’s why I kept putting you off in regards to making an offer. I hope you don’t mind I surprised you with it?” She asked with a grimace, hoping that Lark wasn’t upset with her.

“No, absolutely not.” Lark answered and laughed. “I’m so stupid sometimes.” She replied and chuckled shaking her head.

“Why do you say that?” Rayne asked confused.

“I thought you were being evasive with the house because you didn’t want to move in with me. Boy was I wrong.” Lark explained and laughed at her stupidity.

“Nope, that was the farthest thing from my mind. I want to make a wonderful life with you Lark and show you how much I love you every day.” Rayne lovingly smiled and laughed when Lark threw her arms around Rayne’s neck, tightly hugging her as she fell back on the bed with Lark on top of her.

“You are so thoughtful and wonderful. I love all my presents, but I have to insist on paying for half of the house. Okay?” Lark adamantly told her as she looked down at Rayne.

“No problem because I only put a down payment on the house so we wouldn’t lose it. We still have to fill out the paperwork and pay for the rest of it until it is officially ours.” Rayne explained and smiled.

“I can’t believe how happy I am Rayne.” Lark lovingly admitted and kissed her.

“Me too sweets, let’s stay that way forever.” Rayne suggested with an endearing smile and lightly stroked Lark’s face with her thumb.

“You got it babe.” Lark answered smiling and captured Rayne’s lips for a soul-searing kiss.

Continued In Part XIII

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April 2002