Part VI

"Okay, how do I look?" Katia held out her arms in waiting judgment before her roommate and her roommate's girlfriend.

Erin twisted around from her desk chair.

Sara forced to stop looking at the tv and focused on Katia.

"You look fine," remarked Erin. She went back to her homework.

Katia's arms flopped to her side.

"Why are you so worried?" Sara aimed the remote at the tv and turned the volume down. She'd picked out the worried expression on Katia's face.

"I have a date tonight with Ashley."

Erin wasn't paying much mind but she heard some of it.

"What time?"

"I have to be ready in like… forty-five minutes."

Sara shook her head and sat up now. "If you have forty-five minutes then why are you… dressed now?"

Katia's shoulders faintly slumped. "I'm trying to look good, Sara." She didn't want to tell her friends all of the truth.

Sara's eyes narrowed while a distant grin teased the corner of her lips. "Kaaaatia, why is this date so important?" She received no response but Katia's attitude was very curious. Then it occurred to Sara and she leapt up. "You're going to ask Ashley out!"

Erin quickly spun around in her chair. "Katia!"

"I know that's it!" Sara bounded up to her friend. "Tell me you're going to ask her out tonight?"

Katia frowned but Sara's begging, soft eyes she couldn't refuse. "Yes," she murmured.

"I knew it! I knew it!" Sara started bouncing up and down.

"Sara!" now yelled Erin, who was up from her chair. She stepped up to the pair but she was concentrating on Katia's worried eyes. "You're really nervous huh?"

"God… yes," breathed Katia.

"Wait." Sara held up her hand. "I already have the solution." She whipped out her cell phone and pulled up somebody's number. She held the phone to her ear while it rang.

Katia questioningly looked at her roommate.

Erin merely shrugged but reframed from grinning.

Sara suddenly beamed with a smile when her call was answered. "Katia needs you. Emergency." She paused. "Yes… it's thee emergency." She snickered for a second. "Okay. See you in three. Bye." She slammed her cell phone shut and her sunniest smile lit the room. "Back up is on the way."

"Who did you call?" interrogated Erin.

"Not Mike?" pressed Katia. Her demeanor stated she was growing annoyed.

"Weeelllll… let's say it's Mike's female counterpart."

The two roommates exchanged fearful looks.

"Let's first get you...." Sara waved her hands at Katia. "Prepped." She now looked at her girlfriend. "You're helping."

"I have work to do." Erin lifted an eyebrow. She'd never seen her girlfriend get so excited about one of Katia's dates with Ashley. This was a little beyond her.

"No, you're helping." Sara gave one of her meanest glares. "You're the roommate."

Erin pointed a finger at her girlfriend, her mouth open.

"Come on." Sara grabbed both girls' arms and hauled them out of the room to the cluster bathroom. When they got into the bathroom, Sara dug out two sets of tweezers and handed one to Erin. "Erin, right brow. I got the left."

Katia blinked as two tweezers came at her from either side.

"Make up?" asked Sara as she shaped the left eyebrow.

"No," answered Erin for her.

"I didn't ask you," shot back Sara.

Erin signaled for Katia to reply.

Katia kept flinching at each tug. "I don't want any."

"Are you eating out?" asked Erin.

Sara suddenly smirked. "God I hope she… eats out." Suddenly there was a loud smack and Sara yelped. She cleared her throat then stated, "You're not wearing this by the way."

"I'm not?"

Before Sara could add anymore, the bathroom door flung open.

"I heard!" announced a deep male voice.

Katia jerked away from her friends as Mike exploded into the bathroom. "Oooo no!"

Mike pointed a finger at his best friend. "Don't even start with me, Miss Danforth!" He then grinned. "How much time do we have?"

Katia let out a long sigh as she gave in to him. "A little more than thirty minutes."

Mike saw the two girls back away from Katia. He was pleased with the eyebrow plucking. "Where are you and Ashley eating?"

"I really couldn't pick out a place… there's nothing nice here in Salisbury."

Mike frowned at Katia. "Katia, it is Friday night?"

"Yes, so?"

"You have plenty of time. You can go some where outside of Salisbury."

Katia shook her head as her right hand went through her hair. "First, I don't have the money. Second, I don't know where."

Sara and Erin were busy whispering about something. Then Erin hurried out of the bathroom.

"Take her some where nice." Sara gave her friend a stern look.

"I can't!" protested Katia, her hands up in the air. "I want to though."

"Wait." Mike rushed up to Katia and grabbed her hands into his own. He laced their hands together tightly and now smiled lovingly. "Will you do me a favor?"

"What's that?"

"Take a deep breath."

Katia's lips pressed tightly together. She sucked in a big breath then slowly let it out.

Erin slipped back into the bathroom with something in her hand.

Sara smiled when she plucked one of the hairpins from her girlfriend's hand.

"Okay, now stop doing whatever you're doing with your lips."

Katia glared at Mike.

"I'm serious."

Katia sighed and tried to finally relax.

Mike then nodded at Sara and Erin to proceed. He then focused his crystal blue eyes on Katia. Once more, he graced his friend with a tender smile.

Now Katia couldn't resist the lopsided smile on her face. She always lost her grumpy or nervous moods to Mike's beautiful smiles.

"Now," started Mike, "You're going to do me a favor… both you and Ashley."

Katia did one of Ashley's tricks and arched her eyebrow.

"You're going to take my credit card-"

"Mike, I'm-"

"Yes, you are." Mike's face became stern. "I want you two to have a nice evening. I want it to be perfect."

"I don't even know where to take her," protested Katia. She suddenly felt a shot of pain to her head when Erin pulled her hair a little too hard.

"Sorry." Erin offered an apologetic smile.

Katia gazed back at Mike now.

"You're going to take her to this little restaurant called Bizzotto's in Onancock."

Katia had to think about the name of the town then it dawned on her. "In Virginia?"

"Yes. If you leave by five thirty like you're suppose to then you'll get there about seven. It's an amazing, romantic restaurant."

Katia let out this big sigh.

Mike was about to add more but he stopped when somebody knocked on the bathroom door.

"Is there room for another lady?"

Mike lit up with a grin. "Of course, dear!" He stepped aside just as the door opened.

The last body to squeeze into the, thankfully large, bathroom was Haley.

"Hello, ladies." Haley smiled to everybody then looked at Mike. "And bitches."

Mike's mouth dropped.

Haley laughed and hugged him with her free arm.

Now Katia had a clear view of what was in Haley's other hand. "Ooooo no, no, no, no!" She started to move but Erin and Sara yanked her back by the two braids they were holding.

"Stay still," barked the roommate.

Haley had a wide smile. "I will hang this over here." She moved over to the rack for the towels and hung the beautiful yet simple red dress.

"How you know that's going to fit me?" Katia's eyes narrowed at her curly blond friend.

Haley winked. "Trust me, I know your size, Katia."

"Ooo my god." Katia scanned all of her friends' faces and then she realized it. "You four have been waiting for this night."

"Duh!" Mike laughed. "You catch on quick, Sherlock." He then quickly left the bathroom before the retribution could take place.

Haley now took Mike's vacant spot in front of Katia. "Now, tell me you have black heels to match this dress?"

Katia shook her head but she slowly nodded her head.

"Wonderful." Haley's smile filled the room. "Are we almost done?"

Erin was standing behind Katia and now carefully finished pinning the two braids that twined along then down Katia's hair.

"Yes," confirmed Sara.

"Great. Now you two can go wait outside." Haley opened the door for them.

The girlfriends flashed devilish looks at Katia then hurried out.

"Ya'll really plan this?" whispered Katia.

Haley was by the dress and carefully removing it. "Yes, we all did."

Katia knew she needed to get out of her khaki pants and blouse so she scrambled to take them off.

When Haley turned around with the silky dress, she chuckled. "I'm glad you at least have the… after hours clothes nicely selected."

Katia rolled her eyes. "I don't always wear thongs, you know."

Haley said nothing but her grin was broad. She now helped slip the dress carefully over Katia's head. She then shifted behind and zipped the back up and adjusted the thin straps over Katia's shoulders.

Katia took a couple of steps back to get some what of an image in the mirror over the sink. "Wow." She turned her head to Haley. "Why did everybody do this?"

Haley leaned over and kissed Katia's cheek. "Because we love you."

Katia felt something melt in her then she couldn't help it, she began to cry.

Haley didn't hesitate to pull her friend into a hug. "Hey don't get upset."

"I know," murmured Katia through the tears. "I just… I didn't expect this."

Haley slightly pulled back so she could look into greens eyes. "Listen, we all know it's been a hard year on you. Between things at home, Bobby… the trial." She shook her head and placed her fingertips under Katia's sinking chin. When Katia's eyes were level with hers again, she continued speaking. "We wanted to do something special for you. And for Ashley too because she's been there for you so much."

"Everybody has been there for me."

Haley smiled at that. "Thank you." She wiped the tears off smooth cheeks. "It's okay. If you cry anymore, Ashley will think we all upset you."

Katia laughed and helped rid of the tears. "Oh god." Suddenly shock flew through her. "Ashley… she needs to know where we're going so she can dress properly."

"Erin is calling her now."

"But…."

"It's okay." Haley chuckled and brushed back a loose piece of hair from Katia's face. "Let's finish you up."

Erin tried not to giggle at Ashley's confusion. "Wear something nice." She sat on the edge of her bed. "I can't tell you. Just… something nice, better than pants." She now laughed. "Yes, a dress would probably be appropriate." She tilted her head a little and she grew confused by Ashley's next words. "Okay, I'll tell her. Alright... bye."

Sara hurried into the room. "We don't have much longer."

"Ten minutes," confirmed Erin as she saw the time on her cell phone.

Sara was bent over in Katia's closet and weeding through the shoes. "What'd she say?"

"Ashley said she's getting changed now."

Sara's laugh came from the closet. She then straightened up with a pair of black leather dress sandals. "This'll match perfect."

Erin decided to follow out of the room into the hallway. She watched as Sara slipped the shoes through the bathroom door.

Mike had been standing in the doorway already. He patiently waited with the girls.

The bathroom door finally creaked open and Haley was out first but she stepped aside.

Katia stepped out and stood still in judgment again.

"Woooow," whispered Sara.

Erin's head was bobbing and she stared in amazement.

Mike was just one big gleeful smile.

Haley chuckled from behind, which grabbed Katia's attention. Haley admired the red dress that went to Katia's ankles. The dress had a beautiful design of a black flower, whose pedals spread across Katia's pronounced bosom while the soft red stem wrapped around her right side.

Katia's sunshine hair had neatly been done by her roommate and Sara. Her bangs were clipped to one side while her two locks were braided along the sides of her head to the back and done in wispy bun. The rest of her hair was down and behind her shoulders. On her chest was a sterling silver "K" that her father had given her this past Christmas. Then on her right wrist was a thick pewter bracelet with an almost perfectly matching flower design. And finally there was a single solid silver band ring on Katia's left middle finger.

"I think she's ready," quietly stated Sara.

"Almost." Erin hastily went into the bedroom and collected Katia's black purse and cell phone. "Here."

Katia took the items.

"And don't forget this." Mike moved closer to her and held out a piece of paper. "Ooo I love the perfume too." He chuckled.

Katia rolled her eyes at him but carefully took the item from him and saw that Mike's credit card was slipped between it. "Mike, I can't."

"You will." Mike gave a warning look. "You'll owe me this summer. Okay?"

Katia finally nodded and slipped the card into her purse. She then opened the paper; they were perfect directions to the restaurant. "Thank you." She looked at all of her friends. "Thank you."

Haley grasped Katia's shoulders. "We did as much as we could."

"Now you have to ask her," reminded Erin.

"I would ask her for you," cut in Mike, "but I think it wouldn't go over as well."

Katia laughed.

"Come on, you need to go." Sara started to push everybody down the small hallway into the main hall.

"And don't come back to the room tonight," reminded Erin.

Katia was heading down the hallway with Haley. She gazed back at her roommate.

"Yeah, Erin and I have plans in the room tonight!" called Sara.

Katia groaned and yelled, "Don't touch my bed!"

Sara winked and waved. "See yah, Katia. Good luck."

Mike and Erin were also waving goodbye.

Then it occurred to Erin and she quickly moved down the main hall some while yelling, "Katia!"

Katia stopped and went back into the main hall.

"I meant to tell you… Ashley said '143'." Erin shrugged to her roommate but that bright smile on Katia's face told her enough.

"Thanks, Erin. See ya!" Katia went around the corner and hurried down the steps to her waiting friend.

Mike sighed happily once Haley and Katia went down the steps. "My little girl is all grown up."

Sara suddenly elbowed Mike. "She's mine."

"Ha. I found her first," stated Erin as she rejoined the pair.

"Did not," argued Mike. He then let out a worried sigh. "God. I hope this goes well tonight."

"It will," stated Erin, "it has to."

Sara laced her hand through Erin's yet looked at Mike. "Hungry?"

Mike's eyes gleamed in response.



Part VII

Katia smiled at her empty plate that used to contain about five shrimp raviolis. She now leaned back into her wood chair and gazed over at Ashley's plate. "How is it?"

"Amazing." Ashley lifted her eyes to her friend. "I've had quail before but not quite like this."

Katia grinned.

"Try some." Ashley pierced her fork through a thick slice of juicy quail meat. She then leaned forward with the fork extending out.

Katia also leaned forward and her lips parted as the quail and fork entered her mouth. The flavor of the sweet meat swirled over her tongue and filled her mouth. "Mmmm." She chewed it well then after swallowing, she smiled. "That is amazing."

Ashley had a wicked grin but she said nothing. She continued eating the last of her quail.

Katia rested back in her chair. She took a quiet moment to memorize Ashley in her beautiful dress. The silky dress was absolutely exquisite on Ashley. It was a simple, solid black dress yet it was incredibly sexy as it smoothed over every curve starting near her ankles, her toned stomach, and finally emphasizing her beautiful cleavage. Then the dress wrapped back behind her neck and showed off her soft yet formed arms. A silver teardrop necklace made sure to direct any person's attention towards the beginning curves of her breasts. Then Ashley's midnight hair was rarely down but tonight it was flowing over her broad shoulders and reflecting the candlelight.

Earlier Katia had taken a second to admire the back side of the open dress, which revealed most of Ashley's back from her lower back up to her neck. She'd also enjoyed the perfectly added slits on either side that let Ashley's long, beautiful legs slip beyond the dress.

Slowly Ashley's glowing blue eyes lifted to her best friend. "How was yours?" She read how Katia was focused on her body rather than her voice and it caused her to wickedly smile. "Katia?" she whispered.

The young woman blinked out of her reverie.

"Welcome back," teased the trooper.

Katia's cheeks took on two shades of red. "Sorry." Her voice was muffled.

Ashley winked. "That shouldn't be apologized for."

Finally her burning cheeks settled. "Mine was wonderful."

"I liked it when you offered a taste earlier."

"Hmmmm."

The trooper chuckled and leaned back into her chair. "So where did you hear about this restaurant?"

Katia wasn't about to reveal any secrets. "Word on the street."

Ashley shook her head yet she had a lopsided smile.

"Have you enjoyed it so far?"

"Well worth the trip… something different."

The young woman nodded a few times. "Besides Outback, Red Lobster...."

"McDonalds," piped in Ashley.

Katia's nose wrinkled up at hearing that restaurant. "Chickfila is much better."

"Shit-fila."

Automatically Katia's jaw dropped at her friend's jest however before she could retort, the server came to their table.

"How was everything?"

Katia snapped her mouth closed.

Ashley peered up at the waitress. "Just wonderful."

The server smiled happily and removed the plates. It wasn't but two minutes later that she floated back to their table. "Dessert, ladies?"

Katia hadn't removed her deathly glare on Ashley.

Ashley though was toying with Katia as she leaned forward on the table. "What do we have?"

Suddenly Katia had the perfect view of Ashley's cleavage and her sour look was gone.

The server wasn't blind to what was going on between the two women. She could have cut the sexual tension between them and severed that as the topping on the dessert.

The college student cleared her throat and forced herself to look at the brunette waitress. "Yes, what is for… dessert?"

The server held back her huge grin. She quickly ran down the list for the ladies then patiently waited for a response.

Ashley now smiled at her friend. "What do you think?"

"Chocolate, definitely," murmured Katia.

The state trooper arched a dark eyebrow. "Double Fudge Frenzy?"

Katia's response was a long hum.

Ashley knew what that meant and she returned her attention to the server. "Double Fudge Frenzy… to share."

"It'll be out in a few minutes." The waitress quickly disappeared to put the order in with the chef.

"So where would you like to go afterwards?"

Katia could tell her friend was detouring from the enjoyable but frustrating tension between them. "Maybe a walk… I wouldn't mind seeing some of the town."

"It is dark, you won't see much."

"That's okay." Katia lifted her own eyebrow up now. "I'll still see… plenty."

Ashley ran her tongue along the back of her molars. "I see." Her lips curled into a deep grin. "I didn't expect all of this, K."

"It was well… thought out." She now settled back again. "You don't mind if I stay with you tonight?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

The young woman softly laughed and smiled. "You really look stunning, Ash."

"Thank you." Ashley studied her friend for a moment and just as she was about to say something, the server stopped her short.

"Here we are." The waitress placed the plate between the women then gave them each spoons. "I'm sure you'll enjoy." For a response, she got a chuckle from the small blond.

Katia picked up her spoon just as Ashley lifted hers yet her eyes were centered on the dessert. She hadn't seen that much chocolate in a long time and her teeth were curling already.

"Are you ready?"

Katia lifted her spoon in a small salute.

The trooper shook her head with a grin but she dove in simultaneously with Katia. As she took her first taste of the outrageously sweet dessert, she heard Katia gently moan in pure chocolate ecstasy.

Once Katia had her first taste, she slipped her spoon in again but said, "This is better than sex."

Without missing a beat, Ashley purred, "Not until you've been with me."

Katia instantly choked on her next spoonful when she hadn't expected that remark. She coughed and tried to get the food to settle back down in her throat.

Ashley was somewhat concerned as she carefully watched her friend settle back down.

Katia patted her bare chest and slipped her spoon into the dessert. "Well then." She quietly cleared her throat once more then took some of the dessert.

The pair remained quiet from that point out except for the minor hums and moans from Katia. Ashley couldn't decide if she liked Katia's noises more than the dessert or not. By the time she was full from the dessert, she made her decision that she couldn't get enough of Katia's soft moans but she could get her fill of food.

Finally the server returned with the check yet the server didn't know what happened as she set the checkbook down. She had to actually jump back some when two hands shot out to get the checkbook.

Ashley shot a very dangerous look.

Katia paraded the largest smirk. "Beat yah," she whispered.

The trooper then realized how shocked the server was. "Sorry about that."

The waitress laughed and shook her head. "That's fine… I just didn't expect that."

"Common event between us," informed Ashley.

The server grinned then looked at the winner of the check. "I'll be back in a minute."

"Thank you." Katia flashed a smile then bent over to her right for her purse.

"Let me pay, K."

The young woman pretended not to hear her. She straightened up with her wallet and the checkbook resting in her lap.

"Katia," hotly whispered the trooper.

Katia paused and peered up at her best friend. "No." After her simple response, she studied the bill and felt satisfied about it. She inserted Mike's credit card.

"Katia," now came the low growl.

Katia closed the checkbook and placed it on the edge of the table but nearby yet far from Ashley. "I love when you say my name like that," she sensually whispered.

The trooper's eyes were dark and edgy.

"Those looks won't work, Ash." Katia then saw the waitress and she handed the bill over.

Ashley sighed and leaned back. "Stubborn."

Katia heard the muttered words, which only made her smirk. When the bill returned, she took it and filled out the tip information. She then made sure to pull the copy. She knew this coming summer she would repay Mike ten times over. She slipped the card and receipt into her purse then rose up. "Ready?"

Ashley had a distant smile but she rose up. "Always." She fell in step behind her friend and they went around the small stone waterfall in front of the entrance. They went into the warm April evening and there were still some people walking the streets despite it was a little after eight-thirty.

The tall, dark female came directly behind the still young woman. She gently grasped Katia's almost bare shoulders and lowered her head. "Thank you for dinner."

Katia instinctively shiver when Ashley's warm breath caressed her ear. "You're welcome." She twisted her head up and around some and had a side view of her friend.

"And you look very sensual tonight, K. Very beautiful."

The small female's soft skin flushed red and her eyes closed. "Thank you," came her soft voice.

Ashley lifted her head again; satisfied she'd accomplished her mission. "How about that walk?" A soft laugh was her first answer.

"Yes." Katia adjusted her purse over her right shoulder then began walking onto the sidewalk. "Can I drop my purse off in the car?"

"Of course."

The pair went to Katia's car first and it only took a minute for Katia to be free of her purse. She came back on the sidewalk next to her waiting friend.

Ashley turned her head off to the right. "This way?"

"The small harbor is that way," confirmed Katia.

"That way then." Ashley grinned and began the stroll for the docks and harbor.

"It's a beautiful town," mentioned Katia.

The taller woman still had her smile. "It is… a unique town."

"That restaurant was the best." The college student brushed back a piece of wild blond hair.

"A new favorite," concluded Ashley.

Katia chuckled and threw a grin at Ashley. "Next time we'll have to stay the night here."

"Hmmmm." Ashley had already considered that idea. She now took a step off the sidewalk and crossed the road into the parking lot of a small marina. "You will work at your parents' marina this summer?"

"Yes." Katia shrugged. "Its good money… I work in the store."

"How long have you worked there for?"

The college student sucked in a deep breath and gradually let it out while she thought about it. "God… I bet ten years now. Well… since I was twelve. I started by filing folders in the accounting department and picking up trash."

Ashley quietly laughed. "That's really cute."

Katia rolled her eyes. She then scanned the tiny marina and spotted the last pier to the right had no boats tied to it.

The trooper spotted that same lone dock and she bee lined for it.

"My father's drinking has slowed down a lot."

Ashley hadn't expected that random, sudden admission but she was happy as much as shocked to hear it. "When?"

"Not long after everything that happened with Bobby… just before the trial."

"You never mentioned it earlier."

Katia's head bobbed a little. She took a step up onto the head of the dock. "I know… I meant to but we were so caught up with the trial."

"We were," softly agreed the trooper. She walked side by side with Katia until they came to the end of the pier.

They pair stood at the end of the dock, gazing across the quiet harbor of Onancock. The water was still with the exception of a few ripples from fish. Then there was the half moon that gave a silver cover over the dark water like it was mercury.

For a moment Katia felt as if she was back at home. She wasn't much for boating but she always enjoyed the water and the simplicity behind it. Slowly an old memory from this past winter filtered into her mind and it caused her to have a silly grin. "Remember the last time we were on a dock?"

Ashley released a small chuckle. "I was just thinking about that too. At mother's house."

"Hmmmm." Katia now faced her best friend.

Ashley turned to Katia just as a light breeze floated past and rippled her black dress and hair.

Carefully Katia stepped closer to Ashley and dropped her head back. When she saw the warmth in Ashley's eyes, she raised her arms and slid them around Ashley's neck so that her hands were locked behind Ashley's neck.

Ashley pressed their bodies together when her arms snaked around Katia's small waist.

Katia couldn't refuse the deep smile that came to her. "Thank you for coming tonight."

The trooper lowered her head closer so she only had to whisper. "My pleasure."

"You're so amazing, Ash. You've been here for me every step."

"Maybe so but you had to do everything," reminded the older woman. "You've changed so much in these past seven some months."

Katia considered it, her head leaning to the right some. "But it was because of you."

"I don't think so," refuted Ashley, "I don't claim some of those events."

The smaller woman softly laughed at Ashley's jest however she went serious again. "You helped me every step."

"With your own strength," murmured the trooper.

"Yet I found that strength because of you, Ashlinn." Katia had one hand free and traced Ashley's right cheek. "It wasn't anybody else… not even for a moment. It was you."

Ashley's electric blue eyes drift shut and she leaned into the touch.

"You're so perfect."

Ashley's eyes now flew open as she straightened her head up again. She sensed Katia returning her hand to where it was before. "I'm anything but perfect."

Katia instantly smiled. "No but perfect…." She leaned in closer and whispered, "for me."

Ashley remained silent while she searched Katia's warm forest eyes.

Katia still held her smile. She knew she was ready, more than ever. It was now, right in this moment with Ashley. "Will you be my girlfriend, Ashlinn?"

Ashley brought her head down, her lips brushed over Katia's, and yet she waited, her heart pounding in her chest. Just to make sure this was all real, her lips grazed once more over Katia's and then she simply whispered, "Yes."

Katia felt her body warm when finally Ashley sealed their lips. Her legs gave some when the promise washed over her. She'd never felt so alive as she did now when she realized how much she craved Ashley. Then as the kiss deepened the promise consumed her. Ashley's tongue moving with hers had reawakened much of her darkened heart. Yes there could be hope again for a future, for love.

Ashley couldn't control the wild beats of her heart. She sensed the urge for air and she gave in with a sensual end to the long kiss. She thoroughly enjoyed the wistful expression on her new girlfriend's face. She never said anything but she knew Katia would understand and she seemed to.

Katia pulled back her hands and brought them around Ashley's waist for a hug. She leaned into Ashley then rested the side of her head against Ashley's warm chest.

The taller woman lowered her head down so that her head lightly rested against Katia's.

Katia still had her smile and wistful expression. She started to concentrate on the rapid beat below her ear. She listened as the beat went slower and slower until it came to a consistent, calm speed. She realized that was their first, true kiss compared to the couple or so in the past. In past times, they'd kiss but more for Katia's experimental reasons then Ashley decided it was safer for them both not to unless they were dating. Katia had to agree since she knew at the time she was going through a lot of aftermath with Bobby and the rape plus she didn't want to toy with Ashley's emotions. It'd been a hard decision but the right one, especially compared to tonight.

For awhile, the couple remained quiet and listening to the sounds around them or between them. Now and again the random car would pass through the marina or over the small bridge over the inlet. It was peaceful and perfect enough.

Finally Ashley stirred them both out of their distant thinking. "We should head home."

"I know," came the muffled reply.

Ashley still had her head down, eyes closed but she quietly added, "I'll drive."

"Please… I may fall asleep."

"Yes, I know how you are about driving at night."

"Mmmm." Katia had a faint grin because Ashley knew her so well. "Thank you."

The trooper loathed to move so she remained still for a few more minutes. Then with a heavy sigh she grumbled, "Come on."

Katia just contained her whine but she slowly moved out of their embrace. For a second, she let herself come back to focus on where they were then she started down the dock.

The older woman came along side but not without slipping her right hand through Katia's.

Katia's surprise showed on her face but Ashley's smile ended up making her smile too. Peacefully the new couple made the slow but short walk to Katia's car.

Suddenly Katia's cell phone beeped with a new text message and Katia was jarred out of her memories from months ago of her and Ashley. She didn't look at her cell phone right away and remained focused on her driving on the busy highway of Route 50.

Just ahead the light turned red and she braked her car into a slow stop. When she was stopped, she picked up her cell phone and flipped it open. Quickly a smile took over and Katia read the text message from her girlfriend. Katia chuckled at the message that read: Are you smiling, beautiful? She stole a moment to key in a message just before the light turned green again.

If it was one of the few things Katia disliked about her car it was the fact that it could suck up too much gas in the summer. But that only tended to happen if Katia turned on the air conditioning so instead she'd grown accustom with sixty mile an hour air conditioning. She always enjoyed her summer breaks but she always preferred the cold winters.

Right now though, she was growing more and more excited as she came closer to Easton. She couldn't wait to see Mike since it'd been over a month since their last visit. Really she hadn't seen him since they'd left Salisbury University for their summer breaks.

It wasn't but another twenty minutes before Katia made it into Easton and she made a left at the CVS. She went past the entrance for the Wal-Mart and plaza shopping center and took another left into a housing development. After weaving her way through the streets, she came to a turnabout on one street and swung around directly behind Mike's silver Civic.

No sooner did she get out of the car did Mike come bounding out of house. He was one bright smile and looking quite well.

"Hiiiii!" Mike scooped his friend up into a huge hug.

Katia giggled and squeezed him back just as hard. "I missed you."

The two friends swayed back and forth between the hug. And as they pulled apart, Mike gave Katia a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm so happy to see you." Mike put a little space between them so he cold asses Katia. "You look well."

"I'm great." Katia smirked. "You look pretty sexy yourself."

Mike rolled his eyes. "Flattery will not work." He then took a side step and signaled for Katia to follow. "Come inside, it's too damn hot out here."

The two friends hurried into the well air conditioned house, which was empty of anybody else.

"I take it your mom is away?"

"Yeeeah… she's off with her husband."

Katia sighed as she flopped on the sofa in the living room. "How are they getting along?" She rarely brought up the topic of Mike's mother and her husband because it was hard on him.

"Casually fighting but not recently." Mike was about to take a seat but stopped himself. "You need anything to drink?"

"No I'm okay. Sit down. Talk."

Mike grinned and plopped down in the sofa chair close by. "How's your summer been?"

"Really busy at work… we're doing well this summer."

"That's really good to hear. I know the rise in gas prices probably haven't helped."

"Not really." Katia frowned a little. "Marine gas is like fifty cents higher by the time it gets to us."

Mike nodded his head. "Still busy though?"

"It is in the store… the docks seem a little slower." Katia leaned back into the cozy sofa. "How about your summer? Any cute boys?"

Mike snorted. "Not in Easton. They're all either too snotty or too redneck."

"Except for you," teased Katia.

"Yup."

A giggle came from the girl.

"How is Aaaashley?"

Katia rolled her eyes yet her smile wouldn't stop. "She's doing pretty well." Yet as she thought more about it, her expression fell.

"What is it?"

She shook her head and focused back on Mike. "She's actually had a rough week."

Mike was curious with a tilt of his head. "Something happen?"

"Yeah… she was demoted."

Mike suddenly was surprised. "What? What happened?"

"Her captain found out she'd become a First Sergeant without going through the proper channels." Katia considered what she just said then corrected herself. "Actually it was her previous lieutenant."

"Damn," muttered Mike.

"But the captain wants her to be a detective… it was the only way to do it."

"I bet her pay got slashed too."

Katia shook her head. "Actually no. That was one thing the captain was nice about." She thought more about that then muttered, "I keep meaning to ask Ash about that."

"About what?" Mike had the utmost curious face.

The young woman shook her head and gazed back at him. "I just kept meaning to ask Ashley how she's managed to… afford all that she has."

Mike thought a lot about that too and slowly he said, "Maybe she's good with her money."

"Mikie, troopers don't get much pay… Delaware troopers get better pay than Maryland."

"Really?" Mike humphed then shrugged. "Maybe she has some investments."

"I think she does," concluded Katia. "I've just always been curious because…."

Mike bent forward some. "Why?"

Katia rolled her eyes at him. "Because I want to get all her money."

Mike laughed.

"I'm just curious about things like stock or investments. I want to learn about them but my father has never taught me."

Mike now shrugged. "Ask her… she'll tell yah."

"I will," mumbled Katia.

Mike then suddenly stood up. "I think its lunch time."

Katia peered down at her watch and saw that it was in fact half an hour past noon. "You're right." She got up and pulled her car keys from her pocket. "Where to?"

Mike grinned as he stared at Katia and for once absorbed what she was wearing. Katia's capris were loose and red while her brown belt matched her brown sandals. Then her white top was simple but with a v-cut and a collar. Mike's grin widened.

"What?" asked Katia.

"You look real cute." He stepped up to her and grabbed her arm. "Let's eat at the Peking Restaurant."

"Oooo good Chinese."

Mike escorted his friend through the living and dining room and out the back sliding door. "I am driving."

"Okay. I just have to grab my purse out of the car."

"Well hurry up because I am starving." Mike let go of her as they came up to the cars. He got in, started the car, and didn't hesitate to blast the air conditioning. When Katia got in, he put his car into gear. "God. I love this restaurant."

Katia laughed while she hung on tight. She was starving and she could wait to see Ashley later this evening. Just the thought of seeing her girlfriend in a few hours made the warmest smile come to life.


Continued.