Comments welcomed - Stone0123@aol.com

Taylor lowered her eyes to her cup and played with the handle. "So you think there's a spark between us?"

Vicki bit into her lip to try to curb her growing frustration. Then she decided what was the point? She didn't have any thing to lose. "No. I don't think we have a spark between us." She put her arms on the table and leaned toward Taylor, demanding her complete attention. "I think it's a fire." She leaned back in her chair. "I was trying to choose my words carefully so you didn't feel the need to embarrass us both by running out of here, but I'm not going to lie. It's the truth. I know it and I know you know it. Deal with it."

Vicki's demanding and confident tone automatically provoked the same tone from Taylor. The woman's audacities never ceased to amaze her. "Is it the same spark you had with Kenneth Martin while you were all over him in the middle of the park? The same Kenneth Martin that you needed me to rescue you from?" Taylor stood up from the table, then put both hands flat against the tabletop before leaning over Vicki. "That mouth of yours can put out a raging fire fast! Now that this fire, as you call it, has been doused, I have a job to get to." Taylor turned without another word and headed for the front door.

Vicki was left sitting at the table with an open mouth. After a moment of total shock, she rushed to pay the check and went in search of Taylor. She found her on her cell phone resting against the wall of the coffee shop around the corner of the building. She ignored the fact that Taylor was speaking to someone on the cell. "Have you forgotten that I'm your ride to the park? And how dare you make a smartass remark like that, then just…walk out!"

Taylor pushed herself off the wall and smiled at Vicki. "Not anymore. I just called a cab."

Vicki shook her head and glared at the smiling cop. "That smile. You're pleased with yourself. Well, I'm glad, but I didn't volunteer to give you a ride to have you call for a cab. You'll ride with me. I insist."

Taylor laughed. "You insist? Didn't you learn anything from what just happened inside?"

Vicki took a step toward her. "Yes, as a matter a fact, I did. You're even more stubborn than I gave you credit for and you're quite the smartass." Vicki took another step forward. "I also learned that no matter what you're saying or doing to me, I find you simply…" Another step forward forcing Taylor to take a step backwards. "…the most enticing person I have ever met."

Vicki was so close that Taylor could smell her perfume and, for the first time, she noticed how well the dress she wore suited her. Taylor was frozen in place. The look in Vicki's eyes left little to the imagination about her thoughts or intentions. Taylor found herself at war again. Her mind said no, but her body said yes. Her body was clearly winning at the moment. A connection existed between them, one Taylor didn't understand and couldn't explain. If she were certain of nothing else, she knew Vicki sincerely felt it, too. Vicki raised her hand to touch Taylor's face and take the final step that would completely close the space between them. Taylor stepped away quickly to avoid any added torture that Vicki's touch would cause. She backed into the wall of the coffee shop and realized her body might just win this time. "Vicki, we're strangers standing outside a public place. Whatever you're thinking, stop it now."

Vicki took the final step that allowed their bodies to barely touch. Taylor's long quiet moan let Vicki know that she felt it too. "Listen to your instincts, Taylor. Are they telling you we're strangers?"

"They're telling me I want you, but…" A mild way of putting it at the moment, Taylor thought. 'Need' might be a better word.

"No, that's your body talking." She laughed a husky, sexy sound that turned Taylor on even more. Taylor knew she was right about both. No way in hell was this woman a stranger. She had ceased being a stranger almost the moment they met.

"So have we resolved that dilemma?" Vicki asked, easing herself more fully against her.

Taylor exhaled a harsh groan as Vicki's warm body settled against hers. Was it her imagination or had Vicki's seductive grin, gotten bolder as their time together wore on? She grasped Vicki's neck gently and brought her lips within an inch of her own. Vicki's soft scent enveloped her, cushioning her in a cocoon of desire. "One dilemma down, one more to go," Taylor whispered, before covering Vicki's mouth with her own.

Vicki not only kissed her back, but she gave as good as she got. She devoured Taylor and all Taylor could do was feel. She could feel Vicki's hands plowing through her hair; she could feel the urgent thrusts of her hips as she tried to get closer.

A horn blew pulling Taylor out of her desire-induced state back to her senses enough to slowly break the kiss. She stood up straight against the wall, trying to put a little space between them without pushing Vicki away. "I think that's my cab." Taylor took a deep breath to calm her breathing. She let out a half chuckle. "You've got to get away from me so I can pull myself together here."

Vicki held to Taylor's waist and didn't move. Still lying against her, she rested her forehead on Taylor's jaw and closed her eyes. Her heart was pounding, her legs weak, and her breathing erratic. "You'll have to wait a minute. I can't move…I'm afraid I'll fall."

Vicki's words were coming out in short breaths and her voice had dropped an octave. Her warm breath against Taylor's neck melted Taylor's resolve and she wrapped her arms around Vicki. By the time the two women caught their breath Taylor's cab was gone. Vicki's smile was just short of devilish. "Looks like you need that ride after all, Detective."

Taylor looked at Vicki's Jaguar, then slowly turned to face Vicki. She saw the look of triumph in Vicki's smiling eyes. She had a choice to make. Vicki was pushing all her buttons. Her body was still reacting to the kiss, but as usual her mind was reacting to Vicki's challenge-her knowing smile and the deliberate comment. Taylor was learning to expect a struggle between her mind and body where this woman was concerned. This time she had been bested by Vicki, but she knew she didn't really want to win the competition this time.

Vicki noticed Taylor's indecision; her smile slowly disappeared and her face took on a look of concern. She wanted to make it easy for Taylor to decide to ride with her. "I'm sorry about what happened inside." She looked at the coffee shop. "I think you should…let me take you to the park."

Taylor smirked and nodded toward the corner of the building. "And what happened around there? Are you sorry for that too?"

"No. I'm not, so don't make me sorry by turning me down. Ride with me to the park."

Taylor simply nodded, afraid too many more words between them would lead to another feud. They rode to the park in silence with quick glances at each other's profile. Once they arrived they both hesitated before getting out of the car. "Are you sure you won't consider canceling plans with your friends tomorrow?"

"It's really not possible. It has been planned for months."

"I see." Taylor knew that she had spent too much time away from the park and she had a lot to get done before heading out to Dreams. Vicki's presence could easily become addictive. "I really should be going. Thanks for the ride and the coffee. It was…not boring."

Vicki laughed. "Never is with you." They entered the park, neither woman aware of the eyes upon them.

**********

Chad was preparing to leave the station when his desk phone rang. "Townsend. What can I do for you?"

"Detective Townsend. It's Victoria Roberts."

"Ms Roberts? Is everything all right?"

"Yes, everything is fine. We had coffee and then I drove her to the park. You asked me to call you so we could finish our conversation from earlier. Did you forget?" Vicki only heard silence and was afraid Taylor's partner had changed his mind. "Detective Townsend?"

"Please call me Chad. No, I didn't forget." Chad was definitely having second thoughts, but he had a feeling he would only be helping along what had already started. "I hope you enjoyed your coffee date."

"Yes, I did." Vicki was actually thinking about the kiss outside the coffee shop. "I don't know what, if anything, that Taylor has told you about me and I'm sure that most of it is not good. I am trying to get her to spend time with me, but she is making that difficult."

Chad only laughed so Vicki assumed he got the picture. "I asked her out for tonight. She told me that she had to work tonight."

Chad spoke up then. "That we do. We're in the middle of an investigation. Did you try to invite her out for tomorrow night?"

Vicki sighed. "Yes. She informed me that she has plans with friends. Plans that she refused to change."

Chad sat wracking his brain as to what Taylor's plans could be or was she lying. After a few moments of silence, Chad's excited voice startled Vicki. "Shit! I forgot. She has been bitchin' and whining about it forever. I can't believe I forgot. Oh, sorry about the language, Ms Roberts."

Vicki was more concerned about what he remembered than about his use of profanity. "It's fine, Chad. Call me Vicki. What did you remember? Is it something you can tell me?"

Chad thought about her question. He knew telling Vicki about Taylor's plans wasn't a problem, but he had another idea. "Do you know Christina Owens?"

Vicki's eyes widened. "As in Owens, Owens and Kirby?"

Chad couldn't help but laugh by the way Vicki asked her question. "Yes, that's the one."

"Yes, I know her. She is a partner with the firm that we currently use. It is owned by Ms Owens's father. Why?"

Chad shook his head. "This just keeps getting better and better. Well, considering who your father is, I'm sure there is an invitation somewhere at his home or office already. She is throwing a party with her mother, Saturday, at her estate to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of her mother's business. Her mother is from Greece and their family owns one of the largest vineyards in Greece. She has several wineries here in California."

Vicki rubbed her temple with her finger, trying to remember the woman's name. "That's right. She has an office right here in Sacramento. She has attended several parties here with her husband and Christine, but...I cannot place her name.

Chad smiled to himself. "See, I'm full of useful information today. The invitation will be from Gavalas Vineyards, hosted by Maria Owens."

"That's it, Maria Owens. Thanks. How did you know that? Are you friends of the family?"

Chad laughed. "I'm a detective; I know everything."

It was Vicki's turn to laugh. "I can see that you and your partner have something in common. She thinks she knows everything too. Now, how about the truth?"

Chad decided that he certainly made the right decision by liking Vicki. She was bold and had a good personality. "Christine and Taylor are close friends. Maria and Christine have invited Taylor to Saturday night's party and the closer it gets, the more she bitches and whines about it. She hates those parties."

Vicki chuckled. "I see. Well, it looks like I have an invitation to find and a party to attend. I don't know how to thank you."

"I won't say much more, but I will leave you with this. Taylor means a great deal to me and I know her well enough to know that you got under her skin. Good or bad, you definitely got under her skin and not too many people can do that. I hope what little I've told you can help you, Vicki.

Vicki could tell that Chad cared for Taylor and she had no intentions of disappointing him. "I'm sure it will. From the moment I met Taylor, I knew that I had to get to know her and now thanks to you I may get that chance. See, after the last day of this function at the park, I have been wondering how I was going to see her without being considered a stalker by the Police Department. I know nothing else about her and I think she wants to keep it that way."

Chad wanted to tell Vicki so much more, but he knew that he could not betray Taylor's trust in any way. "Vicki, I wish I could say more, but I already feel guilty with what little I have told you."

"I understand. You have told me plenty." Vicki chuckled. "And I think I'm going to need all the help I can get.

"Yes, I have to agree with you. Well, I need to get back to work, so good luck, Vicki."

"Thank you, Chad. Goodbye." Vicki closed her phone with a smile on her face.

**********

After a quiet afternoon at the park function, Taylor headed toward the parking lot. She heard a voice from behind her that was quickly becoming one of her favorite sounds. "Taylor!" Taylor turned to see Vicki with a beautiful smile on her face. She returned the smile. "Vicki, from the looks of that smile, I'd say you're having a good afternoon." She pointed toward the entrance. "I was headed to the parking lot to meet Chad."

Vicki's smile diminished slightly knowing she wouldn't see Taylor again until tomorrow night. "I'm leaving myself. Since you turned me down I was forced to accept an invite from some friends. May I walk with you?"

Taylor was curious about Vicki's friends, but kept all the questions to herself. Then suddenly her mind flashed back to the last time they entered the parking lot together and her voice took on a much harsher tone than she intended. "No!" She immediately saw the damage her tone had caused. The beautiful smile on Vicki's face was gone and in its place was a startled and hurt expression. Taylor calmed her voice. "I just don't think it's a good idea."

Vicki looked unconvinced. She was confused by Taylor's actions as usual, but she wouldn't be dissuaded by them. The explosion never entered her mind. She was spending time with Taylor and that filled her thoughts. "The two of us walking together is not a good idea?" She chuckled. "You'll have to explain this one to me, Detective."

Taylor could feel a tightening in her stomach at the thought of Vicki's being hurt again. She looked around for any familiar faces or anyone that might be paying too much attention to them. She didn't want to scare Vicki, but she didn't want her to be blind either. "I didn't mean for it to come out the way it did. It's just the last time we left together we ended up at the hospital." She was quiet long enough to scan the crowd again. "I think it's best if you…keep your distance from me."

Vicki was silent for a moment. She was not expecting the explanation. She thought it strange that it had not crossed her mind to feel unsafe around Taylor. She felt just the opposite. She looked at Taylor and could see the worry etched on her face. Taylor removed her hat and Vicki couldn't help but smile. Taylor was running her fingers through her tousled hair and seemed to be searching the crowds for someone. "Taylor, I know you're concerned. I don't pretend to know what is going on or why your car blew up. And I know enough not to ask, but I'm not afraid. I know that sounds crazy after what happened, but I'm not." Taylor shook her head and her words were mumbled. "You should be."

Vicki smiled. "I want to see you."

Taylor put her hat back on and started toward the parking lot. "I really need to get going. Chad is most likely waiting."

Vicki rushed to catch up with her. She grabbed Taylor's arm to slow her. "Wait! I really want to see you again. We need to talk about this."

Taylor knew that the last thing she needed, for two reasons, was Vicki close enough to touch her. She could not give in to the desire to be near Vicki and for Vicki's safety she had to convince her to keep her distance. She turned quickly and grabbed both of Vicki's upper arms. "There is nothing to talk about. You stay away from me." Taylor realized she was speaking loudly and that her grip on Vicki was too firm. She released Vicki and stepped back away from her. She searched the faces of all nearby passersby. She spoke in a calmer voice, but it was still firm. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. Vicki, this is serious. I am serious. I want you to stay away from me."

Vicki lowered her head and searched for something to say to change Taylor's mind. "I can see you're not going to yield on this today."

"Thanks. I assume we will see each other at some point on Monday. Here at the park?"

Vicki tried to hide her mischievous smile. "Unless fate has different plans." Vicki saw the confusion cross Taylor's face. She rushed to change the subject before Taylor could question the comment. "I should be grateful to you for turning down my invite for tomorrow night. I had forgotten that I have a party to attend with my father."

Taylor continued to scan the area the whole time Vicki spoke. "I hope you enjoy yourself. Tell your father I said hello."

"I will. Well, I guess I better let you go. Detective Townsend may start to worry."

Taylor looked around for one of the officers. "Would you like someone to escort you to your car?"

Vicki found the question amusing. "No, Taylor. The only uniform I wanted walking me to the car was you. Since you feel that would be unsafe, I believe I'll take my chances on my own." She laughed softly as she stepped forward and ran her hand down the front of Taylor's uniform. "Maybe it's the uniform that provokes the bad guys."

Vicki's proximity and touch put Taylor's body on overdrive, but it also put her mind on high alert. If someone was really trying to kill her, Vicki could easily become an accidental target. Taylor felt that familiar tingle run through her body that she had missed since losing Sarah, but she knew she couldn't act on it. It was too dangerous. "Well, the uniform will be history soon." She smiled. "Enjoy your weekend and I'll see you on Monday."

Vicki waved at her as she started walking backwards. "Take care of yourself."

Chad was waiting as promised. "Chad, you're on time. Good."

"I'm always on time, partner. You're just impatient."

Taylor rolled her eyes. "Did you have a good afternoon?"

Chad pulled out of the parking lot with a smirk on his face. "Quiet, but pleasant. What about you?"

Taylor shrugged. "Same as usual. Boring."

"Boring? Taylor, if what I saw today was chasing after me the word boring would not cross my mind. I would be on cloud eight looking for cloud nine. What's the problem? Victoria Roberts is beautiful, rich and can seem to hold her own with you."

Taylor looked out the window of the car and acted as if Chad hadn't said a word.

Chad spoke to the back of her head. "Taylor?"

Taylor turned and gave him a stern look. "Lay off, Chad. It's none of you business." At the hurt look on Chad's face, she took a deep breath and smiled. "Besides Chad, you can keep fantasizing about cloud nine. She wouldn't notice you in a crowd of one. Even if she did, your wife would hurt you. Badly."

Chad laughed, but he wasn't going to let her off that easy. "You're probably right. She had eyes for you. I just don't get it. Is she too good for you? Not good enough?" He waited for a reply and when he didn't get one he continued. "Maybe you should ask her out, Taylor. That's all I'm trying to say."

Friday afternoon, Chad, Taylor and Jones met at the station to discuss possible new strategies they could use to rouse a lead while at Dreams. However, their discussion turned up no new ideas. Friday night at Dreams was a bust. After six hours of card playing, flirting, charades, and strict observing, they had discovered nothing to lead them any closer to solving the case. The disturbing investigation continued to frustrate them.

**********

In the thin light of dawn Taylor shifted, stretching her body to see the clock on the nightstand. Sleepy, she stared out the window without comprehension, until she grew irritated by the memory of having to attend the upcoming party. The day she had been dreading had arrived. With that thought in mind, she shut her eyes, threw herself onto her stomach and buried her face in the pillow to muffle her curses.

She had to find something suitable to wear, call her mother to arrange a time to pick her up, and find an appropriate gift for Mrs Owens as congratulations on her success. She growled loudly and decided going back to sleep was a better idea.

**********

Vicki had intentionally chosen a gown that would show enough flesh to be teasing without being revealing. She wanted it to be tasteful but sexy, so she would be sure to get Taylor's attention. Now, upstairs in her bedroom slipping out of her clothes to shower, she let her plan run through her head one more time. She had missed a good deal of sleep over Taylor Cross lately. Not that she would ever let Taylor know that. Tonight, however would be different. She decided that tonight she would be so nonchalant that Taylor would wonder if she had only imagined their last kiss.

That last kiss was, after all, nothing more than a kiss. But the heat from it had lingered far into the night, leaving her tossing and turning like a lovesick teenager. Now, it was time to try and turn the tables on the composed detective.

She had phoned Susan to invite her over first thing Saturday morning. She repeatedly apologized for her behavior and admitted that her own feelings for another woman caused her reaction to Susan's confession. Susan agreed to join the senator and Victoria at the Gavalas Vineyards' twenty-fifth anniversary party. The two spent the day devising a plan that would seduce the cool, calm and collected detective into surrender. They were like college girls again, spending all day Saturday discussing what to wear, how to act, what to say and what the reward should be.

**********

Taylor arrived at the party late. As promised she escorted her mother to the huge event. Taylor paused just outside the front door and turned to find a knowing smile on her mother's face. "I know that smile. I'm going in. I was just taking a moment to enjoy the cool night."

The older woman's smile grew. "It is a party, Taylor. You look like you're about to attend a funeral instead of a party at one of your best friends' home."

As she turned to the door she mumbled, "Then why do I feel like they're one and the same?"

Surprisingly, Chris answered the door. "Taylor!" She looked at her watch. "Better late than never, I guess."

Taylor rolled her eyes dramatically. "I'm here, Chris. Let that speak for itself."

Chris shifted her eyes to Taylor's mother and gave her a light hug. "It's good to see you, Mrs. Cross." She put her arm around the older woman's shoulders. "Why don't you let me rescue you from the party pooper here?" She gave Taylor a hard stare, but there was a playful light in her eyes.

Taylor snickered at Chris, before kissing her mother on the cheek. "Enjoy yourself, Mom."

The older woman smiled at her daughter, then curved her arm around Chris. "Yes. You try to do the same."

Taylor watched as Chris escorted her smiling mother through the crowd. Then Taylor accepted a glass of wine from one of the many waiters and tried to find a quiet corner. This proved to be difficult since people milled around in almost every corner. Over the next hour the house continued to fill with people and grew noisy with chatter against the background of soft music.

For Taylor, there were both new faces and old friends. She continued to people watch until her eyes caught the person that was to be honored that night. As a good hostess, Chris' mother, Maria Owens, wandered from group to group. Taylor's eyes were drawn to one particular woman in the group Mrs. Owens was entertaining. She was a stunning blonde in a forest green evening gown. Taylor could only see the back of her from where she was standing, but her curiosity was getting the better of her at the sight of the elegant woman. Her blonde hair met the small of her back, and the gown showed off the woman's petite shape and the gentle curves of her hips. As she moved her head in conversation, her hair would sway and her smooth golden skin on her back was exposed by the low cut of the gown.

Chris approached with a smile on her face and touched Taylor to get her attention. "Are you enjoying yourself or are you entertaining yourself at the expense of others?"

Taylor nodded her head toward the group. "Actually, I was thinking that your mother's invitation list has improved."

Chris let her eyes travel to the woman Taylor was looking at. "You have a good eye Taylor. She is quite beautiful."

Taylor kept her eyes fixed on the beautiful woman as she asked, "Who is she?"

Chris smiled at her friend's reaction to the woman. "She is John's only daughter and, my dear friend, she is straight. He has kept her pretty much shielded from the press. She is his only child and he's been more than a little overprotective."

The beautiful woman's sexual preference never crossed Taylor's mind, but this information did bring her out of her trance to look at Chris. "John? Do I know him?"

Chris looked around the room to see if she could spot John among the many people in the room. "No, I don't believe so and do not ask me his last name. I have spoken to so many people tonight that I'm lucky to remember my last name." Chris continued to search the room for the man, not thinking to tell Taylor that he was, in fact, a senator. "I do not see him anywhere at the moment. He could still be in the dining room or maybe he is on the patio having a smoke."

Taylor nodded and gestured toward the beautiful blonde and Chris' mother. "It's not John that I am interested in meeting. I think I will allow your mother to introduce me."

Chris let out a quite laugh. "Your libido is awakened finally and it is a straight woman that catches your eye?"

"No one said anything about my libido being awake and besides a little eye candy never killed anyone. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really would like to meet her."

Before Taylor could reach Chris' mother, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Taylor turned slightly to see who wanted her attention. She knitted her brow, recognizing the woman but not able to recall her name.

"Taylor Cross? Is that you? It has been a long time," Susan said as she stepped forward with an outstretched hand. "Susan, don't you remember?"

Taylor glanced back over her shoulder to see that the back of the beautiful blonde was still in sight. She was still speaking with Chris' mother. Taylor turned her attention back to the woman in front of her and with the first name to put with the face, her memory of Susan did return as she accepted the woman's hand. "Yes, of course. Susan Pressnell. How have you been?"

"I have been great. I am very sorry to hear about Sarah. It's hard to believe that the last time I saw you in Sacramento was the last time I saw her." Susan could not read the blank expression on Taylor's face and decided it was not a good idea that she had mentioned Sarah. "I hear that you left the Sacramento area? Do you like it in Redding?"

"Yes, I did leave Sacramento and I do like Redding."

Susan closed some of the distance between them to prevent her next words from being overheard. With a slight smirk and a slight blush, she motioned for Taylor to come closer to hear what she had to say. "Taylor, I would also like to apologize for what happened at the park."

Taylor straightened up to full height. "So, that was you. I thought that you looked familiar that day. No harm done. Do you make a habit of commenting on cop's backsides?"

Another slight blush. "If you recall Taylor, it was not I who commented. I was merely an observer."

Taylor smiled at the woman. "True. As I said, no harm done." She reached out and squeezed Susan's upper arm. "It is good to see you again." She tilted her head toward the crowd behind her. "I was just heading over to congratulate Mrs. Owens, so if you will excuse me."

Susan looked for Mrs. Owens, but didn't see her. She knew Vicki was speaking with the woman so she had decided to delay Taylor's approach. "Yes, of course."

When Taylor turned to approach Mrs. Owens and the beautiful woman, they were gone. She cursed softly under her breath and scanned the room for the green evening gown. When her eyes finally found the beautiful green gown, her eyes slowly traveled upward until they locked on not only a memorable face, but a familiar one as well. Across the room talking to Senator Roberts was none other than the obstinate, privileged, and stunning Victoria Roberts. Taylor was both disappointed and pleased with the idea that the object of her desire was Vicki. However, it did change her mind about approaching the woman. She told herself that she needed to keep her distance and that is what she planned to do.

On the other side of the room, Vicki approached her father with a huge smile on her face. "Are you enjoying yourself, Father?"

"Yes, I am." He returned her smile. "I take it from the smile on your face that you have settled on one particular admirer to torment." Her father raised a knowing eyebrow.

Vicki smiled shyly, biting her lower lip. "Yes…..there is one in particular, as you well know."

A line of concern appeared between her father's eyes. "Are you sure that she is an admirer of yours, Victoria?"

Vicki looked around the room until she found Taylor. Taylor was admiring her as their gazes met. "I'm sure. It may not be by choice, but she is definitely an admirer."

The Senator followed his daughter's gaze and found that she was looking at the detective. "Just be careful, little one. She…she is going to be…difficult."

Vicki pulled her gaze from Taylor's and kissed her father on the check. "That's okay. I can handle difficult."

For the next hour and a half, Taylor observed Vicki enjoying herself with Susan and several of Susan's friends. All the sexy smiles, small touches and whispering in each other's ears was taking its toll on Taylor's tolerance. She knew she had no right to feel the way she did, but she also knew she could not control her feelings. She didn't want anyone touching and flirting with the obstinate woman who had persistently insisted on her time and attention.

Her stomach contracted, tightening into a knot as she acknowledged what awaited her for the night. The idea of spending the evening watching Vicki enjoy the company of others was not a pleasing thought. As she turned away from the sight before her, she laced her fingers over her stomach, trying without success to still the churning inside. She wondered why doing the right thing had to hurt so much. She couldn't believe, or control, her reaction to Vicki's behavior.

Taylor tried to busy herself by congratulating Mrs. Owens, saying her hello to Jennifer, even allowing Chris to introduce her to some of the attendees that she didn't know. Every few moments she would find herself looking for Vicki. More to the point, looking to see who was enjoying Vicki's company. She continued to struggle to endure more of the same images that she had seen throughout the evening. Smiling, flirting, touching, laughing and whispering with their heads too close.

The last straw for Taylor was watching Vicki being led out of the room by a tall dark haired woman who Taylor knew could be charmingly persuasive. She also knew, thanks to Jennifer's gossiping, Terri had recently ended a long time relationship with her lover.

By the time Taylor was able to extract herself from the group that Chris had just introduced her to, she lost sight of Vicki. She checked several areas of the house, her temper escalating with each area. She checked the patio, expecting to find a few people enjoying their cigars, but instead she found Vicki in the arms of one of her old friends, Terri, dancing slowly to the soft music wafting through the patio doors.

Vicki saw Taylor quietly open the door. She had expected it and was trying to wait patiently for the inevitable to happen. She had done all she could think of to test the detective's self-control and this was the last trick in her bag. When she finally allowed her eyes to search out Taylor's, what she saw stung her. She wondered suddenly if she had gone too far. Taylor looked like a person on the edge. It was obvious she was furious. Vicki jerked and shivered slightly as the patio door slammed and ended their gaze.

Terri stepped back to look at her. "Are you all right?" She looked at the patio door. "Who the hell was that and why did they slam the door?"

Still troubled over the look in Taylor's eyes, Vicki ignored the words from Terri. "Maybe we should get back to the party."

"I'm sorry whoever that was scared you by rudely slamming the door."

"No big deal. I just wasn't expecting it, besides, I was ready to go back in, it's cold out here." She shivered again, not sure if it was the cold of Taylor's eyes or the cool night air that caused it.

By the time they were back with Susan and the rest of the group, Vicki had calmed her thoughts. She accepted a drink from Susan as she reminded herself why she had come and what she wanted from the night. She decided that she was pleased with herself and the turn of events until she saw Taylor approaching.

As Taylor approached Vicki, she bristled with energy. "May I speak with you for a moment?"

Vicki's face held an extremely innocent expression and she nodded her head nonchalantly. "Of course."

Taylor walked away and Vicki followed. When they were well away from everyone else Taylor whispered harshly through clenched teeth, "What the hell are you doing?"

Vicki knew precisely what she was doing. She was trying to get under Taylor's skin and it was working and she had no intentions of stopping any time soon. "Excuse me, what do you mean? You saw for yourself what I am doing. I'm having a drink and talking with Susan and some of her friends. Why?"

Taylor was now shifting from one foot to the other, with her hands fisted in her pockets, trying to control what she knew was anger. "Vicki..." Taylor stopped because she knew that she was raising her voice and Vicki looked over at Susan so that Taylor could not see the smirk on her face. Taylor cleared her throat, lowered her voice, and slowly said, "This is not going to work. Can we talk somewhere a little more private? Maybe the patio?"

Vicki let a thought run through her mind as she answered Taylor. She finally wants to be alone with me in private and I cannot point it out to her. "Taylor, you do seem to need some fresh air, but it is quite cold tonight, I had rather not." I could not pass that one up.

Taylor nodded her head in agreement. "You're right; it is cool tonight, but that didn't stop you from…." She let her words trail off, realizing she was raising her voice again.

Vicki wanted to see the Taylor lose it. "Didn't keep me from what?"

"Nothing. Forget it. How about the guestroom that I use when I stay here?"

Vicki was pleasantly surprised that Taylor wanted to be in any bedroom with her alone. "Do you think that is wise? I mean the last time we were alone…the coffee shop?"

Taylor took a deep breath to try to control her voice. "I want to talk to you and I want to talk to you now. You can choose any place you like to have the conversation. Just make it quick."

Vicki could hear that Taylor was having difficulty forcing the words out without yelling. "Fine. The guest bedroom will be fine."

No sooner than the bedroom door closed Taylor was pacing the length of the room, mumbling something.

Vicki was surprised by Taylor's emotions. Pleasantly surprised, but surprised, nonetheless. "You want to tell me what has you so upset?"

With no control over her emotions and visions of Vicki dancing on the patio, Taylor turned and blurted out the truth. "You!"

Before speaking, Vicki lowered her head slightly in an attempt to hide the smile that continued to appear. "It doesn't have to be this way, Taylor."

Taylor stopped pacing and studied Vicki's face. "What do you mean it doesn't have to be this way?"

Vicki crossed the distance between them slowly, not allowing Taylor to break the gaze. When she was standing within touching distance, she unhurriedly moved her hands up Taylor's chest until they rested behind her neck. She rose up on her toes and grazed her lips over Taylor's. At Taylor's sharp intake of breath she lazily slid the tip of her tongue across Taylor's bottom lip.

"Vicki," she murmured, with Vicki's mouth still against her lips. This couldn't happen. She couldn't allow it to happen. She knew that she should push Vicki away, but her arms did not want to cooperate with the command.

Vicki drew back.

The tension roaring inside Taylor relaxed just a fraction.

"Taylor, why won't you kiss me back?" She searched Taylor's eyes looking for what Taylor wouldn't allow her to see.

Taylor moved further away but did not reply. Instead she walked around the room, looking at the decoration with feigned interest. She was looking at anything and everything except at Vicki. Taylor feared that if she saw the desire in Vicki's eyes again she would give into it and that could not happen. She headed toward the door, but once she had her hand on the doorknob she stopped, realizing that she was running again. She did not want to run, but she could not do what Vicki's eyes begged her to do. She felt trapped.

Vicki knew that Taylor wanted to run and she assumed that the only reason that she stopped was because she had accused Taylor of it so many times. Since Taylor did not run as she usually did, Vicki was at a loss. Not knowing what to do, Vicki slowly approached Taylor from behind. She reached out and gently touched the back of her hand where it still rested on the doorknob. Then she slowly walked around Taylor and leaned her back against the door and looked at Taylor, her green eyes serious and pleading. "Taylor, are you okay?"

Taylor looked up to find sincere concern in the pleading green eyes that gazed at her. It took all her strength to lie to Vicki. A moment passed and then she took a deep breath. "I'm fine Vicki, but this cannot happen." After answering Vicki's question she lowered her head to concentrate on their hands, still resting on the doorknob. Anything to control her body not to act on its craving.

Vicki was furious. She did not move her hand from Taylor's, nor did she remove her body from the door and give Taylor an escape. Instead she tightened her grip on Taylor's hand and spoke in a very stern voice. "Look at me, Taylor!"

Taylor hesitated. She knew that she needed to get out of the room, but Vicki's voice had changed yet again. First it was seductive, then it was confused, and now it was angry. She slowly raised her head to make eye contact with Vicki. Mistake. Sweet Jesus, help me. Those eyes could cause me to orgasm where I stand. This has got to stop; I can't take it anymore. If I get out of this room I will not see Victoria Roberts again. Just please get me out of this room. Now!

Once Taylor made eye contact, Vicki studied Taylor's eyes and could see that she wanted this just as badly and that infuriated her even more. She closed her eyes to calm herself, hoping to control her voice to say what needed to be said. "Fine Taylor. You say that you don't want me...you don't want this." Vicki opened her eyes and used her free hand to run a petite finger down Taylor's jaw. "Then I want you to look me in the eye and say it. Tell me you don't feel anything when we're together or even in the same room. If you can do that, the only thing I will ask of you is to give me a reason why."

Taylor gazed into green eyes that had learned to read her so well. What she was seeing scared her worse than staring down the barrel of a gun, but she would not trade the feeling of knowing that the look in Vicki's eyes was meant for her for anything in the world. Taylor opened her mouth to speak but nothing would come. She would not lie again and she could not tell the truth. She lowered her head and once again gazed at their hands. Her energy was gone and she was content at the moment to enjoy the innocent contact that they were sharing.

Taylor was brought out of her contentment by Vicki's voice. "Taylor, I'm waiting and I expect you to look at me when you answer. I want to see your eyes."

Taylor met Vicki's gaze. "I will not lie to you." Taylor cleared her throat and lowered her voice to a whisper. "You are not ready for this."

Vicki spoke through clenched teeth, trying to hold back the tears that had been threatening to fall the second that Taylor's hand had touched the doorknob to leave. "Taylor, you said that you would not lie. That is a lie!"

Taylor tilted her head and looked at Vicki with apologetic eyes. "I do not believe it to be a lie."

Vicki closed her eyes and let the silent tears fall. Taylor could not stand it. She put both her hands on Vicki's face and used her thumbs to wipe away the tears. "Vicki, I'm sorry."

Vicki pulled Taylor's hands from her face and held them in her own. She opened her eyes and felt the anger return. "Damn it Taylor; you act like I'm a virgin, when you know damn well I'm not."

Taylor pulled away and walked to the window. She needed more distance between them. "When it comes to sex with women, you are a virgin. I just don't think you're ready for this. Hell, I don't think I'm ready for this."

Vicki closed her eyes and tried to calm the flame within her. Her mind was clouded with desire, confusion and anger. She took a deep breath to try to slow her heartbeat and a smile came to her face. She closed the space between them that she knew Taylor had intentionally put there. Vicki reached out and took Taylor's hand before she could protest and placed it over her pounding heart. "Do you feel that, Taylor? Do you know that I have never felt this in my life?"

Taylor removed her hand slowly and started to speak. "But....."

Vicki took Taylor's hand and held it in her own and used her other hand to place her fingers over Taylor's mouth to stop her excuses. Then Vicki's checks blushed as she looked at Taylor seductively and whispered, "If that doesn't convince you, I know somewhere else that I can put your hand that might."

Taylor closed her eyes and groaned as she felt her willpower crumbled.

The groan started in Taylor's chest and slowly rose to her throat as the visions of Vicki flashed behind her tightly closed eyes. In a gesture of surrender, her arms had dropped to her sides, but she stepped away from Vicki and took a breath.

Vicki stood silent…waiting. She knew now that neither one of them would be leaving the room. Vicki's eyes slowly roamed Taylor's tanned face, down her long neck and settled on her chest at the opening of her silk button-down. She wondered if there was a bra on under the shirt and jacket.

Taylor forced her eyes open and found Vicki watching her. Taylor's stance was no longer defensive, nor did it show any signs of bolting from the room. She knew and she knew Vicki knew that the decision had just been made.

Along with the desire, Vicki felt relief seeing the look of calm surrender in Taylor's eyes. But her fingers shook and felt numb as she reached for the zipper on her gown.

Crossing to her, Taylor lay her hand over Vicki's stopping the movement. Vicki stared up at her, unsure, suddenly afraid that Taylor had changed her mind. Without speaking, Taylor took her face in her hands to study her. She wanted to remember Vicki this way. In the shadowed light, her green eyes were dark with traces of fear, traces of desire. As she lowered her head, she watched Vicki's lids shut and her lips part in anticipation. Gently, Taylor kissed her temple, then the other, then the delicate curve of her eyebrow. Without haste, her eyes closed and she acquainted herself with Vicki's face through touch and taste. Vicki's lips beckoned, but Taylor nipped along the line of her jaw, then the soft curve of her chin. Her thumb brushed along Vicki's bottom lip as she whispered kisses over her face. Her breath shuddered out as Taylor kissed the corners of her mouth. She brushed her lips over Vicki's, retreating when Vicki wanted more pleasure. There was only the fleeting promise of more.

With a moan, Vicki gripped Taylor's forearms. Taylor had waited for this sign. Waited for the subtle demands that she expected from a woman like Vicki. Again she touched her lips to Vicki's allowing her tongue a brief taste. Now Vicki's arms wrapped possessively around Taylor and passion exploded mouth against mouth.

"Undress me," Vicki whispered breathlessly, hardly able to speak as her lips fused again and again with Taylor's.

In answer, Taylor lowered the zipper slowly allowing her fingers to trail along her bare skin. Taylor found more silk, something thin and fragile. The gown slithered down her body to lie at her feet.

Growing impatient, Vicki worked her hands between them to deal with the buttons of Taylor's shirt while her mouth continued to cling to Taylor's. She realized there was no bra as she felt the swell of Taylor's breasts and the nipples as they grew hard. A moan wrenched from her out of deep, desperate need. The thin thigh-length chemise was too much of a barrier. Longing for the intimacy of flesh against flesh, Vicki reached to draw down the strap.

Again Taylor stopped her. "Don't rush," she murmured, then tore at Vicki's control with a deep lingering kiss. The pressure was hard and demanding, the lips soft and heated. "Come to bed, Vicki."

In a haze she let Taylor lead her, felt the mattress give under her weight, then Taylor's. When Vicki would have hurried to satisfy the ache, Taylor set the pace. A languorous, sleepy, enervating pace. It seemed Vicki's lips alone would pleasure her enough for a lifetime.

Vicki moved against her, inviting, insisting. Her urgency excited Taylor, but she chose to savor. Her hands roamed over the silk to trace Vicki's shape from thigh to breast. The peaks strained against the fragile material. She took her mouth to Vicki's shoulder, catching the narrow strap of silk with her teeth. Inch by inch she lowered it until Vicki's flesh was exposed to her. Vicki was firm and creamy white in contrast to Taylor's tan. "So lovely." She brought down the second strap with her fingertips. When Vicki was naked to the waist, Taylor's mouth ranged down slowly, though Vicki's hands in her hair urged her down. With lips parted, Taylor sought the peak of her breast.

Vicki arched, pressing Taylor's head more firmly. Vicki wanted her to be greedy, wanted to feel the rough scrape of her teeth and tongue. When she finally did feel the pressure of Taylor's tongue, she could no longer be still. Her body vibrated with desire. Raw desire. Seeking more, Vicki moved under her, letting her own hands roam.

Taylor abandoned gentleness because Vicki wanted none. It drove her wild when Vicki's passion was unleashed suddenly. Vicki seemed to have no inhibitions, no shame. Taylor wasn't even aware of her control slipping away. Palmed hands ran bruising over tender skin and short manicured nails dug into strong shoulders. As Taylor quickly removed the chemise she felt it tear with her impatience. Vicki didn't give her time to view her nakedness. Her fingers were busy struggling to remove the last barrier of Taylor's clothing. No longer having the fear of Taylor retreating, Vicki's fervor grew. "Taylor…more…please more."

Taylor smiled, then brushed her lips across a swollen nipple, causing Vicki's trembling to grow. Before Vicki could protest the gentleness she sucked in as much of the breast as she could. Vicki bit her lower lip, but the small cry still escaped. As the cry ended she called Taylor's name. In response, Taylor raised her head and body slightly and Vicki captured Taylor's nipple between her lips, taking the air out of Taylor's lungs.

Taylor arched her back and closed her eyes as the exquisite pleasure ran the length of her body. Vicki was feasting on her breast and she couldn't catch her breath fast enough. She found herself grinding her wetness against Vicki before she realized it. She didn't want to rush this, so she slowed her movements. She knew she couldn't take much more. "Vicki. You…you have to…stop. I…won't last."

Vicki released her breast and smiled up at her. "Then stop…teasing me. I need you…" She proved her words with a searing kiss.

Taylor couldn't fight it any longer herself. When the kiss ended, she trailed small wet kisses down Vicki's body until she reached the silky patch of pale hair. The scent was intoxicating and Taylor moistened her lips unconsciously slowly with the tip of her tongue.

Vicki was forcing her heavy lids to stay open and watch Taylor. Catching sight of Taylor wetting her lips was a fulfillment she had not experienced before. A soft moan accompanied the tightening in her abdomen. "Taylor…please. Now."

Taylor's hand slid over a silky hip to the wet heat between Vicki's legs. "You're so wet."

Vicki's hips came off the bed to meet Taylor's hand. "I…I told…you I could put your hand…uh…somewhere that would convince…you." She tried to smile and look at Taylor, but her head fell back to the pillow when Taylor's thumb found her swollen bud.

Taylor smiled at the truth of the statement. "I'm here now." Taylor instantly replaced her thumb with her mouth to drive home her words.

Tightening her grip on Taylor's hair, Vicki cried out as her body attempted to lift off the bed. Taylor wrapped her arms around the taut thighs and continued her gentle manipulation with her mouth. Vicki's rising hips fell into a harmonizing rhythm with Taylor's strokes. When Taylor felt her still and the breath catch in her throat, she waited for the release. She could see, hear and feel her rise higher and higher, but she wanted the moment that she would go over. When it finally arrived, Taylor entered her with two fingers. Thrusting her fingers gently several times and then curving them slightly, hoping to hit the soft spot that would send Vicki over again.

She was rewarded with Vicki's surprised voice. "Oh, Taylor…Oh my God. It's…it's happening…ah…again." Vicki let go of Taylor's hair and put a white knuckle grip on the bed coverings. "Taylor…Taylor…I…" Her words trailed off as her breath caught in her throat once more, then on Taylor's name that could be heard by anyone in a two mile radius.

Taylor climbed up her body, leaving her fingers comfortably trapped inside. Vicki's body gradually relaxed and her eyes slowly focused on Taylor's face. "Kiss me." Taylor obeyed with a smile. When the kiss ended, Vicki gave a contented sigh. "That's a taste that is new, but…unforgettable."

Taylor gave her a quick gentle kiss. "It is you. The sweet unforgettable taste is you."

"No. You're wrong…it's us." She spread her legs slightly. "If you will…uh…release me, we could continue with more…us."

Taylor grinned and wiggled her fingers faintly. "I thought I took care of that…twice."

Vicki closed her eyes, as her body shuddered with renewed arousal. "Ah…no, no," Vicki breathed, wrapping her hand around the confused detective's wrist. "Not so fast, Detective." She removed Taylor's fingers and turned pressing her lips to Taylor's throat. "I've had a couple of new experiences tonight." She ran her tongue along Taylor's ear before capturing Taylor's earlobe between her teeth. "And I'm ready for another."

Before Taylor could reply, their mouths met fervently, saying more than words. There was no need for questions and answers. Ending the kiss, her mouth ran wildly over Taylor's face. Her lips continued to loiter, lingering to arouse. With her tongue she left a moist trail of fire over Taylor's body.

Taylor's body was a pleasure of muscle, long bones and taut welcoming flesh. Taylor's writhing and groans prompted Vicki to seek out new secrets of the strong perfect body. She soon learned that if she nibbled at Taylor's waist, her breathing grew shallow and her fingers would tighten in her hair. If she moved her palm along her thigh, Taylor's moan vibrated with need. Giddy with her new power, she ran a crazed trail from stomach to chest, her lips hungry and seeking.

Once she was at Taylor's chest, giving both breasts the attention her passion demanded, Taylor grasped both her hips and pulled upward. "Now." She moved to pull more of Vicki to her. "Vicki, for God's sake. Please…"

Vicki captured her earlobe again and her low sultry laughter drove Taylor wild. Vicki found torturing Taylor, in this fashion, exquisite. Though her own body begged for release, again, she wanted to prolong it.

Neither woman was any longer in control. Each was a slave to the other. Beneath her, Taylor's body was hot and moist and moving. The rhythm seduced her. Everything warm, everything giving moved through her. Thought of torturing Taylor vanished, memories dimmed. Now it was only the two of them in the all powerful, greedy present. Her head fell back in complete abandonment as they went over together. The moan was rich and deep and from both of them. As one they were thrown beyond pleasure, into ecstasy.

Continued…