Chapter 1: Leather and Lace

Maura sat in a booth in the Dirty Robber, the one she usually shared with Jane, playing with her salad. How could Jane do this? She knew she should be happy for her friend, but she wasn't, the weight of that laying as heavy on her mind as the feelings of abandonment and betrayal. Nothing had passed between them, and they had both frequently dated men, but Maura thought there was an unspoken understanding between them, that their closeness meant something. And now Jane had agreed to marry Casey. Why would she do that? Maura just didn't understand. Especially considering the way Casey had proposed; saying that he would return to Afghanistan if she didn't agree to marry him was not exactly the fairytale proposal a woman, even one as tomboyish as Jane, would want. On the contrary, to Maura, it seemed somewhat manipulative.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw long firm legs, her heart leapt, thinking, for a second it was Jane. She looked up quickly and realised the legs belonged to a tall, dark haired woman she had never seen before. Intrigued Maura watched the woman as she walked towards the bar. The strange woman wore tight dark jeans, which accentuated her long legs and curvaceous hips, tucked in to knee length black boots. Maura admired the woman's well defined leg and posterior muscles as she continued to soak up the view before her. To complete her outfit the woman wore a black leather biker jacket. Maura liked leather, she liked the smell and the feel of it, its smooth malleable versatility and she totally understood its appeal as a fetish. Corsets, boots, gloves, jackets… all held some fascination for her. She'd tried to explain this to Jane once, but Jane didn't understand what exactly she was suggesting. Jane never understood.

She was sure that she wasn't imagining it, that there was a bond between them that went beyond mere friendship. She was sure that Jane felt the electricity as much as she did. But did she? It was all so confusing and tearing Maura apart. She didn't know what to do. If she told Jane how she felt and was wrong, she would lose her and she couldn't bear that. But if Jane did actually marry Casey, she would have lost her anyway; she couldn't sit back and watch the love of her life marry another, especially not one that treat her so badly. One that played with her feelings that controlled her and who smothered her fire. He said he loved her, but if he loved her, he wouldn't do those things; he would love everything about her, all her quirks and her, admittedly, frustrating habits, just as Maura did.

And Jane? She said she loved him, but did she really? She was happiest in their relationship when he was not actually there, his presence made her feel claustrophobic. She had said herself, only days since, that she couldn't be herself around him. What sort of a basis for a relationship was that? Nevermind a marriage! She didn't feel that way with Maura, she was absolutely comfortable with her, seeking out her company, even choosing to help Maura make arrangements for her grandfather's care, rather than spending the day with Casey. And, of course, there was that time with Giovanni; it was Jane that had told him they were a couple and who had held Maura so tight and lovingly, as if they actually were a couple. Maura remembered that day vividly, how right it had felt standing in Jane's arms while she explained to him how they were life partners.

It wasn't as if she hadn't had the opportunity to tell Jane how she felt about her, because she had. All those times they had comforted each other, the times they had shared a bed and Jane was so close that Maura could feel her breath in the darkness or the time they had talked about what their perfect woman would be like, if they were lesbians. But each time she couldn't do it, fear gripped her and she became awkward and blurted out whatever random information she could think of. Even so, Maura could see them being together, forever, and being a family. Jane looked so good with baby TJ in her arms; he made her glow in a way nothing else could. Maybe that was it? Casey would easily be able to give her babies in a way Maura could not. But surely that couldn't be it? Could it? Coming out of her reverie somewhat, Maura realised she was still staring at the beautiful stranger at the bar, the one that was so like Jane but was not, and for whom she felt an inexplicable attraction.

Louise felt Maura's gaze upon her as she sat down at the bar and ordered herself a beer. Glancing around she discovered who it was that was watching her so intently. As her eyes met those of the petite, sophisticated woman, she smiled. Louise revelled in the slight flush it elicited in the woman who smiled back. Louise turned back around and as she drank, she thought of Kathryn; her soul mate, her wife. It had been many months since her death, and Louise still felt her absence acutely. She glanced at the beautiful blonde once more, maybe it was time? Maybe this unexpected, unsought encounter was a sign?

Louise finished her beer and, summoning the barman, she ordered herself another and a glass of the red wine the blonde woman was drinking. She smoothed her long dark hair away from her face and turned to walk over to the booth. Louise placed the wine onto the table before the woman

"You look like you could use another"

She pointed at the seat:

"May I?"

Maura looked up into Louise's bright blue eyes and smiled:

"Yes, of course"

Louise sat opposite Maura and they fell into easy conversation. Maura was surprised by how comfortable she felt talking to Louise and by the obvious spark between them. It was something that she had never felt with another woman, except of course Jane.

It felt to Maura as if they had been talking for but a few minutes, when the barman called time and they had to leave. As she stood and wobbled on her black Louboutin stilettos, she realised how much time had actually passed, and how much wine she had drank. Suddenly feeling reckless, she swallowed her nerves and invited Louise to go home with her. An invitation Louise gingerly accepted.

As they walked onto the street to find a cab, Louise reached out and tentatively took Maura's hand in her own. A shiver of pleasure coursed through Maura's body; she turned her head to look at Louise, suddenly feeling shy:

"Louise? I've...well...I've... I've never done this before"

Louise stopped gazed, into Maura's eyes and spoke softly to her

"That's ok...I have"

She placed her free hand onto Maura's waist, leant in and slowly, gently kissed her.

...

Maura unlocked the door to her house, flicked the light switch and stood to one side to allow Louise to enter. She followed Louise into the light, sophisticated room. As she secured the door, Louise took hold of her arm, turned her and pushed her against the door. Maura gasped, as Louise pressed her lithe, strong body against her and kissed her again, passion shining in her eyes. As Louise's tongue laved Maura's yielding mouth, she snaked her arms around Louise's waist, pulling her closer. Finally they parted and Louise flashed Maura a wicked smile, full of the promise of what was to come.

Maura led Louise into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, taking out a bottle of wine while Louise removed her jacket:

"Would you like a glass of wine, or I have some beer if you prefer?" said Maura as she reached for a glass.

"No, thank you, I think I've had enough for one night."

Maura poured herself a glass and looked at Louise; desire and uncertainty vying for dominance. She took a sip and allowed her desire to take control:

"Kiss me again Louise" Maura whispered.

Louise, happy to oblige took a step forward, stroked Maura's face and pulled her into a strong, determined kiss. Maura marvelled at the incongruity of Louise's strength and gentleness and at the softness of Louise's lips against her own.

Cautiously, not wanting to rush the inexperienced woman in her arms, Louise slid her hand under Maura's white silk blouse and up her back, stopping just before her bra. She held her hand there for a few seconds as she trailed kisses down Maura's neck, then slid it back down and under the band of Maura's skirt. Maura moaned gently and Louise, taking this as a sign to carry on, moved her other hand from Maura's waist and up towards her ample breast.

Maura pulled away and Louise chided herself, thinking she had moved too fast, but Maura had other plans. She took Louise's hand and led her into her opulent bedroom..."Wait here" she commanded and left Louise alone in the room. Louise glanced around, not entirely sure what was happening, then sat down on the edge of Maura's bed and waited. When Maura returned a few minutes later, she had changed into a black satin robe which flowed like lava over her body, accentuating her every curve. Louise's breath caught as she watched Maura slowly walk towards her, her heart pounding in her chest. When she was just beyond Louise's grasp Maura stopped and slowly began to unfasten her robe. Louise watched as it fell to the floor taking in Maura's beautiful body; her smooth lightly tanned skin, her collar bones, the swell of her breast, the curve of her hips, and the neat downy triangle between her legs. She sighed, unable to believe her luck.

Maura took a single step forward and stopped once more, placing herself within Louise's grasp. Seizing the opportunity Louise reached out to hold Maura's hips, her thumbs caressing the sharp bones protruding from them and drew Maura closer. She placed her head onto Maura's stomach and inhaled the flowery fragrance of her skin, mingled with the musky scent of her arousal. Reaching down, Maura took hold of Louise's tight black vest and pulled it over her head to reveal a pink lace bra. Maura knelt and kissed Louise; the first she had initiated and ran her fingers through Louise's long black locks to hold her head and prolong their embrace. As one they moved to the centre of the bed and laying, side by side, they hungrily caressed every scrap of the other's skin. Louise unfastened her jeans and pushed them down, kicking them onto the floor, so that only her lacy underwear came between them. Gently she rolled Maura onto her back and knelt between her legs.

Louise's hands continued to cover Maura's entire body with their determined ministrations, finally coming to rest on Maura's breast. Louise's dexterous fingers squeezed Maura's pale pink nipples, eliciting a moan of pleasure from her. Louise smiled admiring the beautiful woman laid below her; her eyes closed and her dark blonde hair pooling around her head. Louise dipped her head, taking a now hard nipple into her mouth and carefully bit down. Every nerve in Maura's body was aflame with passion; a passion Louise stoked with every kiss and caress. No one had ever made Maura feel this way, the intensity of her need for Louise's touch held her in thrall. Maura tightened her grip on Louise and pulling her down wrapped her toned legs around Louise's hips. Feeling the extent of Maura's arousal and need, Louise pushed her hand down coming to a rest between Maura's legs; her fingers beginning to explore her lover's now drenched folds. Putting slight pressure onto Maura's entrance, she stopped, looking to Maura for permission to continue. Maura arched her back, lifting her hips to envelop Louise's fingers within her wet, tight cavern and releasing a moan of delight.

Louise didn't move, allowing Maura to set the rhythm with her thrusting hips, while she felt Maura's strong muscles griping her fingers ever tighter. Slowly she began to move her fingers in slow delicious circles within Maura, her thumb taking care of Maura's swollen cliterous. Maura's movements became increasingly desperate; her nails digging into Louise's back. Feeling how close to climax Maura was becoming, Louise withdrew her fingers eliciting an instinctive, disappointed whine from Maura:

"Don't stop" she breathlessly pleaded

"Oh, I'm not" Louise replied as she slid down Maura's body, slowly smothering her golden skin with kisses.

"I just want to taste you".

Maura threaded her fingers through Louise hair as she progressed downwards, willing every electrifying caress to reach its destination sooner.

Finally Louise's head reached Maura's pubic bone and she paused; Maura could feel Louise's breath intensely where it met her wetness, and she shivered in anticipation. Louise placed one final, lingering kiss onto Maura's mound before slipping her tongue down between her lips and a quiver of pleasure coursed through Maura's body at the gentle, tentative touch of Louise's tongue combined with Louise's soft smooth hair that deliciously tickled the inside of her thigh. Louise slid her hands under Maura's firm, smooth buttocks, raising them as her tongue lapped down towards Maura's entrance. Maura fingers, still tangled in Louise's hair, held Louise just where she wanted, needed her to be, as her breath once again began to come faster and her moans became louder. Louise pushed her tongue into Maura who let out an unrestrained cry, she was so close to her climax, nothing else mattered but the exquisite movement of Louise's experienced tongue and its delicious rhythm as it alternated between slipping inside of her and circling her clit, and the pressure of Louise's body creating electricity wherever, whenever it touched her own.

Louise moved her hand from Maura's buttock and slid her fingers once again deep inside her lover, freeing her mouth and tongue to concentrate their assault on Maura's swollen, hypersensitive clit. The additional sensation was enough to send Maura over the edge and she cried out as she found release. Louise smiled to herself, and began to make her way back up Maura's body, tasting the salt of Maura's sweat with every kiss along the way, until their lips met once more in a deep, relaxed kiss.

Louise wrapped her arms around the beautiful blonde below her and rolled them both to lie side by side. Maura nuzzled into Louise's neck contentedly and ran her free hand up and down Louise's side while her body returned to her control. Soon she buried her head into the curve where Louise's neck and shoulders met and began to nibble and suck. When Louise sighed Maura looked up into Louise's sparkling sapphire eyes and smiled, then pushed her over onto her back, her hip pressing down between Louise's legs:

"My turn" she purred coquettishly.

Maura had fantasised about making love to another woman many times and desperately hoped she wouldn't disappoint the more experienced Louise, but she knew exactly how a human body worked and that the best way to learn any new skill was to do it. She dipped her head and kissed Louise's welcoming lips in a slow passionate kiss. As she rubbed her body against Louise's, she wanted to move downwards, to lick Louise, to taste her, to make her scream, but the feel of Louise's smooth skin and firm breasts sliding against hers and Louise's wetness upon her hip as she moved beneath her captivated her and she could not escape the delicious rhythm. Louise held Maura, running her hands over her back and bum, pulling her closer so that every synchronised movement dug deeper into their cores, sending fireworks through their veins.

Louise gasped... "Maura... please... inside..."

Maura hesitated; she knew the anatomy, inside and out. She knew which parts were the most sensitive to the touch but still she was uncertain, what if she did it wrong.

"Please Maura" Louise gasped again

Maura stayed her grinding hips and pushed her hand down between their sweat soaked bodies, as her hand moved lower the constancy of the moisture began to change from the water of sweat to the slick, viscous fluid of their joint arousal and Maura's hand was engulfed by the heat they had created. Reaching the apex of Louise's sex Maura pushed her middle finger down into the crack to caress the soft folds within while her adjoining fingers stroked the outer lips. Louise moaned bucking her hips towards Maura's probing hand, her fingers poised on the brink of Louise's lips, feeling her hot, slickness, before pushing a single, exploratory finger deep inside and Louise moaned throwing her head back in delight. Spurred on by Louise's reaction Maura brought her fingers together to massage the delicate skin surrounding Louise's entrance before sliding two fingers inside with the firm yet gentle precision of the experienced physician she was.

Feeling Louise's strong muscles tighten around her fingers, Maura flexed and curled them rhythmically, and then continued to grind her hips against Louise's in an ever frenetic tempo, pushing her fingers deeper, harder with every thrust; her moans matching Louise's as they both approached climax. Louise's movements below her were becoming desperate, her back arched as Maura felt Louise's fingernails dig, exquisitely painful, in her back. Louise threw her head back and screamed as the powerful vibrations of orgasm racked her body.

The two women clung to each other, their hearts pounding from their pleasurable exertions as they collapsed into a spent heap. Maura smiled contentedly, she was home; this was where she belonged. Nothing had ever felt so right as it did right now.