TITLE: Shark – "Fleeting Glances"
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: From the deep sadness of loss, a strong bond can sometimes be formed. A/U
PAIRING: Jessica Devlin & OFC; Sebastian Stark & OFC
RATING: MA for Mature readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story is simply entertainment for those of us who like to dabble in subtext. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of 20th Century Fox Television and creator Ian Biederman. This tale does feature realistic consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, you have taken a wrong turn at the last intersection and need to back the bus up drongo!
A/N: Much gratitude to Wendy Woo proof reader extraordinaire. Be kind, read & review.
Chapter 9
Sam woke when she heard Jessica groan beside her.
"Oh my head," she whined.
Rolling out of bed, Sam looked down at her, "I'll get you some aspirin and water."
"Thank you," muttered Jessica without lifting her head or opening her eyelids.
Sam grabbed a bottle of water and three tablets from her toiletries bag, "Here you go Jess."
Jessica slowly sat up and reached for the pills, "Thank you." She took the bottle and washed them down thirstily, "What time is it?"
Looking at her watch, Sam answered, "A little past eleven. Don't rush, we have late check out."
Jessica flopped back onto the pillows, "Thank goodness for that."
Going into the bathroom, Sam suppressed a laugh and turned on the shower. After placing some paste on her toothbrush, she entered the cubicle.
Once she was done with her ablutions Sam dressed in ¾ length beige cargo shorts, navy blue polo and sandals.
Returning to the bed, she laughed at the sleeping blonde who was curled up and sleeping sideways across the mattress. Leaning down, Sam kissed her on the forehead then picked up the bedside phone. Ordering two full breakfasts with extra pancakes, Sam packed her bag and along with the cooler, put them into the SUV. She collected her cell from the counter and called Ron to check on Janet's condition.
"She is feeling better thanks Sam," answered Ron.
"That's so good to hear."
"How did last night go?"
Sam giggled, "It was brilliant and the list was very impressive."
Ron chuckled briefly, "I bet Greg payed you back for the stripper episode?"
"He did and I even smoked a cigar for him. I'll send you the photos as soon as I can."
"I appreciate it and trust him to get you good."
"Listen, I was thinking of taking more leave next month and visiting with you."
"That would be wonderful Sam and I know Janet would love to have you stay."
"I thought I would ride Greg's Harley over rather than ship it over in a container."
"That sounds like a good plan."
"Well he wanted you to have it."
"I plan on riding it often."
"I'm glad to hear you say that."
"By the way, I'm happy to see you and Jessica are an item."
"Oh you know about that?"
"I couldn't help by notice at the wake. You make a good looking couple and Greg would have approved."
"I'm sure he would and I'll see you this afternoon."
"See you then, bye."
Sam closed her phone and pocketed it in her shorts. Sitting down on the bed, she stretched out and gently caressed Jessica's face, "Time to wake up baby."
Jessica stirred, groaned and fluttered her eyelids several times before focusing, "Good morning Sam." She sat up and added, "My headache's gone."
"Morning beautiful and I'm happy to hear that." Sam checked her timepiece, "You have ten minutes to shower and get dressed before breakfast arrives."
Jessica reached over and cupped Sam's angular jaw, "Thank you for a wonderful night." She caressed her thumb across the cheek, "You look nice."
Sam scanned Jessica's naked form and noted, "And you are amazing, so get moving before I change my mind."
Jessica giggled and climbed out of bed, "I won't be long."
Sam watched the tall blonde organise her clothing before disappearing into the bathroom. Standing up, she called Jake and thanked him for the evening. Louise yelled out in the background and invited the couple over for dinner Friday night. Sam accepted, but wasn't sure if Jessica was available. She went into the bathroom to enquire.
"Jess, Jake and Louise have asked us over for dinner on Friday, are you free?"
"Yes, I'm available honey."
Sam took a moment to gaze upon her girlfriend's nakedness before returning the phone to her ear, "Yeah Gunney, we're both good to go."
"Excellent Lewy, see you at seven."
Returning the cell to her pocket, Sam leered at Jessica, "You are absolutely stunning."
"Thank you and all compliments gratefully accepted," replied Jessica before rinsing off the soap suds.
Sam backed out of the room and fetched a bottle of water. She propped herself up on the counter and waited for room service.
Moments later, Jessica emerged wearing black jeans, boots and a short sleeved, light blue ribbed sweater.
Sam's jaw dropped and Jessica smirked. She organised her bag then brushed past Sam's knees.
"I see by your bewildered look, you approve?"
"Oh yes." Sam reached for the blonde and pulled her in between her legs, "You certainly do know how to dress well."
Jessica wrapped her arms around her girlfriend's neck, "I like dressing for you, especially when I know it affects you."
Sam planted a kiss on the side of Jessica's throat, "That's very thoughtful of you sweetheart."
Reaching for Sam's chin, Jessica lifted up until they were eye to eye, "Sam, you make me feel emotions I thought were long gone and I like that about you. I've never been provocative or this open with a lover before. You give me this overwhelming sense of freedom and I don't want to lose that feeling."
Sam's eyes glistened with tears, "I hope you never do. You actually radiate this delight that I adore watching and I want us to take the time to learn everything there is to know about each other. I know we are very compatible in relation to sex, but it's more than that. In the nine days since we've been together, my emotions have taking a beating, but during the turmoil, I have found calmness with you and I want to explore that more."
Jessica smiled at her paramour, "You have a beautiful way with words honey and I'm here to tell you I am going nowhere. I want to know every detail there is about Samantha Lake."
"I'll tell you it all Jess."
In response, Jessica lowered her lips closer to Sam's, "I find your self-control incredibly sexy."
Smiling broadly, Sam sighed, "And I find your confidence sexy. I like the way it exudes from you as you walk."
Jessica's mouth turned into a smile, "I've never been so easily aroused by anyone before."
Sam's lips were inches from Jessica's full, luscious mouth when there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," offered Jessica as she pulled from the embrace. She withdrew a ten dollar bill from her wallet and approached the door.
-o-
Seventy minutes later, Jessica was singing along to a Faith Hill song on the car stereo when Sam asked, "Do you need to go to your home for anything?"
"No honey, I'm good to go."
Sam giggled at Jessica's reply, "You are picking up my Jarhead jargon."
"I like it."
"Would you like to see my place?"
"I would and we have three hours before we need to be at Greg's."
"You really do sing well Jess."
"Thanks, I used to have lessons when I was younger. What about you?"
"No lessons, but I was in various choirs during my school years." Sam laughed, "When Rachel and Allison's daughter Hannah was first born she was a terrible sleeper and they used to call me in the middle of the night just to sing to her over the phone."
Jessica rubbed her thumb over Sam's knee cap, "You have a heart of gold Sam Lake."
"That's my mother's influence," confessed Sam proudly.
"So how often do you work out to keep your physique?"
"I'm lucky I inherited my brawn and high metabolism gene from father, so I can get away with three or four sessions a week. I try to run every morning when I can."
"I hit the gym three times and run in the mornings too."
"If you like, you can use the gym that I have set up at home and if you want company, I'll offer up my services as a running buddy."
"I'll take you up on both offers."
"Good, I'll swing by your house tomorrow morning for a run."
"Sounds good and I usually start at six and run for five miles."
"No problem. If I run over to your house and back, that will be close to my usual ten miles."
"Ten!" exclaimed a stunned Jessica.
Sam giggled, "Then I won't tell you I do twenty on Wednesdays."
"Oh please don't. You are going to push me, aren't you?"
"No, I have no such intentions. That's not my style. You do what you are comfortable with."
"Damn, I should have asked you out for coffee years ago."
"And I should have asked you out on a date when I first saw you at the Courthouse."
After a short titter, Jessica asked, "Your meeting with John is at ten, right?"
"Correct ma'am."
"If you are not busy for lunch at twelve, do you want to join me in my office?"
"It's a date."
"I'll be busy with case reviews, but will have time to order in and spend time with you."
Sam looked at Jessica with a puzzled look on her face, "You're up for re-election this year aren't you?"
"Yes, I'm in my fourth year of office, why?"
"I'm just wondering if news of our relationship will hamper your chances of being re-elected."
"To tell you the truth Sam, if I'm not returned to office, I won't mind. I love being a prosecutor first and foremost, so I wouldn't mind being a Deputy again if asked."
"So you're not interested in being a million dollar a year defence Attorney?"
"Hell no and it's never been about the money for me. I'm satisfied with eighty thousand a year."
Sam laughed, "I make more than that."
Jessica giggled, "I know, so that proves my point."
"You know, you would make a terrific cop."
"Why thank you, but I'd probably shoot off my foot with the gun."
"I'll teach you how to use a weapon properly if you like."
"You will?"
"Sure, it would be fun."
"I read you were a weapons expert with the Marines."
"True and I practice as often as I can. SWAT Commander Cage has been at me for years to transfer to his unit."
"I'm sure you'd be good at it."
"I've considered it, but I try to avoid having to kill people for a living."
"Oh, I see your point."
Sam pulled into the drive of a light blue painted Federation styled, double storey house with a triple garage and Jessica whistled.
"Wow, your home is fantastic."
"Thanks Jess." Sam activated the roller door to the right and drove inside.
Jessica took a look at the black with gold trim Harley V-Rod parked to the left and the Jet Ski on a trailer and beamed, "Oh good lord Sam, you are impressive."
Sam laughed, "Just some of my hobbies."
Jessica opened the passenger door and went over to the motorbike then looked excitedly at Sam.
"Jump on," instructed the brunette while grabbing the icebox from the rear compartment.
Jessica's eyes lit up as she climbed onto the leather seat.
Sam smiled and put the cooler on the grass beside the garage.
Kicking up the stand, Jessica balanced the bike with ease.
Sam opened the cooler lid and tipped it over, allowing the ice and water to flow out. Leaving it to drain, she walked over to the left wall, opened a digital safe and withdrew a set of keys.
Grabbing one of the two leather bike jackets off the wall rack, Sam picked up a black and lime green helmet off the counter and headed towards Jessica.
"You want to take her for a spin?" she asked while handing over the keys.
The blonde reached for Sam and pulled her in for a passionate kiss.
Sam responded and smooched back with equal vigour.
Jessica leaned back a few minutes later, "I'd love to and you are simply amazing."
Sam grinned as Jessica put the key in the ignition and turned on the powerful engine. It roared into life and Jessica smirked.
Looking down, Sam handed over the jacket and couldn't help but notice the glint in Jessica's eyes. "Be safe," she said while passing over the protective headwear.
"I will and I love you."
"I think you might love my bike more," taunted Sam.
"Not possible."
"Take your time; I've got plenty to do here."
"Are you sure honey?"
"Yes darling, go and enjoy. If the door is down when you get back, the remote is on the key ring."
Jessica grinned broader, "Okay and thank you again."
Sam stood back and watched as Jessica donned the helmet, put the bike into first gear then take off down the drive. Sam thought she had never seen such a beautiful or more erotic image. Shaking her head, she cleaned the cooler before placing it into a storage cabinet.
Closing the garage door, she took the bags inside to the main bedroom on the second floor and to the rear of the house. Knowing it would be some time before Jessica returned; Sam did a load of washing and changed into a purple bikini top and black board shorts.
Going to the backyard, Sam cleaned the pool and chatted over the fence to her older neighbour Roger Dawson.
"I didn't expect to see you outback. Martha said she heard your bike take off down the road some time ago," said the grey haired, ex-police Captain.
"That was my girlfriend Jessica."
Roger smiled at the comment, "Ahh, so you finally found someone."
"We kind of found each other and thank you and Martha for attending Greg's service."
"Don't mention it; we had a lot for time for Greg. He was a fine young man and a good friend to you."
Sam's chest tightened with pain, "That he was."
"So you better tell me all about this girlfriend of yours so I'll be prepared for the inquisition Martha is certain to give me once I go back inside."
Sam laughed at her long-time friend, "Her name is Jessica Devlin."
A gobsmacked Roger asked, "As in the District Attorney?"
"That's her."
"Oh goodness Sam, she's a good looking woman and very intelligent. I saw her at the service, but had no idea you were together."
"That was the start of our relationship and she is a wonderful person."
Noting the dreamy expression on Sam's face, Roger laughed, "I would never have pictured her as a bike enthusiast."
"Me either, it was a nice surprise."
"I'm sure it was young Sam. Well, I'll leave you to it. Martha has the Greenburg's from next door coming over to play cards."
"Before you go Roger, I've got that bottle of wine you asked for."
"Oh good Martha will be pleased to have a tipple or two after you told her about how nice it was."
Sam ran inside and returned with two bottles of Zinfandel, "I think you and Martha will enjoy these."
"How much do I owe you?"
"You know better than to ask."
"I know and thank you. I'll let you know how it goes."
"Have a good one."
"You too Sam, goodbye."
Sam turned on the pool filter and checked the water chemical levels. Looking at the time, she realised Jessica had been gone for over an hour. With time on her hands, she dove into the pool and completed fifty laps before mowing the lawn.
-o-
After showering and turning off the pool filter, Sam hung the washing on the line out back then went into the kitchen and wrote out a grocery list for the following day.
She smiled when the rumble of the bike came up the street and into the drive. Going through the kitchen and into the garage, Sam stood transfixed as she observed the sight before here. Jessica was taking off the helmet and it took a second or two before she walked up to her, "I gather you had an enjoyable ride."
The look on the DA's face said it all, her eyes were dilated and her smile wide, "Yes honey, she's a beautiful bike."
"That she is. I've only had her since December."
Jessica slid off the seat and Sam took the headdress from her. Taking off the jacket, Jessica followed her over to the bench. "Thank you and sorry I took so long."
"Don't apologise sweetheart. I fully understand the lure and effect."
"I haven't ridden for a while and it was very exhilarating."
Sam took the keys from Jessica and returned them to the wall safe, "Any time you want to ride, you are welcome to use her."
Moving in, Jessica ran her hands down Sam's back, "I'll take you up on that offer."
"You're welcome, but for now, we need to make a move or we'll be late."
"Okay, just let me freshen up a little first."
"I'll take you upstairs and show you to the bathroom."
-o-
Sam pulled up behind Rachel's van and Jessica got out while Sam secured the vehicle.
Jessica looked around at the facade of the modest home and felt a stab of sadness. Going to Sam, she took her hand and gave it a squeeze. Knowing how hard it would be on Sam to say farewell to Greg's family, Jessica was happy to be able to provide her emotional support.
"Thank you," acknowledged Sam as the couple walked up the path towards the stairs. "It means a lot having you here with me."
"You are welcome Sam."
Rachel opened the door before Sam had time to ring the bell. "Hello you two," she said before hugging and kissing Sam on the lips.
"Hey Rach," replied Sam.
"Hello Rachel," said Jessica. She was taken by surprise when the Medical Examiner embraced her.
Rachel motioned for them to enter the house, "Ron, Janet and Jeff are riding with you and I've got the rest. Allison and Hannah are at the store shopping for dinner, so we are ready to load up when you are."
-o-
Once Rachel parked in the driveway of the contemporary home, Sam pulled in behind her.
Jessica removed her hand from Sam's thigh and declared, "This is a nice looking house. What does Allison do?"
"She's a Sergeant over at Central."
Jessica laughed, "So Rachel has a preference for women in uniform?"
Sam gave her girlfriend a sly smile, "Yes she does."
The couple followed Rachel into the house and Jessica grinned when a tall, well-built blonde with blue eyes greeted them in the hallway. She recognised the strapping officer and said, "Sergeant McIntyre, it's good to see you again."
Allison chuckled, "You too Jess and Sam, how are you doing?"
Rachel glared at Jessica then at her wife, "I take it the two of you know each other?"
Allison put her arm around Rachel's shoulders, "Jessica and I go back a few years."
"Oh," replied Rachel, somewhat taken aback by the news.
"Don't give me that jealous look love," teased Allison. "The Counsellor here was the Prosecutor on a case I was giving evidence in and she tore shreds in my statement during trial preparations."
Jess scoffed, "You were fairly green back then, but you pulled through in Court."
"I did, but it took me longer to get over your knock back for dinner."
Rachel asked, "And you didn't bother to tell me this earlier?"
"Nope, I wanted to see you get all pouty."
Sam laughed at the couple's antics, "You pair are hopeless. Now where is my beautiful god daughter?"
"Having a nap, she got tired waiting for you," joked Allison.
"Oops, I'll just go take a peek then," Sam said as she walked up the stairs.
"Would you like a glass of Barbera Jessica?" enquired Allison as she moved into the open kitchen.
"That would be nice, thank you."
"Come on through to the living room then," suggested Rachel. "We'll get comfortable and be waited on."
Jessica giggled, "That sounds like something I could handle."
Minutes later, Allison joined them carrying two glasses of red wine. Handing one to Jessica then Rachel, she said, "I hope you ladies will excuse me while I go out back and turn the ribs on the grill?"
"You're excused for now," taunted Rachel in a stern modulation.
Allison leaned down and kissed her wife on the head, "Don't talk too much about me."
"Scoot," chided Rachel with a dismissive wave of the hand. "I'm hungry."
Sam entered the room holding a bundle of blonde curls, "Someone woke up and is hungry like her momma."
Jessica looked at Sam and Hannah and smiled sweetly, "You have a beautiful daughter Rachel."
"Thank you. Sam, do you want to do the honours?"
"You got it." Walking to the refrigerator with Hannah on her hip, Sam retrieved a container of pre-steamed vegetables and quickly heated them in the microwave. She filled a sipper cup with juice while she waited and handed it to Hannah.
"Ta," said the toddler.
"You're welcome cutie." Sam placed her god daughter in the highchair then grabbed her dinner.
Rachel turned to Jessica and remarked, "Sam is excellent with Hannah."
Smiling broadly, Jessica agreed, "Yes, she is."
"Our Sam is a big softie when it comes to children."
"How long have you known each other?"
"We've been friends for five years, but first met over ten years ago when I joined the M.E.'s Office back in late 1997. It wasn't until I became friends with Greg that we all started hanging out together."
"Sam told me you dated."
"Yes and I foolishly broke her heart," Rachel freely admitted. "But she forgave me."
Jessica noted the sadness wash over Rachel's face and asked, "Any regrets?"
Rachel smiled at her, "No, I love my wife and our daughter with all my heart and I've never seen Sam as happy as she is with you."
"She's a very unique woman."
"Yes and even though you've only been together a short time, she loves you deeply."
"I'm hopeless for her."
"I'm glad to hear the feeling is mutual."
Jessica took a sip of wine and Rachel asked, "How did you go at the reunion last night?"
"I had a great time and woke up with a hangover. Sam was very entertaining and I really like Jake and Louise and the others."
"They're a great couple and loyal friends. Sam's former teammates all respect her and she has enormous admiration for them."
"That was very evident last night. How did you and Allison meet?"
"Sam actually set me up on a blind date. She was seeing a detective from Central and conned Allison into a double date for a Departmental awards function. Sam and Allison went through the Academy together and were already friends."
Sam called out from the kitchen, "RACH, would you like me to bath Miss Curly Locks?"
"You can if you want sweetie."
Sam disappeared down the hallway and Jessica's eyes followed her.
Rachel smirked and commented, "She's a joy to watch that's for sure."
Jessica blushed, "Yes and I consider myself to be very lucky."
Allison entered the kitchen via the back porch carrying a tray of barbequed beef ribs, "Honey, do you want to give me a hand with the salads?"
Rachel stood, "On my way babe."
-o-
Sam turned into Jessica's drive a little past ten o'clock. "Thanks for a wonderful weekend," she said while putting the truck into park.
"It was most enjoyable, but it doesn't have to end just yet."
Leaning over the centre console, Sam uttered, "I know sweetheart, but I have something I need to take care of and I don't want to keep you up all night. You have work in the morning remember."
Although disappointed, Jessica replied, "Okay honey and are you positive I can't assist you?"
"Thanks for the offer, but I need to start packing up Greg's belongings. Ashley and Ross are flying back next week to deal with putting the house on the market."
Jessica reached over and slowly traced her right thumb over Sam's lips, "You don't have to do that on your own."
"I know, but I think I'll handle it better alone."
Leaning in, Jessica kissed Sam chastely, "All right, I understand and don't forget lunch tomorrow at my office."
"I won't, goodnight Jess."
"Goodnight honey." Jessica got out of the Tahoe and waved before entering the house.
After a short drive, Sam spent the next five hours packing Greg's property, crying, sorting boxes, laughing at memories followed by more crying.
She finally crawled into bed totally exhausted at 03:35.
-o-
