TITLE: CSI: Is This Desert Hot or What?

AUTHOR: D M Harper.

SUMMARY: The lives of four professional women intersect at a crime scene one rainy night in Las Vegas.

RATING: M for mature readers.

DISCLAIMER: This story is simply for the entertainment of those of us who like to dabble in subtext. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of CBS Paramount, creators Ann Donahue, Anthony E. Zuiker and Jerry Bruckheimer. No profit is gained from this hobby. This entertainment does feature 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 with you and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will; hence you have no one to whine to except yourself - now bugger off!

Chapter 10

"SWEETHEART," called Danni from the main bedroom. "Have you packed our weapons and credentials?"

"Yes baby," responded Sofia from the hallway. "They're in the bottom compartment of your black carry bag."

"Oh okay, I guess we are ready to go then," announced the cargo shorts and dark blue polo shirt attired blonde as she entered the corridor.

Turning, Sofia skimmed her eyes over her girlfriend and was awash with emotion. There was no doubt at all about how much she loved the other woman or the intensity of those feelings. The detective's smile broadened as Danni swaggered down the hall. "Have I told you how damn cute you are?" she enquired.

Sniggering, Danni stepped into Sofia's arms, "Oh only about twenty times since you woke me up this morning and made love to me."

Sofia planted a gentle kiss on the small purple bruise she had left on the lover's neck the night before, "Did anyone tease you at work about this mark?"

"Aaron noticed it, but avoided mentioning it."

"Smart man," quipped Sofia in between nips.

"Sweetheart, are you marking your territory again?"

The comment brought a soft giggle from Sofia, "I never thought of it that way, but I guess I am."

Stepping back, Danni cradled Sofia's chiselled face, "I'm all yours Sofia. What we have is unique and I for one have never loved like this before."

Tears welled in Sofia's eyes, "And I'm yours forever. I love you so much Danni."

Danni wiped away the tears with her thumbs and was about to ask a question when they heard the toot of a car horn, "That's our cue darling."

-o-

An hour later, Sara pulled into a circular drive and their weekend cabin came into view.

Lindsey squealed from the back seat, "Oh mommy, we're here."

Catherine turned in the front passenger seat, "Yes we are and remember what I said before we left home."

"Yes, I'm not allowed to go anywhere without an adult."

"Good girl."

"Sofia, will you play ball with me?" enquired Lindsey.

"I sure will, how about after dinner?"

"Yay and thanks."

After unpacking the SUV, the women put away the groceries while Lindsey settled in the room she would be occupying for the weekend. Danni volunteered to cook dinner and by five fifty, the group were seated around the table and eating.

Lindsey and Sofia went outside with a tennis ball while Catherine took Sara down to the lake for a walk. Danni took care of the dishes then went to sit on the rear porch to watch Sofia and Lindsey at play. She giggled when she spotted Catherine and Sara in the distance. The older blonde was giving the brunette a private striptease.

The couple eventually shed their clothes down to their bikinis and eased into the crystal blue water. Danni refocused on Sofia when it became obvious the pair were making love. She caught Sofia's eyes and smiled brightly. Her reward was one of her lover's radiant grins. The gesture went straight to her heart and she waved.

As Danni settled back onto the recliner, a peace washed over her and she thought there was nowhere else she would rather be. Although her relationship with Sofia was only into its second month, Danni knew her heart belonged to the long haired blonde and she wanted to make a permanent commitment, but realised it was too early to act upon her feelings.

Her attention wandered back to the two women in the water and she blushed.

Catherine's head was lolled back in the throes of passion and Sara was kissing her throat. "Good god, that is so hot," whispered Danni as she squirmed from the heat building between her legs. Her X-rated entertainment was interrupted when Lindsey asked her to join her and Sofia.

She did and happily tossed the ball back and forth between them.

When the sun started to lower, Lindsey asked for an ice cream.

Sofia looked down to the lake and quickly replied, "Sure honey, let's go inside. Would you like one or two scoops kiddo?"

"Two please Sofia, cos it's a special weekend."

-o-

It was past seven when Catherine and Sara reappeared. "Sorry to take so long," apologised Catherine.

Lindsey turned to Danni on the couch and made the quotation sign, "Mommy and Sara were having "quiet time". They get cranky if you annoy them."

Sara giggled, "That would be your cue for a bath young lady."

Lindsey rolled her eyes, "Can I watch a movie before bed please?"

"Yes," replied Sara. "But only if you tell me about your ball game."

Lindsey sprang off the couch and ran to Sara, who embraced her then carried her upstairs.

"I swear that child is beyond her years," remarked Catherine before walking into the kitchen to grab a beer.

"Sara is really good with her Catherine," pointed out Danni.

"Yes and they gang up on me all the time. I can never win."

Catherine climbed the steps and Sofia leaned into Danni, "Do you want to go for a walk by the lake?"

"I'll go grab us some towels."

Sofia's brows arched, "Oh honey that's a good idea."

"I thought so too," countered Danni before rushing into the downstairs bedroom.

She quickly fetched two fluffy beach towels from the closet and returned to Sofia.

The couple walked hand in hand down to the water and set their towels down.

"You up for a skinny dip?" enquired Sofia as her shirt flew off and exposed her black bikini top.

"Is that a challenge sweetheart?"

"No honey, more like a wish."

Danni laughed then pulled off her shirt.

Sofia stared at her navy blue bikini top and grinned hungrily.

"Like what you see?" teased Danni seductively.

"I love what I see."

Stepping out of her loafers, Danni quickly disposed of her shorts. She swayed her hips as she walked into the water. Turning around slowly, she asked her open mouthed girlfriend, "You coming?"

"I think I might be."

Danni giggled then untied her top. She threw it at Sofia before discarding her bottoms and tossing them too, "Join me Sofia, I'm ready for you."

Sofia gulped down the lump in her throat then stripped off her remaining clothes. Stepping into the cool water, she moved into Danni's open arms and fiery kiss.

-o-

With legs wrapped around Sofia's midriff, Danni pushed her lover's wet hair back off her face, "Superb again my darling."

"You weren't too shabby yourself honey."

"Have you noticed how our bodies mould into one another?"

"I have and I thoroughly love that about us."

"Do you believe everyone has a soul mate?"

"Yes, I think that there is somebody out there for everyone and it's fated that they meet."

"I didn't believe it until I met you Sofia."

"Oh Danni I love you. You are my other half."

"Mmm, you are my better half."

Danni burst out laughing, "Jesus, I didn't think I'd ever use all the cliques."

"Me either, it took you to expose my mushy side."

"Likewise, but I'm enjoying it."

Sofia's fingers traced circles along Danni's back, "So am I, do you want to go inside and shower before it gets too cold?"

"Not yet, I'd like a favour first."

Sofia smiled at her lover, "Oh and what would that be?"

"I'd like you to take that highly skilled mouth of yours and place it on my breast. Then I'd like you to slide two of your talented fingers inside me and make me come."

"Good god honey," whimpered Sofia. "You're so hot when you talk so openly."

"Only for you baby, it's the effect you have on me."

In reply, Sofia lifted Danni up slightly and lowered her warm mouth over the erect right nipple. Danni held onto Sofia's shoulders and shook.

"Yes baby, just like that," coaxed Danni in a barely audible whisper.

Sofia ignored her buckling knees and gently ran her tongue over the pebbled areola, eliciting a soft moan from Danni. Lavishing her lover's breast for several minutes, Sofia then kissed her way across the soft skin and vigorously attacked the left swell.

Danni threw back her head and cried, "Sofia!" She started to undulate against Sofia's taut stomach muscles, making contact with her heated labia.

Five minutes of pure bliss passed before Sofia slipped a hand between their bodies and over the extended node.

Danni immediately rose up and pressed into her lover's hand, "I love you Sofia, so very much."

Sofia groaned and gently bit down on the hard nipple in her mouth. She knew Danni was ready for release, but wanted their coupling to last longer. For the past twenty minutes, she had staved off her own climax in order to prolong the intensity. Taking her time, Sofia reached the opening and slid two long fingers inside.

"Oh yes baby," murmured Danni. "Fill me with your love."

Sofia quickly found a slow tempo and groaned as Danni's inner walls clasped around her thrusting digits. As she pumped, her tongue flicked back and forth over the swollen nipple.

Danni held on tightly and rode the fingers that were deep inside her, "Nearly ... there ... oh god ... so good Sofia."

Sofia's need for liberty rose to breaking point and she thrust harder.

Danni's contractions sped up and she screamed, "SOFIA." She collapsed forward into a blinding light then blackness.

She came to moments later lying on her back on a towel. Sofia was on top of her and stroking her hair.

"Welcome back honey."

"That has never happened before."

Sofia's smile was smug, "I never realised I was that good."

"Trust me sweetie, you are in a class of your own." Danni gripped Sofia's slim hips and pushed her back while opening her legs, "Feel like more?"

Sofia repositioned herself, "Always honey, with you I am insatiable."

"Oh god, me too Sofia."

With a slow rhythm, Sofia pushed into Danni, "You are perfection."

"No baby, we are," replied Danni before arching her back and kissing Sofia hard.

Meanwhile in the house, Lindsey was sound asleep in her bed and Catherine was standing on the balcony outside their bedroom with Sara pressed into her back.

"Dear lord baby," whispered Catherine. "Those two are made for one another."

Sara slipped her hand inside Catherine's bikini top and slowly kneaded the firm flesh, "Yes they are darling, just like us."

Moaning, Catherine leaned back onto Sara's naked form, "That feels nice babe, but I don't think we should be watching anymore."

Sara's voice was low, "It's okay Cath, they won't know and it's hot."

Catherine tittered, "Oh honey, is this your kinky side?"

"Yes, it's just like our own private porn."

"Sara, that's not right."

"Tell me you are not turned on from watching?"

"Uh uhm ... well, I'm not sure."

Sara removed her hand and untied the strap, letting the material fall to the decking. She pushed her fingers inside Catherine's bottoms and husked, "You're soaked darling."

"Yes because of what you are doing to me and I admit the show has me aroused."

"There's no shame in that Cath. It's a beautiful sight and should be enjoyed."

Catherine jumped when Sara pulled down the last of her bikini, "I guess not."

"You're so beautiful Catherine," whispered Sara as her left hand cupped the older woman's breast. Her thumb grazed over the rigid nipple as her other hand sought out hairless, slick folds.

Catherine reached back and wrapped her hand around Sara's neck, "I love you Sara, I always will."

"I love you too."

Arching her back, Catherine pressed into her lover's hands.

"That's it babe," urged Sara, her breathing laboured.

"Oh Sara," groaned Catherine. "You make me feel so good."

-o-

Sofia pressed her lips onto the shell of Danni's ear, "I love you baby, let it go."

"Yes Sof ... coming for you darling."

With one final thrust, both women found release.

Sofia tenderly kissed Danni then murmured, "Thank you."

"Why the gratitude?"

"That's my favourite position. I get to hold you, kiss you and look at you all at the same time."

Tittering, Danni confessed, "I like it too for the same reasons."

Sofia looked towards the cabin, "Don't move."

"Why not, what is it?"

"We have an audience."

Danni shook with laughter, "What? Has some animal crept up on us?"

"No, Catherine and Sara are making love on the terrace outside their room. They are both looking in our direction."

"Oh my, are you sure they can see us?"

"Honey, we are out in the open and the moonlight is fairly bright."

"I guess it's only fair."

"What does that mean?"

"I was watching them in the lake earlier while you were playing ball with Lindsey."

Shock registered on Sofia's face, "You didn't?"

"It was only for a second sweetheart then I watched you getting all sweaty."

Sofia laughed, "Did you like watching?"

"It was different, but I didn't want to impose."

"I don't mind honey, it's rather tantalising."

"Really?"

"Uh huh Danni and the fact that two people are getting off while observing us is incredibly stimulating."

"What are they doing?"

"Take a look for yourself."

"No I can't."

"Okay, I'll tell you then. Catherine is in front of Sara and by the looks of things, enjoying having Sara inside her."

"Oh dear god Sofia, we need to go into the house."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, not unless you are getting aroused?"

"I am honey."

Danni chuckled at the confession, "Then how about we give them another performance?"

"You are so bad."

"When it comes to loving you Sofia, I'm totally up for anything."

Sofia smirked at her lover then suggested, "Let's go inside and shower. I don't feel like sharing you anymore."

"That is why I love you," countered Danni. "I adore your possessive side."

Sofia stood, collected their clothes and the couple swiftly dressed. Hand in hand they went into the house and avoided looking up.

-o-

After showering, Sofia led Danni into the kitchen in search of food.

"How about I whip up us up an omelette?" suggested Danni with her head in the pantry.

"Sounds good, I'll give you a hand."

"Mmm, I like your hands."

Sofia giggled and tried to sound stern, "Danni, you are impossible and I like yours too."

"All right then, grab me four eggs, cheese and a tomato out of the fridge."

They both turned towards the stairs when they heard the sound of footsteps. It was Sara and Catherine. The couple looked sheepishly at Sofia and Danni and the red faces spoke volumes.

Turning back to the frying pan, Danni broke the awkward silence, "I suppose you too are hungry too after all that sex and voyeurism."

Sara took the question, "Yeah, we are and sorry about that."

Catherine was too embarrassed to speak and pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear to avoid the stares.

"It's okay guys," said Sofia trying to keep a straight face. "No harm done, but next time can you hide yourselves, my girl gets stage fright."

Danni playfully slapped Sofia's butt, "Hey now, you were the one that wanted to come inside because you didn't want to share anymore."

Finally finding her voice, Catherine held up her hands, "Okay, let's move on, I'm humiliated enough as it is."

"You shouldn't be Cath," quipped Sofia while handing ingredients to Danni. "You two are very beautiful when expressing your love for one another."

"Thank you and so are you and Danni, but what happens here stays here."

The room was quiet until Sara burst out laughing and the others soon followed.

-o-

The following morning, everyone was up early and walked the short distance to the Fair. Lindsey was in awe of the animals and rides while she was spoiled rotten by Sara and Sofia.

When the group stopped for hot dogs at lunch time, Danni excused herself and went for a quiet walk around the various stalls.

Danni returned to the other four sometime later and the group continued on to the bleachers to watch the ring events.

Leaning in to Danni, Sofia whispered, "Are you okay honey?"

Danni nodded, "Yep, just a long forgotten moment baby."

"If you want to talk, I'm right here."

"I know and that is one reason why I love you so much."

The rest of the day at the Fair went by and ended when Lindsey was out on her feet.

Danni piggy backed her to the cabin and Catherine put her to bed.

The four women adjourned to the porch with beers in hand and chatted for over three hours before Lindsey made an appearance.

She climbed onto her mother's lap and asked, "Is it time yet?"

Catherine kissed her on the head, "Yes honey, it is. We've been waiting for you."

"You gotta help me mom."

"Okay, let's go inside kiddo."

"What was that all about?" inquired Danni once the Willows were out of hearing range.

"The Willows girls are making dinner," answered Sara. "And I have to pop into town to pick up dessert. I'll be right back ladies."

Dannie looked at Sofia, "So this is the part where I feign surprise when the cake comes out?"

"Yes it is, so happy birthday darling."

"I've a feeling it's going to be the best one yet."

"I hope so," teased Sofia before leaning in and kissing Danni tenderly.

When they parted, Danni grinned, "I love you."

"Love you too and I'll give you your present in private later."

"You've already given me the best gift Sofia."

"Thank you Danni, but I think I may have gotten the best part of the deal."

"I took a moment by myself at lunch because Lindsey's wide eyed excitement got to me. For the first seven years of my life I'd never been to a Fair. It wasn't until Nigel and Maureen took me to a circus that I learnt about family outings."

"I'm glad you did honey and I'm also happy you found a good family who loved you."

"Yeah me too, they were wonderful parents."

Sofia pulled Danni across her chest, "Lindsey is a good reminder of how wonderful life can be."

"Yes, so are Catherine and Sara."

"That reminds me, we need to go dress shopping."

"No, only you do. I've already got an outfit to wear."

"But you'll come with me?"

"No, I want you to surprise me, build up the anticipation."

Sofia laughed into Danni's hair, "Oh that is a good idea."

Danni poked her forehead with an index finger, "Up here for thinking baby."

"That's too cute honey."

Kissing Sofia's exposed throat, Danni purred, "This weekend has been so relaxing."

"It has and I really enjoy spending time with the girls."

"I couldn't agree with you more Sof. By the way, I have my quarterly firearms requalification next week at the Mojave Training Facility."

Sofia growled as her lover's warm lips smoothed over her flesh, "Me too, guess that was good scheduling."

"I'm not complaining, but I suspect your mother and Jim may have had something to do with it. The bonus is I'll get to drool over you."

"I'll get to check out your style."

Sofia closed her eyes and mumbled, "Danni."

"Yes baby?"

"Oh, I lost my train of thought for a moment."

Danni giggled, "You make me very content Sofia Curtis."

"Mmm, I have to say I'm delirious."

"And delicious," quipped Danni.

"Mom was telling me she had a nice dinner with Jim last week."

"I'm really excited for them. They are actually having a social life which can be a rarity in our line of work."

Sofia tittered momentarily at her lover's playfulness, "They deserve to have some personal happiness."

"We'll have to double date," suggested Danni as her left hand slid under Sofia's shirt and slowly caressed the stomach muscles.

"Uh huh."

"I love the feel of you against my fingers," admitted Danni huskily.

"Oh god honey, your touch drives me insane."

Danni sat up and removed her hand, "I better behave then."

Gulping deeply, Sofia smiled, "Yes because you got me all worked up." She stood and asked, "Would you like another beer?"

"I'll have another, seems it's my birthday."

By nine thirty, dinner had been consumed along with half the cake. Lindsey sang Happy Birthday twice before presenting Danni with a gift wrapped photo frame containing a picture of Danni and Sofia. The shot had been taken by Sara a week earlier at their house and Danni was standing behind Sofia and embracing her lovingly.

Danni hugged Lindsey in gratitude and volunteered to put her to bed with a story. She rejoined the others on the porch twenty minutes later and the friends talked and laughed until well after midnight.

-o-

Sofia led Danni into the bedroom and slowly undressed her. Their love making was leisurely and tender with both women awed by the intensity of the closeness.

Afterwards, Danni snuggled into Sofia's side and declared, "That was an excellent gift."

Sofia chuckled, "It certainly was, but there is more."

"Where is it?"

Leaning over, Sofia retrieved a large square shaped box from the top drawer of the bedside table, "Happy Birthday darling."

"Thank you again."

Danni excitedly opened the gift to reveal a leather bound photo album.

"I thought it might be time for you to start your own collection of happy snaps," explained Sofia while nibbling on Danni's shoulder.

Smiling sweetly, Danni pressed into Sofia and kissed her with every ounce of emotion she could muster. When they finally parted, she lightly ran her fingers down her girlfriend's jaw, "This is a really wonderful idea. I'll ask Sara for copies of some of the shots she's taken this weekend and I love your presents. You make me feel like a princess Sofia. You have given me so much and filled my life with such joy and love."

Sofia's eyes brimmed with tears, "Right back at you Danni and we are definitely doing this again."

"Oh yes, but for now it's time we got some sleep. Don't forget you and Catherine promised Lindsey pancakes at the Fair for breakfast."

Sofia giggled softly, "I seem to remember Cath and I were coerced."

"Oh, it seems little Willows takes after her mom in that department."

"That explains why Sara is so smitten."

"Mmm, just like how I'm under your spell. Goodnight and thank you for the best birthday ever."

"There is more to follow my sweet Danni, pleasant dreams."

-o-

After bidding Catherine, Sofia and Lindsey goodbye, Danni and Sara settled onto the rear deck with two large bowls of fresh fruit salad. With several native birds perched on the railings and chirping, Sara tossed small pieces of fruit to them and quietly said, "Sof mentioned you and I have our fathers in common."

Flinching at the thought and the look of sorrow on her friend's face, Danni took a moment before replying, "If your father was a narcissistic control freak and bully who beat his wife and children, then I guess we do."

Sara reclined in her chair and steepled her fingers under her chin, "He was."

Danni reached out and placed a comforting hand on Sara's bicep, "I'm so sorry Sara."

"It took a long time to lose the guilt," replied the brunette sullenly.

Nodding in understanding, Danni asked, "Survivor guilt?"

"Yes, for both me and my brother Steven. The nightmare only got worse when my mother killed my father while he was asleep in bed. She stabbed him forty eight times with a knife. After she was arrested, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Our mother went to jail and we went to foster care." Sara looked out towards the lake and allowed herself to shed her tears.

Heartened by her friend's willingness to disclose her darkest experiences, Danni responded with her own, "My mother managed to escape with my eldest brother Patrick, but my father hunted them down. She had four more children, I was the last and we were all beaten once we turned five. When I was seven, he held me down by the thighs and left a bruise of his hand print which was seen by a teacher the next day. The police arrived at the house and like a well-oiled performance, we lied to protect him."

"I understand that all too well."

"He went into the garage and mom planned our escape, but we didn't get far. The taxi arrived and father appeared with a shotgun. He killed them all while I ran away to the tree house. I was covered in pellet shrapnel and he was shot dead by police while attempting to reload."

Sara turned to face he friend, "Oh god Danni, I'm so sorry."

"That's the reason I became a cop."

"Yeah, my past is why I'm a CSI."

Leaning over the armrest, Danni embraced Sara firmly, "Sofia was correct about the commonality."

"Yes unfortunately. Catherine has been wonderful in helping me finally lay it all to rest. We travelled to California to visit my mother in prison when she became seriously ill. I said what I needed to say to her while I still had the opportunity and while she was lucid enough to understand."

"I'm pleased you did. I was angry at my mom until I reached eighteen and was given her diary and small collection of photographs. It explained her fear and crippling oppression. Every day my family was under threat by a man who should have protected and loved us."

Sara pulled out of the clinch, "Makes you either stronger or weak, but luckily for us, we are strong and have survived."

"Yeah and we both have wonderful support and love."

"Yes we do."

"Can I ask you a favour Sara?"

"Off course you can."

"Sofia bought me a beautiful photo album and I'd like to start it with pictures from this weekend."

"Sure, we can go through the camera and you can choose which ones you'd like."

"Thanks, I was also wondering if you could help me restore some of my mother's pictures so I can frame a few."

Sara took Danni's left hand and squeezed, "It would be my pleasure."

"I appreciate it Sara."

-o-