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 12

Danni had just dropped Colin off outside the station entrance when she heard Sofia's voice on the radio. The detective asked dispatch for vehicle break down assistance. As Danni listened to Sofia being advised aid was approximately two hours away, she activated her mike and offered to take the call. Retrieving her cell, she called Sofia.

"Hey honey."

"Hello baby, so what's the problem?"

"I'm out on highway 15, a few miles past Bunkerville. The car just died on me and won't restart. It's not the battery or starter and I've plenty of gas."

"Okay, I'll notify the garage to send a tow truck then drive out to keep you company."

"Thanks, but aren't you on duty?"

"It's been a slow day and I've only got an hour before end of tour. Besides, I'm coming to the assistance of a fellow officer."

"That's true, see you soon."

"Bye."

After informing her Captain and Colin of her indentions, Danni put a call through to the Police Garage. It was confirmed a tow truck would be at least two to three hours out.

It took an hour and thirty minutes for Danni to make the trip and when she pulled the Ford Explorer alongside Sofia's squad car, she spotted her girlfriend sitting up against a nearby boulder utilising the shade. The detective had removed her dress shirt and was clad in a white tank top.

Exiting the SUV, Danni went to the rear compartment and withdrew a bottle of chilled water from a cooler.

Sofia smiled as Danni sauntered over to her. The way Danni filled out her khaki uniform was a delight to watch and the detective enjoyed the view, "Hey Sergeant Radcliff."

"Hello Detective Curtis, it's good to see you." Danni handed over the bottle, "I thought you might need this."

"You thought right, I used all mine up about an hour ago."

Danni crouched down in front of Sofia, "Lucky you've got some shade."

"Yeah, is this desert hot or what?"

"It sure is warmer than normal for this time of year. So what brought you out here?"

"I was collecting some photos from a crime scene a couple of miles back down the road. The Lab's swamped with cases, so I volunteered to stay behind and take the extra surrounding shots. It took an hour to do, then as I was returning to the station, the car suddenly stopped and I managed to coast to here."

"The garage is flat out too. Vehicles are breaking down all over town."

"I don't mind," remarked Sofia with a crooked grin. "Now you are here."

"Your mother says hello and wants you to give her a call."

"I'll phone now."

Danni straightened up and returned to her SUV. She opened the cooler and retrieved another bottle of water and two rounds of sandwiches. Returning to Sofia, she waited for her to end the conversation with her mother before passing over the food.

"Thanks and looks like you thought of everything."

"It will be dark soon and I knew lunch was a long time ago." Danni made herself comfortable beside Sofia on the blanket. "Lindsey told me last night that she'd like a baby brother or sister for Christmas."

Sofia swallowed before replying, "Knowing Sara, I think it won't be long before Lindsey gets her wish."

"She also mentioned you were up to something and hiding a secret in the garage cabinet."

Tittering, Sofia took a drink then said, "I told her it was a Christmas present."

"She thinks it's mine."

"It's not and I've since moved it, so don't bother snooping."

"Oh you are very sneaky."

Danni finished eating and returned to her truck. She came back with a gas camping light and once she had it in place, sat back down. "We'll need it soon."

Sofia looked towards the darkening sky, "Sure will."

"You do realise we could just leave your vehicle here and I could drive you back to the station?"

"We could, but the last time that occurred, some slime bucket stole the car."

"Oh, I see your point."

"That's one incident report I would like to avoid."

"True and it is kind of relaxing out here."

"Yes, except for this oppressive heat."

"You could always take off more clothes," suggested a cheeky Danni.

"Honey, you wouldn't be able to control yourself."

"You know how I like the great outdoors."

"I remember and don't be going there. I'm still on duty."

"Spoiled sport," grumbled Danni playfully.

"I really do appreciate you turning up."

"There's no place I'd rather be Sofia."

Danni stood and gathered up the rubbish. Taking it to her vehicle, she disposed of it then returned with two chocolate bars. She tossed one the Sofia and declared, "Dessert baby."

"Thanks." Sofia watched as Danni went over to the squad car and popped the hood.

Danni checked all the electronic leads, radiator, oil level then the ignition plugs. Closing the hood, she went to her Patrol vehicle to clean her hands.

"What's the verdict?" enquired Sofia as Danni settled beside her again.

"You've got no oil and the motor is blown."

"Looks like I'll be getting a new car then."

"You were only a couple of months short of a new one anyway."

"I'll the first to get the new GMC Sierra."

"There you go, always look at the positive."

Sofia leaned into Danni's shoulder, "Are you going to eat that chocolate in your pocket?"

"No, it's for you." She slipped it out and passed it over.

"I really like the way you spoil me."

"I'm only returning the favour baby."

The couple spent the next hour transferring Sofia's belongings and police issued equipment into the rear compartment of the Explorer and discussing their days. Danni had long ago turned on the lamp light, but turned it down when she returned to the boulder.

Sofia was fiddling with something back at the SUV and Danni was checking out her butt. She loved the way Sofia's black trousers encased her taut buttocks.

Her daydreaming ended when the older blonde moved towards her and asked, "You were ogling my ass, weren't you?"

"I certainly was Detective Curtis; want to cuff me for being bad?"

"Oh god, don't tempt me."

"You could even throw me over the hood of your car and frisk me," teased a grinning Danni.

"Play fair honey, besides the tow truck will be here soon."

"Now you are really being a bad sport."

Sofia laughed raucously for several seconds before sitting back down.

Danni noticed the slight shake in her girlfriend's hands and asked, "Are you cold?"

"Ah ... no, I'm fine."

"Then why are you trembling?"

"I have no idea."

Minutes passed in silence before Sofia said, "Is this desert hot or what?"

"Baby, you mentioned that when I first got here."

"Oh darn it," chided Sofia as she got up on her right knee and turned to face Danni, "This is not how I planned to do this, but Danni Laura Radcliff, will you marry me?"

Danni's face grew into a brilliant smile as Sofia pulled a small box from the back pocket of her trousers and handed it to her.

"It would be with the upmost pleasure that I accept." She opened the box to reveal a three diamond setting on a gold band, "Oh dear god baby, this is beautiful and you are so going to get it when we get home. I love you so much Sofia."

Sofia's face was aglow with happiness, "I love you too Danni and I look forward to home."

Danni slipped on the ring and locked eyes with Sofia, "Forget waiting, I want to kiss my fiancée." She turned off the lamp and pulled Sofia into her arms.

The couple kissed ardently for seven minutes before they heard an approaching vehicle. They drew apart and Danni turned the light back on.

Sofia was grinning madly, "That was close. I was two seconds away from tearing off your uniform."

"Tsk tsk Detective, you're still on duty."

"Wiseass," snapped Sofia as she got to her feet.

"Cute ass," countered Danni while she headed for her truck and activated the emergency lights.

Seconds later, a tow truck pulled up and manoeuvred into position behind Sofia's car.

The coverall attired male jumped from the driver's seat, "Evening Detective Curtis and Sergeant Radcliff."

"Hey Bobby," chorused the two women.

Bobby lifted the hood and asked, "So tell me what happened?"

"It just died on me," answered Sofia.

"It looks like the motor's blown," added Danni. "There's no oil in the engine, but plenty everywhere else and the ignition plugs are burnt out."

"That sounds good enough for me. I'll have it loaded in a few and you can get home." Bobby handed Sofia a clip board with departmental paperwork, "You can fill that out for me."

It was ten minutes later when everyone was back on the road and another hour and forty minutes before Danni was racing into her stationhouse to exchange her clothes and weapon.

She drove Sofia back to Headquarters then went home to wait for her to finish work at ten.

-o-

The following morning, Danni slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Sofia. After a late night of celebrating their engagement, it was well after three when they found sleep. Sofia was now on the swing shift and as Danni was off duty until Monday, she decided to let her lover sleep for as long as possible.

During dinner the night before, Danni had insisted on buying Sofia an engagement ring and the older woman was rapt with the idea. The couple also agreed to announce their news that Saturday night at the Police Charity Ball.

After a long shower, Danni dressed in brightly coloured bike leathers then headed for the kitchen. Consuming a protein shake, she cleaned up then left a note for Sofia before riding to the nearest jewellers.

Sofia was still sound asleep when she returned, so Danni attended to the housework.

She was in the study going over some legal paperwork when Sofia joined her.

"Morning honey," she said while perching herself on the wooden desk.

"Good morning gorgeous, how did you sleep?"

"Wonderfully and I see by your leather pants, you have been out."

"I have and I picked up a couple of muffins for your breakfast. There are fresh coffee beans brewing as we speak."

"Mmm yummy, so what are you looking at?"

"It's my last will and testament. I have an appointment with my lawyer this afternoon at three."

"I guess I better make a few adjustments to mine too."

Danni leaned over and kissed Sofia's bare thigh, "Come on, let's get you fed."

Sofia jumped to her feet, "Okay and don't forget you are picking up Lindsey after school today."

"I won't and you know Cath will text me at some stage to remind me."

"No doubt Linds has been bugging her all week about your movie and dinner date."

"If you weren't working and Nancy didn't have a date," said Danni before changing her mind. "I'd still be babysitting."

Sofia pulled Danni up out of the chair, "You're a softy for that child."

"You are no better woman."

"Guilty, makes me wonder how bad we will be with our own."

Danni led Sofia into the kitchen, "We'll be worse, now take a seat and I'll grab your breakfast."

"How many children would you like?"

"Two is a nice round number baby," replied Danni while preparing a Latte from the coffee machine. She passed the mug over then retrieved a white choc chip muffin from a paper bag.

"Two is fine honey."

"What time are you planning of going to your mother's tomorrow?" enquired Danni as she sat down.

"Around five, she invited me over for pre-dinner drinks."

Danni chuckled for a moment, "I'm really looking forward to seeing you in an evening gown."

"Well, if you ever bothered going to previous balls, you would have had that pleasure."

"I should have then maybe I would have asked you out way back when."

Sofia smiled, "I like how we arrived at this place honey."

"I do too, so do you want me to drop you off to your mother's so we won't have to worry about collecting your truck on Sunday?"

"That's a good idea and that way, we can have a sleep in."

"Yes and you can recover from your hangover."

Sofia's brows quirked, "Hey now, what makes you think I'll be drunk?"

"I don't baby, I'm only messing with you."

"Do you have any other plans today besides your lawyer?"

"No baby, I'm all yours."

"Great, I feel like doing some boxing."

"Okay, but don't whine about how hard I hit you."

Sofia stood and gave her lover a look of bewilderment, "I seem to recall it was you who complained last time."

"You distracted me."

"I have to use any advantage I can find and honey, I know your weakness."

Collecting the empty mug and plate, Danni took them to the sink, "Now I know your secret, be prepared."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll just go put on some workout clothes."

"You could always stay in your robe," suggested Danni deadpan.

"Very funny, I'll meet you in the garage."

-o-

Every time Sofia took a break from punching, she bent down in front of Danni to retrieve her towel. In turn, Danni averted her eyes and was unwilling to fall for the ploy of distraction. It worked, after two hours Sofia finally gave in to exhaustion and admitted defeat.

Once the couple were showered, Danni made a late lunch then Sofia got ready for her shift.

"I'll call you later if I get the chance," she said at the garage door.

"I look forward to it. I love you and keep safe."

"Always honey and I adore you. Oh and give Linds a kiss for me." Sofia kissed Danni goodbye then picked up her keys.

"Consider it done Sofia."

-o-

Danni walked into the bedroom to find Sofia packing an overnight bag, "Got everything baby?"

"Yes thanks, so I'm ready to go when you are."

"Just give me a moment," she walked into the spacious closet and opened the gun safe. Going back to Sofia, she presented her with a ring box, "A little extra bling for your outfit."

Sofia's smile broadened, "I see you've been busy." Flipping up the lid, she exclaimed, "Oh good god honey, this is magnificent."

Stepping forward, Danni took the ring and slipped it onto Sofia's left ring finger, "Nothing is more precious to me than you Sofia."

Tears fell from blue eyes and Sofia stared at the 1.5 carat diamond and gold band, "I am so in love with you Danni Radcliff."

Danni cupped Sofia's face with trembling hands, "You give me so much and I'll take forever to show you my gratitude and love."

Sofia crushed her lips to Danni's and made them fashionably late for her mother's.

-o-

After dropping Sofia off and visiting for thirty minutes, Danni drove to a local candle emporium to stock up on scented candles for the bedroom. She set about adorning the room with various sized wax sculptures and changed the linen on the bed before placing a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator. She wanted everything to be perfect for when they arrived home after the function.

Unbeknown to Sofia, Danni had spoken to Jim and Grace to ask for time off so the couple could take a relaxing break at the cabin in Logandale. Both Captains had been accommodating and Danni was most appreciative.

Danni took a shower then prepared for the ball. She cursed from the moment she slipped her feet into her dark blue high heel shoes and didn't let up as she stepped into the matching midnight blue sleeveless and strapless gown. "Shit, I hate dresses," she muttered while going into the bathroom to apply similarly loathed make up.

Taking a tube of hair gel, she applied a liberal amount to her fingers and ran them over her blonde locks in a backwards motion, slicking the strands down. It was a different look for her, but so was the whole outfit and exactly what she was aiming for. Danni's plan was to give Sofia a night like no other they had shared since becoming a couple.

-o-

Grace Curtis held her breath as her daughter descended the stairs wearing a form hugging sleeveless, thin strapped, black gown. The material clung to her curves as she sauntered into the living room.

Finally exhaling, Grace took in the curled blonde hair, three inch black heels and gushed, "You are absolutely stunning honey."

"Thanks mom and so are you." Sofia turned to the tuxedo attired Jim and smirked, "Handsome as always Jim."

He approached her and kissed her cheek, "Thanks and your mother is correct, you look amazing."

"We better get a move on or we'll be late," suggested Grace as she picked up her purple shawl that matched her off the shoulder dress.

Sofia was careful to cover her left hand with her black clutch bag as she followed the other two out to Jim's car. Danni had agreed to be modishly late then Sofia would make the announcement to their friends who would be sitting at the same table. She grinned all the way during the trip and was anxious to see her fiancée.

After parking his truck in front of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Jim handed the keys to the valet in exchange for a ticket stub. He raced around to the passenger side and opened the doors for Grace and Sofia.

Sofia tittered when her mother took the time to adjust Jim's bow tie and plant a lingering kiss on his lips. Sofia had not seen her mother this happy or relaxed and she decided it suited her well.

Jim extended his arms and offered a bent elbow to the two Curtis women, "Shall we ladies?"

-o-

Danni elegantly strode into the ballroom and scanned for table number six. She spotted Grissom and Warrick standing up and chatting and made her way towards them. She nervously twirled the ring on her left hand and smiled when Sofia looked up and saw her. The surprised glance spoke volumes and Danni's heart surged with love for her breathtakingly beautiful partner.

As she drew closer, Sofia rose to her feet and greeted Danni with a tight embrace followed by a soft kiss on the lips. "You're stunning," whispered Sofia as her eyes twinkled with desire.

"You my darling are beyond description. You are purely sublime and utterly striking Sof," responded Danni huskily.

The other people in the room faded into the background as the two lovers focused on each other.

The private moment was interrupted when Greg spoke, "You look fabulous Danni. Can I get you a drink?"

Danni removed her hands from around Sofia's waist to address the dapperly dressed younger man, "Thank you Greg and may I say you look awfully handsome tonight. If you're going to the bar, I'd appreciate a club soda?"

"Coming right up."

Sofia took her seat and Danni settled beside her.

Sara winked at her as she returned from the bar with Catherine, "You are looking gorgeous tonight Danni."

"So are you and your wife," countered Danni cheerfully.

Sara was dressed in a sleeveless black gown while Catherine was wearing a jade green off the shoulder dress.

After a greeting of hugs and kisses, the couples sat down.

Greg joined them as did the others. Waiter service commenced and Danni ordered three bottles of champagne for the table as Grace and Jim took their seats beside Sofia.

Standing up, Sofia bent over and kissed Danni on the top of her head then straightened up. Clearing her throat, she looked around the table and said, "Before the festivities begin, I'd like to announce Danni's and my engagement."

There was a mad scurry of people congratulating the couple with hugs and kisses followed by gasps of delight when the happy pair displayed their rings.

Grace made a toast and cried with joy.

She was upstaged by an emotional Gil who wished the couple years of happiness and lots of little Curtis and Radcliff offspring. The comment brought a round of laughter and a protest from Danni.

"Whoa, hold on there Gil. There's plenty of time for that and shouldn't you be organising your own children first? You're not getting any younger."

"This is true," countered a grinning Gil. "And you never know."

Heather tilted into him and whispered in his ear as the emcee took up a microphone and started the charity event.

The evening was a mammoth success and after copious dances with everyone, Danni finally got to take Sofia home. Although the champagne flowed freely, Sofia refrained from over indulging. She planned on taking advantage of Danni's reluctantly donned attire.

-o-

As Danni secured the garage door, Sofia waked into the kitchen to turn on the light. She felt her lover's arms slide around her stomach, so she pushed backwards. "I had a great time tonight honey."

"So did I, but it's not over yet Sofia."

Turning around, Sofia was met with two dilated blue eyes and a massive grin, "Ah, you have plans?"

"I do and it begins right here, right now. You are my goddess and I give you my eternal pledge of love and devotion."

"Gosh, you really do know how to make me feel good."

Danni pressed her mouth to Sofia's exposed right clavicle and gently nipped, "You give me all I need and I'm extremely grateful."

"Oh god, I love you so much Danni and you look fabulous in that dress, I've been on edge all night."

Danni giggled, "Well, I've been no better."

"Your lips drive me crazy."

"That's the general idea," retorted Danni before slowly kissing her way along the skin then across her lover's chest. With experienced skill, she unzipped the gown and allowed it to fall to the floor. Without losing contact with Sofia's flesh, Danni picked her up and carefully placed her on the counter.

Sofia was on fire and her head rolled backwards with surrender as her girlfriend's lips covered her swollen nipple, "Oh Danni." Her fingers gripped Danni's head tightly as she bowed her back while strong hands brushed against her inner thighs then towards her calves.

Danni was agonisingly slow as French cut briefs journeyed downwards before she slipped off high heels. As she curved the material over Sofia's feet, she took a moment to steady her trembling body and breathe in the heady, musky scent that was distinctively Sofia. "Baby," she whispered as she pushed her lips and hands onto skin. Her homage was meticulous, covering every inch of exposed flesh.

Sofia wriggled under Danni's ministrations and groaned uncontrollably once she reached her thighs again.

Danni suddenly ceased and straightened up. With orbs darkened with desire, she looked at Sofia and commanded her, "Undress me."

The instruction sent a gush of fluid to Sofia's vulva and she squirmed. Reaching around, she unclipped Danni's gown then lowered the zip while placing butterfly kisses over her lover's face and uttering words of eternal devotion.

As the gown fell to the wooden floor, Sofia was hit with a wave of arousal that forced her to clamp her hands down onto Danni's shoulders. Her body shook with her climax and Danni sniggered softly.

"I'm glad my lack of underwear had a positive effect on you."

"Oh dear god honey, you are so unbelievably sensual some days."

Danni brought their lips together in a vigorous kiss.

Sofia lost all cognitive thought as Danni ravished her over and over until she collapsed back against the counter. As she panted for breath, she pulled Danni closer and declared, "I'm going to love being married to you."

Danni settled between her fiancée's legs and groaned out, "I agree, it's going to be a trip and speaking of trips, I have a surprise for you."

"Here I was thinking it couldn't get any better."

"We have only just begun my darling Sofia."

-o-