Jane drove to the university where she met Maura getting out of the car. She helped her from the vehicle, thanked the driver then placed a kiss on her lips.

"You look beautiful, Maura," Jane said admiring her wife in her little black dress.

"And you are gorgeous. I love you in that suit." Jane twirled.

"Shall we?" she asked as she extended her arm to Maura.

"We shall."

This was the formal dinner that started off the academic year at BCU where the new faculty and the current faculty met one another, socialized, and dined. It was a long standing tradition at the university and it was Maura's first so she was excited.

Jane walked around with her meeting the faculty as well as their spouses, partners, and/or significant others. She smiled at the huge grin on her wife's face as she met her colleagues who were equally in awe of her as she was thrilled to be a part of them. Maura was proud to be teaching here and Jane was proud of her and to be seen on her arm. Maura was after all the most beautiful woman in the room as well as the most brilliant person and she chose to be here with Jane.

When Jane emerged from the restroom, she saw him and followed his gaze across the room. There was no denying he was staring at her wife. She walked over and cleared her throat, which caused him to turn quickly. His face reddened from his embarrassment at being caught.

"I am so sorry," he said ashamed. "I didn't mean any disrespect."

"None taken," she replied because she truly believed he didn't.

"She still commands a room," he observed, "and she isn't even trying."

"Yes she does," she agreed.

Jane studied him as he looked back at Maura. He hadn't changed really. He still looked relatively the same. Only somewhat older. Slightly more gray. But still in love with her wife.

"When did you get back?" she asked.

"A few weeks ago. I came up to help Allie move. This is her first year as an instructor."

"That's great. Can't believe she is old enough for that."

"Yeah. Time goes by so quickly," he replied.

"Are you staying in Boston?

He shook his head, "No. I'll go back home in a few days. I wanted to help her get settle and she asked me to stay to be her plus one for dinner. And give me a chance to see some of my old colleagues."

"Have you spoken with her?" Jane asked nodding towards Maura.

He shook his head. He had seen her from across the room but hadn't summoned up the courage to go to her. He hadn't spoken to Maura since he left for New Mexico. They made all the same promises friends do when one is leaving and one is staying but in the end there was no follow through on either of their parts. He suspected that they both realized that a clean break was better for everyone involved. It had definitely been better for him. He had been in love with Maura. He had even imagined a future with her then it was all gone.

"She loved you," Jane offered unsure why she chose at that moment to use her outside voice. She didn't owe Jack that piece of information. Neither did Maura for that matter and maybe it wasn't hers to give but watching him she felt he deserved to know.

Of all the men that Maura had been involved with since Jane had known her, Jack had been the best. He was the most caring and considerate one. She believed that he loved Maura for Maura. Not for her position or her wealth. He accepted her quirks without judgment. Jane had respected that about him. She may have given Maura grief about their relationship but she appreciated how he adored her and was devoted to her.

In retrospect, Jane knew that when she found fault with Jack it was most likely fueled by some jealousy on her part. Even though she didn't understand it at the time something inside told her that Jack was her greatest competition.

She remembered struggling with being happy for Maura when she was sad for herself. She wondered if that was how Maura felt when she was so tied up in Casey. She remembered having a talk with herself about putting Maura first so she put those confusing feelings aside and tried to embrace their relationship.

She would never admit to anyone that she wasn't heartbroken when he left. She hurt for Maura because of the pain it caused her but not for him being out of the picture. Out of their lives. She knew if anyone could have taken Maura away, it would have been Jack and so as shameful as it was she was glad when he took Allie and moved. She was selfish and she knew even then that it was awful. At least now she knew why she felt that way.

"That is kind of you to say," he replied unsure of how that made him feel. He had followed Maura's life. He knew about her marriage to Jane, her children – four now, her career – doctor, teacher, philanthropist, author – only a sampling of what she had done. He had wondered if she would have accomplish nearly as much with him as she did with Jane. He wasn't sure he believed the answer to that would be yes.

He had gone on to do well in New Mexico. He was published. There was tenure and marriage. Another child. Allie had been happy and thrived so the sacrifice made for her had been worth it but Maura would always be the one that got away. He loved his wife. He did but Maura…well she was special. He knew it would be hard coming back here and even harder if he ran into her. Seeing her across the room looking so beautiful he was pained.

"Talk with her," Jane suggested touching his hand. "She'd really love to see you."

It was up to him now she thought as she headed towards the bar. "Take care of yourself Jack."

"Thank you Jane," he said his eyes still on her wife.


One of the things that Maura enjoyed most in life was making love with Jane. She had always enjoyed sex for its pure joy and therapeutic benefits but sex with Jane was transcendent. The way they moved together. The way that Jane felt underneath her or on top of her. The way they took each other to unimaginable heights.

Maura had flirted with Jane for most of their evening when they were alone. She had done her best to make her feel her want of her. She had cornered Jane in the bathroom just to give her a preview of what was coming her way. Jane had been sufficiently turned on by her wife. It had been longer than either of them would have wanted since they had been together and she was excited by the possibilities the night would bring before they returned home.

After they entered the hotel room, Maura kicked off her heels and walked Jane back towards the bed then pushed her down. She wanted Jane. She could see that Jane wanted her but Jane had a different idea of how the night would go. She wanted this first time after the baby to be slow. She wanted to pamper Maura and make her feel special and loved. Maura wanted to throw caution to the wind and get lost in Jane.

"Maura," Jane said trying to reason with her.

"No, Jane," she said unzipping her dress slowly and seductively. Jane swallowed hard realizing that she was going to lose this battle.

"I think we should slow down," she replied worried. "I know that Dr. Bennett..."

Maura shook her head. She knew Jane was concerned about her physical well-being but she was all right. She knew that to be true and Dr. Bennett had said so. They had done everything they were supposed to do and tonight she would not be denied in satisfying her desire to be with her wife. She began removing Jane's clothing while she kissed her deeply.

She unbuttoned her shirt and raked her fingertips against Jane's bare skin causing Jane to suck in her breath. She reached around unhooking Jane's bra letting it fall before capturing her nipple between her teeth where she licked, sucked and nibbled it until Jane moaned her pleasure. She flattened her tongue against Jane's breast tracing around the areola before rhythmically sucking the nipple in and out of her mouth.

"Oh God, Maur."

Maura brought Jane to the brink then backed away. She kissed under her chin just below her ear while she unbuttoned Jane's pants then slid them down her long tanned muscular legs pausing just below her panty line to inhale her scent.

"Maura," she said again. Her voice dripping with desire.

Maura smiled at a naked Jane. How beautiful she was and she was hers. Maura straddled her with their centers almost touching and a lusty look in her eye. Jane felt her heart beating rapidly. She was excited. There was no denying that. She attempted to lay Maura down but was stopped.

"No. Jane, I want you first." She didn't wait for Jane to protest. She grabbed her earlobe in her mouth and continued her onslaught. Jane squirmed needing release.

"I want to taste you," she said kissing her. Allowing their tongues to spar.

"Touch you," she said as she moved her hand between them and deftly stroked Jane who was finding it increasingly difficult to maintain her composure.

"Oh…," Jane murmured.

"Feel you," she said expertly running her fingers through Jane's warm folds as Jane tightened her hold on Maura's naked bottom.

"Fill you up," she continued as she entered her. Maura spun her up, sent shockwaves through her, causing her to splinter as she called Maura's name.

Jane didn't wait long before she gently rolled Maura over on to her back and began her own assault by placing soft kisses all over her. She skillfully played Maura's body causing her to arch her back pleading for more. Jane took her time allowing their bodies to melt together. She knew this was excruciating for Maura but she continued to make love to her with a snail-like pace which elicited moan after moan from her wife.

When she finally arrived at her destination, she was greeted with an open invitation which she accepted as she kissed and licked her way down Maura's inner thighs. When her tongue pressed against her wife, an intense feeling of warmth and pleasure engulfed Maura. Jane dipped and circled. She sucked and swirled. She flicked and kissed. She held her firmly as her mouth caused her to writhe and careen towards their shared ecstasy.

They had drifted off to sleep after managing to wear each other out when they were awakened by their phones. Jane groaned. She recognized that ringtone. Maura stirred and placed a kiss on Jane's jawline before getting up to retrieve her phone. Jane watched her naked body walk away and immediately wished they had just arrived in this room so she could be devoured by Maura again and feel that complete sense of pleasure before she greedily consumed her. She reached over and grabbed her phone off the floor.

"Rizzoli."

"Isles."

"Yeah. I'm there," Jane replied.

"Yes. On my way."

Jane began to gather her clothes and shake out Maura's dress. A judge had been gunned down and she was needed on scene not for her expertise but for the political ramifications resulting from the homicide. Apparently, this was why they paid her the big bucks. She called Cavanaugh. He would meet her there to help her navigate through her first high-profiled murder as the incident commander.

Maura took her dress from Jane who did nothing to hide her displeasure that Maura was expected to attend to this body. Jane had recognized Maura's 'I'm talking with the Governor' voice. She thought these days were over for her wife but she was wrong. Despite her resignation, which had been conditionally accepted months ago, Dr. Maura Isles was still the Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This was a bone of contention between Jane and Maura. The Governor had not found the "right fit" and per their agreement, Maura would remain in the position until he did.

"Is he really even trying, Maura?" Jane asked unsure the governor was actually giving it his best effort. Yes, there had been a search and interviews conducted but somehow none of the candidates made it to the final round and he had reset the process choosing to start again. Jane knew Maura was an asset. Her skills highlighted forensic pathology and its impact on solving crime. Maura made both him and BPD look good in addition to pushing his agenda of being tough on crime. He'd won reelection on that platform.

"We are trying, Jane," she replied hopeful that this was indeed true. Jane frowned. She believed Maura was trying. She couldn't say she believed the governor or the rest of his search team was.

"We've selected qualified candidates," she shared. "I'm not sure exactly what he is wanting."

"He wants you, Maura. You've spoiled him. He wants exceptional."

"I've simply done my job, Jane," she said.

"Yeah. Exceptionally well," Jane replied with a smile. "Sweetie, he isn't going to find a you again if that is what he's trying to do." It was Maura's turn to frown.

"You are one in a million, Dr. Isles."

"Only a million?" Maura asked facetiously.

"Maybe two," Jane responded shaking her head before answering her phone.

"This could be the last time," Maura said giving her that look that melted her every time. "There are more interviews set up." Jane sighed. She couldn't stay mad. She wrapped her arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Come on," she said taking her hand. "We've got a homicide."