Love's Guard by Cheeya.
Disclaimer: The characters in this story belong to me but they are based upon two Xenaverse characters that we know and love. No copyright infringement was intended.
Love/Sex: This story is a work of alternative uber fiction and while Part 1 doesn't contain any explicit scenes, the story will contain scenes of love between two consenting adults of the same gender throughout. If you're too young to read this, if it offends you or if it's illegal where you live, please don't read any further.
Language: Yes and often enough. Nothing too bad though really.
Dedication: For Sham and for Linda... my two favourite people in the whole world!
Archiving: Go ahead but let me know at the address below. I'll get a kick outta it ;-)
Bard's Note: This is part one of an ongoing tale. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments/constructive criticism to cheeya@xenafan.com the rest of my fan fiction/poetry can be found at http://www.geocities.com/cheeya_2000
Part 1
Another beginning. Another day. The same life. Over and over. Dylan slowed steadily as she wound down her morning workout. Sounds of the outside world drifted to her from the open window as she wiped beads of sweat from her forehead with a towel and then stood up to stretch her back. Strands of long, dark hair stuck to her face and she brushed them back absently as she took a deep swallow from a bottle of water, glancing at the red, digital display of her bedside clock. It was 6.30am but Dylan had already been working out for an hour, the flickering light from the muted TV painting splashes of colour across her beautiful face. Piercing blue eyes closed briefly as she rolled her shoulders creating an audible pop and then, after setting her bottle down on a small pine locker to her left, she completed a few warm down exercises.
It had been the same every morning for the past five years... up at 5.30, work out for an hour, coffee, hot shower, more coffee, dressed, breakfast with more coffee... and only after her morning routine was completed, was Dylan McLachlin ready to face her day. Depending on her client, the dark woman's day could be long or short, but regardless of what time she started work, she always rose at the same time. Routine, she believed, kept the body and mind in steady, working order.
Dylan glanced at the clock again as she padded barefoot into the kitchen of her small apartment. The sun had risen only a short while previously and light streamed in the window as she opened the blinds, lighting the room to a golden hue. She smiled as the warm rays caressed her lightly tanned, olive skin and then went to make her first of three cups of coffee. She was pouring the coffee when her phone suddenly rang and she jumped with fright, barely managing to keep a hold on the pot. She picked up the receiver, scowling as she tried to slow her pounding heart.
"Dylan McLachlin."
"Dylan, it's David. We have a problem."
The woman sighed and carried the phone into the bathroom to turn on the shower.
"Why am I not surprised? What is it?"
"How many cups of coffee have you had?" David teased. A smile rose involuntarily to the woman's lips.
"None... yet, so it had better not be what I think it is." A sigh was all the reply she needed and she rolled her eyes as she stripped off her black cycling shorts and T-shirt. "What time does she want to go at?"
"Nine this morning," David replied. "Um... Are you getting in the shower?"
Dylan rolled her eyes again and smirked.
"Down Boy. I'll be there in half an hour. Tell the limo driver... um...George... not to move on pain of torture and death, no matter what she says."
"Sure, Dylan. No movement, gotcha."
"Thanks, David."
Dylan hung up and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water calm her already frayed nerves. Being Ariana Strand's bodyguard and chief of security wasn't easy. She was in the job only a month and she'd already chalked up a number of disagreements with the feisty, blonde actress. Ari Strand knew that Dylan McLachlin was the best in the game and therefore, the ex-secret service agent still had her job, despite their personality differences, but the actress seemed to be determined to cause as much suffering as possible. Ten minutes later, a freshly scrubbed Dylan stepped out of the shower and, forgoing her second and third cups of coffee, she knocked back her now lukewarm first, dressed quickly, dried her hair and headed up to the main house. As chief of security for the Strand estate, Dylan had her own small apartment, about five minute's walk from the main residence. The estate was huge, surrounded by a high wall on all sides and strategically placed cameras, feeding to a wall of monitors in the security room, gave the security staff a complete view of the grounds at all times. Dylan had insisted on the cameras even though her boss had objected to being 'spied on' and, funnily enough, the bodyguard had ignored the actress and fitted them anyway. A ghost of a smile crossed her lips as she thought about the look on Ari's face when she had found out.
"Why did they fit those cameras? Who's in charge here? Me or you?" the actress demanded.
"You are," Dylan replied absently.
"Who should have approved the cameras?"
"You should... but you didn't. I'm the head of security around here and I thought they were necessary to ensure your safety. I will do anything that I think will keep you safe so, in answer to your first question... why did they fit those cameras...?" She took a step closer to the actress and lowered her voice to a throaty growl. "They did it because I said so."
Dylan chuckled as she remembered Ari backing down and just nodding before leaving the room to start her daily workout.
It was just after 7am when Dylan entered the security room for the morning briefing. Her team of security personnel was well trained and professional and her guys, as she called them, sat quietly as she skimmed through the report on the night's activities. Nothing out of the ordinary, she thought as she closed the folder and settled into her seat at the table. She placed her palms flat on the cool surface and took a deep breath.
"Morning, Everyone. I take it that you've heard that Her Majesty wants to go shopping at 9am this morning and since, as usual, we had no warning to make plans for this, we'll stick with standard plan beta." Murmurs of agreement punctuated by exasperated sighs moved around the room and Dylan smiled at her guys, most of whom she didn't know were madly in love with her. "I know this is a pain in the ass but she signs the paycheques every month." She stood to her full six feet and tossed her raven-black locks back over her shoulders. "So let's give her what she wants." Her guys nodded and filed out to make preparations, leaving Dylan alone in the security room with her second-in-command, David Cutter. He was looking at her in a strange way and she arched a slim, dark eyebrow at him in question.
"What?"
"Are you ok?" he asked softly.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"
Dylan got up to pour herself a cup of coffee and then carried the pot to the table to refill David's 'Sexy Beast' mug too.
"It's just... you look tired, Dylan. Maybe you've been pushing yourself too hard. It's been a tough month getting around Ari and setting up the security measures..."
The dark woman smiled at her long-time friend and then looked into her mug of coffee.
"Thanks for the concern but I'm fine," she replied and hoped the circles under her eyes weren't too noticeable. No such luck.
"You look tired. Promise me you'll take it easy this weekend. Why don't you get outta here? Take a few days off and visit your mom or something?"
Dylan looked up sharply.
"David, you want me to go visit my mom to relax," she laughed. "You know she drives me crazy asking me when I'm going to get married and give her grandchildren. I'm thirty-three. It's getting harder and harder to tell her that I'm still too young." She chuckled as she shook her head.
"Why don't you just tell her that you don't want to then?" the blonde man asked as he took a swallow of coffee.
"She'd be so disappointed," the dark woman sighed. "I don't want to do that to her. It's bad enough that I'm a bodyguard, which in her opinion is not a suitable job for a woman. If she knew I was gay too she'd probably condemn me straight to hell."
Even though Dylan was speaking in a light tone, David knew it was difficult for his friend. She'd never had a lasting relationship and, as she confessed to him one night when she was very drunk, didn't think she ever would... didn't think she was really capable of maintaining one... didn't think she deserved one.
"Well you can't keep avoiding her, Dylan. You have to see her sometime."
The bodyguard stood up in annoyance.
"I know," she snapped. "But not right now." Silence fell, as did Dylan's face as she saw the effect her words had on her friend. She reached out to squeeze his shoulder. "I'm sorry, David. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."
She received a bright grin then.
"It's ok. I know that's only your second cup of coffee. Have one more and you'll be ready to face anything, even Ari Strand."
"I hope so. I need to have a word with her about her impromptu shopping trips. They're driving me bananas and I swear she just does it to make me mad. The last three trips she took, she came home empty handed after dragging me around every clothes and shoe store in the area."
David's grin widened.
"You know, I think she enjoys your company," he teased and Dylan shook her head hard.
"Don't you even say that! I swear, David, I'll shoot you myself if you're thinking what I know you're thinking!"
The tall man stood up, laughing at the indignant look on his best friend's face, and held up his hands in mock surrender.
"Ok, ok. I won't even think it."
He left the room then, still chuckling. Dylan dropped back into her chair and buried her face in her hands. She'd only been up two hours and she already knew it was going to be a bad day. She sighed then and made her way to the main house.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Another beginning. Another day. The same life. Over and over. A shaft of light from the slightly parted curtains of Ariana Strand's large window shone right in her eyes and slowly woke her up. The actress stretched and wiggled her toes as she pried open her emerald green eyes to see what time it was by the clock on her bedside table.
"Uggghhh, 7am," she groaned. "Just another five minutes." She snuggled deeper into her pillows, wrapping her arms around one and nuzzling it as she tried to doze off again but sleep just wouldn't come and after a few more minutes, she pulled back the covers and stood up to thoroughly stretch her slender, 5' 4" frame. Ari padded to her private bathroom, running a hand through her shoulder length, blonde hair as she went and grimacing at the tangles she felt. She had flown back from Los Angeles to her home in Dallas a month earlier to find that her new bodyguard had arrived and she'd had nothing but headaches since. All Ari wanted in her life was to shoot movies and be left alone. That was all she asked but she couldn't even have that. Everywhere she went, the tall, dark bodyguard followed and Ari was really beginning to feel as if the woman was invading her privacy. She admitted to herself that she had deliberately caused Dylan trouble and she was feeling a bit guilty, hence the shopping trip she'd asked for. She had decided to try to talk things out with the stoic bodyguard. All that was left to do was wait for her to make her morning rounds.
Ari stepped into the shower cubical and tried to relax as the hot water cascaded over her muscular body. At twenty-six years old, she was one of the most famous actresses in the Unites States and was earning ridiculous fees for her movie rolls but Ariana Strand would be the first person to tell you that money can't buy you happiness. Ariana strand was lonely. She sighed as she leaned her forehead against the white, tiled wall and rehearsed in her mind what she would say to Dylan. Twenty minutes later, she was towelling off and drying her hair but instead of dressing up, as she normally did, she braided her hair and slipped into jeans and a tight T-shirt. She wanted the day to be fun, not a chore. At 8.30am, she was sitting in the dining room eating scrambled eggs and toast, knocking back a large cup of coffee and waiting impatiently for Dylan to arrive. As usual, the bodyguard was exactly on time and entered the dining room at 8.45am sharp. She was fully expecting an argument but she stopped in her tracks when she received a bright smile.
"Good morning, Dylan," Ari said brightly as she waved the bodyguard to the chair opposite her. Dylan frowned in suspicion as she took the seat and Ari poured her a cup of coffee, her third of the morning.
"Good morning, Ari," she replied slowly and the actress chuckled.
"Look, let's get this right out in the open. I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you over the past month. To be honest, I've been feeling like a fly under a microscope and I've been reacting to that by rebelling, rather than going with the flow. Please accept my apologies, Dylan."
The contrite look on the blonde's face made the bodyguard smile and she nodded wearily.
"Alright, Ari. Let's start over. I'm Dylan McLachlin, your new head-of-security and personal bodyguard."
Ari's grin broadened as she realised that she was forgiven.
"I'd like to ask a favour of you," she said and laughed when the bodyguard's face immediately hardened. "It's ok. I'm not going to ask you to do anything strenuous. I just have a request about the shopping trip this morning."
"I'm not staying in the car," Dylan said quickly, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"I don't want you to," Ari replied with a giggle. "In fact, I want you to come shopping properly with me."
The dark woman sat forward in confusion.
"I don't understand. I am going shopping with you."
The younger woman shook her head.
"What you've been doing is escorting me while I shop. I want it to be just you and me in a casual setting, perusing the shops, going for coffee, having a laugh as..." She looked down sheepishly. "I was hoping we could put everything behind us and be friends. If we're going to have to spend all day together, at least we should be comfortable around each other." She looked up then to look into confused, blue eyes.
"You mean you want us to go shopping together? As in you and me?"
The actress nodded again.
"Yep. C'mon, Dylan. It'll be fun."
Dylan took a moment to think. It was as if she was speaking to a different woman. Ari was smiling and joking and asking for Dylan to have fun with her and for the first time in just over a month, the bodyguard felt herself warming up to her boss. Finally, she nodded.
"Ok, Ari. We'll go shopping. Just you and me."
Ari reached across the table to place her petite hand over a longer, stronger one.
"I trust you to protect me without all those other guys trailing behind. I know you're the best at what you do, Dylan." Their eyes locked and Dylan shivered as a strange feeling moved through her. "Just do me one more favour," the actress whispered as she gazed into piercing blue eyes.
"What's that?" Dylan asked, thinking that she'd never seen that shade of green before in anyone else's eyes... or anywhere else at all for that matter.
"Dress casually. You're not going to need the suit."
The bodyguard looked down at herself and chuckled softly.
"I guess I look like a bodyguard," she commented.
Ari smiled.
"Well, you wouldn't win any prizes in the blending in category. I mean... you're six feet tall and incredibly beautiful... not exactly low profile." Dylan looked away suddenly and Ari was amazed to see a blush creep into the older woman's face. The bodyguard cleared her throat and stood, rubbing her face sheepishly.
"Um... I guess I should go change. Do you want to take the limousine or will I drive?"
"Would you mind driving?"
"Not at all. I'll pick you up out front in fifteen."
"Cool."
Dylan went back to her apartment and quickly changed into black jeans and a red sleeveless blouse. She pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail and debated with herself on what shoes to wear. She finally decided on sneakers so she slipped on her Nikes and grabbed her Raybans, keys and wallet on her way out. It was a warm day and when Dylan pulled up outside the house, a maid was waiting for her. The older woman walked to the car and the bodyguard rolled down the window.
"I have a message from Miss Ariana," she explained. "She said to tell you to pull around the back of the house and meet her there."
"Thanks," Dylan replied and followed the drive around back. She didn't know what to expect but a bright smile rose to her face as she stopped the car and got out. My god, she's adorable. Ari was in a small playground, which had been built by the previous owner of the estate for their children. She was swinging happily back and forth on a large tractor tyre and she waved as the taller woman approached.
"You have got to try this!" she called. "This is the best fun I've had in ages!"
"I'll bet," Dylan replied with a grin as she took the swing next to the petite actress and pushed off. The sun shone down on them as they swung back and forth.
"Tell me a bit about yourself, Dylan," Ari asked, her bright green eyes twinkling in the sun.
"What do you want to know?" the bodyguard replied as she slowed down her swinging motion. Soon they were sitting side by side.
"Where were you born?" the actress asked.
"I was born in Los Angeles but I lived most of my life in San Diego."
"Cool," Ari was swinging gently again. "How did you get into the bodyguard business?"
Dylan chuckled as she stood.
"Let's get going. I'll tell that story on the road."
The two women went to the car and, once they were buckled in, Dylan headed toward the city.
"So tell me the story," Ari pressed as she looked over the top of her Raybans at the woman beside her.
"Um... the story... ok. Well, I guess it started when I was a kid. I wanted to be a police officer but of course as I got older, my ambitions grew and I decided I wanted to guard the President."
"The Secret Service," Ari nodded.
"Yeah. I finished the training and made it to the top except, once I was there, I realised that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be."
"Why?" the actress wondered.
"I'd rather not talk about that," Dylan replied sadly. "But I decided I wanted out. I left and went into business for myself. I'm doing what I do best so I'm happy."
"Have you guarded many famous people?" Ari asked.
"Do you always ask this many questions?" Dylan retorted.
"Do you have to answer a question with a question?" the actress asked indignantly
A dark eyebrow skipped up.
"Do you?"
"Stop it!" Ari laughed and Dylan found herself laughing right along with her. "So where are we going anyway?"
"I don't know. I've only been here a month. This is your hometown. You tell me." You lead and I'll follow.
Ari smiled and nodded. God, I hope you follow.
"Ok, let's head for the West End Historic District. There are some cool shops there."
"Ok."
They parked in a large car park and set off on foot to do some serious shopping. They moved from shop to shop until lunchtime crept up on them. They were just leaving their fourth shoe shop when Ari's stomach growled loudly, sending her bodyguard into a fit of laughter. The blonde blushed.
"Sorry. I guess I'm hungry."
"I think you're hungry too. How about we go to lunch?"
"Ok, what do you fancy?"
You? Shit! "Um... I don't mind. You choose."
"How about Italian?"
"Fine with me. Do you know a good place?"
The actress grinned widely and pointed to a little restaurant on the other side on the street.
"That one's good and I know the owner."
"You do?"
"Sure. Come on and I'll introduce you."
The moment Dylan entered the small restaurant, she was charmed by its ambience. It was intimate and cosy and soft music drifted through the room along with mouth-watering aromas. The waiter smiled when he saw who his guests were.
"Miss Ariana. It's a pleasure to see you again. Would you like your regular table?"
"Yes, please, Robbie. Um... is she here?"
The man smiled and nodded.
"I'll tell her you're here."
"Thanks."
The waiter showed them to their table and left them with menus and a wine list. A few moments later, a woman approached them and Dylan's quick mind decided that her client was safe. A tender smile rose to Ari's face and she stood to hug the woman close but Dylan stood too, ready to intervene if she felt it was necessary. The actress laughed.
"It's ok, Dylan. Sit down and relax. Dylan, this is Marlene Strand, my mother. Mom, this is Dylan McLachlin, my bodyguard."
"Bodyguard, huh?" Marlene smiled as she offered her hand. Dylan stood to shake it, realising that Ari was the image of her mother, down to the shape of her nose and her smile.
"Um... yeah. I'm the Head of Security on Ariana's estate."
"Well, my daughter always had good taste in women. It's very nice to meet you, Dylan."
The bodyguard was stunned for a moment and when she looked at her client, Ari's face was coloured by a deep blush.
"Um... Mom, it's not... I mean... we're not... We're just friends."
"Friends," Dylan agreed with a nod.
Marlene Strand grinned and nodded.
"I'm sorry. I just assumed you were more."
"Excuse me," Dylan said softly and disappeared into the bathroom. Ari dropped into her chair, shaking her head.
"Shit," she muttered. "I think I'm gonna have to start looking for a new bodyguard."
Dylan closed her eyes and leaned back against the wall of the stall. Her little voice kicked in immediately She's gay? Oh man, I'm in sooooo much trouble. Admit it, McLachlin, you like her... you more than like her... you're seriously attracted to her. But she's my client. I have to guard her. I can't let anything happen between us even if she wants it. But you know she likes you. She said you were beautiful. Dammit! I am in deep shit here. After a few more minute's thought, Dylan returned to her seat to find her friend sitting at their table with a look of pure misery on her face. The bodyguard slid into her seat and smiled.
"Everything ok?" she asked but she wasn't prepared for the look of shock she received.
"F-fine," Ari stammered. "Um... are... are you ok? I mean... what Mom said..."
Dylan reached across the table to touch the worried woman's arm.
"I'm fine. Believe me, Ari. So you're gay. So what? It doesn't bother me."
"It... it doesn't? Are you sure?"
"Of course. Why would it?"
Ariana sat back in her chair, a look of relief on her face as she picked up her glass of wine and took a deep swallow.
"I thought you were upset by what my mother said. I thought you were upset because I didn't tell you that I'm gay."
For a moment, Dylan warred with herself and finally decided that she'd be a hypocrite if she didn't say something. She shrugged casually and took a sip of wine herself.
"Well, I didn't tell you that I'm gay either so I guess we're even," she admitted with a small smile and then almost fell off her seat with laughter when the blonde's jaw dropped open.
"You are?" she asked incredulously.
"Yep."
"I... uh... I'm... I had no idea. I didn't pick up on it at all. My gaydar must be broken."
Dylan nodded her agreement.
"Mine too. I had no idea about you."
The actress giggled softly, a sound that pulled at Dylan's heart.
"Maybe it's because we spent the past month arguing," she offered and then giggled again. Dylan found herself laughing too.
"Maybe. Oh well, forget it now. We're friends and that's good. I need to be able to be civil to my clients if I'm going to protect them."
Ariana suddenly had a thought and tilted her head slightly.
"Something just occurred to me. If someone shot at me, would you have to dive in front of me and take the bullet?" She didn't like that thought one little bit. Dylan looked down. She didn't like the thought of someone shooting at Ari one little bit.
"Yes, I would," she said softly. Without hesitation.
"That's bad," the actress mumbled to herself.
"Yeah, but it's my job."
She saw Ari's face fall at that moment and winced mentally. Shit, that sounded so cold but I have to keep at least a small piece of professional detachment here. Robbie came back to take their orders then and they fell into light conversation about the city of Dallas. Ari explained the different districts and described the nearby Deep Ellum (Elm) area, which was a thriving centre of businesses owned by black Americans from the time of the Civil War until the 1930s. She explained that the neighbourhood now contained clubs, restaurants, and galleries. Dylan was very interested and was engrossed in what the actress was saying.
"The city's historic sites include Fair Park, the largest Art Deco art and architecture district in the world and a National Historic Landmark, located east of downtown. Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination in 1963 of President John F. Kennedy is downtown. Other things to see are the John F. Kennedy Memorial, designed by American architect Philip C. Johnson; the former county courthouse, designed in the Romanesque architectural style; the present courthouse and downtown library, designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. Of course, there's the infamous Sixth Floor of the former Texas School Book Depository, from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot Kennedy. One of my favourite places is Old City Park, the site of Dallas's oldest public park and now a museum of the architectural and cultural history of the city and region."
When she was finished, Dylan smiled.
"You know a lot about this city," she complimented and Ari laughed softly.
"I wasn't always an actress," she explained. "I spent plenty of time having normal jobs here, one of them being a job as a tour guide for the city. I used to sit on the top deck of a bus and speak into a microphone explaining the sights to paying tourists."
The bodyguard ran a hand through her hair as she mulled this over. She could actually see the blonde in her tour guide's uniform sharing a joke with her audience. Before she even realised she was going to do it, she was speaking.
"Maybe you could show me the city sometime?" she suggested. A thousand-watt smile beamed at her as Ari nodded quickly.
"I'd love to, Dylan. Anytime you want!"
"We'll talk about it later. Right now, I'm starving and here's Robbie and your Mom with the meal so let's get started."
A main course and desert later, the two women were quietly talking, sipping their coffee and laughing together at jokes made. They were learning more about each other than they even realised and when the lunch was finished, they said their goodbyes and headed back out to brave the crowds of shoppers. They were halfway up the street when a sudden bang sounded. Dylan's training took over and she pulled Ari to the ground, shielding her with her own body as she pulled her gun from her holster at the small of her back. She frantically looked around until she spotted the cause of the sound. A boy was lighting a second firecracker in the tiny park on the other side of the street. She released the breath she'd been holding and stood up, re-holstering the gun and sheepishly dusting down both herself and Ariana.
"It was just a firecracker. Are you ok?" she asked.
The actress was shaking but she was unhurt.
"Jesus, McLachlin, you just scared the shit outta me," she said softly, placing her palms against her bodyguard's chest and pushing gently as she looked up into concerned blue eyes.
"Scared the shit outta myself," the bodyguard admitted, unconsciously covering the hands with her own. "I really thought... um... anyway, how about we finish up and head back to the estate."
"Let's just go now," Ari replied. "I'm finished anyway if you are."
"Yeah, I am," Dylan replied. She had suddenly lost all desire for shopping and suspected that Ariana felt the same way. "Let's head back to the car."
Thirty minutes later, they were halfway to the estate. The journey was quiet, each woman wrapped up in her own thoughts. Ari stared out the passenger window as her mind ran away with itself. God, I don't think I've ever been that scared before. I don't know what's happening to me. All I could think of was whether Dylan was hurt or not. I thought she'd been shot and it terrified me half to death.
Meanwhile, Dylan's thoughts were quite similar. She held a white knuckled grip on the steering wheel as she drove. I thought someone was shooting at her and I was terrified. I've been shot at before and I've never felt that way before. Shit! What's happening to me? I need to step back from this and take a breath here. But I thought she was going to get hurt and I nearly panicked. Oh god, I nearly panicked. I'm in soooo much trouble here.
She was startled out of her thoughts when Ari spoke softly.
"Hey, do you like football?"
"Um... yeah... I'm a fan."
"Me too and I've got tickets to the Dallas Cowboys game this Saturday night in the Texas Stadium. I'd love to go if you'd come with me."
Dylan shook her head.
"Um... we can't go alone. There's no way I'd be able to protect you in that situation. The crowds will be huge. I'll have to bring my team on this one."
"Oh," Ari replied, somewhat disappointed. She didn't want the team along. Admit it, Ari. You just tried to ask her out on a date and she didn't even realise. She's not even remotely interested in you.
"We can go though. I'll sit with you and cheer right along with you, even though I'm a San Diego Chargers fan really," Dylan grinned. You just asked me out on a date, didn't you? Shit! I missed that totally. I'm sorry, Ari, but maybe it's for the best.
"Alright," Ari replied, brightening up a bit at the thought of Dylan screaming at the game. Silence fell again as they drove and, when they arrived back at the estate, Dylan punched the code into the access panel to open the gate. "Wow, you really have this place locked up tight, don't you?" the actress asked, slightly in awe.
"Nothing can get in or out without me knowing about it," the bodyguard replied as she took the car through the tall, heavy, metal gates and waited until they had shut behind them.
"Kevin Costner."
"Pardon me?"
Ari looked up into beautiful blue eyes and smiled.
"You remind me of Kevin Costner in that movie, 'The Bodyguard'."
"Oh?" Dylan replied. "I've never seen it."
The actress' mouth dropped open and she placed a firm hand on the dark woman's arm.
"Never seen it? And I hired you! My God!" She laughed then as Dylan smiled. "It's a great movie. Kevin Costner is a bodyguard who's protecting an actress, played by Whitney Houston, from a stalker. It was a really good movie."
"Hmmm, must get it on video sometime," the bodyguard replied as she braked to a stop outside the main house. Ari shook her head quickly.
"There's no must about it. You're coming up to the house tonight to watch it. I have it on DVD. It's a must see movie." She saw the hesitation in Dylan and pressed further. "C'mon, we can drink beer and eat popcorn. It'll be fun!"
The tall bodyguard sighed and nodded slowly.
"Alright, thanks, but no beer for me. I'm supposed to be guarding you." This sent the actress into a fit of laughter and Dylan arched a dark eyebrow in confusion. "What's so funny?" she demanded.
"Dylan, I've seen the security measures. I think you can afford to take a night off. You know, a fly couldn't get in here without someone knowing about it. Your team is amazing."
The head of security couldn't stop the proud smile from rising so she just nodded her agreement.
"Ok, Ari, beer and popcorn it is then. What time do you want me to come up?"
The actress thought about this for a moment.
"Come up at six and we can have some dinner first. I hear it's pizza today."
"Ok, but I warn you, I'll probably spend the entire evening telling Kevin Costner what he's doing wrong!"
Ari laughed and gently touched the bodyguard's hand.
"I'll look forward to it," she said softly and then slipped out of the car and up the steps to the door, taking them two at a time. Dylan smiled as she watched the actress' youthful exuberance and then shook her head. I'm making a mistake. I know I am. But you don't care. It's been a long time since you've had someone to share a joke or a movie with. So just shut up and enjoy it. Ok, I'll try. She made her way to the security room and settled down in front of the security monitors to do some more thinking.
*~*~*~*~*
"Good evening, Ms McLachlin."
Dylan smiled at the elderly housekeeper as she stepped through the large, oak door.
"Evening, Mrs. Hanway. Is Ari around? She's expecting me."
The older woman nodded, a bright smile lighting her kind face.
"Follow me. She's waiting for you in the dining room."
Mrs. Hanway deposited the bodyguard at the door and patted her arm affectionately before she left. Dylan smiled and pushed the door open to find the young actress standing at the window waiting for her, sipping a glass of beer. Ari waved her in.
"Hey, you made it. Dinner's just about ready," she grinned. Dylan's thoughts froze momentarily as she took in the sight before her. My God, she's beautiful. The blonde had changed into casual black slacks and a red silk blouse. Her hair was loose and cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves. Dylan's stomach fluttered and she cleared her throat self-consciously as she realised she was staring. She had changed too and, to her surprise, when she stepped into better light, Ari's expression softened to one of almost awe as she took in her beige, wide-legged linen trousers and matching sleeveless top. She's incredibly beautiful, she thought. And those eyes... Jesus. Finally, after a moment of awkwardness, Ari waved at the seat opposite her.
"Why don't we sit down," she said softly and Dylan managed to get her legs moving enough to carry her to the seat she was offered. "How was your afternoon?" Ari asked casually.
"Um... it was ok, thanks. I just spent some time reviewing the plan for your trip to L.A next week." Liar! Shut up!
The actress frowned.
"Is that next week?" she asked, her nose wrinkling cutely as she thought about it.
"Yep," Dylan chuckled. "Don't you ever check your diary?"
Ari shook her head.
"Nope, never. I hardly even own a watch. That's what Tracey's for."
"Tracey's on vacation.
"I know so I repeat, that's what you're for."
The bodyguard laughed.
"Hey, I'm not your secretary! I'm just the one who has to dive in front of a bullet for you." Dylan realised what she'd said the moment she saw the actress face fall. Ari looked down at her hands and her breath caught slightly. The bodyguard reached across the table and took her hands between her own. "I'm sorry, Ariana. I shouldn't have said that. I'm really sorry."
The actress shook her head.
"No, it's ok. It's just... I don't like the thought of you getting hurt anymore than the thought of me getting hurt." She looked up and found herself trapped in pools of piercing blue. "I... um..." They gazed at each other for a moment, neither woman sure of what to say. Dylan was just about to reach out to touch the younger woman's face when the door opened and the meal was carried in. The two women broke their gaze and looked everywhere but at each other. "Great! Dinner's here!" Ari exclaimed a little too enthusiastically and Dylan chuckled.
"Hungry again, huh?" she teased.
"Yeah," the blonde grinned and tucked into her meal of pizza and fries.
Thirty minutes later, they were sitting on the couch in Ari's personal living room. The room was modern and the comfortable leather sofa faced a huge TV in one corner. Ari loaded the disk into her DVD player and turned on the TV, settling back into the sofa with her feet on the coffee table. "Feel free," she said and a few seconds later, Dylan's feet were there too.
"So this is good, huh?" the bodyguard asked.
"It's one of my favourites," came the quiet reply. "I guess it... um... forget it."
"No, tell me," Dylan pressed gently.
It gave me hope, I guess. My life is lonely, despite the people I have around me. I'm scared sometimes that people only kiss my ass because they want something from me, you know?" Earnest green eyes looked up at Dylan and she nodded slowly.
"Yeah, I understand. People can be cold sometimes." Yeah, like you, McLachlin.
"You're different though."
The bodyguard almost fell off her seat with shock and she swallowed deeply.
"Wh-what makes you say that?" she asked, her mouth suddenly dry. She took a deep swallow of her beer as she waited for the reply. She received a shrug and a smile.
"You care."
For the first time in her adult life, Dylan was tongue-tied so she just tried to change the subject.
"Let's watch the movie, huh?" she said and then turned her attention back to the TV screen. Ari smiled as she hit the play button. I do think I'm getting to her.
"So?" Ari asked as she muted the sound on the end credits. She looked at her bodyguard and was amazed to find tears shimmering in her eyes. "Hey, you ok?" she asked softly and Dylan nodded, her stomach in knots and a lump in her throat. Now I know why I've avoided this movie for so long.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It was very good."
Ari touched her friend's arm.
"Are you sure? You look a little upset."
Dylan pulled away and stood up quickly.
"I said I'm fine!" she snapped and immediately regretted it when she saw the hurt in the younger woman's face. She knelt down beside her and took her hand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't... I never... I've ruined everything," she said sincerely but Ari shook her head.
"No, you haven't," she said. "I should have realised that there may have been something in this movie that could upset you. I'm sorry."
Despite the little voice in her mind telling her that she shouldn't be doing it, Dylan pulled the younger woman into her arms for a hug.
"It's ok. It's just that Farmer's life is so similar to mine. I guess it just reminded me of how lonely it can be. He made the biggest mistake a bodyguard can. He got emotionally involved."
"That's a mistake?" Ari asked, pulling back a little. She received a nod and a small smile. "Then maybe we shouldn't be doing this." She felt the strong arms wrapped around her stiffen and Dylan immediately pulled back.
"You're... you're right. I should go now. Thanks for dinner and the movie. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight," Ari replied, but her bodyguard was already gone. She sighed. "Shit!"
The first thing Dylan did when she got back to her apartment was to get out her throwing knives.
*~*~*~*~*
5.30am. Dylan pulled back her duvet and stood to stretch her tall frame. She changed into shorts and a T-shirt to begin her workout but the phone rang suddenly, once again scaring her half to death.
"Twice in two mornings," she growled and then picked up the phone. "This had better be good."
"Morning to you too, Sunshine," came a smiling voice.
"Ariana?"
"Yeah, it's me. Just wondering if you'd like to go for a run with me. I know you work out every morning." There was silence for a moment as Dylan's still slightly sleepy brain refused to process the request. "Dylan? You still there?"
"Uh... yeah... run... sure... where?"
"Hey, you're funny when you're monosyllabic," Ari giggled and a smile rose unbidden to the bodyguard's lips.
"Sor-ry, where would you like to go jogg-ing, A-ri-a-na?" she teased. She received that giggle again as the actress heard the smile in her friend's voice.
"I'll come to you," she said and hung up. A brief moment later, there was a knock on the door. Dylan frowned and went to answer it, shocked when she found a young blonde bouncing on her doorstep.
"That was quick," she said, surprise colouring her tone but Ari just shrugged and fished a cell phone out of her pocket, holding it up for scrutiny.
"I was passing by," the explained casually. "Ready?"
Dylan's brain caught up then and she shook her head.
"Give me one minute."
She pulled a sweatshirt on over her T-shirt, tied her hair back and pulled on a pair of socks and her Nikes before returning to the door. She slipped her gun and keys into her pocket and closed the door behind her.
"Do you have to bring that?" Ari asked quietly.
"What?" Dylan replied in confusion.
"The gun."
"Um... well... I..."
"It's ok. I really don't like guns but if you think it's necessary, it's ok with me."
Dylan smiled and touched the younger woman's shoulder.
"Thank you for trusting my judgement," she said softly.
"I trust you with my life," Ari replied with a smile. "I really do."
They nodded at each other and then headed off for their run. The hour passed quickly and they arrived back at Dylan's apartment hot, sweaty and starving. The older woman smiled.
"You want to come in and have some breakfast?" she asked. "I don't have much but I'm sure I can rustle up something."
"Sure, thanks. I hope you have coffee," Ari replied.
"Oh God yes!" the bodyguard grinned as she headed toward the bathroom. "I'll be right back." After changing into a fresh T-shirt and shorts, she returned to the kitchen to find it empty. "Ari?" she called.
"In here!" came the reply and Dylan followed the voice to her spare room. She found the actress sitting on the bed looking at a photo and sat down beside her. "Was this taken when you were in the secret service?" the actress asked.
"Yeah, it was. It was a little over five years ago." She pointed at a tall, brown-haired young man. "That was my partner, John Edwards. He died on the job. Took a bullet for the person we were protecting." She looked down. "It should have been me who took the bullet, not him."
"Why?" Ari asked as she gently held the hand that was nearest her.
"It was December 1995 and we were protecting Senator Richard Banes on his Christmas Parade tour. Edwards and I were on point and making sure that everything was ok for the Senator to exit his limo. I was in front of the Senator when he stepped out and the crowd went wild but suddenly, Edwards yelled something and slammed into me, knocking me into a metal barrier just before a shot went off. He'd seen the gun and reacted saving both my life and the Senator's by taking the bullet. It hit him right in the head and he died instantly." She ran her finger over his picture and smiled sadly. "I found out afterwards from his brother that Edwards had told him that he... um... was in love with me. I couldn't stay in the secret service, knowing that someone had given their life for me when I couldn't even return their love, so I quit and went solo." A single tear made it's way down her cheek and gentle fingers wiped it away.
"You're blaming yourself for Edwards' death, aren't you. It wasn't your fault, Dylan," Ari whispered as she stroked long, dark hair. "He couldn't let you get hurt because he loved you."
"I should be dead, not him," the bodyguard whispered and then bowed her head as the familiar pain threatened to overwhelm her.
"I have a lot to thank him for," Ari whispered.
"What?" Dylan asked, raising her head to look at the petite actress.
"If he hadn't saved you back then, I would never have met you," she whispered. "And you've made me so happy over the past two days..."
Their eyes met then and Dylan smiled.
"You've made me happy too," she whispered and then opened her arms. They were immediately filled with a gentle, warm blonde and they offered and took comfort from each other... a comfort that, they began to realise, only the other could give.
"So are we still on for the Cowboys game tomorrow night?" Ari whispered.
"You bet. I've got it all planned," came the chuckled reply and they slowly parted to make their morning coffee.
*~*~*~*~*
Ari thought that Saturday night would never come. It was years since she'd been at a real football game and that, coupled with the fact that Dylan was going with her, made her feel more excited than she had been since she'd been offered her first leading roll. Finally, 6pm came and she couldn't wait to see Dylan. She hadn't seen her since their breakfast in the bodyguard's apartment and found she missed seeing those beautiful blue eyes and that sometimes cheeky smile. Meanwhile, Dylan was double checking the arrangements and going over the plan again with David should something go wrong. David chuckled when he saw his best friend in jeans and a sweatshirt, trying to remember if he'd ever seen her in them before.
"So you're sure about everything," Dylan asked.
"Yep. Got it," David replied with a nod and the chief returned it.
"Right, I've gotta go pick... I mean... um... escort Ari to the car."
"Right," David nodded as Dylan turned to leave. "Hey Boss!"
"Yeah?"
"You look great. Knock her dead."
He received a scowl and a blush but laughed when Dylan finally nodded and cracked a tiny grin. Ten minutes later, Dylan was waiting for Ari by the door of the limousine. The actress appeared a moment later and bounded down the steps. She placed the palms of her hands against the bodyguard's flat, muscular stomach and looked up into her eyes.
"Hey, You," she said softly with a tender smile and Dylan found herself returning the smile.
"Hey, You too," she replied. "Ready to go?"
"Yep, I can't wait. It's been soooo long since I was at a live game."
"Me too," Dylan confessed. "I've been looking forward to this."
Ari slipped into the back of the car and tugged on her bodyguard's arm.
"C'mon, you too. I don't want to be back here alone."
The dark woman nodded and went to speak to George, the limo driver.
"I'm riding in back with A... um... Ms. Strand. Keep your eyes peeled, ok? Let me know if you even suspect that we're being followed."
"Yes, Ma'am," George replied so against her better judgement, Dylan climbed into the back of the car to sit beside the petite actress. She was thinking about the security arrangements when she felt a soft touch against her hand.
"Dylan?"
"Hmmm?"
"Thanks for this."
The bodyguard smiled and patted her friend's knee.
"It's my pleasure," she replied. "Thanks for asking me to go with you."
"I couldn't go without my favourite bodyguard now, could I?" Ari teased with a wide smile.
"I thought Kevin Costner was your favourite bodyguard," Dylan shot back with an arched eyebrow.
"No." Ari's voice lowered and softened. "He comes in a poor second. I have the real thing."
Dylan found she was holding her breath as she looked into smiling, emerald green eyes. She felt that funny flutter in her stomach again and she couldn't stop herself. She reached out and cupped the younger woman's cheek in her hand. Ari's eyes slipped closed and she tilted her face into the warm palm, sighing softly but the palm was quickly pulled away and Dylan cleared her throat.
"Ok, we're nearly there," she said, her voice sounding strangled to her own ears. Oh God, I need to get out of here before I do something really stupid. Calm down, McLachlin, you're doing fine. No, I'm not. I want to kiss the socks off her. You'll be ok. No I won't. Well do it then! No way! Shit! Thankfully, they reached the stadium then and once the team was in position, George opened the door to allow Dylan to step out. When she was happy the area was secured, she held out her hand to help Ari out of the car. There were crowds of people all milling about and once Ari was clear of the car, she didn't let go of the bodyguard's hand but instead locked their fingers together. Dylan looked down at their joined hands in surprise but Ari just smiled. You're not getting away again.
"If we get separated in this crowd, we'll never find each other again," she explained.
"Good point," Dylan replied as she gently squeezed the hand. "Wouldn't want to lose you now, would I?" I really wouldn't. Oh God!
"No," the younger woman replied with a sweet smile and the small entourage moved into the stadium. Ari and Dylan kept a firm hold on each other's hands while they handed in their tickets at the turnstile. The noise was deafening in the stadium and the bodyguard led her client through the crowds until they found their seats.
"This is great," Ari said, leaning over to speak in the dark woman's ear. "The last time I was here was with my father about fifteen years ago. He was a huge Cowboys fan. When he died I couldn't really bring myself to come back here without him... until now. Now I have someone else to bring me."
Dylan blushed and leaned into the actress.
"I'll bring you anytime you want. All you have to do is ask."
"Thanks," came the delighted reply and then the crowd went wild as the players ran out onto the field. Ariana was up off her seat like there was a spring under her and Dylan collapsed into helpless laughter as she jumped up and down like a giddy child. God, she is just too cute! Dylan relaxed and concentrated on the game as she watched Ari leap up periodically from her seat. At one stage she stood on it and Dylan had to lift her down.
"Don't be making such a target of yourself," she scolded and then smiled at the innocent look she received.
"Sorry," Ari said sheepishly but an excited fan suddenly pushed her from behind, propelling her forward. Dylan caught her, pulling her back against her own chest to stop the petite woman from falling and they ended up with their arms wrapped securely around each other. Ari looked up... Dylan looked down... Ari's arms tightened... a dark head lowered... lips met tentatively and then with more confidence and before either woman realised exactly what was happening, they were kissing slowly and passionately while thousands of Dallas Cowboys fans screamed and celebrated a touchdown. Everything around them ceased to exist as a low moan escaped from Dylan's throat and a petite hand reached up to tangle itself in her raven-black hair. The kiss deepened, their tongues moving slowly, desire building until they finally had to separate for air. Dylan rested her forehead against her friend's, her breathing slightly laboured.
"Jesus," she whispered as she brushed her lips against a cute nose.
"I'm sorry," Ari replied, looking up into piercing blue eyes full of desire. "I shouldn't have let this happen."
"No, Sweetheart," the bodyguard replied. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have kissed you like that."
"I have no complaints," Ari grinned. "And neither do your guys."
Dylan's head shot up and she looked at the different positions she had assigned, seeing lots of smiling faces looking back. She groaned and buried her face in soft, blonde hair.
"I'm sooo dead," she whimpered. "They're never going to let me live this down."
Ari kissed her again.
"Don't worry. I'll protect you," she whispered as she stroked long, black locks and then tucked an errant strand behind the bodyguard's ear. "You are incredibly beautiful. Do you even know that?"
"I was going to say that about you," Dylan replied with a gentle smile. "Hey, the Cowboys are winning."
They sat back down, their hands firmly locked together and enjoyed the rest of the game. When it was time to leave, Dylan slipped her earpiece in, secured it and spoke into the tiny microphone inside her sleeve.
"We're heading back to the car. Everyone keep their eyes open. Be ready to roll as soon as we arrive."
She received a number of acknowledgements and by the time they reached the limo, George was ready to go and three of her guys were standing by. Nothing was said to her while she was in Ari's company but she could have sworn that she saw a smug smile on David's lips. She sighed as she realised he'd probably won some kind of bet and slipped into the car after the petite actress. Once inside with the door closed, Ari smiled and then rested her head against her bodyguard's shoulder.
"Are you ok?" she asked softly.
"Yeah, I'm great," Dylan replied as she wrapped an arm around the blonde's shoulders, pulling her closer.
"I feel so safe with you, Dylan, like nothing can touch me."
The dark woman leaned in for another kiss and offered a sexy smile.
"Well, there's one person who's hoping to be able to touch you... Me."
A blush rose to the actress' face and she snuggled closer to her friend.
"Feel free," she giggled and then relaxed into her bodyguard's body.
Once they were safely inside the estate, the entourage separated and the team headed back to the security room. The limo continued to the house and George parked outside the main entrance. He opened the door and stepped back as Dylan got out and held out her hand to help Ari out too.
"Thanks, George," the bodyguard said softly. "Have a good evening."
"You too, Ma'am, Ms. Ariana," he replied and left to give the limo a thorough washing.
Ari wrapped her arms around Dylan's waist and looked up into her eyes.
"Coming in?" she asked. "I've got some wine in the little refrigerator in my living room."
Dylan smiled but shook her head.
"Thanks, but I've got an early start in the morning. I've to go and check out the plane we're using for your trip to L.A. next week."
Ari poked her bottom lip out, faking a pout and then batted her eyelashes.
"Please?"
The dark woman shook her head but this time she laughed.
"Tomorrow night, I promise. Now scoot."
They shared a tender kiss and then Dylan watched as the actress once again bounded up the steps.
"Where does she get her energy?" she mumbled to herself as she walked back to her apartment but she found that she felt happier than she had in a long time. She just wasn't ready yet to think about the consequences.
*~*~*~*~*
5.30am. Dylan was woken up by a pair of soft lips fluttering tiny kisses on her cheeks and eyes. She smiled when a warm tongue flicked her earlobe.
"Who let you in," she growled playfully and then grabbed a petite, blonde actress, pulling her down to kiss her thoroughly.
"It was easy," Ari sighed, a little tongue tied from the kiss as she rested her head on the dark woman's chest and snuggled closer. "The security around here is very lax. I should speak to my head of security about it."
"Oh really?" Dylan replied with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, I mean, all you have to do is get a spare key and, Bob's your uncle, you're in!" Ari dangled the key from its short length of chain as Dylan chuckled.
"I suppose you're here to wake me up for a run."
"No, I'm here to join you in blissful slumber for another couple of hours. Come on, Dylan, it's Sunday."
"Sweetheart, I've got to go see this plane."
The actress thought for a moment.
"Tell ya what. Let's reach a compromise. Forget the run and sleep in for an hour. That way you won't be behind schedule."
"I can do that," Dylan yawned and pulled the actress even closer. "Wake me up in an hour."
The two women fell asleep together, wrapped in each other's arms and a simple feeling of belonging.
*~*~*~*~*
"Dammit, I said an hour!" Dylan growled as she went to shower. It was almost ten and she was way behind schedule.
"Honey, you must have needed the rest," Ari yelled from the bedroom.
"Yeah, but an hour is just as good as anything," the bodyguard yelled back.
"Why are you yelling?" came a voice from the other side of the shower cubicle.
"Hey, I'm naked!" Dylan exclaimed.
"I know," Ari replied as she slipped into the shower with the bodyguard. "So am I."
"Um... this isn't... I mean... maybe we shouldn't..." Dylan couldn't get the words out as she took in the actresses beautiful body so she just shook her head. "What are you doing?"
"I'm taking a shower. What are you doing?" the actress replied innocently as she moved closer to the tall woman. A dark eyebrow skipped up and Dylan chuckled as she wrapped her arms around the petite blonde and lowered her head to capture her soft lips.
"Kissing and ogling you," she replied as they finally broke apart but Ari had already forgotten the question.
"You take my breath away," she whispered as she traced the arched eyebrow with her finger.
"And you steal mine," came the husky reply and they kissed again long and deeply. After a sensual shower they had some breakfast and then Dylan dressed for her trip to the airport to check out the private plane that would be taking them to Los Angeles the following morning. Ari walked her to the door and watched as the bodyguard waved before she got into her car with David and drove away.
"So how much did you win?" Dylan asked as she rolled down her window.
"Pardon me?" David was the picture of innocence.
"Come on, Cutter. I know you. How much did you win on the bet and how did you know this was going to happen?"
Dylan's best friend just couldn't keep the charade up and he burst into helpless laughter.
"I'm just surprised it didn't happen sooner. The attraction and sexual tension between you two have been there since day one. That's why you've been arguing so much. Every one of the guys saw it and we've had a little bet going on how long it would take you and Ari to get together."
The bodyguard didn't know whether to be annoyed or amused. She settled on amused as she realised that they'd been right all along. She cracked a smile.
"I just hope you put me down for the bet."
"Oh yeah. I put in twenty in your name. You didn't win though. You picked a different time."
"I did?"
"Yeah, you picked six weeks but you actually did it in four weeks and six days."
"Wow, I'm impressed with myself."
"So you should be. So... tell me... oh great and wise Dylan McLachlin. Did you and the client get down and dirty last night?"
Dylan shook her head indignantly.
"Of course not. I left her at her door last night like the proper gentleman... lady... whatever... that I am." David nodded sincerely, waiting for his friend to go on. "The fact that I woke up this morning to her kissing me and dangling a spare key in front of my face has nothing to do with anything."
"She's likes ya, huh?" the man teased. "Can't think why."
"Me neither," Dylan chuckled. "But you know, David, I really like her too. It's so strange. I can't get the thought that I know her from somewhere out of my mind. I feel like we've been friends forever. In fact, I've never felt this strongly about someone this quickly before in my life."
"I'm happy for you, Dylan. You deserve this. You deserve to be happy."
Piercing blue eyes full of happiness locked with warm brown.
"You know, Davy, I'm starting to believe that."
The rest of the morning went very quickly. Dylan and David went through the normal procedure of questioning and checking the plane out. They were satisfied that all the requested security measures had been put in place and they checked the cabin crew's records. Everything seemed fine and Dylan was happy for Ari to be on the plane. Then they went back to the estate and Dylan spent the rest of the day going over the plans for the hotel in L.A and various other bits and pieces. It was 6pm by the time she'd done her own packing and she decided to stroll up to the house to see Ari as promised the might before. She changed into jeans and a T-shirt and headed up to the house but halfway there, she heard a rustling in some nearby bushes. Dylan's senses were suddenly on high alert and she drew her gun, holding it in two steady hands.
"Who's there?!" she called but she grinned as one of her guys stepped out of the greenery.
"Sorry for scaring you, Dylan," he said sheepishly. "Had to take a leak."
The bodyguard chuckled and re-holstered her gun.
"No problem, Tom. Have a good evening."
"You too."
As Dylan walked, the trees around her swayed gently in the breeze and she was reminded of a time in her childhood when she spent her summers on her grandparents' ranch in San Antonio. She had loved her visits there and found herself longing for somewhere that she could use as a safe haven... somewhere she could take Ari and not have to worry about whether she was in danger or not. True, there hadn't been any signs of trouble over the previous month or so but Dylan didn't leave anything up to chance. Famous people like Ari always had some strange fans who would possibly hurt them. She reached the house and knocked on the door but she was surprised when Ari herself opened it. The actress pulled her inside and kissed the socks off her.
"Hi," she finally said as they broke the kiss.
"Hi," Dylan squeaked and then cleared her throat. "Hi."
"I missed you today. How did you get on with the plane?"
The bodyguard grinned as Ari took her hand and led her toward the living room.
"We're all set for tomorrow. Everything's cool."
Once they were on the couch, they spent a few minutes lost in each other but then Dylan lay on the couch with the petite actress stretched out on top of her, her head nestled under her chin.
"You like me being a cushion, don't you?" the bodyguard whispered in her friend's ear, feeling the little shiver she created run through her.
"Mmmhmmm," the blonde replied with a smile. "You make such a good one when you're not moving or talking or..."
"I'll show you moving," Dylan growled and began to tickle the smaller woman, holding her in place as she giggled and squirmed.
"Please! Dylan! Stop it! Please! I can't... I hate... I love you!"
Both women froze as the words floated across the room.
"What did you say?" the dark woman asked as she hooked a finger under her friend's chin to look into her eyes.
"I said... um... I... I love you, Dylan."
Dylan shook her head and stood up, holding her hands up in surrender.
"This is going way too fast for me, Ari," she said, her eyes wide with panic. "I think we should cool it for a while."
The actress stood up too and tried to move closer but the bodyguard just backed away. She sighed in exasperation.
"Fine! Let's keep out of each other's way for a while, shall we?!" Ari exclaimed and then stormed out of the room. Dylan knew she was hurt and wanted to kick herself for her stupidity. You've really done it now, Idiot! Shut up! Go after her! I can't. She won't talk to me. She loves you. It's in her eyes. I know, but I don't think I'm ready to love her back. It's too late, McLachlin, you've already fallen for her. No, I haven't! Yes, you have. Shit! Dylan didn't get a wink of sleep that night.
8am. Dylan was standing by the door of the limousine when Ari appeared but there was no energy in the actress this morning. She looked tired and she slowly descended the steps as if she were going to her own execution.
"Morning, David," she said as she got into the car and Dylan winced at the intended slight. She felt like a real bitch and wanted to apologise but she wanted to do it in private and she knew that the best place to do it would be on the plane on the way to L.A. The bodyguard looked at her friend and shrugged before getting in and sitting opposite the actress. He closed the door behind her and then got into the front seat. The silence in the back of the limo was deafening and the atmosphere could have been cut with a knife but Dylan was determined not to run away. After a long moment, she decided she couldn't wait for the plane to take off.
"I'm scared," she said softly and then looked up to find cool, green eyes watching her. "I've never had a lasting relationship. My life has been punctuated by a string of one-night stands but never anything solid. I'm scared that I'll do something to really fuck this up and I'll lose you. I care about you, Ari, more than I've ever cared about anyone before and my heart keeps telling me that you love me, that it's in your eyes, but my mind is telling me to protect my heart and not get involved in the first place. I mean... if you don't get involved, you can't get hurt, right? I'm trying to tell my mind to shut up."
There was silence for a long moment but then, Ari moved to sit beside her bodyguard and pulled her into her arms. She held her and stroked her hair as hot tears burned down Dylan's cheeks.
"Oh Honey, I'm sorry I pushed you," the actress whispered. "I should have realised that you were scared because I am too. I'm scared of the same thing that you are but I want us to give our relationship a try. We owe it to ourselves to give it a fair try because I love you, Dylan, and I know that that won't ever change. I've found the other half of my soul in you."
"Give me time, Sweetheart. Please just give me time," the bodyguard asked quietly and Ari smiled.
"I'm not going anywhere," she said softly and then they kissed long and deeply. Dylan released a long, relieved breath as they broke apart. An hour later, they were boarding the plane and Dylan instructed her guys to set up in the rear of the private pane. Then she and Ari went into the VIP lounge. They turned on some music and lay down on the leather sofa together as they had the previous night before their argument.
"You smell nice," Dylan commented as she snuggled her friend closer.
"It's my perfume. It's called Ravishing."
The two women laughed and Dylan nibbled on a convenient earlobe.
"You don't have to be wearing perfume called Ravishing for me to think that you are," she replied in a sexy growl. "I think you're ravishing in everything... and nothing."
Ari turned over to face her love and smiled tenderly.
"You say the best things," she whispered and they kissed passionately. Hands started to roam and the temperature rose several degrees as Dylan's found the soft skin of two very shapely breasts. Their nipples were hard and screaming for attention but Ari took the hands away gently, shaking her head.
"I want us to make love," she said softly. "But not here. I want it to be special."
The bodyguard sighed but nodded her agreement as she fixed their clothes and wrapped her arms firmly around the younger woman.
"I don't think either of us is really ready yet," she replied with a peck to her friend's nose. "But when we are, it's going to be wonderful."
"Mmmmhmmm," Ari agreed as she snuggled down for a nap, her bodyguard once again making a wonderful pillow as she dozed off. Dylan smiled and kissed her on the crown of her head.
"Just give me time," she whispered again and then joined her friend in slumber.
To be continued...