Piper woke up wrapped around Alex, their limbs completely entwined. A huge smile crosses Piper's face as she stares at the gorgeous woman. 'I've never felt so comfortable in my life. I hope us lying like this doesn't make her uncomfortable. I've never felt about anyone the way I'm feeling for Alex. I need her in my life in so many ways.'

Alex starts to stir. Before she even opens her eyes she can feel a body wrapped around her. A smirk crosses her face. 'This feels so damn good. I'm not even the cuddling type but with Piper I crave it. I want to know every inch of her, her thoughts, her feelings, her expressions, her secrets and fears, her wants and needs, and her beautiful body. Alex, you fool, you can't want her like that. You could lose your job, your living situation, and the girl you so desperately crave. Gotta keeps those actions non-sexual.'

"Good morning Al"

"Good morning Pipes. So what's on the agenda today?"

Piper's smile lights up her whole face, "Part of me wants to stay just like this all day, all nice and cozy."

"It does feel incredible. I was never the type to cuddle, but I think you might be changing my mind" a genuine smile on her face.

"Then let me corrupt you Alex. I'll have you feeling things you never have."

Alex smirks "you're playing with fire there Pipes. Don't forget that I'm a lesbian, gold star at that."

"And what exactly does gold star mean?"

"No, guys ever. Maybe a kiss or two, but never anything more, even as a kid."

Piper shakes her head "Why didn't I instantly figure that out," she laughs. "As I've told you many times, I have no problem at all with your sexuality."

"I'm glad. I really like the connection we've made Pipes. Don't tell Nicki, but I feel myself being more open with you than her. "

"I feel the same Alex. Polly may have the title bff, but I feel so much closer to you. You are who I want to talk to and spend time with." Alex kisses her forehead.

"I did promise to go furniture shopping with you today. So I guess we should probably leave this coziness and get ready."

The next day or so passes by quickly. They find a bedroom set that Alex likes and desks for their forthcoming office. Setting everything up to be delivered at the new address Wednesday afternoon. Piper finishes figuring out her registration stuff. While she takes care of that, Alex meets with the team to talk about Thursday's transfer procedures and the official start on Friday. When they both return that evening they box up Piper's apartment. Leaving a few unwanted kitchen items for Polly to use.

Wednesday morning the security teams and Piper's brother Cal all arrive to help with the move. They get the moving truck packed with furniture and all the boxes fairly easily. Piper packs up the last of the groceries she bought, leaving everything of Polly's in place. Piper puts her spare key on the counter, locks the door behind her and leaves that apartment for the last time. Piper has the biggest smile on her face. 'Now to officially start my new life.'

Alex notes the smile and is thrilled that Piper's not having second thoughts. When the truck is mostly unloaded, Alex slips away to order pizzas for the guys and pick up some beverages. Everyone is thrilled when she returns with her hands full.

"Alex. There you are. I wondered where you disappeared to," Piper exclaims.

"Thought we should thank everyone for helping us today."

Piper beams at her thoughtfulness. "What kinds of pizza did you get Al?"

"Pepperoni, Supreme, BBQ Chicken, and a Vegetarian. Also got sodas and beers."

"Thanks Alex!" Cal exclaims and turns to his sister, "Pipe keep her around."

"I plan to Cal." Piper winks and Alex almost blushes.

"So I hear your the head of the new detail Alex."

"That's right Cal. I'm team lead and the body person. Colton, Bradley and Chase are also a part of the team."

"I don't know what you did to my sister Alex, but she's never been happy about security, until now."

Alex smiles "I think it has more to do with Piper's determination to choose her own people than with anything me or the guys did."

"Don't sell yourself short Alex. Seriously, Piper's happier lately than I've ever seen her. It's nice to see." Cal smiles.

"Hey Al" Piper yells from the other room. "Who is doing security tomorrow?"

"Hey Guys, can I get your attention for a minute? I know some of you need to leave soon. So I mentioned Thursday to you. I will be taking one of the spots and I need a volunteer for the second. Then Friday our team officially starts."

"I can do it." Bradley states with a smile.

"Okay. Pipes, what time does Donovan need to leave for Connecticut?"

"Around 9am maybe. I'll text him to confirm." Piper looks at the group. "Guys leave me your cell numbers so I can text you if I need to. I find myself texting more than calling. Alex is your main contact, but I appreciate having the info as well."

"Al, Donovan just replied. He says if you could check in with him by 8:45 he'd appreciate it."

"Okay Bradley that applies to you too. Be here by 8:45 please." Alex says while locking eyes with him.

"I will see you then Alex and Piper." Bradley smiles brightly. He leaves along with the rest of the security guys.

"So Cal, you need to rush off or do you wanna stay and grab some dinner with us later?" Piper asks her baby bro.

"I'll stay for awhile Pipe. Always enjoying spending time with you without the folks around."

Piper's face lights up. Thrilled to have Alex and Cal hanging out with her. "Cal why don't you and Alex get the electronics set up. That way you'll have some entertainment while we unload boxes."

Cal is enjoying telling Alex embarrassing Piper stories while she's setting up her bedroom. Alex tries to control the volume of her laughter. Last thing she needs is Pipes getting mad. 'Cal Chapman isn't half bad. I could see myself going out and having a beer with the guy.'

"So your the third child right?"

"Yup, there's golden boy Danny, definitely Carol's favorite. He's a Dr. The only one in the family to live up to the family name. There's such an age difference that I've never really known him. Pipes had a decent relationship with him at one point. But that went out the window and soon as Carol started comparing kids and why couldn't she be like Danny. The perfect child in her eyes. Me and Pipe never measured up. The difference is she really tried to please and I didn't give a shit. I went out of my way to be the screw-up. So much easier when nothing is expected of you. But not Piper, she tried to meet any and every standard my parents had. Dealt with all of Carol's insane ideas about image, about having appropriate boyfriends from rich families and how she was supposed to one day be a little trophy wife."

"Wow. She's told me pieces of that. But when you lay it all out, that's an alarming amount of pressure and expectations. No wonder Piper's been so eager to take control of her life in any and every way possible. I have a huge amount of admiration for that."

"I'm happy about that as well. I've seen a slow but continuous change in her since high school. She's more focused and determined than ever. And over the last few months I've seen her hitting new levels of happiness. I'm pretty sure you have something to do with that Alex, even her face lights up when she speaks about to or is near you."

"She means a lot to me Cal. We have great conversations about any and everything, are truly comfortable in each others presence, and she's becoming as important if not more so than Nicki, my actual best friend. And I know she'd say the same about Polly."

"I'm thrilled to hear that. Truly Alex. Piper deserves friends who actually care about her. Unlike Polly or any other the other vapid girls, who care about image and what being near Pipe can do from them. I tried many times over the years to point out that Polly was just like the rest of them. But she allowed it because she has never known anyone to see her and not all the other crap."

"Pipes and Polly had it out last week. I was listening in her bedroom, Piper said she'd call me if she needed me. My jaw dropped repeatedly hearing the things that came out of Polly's mouth. I was at my limit and about to go defend Piper, when Pipes returned to the room, locked the door behind her. Polly still spouting venom while Pipes buried herself against me. I apparently have a calming effect on her." Alex's mouth curls up into a small smile. "I am still fuming inside about Polly. She better be glad she made herself scarce the last few days."

"I would have loved to see you have a go at her." Cal chuckles.

"As long as Piper remains friends with her, there's always that chance." Alex states with a raised eyebrow and smirk.

"What are you two laughing about?" Piper says taking a seat next to Alex and leaning against her.

"Just getting to know each other sis. Alex is good peeps. Having her around is just what you need."

Piper blushes, "I think so too." Alex opens her arms wider so Piper can move closer. Piper smiles and wraps Alex's arms around her. Her favorite place to be.

Cal takes note of how they interact but keeps his comments to himself for now. "So what kind of food are you thinking of for later Pipe?"

"I know a few really good places. There's a great italian cafe with great pasta. A hole in the wall burger joint/bar that is surprisingly good. And a mexican place with amazing margaritas and the food is not bad either. Do any of those sound tempting?"

"I would say burgers or mexican," Cal mentions.

Piper turns her head to look at the emerald eyes beside her. "And you Al?"

"My answer would be the same as Cal's. So that makes it your choice of which one." Her eyes still locked with the ocean blue eyes.

"I'm not hungry just yet, but I know what I'm leaning to." She winks, kisses Alex of the cheek. And gets up to hug her brother and kiss his cheek. "I'm going to go unpack the office."

"I should probably get some boxes unloaded as well. Cal here's the remote." Alex smiles then walks off.

Cal chuckles to himself. 'Yup, my big sis has herself a girl crush. Wonder if they'll end up together.'

Alex unpacks her bedroom and makes up her bed. 'I'm go glad Piper talked me into getting this set instead of the cheaper one I was leaning towards. For the first time in my life I feel like I have a proper bedroom. Not in a dorm or my small room at my Mom's that could only fit a twin mattress.'

"Hey Mom"

"Hey Alex! To what do I owe this treat?," Diane chuckles softly.

"I've been pretty busy the last week and a half. Sorry it took so long to call and check-in."

"It's okay baby. So catch me up."

"When I left your house. I drove to Northampton. Piper was looking at a couple of properties and wanted me to see them, since she wanted me to be her roommate. They were both really nice, but we ended up with the three-bedroom, so that we could have office space. We moved in earlier today."

"That sounds amazing. And how is Piper?"

"She's amazing Mom. I keep having to remind myself that she's my boss and roommate and leave it at that. I really like her Mom. We're so comfortable around each other and we have great conversations. She's really something special."

"Sounds like you like like her. Is she showing any signs towards you as well?"

"I do. I've only known her for a few weeks, but she affects me unlike anyone else. I try not to read too much into her interests. She seems to like cuddling up with me as much as possible. And surprisingly I like it too. Don't you dare tell Nicki that."

I won't baby. Nicki sure as hell doesn't need any ammunition, she gives you a hard enough time as it is." Diane smiles at hearing her daughter laugh. "As for Piper, just pay attention. See if she gets a little more flirty or if her touches are less platonic. She might feel as terrified of loosing you if she speaks up as you are of loosing her."

"You are so wise Mom. I'll do that. I'll watch and not push my luck unless she really shows me something."

"You deserve to be happy baby. And from what you've told me of her, she does too."

"I met her younger brother Cal today. He was going on and on about how they were raised and then about Polly and how she's never really been a good friend to Pipes. I heard her and Polly going at it recently. I couldn't believe my ears how much venom was coming out of her mouth. And all Piper was trying to do was get through to her and stick up for herself. It broke my heart a little."

"Baby that makes it even more important that you show Piper what it's like to be cared for because she is uniquely her, not someone's image of her."

"I know Mom. I try to show her that in words and actions."

"That's my girl! Keep at it baby." A question pops into her mind. "So Alex have you officially started work yet?"

"Tomorrow me and Bradley will work with two members of the current detail, while the other two go to Connecticut to swap out out equipment so that they can transfer it over to the new detail. Then on Friday my team has it's first official day. I gave the guys a tour of the campus and ran a few drills with them, while Piper was dealing with class registration that day."

"Hey Mom. I'm gonna have to let you go. I think I heard one of the Chapman's yelling out. They must be ready to go to dinner."

"Love you baby!"

"Love you too Mom! I'll try not to go so long between calls next time."

Alex returns to the living room. "Were you calling me Pipes?"

Piper turns and locks eyes with her. "Just seeing if you were getting hungry yet."

"I could eat. Where did Cal go?"

"Bathroom."

"So Pipes, which did you choose. We indulging in mexican or burgers?" Alex smirks.

"I'm thinking mexican. Remind me to get queso to mix with the salsa, the combo takes the tortilla chips to a new level." A smile lights up both their faces.

"That does sound good Pipes. Do you have a favorite dish?"

"I usually get a burrito or enchilada. They have a good diablo shrimp but unless you love heat, you really need a ton of rice to eat with it and cool off your mouth."

"That sounds like a challenge." Alex smirks

"Knock yourself out. If you can conquer it without extra rice than you are better with pepper heat than me." Piper winks.

Alex pulls Piper closer and kisses her on the cheek. They hear Cal's voice coming down the hall and break apart.

"So Cal. You ready to go eat?"

"Sounds good to me."

"Okay I'll send Donovan a text. They should be here in a few minutes." Piper walks towards her bathroom.

"So Alex. Did you get a destination outta Piper?"

"Yeah. She's in the mood for mexican."

Cal has a shocked look on his face. "Alex, you've gotta teach me your secret. When Piper says she isn't going to tell something, she doesn't give it up until the last second. You are literally in the parking lot before she breathes a word. So seriously, what is your trick?"

Alex smirks "I don't know what to tell you Cal. I simply asked which cuisine we were eating. Then she starts telling me about queso salsa and diablo shrimp."

"Wow. Did she even mention margaritas."

"Only this afternoon when she was laying out choices. Why?"

"Alex, my sister loves margaritas. She's a major lightweight. If she goes beyond two, it's a whole different side of her."

"What do you mean by different?"

"Louder volume. Super flirty. Loves to dance. It becomes amusing, except if you have to deal with her raging hangover the next day. She can be quite scary then."

Alex looks stunned. 'The flirty dancing part sounds like something I'd absolutely love. The hangover sounds vicious. Maybe I can distract Piper with dancing before she goes too far. Better check the bathroom for aspirin and anything else that would help with a hangover. If not I definitely need to stop at a drug store before we return.'

Piper returns to the living room and immediately hears a knock. She opens it for the detail then turns to Alex and notices a strange look on her face. "Al is something wrong?" she asks nervously.

Alex locks eyes and smiles. "Nope all good."

"Everyone ready?," they shake their heads yes. "Okay, we'll be going to Casa El Mezcal." She says to the security detail. "Just let me grab my purse and we can go."

The food was amazing and so were the drinks. Alex and Piper both had one margarita before Alex switched to beer. Piper finds herself lost in thought and feeling. 'I starting to wonder if being around the gorgeous brunette could be a natural high, because the warmth and happiness I'm feeling is a lot stronger than this mixed drink could ever account for. Every feature is absolutely perfect. How can someone be so exquisite. Alex, I want you more than anything, to touch every inch of that silky skin, to kiss those extraordinary lips, to feel your body completely pressed to mine.'

Piper leans in closer and finally tunes back into Alex's raspy voice. The smile just won't leave her face. 'I like being close to you. I don't really know if I can explain it, but something draws me into you. You awaken something in me. Every innuendo, every suggestive remark, every time you're playful, with each and every little tease I feel my temperature rise. Each time hoping you'll push things just a little farther.'

After finishing her second margarita, Piper grabs Alex's hand and pulls her to the makeshift dance floor. Alex noticed how Piper kept pulling closer and closer to her as they danced. It was becoming harder and harder for her not to start grinding into the blonde or making out with her. Piper seemed to be loosing more inhibitions every second. Alex finally pulled away and walked to the bathroom, splashing water on her face to cool down. 'If I wasn't such a professional, I'd let her do whatever she wants to me. It'd be so much easier if I knew how she truly felt, what she actually wants in a relationship or whatever. Must remember to carefully broach the situation when we're sober.'

Alex returned to the table to find Piper working on her third mixed drink of the night. Piper was becoming increasingly flirty. Alex shoots Cal a look of help me. He shoots back a look of no way, before shaking his head.

"C'mon Pipes, lets go home." Alex says looking carefully at the blonde.

"But I'm having fun Al. Aren't you?"

"Yes Pipes, I've been having fun. But I'm working tomorrow and need sleep to be as alert as possible. And I have a little more unpacking to do before I can sleep."

Piper makes a sad puppy dog face. "Please Alex!"

"Not tonight kid. Maybe another night."

Piper buries her face in Alex's neck. "Fine, but you owe me."