Nearly a week passed. Blair's ankle healed, Tootie was still rehearsing for her play, and Natalie still complained about helping her with her lines.

Jo took her usual place in the living room, with feet on the coffee table, as she read a book for her world literature class. Blair came breezing in with Tootie on her heels.

"C'mon Blair, it'll be fun," Tootie pleaded.

"Moi?" The former debutante brought her hand to her chest in an overdone gesture. "You can't be serious. I am not going anyplace where people will be roaming around dressed as vampires and zombies. How gauche!"

Jo snickered. "So the annual Utica Horror Festival is upon us again, huh?"

"Yeah," Tootie affirmed. "Mrs. Garrett is driving us tomorrow. We're leaving early."

"Who's watchin' the store?" Jo inquired.

"We've already started inventory so it's a mess in there. She decided to close for the weekend so we're going to make a day of it. Wanna go?"

"Nah, I think I'll pass this year. I go through enough horror just living with the three of ya," Jo answered with a grin.

Just then, Natalie came into the room. "Are you guys sure? Ingrid Pitt and Christopher Lee are appearing live, in the flesh," she said excitedly.

"No thanks," Jo declined. "I'm just gonna relax this weekend."

"How on earth did you convince Mrs. Garrett to drive you?" Blair asked.

"Oh, I just love Christopher Lee," Mrs. Garrett answered as she poked her head in the doorway. "He was so sexy in 'The Wicker Man.'"

"Mrs. G., I didn't know you liked that film," Jo marveled.

"Ever since I got that VCR in my bedroom, I love to put it on and hit the pause button," the redhead winked. She then turned her attention to Nat and Tootie. "Okay girls, let's make our plan of attack for tomorrow."

"Yeah. Then we can get a pizza," said Natalie, rubbing her hands together in anticipation.

Jo shot her a warning glare from across the room.

Natalie put her hand up. "For lunch. For lunch. It's only two o'clock. Geez Louise!"

"Natalie, we're waiting," Mrs. Garrett warbled.

"I'm coming. I'm coming," Natalie groaned as she finally exited to the kitchen.

"It's Friday afternoon Blair. Shouldn't you be running around getting ready for a date tonight?" Jo wondered.

"Nope. I'm taking a break this weekend," she answered as she stretched out in her chair. "No men and total relaxation."

"Oh," Jo responded, secretly intrigued by Blair's reply.

Later that evening, the blonde was mesmerized by watching the tomboy as she read. She cracked a cute smile, indicating she'd read something amusing. Next, she absentmindedly fiddled with her shirt collar. Blair took a particular interest in the muscles of Jo's hands as they flexed. Her hands appeared strong and although they were often covered in grease from working on her motorcycle, they were wonderfully soft and feminine. Blair frequently fantasized about how those hands would feel as they explored her naked body, leaving no inch untouched. The heiress moved her gaze to Jo's neck and jawline, envisioning herself nipping at the tender skin. Blair felt her face begin to flush when her gaze lingered on eyes as green as leaves in the middle of summer. She prayed nobody would notice. Her body stirred inside as less visible parts of her had an even greater reaction.

Jo was well aware she was being watched. She initially felt self conscious, but her insecurity quickly changed to arousal, taking her thoughts away from her book. If she ever touched me the way she looks at me, I'd explode for sure. How would ya touch me Blair? God, how I want you to touch me.

Mrs. Garrett walked past in her terrycloth bathrobe and scruffy slippers. "Are you two okay in here? You're awfully quiet."

Both women jumped. Having been so wrapped up in their fantasies neither one heard her padded footsteps.

"Oh yeah Mrs. G. We're fine. I was just...um...readin' a book for class," Jo stuttered.

"I'm going to bed now," the older woman informed them. "Tootie and Natalie went a while ago. The three of us have an early day tomorrow so I'll say goodnight."

"Goodnight Mrs. Garrett. Have a good time."

"G'night Mrs. G."

Since both she and Blair had been snapped out of their trance, Jo tried to go back into her normal mode. She used the best irritated sounding voice she could muster. "Blair, why are ya lookin' at me like that? Did I suddenly grow tentacles or somethin'?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Was I staring?"

"Yeah. What's up with you?"

"Actually, I was thinking. I realized you've never taken me out on your motorcycle. Why I'm even interested in that monstrosity I don't know."

"You never asked. I didn't think ya cared." Her face lit up. "Do ya really wanna go out on my bike?"

"Why not? I think it would be fun."

"It's a nice evening out. Wanna go now?"

"Sure. I have nothing else to do," Blair replied, not wanting to appear too eager.

"Nothin' else to do but stare at me," Jo quipped.

"Give me five minutes. I have to change."

"Change?" Jo rolled her eyes. "What for?"

"Humor me."

"Okay Warner, but hurry it up," Jo said with a wink.

A few minutes later, Blair descended the stairs wearing black jeans, dress boots, and one of Jo's flannel shirts. Jo's heart fluttered because even though the fetching blonde was casually dressed, she carried herself with such dignity she may as well have been modeling a Givenchy evening gown.

"With that warehouse of clothing ya have, why are ya wearin' my shirt?" In reality, she didn't mind because Blair's scent would linger on it for long after.

"Everything I have is just too elegant for a motorcycle, so I'm wearing something of yours," Blair smirked.

Instead of cracking a one liner, Jo's face softened. "Don't quote me on this 'cause I'll deny it later, but you somehow have a way of makin' a flannel shirt look elegant," she said with a shy grin.

Blair thought she was hearing things. "Really? A compliment from you, Jo?"

"Don't get used to it. I already met my compliment quota of one per year. That one was a freebie."

At that moment Blair fought the urge to embrace Jo tightly and never let her go. "Thank you Jo," she uttered softly.

They searched one another's eyes once more, as if looking for the right words but neither woman could find them.

"Shall we go?" Jo huskily asked, offering her arm.

"I can't wait," Blair answered with a smile, her arm interlocked with Jo's as they walked outside.

"How do I get on this thing?" Blair asked as they approached the bike.

"What do ya mean, 'How do I get on this thing?'" Jo motioned as if she were flipping her hair. "Just get on," she huffed.

Jo mounted the Kawasaki and Blair followed, carefully sitting down.

"Geez! Why do ya hafta be so dainty about everything?"

"I can't help it if I'm naturally graceful."

Jo started the engine and put on her helmet, handing the other to Blair. "Heh, heh," she snickered. "I can't wait to see ya with helmet hair later on."

"Turn blue," Blair retorted. After she put it on, she took a second to think of what else to do to get under Jo's skin. Blair got great enjoyment out of irritating the fiery brunette, finding her to be irresistibly sexy when annoyed. "What am I supposed to hold on to?"

"Me! Sheesh."

"Oh," Blair said, knowing perfectly well what the answer was. Another one of my brilliant ideas thought Blair as she wrapped her arms tightly around Jo's waist. There was nowhere else on earth she wanted to be as the bike set in motion.

The duo rode together along winding roads. The sky above them was so clear the stars and moon had bragging rights. Jo noticed a slight chill in the air and pulled the bike over to the shoulder.

"Why did you stop?" Blair inquired.

"It's gettin' chilly. Put this on." She took off her jacket and handed it to Blair.

"With all the times you told me to get my claws off your prized leather jacket you want me to wear it? I'm touched, Jo. Really," she said softly.

Jo blushed slightly. "Don't go makin' a big thing out of it. Geez!"

"Well, thank you just the same." Blair put it on and their trip resumed.

How can something that looks so innocent feel so naughty? Blair silently asked herself as they rode along. The feeling of the wind, the vibration of the motor and being so close to Jo set her senses reeling, and her nether region throbbed right along with the engine. She realized it was lucky they were both wearing helmets because if Jo's exposed neck had been available to nibble, Blair honestly didn't know if she could've controlled herself.

Both Jo's mind and blood were racing at the sensation of Blair's body pressed into hers. She was hyper-aware of Blair's full breasts pushing against her back. It drove her deliciously insane and she was fearful she might get too distracted and spill the bike. "Hey Blondie!" She yelled as they were stopped at a traffic light. "Stop tryin' to squeeze my guts out."

"But you told me to hold on to you," Blair said playfully.

Jo recognized the tone in Blair's voice. She was in flirt mode. It was no wonder she usually got her way with the guys she dated.

"But we're not even movin'," Jo said as her legs became jelly.

"So what's your point?" The blonde drawled.

"Oh forget it. It's...uh...it's okay." Concentrate on the road Polniaczek, she thought to herself as her nipples hurt in the most delightful manner. Just concentrate. How often do you get to be this close to her? Don't blow it.

They rode on a for a bit longer and by the time they arrived back home Blair's chin was resting on Jo's shoulder. Once they came to a stop, Jo heard Blair sigh contently in her ear. "That was so nice," she said, and sighed once more.

"Ya know what? It really was," Jo agreed.

Mrs. Garrett awoke to the sound of the motorcycle pulling up. As she looked out the window, she smiled while spotting Blair and Jo going in the house arm in arm. "You go girls."