Title: Trouble comes in Twos - Part 19

James Poirer is behind bars in the local jail. Only two weeks of freedom and he's back in the system. This time he has his brother, Jacob, for company.

I fully expect James to be charged as an adult with manslaughter. Whether he comes out of the adult prison system worse off than he goes in will be completely up to him, but considering his track record, I don't believe he'll come out any better unless he gets control of his temper.

There's been no time to talk to Nora on a more personal level, to make sure she's really OK. She seems to be holding up well, besides an extra bruise or two on her ribs.

The entire siren screaming ride to the Gallot's house was almost too much to bear. I'm proud of her and scared to death at the same time after hearing how she subdued James. One misstep and I would have found her dead body instead of her alive and well.

This is why I didn't want to get into a relationship with another cop, or rather part of the reason. I'd still be freaked if my partner was injured or taken hostage, but that extra step in our relationship... is it worth it?

The ride back to the country house was quiet, giving me a chance to think about the question and the only answer I give is yes, it's got to be worth it. Nora's been on the force longer than I have and knows the pro's and con's of what this means and if she's willing to take the chance, so am I.

All I have to do is glance at her and the feeling of her body against mine and her insistent lips makes my face flush. And waking up beside her this morning? I've never slept more contentedly and dread sleeping alone tonight.

It's late afternoon by the time the three of us pile into her car and start our trip back to New Orleans. The ride made me drift off and I feel like a contented cat. Sleepy. Warm. Rubbing my head against Nora's shoulder as she drives us home. I'd purr but I don't want to distract her more than I already am with my hand on her thigh.

Her very strong, lovely thigh.

It was a wonderful, albeit short, nap but the setting sun coming through the windshield is burning right through my eyelids. Squeezing Nora's thigh, in thanks for letting me use her as a pillow, I sit up slightly and give her a sleepy smile.

"Have a nice snooze?" she asks, returning the smile with one of her own.

"It's been a long weekend, I'm just a bit tired," I reply, not regretting one moment of it. "After spending the entire afternoon giving statements, I'll admit I'm a bit homesick."

Nora takes a hand off the wheel and places it over mine on her thigh, threading our fingers.

My heart jumps at her touch and I can feel my cheeks flushing. It's just a touch, just skin against skin, but I've never felt quite like this before. I think I'm already addicted to her.

Darius unplugs the earphones out of his iPod and wiggles in his seat. "Almost home! Turn here," he directs, pointing to the next cross-street. "No offense Ladies, but this single, black male has been around the dynamic duo for an entire weekend and I feel the need to check up on my girl!"

Rolling my eyes in mock-disgust, I throw a sharp elbow into his ribs, enjoying the explosion of breath that escapes him. "Your imaginary girl? Because you do know that we are not here to fuel your late night fantasies."

Darius just chuckles as we pull up to his partment. Before he can escape, I pull him close and give him a long hug.

"Thank you for dropping everything and coming with me, Darius," I whisper in his ear, letting him go with a chaste kiss to the cheek.

"See you two ladies later," he says with a wave and gets his bag out of the back.

"Bye, Darius," Nora waves before pulling back out onto the street.

There's more room now, but I'm comfortable, not willing to scoot over.

"So," Nora says while checking the car mirrors, "I get to see where you live."

"Mmmhmmm," I reply, turning to give her a cheeky grin, "but don't think that just because you get to see my home that you can take advantage of the situation, Detective."

"I wouldn't dream of it," she quips back, then changes her mind. "Well, OK, I would dream of it."

I sigh deeply to myself, in wonder at how coming back to Nola feels so completely different than when I left. When I ran away from this gorgeous woman with green eyes.

We ride quietly for a few minutes after I give her my address. The only reaction she gives is a smile and a shake of her blonde locks, not seeming terribly surprised at the destination.

"Tomorrow," I hesitate bringing this up, but I know it's got to be on her mind, "at the precinct..."

Nora sighs and squeezes my hand tighter, as if scared I'll pull away. "Tomorrow," she echoes, "we act like the professionals we are, Nikki."

"Of course," I reassure her, "but..." My throat closes around what I want to say, what I need to say.

Nora pulls her hand away from mine and places it back on the steering wheel, making the last turn onto my street. I spot a marked NOPD car at the corner and wonder if she recognizes the two uniformed officers standing on the sidewalk. When one of them sees us, he raises a hand in greeting and it nearly breaks my heart .

It's already started. The pulling away. I scoot over towards the passenger door, giving us more space.

"Here," I point out a spot available in front of my building.

She eases the car into the space and turns off the engine. I can't look at her, not wanting to see anything but her smile right now.

After a few moments of silence, I break down and exit the car first and start grabbing my bags from the back. Nora gets out and hurries around the car, grabbing the heavier bag from me. I can't help wincing when her hand brushes mine and we turn to walk through the alley between the next building and my own.

"Nikki?"

I don't stop, instead walking briskly through to the courtyard me and my neighbor share. Dropping my bag at the glass back door, I start rummaging for my keys, only to have her take my hands in hers.

Sighing, I look up right into her concerned face.

"Nikki..." she starts to talk but I interrupt.

"I know. It's just harder now," I start to pull away but she's stronger than I am, holding my hands.

A small smile graces her lips and her eyes glow with feeling. "It is, but it doesn't change how I feel. How I want to feel. What I want."

I look at her almost sheepishly. I've always been in the closet at work, it's just easier that way. Too much prejudice. I've seen too many sex crimes as an officer, too many of those related to the victim's sexual orientation and how hard it is for those that are out on the force. Sexual harassment is bad enough... but if it was known that Nora and I were seeing each other, the brass would have to step in and give us new partners. The uglier options I'd rather not think about.

But I'm not out outside of the job. I don't put rainbow flags outside my windows either, but I don't want to be ashamed. And I'm feeling ashamed right now, just from riding with Nora in her car and being recognized by the unis. I hate it.

Nora steps closer into me, releasing my hands to put hers on my hips.

"I'm sorry," she offers quietly, sincerely. "This isn't what I wanted."

The shock rips through my body like a knife wound and I start to pull back automatically, but she tightens her grip and holds me still.

"I didn't want to make you feel bad. But when we passed those uniformed officers, I got nervous. I don't want to be singled out. Pointed at. But I don't want... to be without you," she whispers softly, stepping closer until she's pressed against me.

My fingertips reach out and touch her forearms and drift up onto her shoulders and then into her hair.

"You didn't say no last night," she points out, "and I'm not saying no right now. Let's just take this slow..."

I can't take it slow and reach forward and kiss her slowly at first, then sweeping my tongue over her lips in permission, deeply and thoroughly. I give her my answer joyfully.

The End (To Be Continued in "A Taste for Trouble")