Loving the feedback I'm receiving on this – thanks everyone! Here is the final chapter – enjoy!
Biting back a smile, her gasp makes my insides flutter as I run my tongue around a dusky nipple, teasing it into a taut peak. The flutter turns into a more distinct burn as her long fingers tangle in my hair and draw my mouth even closer. Happily obliging, I continue my ministrations until she's squirming underneath me, softly moaning my name. I only stop when I feel her gently tug my hair insistently.
"Yes?" My mouth now free, I gaze into her sleepy, darkened eyes.
"I love you," her smile is wide and carefree; and although I know it's just a chemical reaction brought upon by my emotional state, I actually feel as if my heart melts. I want to wake up to her smile every day for the rest of my life. "I mean, you know I love you, but I'm in love with you." Her eyebrows raised, she emphasizes the in.
"And I'm in love with you," I respond truthfully, finally understanding the sentiments commonly associated with the word. For several seconds we stare at each other like lovesick teenagers until the intensity of the moment causes me to feel overwhelmed. Feeling the need to retreat, just for a moment, I turn my head and lay it carefully on her chest. Her heart pounds against my ear as her hands stroke my bare back. I've never felt like this before and it's terrifying. Instead of allowing my fears to take over, I close my eyes and concentrate on the anchoring presence of my detective underneath me, clutching at me as if I'm the most prized possession in the world. I focus on the relaxing cadence of her breathing, the steady pounding of her heart. Pounding of her heart?
"Jane, are you aware that you're exhibiting signs of tachycardia?"
She snorts, her chest vibrating under my cheek. "Does that mean my heart is racing? If so, then yes, I'm aware."
I frown slightly and push myself upwards to study her expression. "Have you been having issues with your heart rate? Jane, that's something that needs to be checked right away. I'll call my friend who's a cardiologist see if he can fit you in this afternoon."
"Calm down, would ya? I don't have anything wrong with me. My heart's all worked up because I just woke up to you doing obscene things to my boob, that's all." She embraces me domineeringly and I gratefully allow myself to sink back down into her arms.
"Are you sure that's it?"
"I promise. But you're more than welcome to check my heart rate any time you'd like." I take note of the quiet gentleness of her voice and suddenly feel foolish. Of course tachycardia is a normal symptom of sexual arousal; I just have always been hyper-vigilant to Jane's well-being, even more so now.
"I'm sorry," I tell her quietly, still embarrassed.
"I'm glad you look out for me," she responds and I delight in the low sincerity of her tone. Her hands start to roam again, exploring every inch of my body as if she were trying to memorize it. I shudder when she discovers a particular sensitive area and she thrusts her hips upward in response.
"Maurrrra," she warbles as she clenches my hips, rolling me against her roughly. "How is it that I need you again already?"
Placing my hand firmly on the mattress to either side of her, I lift myself up, my hips undulating down to meet hers at an even better angle. We groan in unison, her breath hitching. Her eyes are impossibly black; her hair spread out on my pillow like a dark corona. Her pink lips are stretched into a smile that reveals dazzling white teeth; a leer that is pure seduction. She is not just beautiful; she is the epitome of feminine beauty. I cannot fathom why she would ever choose me, but I am so grateful she did.
"We're going to be late for work, aren't we?" I'm surprised I can even manage a complete sentence with the way she's moving me against her. Normally, the thought of being late would give me anxiety, but today I don't care. I am utterly enthralled with the woman currently writhing under me.
Without warning, I'm flipped onto my back with almost six feet of suddenly very-awake and very aroused detective on top of me. She flashes me a feral smile before lowering her mouth to mine.
"Oh yeah we are."
Sliding into my heels, I check the time on the kitchen clock once more. If we grab a quick breakfast on the way in, we won't be as late as I feared. Jane had the thoughtful idea to share a shower to save on time and I can't help but feel my face flush as I remember perfectly the feel of sliding my hands up her lathered thighs just before I tasted her for the first time.
In the end, the shower didn't seem to save us any time at all, but it was a valid suggestion.
Buttoning my coat, I hit the remote starter on my car key and hook my clutch over my elbow.
"Jane?"
"Two minutes!"
I can't believe I'm ready before she is, I muse to myself. She always mocks me for carefully planning my outfit for each day the night before, but it certainly is a time saver.
I decide to use the time to check my emails and as I pick up my phone I see I have several missed text messages from Jack. My eyes widen in surprise as I read the most recent one just as I hear a knock on the door.
Oh no.
My shoulders sagging, I answer the door. Jack, dressed in a smart overcoat and looking exceptionally handsome, is leaning up against the door while holding two steaming cups of coffee.
"Morning, beautiful," he leans in for a kiss which I politely avoid by backing away. Confused, the questioning in his eyes causes me to flinch back even further from the door, which he takes as an invitation to enter. I've always dreaded the break-up part of all of my previous relationships; I absolutely despise being the cause of anyone's emotional torment.
"You obviously didn't get my texts, I see." There's that charismatic smile again as he motions for me to take one of the coffees, which I graciously decline. "Anyway, I just thought it would be nice to see you before work. It looks like I just caught you on the way out."
"I appreciate the sentiment, Jack. However, we do need to talk and now is neither the time nor place. I'm running late for work this morning and really need to be on my way."
"Uh oh, the dreaded talk. I'm assuming it's nothing to be worried about?" His charm, which I once found appealing, is now lost on me.
"You know what they say about the word assume, Jack." A raspy voice is easily heard from behind me and I close my eyes in response. This can't be happening. "It makes an ass outta you and me."
"Ah, Jane. Good morning." His eyes flick from her to me and I grimace in response. "And yes, I've heard that definition of the word before. It's quite popular among my students."
"Actually, Jane was referring to a common adage for the word, not the definition." Once I speak I immediately regret it. Turning to meet Jane's eyes, I beg with mine for her to behave. Message received, she gives me an apologetic smile.
"Maura, we really need to be on our way," she places a hand on the small of my back possessively before releasing me. Even through my wool coat, her touch is as strong as if I were wearing nothing. "I'll wait in the car."
Excusing herself politely, she takes one of the coffees from the tray Jack is carrying and gives him a bright smile, thanking him on the way out.
Once she closes the door, he glances at me, dumbfounded. I feel the heat rush to my face, hoping I can put an end to the situation as soon as possible without causing much discomfort.
"Maura, what's wrong?" His voice low, he sets the remaining coffee down on my counter. Placing his hand on my arm, his eyes are clearly concerned. "Why do I feel as if I'm missing something here?"
I'm not sure how to answer him, and internally I work out several sentences to see what sounds the best. They all sound terrible, and in the end I opt for the simplest explanation.
"What happened?" He asks again, his other hand reaching for me. Ducking my head, I back out of his grasp.
"Jane happened," I state plainly, apologetically.
As I watch him absorb the situation, I reflect on those two words. Jane happened. Never did I think it would be possible for another person to change my life in so many ways. Jane was my first real friend, the person that taught me how to confide in another; how to trust someone. Without her influence, I would have never have learned the beauty of just 'hanging out' and the importance of being able to be completely relaxed in the presence of another human being. Jane taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin by show me how comfortable she is in hers. She is the first person to like me for myself; and seeing myself through her eyes I don't feel so much like Maura the bore-a anymore. When I am with her I feel everything; absolutely overwhelming, but addictive. Jane has taught me how to live. I'm not sure when my feelings of friendship turned into something more; although I do know that it wasn't a sudden revelation. It could be best defined as a slow evolution of sentiments, an emotional journey through life's complexities and simplicities; perhaps even an inevitable joined ending for two very different individuals. Regardless of how I could ever manage to eloquently describe how Jane and I went from friendship to a more serious relationship, the phrase 'Jane happened' seems to just sum it up better than any other long-winded string of words.
Staring at me, I'm able to easily decipher his reaction. His expression hasn't changed, and I realize from the resigned sadness that has graced his face since Jane spoke that he's known all along what the actual issue with our relationship is. Where I expect anger, I find none; only quiet acceptance. Sadly, he gives me a small smile.
"Ah, I'm not sure what to say." He runs his hand through his hair sheepishly. "Other than I had a feeling this was going to happen. I mean, I know the two of you have been friends for a long time, but I could see something else there." He grimaces before continuing, "I certainly understand. You're very easy to fall for, Maura."
"I'm sorry, Jack." I couldn't be more truthful. "You're a wonderful man, you really are. If my situation was different, I know I could have reciprocated your feelings. I never intended for you to get hurt, and certainly did not mean to lead you on. I honestly did not see my relationship with Jane ever progressing to this level; I was not aware of the feelings she had for me."
He chuckles, not unkindly. "Maura, you'd have to be blind to not see it." Clearing his throat he glances at his watch. "Well, the morning is getting away from us. I should let you get to work, and, uh, well, I guess this is goodbye." His eyes are sad as he leans is as if he's going to hug me before pulling himself back and giving me an awkward wave. Grabbing his coffee from the counter, he practically bolts outside.
"Goodbye, Jack." After he closes the door behind him I take a moment to settle myself. He was much more understanding and reasonable than I expected him to be. All in all, I feel as if it went as well as it could have. A small part of me absolutely feels guilty; he did seem like a good man and I do feel as if both of us assumed our relationship would progress in a traditional manner. However, Jane happened.
Jane. The thought of her erases any remaining guilt associated with Jack's unexpected visit. The need to see her is strong so I quickly place my phone in my purse, straighten my coat and lock the door behind me.
When I open my car door, the faint traces of her perfume prick my senses. She sits quietly, her eyes regarding me quizzically.
"You okay?" A raven brow is arched as she takes a slow sip of her coffee before returning the cup to her lap.
I study her elegant face; the strong jawline, pronounced cheekbones, impossibly dark eyes with well-defined delicate lashes, and sly smile. The hand that holds her cup fiddles with the cardboard edge. The other reaches for mine and grasps it tightly, squeezing until her prominent knuckles turn white; as if she's never going to let me go.
"Yes," I tell her warmly, "I'm more than okay."
"Is he pissed? What happened?" She tries to remain calm, but I sense the anxiousness in her questions.
I've never smiled wider as I respond, "Jane happened."
