Be Mine Ch2

"Who are you talking to?" Paige asked.

Stephanie tried to think. "How long have you been standing there?"

"I just came in, did you say "She's meant to be mine? Are you a lesbian? I mean it's ok if you are, but is it meant to be a secret? Or is it? Does Seth know?"

Stephanie felt herself going red. "Of course I'm not, are you crazy? I'm just talking about this account we are working on, we have to pitch first thing Monday, and we divided to use my idea for it. It's a big deal too, tv spot, it'll be my first if they go with it, so I might get my first idea on a tv screen. I guess I couldn't help getting a little bit, I don't know, excited?"

"Well congratulations on that, but it's not how it sounded to me. You talked about our lives, like your in a relationship. Steph, really, you don't have to be ashamed of it. Nobody would think of you any differently, I know Seth and I wouldn't, and the company wouldn't care. I can help if you would like me too."

"Look!" Stephanie snapped, looking angry. "I don't know what you think you heard, but I am not gay! If you dare tell anybody any different then that's it for you. I can make your life very difficult. I know all about you Paige. Things Seth doesn't know, things the company do not know."

Paige was taken back. "What are you talking about, I just wanted to help."

"You wanted to interfere, that's what you wanted. I can interfere too you know. Like say, with your résumé, that year you spent at that marketing company in New York?"

Paige's eyes went wide in fear. "No..."

"Yes. I didn't know Rikers Island offered those sort of opportunities . What experience you must have gotten. But wait, they didn't even know about that when they hired you did they."

Paige was practically in tears. "Please Stephanie, that was in the past, I made a stupid mistake as a kid. I did my time in jail and I'm trying to make a new life for myself. You tell them I'm an ex-con, and I'll be fired on the spot."

"So you see, careless talk can have horrible consequences. Like if Seth knew what really happened between you and the rep for that Mexican food chain last month, you know him, the one he got into the fight with when he dismissed our pitch?." That brought Paige to her knees, tears running down her cheeks freely.

"No, no please. I was drunk. Seth and I weren't even together."

"You think he'd care? Knowing you were his sloppy seconds? Probably not. He'd dump you like the mouthy trash that you are." Paige started crying at that last remark, hands over her face in angst. Stephanie crouched next to Paige, and offered her a hand. She looked confused, and took it, but with concern. Stephanie picked her up, back to her feet, and to Paige's shock, gave her a quick hug, then held her hand after.

"I don't hate you Paige, you're a lovely girl, you and Seth are a great couple. I don't want to see anything happen to you. You've had a lot to deal with already. I think you and I could be friends. Friends don't spread lies about each other. You have to understand what can happen if you start making comments about other people lives. There are consequences, and it's unlikely that these consequences are going to be good for very many people at all. It will hurt people, and neither of us want to hurt people, do we?" Paige shook her head viciously, wanting to free her hand but unable to break the grip Stephanie had on it.

"So let's just go back to things were before. Your secrets are safe with me as long as you continue to be my friend, you're my friend aren't you Paige?" Stephanie's face looked caring and genuine, but Paige was scared out of her wits.

"Y-yeah, friends, of course we are Stephanie. I've got to go now, I've got to get ready to meet Seth."

"Ok then, have a great night, don't do anything I wouldn't do." Stephanie said in a joking tone, but it didn't change Paige's movements. The black haired woman couldn't get out of the bathroom quick enough. Stephanie checked her hair before heading out of the bathroom and home.

She knew she had to hurry home, she had to make herself as beautiful as she could. Nikki deserved only the best, and that's what she was going to get. She stripped off and got straight into the shower as soon as she was inside. As she soaped her whole body down, making sure she was clean, her thoughts drifted again to the woman that she desired, who she wanted to make hers tonight. The shower and bathtub combo was spacious, and Stephanie couldn't help but picture that the next time she was in this tub, she wouldn't be alone. That thought on its own was almost too much for her to deal with and she was unable to stop her hand sliding in between her legs. She began to rub her clit gently, gasping at the sensation she was in need of. She found that wasn't enough and she continued to touch herself.

"Yes, right there babe, faster, harder, Yes! Yes!" Stephanie's reactions to her touch got more wild and she couldn't resist slipping two fingers inside herself, her whole body spasming slightly in response. The running water and natural wetness inside her made the movement of her fingers an easy task. She moved them in and out slowly, while still applying just the right pressure to her clit. She had to use her other hand to help her stand, leaning her head on her hand as her pleasure increased. Any thoughts of stopping there had long since left her head and she increased the speed of her fingers.

"Oh my god! Right there, keep doing me right there!" She screamed , unable to keep any control over her volume. She could feel that she was coming close to getting her release, but couldn't slow herself down to enjoy it. Her hand movement got faster and more violent, slapping against her body with every stroke into her wanting centre.

"Oh baby! I'm gonna come! I'm going to come so hard! Finish me now!" She screamed, then for a moment she was unable to talk as she reached her personal high. Her whole body tensed up for what was only a moment, but felt like an eternal paradise for Stephanie, who let out a loud scream of " Oh, Nikki!" that lasted as long as her orgasm ripped through her and she coated her hand in her personal juices.

Stephanie struggled to regain her breath, the water washing away her fluids and her thoughts. She turned off the shower, and got out, her legs feeling like they were made of rubber as her body tried to recover from the intensity of her orgasm.

"Mmmmm, if that's what you do to me before dinner, I can't wait for dessert." She said as she returned to her bedroom.

Picking out what she wanted to wear would bring out her nerves about the evening. "She's got to love what she sees when she unwraps me." Was her first thought, not that she could stop herself from repeating it out loud as she looked through her underwear drawer, eventually settling on a matching pink satin bra and thong, with black lace detail on each. She admired herself in the mirror for a moment, convincing herself this was good enough before doing her make up, then opening her closet for the right dress. Ten minutes later the closet was empty and nearly every dress was on the bed, on the dresser, or on the floor. Stephanie ran her hands through her hair in frustration. "She deserves more." She said, picking up a knee length black dress with a short split up the side. Grabbing a pair of scissors from a drawer, she cut the slit, making it go up as far as she could without risking exposing herself in public.

"Much better" she said as she admired her leg in the mirror. She put on her earrings and a necklace with a small ruby pendant that hung perfectly placed above her breasts. The dress was low capture, but it didn't stop Stephanie from trying to pull it down as much as good taste would allow.

Finishing off the ensemble, she grabbed her phone from her bag and ordered an Uber. It didn't take long to arrive and she was on her way to the restaurant. The driver was repeatedly trying to make conversation, but it was met with silence, as Stephanie was getting more and more nervous the closer they got to the restaurant.

Stephanie paid the driver, giving a generous tip, and got out full of excitement, only to find that she was alone outside of Santino's. Nikki wasn't there. Stephanie felt a pain in her chest that was ours disappointment. Why hadn't she shown up? Did she get cold feet? No, she knew it had to be more than that.

As Stephanie looked at herself in the reflection in the window, she knew that Nikki must have changed her mind. But she didn't understand. This was supposed to be fate, it was supposed to be destiny, it was supposed to be the first step, why didn't she want to take it with her, why didn't...

"Stephanie?" Suddenly she realised Nikki was standing right behind her, hidden in the reflection by Stephanie's taller frame. Turning round, Stephanie found herself left breathless by the goddess she was faced with. Nikki had also opted for a little black dress, but much shorter than her own, she had straightened her hair and she looked ten times more beautiful than when she last saw her. She knew this was the one.

"Stephanie? Are you all right?" Nikki asked, getting her answer when her new coworkers face broke out in a huge smile.

"I'm great, now that you're here. I thought you were going to stand me up." Stephanie couldn't avert her eyes, scanning Nikki up and down repeatedly.

"But I got here right after you, I was in a taxi behind you, I could see you ahead of us." Nikki said.

Stephanie felt like she'd been so stupid. She was never going to be stood up, not by her soul mate. "I wish I'd looked round then, you look absolutely stunning. I mean, wow."

Nikki smiled and blushed. "Hey, you clean up pretty good yourself. Can we go in, I'm starving." Stephanie opened the door, allowing Nikki to enter first.

"Good evening. Welcome to Santino's." Said a blonde at a high table just inside.

"Hi, reservation under McMahon?" Stephanie replied.

"Yes, here we are. Table for two." Before any more conversation, a short man with a goatee came out through a door marked 'Private'

"Elizabeth, my dear, allow me to show their guests to their table." The blonde gestured for him to proceed and returned his attention to them "Ah, such beautiful ladies in my humble eatery. My name is Santino, and it is my pleasure to have you here. Please follow me." He led them to a quiet table in the corner. Nikki was surprised to see the whole place was only lit by candles, it was a place to take someone for an anniversary, not a meal between new friends. They sat down and Santino handed them menus.

"Wine?" Stephanie asked.

"Yes please, red." Nikki responded, referring to the house red, so was shocked when Stephanie ordered the most expensive bottle on the list. "Are you sure about that?"

"Why not, this is a celebration isn't it?" Nikki felt better at that. "Yes, this has been a great day."

"And the first of many we'll have." Stephanie said as the wine arrived. She allowed Nikki to try it, before Santino poured their first glasses. Nikki raised hers. "Here's to my new coworkers, even those not here. Thanks for making today special."

"It's certainly a special day for me too, but also to a great night, and many, many more of them together." They clinked glasses and took a drink.

They ordered dinner, and Nikki had to admit to Stephanie that she was right about the food, it was first class. The conversation touched on work, but Stephanie couldn't stop asking Nikki all kinds of questions, wanting to get to know her better. Nikki began to feel quite comfortable, but that oiled have been the wine. Stephanie had been sure to keep her wine glass filled through the meal, she'd been very attentive. Nikki was enjoying herself, pleased to have made a new friend as well as a co worker. They chatted about clothes, shared beauty tips, made plans to go shopping, which Stephanie had insisted they do as soon as they could.

When the check arrived, Stephanie snapped it up as soon as it hit the table.

"Let me pay my share." Nikki said, serious in intent.

"Sweet of you." Stephanie said, genuine in tone, "but this is on me. I asked you out, so it's only right. I know that we will be doing this again soon, if you really want to, you can pay next time ok." Nikki smiled and put her purse down. Stephanie paid the bill, with a good tip, and they left the restaurant. Out front Nikki turned to her companion.

"You still didn't need to do that, it wasn't cheap in there."

"It's my pleasure Nikki, I'm having a great time with you." Stephanie felt herself getting hit as she tried to decide her next move, but Nikki glad other ideas.

"It has been fun, but we better call it a night. Thank you for tonight Steph." As Nikki looked for a taxi, Stephanie thought fast, not ready to last her go.

"Whoa, wait a minute, what's your hurry? The nights still young."

"But we have a lot of work to do for your commercial. You don't want to be tired all day."

Stephanie smiled. "You're so sweet to care this much, but we can stay out a little longer can't we? Come on, there's a really nice dance club a few blocks that way, you like to dance right?"

"Sure, but..."

"There you go, come on, we don't even need a cab, let's walk." Stephanie took Nikki's hand and pulled her away in the direction she was indicating. Nikki had to admit she was having fun and wasn't against going dancing, building a rapport with her colleague was important if she was going to have the success she was looking for in her knew job. She was even happy to let the fact Stephanie held her hand all the way to the door of the club, where there was only a short wait to get in.

"Ladies, welcome to Fandango's Dance Club. We're open till 3am, there's a $5 cover charge, but that includes one free vodka shot. Please pay the cashier." The big bouncer told them as they got to the door. Nikki made sure she got to the cashier first and handed over a $10 bill.

"This is on me, least I can do ok?" Nikki told Steph, who knew not to argue with her this time, she stroked her arm in acknowledgement.

"Thanks, now let's get those shots." Stephanie grabbed Nikki's hand again and dragged her to the bar. They took their shots and Stephanie ordered a second round, which was downed just as quickly, before they headed to the dance floor. Nikki was a good dancer, but she was impressed that Stephanie was too, although she did enjoy dancing close to her, even grinding against her on occasion. The two danced together for a while, losing track of time before they both felt a bit tired.

"Wow, that was so much fun, I think I need a drink though. More shots?" Stephanie asked.

"How about a cocktail? Any preference?" Nikki had forgotten about the time, enjoying the night, and the vodka/wine combination playing its part.

"I'll have what your having. I'm going to go powder my nose, I'll find you by the bar." Stephanie said as they went in different directions. Stephanie reapplied her makeup and checked she was looking her best for Nikki, who ordered their drinks before an unknown voice came from behind her.

"I'll pay for those buddy." A male voice said to the bartender. Nikki turned around and saw a well built man, wearing a baseball cap smiling at her.

"That's very nice of you, but no thank you."

"Come on, I just want to buy a pretty lady a drink. There's no harm is there?" The man seemed sure of himself.

"In case you didn't realise, I ordered two drinks, I'm here with a friend, not looking for a date."

"That's fine, she'll have a drink while we get to know each other. My name's John and you are stunning." The compliment had Nikki blushing.

"I'm Nikki, and I said not tonight. Maybe some other time."

"There's no time like the present, you look sexy as hell and you deserve a man to make you feel it too." John got closer to Nikki as Stephanie returned to the bathroom. She immediately saw red as she all but ran over and pulled John back by the collar.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" She demanded of him.

"You must be the friend. You're not bad either. I think I could handle both of you. What do you say?" The smug grin on Johns face didn't last long as it was met a big slap across the from Stephanie.

"Listen here asshole, you even look her way again, and I'll cut your balls off and stomp on them! In case you were wondering how that felt, here's a taster." Stephanie then drove her knee into John's groin, leaving his confidence, and his entire body, in a heap on the floor. She took her cocktail in one hand, and Nikki in the other and went to the other end of the club.

"You ok sweetie?" Stephanie asked as soon as they were safely away from him.

"Yeah I'm ok. He was just a muscle headed idiot, thinks every woman wants to get in his pants. You got him good though, I must remember not to get you mad."

Stephanie looked back at her "You got that right." Nikki was taken back by the way she said it, but was relieved when Stephanie broke out into a smile before she continued. "But I can't say I blame him. You look good enough to eat. You could have anyone in this place, guy or girl."

That made Nikki burst out laughing. "Guy or girl huh? Lucky me, but that would hardly be fair, I came with you didn't I?"

Stephanie couldn't have wanted to hear anything more. She stepped close to Nikki, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I'm so glad you feel like that Nikki, I'm feeling the same way." Nikki wasn't sure what she meant, but it became very clear when Stephanie put her other arm around her, leaned in and kissed her.

Stephanie was tender with the first kiss, feeling scared and vulnerable. She got more passionate with the next one, kissing Nikki long and hard. Fireworks were going off in her heart, it felt like this was the way it was meant to be. The first kiss to end all first kisses. She couldn't help a small moan as she attempted to take the kiss to the next level.

Nikki, on the other hand, was frozen. She didn't move a muscle as her lips were trapped by this woman. She was in shock. She couldn't understand why this was happening. She realised that Stephanie was trying to get more from the kiss and remembered how to use her limbs, taking every but of her strength just to get the grip on her to loosen. She pushed Stephanie away, and could see the look in her eyes, one of lust.

"Stephanie, what the fuck do you think you're doing?" She screamed, loud enough for the other woman to hear her, but not loud enough over the music for anyone else in the club to get involved in their business. "You can't kiss me! Why are you kissing me? Are you a lesbian? You never told me you were gay! Well I'm not! Do you understand? I'm not now, nor will I ever be, a lesbian! You know what, I've gotta go, don't you dare try and stop me this time." Nikki then stormed past Stephanie at great speed, heading for the door. She was too fast for Stephanie's attempt to grab her arm.

"No! Nikki, wait! Please!" Stephanie called after, she tried to chase but Nikki's speed and negotiating her way past the crowds in the club made it impossible. She eventually found her outside, furiously hailing a taxi.

"Nikki, please, what did I do wrong? Whatever it is, I'm sorry ok? I don't want you to go, not like this." A taxi pulled up and Nikki tried to open the door, but Stephanie blocked it. "Don't go Nikki. I don't want you to go."

"I don't care what you want. How do you not get it? Get away from me, you, you dyke!" Nikki shoved Stephanie, she didn't fall, but it was enough to get her away from the door so she could open it and get in.

"Drive!" She shouted at the driver, who did as told. Nikki sat in the car and put her head in her hand. She regretted her choice of words immediately. She'd been out of line. The more she thought about it, the more guilty she felt. She resolved to make an apology for her insult as soon as possible, but in person.

Stephanie watched the car pull away and felt tears rushing down her cheeks. She pulled out her phone yo make a plea to Nikki to come back to her, but it had no battery, in frustration she threw the phone, it smashed against the wall. Stephanie made no effort to reclaim it. A car horn sounded, Stephanie ones she was in the road, but didn't care.

"Fuck you! Run me over! She screamed at the driver, causing the bouncer from the club to come to her. He lifted her and carried her back to the sidewalk, but Stephanie didn't make it easy for him, screaming and fighting him the whole way. When he put her down he got just as hard a slap as the man inside. "Put me down you asshole!"

"You better calm down and get in this cab, you sure as hell ain't getting back in here." He told her in a serious manner as he hailed a taxi and opened the door for her.

Stephanie let out a loud scream and got into the taxi, shrieking her home address like a banshee. She didn't understand why she was on her way home alone. Nikki should be there, she had pictured them making out all the way back in the taxi, all over each other. But she had run away from her. Why would she run away? She had to talk to her, find out why she ran, and make sure she never ran away again.

When she got home, Stephanie grabbed a bottle of vodka, and kept drinking.

A/N:Thanks for reading.

I hope you enjoyed this. The response to Ch1 blew away any hopes I'd had. Really did. Thank you to all of you out there, no matter if you read, followed, favourited reviewed. I'm grateful. I think this is the quickest I've updated for a while, and that's the reason why. It helped me get over my fears of trying 'something new' that I find here.

Who knows what kind of state Stephanie will be in tomorrow, or how her coming face to face with Nikki will be like. But there's no avoiding it. :-)