Be Mine Ch4

"Nikki, you made it! And you look amazing! Come in, come in!" Stephanie's smile spoke more to Nikki than her words. She looked, sounded, and truly was beyond delighted to have Nikki in her home.

"Welcome, welcome. I'm so glad you came. Dinners not quite ready, yet, I hope you're hungry!" Stephanie went to take Nikki's coat and gasped to herself as it came off, her short skirt gave a great view of her legs, and although her top was cut high, with no cleavage for her to look at during dinner, her breasts still pushed the fabric to its very limits. Stephanie had never wanted to see a wardrobe malfunction so badly in all her life.

"I'm starving, and you look fabulous..." Nikki trailed off as she didn't know what to say next, mostly because Stephanie looked far from fabulous. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun, her clothes were things she wouldn't dare wear in any social situation, although they were covered by a multi coloured apron, which was multi coloured only by the number of colourful stains it featured. Nikki realised she might have been a little insulting. "I didn't mean to say that, sorry,"

Stephanie laughed. "Didn't mean to say what? That I look fabulous? I know I'm not quite up to my usual standard, but I'll change before dinner, I got a dress I think makes me look a lot more sophisticated than I may have come across recently, certainly more than certain drunk idiots made me look."

Nikki cracked up laughing at the joke and the memory of Stephanie taking down a guy, who was a lot bigger than she was, and doing it in a manner that, as she said, was not sophisticated or ladylike. It helped relax her, if Stephanie can joke about any of the events of the previous weekend, then they can move on and be friends.

"I'm happy to hear you laughing." Stephanie said with a genuine smile. Nikki was looking relaxed and comfortable in her home, exactly what she wanted her to be. "I've put everything on a low heat, so let me give you a tour." Stephanie then ushered Nikki towards the staircase, wanting to begin the tour on the upper floor. The house see,ed much bigger on the inside than it was on the outside. Nikki felt herself getting jealous as she went around the three bedrooms, the spares decorated elegantly but more minimalist than Stephanie's master bedroom, which, now it had been fully cleaned and tidied, had been made to look like a heavenly place.

"Where the magic happens. A cheesy line I know." Stephanie said as Nikki looked around, a couple of photos on the wall, showing Stephanie with a woman in what looked like a foreign country. Nikki got to thinking, but dismissed the idea that went into her head. It was too late to stop her seeing them, but Stephanie ushered her out of the room after that, just as eagerly as she led her into the room. They headed back down the stairs, Nikki went to open a door, put felt her host pull her back.

"No, not in there, that's just the basement, there's nothing down there, I just keep stuff down there in case I need it. Come on, in here next."

Confused, she was shown into the living room of the house and asked to take a seat. She did, and Stephanie came back a few minutes later with a glass of red wine. "Here, but the time that you've got on with that, the starter should be ready."

"Starter? You haven't gone to too much trouble have you Steph?"

"Of course not. Nothing's too much trouble. Not when I have you as my guest. I love cooking, and it's great to have somebody here, it gets lonely when I'm home by myself. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to change and make myself look beautiful. Relax, enjoy the wine. I'll be right back." Stephanie all but ran up the stairs, Nikki figured she must have only a short time she can leave the food but didn't get the opportunity to offer help. She looked around the room as she took a sip of wine, which was very good. Way better than at the restaurant from before, it was likely very expensive. She saw more photos, featuring the same woman. In one of them they had their arms around each other, cheek to cheek, with big smiles for the picture, from their clothes it was likely a party of some sort, but Nikki couldn't help but wonder who it was with Stephanie in the picture. Was it her partner, her girlfriend? If it was, what was up with that kiss? It could be an ex, but she would never keep pictures of any of the guys she had dated over the years, which was the who's who of losers. Could it have been a rebound thing at the club that night? That was the best answer she had come up with by the time Stephanie came back, wearing a black silk dress, with her hair looking amazing for the short time she had to work on it.

"You look fantastic, but you should have saved a dress like that for night out, it deserves to be shown off."

"I don't get to go out as much as I used to, so I wanted to wear it. This is a special occasion for me. I want this to go well." Stephanie blushed and went back to the kitchen, returning a minute later. "Please join me for dinner." She held out her hand and Nikki walked towards her. Steph took her hand and led her to the dining room, which was set up with a tablecloth and candles, although the candles were lit, the lights were left on. Two bowls of soup sat on the table, with bread rolls and a large bowl of salad.

"It looks great Steph." Nikki said as she sat down.

Even though she had to release her hand, that moment was special to her. The effort she put in was being appreciated. What a woman Nikki was. And she loved the house too. She loved it all. If the meal went well, she'd love her more.

"Stephanie? You joining me?" Nikki said from behind a chair. Stephanie snapped out of her thoughts. She went over and insisted on pulling Nikki's chair out for her, a gesture that she accepted.

The soup was French Onion, and it was excellent. Nikki found herself talking very little through the bowl, enjoying every mouthful. Stephanie saw her reaction and felt proud of herself, her confidence was growing.

The soup was gone in no time, and Stephanie returned to the kitchen, returning with steak, potatoes and grilled tomato. "I made the peppercorn sauce myself." She told Nikki, but her tone gave her away this time.

"Steph, you don't need to try and impress me, if this is anywhere near as good as the soup..." Nikki took her first bite. "Oh, and it is. Cooked perfectly. How did you know I like it rare?

"Because you are a rare person, someone who I thought enjoys the finer things. How else would you like your steak?"

"Erm, ok then, well I'm glad you got it right. You're a sensational cook. Why did you go into advertising? To me, right now, you should have your own restaurant." Nikki returned to her food with enthusiasm.

"Because everyone always told me that I had a creative mind, and if I channeled it right, then I could make a fortune doing it."

"Everyone told you?" Nikki just got out before taking another bite.

"Yeah, my parents, my brother, my therapist. Everyone."

Nikki choked a little bit. "Therapist?"

"Yeah, my parents made me see one, they were worried something was wrong when I kept my imaginary friends into my teen years. I didn't need it, what teenage girl doesn't have some kind of problems. He helped me with a direction where I could make money by having my random thoughts put on paper. You saw my ideas for the pitch and you liked them right?"

"Yeah, of course, they were inspired. Thats how you do it? That's quite a gift."

Stephanie blushed. "Thanks. I hope they like it too."

"Don't worry they will." Nikki caught Stephanie staring at her. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I was seeing how you reacted to hearing that. I wanted you to know about it. It's in the past, but it's the only way to answer your question. You showed me that I can trust you by not telling anyone about what happened. That meant so much to me. You mean so much to me."

"Ok, hold on there." Nikki was keen to stop Stephanie before she said something that would completely derail the evening. "I forgot to ask, who is the woman in all the photos with you? You two look really happy." Nikki gestured to a picture near to her host and Stephanie looked at a photo that was in that room of her with the same woman as in the others. She looked really mad for a second, but took a deep breath, which Nikki noticed, before answering.

"It's Bayley. She was my best friend. We did everything together, kind of inseparable. She did a lot for me, and I'd do the same for her."

Nikki spotted the tense she was using. "You said was?"

Stephanie nodded, biting her bottom lip. "I keep the pictures so I'll always remember her. She was so special. Excuse me." Stephanie ran into the kitchen.

Nikki groaned in annoyance at herself. She had to be nosy at things that were not her business. Now she'd really put her foot in it. It did explain everything. Why there were so many pictures of her, yet she hasn't come up in conversation. But she had to push on it, why? What did she expect as an answer? What good was it going to do either of them?

Nikki thought about going after Stephanie, to check on her, but just as she left the chair, Stephanie came back into the room carrying a large colourful glass bowl that covered her face.

"Fruit Trifle!" She proclaimed, a crack in her voice obvious, and her attempt to hide it wasn't good. "They have some weird dessert options in England, but I think you'll like this." She tried to laugh at her own comment, but it didn't come out like one.

"Steph, you don't have to. I'm sorry I...oh no." Nikki trailed off, seeing, as she put the bowl on the table, that Stephanie had clearly been crying. She tried to find the right words to apologise, and try and offer sympathy, but Steph just sat down, dished out the dessert, and just ate without a further word. Nikki did the same, enjoying the trifle, which was just as good as the rest of the meal, while she tried to think of a way to salvage the evening. She realised that the best way to get past it might be to talk about it.

"Would you like a hand cleaning up?" Nikki asked, trying to get the dialogue going.

"It's ok, I'll run the dishwasher later. Would you like coffee? Or more wine?"

"I think another glass of wine, please."

"Ok, let's go back to the living room then." They left the table and went to the sofa.

"Steph, I need to say I'm sorry again, I didn't mean to upset you before. I didn't know what had happened. If you want to talk about it, I'm here for you. If you want me to shut up, I won't bring it up again."

Stephanie turned and picked up a picture of Bayley and her, both in bikinis at the beach. She put her hand to her mouth, trying to control her emotions.

"Thanks Nikki, nobody's ever cared this much. You really are special." Nikki was happy to see her smile, not noticing the look in her eyes.

"So, with Bayley, what happened?

Stephanie took a breath, "She was away on business for work, she was with a children's charity that worked across the country. She was apparently driving back to her hotel after an event in Chicago, and her car was hit by a drunk driver. She was airlifted to hospital. I got on a flight, but when I got into Chicago, she had..." Stephanie let out a sob "She had already gone." Nikki heard her voice go up in pitch, so she took her hand.

This gave Stephanie some extra courage. "I didn't get to say goodbye. How messed up is that. We were together all the time, but I'll never get to say goodbye properly. It just isn't right."

"No it's not. What happened to the driver? Is he in prison?"

"That asshole, no he's not in prison, he didn't go to trial."

"Oh my god, no wonder you can't get any closure. What is wrong with this country."

Stephanie spoke much more seriously suddenly. "Not like that Nikki. He's dead. Found dead in his home. Drug overdose. No good fucker took the easy way out."

"Did it not make you feel better?"

Stephanie started getting agitated "No, of course not! It didn't bring her back! She left me, she got taken from me and I'll never get her back." Nikki slid over more, putting her hand on Stephanie's shoulder, which did help with her mood.

"Would she want you crying over her? I don't know how long ago it happened, but she wouldn't want to see you upset. She looks like she was a lot of fun."

Stephanie stayed silent, but smiled. Finally responding with "Yeah, she is, I mean she was. It's been about 10, er, months. You are right though. She always had a smile for anyone. A smile and a hug."

Nikki was pleased to see a good change in her mood, which had been all over the place in honesty. "I'm sorry I never met her."

"Yeah, me too. You two would have gotten on great. She can't be replaced, but I hope we can be friends the way I was with Bayley." Stephanie held her breath at that question, and Nikki knew it.

Nikki had only one concern, but put it aside. She felt that they had made a better connection now and made a friend. "Well, I'm not Bayley, and I won't try to replace her, but I'm ok for a hug when you need it. "

Stephanie was delighted. She held her hands out for a hug right there and then, which Nikki accepted. Holding her like that set off everything instinct in her body. This hug was more than a friend hug, and wanting to fill the void Bayley left meant something very different to Stephanie than Nikki thought it did. Very different, but that was something she'd tell her another day. At this moment, she had to make sure that she didn't let her go a second time.

Stephanie adjusted the hug so she was able to fund Nikki's head so they were facing, but still in the hug. Stephanie moved closer and caught Nikki is a kiss once again. She wrapped her arms around Nikki's neck and locked them tight, to keep the kiss going as long as she could.

Nikki tried her hardest to push Stephanie away, but found that it wasn't going to happen, the other woman was much stronger than she was and this kiss wasn't ending until she wanted it to. She tried to send a message with her mouth but it wasn't picked up at all, and it wasn't going to be. As soon as Stephanie had to stop for air, she ducked out, grabbed her bag and went to the door. She didn't say a word until she reached the door and found that it was locked.

"Open the door please. I want to leave." Nikki said. Stephanie came to her, but didn't make any attempt to do as told.

"Nikki please, come sit down. We need to talk."

To avoid going around the same issue as before, she allowed herself to be taken back to the living room, but sat in a chair, rather than the sofa, so as to make sure she could sit alone. Stephanie was able to turn the chair so it faced the sofa, away from the dining room, then sat on the sofa.

"Would you like coffee now Nikki?"

Nikki couldn't believe that's what she had to say. "Coffee? Steph, why did you kiss me again?"

Stephanie looked down. "Nikki, why do you run every time I kiss you? You must understand that I'm crazy about you. I'm falling in love with you. I've finished falling, and I'm totally under your spell. I want to spend my life with you. Wake up with you, fall asleep with you, feel joy in my heart every second I spend with you. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I want to make you feel as wonderful as you do me. I mean emotionally, I mean spiritually, and yes Nikki, I mean sexually." Stephanie got up and walked around Nikki's chair as she kept talking. "I can give you an experience that you never knew existed. Nothing like you could ever experienced in your life before. And that is yours anytime, day or night, and all I want is to know you are mine. I don't want anything but your love Nikki. We are meant to be. It's destiny. Just say you want to be mine. Please?" Stephanie knelt down next to Nikki's chair and looked her in the eye as she finished.

Nikki saw Stephanie's eyes glistening and noticed she had held her breath again. She realised that she really had laid everything on the line and gone for broke in her admission. She knew it was going to be difficult to do this, but she has to do it. Hopefully she could find a way to spare her feelings and save their working relationship.

"Steph listen, that's flattering. Really it is. You deserve somebody to love you, really you do, but it's not me. It's not personal. But I'm sorry, I'm just not a lesbian. I don't have those kind of feelings for you, and I never will. I do want us to be friends, we can be great friends, I like you, but I do not love you. If you can get over this, then it's fine. If you can't, if you ever kiss me again like that, we will be work colleagues, and nothing more. Ever. I really hope you understand, and we can work this out."

Tears fell down Stephanie's cheeks. She thought for a second. "Ok Nikki, you hurt me there. But I understand, and know what I have to do. Will you stay for a while?"

Nikki nodded. "Of course, but we need to talk about something else."

"I'll get us coffee. Be right back." Stephanie left for the kitchen. Nikki got more comfortable in the chair and tried to relax, hoping it was the last time she had to deal with that. But she never could have thought that it was about to get much worse.

Stephanie went into the kitchen, turned on the coffee maker, and quickly went to a lockbox she had gotten. Inside she took out one of a pack of syringes, removed the hygienic packaging and then produced a colourless liquid in a bottle. She took a small amount of the liquid up into the syringe and locked the box again. She checked the syringe and headed back into the living room, using the door behind Nikki so she couldn't see.

Nikki had no idea what was coming. Stephanie covered Nikki's mouth tight and put the needle in her neck, injecting the liquid into her bloodstream before removing the needle.

Nikki jumped up. "That hurt, Steph! What the hell was that? If felt like you gave me a shot! Why? What's wrong with you? What's... What's wrong with me? My legs feel numb. I need to sit." Stephanie held Nikki's arm and helped her to a seat, but she kept shouting.

"Don't touch me! Why couldn't I free my arm? My arm feels numb too? What have you done to me? What hav..." Nikki wasn't able to continue her words as she passed out in the chair, into a complete state of unconsciousness.

Stephanie noticed that Nikki had drooled a little onto her top. She wiped it off with her finger and sat on Nikki's lap. She sucked her saliva off her finger and whispered into her unresponsive ear.

"I know you didn't mean what you said. You love me Nikki, you just don't know it yet. I know I love you, and I promise you this, I'm never, ever going to let you go."

A/N: Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The reviews have been amazing, and it's doing better than I expected.