Thanks so much for the reviews and the suggestions. Based on your recommendations, I've practically re-written Chapter 1. Writing this story is definitely a challenge, and hope you enjoy Chapter 2, and continue to review.
Maura drained the last bit of wine from her glass before she and Jane exited the restaurant. A light rain was falling, and the streetlights shined down illuminating the puddles with brilliant sparks of flickering light. The wind blew warm against Jane and Maura's cheeks. A grinning Dr. Isles looked toward Jane, who ran her hand through her unruly curls as they stood beneath the awning waiting for the valet.
The detective felt Maura's eyes on her. Normally, someone staring at her like that would bother Jane, but she learned that when Maura did it, it meant she was trying to put some profound thought into words. "Maur, what's up? You look like the cat who swallowed the canary, the mouse and whatever else cats swallow."
Maura bit her bottom lip. That smugness she felt earlier driving her forward. "I was just thinking Jane, that there are relationships where one person highlights the other's loneliness…you know they just have a way of bringing you down, leaving you worse than before they found you. But by the time you realize that you've allowed them to make you feel that way, the damage is done. Then you have to put yourself back together."
Jane could feel tiny cracks forming in her heart. She was sad and angry that at some point in Maura's life someone she trusted betrayed her, and made her feel more isolated than she already was. She huddled close to Maura. "Yeah, those people are called assholes. Is someone doing that to you now?" Jane raised an inquiring eyebrow.
Maura's heart picked up a few beats. She felt a small thrill every time Jane launched into her protective mode. Despite being able to take care of herself, Maura found Jane's reaction igniting her. "No Jane. No one is making me feel that way now. I was just thinking there are some people who emphasize what you're missing, and there are others who through their interaction with you, fill in the empty spaces and make you feel whole."
Somewhat perplexed by this sudden revelation, Jane hesitated in her response, and then softly, huskily whispered in Maura's ear, "What exactly are you getting at Maur? I want to understand, but I'm not sure if I do." Jane drew herself up to her full height. God, Maura smelled like honeysuckle and Jane wanted to pull her into her arms and embrace her while she processed whatever was plaguing her brain.
The green in Maura's eyes twinkled."Jane, what I'm trying to say is thank you for you being one of rare people who by their very nature fills in those gaps."
That did it. Jane was barely able to keep her desire for Maura in check, and now that one little glimpse into Maura's heart absolutely did Jane in. There was no turning back; she was happily drowning in the sea that was Maura Isles. She could tell Jane to shoot herself in the foot and she would consider it.
She wanted Maura, and was falling fast. She was tired of searching for someone she could tolerate when someone she desired was right in front of her. Jane swallowed hard, and her cheeks flushed betraying the increase in her pulse.
She smiled wide as her long fingers toyed with the elevated scar on her right palm. "Thanks. I think that's one of the most meaningful and complex compliments I've ever received." Jane's eyes softened as she met Maura's gaze. This certainly wasn't the socially inept woman that Jane met not so long ago. This Maura was brazen, and it only served to add to the intriguing enigma that was Dr. Maura Isles.
"Jane, it's also very honest. I've….I've never been closer to anyone in my whole life because I've never allowed anyone to get as close as you." Maura's voice was full of conviction. "You're the person who has taught me that when fear controls you, your world shrinks, and when you display courage it grows exponentially. I let you in, and my world has grown exponentially."
Jane's eyes welled up with unshed tears. She imagined what it would feel like to pull Maura close and press their lips together. She wanted to feel the weight of Maura's body against hers as she kissed and nuzzled her neck hopefully raising tiny goose bumps on her skin. She wanted to. . . "Miss, your car is here."
The valet handed her the other half of her claim ticket as she awoke from her fantasy. She handed the young man a sizeable tip, while he covered them with an all too small umbrella as they entered the car.
"Shit Maura. You're really giving me too much credit. All this time, I've considered myself incredibly lucky to know you. Before you came to the department, I couldn't tell a soul when I was afraid of something. With me being the lone female, the guys would have torn me to pieces. When you came along….Hell…I told you when I was scared shitless, and you didn't let that change your faith, or your trust in me. It unnerved me at first, but now, it means the world to me." Jane twisted in the driver's seat to face Maura. "I don't like talking about mushy stuff, but you deserve to know how important our friendship is."
Maura patted Jane's thigh. Jane leaned against the headrest, content to take a small breather after their conversation. Maura sighed slightly as she drank in the sensuality of her friend's wet skin and damp hair. It took all her reserve not to climb onto Jane's lap and pull the buttons of her shirt with her teeth. As much as she wanted to, Maura knew she would have to wait. Jane wasn't ready—yet.
After a few seconds of silence, Maura checked the time on the dashboard clock. It was only 7:30, and she didn't want this night to end. "Will you join me for a drink with me when we get back to my house?"
Jane thought she should say, "No." Her head was spinning. A few hours ago, Maura had been her best friend, now she was fast on her way to writhing naked under Jane's ministrations. Jane panicked; it was too much, too fast, and she felt like running, Then she remembered what Maura said about your world shrinking or expanding based on your courage, and Jane, desperately wanted her world to expand.