The feedback has been wonderful, encouraging, and helpful. I hope you all like the direction this story is going, and continue to read and comment.
The blue Crown Vic pulled into Maura's driveway. The rain having stopped minutes before, left a light sheen on the ground that created a subtle mist as it evaporated. Maura exited the car first. Keys in hand, crossing the brick driveway and looking behind her to see Jane close at her heels. Once inside the spacious home, Jane peeled her jacket off. Maura reached for it and a suddenly skittish Jane nervously sidestepped Maura.
"What's the matter Jane? I was just going to hang your jacket up." There was a hint of irritation in Maura's voice, as she found it hurtful for Jane to back away from her.
"Sorry Maura, you just startled me." Jane felt like she told a half truth, or was it a half lie? Maura did startle her, but she didn't explain why. She was imagining what being Maura's girlfriend would be like when the object of her fantasy suddenly surprised her by reaching for the jacket.
The tall woman pursed her lips and pushed her hair back off of her face. She stretched her arms over her head before settling on Maura's plush couch. She removed her boots and sunk into the cushions. How she loved being there; next to her own apartment it was the only other place she felt at home and relaxed. She could hear Maura removing the cork from a bottle of wine and pouring the ruby liquid out. The doctor sauntered back into the living room minus her heels. There was a mischievous glint in her eye as she handed Jane a glass, holding the other woman's gaze longer than required.
"Thank you, Maur." Jane gave Maura a look that screamed, "I want you."
The doctor sat close to Jane, bending her knees and slipping her legs on to the couch before leaning over to grab the remote from the coffee table. Jane snaked her arm out over the back of the couch, watching herself toy with the curls at the back of Maura's head. It felt natural and effortless.
"M, can we watch the game please?" Jane was mesmerized by the softness of the hair streaking between her fingers.
"We can if you promise not to yell at the television."
"I can't help it. I'm an avid sports fan."
"OK. How about a compromise? You can yell, but just not as loudly as last time."
"Deal," Jane announced as she offered Maura an exceptionally dimpled smile.
Hours later, Jane woke to find an infomercial for a get rich quick scheme on. It was after Midnight when she sleepily looked toward her aching right arm and tingling fingers. Maura had fallen asleep on her cutting off the circulation, and causing her entire arm to hurt. Jane watched her for a short time, loving the way Maura's eyelashes brushed her cheeks and her nose slightly flared when taking a deep breath. She could stay like that all night, despite the pins and needles that assaulted her arm.
"Shit," Jane cursed. She could feel her cell phone vibrating against her side. She stuffed her left hand between the couch cushions and pulled her phone from the case on her hip. She looked over toward Maura who was still asleep. She didn't recognize the number and there was no name on the caller ID. It was late,and if it were a wrong number, Jane planned on giving the other person a lesson on the consequences of mis-dialing.
"Hello," she half whispered. "Yes this is Detective Jane Rizzoli. Who's this?" The voice sounded vaguely familiar, but Jane couldn't quite place it.
"Sorry to be calling so late. It's Maria Carolla, Sandra's sister." Jane paled upon the revelation as she nearly dropped the phone.