Jane showed up in front of Maura's door at 5:00, as promised. She knew of course that there was no charity event, but she had dressed up nonetheless. She still didn't know how she could find out if the doctor would be interested in dating her, but she had thought wearing her nice black dress and heels couldn't hurt. Now that she was ready to open the door and step inside, she felt silly.
The door suddenly swung open and Maura was standing in front of her. They looked at each other up and down, both taking in the other's outfit. Maura, if at all possible, looked more stunning than ever. She was wearing a purple silk dress and shiny heels to match. A small diamond pendant rested just above her cleavage, and Jane couldn't help her eyes from falling lower to the swell of her breasts.
"Wow!" They both said at the same time. They chuckled. Jane stepped in and followed Maura into the kitchen.
"We're not really going out, are we?" Jane enquired, suddenly wondering if she had missed something. She raised her arm and showed Maura the six-pack of beer she had brought over.
"No, we're not. I just ordered our pizza." Maura smiled and looked at Jane again. "You look gorgeous. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Jane swallowed hard. She suddenly felt like they were on their first date, except neither of them knew it. Maura probably thought it was just their usual TV night. She felt her palms getting sweaty. She wiped them on the front of her dress, pretending to smooth out an invisible wrinkle.
The detective grabbed the beer Maura was holding up for her. She drew three large mouthful and belched. It made her feel better, almost like they were back to normal.
"Jane!" Maura scolded her half-heartedly. They sat on the couch and turned on the movie Jane had picked: "Inception". As usual, Maura pointed out every detail that was scientifically impossible, and Jane defended the entertainment value of the story. They ate the pizza on the couch, with Jane's third beer and Maura's fourth glass of Cabernet. Even though they were sitting in their usual spots, Jane was very aware of their thighs touching. She could feel Maura's heat through the thin fabric of their dresses, and their bare skin actually touched right under the hem.
As Jane loosened up from the beer, she found it impossible to not stare at Maura. While Maura was watching the movie, slowly shaking her head in disbelief, Jane's gaze wandered over, taking in the doctor's hair, her eyes and face, the curve of her shoulder, the swell of her breasts. She could tell by the soft bump under her dress where her nipples were.
Just then, Maura glanced over and caught Jane staring at her breasts. The detective looked up, her mouth hanging open, her mind completely blank, unable to find something to say. Why was it so hard? Why couldn't she just say "I like you, I'd like to date you." She realized that she had done numerous times with men she liked, and without a second thought. But she had never been so terrified by the idea of being rejected. Maura was too important to her to risk it.
"I'm... I'm sorry."
Maura shrugged. "It's okay. I check you out all the time."
It took a second for Jane to process Maura's words.
"You do?"
Maura nodded. After a moment of hesitation, Maura reached over and took Jane's hand in hers. The contact was electrical. Jane sighed loudly. She looked into Maura's eyes.
"Jane, you're my best friend, and we've always flirted with each other, as a joke. And for Giovanni." She paused, noting the serious look on Jane's face. They weren't joking now.
Jane's heart was thumping in her chest and ears, both in anticipation and relief. She could barely hear Maura's voice.
"But I mean it, when I say you're gorgeous," Maura continued. "And I mean it, when I say that I love you."
Maura's gaze fell onto Jane's lips, and she leaned over so their faces were a mere inch apart.
"Maura..."
The brunette brought her hand behind Maura's neck and pulled her closer, opening her mouth slightly. She made contact with her friend's lips and tasted Maura for the first time. She glided over Maura's soft lips, their breath and saliva mingling. She inhaled deeply as the kiss intensified, and Maura opened her mouth for her. Jane dipped her tongue inside, encouraged by her moans. Their tongues dueled in slow motion, dancing around, never losing contact.
Maura didn't want to stop, ever, for fear that Jane would pull away and run. She kissed her lazily, deliberately keeping her passion in check, trying to convey the love and desire she'd felt for her friend all these months. But she couldn't help her body from seeking more contact, lest to be consumed by the raging fire burning underneath. She pressed her chest and legs against Jane's, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace, small moans betraying her need.
They made out for the good part of an hour, compensating for months of restrained desire. The movie ended without either one noticing, and it kept playing the menu loop over and over again. Their kissing was slow and deep, their hands roaming lazily over their clothed bodies, a few caresses venturing beyond the edge of the fabric and catching the blaze of exposed skin.
Jane started slowing down and looked up into Maura's eyes. They were both panting heavily. They smiled at each other, and Jane cupped Maura's face in her hand, looking at her in awe and disbelief. She placed a few pecks on the doctor's swollen lips and slowly got up. Her legs were shaky, and she realized her underwear was drenched in arousal.
"I... I should go..."
Maura got up with her and took Jane in her arms. They were both in heels and Maura was a couple of inches shorter. She nuzzled into Jane's neck, inhaling her scent and kissing the soft skin, before looking up to her face. She painted a few wet kisses on her lips, which Jane returned.
"It's late...," Jane hesitated. "I should..."
"Stay", Maura interrupted. Her face was serious. "I want you to stay."
Jane nodded slowly. She rested her forehead on Maura's.
"Are you scared?" Maura asked softly, her breath fanning Jane's lips.
Jane sighed and shrugged. Maura smiled and took a guess. "Is that why you didn't kiss me this morning?"
Jane nodded and buried her face into Maura's hair. She let out a big sigh and just breathed for a few beats.
"I love you so much, Maura. I want you. I need you. I don't want to lose you." Her eyes glistened with the threat of tears. Maura kissed them away and whispered to her in a sultry voice that sent shivers down Jane's spine.
"Jane, I love you..." The doctor placed a lingering kiss in her neck. "I've wanted you for so long..." She kissed her jaw. "I want to undress you..." She kissed her cheek. "I want to taste you..." She kissed the corner of her mouth. "I want to feel you inside me..." She murmured against her lips.
Jane felt a fresh gush between her legs. She whispered back against her lips: "You've officially ruined my panties, Doctor Isles."
"Let's go take them off then."
And Maura led her up the stairs.