She was a little drunk, but that was understandable, given her job. And she had the night off, no calls to answer, no dinner with the parents. Just an evening to unwind, with her dog and overdue laundry and enough beers to be buzzed. She was thinking about dinner when the doorbell rang.
She took her gun with her to answer. There were too many whackos out there, and one in particular kept his eye on her, and she just couldn't be too careful.
Who stood outside her door was dangerous in a completely different way, and she ignored that hazard to open the door. "Maura," she greeted with a wide smile, "what are you doin' here?"
"I know the state of your refrigerator and figured you have nothing to eat, so I brought dinner."
"And beer?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact. In the trunk." Maura handed over her keys after Jane stashed her weapon in her waistband.
Maura greeted Joe Friday properly before proceeding to Jane's kitchen. It was not quite a mess, but nowhere near as clean as Maura's. She chose to use the table and began to gather what they needed for dinner.
Jane knocked at her own door and shifted the bags while she waited for Maura. When Maura opened the door, Jane headed directly for the kitchen, and put the bags on the counter beside the refrigerator. She put the bottles in, and kept one for herself. "Does the wine go in here, too?"
"No."
Jane stood up and opened the door. "That looks good."
"I'm glad you approve. Would you open one of the bottles, please?"
"Does it matter which one?"
"No."
They ate in the living room, and Jane cleared the dishes and came back with a fresh beer and Maura's wine. Soon, she was sleepy, and as she slipped down, Maura led Jane's head to her lap.
Jane tucked her legs so she fit on the couch, and was completely asleep seconds later. Maura watched her, and finally gained the courage to stroke her hair. Odd, since when they were awake, she had no problem touching her. And wanting more.
She had no idea how Jane felt. Although she was fairly adept at reading her friend, she wasn't at all certain whether Jane was interested in sex, much less sex with her. After the disastrous date with Jorge, Jane refused to let Maura even suggest a possible love interest.
But Jane trusted her in everything else. For now, it would be enough.