Running was the only thing she could think of doing this morning to clear her mind. She had sat for ages after Alex had left her apartment last night, sat almost in shock. Not because of anything that had happened but shock at how she felt. Piper knew that kiss, or kisses, had touched something in her she had not even realised was there. She felt so close to Alex in those moments and she knew if Alex had not pulled back, had not left, she Piper would have agreed to anything Alex had suggested.
Hitting the park Piper tucked her water bottle into her back pouch, did her final stretches and began to run. Running cleared her head, it allowed her to not think. She was aware of the trees and birds, aware of the dogs running on the grass and other joggers and couples out walking. She registered the children playing; but if you had asked her later what she had seen all Piper would know is there had been others there. Right now, as she ran, she felt the millions of questions that had plagued her over night slip away. The doubt, the longing and the fear slowly ebbing away as she let the rhythm of her feet on the path be her only focus.
Having run a couple of circuits of the park Piper slowed, stretching she began to walk a cool down lap, letting her mind adjust back to the reality. Her first thought, Alex. She sighed. Today was Saturday so her daydreaming didn't matter, but Piper was aware she needed to get a grip. She needed to be able rationalise what was happening. Maybe, she thought, she would go see Alex herself, maybe if they could talk things would be clearer.
Happy with her plan of action Piper drank her water, zipped up her jacket and headed for the exit.
"Hey Blondie!" the voice calling her made Piper smile, turning round she saw Nicky and Lorna strolling towards her, arms linked.
"Hey!" She grinned, "what are you two up too?"
"Well," Lorna smiled, "it is a nice day so a walk seemed a good idea."
The snort from Nicky made Piper grin, "I take it this was not your idea."
"No blondie it wasn't. My idea was to stay in bed and fool around, but no, here I am 'enjoying some fresh air'." Piper laughed at Nicky's air quotes. Lorna was grinning too.
"Ignore her." she laughed, "she will be better when she has some coffee and food inside her. You run?" She looked at Pipers slightly red cheeks and empty water bottle. "I have always wanted to run."
"Oh please," Nicky rolled her eyes.
"Yes I run." Piper grinned ignoring Nicky, "it clears my head."
"So does coffee!" Nicky whined.
"You want to join us?" Lorna asked.
"No you go. I was going to pop in and see Alex any way."
The cackle from Nicky this time had Piper frowning. "What?" She asked.
"Oh nothing, its just Alex doesn't have someone nagging her to 'enjoy the sunshine' so I can pretty much guarantee she will be in bed. She may be like a lark during the week but she makes up for it at the weekend, you can go try blondie but she wont answer, and if she does you better have something with sugar in to throw at her."
Piper sighed, maybe she would not disturb her if that was the case, she knew Alex worked hard, they were late last night…
"oh please," Nicky sighed, "look at her face!" she grinned at Lorna, "come on blondie, come have coffee with us, then if you really want to impress the boss call or message her later."
Piper smiled. "OK, I will leave her alone, but I will take a rain check on the coffee, thanks. I have chores I was just putting off anyway." she lied.
As they watched her go Lorna smiled, "I would say things went well last night."
Nicky shrugged. "Maybe."
"Did you not see how keen she was to see Alex."
"Sure, but if things had gone really well Alex would be at home in blondies bed right now! Look," she dodged the punch Lorna aimed at her. "I know the boss is keen, but the very fact she went home last night tells me something. I just think she may let past experience cloud her judgement on this one. And as much as I like blondie I am not sure her being straight is going to work in her favour."
"Well I think you are wrong." Lorna insisted.
Piper, on leaving the park, went home to shower and change. Deciding to take Nicky's advise and leave Alex in peace she figured a trip to the store was in order. Maybe after she got some shopping in for the week she would go see Polly and fill her in on the possible deal Alex had mentioned last night. Grabbing her keys she headed out. She was still adjusting to only cooking for one person, and seemed to had wasted more food last week than she ate. As she pushed the cart around the store now though Piper resolved to get better organised. She should have made a list. She worked better with lists. Trying to work out in her head what meals she wanted Piper moved to the fresh meat counter. If she cooked today she could buy freezer boxes and store some meals and then not have to cook in the week. Having loaded chicken, steak and some fish into the cart she turned and made her way to the home section, she had left most of the kitchen appliances at the house with Larry, so loading up new freezer containers plus a few bowls Piper went towards the fruit and veg.
Ideas building in her head now she bundled more into the cart before finally adding fresh coffee, milk, eggs and bread. She bagged up her purchases and felt more focused as she returned to the car. At least now she could keep herself busy today.
o0o
"I'm telling you baby she is not in." Nicky insisted. "Even Alex couldn't sleep through that knocking." She had watched first in amusement then with fear as Lorna hammered on Alex door. "Lets just go home, we have tried."
"OK," Lorna sighed, "but text her. She should know Piper wanted to see her. It will make her happy."
Nodding, having humoured her girlfriends romantic side but just wanting to escape in case Alex was inside and came out to see what the fuss was about. "Can we go home and make out now?" She grinned, pulling Lorna into her side and planting a kiss on her head.
"OK," Lorna grinned.
O0o
"Alex!" Piper was shocked when she opened the door of her car and saw Alex leaning against the wall of the building typing on her phone.
"Hey," she straightened up grinning. "I was just messaging you. I thought you may still be asleep." She moved to grab the bags Piper was pulling out of the car. "But I see now you were just shopping."
"yeah," piper smiled, "I was going to call round to yours actually, but Nicky told me not too."
"She did?" Alex frowned "why?"
"Well granted it was a few hours ago I bumped into them, I had just finished my run, I mentioned I may call into yours and Nicky said you would still be sleeping, in fact she made the idea of possibly waking you sound like a danger sport."
"Nicky is an ass!" Alex laughed. As she uttered the words she looked at her phone, "Talk of the devil. It seems she cant take her own advise! She has just been to my house and wanted to tell me she had seen you!"
Shaking her head Alex put the phone in her pocket without responding.
"You aren't going to reply?"
"No, it just encourages her. So you run?"
Piper nodded, "Yes, when I get he chance. So mainly only weekends, it clears my head."
Alex nodded, "that's why I ride the bike."
"So you been for a ride this morning?" Piper noticed the bike parked on the street.
"Actually," Alex grinned "I came to see if you fancied a ride?"
"Really!" Piper laughed, "I thought I was never allowed on your precious machine."
"Yes well I figured if I rode you could sit behind me looking pretty." Alex winked.
"Oh." Piper laughed, "so you just want me to increase your street cred!"
By now they had carried the shopping into the apartment and Piper was sorting the food into the cupboards, fridge and freezer.
"Er pipes? Are you planning on entertaining?" Alex gazed at the amount of food in awe.
"No. I just had no plans so thought I would cook for the week, saves time later right."
"If you say so." Alex shrugged.
Piper shook her head. "What do you actually eat? Have you eaten today?"
Alex grinned as she shook her head. "No. That's why I'm here!" She winked causing Piper to laugh.
"So good to know I have my uses! Here," she handed Alex a bag of groceries, "put those in that cupboard then you can tell me the real reason you are here and maybe, I will make you some lunch."
Alex smiled. "I came by to see you were OK. I don't know about you Pipes but I found last night pretty intense. I did not want you sitting here alone worrying about it."
Piper smiled. "I did have trouble sleeping," she admitted, "and it was the reason I was up early running. But not because I wasn't OK, or because I was worried."
"Why then?" Alex abandoned the food she was putting away and focused her attention on Piper.
"Because I couldn't stop thinking of you. Of how it turns out kissing a girl is very different to kissing a boy. How I liked it." Piper ended shyly.
"I liked it too." Alex smiled, "in fact," she grinned "all the way home I regretted leaving. But I am glad I did."
"You are?" Piper asked suddenly confused again.
"Sure. I think we both needed that space Pipes. I hadn't intended coming here today. I got on the bike intending to ride because sleep was just not happening. Then suddenly I was here. You draw me too you."
Piper nodded. "That's why I wanted to come see you today too. I felt I needed to talk about it."
"You have questions?" Alex asked.
"Not really questions," Piper frowned, "its just, I don't know. It was as you say so intense. I wasn't sure if it was the build up, because I had been drinking, the, and please don't be offended, but the novelty of it."
Alex smiled. "I'm not offended piper, I am glad you want to talk about it."
"OK." Piper said relieved, "then how about I make us some food and coffee then we can talk."
"You want me to help?" Alex asked hesitantly.
"You want too? I thought you didn't cook?"
"Oh I cant but maybe you can teach me."
"Alex I was going to make sandwiches, even you should be able to manage that, look why don't you go sit in the other room. maybe later if you are still so keen I'll teach you how to make the fried chicken you missed out on the other week."
Alex grinned, "deal."
As she watched Alex move into the other room Piper took a deep breath. She had been shocked to see Alex when she had arrived home, shocked but happy. To hear Alex say she felt the draw between them made her relax a little more.
Carrying sandwiches, a bowl of chips and some coffee in on a tray she smiled as Alex stood to take it from her. Sitting down Alex was silent for ten minutes or so as she began to eat. Piper watched in amused wonder as Alex finished off her food and finally focused. "Better?" Piper grinned.
"Yes!" Alex sat back. "Nicky could have a point, I am better once I've eaten."
"I will have to teach her how to make chocolate cake." Piper laughed,
"Oh no. Yours is the only chocolate cake I want." Alex grinned. Then focusing she smiled, "so you enjoyed last night?"
"Very much."
"I'm glad, does that me we can do it again?" Alex prodded.
"Maybe," Piper nodded, "although I am not sure me doing the asking is a good idea."
"OK, then I will ask. Piper Chapman will you go on another date with me?"
Piper grinned "I'd love too!"
"Good." Alex nodded satisfied. "Now that is out of the way you can tell me why you felt last night was only good because you were drunk?"
"I didn't say that!" Piper laughed, "but, when you had gone and I went to bed I realised we had had a lot to drink. I also thought about the night, how nervous I had been getting ready, choosing what to wear, going to a club where everyone was gay and knew what they were doing."
At this Alex sniggered. "You are so cute Pipes! It is not like its a secret club with a special code," She laughed. "OK. When we kissed the other day, at my house, how did you feel?"
Piper remembered exactly how she had felt, how she had tried to deny how she had felt to herself and Polly.
"Curious," she smiled. "Curious and wanting more and denying both." she admitted.
Alex nodded. "You were sober then, so no excuses right." Piper nodded. "When you were getting ready how did you feel?"
"Nervous, scared I would stand out. Worried you would not like what I wore."
Alex grinned at this. "OK. Well when I got ready last night I wanted you to see me, not work me, the real me. Then I arrived here and none of it mattered, Piper you looked lovely last night, but you could have worn anything and I would have thought that. I want you to know that what you wear, it doesn't matter. I am guessing Polly took you shopping right?"
Piper grinned, "yes, and thankfully I left most of her suggestions in the store! She wanted me to wear leather pants and heels, to get my nails and toes done then waxed!" Piper blushed as she said this but knew Polly was as likely to rat her out to Nicky anyway so she may as well be honest. "I wanted to be comfortable. But I also realised my entire wardrobe is how my mother wanted me to dress, or Larry. You say you wanted me to see the real Alex, well I discovered I don't know who the real Piper is."
Alex was a little shocked at Pipers admission, she knew Piper and her mother had a strained relationship but Piper was telling her now just how in control of her life her mother was.
"Piper, I know she saw us together the other day, I know Larry tried to stir shit, but this, whatever it is between us, I don't want it to come between you and your family."
Piper snorted. "There is nothing to come between Alex, honestly. Maybe I need to find out who I am. I mean what 26 year old doesn't have there own identity. Now, finally, and mainly thanks to you, I have a business, a home and I am realising I can do what I want because I want."
Alex nodded, "I guess I always knew who I was. My mom, well she was supportive, she didn't judge. We didn't have much money so clothes were never a priority, then once I began earning money I never felt the need to change the image I was comfortable with. You will find your style Piper," Alex smiled and leant closer to brush a lock of hair back behind Pipers ears, "as long as you leave your hair like this, it so pretty."
Piper grinned. "Well maybe before our next date you can help me choose something to wear."
"Oh no!" Alex shuddered. "I don't do shopping! And don't give me those sad eyes Piper, take Lorna or Polly, even Nicky! Just count me out."
Piper laughed "can you imagine Nicky choosing my clothes! I mean seriously."
"Oh I don't know." Alex smirked, "she loves a skirt, does Nicky, and you have the legs for a good skirt Pipes."
Slapping Alex's hand off her legs Piper said, "OK, no chicken for you."
"Oh come on," Alex chuckled. "Your legs are hot Pipes, a little skirt would show them off."
"Yes that and the top Polly tried to have me wear and the image would be complete. Maybe my mother dressing me was not so bad after all!"
"What top?" Alex focused in on Pipers words? "Where is it?"
"Oh no!" Piper shook her head.
"You actually bought this mystery top?"
Piper nodded. "To shut Polly up I did, but it will not see the light of day."
"Why?"
"Because it had no buttons!" Piper shuddered.
"Oh this I need to see!"Alex grinned, "go get it!"
"No!" Piper laughed. "As much as I want to find a style of my own I can guarantee you it will feature buttons!"
"Spoil sport!" Alex grinned. "OK, having established drink was not the reason for the intensity of last night, nor your choice of clothes, what conclusion have you drawn?"
Piper shrugged. "That I like you!" She said simply. "That I enjoyed kissing you. That I like how you make me feel."
Alex smiled. "I like you too Piper, I loved kissing you, in fact I think we should do it again. Now."
Piper did not hesitate to move closer, she did admit "I'm nervous!"
Alex grinned, "Me too! I suddenly feel like I have a lot to live up too!" But not hesitating, or giving Piper a chance too either, Alex closed the gap between them and brushed her lips against Pipers.
At the first touch of Alex's lips Piper heard herself groan, she felt herself move closer as if unable to resist the pull of Alex's body and she placed her hands, that had been by her sides, first to Alex's shoulders then under her hair to hold her close as if scared she would stop.
It was this movement, the feel of Pipers hands moving to touch her, that spurred Alex on. The gentle brush of her lips, pulling back to check Piper was OK then again, each time holding the kiss a little longer until Pipers hands tightened stopping her from puling back. Letting her lips pull on Pipers lower lip, feeling the slight gasp in Pipers breath let Alex know Piper enjoyed it, repeating the action, soothing with her tongue then biting again until Piper captured Alex tongue with her own, drawing her closer her hands now tangled in Alex's long hair.
It was only lack of oxygen that had Alex pull away. Looking at Pipers, whose eyes were still closed as she gasped for air Alex groaned. "Jesus Pipes!" She pulled the woman's head into her neck, feeling her tremble, knowing she had to take control of the situation.
"Come on," she said gently, "come show me how to fry chicken."
"What?" Piper looked confused.
"Piper come on." Alex stood dragging Piper with her. "You have all this food, you were going to cook, so show me."
Piper nodded, as if in a trance she began gathering ingredients. She was not sure what was happening, how Alex could go from passionately kissing her one minute to stopping completely and wanting to make food the next.
Alex watched.
Not what Piper was doing, she really didn't care, what she watched was Pipers reaction. She saw the haze of passion slowly lift as she concentrated on the task at hand and by the time the chicken was ready to be fried Alex saw Piper was back to her normal self.
"You OK?" She asked gently now.
Piper nodded.
"You know why I stopped don't you Pipes?" Alex asked concerned.
"Not really." Piper admitted.
Alex closed her eyes at the confusion in Pipers voice.
"I don't want to mess with you Piper, I'm not playing mind games, but Jesus kid, you kiss good!" Alex was relieved to see a small smile. "2 minutes on the sofa and I could drag you to bed. We cant do that Piper."
"Why not?" Piper couldn't help ask the question that had been spinning round her head since the second Alex had pulled away.
"Its too soon." Alex smiled. "I know Nicky makes out like I am used to having a stream of women through my bed but I am not looking for a one night stand Piper, I don't think you are either. You need to be really sure you want this. All of this."
"I do." Piper admitted softly.
Alex frowned. She had sworn that she would never fall in love with a straight girl again. It was her number one rule. Yet Piper seemed to be breaking down every one of her barriers. Looking at Piper, covered in flour, watching her chicken yet eyes full of doubt and hurt, Alex could not stop herself pulling the younger woman into her arms.
"I want it too Pipes," she stroked Pipers back. Then placing a kiss on her head she said "lets get the rest of this stuff cooked then I will take you for a ride, I am not sure I am up to running so hopefully a bike ride will work for you too."
Piper knew Alex was trying to distract her, she suspected she was probably right, that it was the best thing to do. But now, as she grabbed the steak and began to cube it before searing it she wished more than anything she was back on the sofa feeling the way only Alex had ever made her feel before.
They stayed in the kitchen for an hour. Alex helped by peeling and chopping vegetables, she chatted cheerfully and Piper listened, but she did not really take in what Alex was saying. When the final batch of chicken was cooked, when the fish had been steamed and the stew was placed in containers, Piper finally looked at Alex. She grabbed the boxes she had bought earlier, splitting the food evenly into two batches. Pushing a pile towards Alex she said "here, take these, at least you will be able to eat this week."
Alex frowned. Pipers voice seemed distant.
"Thanks." she answered. "You want to clean up and come for a ride?"
"No, you go." Piper turned back to the sink and began to clean.
"Piper." Alex moved in close behind her. "Look at me Pipes, talk to me."
"Why?" Piper shrugged. "What's the point. I have told you I like you, I want you, but you act like I don't know what I want."
"I'm sorry." Alex turned Piper to look at her. "I do believe you Piper, I just don't want you to rush into something you will regret."
"So it is you that gets to decide that for me? I told you Alex I have had enough of people deciding what I should or shouldn't do. My mother told me all my life how I should look or speak or feel. Larry humoured me, but he knew what he wanted and saw how I would fit into his life. Well no more. I like you and I am being honest." Piper was getting angry now, pulling away from Alex she moved to gather the dirty utensils throwing them into the sink. "I may not have a fucking clue what I am doing but I do know how I feel. So maybe you are right. Maybe this is a mistake. Go ride your bike, clear your head and put this past few days down to educating the straight girl. I mean that's the problem right, that I'm straight?"
Alex stared at Piper for several seconds before moving.
Piper thought she had pushed her too far when she saw Alex move towards the door, but once her hand touched the handle she turned and started at Piper.
"Come on." She looked angry and Piper was not sure what she had in mind but she also knew that Alex had stood and listened to her so she owed her the same courtesy. As she wiped her hands on her jeans and followed Alex nodded, opened the door and walked outside. Reaching her bike she grabbed the handlebars slung her leg over the seat and turned.
"Climb on." She said as Piper stood not sure what to do.
"How?" Piper suddenly felt nervous at the prospect of a bike ride.
Holding her hand out Alex held Pipers arm as she gingerly climbed on behind her.
"OK hold on." She started the engine and couldn't help but smile as she heard Piper squeak in fear she tried to hide and grab Alex's shoulders.
"No, like this." Alex's reached Pipers arms and pulled them round her waist.
"OK Pipes. You trust me?"
"Err. Sure." Piper replied suddenly more than a little nervous.
"Cool! hang on then kid." Suddenly the machine moved and Alex steered into the road. She felt Piper behind her shift closer, her grip tightening on Alex's hips and her head pressed against Alex's back.
Relaxing forward into the bike Alex let the throttle out, felt the hum of the engine and as they surged forward she relaxed. She took it easy through the residential streets, letting Piper get used to the feel of the machine, how to shift with the bike and Alex revelled in the fact of each little squeeze she received as she increased the speed. Deciding she needed more, needed to show Piper how good the bike could make you feel Alex turned towards the highway. Taking a route she knew would not be jammed she eased out into the traffic and let the bike do its thing. Pipers arms were no longer holding her hips but wrapped tightly round her middle she could feel her heart beating fast against her back. As the traffic thinned and Alex was able to use more of the road she felt Piper laughing, satisfied she had achieved her goal she knew she could think about heading back.
o0o
Once she had parked back outside Pipers apartment building Alex climbed off then helped Piper. She grinned when she saw Piper frantically trying to tame her hair.
"Leave it," she smiled, "it looks good!"
Piper rolled her eyes but she stopped fiddling with her hair and let them inside.
"I'm sorry Pipes." Alex said simply as soon as they were in the apartment. She needed Piper to know she had understood and had listened earlier. "You were right, I have let the fact you are straight affect my judgement on how we do this."
Piper just shook her head, "no, it was my fault. You were right about not rushing. I guess I just feel like any second now you will wake up and realise this was all a mistake."
Alex sighed, "Piper, since the second you walked into the bar with Polly, since I saw you dance and laugh and yes even when I watched you accept Larry's proposal you have had me captivated. When I feel your mouth on mine I feel every single defence I have so carefully built begin to fall. I want to hold you and kiss you and wake up next to you. But I am scared too Piper, scared you will wake up the next morning and realise you have made a terrible mistake."
Piper could see her own fears mirrored in Alex's eyes. Alex, the strong confident business woman, suddenly stood before her showing just how human she was. Taking her hand Piper whispered. "Stay with me tonight. I just want to be close to you Alex, nothing more; just don't leave."
Alex nodded. Piper letting out the breath she had been holding smiled and said "I will get us a drink."
"No, no drink." Alex shook her head, the one thing she did know was even with the agreement of nothing happening she did not want alcohol clouding their judgement. "Come here." She pulled Piper down onto her lap, wrapping her arms around her tightly Alex just buried her head into pipers hair and breathed in her scent. "Just stay here a while." she whispered.
Content to let Alex hold her letting her fingers stroke Alex hair Piper thought about all that had happened. It was getting dark out now and the room, with no lights, felt suddenly cold.
"Come to bed with me." Piper whispered. Pulling as if to stand.
Alex hesitated, still not sure if Piper was rushing things.
"Just to sleep." Piper smiled.
Seeing Alex nod and her arms release her, Piper stood. She walked to the bedroom knowing Alex would follow. She found a large t-shirt that she suspected had once been her brothers or her dads and held it out. "Here, you can wear this, it shouldn't be too short."
Alex watched Pipers face, saw how calm she was and knew, for tonight at least, they needed to be close to each other.
When Alex was in the bathroom Piper quickly stripped off her clothes and put on a t shirt herself, she pulled back the duvet, then went to the kitchen to fetch some water. On her return Alex was just entering the bedroom. Piper stopped, staring at the sight before her, she couldn't help but grin.
Alex had indeed got the t shirt on, her long slender legs clearly on display as the hem barely covered her bottom.
"Seen enough?" Alex voice drew Pipers eyes back to her face and seeing and amused expression Piper felt herself relax. It would be OK. Going to brush her teeth Piper smiled when she returned and saw Alex already in bed covers pulled up to her chin, eyes closed.
"Don't I even get a goodnight kiss?" She teased climbing in beside Alex.
"No. Go to sleep." Alex muttered.
"Oh. OK." Piper wasn't sure if Alex was cross or just tired.
"I'm serious Pipes. I will stay, but no kissing. No tonight."
"Cuddle?" Piper asked edging closer. When Alex didn't move away she let one arm rest across the taller woman's stomach. She felt satisfied Alex hadn't pulled away at her touch but then froze as her bare legs touched the bare skin of Alex's.
"See!" Alex muttered when she felt Piper freeze and knew their skin to skin contact was the reason, she sunk her head deep into the pillow as if by hiding her face she could hide from the feelings.
Piper edged back slowly and carefully. "I just wanted to hold you." she tried to explain, "like on the bike."
"You liked that huh?" Alex was pleased.
"Yeah," Piper nodded. Now lying on her back staring at the ceiling.
"I liked it too. I could feel your heart beating as we got faster. I heard and felt you laughing. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"I can see why you use it to escape."Piper said softly. "Its not the same as running but I get it."
"No it doesn't tire you out." Alex chuckled. Her laugh, so husky, made Piper edge a little closer. She realised Alex voice, especially her laugh, drew her like no-one else.
"So now I have been on the bike, will you come running with me tomorrow?" Piper asked. Alex sat up so suddenly looking down on Piper who, not expecting the sudden movement, rolled into the dip Alex had made.
"Hey!" she muttered trying to straighten herself not sure what was going on.
"OK Pipes, you obviously have some misconceived ideas. The main thing you need to know about me is I don't run! Ever!"
Piper laughed at the vehemence in Alex tone. "OK, calm down!" she giggled.
Alex settled back down, eyeing Piper nervously.
"OK," Piper grinned. "No running I get it. Relax!"
"OK, can I sleep now?" Alex asked. "I hardly slept last night, your fault. I was up too early this morning, again your fault. Now I need to sleep, and you rubbing yourself all over me is not going to achieve that!"
Piper smiled, glad Alex was here. " I wasn't exactly rubbing myself all over you but OK sleep. I will leave you alone." Settling down next to Alex but making sure there was enough distance between them Piper lay down listening to the quiet rhythm of Alex breathing. She could tell the exact moment Alex fell asleep, smiling Piper closed her eyes and let sleep wash over her too.
o0o
Piper opened her eyes but made sure not to make any sudden movements. The sun was beginning to come in through the window as she had forgotten to draw the blinds the night before. Maybe this was what had woken her, but it was the feel of Alex wrapped around her body that had her frozen to the spot now.
She lay feeling the gentle breath on her neck as Alex face was in her hair, she could feel once more the soft skin of Alex legs, this time touching from calf to thigh. Bottom even, Piper realised, as it appeared in her sleep her t shirt had rucked up around her waist and her butt was cradled into Alex's waist.
But it was Alex hands that had her captivated. One was under Pipers face, as if caressing her cheek but the other, the other was cupping her breast and Piper knew from the tautness of her nipples her body was not objecting at all.
Closing her eyes and just letting the feeling wash over her Piper knew this is where she wanted to be.
She could not remember the last time she had felt like this with Larry. But with Alex, just laying next to her was enough to make her body react. But she couldn't. She had promised Alex just sleep, she wanted her to know she meant it; so now she just needed to work out how to get up without waking the sleeping woman next to her.
Turning slowly, sensing no change in Alex breathing, Piper now faced her. So close. She wanted to kiss her awake. See if she could make Alex feel how she felt now. Closing her eyes and she moved a fraction. It was like torture. Her own small movement, while not waking the sleeping Alex, did cause the hand on her breast to tense for a second as if wanting to stop Piper leaving, nearly breaking Pipers resolve. Biting her lip not to moan at the sensation she moved a little more until she was finally able to wriggle free. Once out of bed she closed the blind to ensure the rising sun did not also wake Alex, then grabbing fresh running clothes she made her way to the bathroom to dress.
Pipers run that morning was long. Not because she was stressed but because her body was fighting a desire stronger than she could ever remember feeling. She did 5 laps of the park, another walking cool down lap then checking the time was not too early still she returned to the apartment. Letting herself in quietly she was amazed that it was still in darkness. She knew Alex was still there, her bike was outside after all. Not wanting to enter the bedroom and wake her Piper took a cold shower, both to freshen and calm her still raging hormones then set about making breakfast. It was 10,30 after all, Alex had had over 12 hours sleep!
It was the smell of coffee and bacon that finally got Alex stirring. As she entered the kitchen rubbing her eyes, her hair wild Piper grinned.
"Morning sleepy!"
"Morning." Alex yawned. "It smells good in here!"
Piper chuckled. "Come on sit down its ready." Pushing coffee and a plate piled with eggs, bacon and toast towards her, Piper watched as Alex began to eat. It was only as she finished her second coffee did she register Piper watching her, grinning.
"What?" she asked, a little defensive.
"Nothing." Piper grinned. She pushed some pancakes in front of Alex who grinned and pulled some onto her plate, covering them in syrup she was quiet again.
"Your focus is amazing!" Piper grinned.
Alex shrugged. "I don't eat like this at home, I need to make the most of it!"
"You should be OK this week, we have the food we made yesterday." Piper smiled.
"Yeah," Alex grinned. "Now if you could make breakfasts like this for me too I'll be sorted."
"You eat like that everyday and you will have to start running!" Piper smirked.
Alex shrugged. Looking at Piper properly for the first time since sitting down she frowned. "Why are you in dressed only in a dressing gown? When did you get up?"
"2 hours ago." Piper laughed. "I went for a run, came back and showered, but I didn't want to wake you getting clothes."
"Dressed like that you could have woken me." Alex grinned.
Piper smiled not sure if she should mention how she had woken up. Her quiet lack of response made Alex frown. "What?" She probed. Knowing something was wrong
"Nothing" Piper smiled. "Look, let me get dressed then you can use the shower or whatever." Exiting the room Piper knew she had handled that badly, but she didn't know if mentioning how she had found them was wise.
By the time she returned, now dressed in jeans and a t shirt Alex was wiping down the kitchen surface having washed up not only the breakfast things but the mess they had abandoned yesterday.
"You didn't have to do that," she smiled "but thank you. The bathrooms free."
Alex turned nodding but instead of moving to get washed and dressed she sat on the stool by the kitchen counter and pulled Piper towards her. "Come on what's wrong?"
"Nothing." Piper grinned.
"So why the lack of response when I said I liked you dressed like you were before?"
"Because I wasn't sure how things like that were now, after yesterday. You stopped it so I didn't know how you wanted to play it."
Alex accepted the words, understanding the logic, but knew there was more. "And?"
Piper knew her cheeks were pink but she also wanted to tell Alex the truth. "When I woke this morning," she began softly, "you were wrapped around me."
Alex eyes widened, she hadn't expected that! "I was?"
"Yep." Piper grinned. "It took me a while to prise myself from your grasp."
"Oh god Pipes, I'm sorry!" Alex looked mortified.
"Oh don't apologise," Piper grinned a little surprised Alex looked so embarrassed.
"No? you weren't shocked?"
"Oh yeah I was shocked, but I'm not complaining."
"Your not?" Alex began to relax. "What exactly did I do?"
"Well like I say you were wrapped round me. One hand holding my head, you were pressed down the entire length of my back your other hand," Piper knew she was blushing now, "held my breast."
"Fuck!" Alex exclaimed shocking Piper slightly, causing her to look at the tall woman who had dropped her hands.
"What?" Piper asked, "Its OK Alex, you were asleep, its not like you groped me against my will."
"No but I missed it!" Alex looked at Piper, now grinning. Causing Piper to laugh in relief and shrug.
"Yeah you did. Shame. It was fun!"
"It was?" Alex smirked. "You enjoyed it?"
"Not bad!" Piper winked.
"Would have been better if we were both awake." Alex snarled. "OK, now I need a cold shower." As she reached the door she stopped as if realising something. "Is that why you went running?" she asked suddenly putting two and two together.
"I was going running anyway." Piper said but even she heard the denial in her voice.
"But?" Alex probed grinning.
"But I needed to do 3 extra laps and still have a cold shower when I got back!" Piper admitted grinning.
"Yes!" Alex fist pumped the air as she entered the bathroom. Pipers laughter ringing in her ears.
o0o
A/N: Wow! So thrilled by the response to the last chapter, sorry it took so long to reply to the messages and reviews, fan fiction was tormenting me with notifications saying I had reviews then not letting me read or reply to them… for a few days there I was very nervous!
I hope as Piper and Alex now get closer you continue to enjoy the journey.
Ali.