From now until Forever…
Chapter 40
The weight of Maura's body draped across her own woke Jane in the dim light of the early morning. Blinking her eyes a few times to adjust to the shadows cast by several slivers of brightness filtering through the blinds, she realized she was awake before Maura. Looking down at the honey-blonde head nestled against her chest, she couldn't help but smile. It was almost unheard of for her to be awake before Maura and this afforded her a rare opportunity to study the sleeping beauty uninhibited. As slow, steady breaths ghosted across her bare skin, she did her best to contain the shiver that threatened to wake Maura. After a moment of forcing herself to hold still, the shiver passed and she continued to observe the woman she loved with a sense of awe. She couldn't help but be grateful that she got to wake up every morning to the feeling of Maura wrapped around her, seeking comfort and safety in each other's arms.
As the minutes ticked by, the need to touch almost overwhelmed Jane causing the palms of her hands to itch in anticipation. She couldn't stop herself from fidgeting and her movement caused Maura to stir. Watching Maura stretch and open her eyes caused Jane to smile again, that is until a hand smacked her in the face.
"Ouch…" Jane turned her head to avoid getting a finger in the eye.
"Mmmm…" Maura tried to speak around the dry mouth that was making it difficult. "Please don't yell."
"Does Dr. Isles have a little headache?" Jane tried not to smirk as she ran her fingers through the honey-blonde hair that was splayed out over her chest.
"Either that or a man with a jackhammer has taken up residence inside of my skull." Maura smacked her lips against the dryness that threatened to make it impossible to speak.
"Did we drink a little too much wine last night…like two bottles, maybe?" Jane's chuckle shook Maura's resting place and caused her to grimace.
Maura pushed herself up so she could eye Jane suspiciously. "Why are you so bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning?"
"Bright eyed and bushy tailed? I don't think anyone has ever accused me of that before. I get the bright eyed but what hell does bushy tailed mean?"
Dropping back down on her human pillow, Maura took Jane's question as a rhetorical one and buried her face against warm skin. "Did I really drink two bottles of wine last night?"
"Well, not all by yourself. I think Frost helped." Jane continued to run her hand through silky strands, twisting her fingers in the softness that surrounded her.
Silence followed Jane's statement as memories from the night before flashed through Maura's mind causing her to groan. The thought of everything leading up to the two bottles of wine was making her feel more nauseous than the wine itself. But as she contemplated what had led her to over indulge, she remembered going to bed alone before being surprised by Jane slipping in next to her a few hours later. "We almost broke our rule last night, didn't we?"
"Yep, but we didn't." Jane let out a tired sigh.
"We have a lot to talk about, don't we?" Maura let out her own tired sigh as tension caused her to stiffen.
"Ah-huh." Looking up at the ceiling, Jane remembered her anger and felt foolish by its intensity. "But right now, I just want to hold you and enjoy the feeling of you draped across me. We can talk later…okay?"
"Okay." Maura relaxed. "But are you sure I'm not too heavy? I'm not squishing you, am I?"
"Nope…" Jane held Maura tighter so she couldn't pull away. "Feeling you against me makes me feel better."
"You know there are studies that say a weighted blanket can help with anxiety and insomnia…" Maura started to say.
"So, does that make you my blanket?" Jane interrupted.
"Perhaps."
"Or perhaps I just really like the feeling of your body pressed against mine." Jane chuckled. She couldn't deny there was some sort of comfort in having Maura's weight covering her, making her feel safe and content.
"Ummm, I like it too." Maura snuggled closer, wiggling just enough to cause Jane to moan. "I think I'd like to stay right here all day."
"I might be able to arrange that." Jane laid her head back against her pillow and closed her eyes. The idea of spending a relaxing day doing nothing seemed like the most ideal thing in the world…even if it was unrealistic.
"Unfortunately, I have a feeling it isn't in the cards for us today." Maura reached up to lightly trace her fingers along Jane's collar bone, eliciting a shiver that moved through them both. "How would you like to take a shower with me?"
"I'd like that very much." Jane took a deep breath before exhaling slowly as she concentrated on Maura's fingers moving over her skin. The touch was light, like a feather, but the heat it generated left a trail of fire in its wake.
"Well, as much as I'd like to stay right here all day…I think it's time we got wet together." Maura pushed herself up to hover over Jane who grinned up at her with a funny expression.
"If that's all you want then I don't think we have to get up at all." Wiggling her eyebrows, Jane couldn't help but smirk.
A pink tinge colored Maura's cheeks when she realized what Jane was insinuating. Rolling her eyes, she sat up and straddled Jane's hips, pressing herself closer than before. "Of that, I am fully aware…" she couldn't stop herself from running her hands along Jane's abdominal muscles causing them to twitch in the most delightful way. "But if it's all the same to you, I'd like to move this along to a different venue."
Jane gasped at the feeling of Maura's exploring hands, hoping that they would venture further but when the weight of Maura's body was suddenly lifted, she couldn't help but frown.
As Maura climbed off Jane, she noticed the frown and laughed. "No pouting. I'll make it worth your while…I promise." Reaching out, she offered Jane a hand to help pull her out of bed resulting in the full, dimpled Rizzoli smile that made her weak at the knees. But before Jane could grab and pull her close, Maura spun around and ran towards the bathroom. "Now, you just have to catch me." She called out over her shoulder in a teasing way.
Even though Maura was quick, Jane was quicker as she wrapped her arms around Maura's waist and hoisted her over a shoulder. "You were saying?" She said casually as she carried Maura to the bathroom. Tilting her head, she noticed the high cut boxer shorts Maura was wearing that revealed silky, soft skin to her wandering eyes. "Ummm…I think I like this view better." She mused aloud as Maura struggled to break free.
When it was apparent that she stood no chance against Jane's strong hold, Maura gave up but not before giving Jane's rear a generous slap to get her attention. "I concur with the view, Detective Rizzoli."
"Hey…" Jane dropped Maura to the ground and put her hands on her hips. "No fair."
"What?" Maura shrugged innocently. "Your gluteus maximus is way too cute to ignore."
"Are you referring to my ass Dr. Isles?" Jane cocked her head to the side and studied the smirk on Maura's face. "Because I don't think the word 'cute' is quite appropriate for something I've worked so hard for."
"Oh, pray tell, what word would you use?" Maura couldn't help but laugh at Jane's fake annoyance.
"Well, hot…tight…awesome…" Jane waved her hands in the air impatiently. "Those are just some of the words that come to mind."
"Okay then, your gluteus maximus is way too hot…tight…awesome…and cute to ignore." Maura pushed up on her toes and kissed the tip of Jane's nose before spinning around to turn the shower on.
"Well, I guess that's better." Jane huffed in mock indignation. "But this here…" she turned her attention to the view of Maura bending to reach the shower handles. "This right here is perfection." She cupped Maura's boxer clad rear and gave a gentle squeeze.
"Ya think?" Maura leaned back into Jane's touch and grinned over her shoulder.
"Abso-fucking-lutely!"
"Then let's get wet!" Maura spun around, grabbed the edge of Jane's sports bra, and pulled it up over her head. With a wicked grin, she shoved a surprised Jane into the shower and under the warm stream of water that fell from above.
"Hey…I've still got my underwear on." Jane complained but not for long. Her eyes widened as she watched Maura slipped out of a pair of boxer shorts and a tank top before joining her. "Um…okay…that'll work." She reached out to grab Maura by the hips and pull her close.
"These need to go." Maura yanked at Jane's wet underwear, pushing them down long, slender legs causing them to pool at their feet. She laughed when Jane lifted one leg and the wet undergarment up to her hand before tossing them over the shower door. The sound of something wet hitting the bathroom counter made them both laugh this time.
"Better?" Jane pressed herself against Maura and rocked their bodies back and forth.
"Much." Maura leaned into Jane's touch as strong hands moved around to the small of her back and then lower to pull her even closer. "Now, turn around so I can wash your hair."
"Donwanna…" Jane shook her head as her hands gave Maura's backside a firm squeeze. "I like it right here." She turned just enough to allow the warm water to fall down between them, making their skin slick and slippery as she moved against the body in her arms.
"You do pose a valid argument." Maura let out a shaky breath as she looked down to see where their bodies connected, watching Jane's breasts slide against her in the most delicious way. "But I would really like to wash this lovely mane of hair." She reached up to push a few strands of wet, dark hair away from Jane's face.
"Only if you promise to let me wash yours." Jane winked as she twisted around. "But use the shampoo that makes your hair smell like sunshine."
"What?" Maura seemed confused by the request. Reaching for her bottle of shampoo, she waved it in front of Jane. "Is this what you're talking about?"
Flipping the lid open, Jane sniffed at it and then grinned. "Yep, that's it." She closed her eyes and leaned her head back to allow the water to cascade over her.
Maura squeezed some into her palm and lathered it up before running her hands through Jane's wet hair. "Here…lean your head back a little. I can't quite reach." When Jane obliged, she continued to comb her soapy fingers through the long, dark hair. Reaching up, she applied the smallest amount of pressure to Jane's scalp, massaging with her fingertips. The minutes ticked away as Maura continued to run her fingers through Jane's hair, making sure every inch was clean and she seemed to disappear into the moment…giving in to the feeling that surrounded her.
"Ummmm…that feels sooo good." Jane let out a heavy sigh and leaned back into Maura's gentle ministrations.
"You should try it from my side." Maura continued to move her fingers through Jane's hair. "Now…rinse." She gave a gentle shove towards the shower head.
Jane let the water fall over her, rinsing the soap away before turning around to Maura. "Okay Dr. Smarty Pants…your turn." She gave Maura's shoulder a gentle nudge to turn her around.
"As you wish." Maura chuckled as she let Jane turn her around so the water could cover her head.
Instead of putting the shampoo in her hands, she squeezed it directly over Maura's head and watched as the suds ran down her back. With her fingertips, she traced behind the sudsy trail along Maura's shoulders and the back of her arms. Reaching up, she ran her fingers through wet hair, lathering the shampoo in honey-blonde locks before tipping Maura's head to the side to rinse it away. She repeated the process one more time to ensure all the soapy water ran clear, disappearing down the drain at their feet.
With a sigh, Maura leaned back against Jane and smiled when she felt strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. Taking a bottle of soap and a washcloth, she poured a generous amount and then ran it over the arms wrapped around her, leaving them slick with suds. When she was satisfied that Jane's arms were clean, she moved to run the washcloth over her own skin bringing it up to her neck and face before leaning into the stream of water that fell from above to rinse off.
Jane rested her chin on Maura's shoulder and closed her eyes when she felt hands moving over her arms. The sensation of the wet wash cloth, soft and slippery, traveled over her skin leaving a tingling sensation in its wake. When she felt Maura move her hands higher, she caught a whiff of peppermint and opened one eye in question. "Um…I smell peppermint." She could see that Maura was moving the washcloth over her face and neck causing the fragrance to intensify. "And is my skin supposed to be tingling?" Pulling back just enough, she looked down at her arms still holding Maura against her.
"Well, this is castile soap. It doesn't have any synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents. It is quite versatile and can be used for your face, body, hair, food, dishes, laundry…you can clean your house and body with it." Maura babbled as she continued to gently scrub her skin.
"What about the tingling sensation? Is that normal?" Jane looked over at the bottle and then down at her arms again, afraid of what she might find.
"Absolutely." Maura spun around and used the washcloth on Jane. "It has peppermint essential oil in it which makes you skin tingle in the most delightful way. I find it to almost as effective as coffee to wake myself up in the morning…almost." She mumbled the last word and Jane laughed as the washcloth moved over her breasts and stomach. "There are a multitude of benefits ranging from clearing your sinuses to clearing you mind…"
"Whoaw…among other things." Jane couldn't contain the wicked grin when she felt the peppermint suds slide further down her body to places that left every part of her body tingling.
Maura raised a questioning eyebrow at the expression on Jane's face and the lopsided grin spreading across slightly parted lips. Resting her hands against Jane's chest, she smiled back as she pressed herself into the tall, lanky body in front of her. "Yes…there is that too." She laughed but quickly turned serious at the feeling of Jane's wet skin against hers. With a sudden burst of movement, she dropped the washcloth and pushed until her hands touched the tiled wall that was now firmly pressed against Jane's back.
The move took Jane by surprise, but when she realized what Maura was doing, she relented and allowed herself to be pressed against the shower wall. Big mistake-the tile was cold against her skin and caused her to yelp in surprise. She jerked away from the sudden cold and almost toppled them both over. "Shit…that's cold…"
With unsteady feet, Maura stumbled back into the faucet handle knocking it from hot, steamy water to ice cold propelling her forward back into Jane. Doing her best to get away from the artic chill that now ran down her back, she twisted her body until she was standing behind Jane.
Finding herself unexpectedly facing a full-frontal assault of sub-zero temperatures, Jane held up her hands to shield her face and let out another yelp. As quickly as she could manage, she reached out and turned the faucet handle to off. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hug away the cold that now penetrated her and caused her to shiver. "Well…that didn't…end how I…thought it…would." Her teeth chattered and her words came out in a stutter.
"So much for shower sex…" Maura pushed the shower door open and grabbed a towel from the rack on the wall next to them. Warm air flooded around them from the steamy bathroom and she let out a sigh as she wrapped the towel around herself. Before she could offer Jane the other towel, her feet left the ground and she was being carried in strong arms towards the bedroom.
When the shower door opened and warmth surrounded her, Jane's blood started to circulate again restoring her suddenly depleted strength. She could feel Maura moving next to her and the only thing she wanted more than feeling Maura's body against her again was finishing what had been interrupted by her clumsy actions earlier. So, when Maura turned to hand her a towel, she scooped Maura up into her arms and carried her towards the bedroom to finish what they had started.
Maura couldn't stop herself from giggling as she wrapped her legs around Jane's waist and allowed herself to be carried to the bedroom. Even though she was still covered with the towel, Jane wasn't wearing anything at all giving her the most wonderful view from her vantage point.
Dropping down to sit on the edge of the bed, Jane held Maura tight giving them both the chance to get comfortable. With Maura straddling her hips, it gave her hands the opportunity to wander over bare thighs and up towards the edge of the towel that covered more skin than Jane thought was necessary. "How 'bout we finish what we started before that little fiasco in the shower?" Her fingers traced the exposed skin just below the towel Maura had wrapped around her.
"Well, if we're going to do it right…this needs to go…" Maura reached to undo her towel only to be interrupted by the doorbell. Her eyes widened in surprise as she glanced over at the clock on the bedside table and then it hit her when she realized what time it was. "Oh, no…I forgot…"
"Oh, for fucks sake, who the hell is ringing the doorbell at eight o'clock in the morning?" Jane's hands stilled and she gave Maura an expectant look, waiting for her to explain.
"That would be, Ryan and Carly…" Maura leaned forward to place her forehead on Jane's shoulder. "I forgot they were coming over this morning." She shook her head before pulling back to give Jane an apologetic smile but went on to explain when all she got in return was a look of confusion. "You're supposed to help Ryan paint the nursery and put some furniture together. Remember?"
"But I donwanna paint…" Jane buried her face in the crook of Maura's neck. "I wanna stay right here with you." She started to move her hands again as her libido took over but the ringing of the doorbell again was almost as shocking as the cold water from the shower. "Okay…okay, but you get to answer the door since you're wearing this." Her fingers crept under the towel but then she let out a heavy sigh and lifted Maura up from her lap.
Maura was reluctant to let go of Jane but eventually relented when she heard the frustrated sigh. "I'm sorry Love, but we did tell them we'd help out." When she was back on her feet again, she adjusted the towel so it was securely in place covering her up.
"I know…I know." Jane waved her hands in the air. "You better go down and answer the door before they call in the Calvary." She pointed to the door and rolled her eyes at the thought of her mother joining the fray.
Bending down, Maura placed a quick kiss to the tip of Jane's nose before placing an open palm on either side of Jane's face to hold her in place so their lips could meet in a lingering kiss filled with promise. "Okay…just so you know, we aren't done here. Delayed a little, but not done."
"I'm counting on it." Jane smirked when the doorbell rang again, startling Maura at the same time her cell phone started to ring. "And I'm gonna guess that's them calling…"
"Okay…I'm going." Maura shook her head and jogged towards the door giving one last glance over her shoulder at a tall, lean and very naked Jane strutting around the bedroom with an evil grin spreading across her lips. "You're such a tease." She laughed as she took the steps two at a time on her way down to finally bring an end to the incessant ringing of the doorbell.
When the door swung open, neither Carly nor Ryan were surprised to find Maura standing on the other side wearing only a towel. Carly didn't say anything as she nervously shuffled from one foot to the other, not quite able to meet Maura's eyes, but Ryan just smirked in a knowing way and sauntered past Maura adjusting the overnight bag over her shoulder.
"Interrupt something, did we?" Ryan drew out the last two words for emphasis.
"Perphaps…" Maura pulled Carly through the door way and gave her a hug. It amused her how much Carly and Jane were alike when it came to certain taboo subjects. The pink tinge on Carly's cheeks said everything she couldn't.
"And this early in the morning too." Ryan dropped the duffle bag on the floor and put her hands on her hips. "Where's my helper? You didn't wear her out too much did you?"
"I didn't have a chance too." Maura picked up the bag, handed it back to Ryan, and nodded towards the guest bedroom. "You can put your stuff in there."
"Gottcha." Ryan gave a two-fingered salute and turned on her heel.
"Um…we thought that maybe we could both stay the night and cook dinner after Ryan and Jane get done. If that's okay…" Carly still couldn't meet Maura's eyes.
"I think that would be wonderful." Maura clapped her hands together excitedly at the prospect of having Jane back later that evening instead of the next day. In her excitement, her towel shifted and almost dropped but she caught it. "I guess I should go get dressed." She tilted her head towards the stairs. "Make yourselves comfortable."
Carly finally looked up as Maura headed up the stairs and then turned to Ryan when she returned from the guest room. "Do you really think we interrupted them…you…know…?"
The question caused Ryan to laugh and roll her eyes dramatically. "Yes…that's what they get for sleeping in." She waggled her eyebrows at Carly. "They should have gotten up earlier…like we did and then they wouldn't have been interrupted."
Shaking her head, Carly gave Ryan a gentle push towards the kitchen. "Let's see if there's any coffee or tea in there."
"Decaffeinated…right?" Ryan raised her eyebrows in question.
"Of course, my dear." Carly gave an exaggerated sigh in response.
"You'd better be careful what kind of tea you grab. I hear Maura has some tea with Panda poop in it." Ryan said as she started to riffle through the cabinets looking for something they could drink.
"Really?" Carly took a seat at the kitchen bar and leaned back to give her large belly room.
When Ryan turned around to answer the question, her breath caught in her chest at the sight of the woman she loved. Carly was sitting back, resting her hands atop her baby bump and it was one of the most beautiful things Ryan had ever seen. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"
"You may have mentioned it a few times this morning…" Carly dropped her eyes and gazed at Ryan through dark lashes as a sly smile slid across her face.
"Only a few times?" Jane bounded into the room, her wet pony tail swinging back and forth. The faded jeans and the paint stained t-shirt she was wearing indicated she was ready to work. Wrapping her arms around Carly, she gave a quick hug and kiss to her cheek.
Ryan just shook her head and turned back to the cabinet in search of something to drink. "What do you have in here that I can make Carly to drink?" She moved a few things around trying to figure out what was what.
"Is it true that Maura has panda poop tea?" Carly asked Jane when she was released from the gentle hug.
"You have to ask?" Jane laughed. "Hey, grab that rooibos tea in there. It's got antioxidant properties and its caffeine-free too."
"This one?" Ryan held up a box and waved it around.
"Yeah, that's the one." Jane dropped down in the empty seat at the kitchen bar and placed her hand on top of Carly's. "How's our little soccer star doing this morning?" She gave the hand under hers a squeeze.
"Getting ready for the world cup, I'd say." Carly leaned her head on Jane's shoulder and let out a tired sigh.
"You want me to make you a bagel or something before we leave?" Ryan put a tea kettle full of water on the stove and turned it on high.
"I'll take care of that Ryan. You guys go ahead and go. Get finished up so we can have a nice dinner at a reasonable time…okay?" Maura stepped into the kitchen and shooed Ryan away from the stove.
"You sure?" Ryan hesitated.
"Absolutely." Maura pulled a coffee cup from the cabinet and placed a tea bag in it before turning to her coffee maker to make herself a cup of coffee.
"Okay." Ryan moved over to Carly so she could give her a kiss goodbye. "Whatcha gonna do today?" She asked as she placed a kiss to Carly's cheek.
"Oh, just some shopping and maybe a nap later today." Carly lifted her head from Jane's shoulder, ran her fingers through her hair, and yawned.
"Shopping? What else could we possible need?" Ryan's eyebrows disappeared under her blonde bangs in surprise.
"Do you want the list?" Carly laughed.
"Nah, just leave something in savings…" Ryan ran her fingers through Carly's hair to push it away from tired eyes. "And promise me you'll take that nap later."
"I promise." Carly leaned into Ryan's touch. "Now, get outta here so you can get the nursery done. The month is gonna fly by and our little soccer star is gonna be here before we know it."
"'Kay…love ya babe." Ryan grabbed Jane by the hand and pulled her to her feet. "Let's hit it."
"See you guys tonight." Maura called out to them as they made their way to the front door.
Jane stopped in the doorway and looked over at Maura, silently catching her attention while Carly looked down at her phone. 'Take care of her…' she mouthed so Carly wouldn't hear her. Maura gave a nod and wink as she mouthed 'love you' in response.
When the feeling of Ryan's hand pulling her became more urgent, Jane allowed herself to be led towards the front door. "Hey, is it too early to start drinking beer?" She asked as they stepped out onto the front porch, closing the door behind them.
"Maybe…but it's not too early for bloody Mary's." Ryan smirked and gave Jane a playful push.
"Lead the way boss." Jane followed Ryan to her car with a wide grin at the thought that the day may not be a total loss. In fact, her heart soared at the thought of how normal and domestic her days were becoming with Maura. Today it was painting a nursery for Ryan and Carly…but soon enough it would be their turn and that thought alone filled her with so much happiness she thought she might burst. Her grin grew wider at the realization that she was on the way to living her dream. It was a dream that Maura had breathed new life into and from now until forever they would work together to make both of their dreams come true.