Disclaimer: I own nothing related to PLL. I'm only borrowing the characters for a while.

Reminder: This story is AU as of Season 5, Episode 12. It is a sequel to my story "Ali's Nightmare Before Christmas", my AU version of the Season 5 Christmas episode, where I revealed that "A" was Ali's twin, Courtney. Therefore, please remember Cece is NOT related to Ali and Jason and she was not "A" in my story.

You may want to go back and reread that story and this story before you read these new chapters because it is VERY different from what actually happened on the show.

Thank you so much to everyone who has come back to this story and to all those who are reading and reviewing. I'm glad to see there are still some readers for this story out there.

Enjoy!

Breathe Again—Chapter 12

Stepping into Chez Pierre, Alison reveled in the refreshing blast of air conditioning against her skin. Los Angeles was in the midst of a mid-September heatwave, one that was going on its fifth agonizing day.

Alison was leaving for Fiji in three days, which wouldn't exactly be a break from the heat, but the typically lower humidity in Fiji in September would be more bearable. At least that's what Alison hoped because this kind of weather could drive a woman to murder.

The front of the house was eerily quiet, as Chez Pierre was a dinner-only restaurant and it was still mid-afternoon. The only sounds Alison could hear were the clattering of dishes and pans that came from the kitchen in the back. She stepped up to the hostess desk and tapped the bell, hoping that someone other than Emily would come out to see who it was.

Alison didn't tell Emily she was coming to speak to Pierre today. She didn't want her girl to think she was trying to pressure her into asking Pierre for time off. The blonde desperately wanted Emily to come to Fiji for a few days, but Emily insisted she couldn't ask for last-minute time off.

It took all of Alison's self-control to resist pushing Emily to just ask. Despite what she had told Emily, Alison's desire for control still a living thing inside her sometimes. However, she was actively trying to be better, especially because every time she acted that way, it would always lead to a heated argument with her girl. So she just had to accept Emily's choice even though it broke her heart.

But today Alison was here at Chez Pierre for a completely different reason and she couldn't help but smile when she saw the man himself come out of the kitchen.

"Ahh, Alison," Pierre greeted warmly with a smile her as he approached. Taking hold of her hands, he leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on each of her cheeks.

"Bonjour, Pierre," Alison said, leaning in for the customary French double-cheek kiss.

"Always lovely to see you, ma chérie. Are you here to see Emily?"

Alison shook her head. "Not today. I'm actually here to see you."

"J'ai de la chance," he replied in French, knowing Alison understood because she was partially fluent. "What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to speak to you about catering a fundraising gala I'm having in December."

His face lit up with delight. "Let's go in my office then where we can speak comfortably."

Alison followed Pierre, the clicking of her heels echoing through the hallway as they passed the bustling kitchen. The unmistakable scent of chocolate wafted from behind the metal doors and Alison bit back a moan, knowing her girl was responsible for the heavenly aroma.

"Have a seat." Pierre gestured to the chair across from his desk as he sat behind it. "So tell me about this fundraiser?"

"I don't know if Em has mentioned but I own a home for runaway teens."

"Yes, she did. She is very proud of you," he said with a smile.

Alison's lips curved, a mix of gratitude and love for her girl filling her.

"Well, once a year we organize a fundraiser because we heavily depend on the generosity of donors. Our next one falls just a few days before Christmas."

"A challenging season to seek donations, yes?"

Alison nodded, a wry expression on her face. "It's not the best timing, but unexpected expenses this year have made it impossible for us to wait until the new year."

"In terms of food, what specifically are you looking for?"

Alison sat back in the chair and crossed her legs. "Although it's a formal event, I'd like to keep the food simple. Both hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and aperitifs. We won't be having a sit-down meal. I'm just looking for a variety of small, finger-friendly bites that guests can enjoy while mingling."

Pierre put on his glasses and started making notes a pad of paper. "Do you prefer a buffet-style setup or would you like a team of servers to circulate with trays of food?"

"Definitely servers."

"And for the beverages, would you prefer a fully-stocked bar or would you rather have the wait staff serving just champagne and wine?"

"Both. The more intoxicated people get; the more money I can extract from them."

Alison's mischievous grin elicited a soft chuckle from Pierre.

"How many will we be serving?"

"I'm expecting between 150 and 200. I'll know better by the beginning of December, once we get the RSVP's."

Pierre nodded and continued making notes. "Do you have any specific dishes in mind, or should we focus on a diverse selection of French specialties?"

Alison waved her hand casually as she glanced around his office, admiring the photographs of Paris lining the walls. They were miniature versions of the ones that hung throughout the restaurant. "I'll leave that up to you. I trust your culinary expertise explicitly."

"And should I assume you want desserts too?" he asked as he arched a brow over his glasses.

The mention of the most obvious food Alison would require brought a playful chuckle to her lips. "What do you think, Pierre?" she teased. "Obviously, an emphasis on anything chocolate."

With a laugh, Pierre set his pen down and sat back in his chair, "Of course. And I assume Emily will need that night off?"

Alison batted her eyelashes and said, "Yes, please. But knowing my girl she'll want to be part of the food prep. When it comes to her desserts, she's fiercely protective and possessive."

"Yes," Pierre agreed. "That's what I adore about her."

"You and me both," Alison said, her voice laced with warmth. "I'm leaving in a few days for a three-week photoshoot in Fiji, but I'll have my assistant Regan get in touch with you when we get back to go over the menu, location, details."

"All I need is the date right now. The rest of the details we can work out."

"Saturday, December twenty-first."

Pierre sat forward and started typing on his computer. "That's perfect. I can make that work."

Alison grinned widely. "That makes me so happy, Pierre. I can't thank you enough."

"You are most welcome, ma chérie. I'm honored you thought of me and my team." He finished typing and then turned back to look at Alison. "So, a trip to Fiji? That sounds lovely. It's such a beautiful place. Romantic too."

Alison gave a little shrug. "It will be all work unfortunately."

"Hmm…," Pierre hummed curiously. "I'm surprised Emily hasn't asked me for time off."

Alison tried to remain casual, but her heart raced with anticipation. She knew Emily would be upset at her, but Alison couldn't be blamed since it was Pierre who brought up Emily and time off. Could she?

"I wanted her to come toward the end of the shoot so we could spend a few days relaxing together when it was done. But she didn't want to ask for last minute time off and put you in a bind since she is your executive pâtissier."

Pierre looked at her, not fooled at all by her nonchalance. Instead, his eyes softened, and a spark of understanding flickered in their depths.

"No, no. That just won't do." He looked at his computer again. "When does you shoot end?"

Alison sat forward. "October second."

The sound of clicking filled the room as he hit a few more keys on his keyboard. "Ah, yes, I can give her a few days. I insist, in fact." He sat back again. "Emily is the most skilled pâtissier I've come upon in decades and she's done an exceptional job training our new sous-chef pâtissier, Juliette. She's earned a well-deserved a break."

"Em mentioned Juliette is very good."

"Oiu. She's no Emily but she should be fine by then to run the desserts for a few days. I'll keep an eye on her."

Sitting in her seat, Alison fought the urge to wiggle with excitement.

"Are you sure you can spare her? As much as I want her to come, both Em and I wouldn't want to put you in a bind," Alison said sincerely, despite the fear that Pierre might change his mind.

"I'm more than sure. You know," Pierre continued after a brief pause. "I was going to ask Emily to have you call me. We've been so busy since the article last Spring. Business has skyrocketed. I haven't told the staff yet, but I'm expanding the restaurant. I'm in final negotiations to buy the building next store and add onto the dining room and a second kitchen."

"That's fantastic," Alison said, her voice filled with genuine happiness for Pierre.

"It's all because of that article and your beautiful photos," he assured her. "I've received more compliments because of those, people saying they captured the essence and warmth of the restaurant perfectly."

Alison's lips curved up in a grateful smile. "Thank you, Pierre but it was all the atmosphere you created here."

"In the interim," he continued. "We're upgrading our website and I would like to incorporate some new, fresh photos into the redesign."

Alison tilted her head as she responded to him. "Well the ones that were used in the magazine spread are owned by the magazine, but I could ask them for permission to give copies to you for your use. I also have tons that weren't used and I own all of those. I could go through them and send you any of the usable ones I still have."

"That would be lovely, Alison. But I'd like more photos, different ones. I'd like ones of the staff in the kitchen, preparing the food and the restaurant full of diners. The ones in the magazine are all empty."

Alison reached down to her purse and grabbed her phone. "Anything you need, I'm happy to help. I'll just text Regan to put those photos on a zip drive for you."

"Good. I have a proposition for you, then."

Alison looked up from her phone with an intrigued grin. "Ohh, that sounds tantalizing."

Pierre's lips turned up into a matching grin. "If you agree to take the additional photographs of the restaurant, now and after the addition is complete, I'll give Emily the first week of October off. With her two usual days off, that should give you a week. How does that sound?"

Alison sat forward, her grin growing and stretching across her face like the Cheshire Cat. "Like, heaven, Pierre. I'd be indebted to you."

"Of course. Obviously, I'll pay you for the work, too, but I'm happy to give Emily the time off for Fiji."

Alison sat back, her elation deflated slightly, knowing her girlfriend. "I hope she'll take you up on it. Em has a very strong sense of responsibility and my girl can be very stubborn."

"She won't have a choice. She is off that week. If she doesn't visit you in Fiji, she will sadly be home all alone."

"I knew you were a little bit devious when I met you, Pierre. And I'm probably going to get into a slew of trouble for this." Alison tilted her head and tapped her lip with her finger as she debated a moment. "But, I'll tell you what. Now I have a proposition for you."

He looked at her curiously.

"You give me two more days with Em and I'll take all the photos for free."

"You've got a deal." He leaned over the desk and they shook hands like two sneaky allies, sealing the deal. "Now, it should be about time for Emily's break. Let me go get her."

Before Pierre could rise from his chair, someone knocked on the doorjamb and Alison heard her girl's voice.

"Hey, boss, can I talk to you?"

Alison looked over her shoulder to see Emily's face light up with a questioning smile.

"Ali? I didn't know you were here?"

"Ah, Emily. Come in," Pierre said as she stood up. "We were just talking about you."

Emily stepped into the office as she removed her toque. "I'm not sure if I should be worried or not."

Alison stood up as Pierre walked around his desk.

"Alison came by to ask Chez Pierre to cater her fundraiser in December."

Emily's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's great!"

"Yes, and while we were talking she mentioned her upcoming trip to Fiji."

Alison tried to hide her excitement but she feared she was failing when Emily eyes narrowed as she looked at the blonde. "Did she?"

"Yes. And can you imagine my surprise when I told her you hadn't asked me for any vacation time."

Emily looked back and forth between Alison and Pierre before her eyes settled on her boss again.

"That's actually why I was coming in here. I was going to ask if you could spare me for a couple of days at the beginning of October."

"You were?" Alison asked in a surprised voice.

Emily's eyes softened as she glanced at Alison before looking back at her Pierre. "Yeah. But I know how last minute it is so I completely understand if it's not possible."

Pierre shook his head. "I already looked at the schedule and we're good for you to take some time. You deserve it, Emily. Of course, Alison sweet-talked me into giving up another couple of days by agreeing to help with the photos for the new website."

"I'm nothing if not generous," Alison said nonchalantly, causing Pierre to laugh.

"Get the exact dates to me by tomorrow so I can make sure Juliette will be able to cover." He nodded to Emily. "Now I think it is about time for your break."

Emily nodded. "I just took the chocolate soufflés out of the oven."

Alison let out a small whimper and both Emily and Pierre turned to look at her.

"Sorry," Alison said, her voice slightly breathless. "Pavlovian response to the word chocolate."

As Pierre laughed again, Emily couldn't help but join him and gently shake her head. Alison simply shrugged her shoulders.

"Alison, it has been a pleasure, as always," Pierre said as took Alison's hands and kissed both her cheeks. "I look forward to working together again, ma chérie."

"I'll have Regan call you with the dates for Fiji and the fundraiser this afternoon."

"Perfect."

"Merci, Pierre," Emily said gratefully and Pierre smiled at her affectionately.

"Avec plaisir."

Pierre left the room and Emily turned back to Alison. "Why didn't you tell me you were going to ask Pierre to cater?"

Alison stepped closer to Emily and tilted her head curiously. "Why didn't you tell me you were going to ask him for time off for Fiji?"

"Because I didn't know what he'd say and I didn't want to get your hopes up?"

Alison gave in to her desire to touch her girl, and slid her arms around Emily's waist. "Well he was very happy to accommodate us."

"Careful, love. Pierre doesn't like wrinkles."

Alison stepped back with a pout. "I'll have Regan book you a flight today."

"I can get my own ticket, Ali."

Alison shook her head. "I get a certain number of tickets for my team as part of my contract. It won't cost either of us a thing for you to go. It will be all first class, baby," Alison teased with a smile.

"Wow. Having a famous photographer girlfriend has its perks, I guess."

"Yes, so take advantage of me," Alison teased seductively as she playfully used the double entendre. "I'm so happy you're going to come to Fiji, Em. I want to fuck you on the beach, under the stars."

"Ali," Emily scolded as she quickly looked over her shoulder. "Don't say that here. Besides, that sounds like a surefire way to end up with sand in really uncomfortable places."

"You can come in the last couple of days of the shoot and we can have a few days after it ends to just relax and have nonstop sex."

Emily glanced over her shoulder again as she rolled her eyes. "I want to see some of the shoot, though. I don't want to miss out seeing all those models. Hanna will never forgive me if I do."

Alison narrowed her eyes and pinched Emily's side. "Consider yourself warned, I might ban you from the set."

With a playful laugh, Emily leaned in and gently pressed her lips against Alison's. "How much time did you talk Pierre into giving me?"

"You're not mad at me, are you?" Alison asked worriedly. "I wasn't trying to control things, Em. I didn't deliberately bring it up. It just came up in passing."

"I'm not mad, love. I was going to ask him anyway. So how much time did I get off?"

"He started at five days but I got him to seven, plus your days off."

"Really?" Emily looked surprised.

Pierre walked back into his office, carrying a small box. "Yes, she's a tough negotiator, but you deserve some time off as well." He handed the box to Alison. "A little sweet treat for you to take home with you."

"If that's what I think it is," Alison said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, "I might just have to kiss you, Pierre."

Emily laughed as Pierre actually blushed. Her girlfriend had that effect on all men, it seemed, even those old enough to be her grandfather.

"You'd think I never gave her chocolate at home." Emily tugged Alison toward the door. Come on, Ali. I'll walk you to your car."

########

Alison slid the memory card into her camera before glancing at her watch. Her lips curved into a smile as she noted the time.

"What's got you in such a good mood?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Alison scowled as she looked up at the tall, burly man with the scraggly beard, covered from head to toe in tattoos.

Evan grinned as he turned on the third light Alison requested, under the tent where her camera equipment was set up on several long tables. It was just after five thirty in the morning and their sunrise shoot was about to start.

"It just means that you're in a better mood than I think I've ever seen you."

Alison grabbed her 65-300mm lens and then turned back to glare at the man beside her. While Jack was her go-to gaffer, Evan was always her first choice key grip. And like Jack, he knew how to work with Alison and her moods. They had just clicked when they first met almost three years ago.

However, this was the first time they'd worked together in over six months since Evan had taken some time off after his wife had triplet baby girls earlier in the year.

"Are you saying I'm usually bitchy? And be careful how you answer that Evan because my good mood can disappear really quick. You should remember that about me."

He snickered as he adjusted the light so it flooded the tent with adequate light. "Oh I remember your mood swings. It's one of the things I like most about you, blondie."

Alison elbowed him in the side quickly. "Stop fucking calling me that."

"So what's got you so happy?"

Alison grinned as she easily attached her camera to her harness, letting it hang against her chest.

"My girl arrives today."

"Your girl?"

"My girlfriend, Emily."

Evan's head jerked in surprise as he did a double take. "Wait just a minute. You have a girlfriend? Is she your girlfriend girlfriend or just your girlfriend?"

"Why is that any of your business?"

"Because when you turned me down you said you don't 'do' boyfriends or girlfriends."

Alison scoffed. "That was three years ago, Evan."

"Well?" he asked ignoring her comment.

"Well what?" Alison snapped.

"Girlfriend girlfriend?"

Alison adjusted her camera strap quietly before she replied softly. "She's the reason why."

"Why what?"

"Why I turned you down."

"Ohhh," Evan replied with a smile as he slung his arm over Alison's shoulder. "So this is the girl you never got over, huh."

Alison shrugged him off and started walking away. "That's none of your fucking business."

Evan caught up to her. "Hey is she bisexual, too?"

"Don't creep on my girlfriend, Evan, or I'll rat you out to your wife."

He held up his hands as they walked toward the set. "I didn't say I was interested in her. I have more than enough estrogen in my life these days. I gotta say though, I can't wait to meet the woman who stole Alison Fields' heart."

Jack fell into stride with them. "What are we talking about?"

"Ali has a girlfriend," Evan said. "Did you know that?"

"Oh yeah, Sophia," he sighed dramatically. "I met her a few months ago."

"Oh, man, you and I are going out for beers after wrap tonight. I need info."

"You're gonna love her. She's fabulous," Jack said with a wide, conspiratorial grin.

"What are you? Two gossiping girls? Grow the fuck up," Alison growled but she couldn't hide the smirk on her lips. "And you've met her exactly once, Jack, so stop acting like you know her."

"When does she get here?" Jack asked and when Alison didn't answer, he called to Regan, who was standing nearby at the craft services table. "Hey, Regan. When does Sophia get here?"

"Who?" She looked confused.

Jack guffawed. "The boss's girl."

"Why do you call her Sophia?"

"Don't encourage him, Regan," Alison snapped.

Falling into step with them, Regan shrugged before answering Jack's question. "I just sent Trevor to the airport to pick her up."

"He's bringing her here, right?"

Regan nodded. "After he gets her checked into Ali's room."

Jack rubbed his hands together. "Oh goodie. You ladies have to come out with us tonight. I need to spend some time getting to know your girl better."

"No, you really don't," Alison snapped. "And if you think I'm going to share her with anyone tonight, after not seeing her for three weeks, you're living in fantasy land, Jack. Now get your fucking mind on the shoot and off Em. If I miss these golden hour shots, I'm going to kick your ass."

The group arrived at the set, a secluded area near the water's edge, where the crashing surf provided a soothing backdrop. The rest of the crew and the model for the morning were already gathered, chatting and setting up. Mandi, the wardrobe designer, was securing the model's swimsuit with toupée tape, as Ashley, the hair stylist, was adjusting her hair extensions to add more volume.

"Evan, get me a four by scrim and stand over there," Alison instructed as she lifted her camera to start to frame out the shot.

"Are we ready, ladies," she asked. "The light's coming fast."

Mandi stepped back and nodded her head. "Yup. She's all yours, Ali."

"Just one more second," Ashley replied, her fingers deftly arranging the long strands before Alison joined her by the model.

"Alright, Camila," Alison said. "The water shouldn't be too cold. We're in Fiji after all but it will still be cooler than you want."

The Brazilian model just nodded. Alison liked her. Even though she was young, barely twenty-one, she'd been modeling since she was twelve. So she was a consummate professional, compared to some of the other models SI had booked for this shoot.

"We'll get you in and out of the water as quick as possible but I want the sunrise behind you in these shots. Mandi, have you got a heated blanket standing by."

"I don't think you're going to need it but it's right here," Mandi replied as she held up the blanket.

Alison looked through the camera lens. "Ashley, I need you out of the shot. Her hair's fucking fine."

Ashley stepped away and Alison started taking pictures.

"Alright, step back into the water slowly, Camila, and keep your eyes on me. Forget everyone else around. We're the only ones here. That's it. Just like that," Alison encouraged as she did what she did best.

Making her subject feel at ease.

########

An hour and a half and three bathing suit changes later, Camila was now lying on her back on the wet sand as the waves crashed gently over her. A light breeze tousled her hair, creating a soft frame around her face.

Alison had just swapped lenses and memory cards and was back on her knees in front of Camila, completely in the zone, as Emily and Regan approached the set.

Freshly showered after her long flight, Emily wore shorts, a tank top and a wide-brimmed hat Regan had given her when she arrived a few minutes earlier.

"You just missed their break but this is the last of the shots with Camila on her back. They'll be switching setups soon so Ali should have a few minutes for you while they reset." Regan whispered. Despite the bustling sounds of the beach and water around them, Alison always insisted on silence on her sets. Idle chatter distracted her and made her cranky.

Emily watched Alison as she rose to her feet and stepped closer to the model on the sand, her finger pressing the shutter-release button rapidly as she took her shots. A videographer shadowed her and Emily could see the tension in Alison's shoulders even from where she stood a hundred or so feet away.

"Who's that?" Emily asked as she motioned to the guy standing too close to Alison.

"The videographer SI hired to shoot the behind the scenes. Ali is ready to rip his throat out because he's crowding her."

"Has she gone off on him yet?"

Regan snorted softly. "Only a dozen or so times in the last three weeks."

Alison moved into the water to stand almost directly over Camila's body. "Alright, Camila, arch your back a bit more. Show off those assets God gave you."

"Hey, Sophia," Emily heard in her ear and she turned her head to see Jack standing behind her.

"Hi, Jack," she said with an arch of her brow. After their conversation, Alison insisted Emily join her and Jack for lunch so the brunette could get to know him a little. Despite his having slept with Alison, Emily found she liked him. They hit it off better than any of them anticipated and probably better than Alison's hoped.

"I know you have sand in places you never wanted, but let me see a smile that shows you're savoring the warmth of the sun on your skin," Alison urged and Camila complied, her smile lighting up her face.

Alison stepped back. "That's is. Now look directly at me."

Camila titled her head down so she could meet Alison's eyes.

"Yes, drop your bottom lip and give me a little pout. Very nice. Now I want to imagine I'm the hottest guy you've ever seen and I'm eye fucking you from across the beach."

Camila let out a laugh before she recovered and focused on Alison again.

"That's it. That's the look I want. Now eye fuck me right back. Yes," Alison hissed excitedly. "Your eyes speak volumes, Camila. Give me a look that says you want to go to my hotel room, where we can have some fun and explore every inch of each other's bodies."

Emily's breath caught as she watched her girlfriend work. She'd never been on a shoot with Alison but she was breathtaking to watch. The blonde's gaze was fixed solely on the woman in front of her, completely oblivious to her surroundings, as she skillfully played her subject. The erotic words Alison used were just what was needed to elicit a seductive response from Camila.

"That's just what she does," Jack murmured knowingly beside her. "No one pulls that kind of response out of a model like Ali. They all fall in love with her by the end of a shoot, whether they're into chicks or not."

"Shut up, Jack," Regan hissed. "Ali will cut off your balls if you say things to try to make Emily jealous."

Emily wasn't jealous. Just awe struck. And she could hardly blame anyone, male or female, for falling in love with Alison.

"I'm not trying to make Sophia jealous. I'm just telling her we all see it," he shrugged. "Seeing Ali in photographer mode is like witnessing a master artist at work."

"Yes, it is," Emily breathed.

"Alright, Camila, let switch gears now. I need a softer look. I want vulnerable. I want gentle."

Alison walked around Camila and dropped to one knee in the water, her back to the beach. "I want you to look at me like I'm the guy you've loved since you were fifteen and he's finally telling you he feels the same."

Camila's face immediately softened and she turned toward Alison.

"That's it. He's the love of your life. He always has been and you've waited forever for him to tell you he loves you too. It's your dream come true."

Alison's voice softened as she said the last words and Emily smiled. She didn't need to see Alison's face to know the blonde was thinking about her.

The wind picked up, causing Camila's hair to whip around her face.

Alison turned with a scowl. "Jack, get your ass over here and help Evan block that wind from the south."

Alison eyes widened as she saw Emily. "Oh Em! Baby, you're here."

Alison struggled to her feet under the weight of her camera. "Camila, give me five seconds. I have to go greet my girl."

Alison hurried over to Emily. With her free hand, she slipped her fingers around Emily's head and pulled the brunette's lips to her own.

"I'm so happy you're here," she murmured, her voice filled with warmth, as she released Emily. She winked at her before turning around and effortlessly slipping back into photographer mode without missing a beat.

She lifted her camera in front of her face. "Okay, Camila, where were we? Oh yes, love of your life."

########

"Okay, that's a wrap on this morning's session," Alison stood back and lowered her camera.

Regan walked up to her and helped Alison release her camera from her harness. Alison stretched and her eyes quickly shifted to Camila, who was helped to her feet by Mandi, before being wrapped in a soft oversized towel.

Most days, the SI shooting schedule included a split session. The morning session lasted five to six hours, starting at sunrise, and the evening session lasted two to three, beginning at sunset.

Alison glanced at her watch. It was just after ten and she usually spent the time between the two sessions downloading and processing the photos from the morning session and then napping until Regan woke her for a light dinner before the evening session.

But as Alison's gaze landed on the brunette, comfortably seated in a director's chair, shielded from the sun by a flag, she knew she would be getting no sleep today. It had been almost three weeks since she'd seen her girl and Alison was determined to make up for lost time.

Emily met her eyes across the beach and smiled.

"You did great today, Camila. Now get some rest this afternoon and I'll see you back here at six," Alison said before she strode toward Emily.

Emily stepped down from the chair just as Alison reached her. Alison pulled Emily into her arms, wrapping them around the brunette's waist.

"I'm so glad you're here, Em," she purred as tilted her face up and kissed Emily again.

"Me too, love," Emily said, her voice a soft squeal, as she felt Alison's wet body press against her own.

"Sorry," Alison laughed as she pulled away, having momentarily forgotten she was likely as wet as Camila.

Regan walked up with a towel and handed it to Alison. "Why don't you go ahead. I'll grab your camera equipment and catch up with you later."

As Alison rubbed the towel over her damp clothes, she flashed her assistant a grateful smile, silently thanking her for instinctively knowing she wanted to leave set as soon as possible to be alone with Emily.

"If you don't hear from me by five, come by the room." Alison handed the towel back to her. "Otherwise if anyone interrupts us, they're fired. Make sure you relay that to Jack," Alison warned as she grasped Emily's hand.

Regan and Emily chuckled, knowing Alison was dead serious.

"Come on baby," Alison purred as she looked at Emily again. "I need my hands and mouth all over you for the next several hours."

Emily felt her cheeks grow warm as she stole a glance at Regan, who appeared completely unfazed by Alison's words, solidifying her role as the perfect assistant for Alison.

"Trevor," Regan called over to Alison's driver. "Take Ali and Em back to the hotel."

"Will do," he replied as he grabbed a bottle of water from a cooler beside the craft services table.

"See you later," Emily said to Regan as they walked away. They were ten feet from the car, when Jack popped out of nowhere, throwing his arms over both women, weaseling his way in between them.

"Hey, where are you two running off to? How 'bout we all grab lunch? Evan is dying to get to know Sophia better."

"Jack, I swear in the name of all that is holy…" Alison snarled as she glared at him but Emily gave her hand a gentle squeeze to help her calm down.

Jack barked out a laugh as he released them. "Just kidding, boss. You've been horny and cranky for weeks. Go get laid, will ya?" He pointed at them with narrowed eyes. "But the two of you are coming out with us after wrap tonight."

"No, Jack" Alison said.

"But you've never come out with us on this trip. You always just go back to your room. We only have two more nights. I'll drag you out if I have to."

"Jack!" Regan called from behind them. "Leave them the hell alone."

"Fuck off, Jack!" Alison said at the same time before she climbed in the back of the car and tugged Emily in with her.

"I knew I liked Regan," Emily said as Trevor closed the door and walked around the car.

Alison hiked her leg over Emily's lap and straddled her girl. She moaned softly as she buried her face in Emily's neck.

"God, I missed you," she murmured against Emily's skin as the brunette wrapped her arms around Alison, inhaling the soft breath at the feel of Alison's wet clothes again.

"I missed you too, love," Emily replied as she reached up and turned Alison's face toward her so she could kiss her.

Trevor got into the front seat and Alison puller her lips away.

"Trevor, put your earbuds in and keep your eyes on the road. Don't you fucking dare look in the rearview mirror cause I'm gonna make out with my girl."

"You got it, Ali," he chuckled in response.

And in the short drive back to the hotel, Alison did just that.

#########

Alison and Emily approached the over-water bure that was Alison's room at the Six Senses Resort. Nestled on stilts and jutting into the lagoon, these individual over-water, thatched-roof bungalows were the most luxurious and expensive accommodations at the resort.

The bures, or traditional Fijian huts, were designed with a two-level layout. The bed was situated on the upper level, while the lower level housed a separate sitting area, just two steps down. The sitting area, positioned away from the lagoon, provided an unobstructed view of the South Pacific Ocean through its wall of glass doors.

The rooms had vaulted ceilings adorned with teak beams, and in the center of each room, ceiling fans provided a gentle breeze.

Separated from the main room by a small foyer, the bathroom pavilion boasted a stand-up shower and a deep jetted tub placed strategically under a window that offered a breathtaking view of the water.

The bures could only be reached by a narrow, solitary walk-way. And each bure had its own individual walk-way leading to the entrance, ensuring absolute privacy and seclusion for its guests. The wraparound deck, situated on two sides, offered breathtaking views of the ocean. On one side, there were double lounge chairs, perfect for two, while on the other side, a patio table with an umbrella offered a shaded spot for dining or enjoying a drink.

At the end of the deck, a ladder descended into the crystal-clear ocean, inviting swimmers to join the vibrant fish in the lagoon.

Emily almost had a heart attack when she first saw it but wasn't surprised because Alison always had expensive tastes. The fact that her accommodations were part of her contract, so she wasn't paying for it herself, didn't keep Emily from feeling slightly overwhelmed by the luxury.

Alison opened the door and she and Emily stepped into the air-conditioned room. Alison shivered slightly when the cool air hit her still damp clothes.

"I'm gonna take a quick shower to wash off all this salt. Do you want to join me, mermaid?" Alison purred but before Emily could reply, they were interrupted by the blonde's phone.

"I'm going to kill someone," Alison growled as she pulled it out of the backpack Regan had left for her in the car. She scowled as she looked at the name on her screen before lifting it to her ear. "Why are you fucking calling me, Hanna?"

"Nice greeting, bitch," Hanna said in her ear as Emily's eyes widened in surprise.

"Seriously, why are you calling me?" Alison asked again, putting it on speaker phone.

"I wanted to make sure Em made it okay."

"So why didn't you call her?'

"I did. She didn't answer."

"Regan had me shut my phone off when I got to set. I forgot to turn it back on," Emily joined the conversation.

"Em!" Hanna squealed through the phone. "Tell me all about Fiji and the bikini babes. Are they super-hot?"

Alison rolled her eyes and handed the phone to Emily. "Looks like I'm showering solo," she grumbled, and Emily grabbed her hand, pulling the blonde closer.

"Just give me a few minutes," she whispered so Hanna didn't hear her, but of course the blonde did.

"Rude!" Hanna said. "I call you from halfway around the world and you're going to rush me off the phone."

"You're the one who's rude, Hanna. You're interrupting our reunion. I was just about to take Em to bed and rock her world."

"It's the middle of the day there. Why are you having sex in the middle of the day? Don't you have to work?"

"Ali had a shoot this morning but now we're off until the sunset shoot later," Emily replied as she followed Alison into the bathroom, watching the blonde lose one piece of clothing after another.

"Come on, just give me five minutes. I just want to hear about Fiji."

Alison turned on the water and turned to face Emily completely naked. "You have five minutes. Then I'm coming for you."

It sounded like a threat but not one Emily felt compelled to fear as Alison's words pulsed deep in her abdomen and lower.

Alison stepped into the shower and Emily turned to walk out to the deck.

"You have five minutes, Hanna," Emily said and Hanna snorted.

"Yeah, I heard her threat. So, tell me all you can in five minutes. I don't want to be responsible for her coming at you so hard she fucks you into a coma."

Emily laughed. "It's beautiful here, Han. Everything is gorgeous, but you won't freaking believe the resort where we're staying. We're in private bungalows out over the lagoon."

"Oh, that sounds fancy."

"There's stairs on the deck that go to the lagoon. I'm going to swim in the morning. Or maybe even before bed tonight," Emily sighed as she settled on one of the double loungers.

"What was the set like? Caleb wants me to ask if there were naked babes everywhere."

"Hanna, stop. Caleb is not asking, you are. There was only one model on set today and she wore bathing suits the whole time. Well, most of the time. Ali had her take off her bikini top once."

"Well that sucks." Emily could practically see Hanna's pout through the phone. "Was it fun, at least?"

"I had a blast. I've never seen Ali work. She's amazing, Hanna," Emily gushed. "She just gets into this zone and conducts the entire set like a maestro. It's breathtaking to watch her."

"Stop gushing like a lovesick fool or I might have to barf."

"Hanna," Emily warned softly.

"Chill out, Em. I was just joking."

With her hair still damp and clinging to her face, Alison stepped onto the deck, wrapped in a towel, feeling the warm breeze against her bare skin. She grabbed the phone from Emily's hands.

"She's got to go, Hanna. Time for me to play my girl like a maestro. Bye."

"Hey, it hasn't been five minutes…." Hanna called through the phone as Alison hung up the call and smirked down at her girl.

"Just so you know, I can hear you in the bathroom."

"Wanna join me?" Emily held out her hand, not caring that Alison heard her. She had nothing to hide from her girlfriend.

Alison took it with a sultry smile and climbed onto the lounger. Emily opened her arms and Alison settled into them as Emily lifted Alison's chin, tipping the blonde's face up. Tenderly, she brushed Alison's hair off her face before leaning down to kiss her.

Alison whimpered and opened her mouth, pressing closer to her girl.

"I'm so happy you're here, baby. I've missed you so fucking much."

Emily twisted her body and leaned over Alison. "I missed you too, sweetheart," she murmured into Alison's mouth as her hand slid down Alison's body.

The blonde trembled as her girl's hand brushed against her thigh, caressing the skin softly as their kiss deepened. Alison wrapped her arms around Emily and arched her back.

Alison exhaled a shuddering breath as Emily released her lips and began kissing down the side of her face, while her fingers simultaneously dipped under the hem of the towel and gripped Alison's soft flesh.

Alison instinctively spread her thighs as she frantically grasped at Emily's tank top, tugging it out of her shorts. "Please, Em, I need to feel your skin."

Emily shifted and moved between Alison's thighs, pressing down on the blond, making them both moan.

Emily swirled her tongue along the column of Alison's throat as the blonde frantically kissed the side of Emily's face.

Emily pushed up on her hands and reached between them, tugging Alison's towel open. She tore her lips away from Alison and looked down, the blonde's naked body on display. Emily's eyes darkened and Alison's breath caught in a hiccup as she reached for the hem of Emily's tank top.

"Take your fucking clothes off," Alison demanded as she tugged.

Emily sat back on her heels as she removed her tank top and bra, while Alison tugged on the button and zipper of her shorts. After some struggling, laughing and a lot of flailing limbs, Emily was as naked as Alison.

She settled between Alison's open thighs again and both women groaned as their bodies pressed together.

"Fuck, you feel so good," Alison breathed with relief.

"Should we do this out here?" Emily asked as Alison pulled her girl's mouth to her own.

"Yes," she groaned seductively into Emily's mouth. "I need you right here, right fucking now, Em."

Emily reached between them and fluttered her fingers down Alison's stomach. Alison entire body trembled and she gasped, arching her back and digging her fingernails into the base of Emily's back.

Emily pulled her lips away and hissed before she lowered her mouth and captured one of Alison's nipples between her lips.

Emily's fingers dipped between Alison's thighs and she found her girlfriend hot and wet. She flicked tip of her tongue against Alison's nipple as her finger simultaneously flicked against Alison's clit.

Alison rolled her hips sensually as Emily slid her fingers lower.

"You're so wet, sweetheart," Emily murmured against Alison's skin and the blonde's thighs trembled around Emily's hips as she lifted her head and buried her nose in the soft strands of Emily's hair.

Alison began rocking her hips as Emily's fingers dipped into her body.

"Em, baby," Alison whimpered as her girl's fingers filled her, first one and then a second as her thumb pressed against the blonde's clit.

Emily switched breasts and gave the other one the same attention, sucking on her nipple with equal fervor. She'd missed Alison's breasts. She was obsessed with them and could spend hours teasing and tasting Alison's soft, ample flesh, much to both their delight.

Alison's fingernails grazed along Emily's side, creating a tantalizing sensation as the brunette rocked her hips, intensifying and increasing the pleasure as Emily's fingers delved deeper inside the blonde.

The sound of the water lapping against the stilts beneath the bure was drowned out by the soft moans of the woman above.

Alison slipped her hand between their bodies and slid her hand down beside Emily's. They effortlessly maneuvered their bodies to create room for Alison to delve between Emily's thighs and slip her fingers into and explore her girl's warm, wet flesh.

With practiced precision, the women began moving together, their hips rocking and their fingers touching and teasing.

Their kisses were slow and unhurried, their tongues moving in sync with the rhythm of their bodies, until Emily pulled away and started trailing kisses down Alison's body.

Alison slid her fingers into Emily's luscious chocolate locks, savoring the silky feel, as she tenderly scratched her girl's scalp, her touch conveying the depth of her love for the brunette. Her skin tingled as Emily's lips traced a slow, tantalizing path downwards, pausing to lavish attention on her breasts again before teasing her belly button with a swirling tongue.

The tickling sensation made Alison giggle softly at first, but as Emily's lips and tongue traveled lower, her laughter morphed into a soft moan.

"Good thing this lounger is built for two," Emily murmured as she settled comfortably between Alison's legs and lifted the blonde's thighs over her shoulders. Leaving a path of soft open-mouthed kisses on the inside of Alison's thighs, Emily slowly made her way towards her destination.

Alison exhaled a soft, shuddering breath as she wriggled impatiently. "Please don't tease me, Em. It's been too long and I'm too wound up."

Emily smiled against her skin, "But teasing you always makes you wetter."

"If I get any fucking wetter, we'll slip right off this lounger," Alison growled, causing Emily to chuckle softly. But because she was just as impatient, the brunette gave Alison what she wanted and swept her tongue along Alison's wet flesh.

"Yes," Alison hissed through clenched teeth as she tightened her fingers around Emily's hair.

Emily swirled her tongue in circles around Alison's clit as she slipped her finger into Alison's tight flesh. Alison's thighs trembled as Emily wrapped her lips around the blonde's clit, flicking her tongue rapidly.

Emily pulled her finger out and replaced it with her tongue, savoring the salty, tangy sweet taste of Alison as she moaned against her.

Alison bucked her hips against Emily's face as the brunette alternated between licking, sucking and fucking Alison with her tongue and fingers.

Alison panted and moaned and writhed until she couldn't take any more.

"Come back up here. Come back up here," Alison begged as she frantically tugged at Emily's hair.

"You're almost there, love," Emily said softly as she lifted her head briefly and peppered kisses on Alison's mound while lazily thrusting her finger in and out of the blonde.

"I want to feel you on top of me. I need to kiss you," Alison pleaded as she frantically tugged Emily up over her.

Emily crawled up her body, feeling the warmth radiating from Alison's skin, keeping her fingers buried inside her as she settled on top of the blonde.

"I love you," Emily murmured against Alison's lips as she took them in a deep kiss.

Alison wrapped her arms around Emily and clung to her as she whimpered into Emily's mouth, tasting herself on the brunette's lips.

As Emily's fingers skillfully moved in sync with the gentle circling of her thumb on Alison's clit, the kiss deepened and lengthened, swiftly bringing Alison to the brink.

With a sharp intake of breath, Alison tore her lips away. She arched her back and released a low, guttural moan as her orgasm slammed into her and waves of pleasure crashing over her.

"That's it, love, ride it out," Emily whispered as she watched Alison's face contort with pleasure. Alison was so incredibly beautiful, it made Emily's heart throb.

Alison panted as she caught her breath, smiling softly up at her girl before her lips curved into her trademark seductive smirk.

"God, I needed that."

Emily smirked triumphantly as she gently pulled her fingers from Alison's body and slide her damp hand up over Alison's stomach.

"Over," Alison ordered as she pushed Emily up and to the side as the blonde moved to straddle her. "Now it's my turn."

With a little more shifting on the cushion, Emily found herself lying on her back, her thighs parted and Alison kneeling in between. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she met the Alison's heated gaze.

Then Alison's eyes softened. "You're so fucking beautiful," Alison murmured as her fingers trailed softly along the inside of Emily's thighs.

"Ali, don't tease me," Emily begged as she lifted her hips.

With a teasing smile, Alison released a soft laugh and she leaned over her girl. "Not so much fun when the tables are turned, is it?"

Emily narrowed her eyes as Alison braced on one hand while the other cupped Emily's breast. She took the small bud in the center between her fingertips and rolled it as her lips wrapped around the other one.

Emily threaded her fingers through Alison's damp hair, tugging on the soft strands as she arched her back.

Alison flicked her tongue around Emily's nipple as her hand slid down the brunette's body, feeling Emily's stomach quiver beneath her fingertips.

"Yes," Emily hissed.

As Alison's fingers found Emily's swollen, wet flesh, she released her girl's nipple with a soft pop.

She began tickling Emily's clit and the brunette's body jerked as her hips rocked.

"I love you, Em," Alison breathed before she slid down Emily's body, settling herself on her stomach between the brunette's thighs.

Emily lifted her head and looked down as Alison blew softly on her damp flesh.

"I've wanted my mouth on you all fucking day," Alison groaned softly and her eyes fluttered as she felt Emily's fingertips against her cheek.

"Me, too," Emily smiled impishly and Alison chuckled as she turned her head and nipped the end of Emily's thumb gently with her teeth.

"Well, hold on, baby. Here I come. Or should I say, here you come," she purred with a chuckle as she lowered her mouth to her girl.

The first taste of Emily on her tongue had Alison moaning in pleasure before she dove in, thrusting her tongue into the brunette, eagerly devouring her.

Emily buried her fingers in Alison's hair again and she ground against the blonde's eager mouth.

"Oh, God, Ali," Emily cried out softly, her body trembling as Alison's tongue and teeth ravished her.

Alison slipped her finger deep into Emily's body, feeling the warmth and wetness enveloping her, syncing her movements with Emily's hips as Alison kept her tongue pressed against Emily's clit, skillfully flicking and teasing the little bud.

Alison alternated between fucking Emily deep with first one and then two fingers and devouring the brunette with her tongue.

Emily released Alison's hair and reached up to tug on her own nipples, teasing and rolling them between her fingers, wishing they were Alison's mouth.

Although Alison could have happily spent hours exactly where she was, all too soon, Emily's cry shattered the tranquil atmosphere and her body tightened around Alison's fingers. Emily's orgasm rolled over her in strong waves as Alison expertly pumped her fingers and worked her tongue and lips around Emily's clit, driving her to the brink of ecstasy.

When she couldn't take any more, Emily begged Alison to stop and the blonde gentled her ministrations. Alison slipped her fingers out of the brunette, lowered her tongue, gliding it over Emily's tender flesh, savoring the much loved taste of her girl.

Alison wiped her mouth with her hand and laid her head on Emily's stomach. She sighed softly as Emily gently slipped her hands fingers into Alison's hair again, teasing the soft strands gently as they both caught their breath.

Alison tilted her face up, scrunching her nose playfully, and smiled at her girl.

"Welcome to Fiji, baby."

French translations:

"ma chérie" – my dear

"J'ai de la chance" – lucky me

"Sous-chef pâtissier" - pastry sous chef

"Oiu" – Yes

"Avec Plaisir" – You're Welcome/With Pleasure

Just FYI - we're almost done. There are only 3 more chapters plus an epilogue for this story.

Thanks again for reading and please leave a reply if you enjoyed it. Reviews make my heart happy and keep me motivated.