JUST BY CHANCE

Ó K. Stoley

CHAPTER 1

The fire burned steadily in the fireplace as the sound of clicking could be heard in the corner of the room. Lindsay was hunched over her keyboard tapping away trying to get her story done so that she could post it by her midnight deadline. It was already 11:30 and she still had work to do on it. One nice thing about the electronic age was that she didn’t have to work in a stuffy office from 9 to 5 everyday. The bad thing was that she lacked discipline to sit down at the computer and work regularly everyday and always found herself at crunch time frantically trying to get everything done.

She enjoyed her rural life. It was solitary and peaceful. After her hectic life in the city with as many broken relationships as years she had lived there, she decided it was time to head out and make a new life for herself. Where better than the northern peninsula of Michigan, where the weather was as unpredictable as the locals were. They had readily accepted her arrival into the small community but generally kept their distance, which was how Lindsay would prefer it. So, all in all, the arrangement worked out very nicely for her.

She zipped the file and sent it off to the magazine with ten minutes to spare. Sitting back pleased with herself she decided it was reason to celebrate and poured herself a glass of wine and sat down before the fire to warm herself. These old houses, even for Michigan, weren’t insulated all that well, but it had been exactly what Lindsay had wanted as soon as the realtor described it to her. The wind rattled the windowpanes as she snuggled under a blanket on the sofa.

Listening to the wind howl she heard an uncharacteristic sound of cracking wood and breaking glass. She got up to check the doors and windows and found everything in tact. She climbed the stairs to the second floor that was closed off to conserve heat. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she stood looking out the window and saw what looked like faint lights at the end of her driveway. It was hard to tell through the snow as it was whipped around by the gale force winds. The lights didn’t seem to be moving and after an hour and a half of watching them, something made her uneasy, for some reason she couldn’t relax until she went to check it out.

Dressing warmly, she grabbed a flashlight and trudged down the driveway in knee deep snow. Halfway down the drive, she began to doubt the wisdom of her decision and looked back toward the house. Content that she could still see her house, she was driven to find out the source of the lights. She knew she couldn’t drive the snowmobile in this driving snow, but it would have been nicer to be able to ride.

At the end of the drive the road curved sharply around a stand of trees and when Lindsay arrived she saw that the lights were from a car which had missed the turn and plowed into the stand of trees.

The car was a black jaguar, sleek and low to the ground. She hurried over to the car to peer inside. It was already covered in snow and silent. Lindsay could tell that the car hadn’t been running in awhile, as the hood was cold. She reached the passenger door and wiped the snow from the window, but she couldn’t see inside the tinted windows, so she tried the door handle.

The door opened to reveal a woman slumped over the wheel. The interior of the car was cold as Lindsay took off her gloves to touch the woman. She was cold, but the woman groaned when Lindsay touched her and she gently supported the woman’s head as she lay her back against the seat.

She could see there was blood on the side of the woman’s face where she hit it during the impact with the trees. The car looked totaled and Lindsay wasn’t sure she would be able to get the woman out without help. The woman continued to moan and Lindsay called out to her to see if she was alert.

“Hello, my name is Lindsay. Can you understand me?”

The woman continued to moan and move her head from side to side. Lindsay was concerned as the woman began to get more physical.

“Calm down, you alright. You’ve been in an accident. Please relax and let me see if I can help you. I won’t hurt you,” Lindsay said calmly trying to reassure the woman that she meant her no harm.

The woman seemed to calm at the warm timbre of Lindsay’s voice and she continued talking with her in an easy tone as she assessed her injuries. I guess a year of medical school hadn’t hurt her after all. It had been just one of many careers she had started and quit until she found her niche as a writer.

After a cursory examination, she found outside of the cut on her forehead, which was the cause for all the blood, there was also a gash on her leg from impact against the dashboard. None of these injuries were, in themselves, life threatening. The forehead and leg could easily be patched with a butterfly dressing.

“O.k., do you think you can open your eyes and look at me?” Lindsay asked as she directed her flashlight into the woman’s face. She noted finely chiseled features and prominent cheekbones, framed by long black hair.

Eyes began to flutter and when they opened, Lindsay drew in a quick breath. Her flashlight illuminated the deepest color of blue she had ever seen. When she looked deeper she saw that they were also slightly unfocused and that might mean a mild concussion, how serious she didn’t know. But, she was beginning to feel the cold seep through her jeans and her feet were freezing. Lindsay knew she had to get them both indoors soon.

“O.k., my friend, your going to have to help me. We need to get you out of this car and into my house. It’s a little walk up the driveway. Do you think you can swing your legs out of the car,” Lindsay asked the woman.

Jade tried to focus on the voice that was talking. She wasn’t sure where she was or what exactly had happened. She felt a burning pain in her ankle and her head was really killing her. She could focus her eyes on anything definite. She knew it was a woman who was helping her by her voice, but her face and body were a blur to her. The cold wind was beginning to make her shiver and she wanted to go where it was warm so, she listened to the woman’s voice and followed her lead.

Lindsay got the woman to swing her legs out the car door. ‘Good, so far so good, no back injury by the way she moves,’ she thought relieved. Lindsay gripped the woman by the arm and gently pulled her to a standing position. As the woman unfolded from the car, Lindsay looked up stunned and realized that the woman must be almost six feet tall. While she was gawking she almost missed the fact that the woman was falling. Lindsay grabbed her around the waist and held her up the best she could.

Jade began to moan from the pain in her ankle when she tried to stand. She could put much pressure on it without a burning pain radiating up to her knee. She grasped the shoulders of the woman and let her help her inch their way away from the car.

“O.k., we’re going to have to take this slow so that we can keep pressure off that leg. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Lindsay asked as she paused to take a breath.

“Yes,” the woman whispered. It was the first word she had heard from the woman and it was an encouraging sign.

“Can your tell me what your name is?” Lindsay asked as they slowly walked up the driveway. She held up as much of the woman's weight as possible.

“Jade,” she winced as she put more pressure on the already throbbing leg.

“O.k. Jade, just hang in there. We are almost to the house.”

The lights of the house were finally in sight and as they reached the side door, Lindsay kicked it open as the women stumbled over the threshold into the comforting warmth.

“O.k., let me get you settled in the bedroom and then I’ll fix some tea to try to warm us both up,” Lindsay said as they walked through the living room.

Lindsay set the woman on the bed and she could tell that she was close to passing out. She quickly removed her coat and began to undress the woman who instantly began to fight with her.

“Hey, I’m just trying to get you out of these wet things before you catch pneumonia. I won’t hurt you, I promise,” Lindsay said soothingly and kept peeling layer after layer off the woman. The woman’s body went limp against her and she held her up as she removed the last of her clothes from the waist up and lay her back on the bed to pull off her jeans. Finally, undressed, she tucked her under the covers and added a blanket on top. She would check out her injuries as soon as she changed her own clothes and got some tea together.

Moving around the bedroom, she gathered some dry clothes as she peeled off the cold and wet clothes that clung to her body. Shivering, she made her way to the kitchen to heat up the water as she pulled together her first aid supplies.

Walking quietly back into the bedroom she saw that the woman called Jade was out for the count. Wringing the cloth in the bowl of warm water, she began to gently wash the dried blood from her forehead. As the face became cleaner, Lindsay could see that Jade was one beautiful woman. She then applied butterfly bandages to the gashes on her forehead and thigh. The one on her thigh could probably use a stitch or two but, Lindsay knew it would be a few days before she could get this woman a doctor and by then, the butterfly will have done it’s work in closing the wound. She tightly wrapped the ankle and put an ice pack between the layers of the bandages. It didn’t appear broken, but was already swollen and discolored.

Finished she left to make up a bed for herself on the couch. There was no way she was going to get the upstairs heated warm enough to sleep in the guestroom. The couch would have to do for now.

CHAPTER TWO

The next morning was calm and quiet compared to the storm that raged during the night. Lindsay got up and put more wood in the fireplace and got it burning cheerfully before she went to look outside. The world was covered in blinding white and as the sun bounced off the surfaces causing Lindsay to squint and look away. She needed to get more firewood and padded back to the bedroom to check on her guest. Jade was twisted in a mass of covers, half of which were on the floor as she moaning and trashing. Lindsay went to the bed and grasped Jade by the shoulders to hold her still while she spoke to her in a calm reassuring voice. The woman began to settle down once again and Lindsay released her to adjust the covers. Sleeping peacefully, once again, Lindsay changed and left the woman to rest.

Bundling up, Lindsay headed to the barn for more firewood. She could see her breath on the crisp morning air. The snow was thigh deep in most places making walking hard. After several trips, she had the woodbin filled and went in to make breakfast. She made another pot of tea and a pot of coffee for herself. Sipping her coffee, she scrambled some eggs, unsure of what Jade could handle right now.

Taking a tray, she went quietly into the bedroom to find Jade staring at the ceiling confused.

“How are you feeling?” Lindsay asked quietly not wanting to startle the woman.

Jade looked toward the familiar voice and saw a petite blonde haired woman with green eyes. She watched as the woman walked into the room and set her tray down on the nightstand.

Lindsay leaned over to check her bandages nervously as the silent woman watched her. “Do you remember me?” she asked looking down into clear blue eyes.

Jade looked up and smiling answered, “your voice is familiar, but I don’t remember your name.”

“It’s Lindsay,” she replied removing the bandage from Jade’s forehead. It was a different feeling touching her this morning than it had been last night and Lindsay’s hands shook slightly.

Jade shivered at the light touch upon her forehead and closed her eyes to the sensation.

“Are you still cold?” Lindsay asked concerned that the woman had gotten more than a chill.

“No, just a sudden shiver. I’m fine,” she smiled and moved to adjust herself higher on the pillow.

“Let me help you,” Lindsay offered and leaned over to pull the pillow up, as she crossed over her she could feel Jade’s breath on the side of her neck and it was her turn to shiver.

Jade held her breath as the woman leaned in close. She closed her eyes and willed herself to remain still. ‘Easy Jade, don’t frighten the poor woman!’

Lindsay pulled back and noticed the woman’s eyes were closed and continued to watch her to make sure she was all right. When the blue eyes popped open again, Lindsay looked away nervously and moved toward the tray she had brought in.

“I brought you some eggs and tea. I wasn’t sure just what you would be up for this morning, “Lindsay explained and set the tray on the bed next to the woman.

Jade tried to roll on her side toward the tray and gasped for breath grabbing her side.

“Don’t move!” Lindsay ordered and moved the tray to get closer to Jade. “I need to take a look at your ribs,” she explained and waited for Jade to answer.

Jade looked down to see that she was naked under the covers and looked back up confused. Lindsay blushed at the look she received and explained, “your clothes were soaking wet and I had to get you out of them before you caught pneumonia.”

Jade nodded and laid back gently and said, “well, then I guess I’ve nothing to hide from you,” and smiled, but looked up at the ceiling when Lindsay proceeded to move back the covers. ‘That will teach me for not wearing a bra,’ she thought wryly.

“How do you know so much,” Jade asked trying to alleviate an embarrassing situation.

“I did a year in medical school,” Lindsay offered as she gently probed a purple area on Jade’s right side.

Jade sucked in a lung full of air forcibly when Lindsay touched the tender spot. “Sorry,” Lindsay replied as she lightly examined the rib.

“It doesn’t appear to be broken, but you have a nice bruise,” Lindsay replied expectantly.

“Does it hurt anywhere else?” Lindsay asked, probing by Jade’s upper ribs. Her hand brushed the bottom edge of the woman’s breast and she could feel Jade’s breath becoming shaky.

“No,” Jade replied trying to breath deeply and concentrate on something other than the sensation of the blonde’s hand caressing the underside of her bare breast.

“All done!” Lindsay announced and set the woman back against a couple pillows. She brought the tray over once again and this time held it on the woman’s lap as she attempted to feed herself.

“Would it be easier if I helped,” Lindsay asked wanting to ease Jade’s discomfort.

“No, I think I can do it if you just hold the tray. I wanted to thank you for coming to my rescue,” Jade answered as she thought about what might have happened had she not been found. “I guess you saved my life last night.”

“I’m just glad that I was there to help you,” Lindsay responded. “So where were you headed?”

“Photo assignment up in copper harbor,” Jade replied finishing her eggs and sipping the tea.

“Are you a photo journalist?”

“Yes, I’m doing a layout on the northern shoreline in winter.”

“Sounds interesting,” Lindsay said.

“What do you do?”

“I write for a column for a woman’s journal,” Lindsay answered.

“So, is that how you can live out here miles from everything.”

“Yes, I’ve had my fill of city life for awhile,” Lindsay replied as she sat on the edge of the bed.

“It’s beautiful up here but, it must get pretty lonely,” Jade replied, looking around she had realized that there was no evidence of anyone living here other than Lindsay.

“I suppose, but you can get just as lonely in the middle of a big city too,” Lindsay replied thoughtfully.

“Very true,” Jade answered quietly as a frown creased her forehead for a moment. Shaking off the distressing thoughts she asked, “What about my car?”

“Well, I’m afraid right now it’s wrapped around a tree.”

“I remember looking at some lights and then the road disappeared. Is it bad?” Jade asked.

“Totaled, I would say. Sorry,” Lindsay replied.

“There goes my insurance premiums,” Jade responded frowning. “I really liked that car too.”

“Is there anyone you’d like to call?” Lindsay asked hoping the lines weren’t down from the storm.

“Yes, my editor. She’s probably having a fit by now. I was suppose to check in last night.” ‘She gets a little testy about these things,’ she thought. Even though they no longer had a physical relationship, they had remained good friends.

“Are you two close?” Lindsay asked curiously.

“She’s become a good friend.”

Lindsay nodded and replied, “Well, let me get rid of these dishes and I’ll bring you the phone. Would you like more tea?”

“Yes, thank you for all the trouble.”

“No trouble at all,” Lindsay smiled and carried out the tray.

Jade reflected on the blonde thinking, ‘I wouldn’t mind taking some pictures of her. She a natural vitality that almost makes her glow. I wonder if I could capture that on film?’ She looked around the room to get a better feel of her benefactor and realized that the woman lived simply. The room was nicely furnished, but lacked the lived in clutter that her apartment had. ‘Maybe I should take lessons,’ she thought wryly.

Lindsay returned with a cordless phone, tea and a notebook. She had drawn a map with her address and telephone number on it.

“I wrote down where you are in case you want to tell your family.”

“No family, just an editor and friends,” Jade replied looking over the map.

“O.k., well I’m going to go take the snowmobile down to your car and get your things out of it. Anything special I should be looking for?”

“Just my camera case, a black case, and my duffel bag. That’s all that is in the trunk,” Jade replied smiling. “Oh, and my pack on the front seat.”

“O.k.,” Lindsay smiled and pulled out a heavy sweater from the closet, pulling it over her flannel shirt. Waving, she headed out the door. Jade realized that this was Lindsay’s room and she suddenly felt like an intruder.

“Hey!” Jade called her back and when the blonde head peeked back into the room questioningly she said, “I really want to thank you for all you’ve done. I promise I’ll be out of your hair as soon as I can get someone to come for me.”

Lindsay walked back into the room and Jade thought she saw a hint of sadness in her green eyes.

“There’s no rush really. I don’t think anyone will be able to get through for awhile. They don’t exactly plow the roads up here,” she replied grinning apologetically.

“I just hate to put you out,” Jade replied waving her arm to take in the bedroom.

“Trust me, you’re no trouble at all. Actually, it’s been nice having someone in the house.”

“O.K., but as soon as I become a bother, you just kick me out!”

“O.k.,” Lindsay replied chuckling. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

Jade heard Lindsay moving around in the other room and then a door close. The house was very quiet except for the occasional sounds of the house creaking. She could understand Lindsay's desire to live here. She, herself, was beginning to really hate the city. Fortunately for her, her job required her to travel quite a bit so she didn’t have to stay at her apartment long before she was off on another assignment. She was beginning to find she preferred to be on assignment more than at home in her apartment.

Shaking these thoughts, she dialed Judy.

“Hey!”

“Where in the hell have you been?” Judy asked. “You were suppose to call me last night.”

“I got detained,” Jade replied cryptically.

“Don’t tell me, maybe I don’t want to know. Blonde or brunette?” came the amused reply.

“Actually, I’m lying in this gorgeous blonde’s bed but, it’s not what you think,” Jade laughed.

“It never is, is it?”

“Hey, that was after we broke up if I recall!”

“Yeah, but it still hurt,” Judy answered.

“I know and I keep apologizing for it,” Jade answered carefully.

“I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t keep mentioning it. I just wish things had turned out differently.”

“I know, but we both need to move on. You know we were both miserable back then,” Jade replied firmly.

“You’re right, so what’s going on?” Judy asked getting back to business.

“Well, it seems I had a slight run in with a tree, it won.”

“Are you o.k.” concern evident in the editor’s voice.

“Bumped, bruised and sore, but I’ll survive. Unfortunately, I have a sprained ankle and can’t walk right now.”

“Do you need me to send someone for you?”

“No, the roads are pretty much snowed in here for awhile. I’m o.k. Where I’m at but, I’ll have to push back the layout deadline,” Jade replied.

“No problem, we’ll run the layout you sent from Maine and push the coastline back till either next month or the following. Will that be enough time?”

“More than enough, thanks,” Jade finished.

“So, is there really a blonde involved?” Judy asked teasingly.

“Oh yeah, that part is true.”

“Jeez, you get all the luck!” Judy complained.

“It’s nothing like that,” Jade laughed slightly holding her side.

“Not yet! But, if I know you my friend, that will change!”

“You give me far too much credit Judy,” Jade replied.

“No dear, I’ve learned never to underestimate you!”

Jade ended the call with giving Judy the number and whereabouts of where she was staying, and promised to keep in touch. Hanging up, she lay back and rested for a moment. Her side ached and breathing too deep only made it worse. She restricted herself to shallow breaths.

CHAPTER 3

Jade realized that she really needed to use the bathroom and hesitated thinking about how to go about this little feat. She could wait for help, but that didn’t seem to be a good option right now. Gritting her teeth, she held her side and made her way to the edge of the bed. Pushing the covers off she felt an instant chill and remembered she only had underwear on. Looking around she noted a robe hanging on the back of the closet door and decided that was the ticket. Gingerly, she put her foot down only to sink back down on the bed when the pain shot up her leg.

“Not a good move Jade,” she told herself. Weighing her options, she found she really only had one and began slowly hopping toward the robe. The pain at each jarring step brought instant tears to her eyes. Reaching the robe she slipped it on frowning. It didn’t cover much more than her torso but it was better than nothing. Taking a few breaths, she hopped her way out of the room in search of the a bathroom, halfway down the hall she had to stop as the pain got intense and wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Oh God,” she moaned leaning her head against the wall trying to catch her breath.

“What are you doing?” Lindsay demanded pulling her coat off and moving toward Jade.

“I need to go to the bathroom,” She replied in obvious pain.

“I’m sorry, I should have thought. Here, let me help you.” Lindsay said softly and went to the distressed woman. She could tell that she had been crying and felt guilty for not being there to help her.

Lindsay wrapped her arms around Jade’s waist and once again shouldered the weight as they moved slowly down the hall. Entering the bathroom, she left Jade and shut the door behind her with instructions to call when she was ready.

Lindsay brought Jade’s bags into the bedroom and set the duffle bag on the chair next to the bed for easy access. She heard Jade calling her and went to help the woman back to bed. Walking down the hall, she saw Jade tugging down on the robe that barely covered her black lace underwear.

“Although quite fetching, I do have a longer robe if you’d like to use it,” Lindsay replied with a hint of a gleam in her eye. ‘But, on the other hand, you do more for that robe than I ever will,’ she thought appreciatively.

“Thanks, I have sweats and a T-shirt in my bad but, I would appreciate the robe offer too,” Jade replied smiling and thinking, ‘Fetching, huh? Do I sense a hint of interest?’ Smiling, she wrapped her arm around Lindsay’s shoulder and let her help her back to bed. Easing Jade down to sit on the edge of the bed, Lindsay set the duffel bag next to her and let Jade find some clothes. Pulling out the sweats and T-shirt, she handed the duffel back to Lindsay.

“It will be easier if you let me help,” Lindsay offered and knelt down to pull the sweats gently over the wrapped ankle. Jade stood so Lindsay could pull the pants up all the way, bringing Lindsay close to Jade. Both women smiled nervously and Lindsay quickly grabbed the T-shirt and put it over Jade’s head.

“Here comes the tricky part,” Lindsay said quietly.

Jade nodded and raised her arm slowly to try to slip it into the sleeve. The shirt was too tight fitting to get on easily and the pulling was instant pain, and Jade quickly dropped her arm back down.

“This isn’t going to work,” Lindsay replied. “Wait a minute, I have an idea!”

Jade watched as Lindsay moved to the closet and began rifling through the clothes hanging there. Finding what she was looking for, she pulled out a long sleeve flannel shirt and brought it over to the bed.

“I don’t think your clothes are going to fit me,” Jade replied grinning.

“It’s not mine,” Lindsay simply replied and then noted a saddened look cross Jade’s face. She spoke up to explain, “It was my brother’s. I just could never bear to get rid of it.”

“Was?” Jade asked quietly as Lindsay slipped it around Jade’s shoulders and helped her put her arms through the sleeves.

“Yes, he died a little over a year ago in a boating accident,” Lindsay answered as she began absently buttoning the front of the shirt.

“I’m sorry,” Jade replied and looked down at Lindsay buttoning her shirt. Lindsay caught the look and laughed. “I guess you can dress yourself.”

Jade smiled in reply and finished buttoning up the shirt, thinking that Lindsay’s brother must have been a lot bigger than her by the size of the shirt.

“Is there anything else I can get you?”

Jade slid backward on the bed as Lindsay adjusted the covers.

“Just my camera case and pack and I’ll be all set,” Jade responded.

Setting the items on the side of the bed, she watched as Jade pulled out a camera and a cloth and began to meticulously clean her camera.

“Well, if you need anything, just holler. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

“Thank you for getting my stuff,” Jade said sincerely looking into green eyes.

The eyes sparkled and crinkled at the corners when Lindsay smiled and Jade’s attention was enrapt by that little observation, and didn’t hear when Lindsay repeated, “O.k.?”

“Oh, yes, great. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine,” Jade stammered, mentally kicking herself.

Lindsay walked to the kitchen wondering what that was all about, she hoped Jade wasn’t having problems with her memory from the accident. She would have to keep a closer watch just to be sure. Opening the freezer, she surveyed their options for lunch and dinner. She put together the lasagna for dinner and put it in the refrigerator to bake later, looking at the clock she went to check on Jade and see if she was ready for lunch.

Jade was sound asleep surrounded by her camera equipment. ‘Now, that would make a good picture!’ Lindsay thought ruefully and tiptoed back to the kitchen.

“Well, maybe I should bake something,” she asked outloud. Hearing only silence in response she replied, “Something chocolate.”

She finished baking the brownies and took them out of the oven to cool. Putting the soup on low, she went to check to see if Jade was awake yet.

Entering the room, Lindsay heard clicking and looked up to see jade taking pictures of her.

“Oh, no! Stop! I look awful!” Lindsay complained waving her hand in front of her face.

“Stop, stand still for me,” Jade asked clicking the shutter non-stop.

Lindsay stopped and rolled her eyes before posing like a model for a few minutes, and then blushed laughing and begging Jade to stop.

Jade lowered the camera and grinned saying, “I got some great shots.”

“Oh yeah, I’m sure I look just lovely right now,” Lindsay replied sarcastically.

“Actually, you look great,” Jade replied without ever thinking as she rewound the film and loaded a new roll.

Lindsay hesitated before asking, “You ready for some lunch?”

“Sure but, can I come out there? I’m not one for lounging around in bed,” Jade replied.

“O.k., why don’t I help you over to the sofa and we can eat in front of the fire,” Lindsay offered and moved to help Jade walk. Settling her on the sofa, she went into the kitchen to prepare the tray.

“So, tell me a little about the photos you take. Are you freelance or on assignment?”

A little of both,” Jade called back. “Right now I’m freelance with an open space for my work and when something specific comes up, I take care of that too.”

“Sounds wonderful. Have I ever seen any of your work?”

“That depends, do you read “US Explorer” magazines?”

“Yes, actually I still have an old copy of it on the table somewhere,” Lindsay replied.

Jade searched the table next to the sofa and found the magazine in question. It was her layout of the islands. She remembered that trip to Hawaii fondly. It was back when her and Judy were still an item. Her editor had met her down there for a week and they had spent it snorkeling and making love on the beach. That was before things had gotten out of hand and she had broken off their relationship. Still, Hawaii was a nice place that she’d like to visit again with the right person.

“I see you found it. I kept that one because I especially liked the photos of Hawaii, did you take those?” Lindsay asked setting a tray on the old steamer trunk that served as her coffee table.

“Yes, actually these are mine,” Jade replied embarrassed all of a sudden.

“Well, you do fantastic work.”

“Thank you.”

Over lunch and the remainder of the afternoon the women sat and talked about themselves and their work as Lindsay kept a nice warm fire burning.

“Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever talked so much about me,” Lindsay replied smiling.

“You’re very easy to talk to,” Jade admitted looking over at the blonde as she ran a hand through her hair and it fell forward over her face. She resisted the urge reach over and tucked the errant strand behind the woman’s ear.

Lindsay looked over at the blue-eyed beauty and sighed, catching herself she looked down at her hands.

“It’s so peaceful here,” Jade commented resting her head back and closing her eyes.

“It’s one of the reasons I moved.”

“One of them?” Jade inquired opening her eyes to look at Lindsay.

Lindsay smiled and answered, “I was getting sick of the city, sick of broken relationship and just sick of life in general, and decided I needed to get away for awhile.”

“So, there’s no one special you left behind?” Jade asked trying to make a light joke of it.

“No, my last relationship was almost a year ago. Boy, time flies before you know it,” Lindsay replied surprising herself at how long ago Barbara actually was.

“Yeah, I have to agree. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen anybody steady. I might even have your year beat.”

“It must be hard with your schedule too,” Lindsay stated.

“It certainly is hard in planning anything definite. You never know when I’ll be delayed, like now for instance,” Jade offered.

“Oh, was there someone expecting you?” Lindsay asked slightly saddened by the prospect.

“No, no. I was speaking in the past,” Jade said to reassure the woman. For some reason, it seemed important to do so.

“Well, I can’t believe it’s 5 o’clock already!” Lindsay exclaimed. “I need to get more firewood for this evening and put our dinner in the oven.”

“I wish I could help you,” Jade replied frustrated at having to be tied down.

“No, you relax and mend. Hey, I have an idea. If you want to check your email or anything you can use my computer. I had an ISDN line run to the house so I could work from here with a minimal amount of trouble.”

“That would be fantastic. I need to check out my last layout and approve it,” Jade replied.

“Great, why don’t we get you over there and I’ll get dinner and everything rolling.”

Once Jade was situated, Lindsay bundled up and headed to the shed for more wood. Something clicked in her brain as she stacked the wood and she went into her storage area to begin a search. She found what she was looking for, pleased with herself she pulled out a pair of crutches, and began cleaning them up.

“I had almost forgotten about these,” she said outloud, remembering when her brother had shown up with them after a skiing accident. She had hung on to them for some reason even though Mark had been gone for almost a year now. His death had been the beginning of her search for a better life for herself, and ultimately, led her here. Loading up an armful of wood, she headed to the bin and proceeded to fill it up. She finished and took the crutches in to Jade. She could hear the woman typing and called out to her.

“Hey, look what I found!”

Jade looked up from her photos to see Lindsay hold up a pair of crutches.

“Where did you find those?”

“I forgot that my brother had them when he broke his leg. I figure you could use one for your ankle until your side feel better and you can go to two, if you still need them,” Lindsay replied.

“Great idea!” Jade replied accepting the crutches and setting them by her chair.

“Wow! Are those yours?” Lindsay asked looking at the screen. “May I?” When Jade nodded smiling, Lindsay moved closer to get a better look.

Lindsay was so close that Jade could smell her perfume mixed with a smoky wood scent from the fire. She closed her eyes to commit that smell to memory as a warmth flooded through her and she felt lightheaded. Feeling a touch on her shoulder, Jade opened her arms to find Lindsay hair almost brushing her face and the woman had placed a hand lightly on her shoulder to balance herself.

“Do you like them?” she whispered in Lindsay’s ear and felt the hand on her arm tremble.

Lindsay almost fell over when she felt Jade’s breath on her ear, swallowing she let her hand slide across the woman's shoulders as she pointed to the screen and replied, “I like this one a lot.”

Jade nodded and whispered, “How about this one?” and brushed Lindsay’s waist as she pointed to a picture on the bottom left of the screen.

Lindsay’s breath caught in her throat and she whispered, “Yes,” before backing away to compose herself. ‘What the hell are you thinking?’ she berated herself. Here she was throwing herself at this woman without even knowing her. She felt a definite connection and the woman certainly didn’t seem opposed to her, but was that any reason?

Jade kept her eyes on the screen and acted nonchalantly about the whole thing. Secretly she was kind of disappointed that Lindsay had retreated so quickly. She didn’t think she had read her wrong, but something was not right.

“Dinner should be ready shortly. Would you be interested in some wine with it?” Lindsay asked adding another log to the fire so that she would not have to look directly into those blue eyes.

“Yes, that would be nice,” Jade replied and watched the woman’s nervous movements with a slight smile.

CHAPTER 4

Jade poured the wine as Lindsay served the lasagna. "It smells delicious," Jade remarked and tasted the offered food. "Ooh, it is delicious."

"Thank you," Lindsay replied shrugging off the compliment.

"No, I mean it. I don't get a chance to eat real food very often and this is wonderful."

"You're on the road that much?" Lindsay questioned.

"That and I don't cook," Jade replied grinning guiltily.

"Ever?" Lindsay asked surprised.

"Oh, I can make a mean salad, but that's about the extent of my culinary abilities," she replied chuckling.

"I love to cook, but I don't always want to bother for just me," Lindsay confided.

"I'm surprised you don't have a dog or something, living out here all alone."

"I've thought about it, but then I thought of the responsibility and gave upon the idea," Lindsay replied. The truth be told, she didn't want to get attached to another living thing that would die or leave her. She knew it was an unreasonable fear, but it didn't make it any less a fact.

Jade nodded and refilled the blonde's glass and noted the faraway look in her eyes. 'I think I hit another tender spot,' Jade thought and changed the subject.

"So, what's it like here in the summer?"

Lindsay laughed and replied, "Well, summer only lasts about six weeks so, you spend most of it getting ready for winter!"

"How do you do it all?" Jade asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean keep this place up, like firewood, repairs, etc.?" Jade asked.

"Well, I have a handy man in the summer who fixes things and I have firewood delivered to fill the shed outside. It usually lasts me all winter. If I run out, I take my trusty axe out into the woods and look for branches I can handle," she answered.

Jade had to give the woman credit, she was a lot stronger than she appeared.

"When the roads are driveable, I make frequent trips to town to stock upon food. I have a larger freezer on the back porch," Lindsay added smiling.

"I guess you have everything planned and organized."

"You kind of have to up here," Lindsay answered.

After dinner, the women sat side by side on the sofa staring into the flames as they worked on their second bottle of wine.

"I wish I was more organized, maybe then my life wouldn't be in such shambles," Jade replied running an absent hand through her hair.

"Is it really that bad?"

Jade looked over grinning slightly and answered, "Worse!"

"You said you have no family, are they gone?" Lindsay asked hesitantly.

"For all intense purposes," Jake replied and when she saw Lindsay's confused look she added, "We were never that close of a family and when I chose out of the family business, we just went our separate ways."

Lindsay continued to look at Jade silently wondering what she was talking about.

"I'm Gay. Does that bother you?" Jade asked sincerely.

"It would be a big problem if it did because, so am I," Lindsay replied smiling at the idea.

Jade grinned back at the humor of that statement and asked, "So, no one special in over a year?"

"No one. Barbara and I were together for three years before I came to the conclusion we had nothing in common," Lindsay replied.

"Was she your first?"

"No, Adrian was my first. I really thought I was in love with her. I guess maybe I was more in love with the idea of being in love than for her specifically."

"Ooh, I've been there," Jade confirmed, "Not a pleasant awakening."

"No," Lindsay agreed.

"How about you?"

"My first was in high school, it was more like teenagers experimenting. She's still my friend, but she's no the mother of three and on her second husband," Jade replied.

"After that, it was Tina for a year and then no one for a long time until I met Rene in College, we were together for eight years."

"What happened with her?" Lindsay asked.

"She said she fell out of love with me, but I found out later she was having a thing on the side with one of her professors. I guess she could give her things I couldn't," Jade said quietly.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be!" Jade answered too quickly and continued, "and then I did the same thing three years ago and had a brief relationship with my editor, although I was singe at the time. It was still for the wrong reasons and was doomed from the start. The only good thing is that we have been able to remain friends ever since."

"Well, at least you have a friend out of it. I've never been able to hang on to them afterwards," Lindsay replied sadly.

"So, what about now?"

"Up here? No, there's nothing like that up here," she replied chuckling.

"So why do you hide yourself away here?" Jade asked softly and pouring more wine for both of them.

Lindsay took a sip, the wine loosening her tongue and she turned to Jade and admitted, "After my brother's death, I realized that life didn't always guarantee that love lasts forever. I decided it was probably better this way."

"So, it's because you're afraid of loving again?" Jade asked.

"No, more like afraid of losing the love again," Lindsay replied.

"It doesn't mean it will turn out that way the next time."

"I don't know if my heart could take the chance again," Lindsay answered smiling weakly.

Jade shifted closer and winced as the bandage on her thigh pulled uncomfortably.

"You o.k.?" Lindsay asked concerned.

"Yeah, just the bandage on my leg kinda burns," Jade replied shrugging it off.

"It might be getting infected, let me take a look at it," she replied getting up to get a clean bandage and some antiseptic.

Returning, she helped Jade to stand and remove her sweatpants, having the raven-haired beauty leaning on her and feeling her warm breath on her cheek was having a definite affect on Lindsay. Taking a deep breath she helped Jade sit back down and knelt before her to remove the bandage from her thigh.

Jade's heart raced with every touch of Lindsay's hand on her thigh. She could feel her body responding and she tried to focus on something else. She watched the firelight blend with the golden highlights in the woman's hair and closed her eyes as she breathed deeply.

"Am I hurting you?"

Jades eyes snapped open and she hoarsely replied, "No, I'm fine." 'You're just killing me,' she thought wryly.

"Are you sure?" she asked her hands lightly resting on the woman's bare thighs.

Jade didn't trust herself to speak again and she smiled and nodded trying to look unfazed.

Lindsay looked at jade for a moment to be sure before going back to cleaning the wound. It wasn't infected, but the bandage needed to be changed she told herself and then thought, 'Who are you kidding, you just wanted an excuse to touch her!'

Finishing, she helped Jade dress again before clearing the dinner dishes. She was standing at the sink when she heard a nose in the doorway and turned to find Jade standing with a crutch under her arm.

"Hey, you're getting around pretty good. Does it hurt your side?"

"No, surprisingly as long as I don't bank the crutch against me, I'm pretty good," Jade replied happy that she could get around easier. As much as she liked using Lindsay as a crutch, she knew it had to be hard for the woman to shoulder her weight. Jade stood looking out the window at the darkness. "Boy it sure does get black out there."

"No street lights out here, only the stars," Lindsay replied over her shoulder as she continued washing the dishes.

Jade looked at the back of the blonde and followed her long hair to the flair of her hips. 'She looks strong enough to handle all this,' Jade thought, 'but it must get lonely out here.'

Jade almost dropped her crutch when Lindsay spoke, it was almost as if she had read her mind.

"It's pretty quiet at night here and that's when it gets the hardest, you know? I'm glad you are here, even if I'm not glad about the circumstances that brought you here," Lindsay replied without turning around.

"Me too," Jade answered softly.

Lindsay felt a shiver at the woman's admission and she knew her feelings were not all one-sided. Wiping her hands she turned to face Jade and smiled. "Want to watch a video? We don't get many TV stations, but I have a pretty good video library," she offered.

"Sure, why not." Jade followed Lindsay back into the living room.

"They are in the cabinet next to the TV," Lindsay replied pointing, "Why don't you look through them while I tend to the fire."

Jade opened the cabinet and began to read the titles. She smiled surprised when she ran across a few familiar ones. She hesitated choosing one of them and decided it would be too obvious and went for a popular romance movie instead.

"Did you find one?" Lindsay asked walking over. Jade handed her the tape and hobbled over to the sofa. Lindsay looked at the tap as she set up the VCR and thought, 'Oh boy! This isn't going to easy, unless, that's what you're hoping for?" She set up the tape and took the remove over to the sofa and sat down next to Jade who had conveniently sat toward the middle of the sofa.

"Can I get you anything else?" Lindsay asked with a hint of a double meaning. 'Two of us can play this game babe!' she thought to herself.

"Ah….no, all set," Jade replied caught off guard by the simple question. Jade turned slightly to rest her leg on the sofa. It was an uncomfortable position, but it helped keep her ankle from throbbing.

"Here, scoot back," Lindsay replied and grabbed one of the pillows from the sofa and placed it against her thigh. "Lean back against here, it will be a lot more comfortable for you."

Jade pushed back until she was resting against Lindsay. The woman's arm was on the back of the sofa and Jade rested against Lindsay's side. Lindsay's cheek was almost even with Jade's and both women inwardly smiled at the contact. As the movie progressed, Jade had to admit it was definitely a love story. She wished she had looked at it closer before she had chosen it. She was almost embarrassed at a couple of the scenes and wondered if Lindsay was affected as much as she was. Jade had her answer when Lindsay's arm on the back of the couch began to play absently with Jade's hair. 'Oh God, that's all I need now. Between this movie and her touching me, I'm going to lose my mind!' Jade thought trying to slow her quickened breathing and realized she was fighting a loosing battle and gave in to defeat.

Lindsay watched the movie for awhile and then began to watch Jade. She became mesmerized by the way the firelight reflected off her raven hair, it was almost blue-black in this light. Absently, her fingers reached down and she lightly touched the soft locks. She snapped out of her trance when Jade's hand grasped her hand and pulled it down across her chest and held it there. Lindsay's breath caught in her throat and she tried to direct her attention back to the movie.

The movie finally ended and neither woman moved.

"What do we do now?" Jade asked softly. Lindsay knew she didn't mean about watching TV and she replied, "What do you want us to do?"

"I think that's pretty obvious," Jade replied chuckling lightly and holding Lindsay's hand closer to her chest.

Lindsay closed her eyes as her head waged it's own battle. Would it be so bad to make love to a gorgeous woman, no strings attached. We have some fun and in a couple of days she's gone, no problem. But, Lindsay knew her heart was feeling something different. Pushing away any further long-term thoughts from her head she answered, "I'd say."

Jade's heart raced as her mind questioned if this wasn't just another conquest, she didn't think so and turned her head to loop up into green eyes questioningly.

"What about your side?" Lindsay asked softly, her insides trembling at the possibility of being kissed by this woman. Jade just smiled and leaned up to brush her lips across Lindsay's. The moment she felt the soft touch she knew this was more than a simple conquest and deepened the kiss in an oddly familiar way.

Lindsay's heart leapt into her throat at the touch of Jade's lips, her mind flashed 'déjà vu', but her body just wanted to take more as Jade shifted into her arms.

Breaking the kiss, Jade asked huskily, "Help me up?" Lindsay slid out from under her and helped the taller woman to her feet and looked up at her questioningly.

Jade pulled the shorter woman into her arms and held her kissing the side of her cheek and working her way to her before whispering, "I just needed to hold you in my arms."

Lindsay just moaned her reply as Jade's lips traveled down her neck. Jade, not thinking, tried to shift her weight and stepped down, and instantly winced in pain.

Lindsay slipped Jade's arm over her shoulder and began leading her toward the bedroom. Reaching the bed, Jade sat down and pulled Lindsay between her knees and began kissing her stomach as she pulled her shirt up to taste bare flesh. Lindsay ran her hands through Jade's hair pulling her head closer as the lips and hands worked her bra free, pushing it up to reach their goal. Lindsay pulled her shirt and bra over her head to give Jade the access she desired. Lips and tongue tasted their goal as hands continued on their journey, tugging buttons loose and sliding Lindsay's jeans down her hips to the floor. Lindsay stepped out of her Jeans and gently pushed Jade away from her.

Jade looked up questioning as Lindsay backed off until she realized the woman was only intent on disrobing her too. Hands worked together to reach their mutual goal and Lindsay slowly pushed Jade backward on the bed. Jade pulled herself up as Lindsay followed crawling to lie next to her. Careful of Jade's ankle and side, Lindsay began her gently exploration of all that was Jade. Heated bodies began moving against one another and Jade gave little thought to her side or her ankle as passions flared.

Looking into blue eyes as Lindsay paused in her assault, there was a moment of recognition and acceptance, both women knew that this was going to be more than just for tonight. This was not just sex, this was a release of long dead souls who were again joined as one. Their eyes remained open and fixed on one another as they rode the wave of passion together.

Long after Jade had fallen asleep, Lindsay lay in her arms as a tear rolled down her check and she silently begged, 'Please, not again.' She leaned up and gently kissed the cheek of the woman she knew could break her heart for the last time. She had opened her heart one last time and this tall, dark-haired stranger had stepped in. She finally drifted off to sleep with thoughts of her and Mark as they played together in the fields behind their childhood home.

CHAPTER 4

Lindsay slipped out from under Jade’s arm, throwing on Jade’s discarded shirt she headed to the chilly living room to restart the fire. ‘I need to move to where it’s warm and sunny!’ Lindsay thought as she shivered. Lindsay sat warming herself as the fire caught and crackled brightly. As the room slowly warmed, Lindsay got up and went to the kitchen to put on the coffee. As she measured the grounds she thought about what had happened last night. She couldn’t deny that they had connected on a deep level. She had never felt that before, it was so familiar yet, so much more intense than her past relationships. Lindsay sighed, she was also aware of how the light of morning could change everything. She thought about Jade lying in bed and her heart sped up as she remembered her arms wrapped around her, and the way she smelled and the way her lips made her feel. Lindsay absently put her fingertips to her lips as if she could actually feel Jade’s lips touching her’s and closed her eyes to the sensations that rocked her. When arms reached around her she didn’t jump but leaned back into them and smiled.

Jade whispered in her ear, “Good morning, you look better in that shirt than I do!” Jade kissed Lindsay’s neck before turning her around to greet her properly.

“I missed you when I woke up. Are you o.k.?” Jade asked wondering if Lindsay was having regrets about last night.

“Very o.k.!” Lindsay answered as she nuzzled Jade’s neck. There didn’t seem to be any of the usual next morning awkwardness between them, and Lindsay smiled up into blue eyes and asked, “How are you?”

Jade lightly kissed Lindsay’s lips and replied, “I’m at peace with the world and happy.”

Lindsay released the breath that she unconsciously held and hugged Jade warmly before releasing her.

“Hungry?”

“Coffee sounds good,” Jade responded.

“Do you ever eat real meals?” Lindsay asked amazed at Jade’s body considering her poor eating habits.

Jade grinned, “I guess I’ve gotten out of the habit.”

“Sit down,” Lindsay softly ordered and opened the refrigerator and began pulling items out for breakfast.

“When this weather clears a little, we can make a run to town for supplies. You can see about your car then too,” Lindsay replied as she busied herself cooking. Jade slowly made her way to the window and looked out. The snow was still blowing around and she couldn’t tell if it was fresh snow or just the wind. Turning, she sat down and commented, “Doesn’t look like it’s going to be today!”

“I know I can tell by the sound of the wind. We are probably stuck for a few more days. “Does that bother you?” she asked hesitantly as she set the table.

Jade pulled Lindsay down onto her lap. “Hey, not in the least, I look forward to getting to know you better,” she grinned mischievously.

Lindsay blushed and replied, “I knew I liked winter for a reason!”

Jade chuckled as she pulled Lindsay closer and teased her lips with her own. Running her tongue along the edges of her lips, she dipped in lightly to meet Lindsay’s as she moved her hand under the shirt to caress a warm breast.

Lindsay’s breathing became erratic as Jade tormented her mouth and her body. Smelling something burning, Lindsay sat up and shut off the stove before returning to straddle Jade’s lap and return to the kiss.

“You taste so good,” Jade replied kissing and nipping at Lindsay’s neck. Lindsay moaned and held the back of Jade’s head as she worked her way down her chest. Jade pushed the shirt off Lindsay’s shoulders causing her to shiver as the cold air hit her. Jade released Lindsay and gently pushed her off her lap as she rose and led the blonde into the living room to the sofa. With the fire crackling warmly, breakfast was soon forgotten as the women burned hotter than any fire either one had ever known.

CHAPTER 5

Wrapped in a quilt, the two women munched on what could be salvaged from breakfast. Lindsay leaned against the sofa with Jade resting against her side as she held the quilt around their shoulders. Setting aside the empty plates Jade sighed and snuggled closer to Lindsay.

“I could get spoiled like this!”

“I never realized how much I like having someone around until you came,” Lindsay answered soberly.

“Yeah well, I like being around. It’s funny I usually don’t like to be cooped up in one place but, I like this!” Jade replied and squeezed Lindsay tighter.

“It does have it’s good points. I’m just getting tired of winter!” Lindsay replied.

“Have you ever thought of moving?”

“Every time we have a snowstorm like this!” Lindsay chuckled as the wind, on cue, caused the house to creak with its force.

“Brrr,” Jade mumbled and tugged the quilt closer around them..

“Just think warm thought, that’s what I do. I think of sunshine and white sand beaches and it’s almost tolerable.”

“What do you do locked up here all winter?” Jade asked still curious why she would keep herself hidden away in this self-imposed prison.

“Honestly?”

“Yes, if you want to tell me.”

“Yes, actually I do. It is easier this way. I got tired of all the pain and didn’t think my heart could take anymore. I seem to lose everything I love, one way or another. I thought a little time away would do me good, then when I got here, I found that it was easier not to have to feel anything. I know that doesn’t make much sense but….,” Lindsay replied and shrugged her shoulders leaving Jade to fill in the blanks.

‘It makes more sense then you think Lindsay.’ Jade turned to the blonde and answered, “You can’t lock yourself away from everything. That is no way for you to live. If you don’t take the chance to feel again, how will you ever love again?”

“Love? Maybe that just isn’t meant for me,” Lindsay replied softly.

“You know that’s not true,” Jade replied.

“I just don’t know what is true anymore,” Lindsay answered beginning to feel uncomfortable and restless. “Can we change the subject?”

“Sure, we can talk about anything you like,” Jade answered, once again rebuffed as she tried to find a way to reach the one woman who had already reached her heart.

“What’s it like being a photojournalist?”

“It really doesn’t seem like work to me. Sometimes I feel guilty for taking money for doing something I love,” Jade replied grinning. “I love to set up the perfect photo and then take random shots, and look at the finished product to sometimes find that the casual photos are the best. It really amazes me.”

“Sounds like you are doing what you really like to do,” Lindsay replied.

“Oh yeah! And they pay me to travel around to great places to do it,” Jade laughed. “How about you and your writing? You said that you tried a couple of careers before you found yours. What’s it like?”

“I love writing. It is the one thing that I can do no matter where I am or what I am involved in,” Lindsay replied. “I love bringing new characters to life and giving them substance. Sometimes I’m afraid that I live vicariously through my characters. Lindsay stopped shaking her head smiling. “But, then again, I get to dictate the story, so it usually has a happy ending.”

Jade laughed with Lindsay and replied, “Author’s prerogative!”

“You got it!”

“How do you come up with all the new material you need?” Jade asked.

“Mostly from my imagination. I have to admit, sometimes I feel like I’m getting stale and need to find some new material,” Lindsay replied.

“Maybe you just need to take a vacation and get away from this place, and experience new things,” Jade casually replied hoping that she could get Lindsay to actually start thinking along those lines.

“Maybe,” Lindsay simply stated and move to put more wood on the fire. Returning she climbed back under the quilt and pulled Jade’s arms around her tightly. They sat in comparative silence for a long while, neither woman ready to break the spell they had woven.

Jade loved the feel of Lindsay against her. She wasn’t deluding herself to the fact that when the snow lifted, Lindsay would want her old life back, and Jade would reluctantly return to her cold, impersonal life. But, for now, she wanted to savor these moments as a tear burned her eye she whispered, “Isn’t it time you check my bandages or something?”

Lindsay smiled and looked up to see moist blue eyes and wondered what was causing this response. “Are you in pain?”

‘Only my heart,’ Jade thought quickly and responded, “No, just wanted to feel you.”

Lindsay grinned and replied, “Well, we don’t have to check bandages for that,” and decided that they should return to the bedroom. She found she didn’t want Jade to hurt anymore but, part of her also didn’t want Jade to heal too quickly. She dreaded the day Jade would say thank you and return to her exciting life. For now, she would love Jade as long as she would allow, and stood up to lean down a hand to help Jade up. She put her arm around Jade’s waist and walked back to the bed. ‘It was just sex, right?’ she tried to convince herself but, her heart told a different story.

The light outside was darkening as Lindsay awoke from her nap. She rolled over and winced at the stiffness of muscles that had lain dormant for so long. The worse was her heart, she knew it would be hurt and hurt bad in the end. Looking around, she saw that Jade was gone, and the first pang hit her deeply until she heard the clicking of computer keys. Throwing on a robe, she went into the living room.

“Hey!” Jade greeted her with a smile. “I hope you don’t mind my using your system. I wanted to get the next issue edited and approved so that I don’t have to worry about anything for awhile.”

“Not at all, you can use it anytime,” Lindsay replied and moved to tend to the fire. When she was satisfied that it would burn for awhile, she headed toward the kitchen until Jade stopped her.

“Come here for a second, please?” Jade asked and looked back at the monitor waiting.

“Sure, what’s up?” Lindsay asked putting her arms around Jade and resting her chin on Jade’s shoulder.

“I don’t know what to do with this picture for the magazine layout,” Jade replied and proceeded to explain the design she was looking for.

“I thought about using it as a closer with a poem or quote of some kind. I noticed the one you have on your screen saver, who is it by?” Jade asked.

“Uh…me,” Lindsay replied hesitantly.

“Are you kidding, it’s fabulous. Can I use it? I’ll give you full credit.”

“Uh, sure…go ahead,” Lindsay replied embarrassed.

“Thank you, “Jade replied and pulled Lindsay down for a kiss. “Where are you headed?” Jade asked when the kiss was over. “I was just getting ready to rustle up some dinner.”

“O.k., I’ll be in, in a minute to help,” Jade offered and began typing the finishing touches to her layout.

“Take your time,” Lindsay smiled kissing Jade’s cheek and went to see what could pass for dinner. They really needed to get to town for supplies.

Jade thought for a moment before adding a comment line to her editor to hold the layout until she could add one more picture.

CHAPTER 6

Jade came into the kitchen to find Lindsay rifling through the cupboard mumbling to herself.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing looks good in here. I’m going to go out and check what’s in the big freezer. I’ll be right back.”

Jade followed Lindsay to the back door and watched as she pulled on boots and a coat over her robe. “You going to be warm enough?” Jade asked unsure.

“Yeah, I won’t be long,” Lindsay winked and opened the door. Jade stepped back as a blast of frigid air rushed in. Jade watched as Lindsay ran to the barn and slipped inside.

Rummaging through the freezer, Lindsay was pleasantly surprised to find Mocha ice cream and pulled it out along with a package of chicken and some frozen soup she had made not long ago. Carrying her prizes she made a dash for the back door which opened as she approached and she ran in. Jade took the food from her as she removed her coat and boots. Turning back to Lindsay, Jade pulled the shivering woman into a warm hug and held her.

“Ooh, I think I like warming up this way,” Lindsay answered softly and kissed Jade. Jade chuckled and held Lindsay until she stopped shivering. “Better?”

“Oh yeah!”

The women worked together and dinner was ready in no time. Jade carried their plates in front of the fireplace as Lindsay went back for a bottle of wine. After dinner they relaxed with their wine and each other. Lying before the fire, they took their time memorizing every inch of each other’s body. Jade held Lindsay close as their sated bodies drifted towards sleep. Jade drifted off with a smile on her lips and murmured, “I love you Lindsay.” But, the sleeping woman missed the words she so desperately needed to hear.

The next morning, the sun finally came out, and Jade and Lindsay decided to go out and clean off some of the snow from the front of the house. Bundling up, they headed out. Jade’s ankle was doing well and she walked with only a slight limp. They worked together and succeeded in unburying the garage door and began knocking the snow off the awnings and roof of the house. Jade was taller and could reach higher, seeing an icy overhand, she reached up with her shovel and hit it, watching in horror as it tumbled down on top of Lindsay.

Lindsay stood covered in snow looking at Jade, who tried hard not to laugh. Unsuccessful, she began backing away slowly. “I’m sorry Lindsay, really. I didn’t mean for that to happen,” she said.

Lindsay moved toward the slower woman and was upon her instantly. Jade grabbed Lindsay as she fell backward into the snow laughing. Flakes doted Lindsay’s face and Jade leaned up to catch them with her lips, content to hold Jade on top of her. After a few deep, meaningful kisses, Lindsay asked, “Am I hurting you?”

“Not in the least, my butt is frozen however,” Jade replied with a twinkle in her eye. Lindsay laughed and pushed herself up and off of Jade. She reached down to help the taller woman up as they walked arm and arm back into the warm house.

Two days later, they heard the first of the snow ploughs coming through, and everything started to look different. Neither woman seemed encouraged by their pending freedom.

“Looks like we’ll be able to get out as soon as the driveway is cleared, “ Lindsay remarked sadly. Their little oasis was about to be destroyed. “Tomorrow for sure.”

Jade just nodded thinking how everything would be changing soon and she wouldn’t have a reason to stay. She got the feeling that Lindsay would want her uncomplicated life back. She was already walking without a crutch, and things were moving right along.

The next morning Lindsay and Jade bundled up and trudged out to the garage. Lindsay’s handyman had cleared the drive and the roads were now open to town. They headed to town stopping at Jade’s car so she could look it over.

“Wow! I didn’t realize how bad it was,” Jade exclaimed.

“We can have someone from the garage come and get it to take a look at it,” Lindsay replied as they climbed back into the four-wheel drive.

“Maybe, I should get one of these!”

“It’s a necessity up here,” Lindsay simply replied.

“Guess I’ll have to give it some thought,” Jade responded and waited for Lindsay to comment. Lindsay almost swerved off the road at Jade’s last comment. Caught off guard, she didn’t reply, she didn’t want to get her hopes up. One reality check in this lifetime was enough for her and she wasn’t going to put herself through that again.

Receiving no response, Jade sat quietly looking out the window thinking, ‘I guess I have my answer.’

Stopping at the garage, they made arrangements to have Jade’s car towed in and worked on. Next, they loaded up on groceries before heading back toward Lindsay’s house. Their funk of earlier had lifted and they we’re back to their subtle teasing of earlier.

The next two weeks flew by as they were spent working, reading and playing but, their nights, were spent wrapped in each others arms, delighting in the new heights they could bring each other to. Neither woman wanted to think about the inevitable and lived as though the present was all that mattered.

The garage finally called and Jade’s car although extensively damage was repairable and ready. Jade’s editor had already called about another assignment down in Florida, and Jade could find no reason to postpone her leaving any longer. Later at dinner, Jade announced, “I’m going to head out tomorrow and I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Lindsay looked away as the tears burned her eyes as she whispered, “So soon?”

“I’ve got a new assignment to do and I’m sure you are ready to have me out of your hair,” Jade answered lamely, and thinking, ‘And you haven’t given me any indication you want me to stay.’

Lindsay nodded her head unable to vocalize in words for fear of bursting into tears. Instead, she got up quietly and began to wash the dishes. Her heart hurting as she thought, I wish I could be the one you are looking for Jade. But, I guess I’m not what you need.’

Later that evening Jade made love to Lindsay one last time. It was slow and gentle as Jade showed her the deepest part of her soul and wished it would awaken Lindsay’s heart. Afterwards, Lindsay lay facing away from Jade as they both pretended to sleep.

Jade awoke to the sound of sobbing and realized Lindsay was crying. She rolled over and took her in her arms whispering, “What’s wrong?”

Lindsay just shook her head as she burrowed herself deeper into Jade’s arms. Once again, she couldn’t say what she needed to for fear that Jade would rebuff her, and just cried until she gratefully fell asleep.

“I’m so sorry Lindsay. I wanted to be the one to break through your walls, but you won’t let me,” Jade said softly to the sleeping woman as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

CHAPTER 7

The next morning, Lindsay was up early fixing food for Jade to take with her on her trip. Jade quietly placed her equipment in the car. She took her camera out and shot a roll of film of Lindsay though the kitchen window. Her only reminder of the past month would be these photos and the pain in her chest.

“I’ve packed some coffee and food for you. Promise me you won’t drive in anymore storms and pull off the road when you get tired,” Lindsay asked.

“I promise,” Jade replied looking into red-rimmed eyes. Lindsay had been crying again and Jade didn’t know how to help her. She thought she could get Lindsay to open up to her, but it never happened.

Jade pulled Lindsay into her arms for one more soul-searing kiss before releasing her and getting into her car.

“I’ve left all my numbers on the nightstand. If you ever need me or want to talk, call me,” Jade said thinking, ‘I’ll always love you and the time we’ve spent together.’

‘God, don’t leave me, please!’ Lindsay’s heart screamed as she nodded her head and watched Jade’s car pull out of the driveway.

CHAPTER 8

Jade drove too fast and too long down the highway, the tears long since dried up and now there was just the need to reach her final destination. She couldn’t get Lindsay out of her head and had picked up her car phone more times than she cared to remember, to call her.

“Come on Jade, you’ve got to get over her. She doesn’t want to be involved with anyone and especially, not with you.” Jade told herself outloud and willed herself to listen. The Florida state line came into view and with her jaw set, she punched the accelerator and raced across an unknown finish line, but there was no sense of victory in the tense woman.

Arriving at her destination, Jade checked into her hotel and took a long hot shower before collapsing onto the bed and falling into a deep sleep. She had driven straight through from Michigan, and now she was physically, and emotionally exhausted.

Lindsay walked around the empty house and finally went into the bedroom. She sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at the note on the nightstand. She knew that the bold writing was Jade’s and she read the phone numbers until they began to blur and she curled up onto the bed and grabbed Jade’s pillow and breathed deeply the scent that was left behind. Crying herself to sleep once again, she drifted off into a disturbed sleep.

Lindsay thrashed in the thralls of her dreams and cried out for Jade, but every time she got close to the elusive figure, Lindsay would find herself alone once again. By the final dream, Lindsay was soaked in sweat, her dream world became real as she ran toward Jade and finally reached her only to have the tall woman turn sadly and say, “I really tried to reach you….why wouldn’t you answer me?” Turning the figure of Jade melted away and Lindsay woke up with a start in the darkened room. She had slept most of the day and she knew that she wouldn’t sleep anymore that evening. Lindsay shivered and peeled off her sweat soaked clothes as she stepped into the shower.

Dressing warmly, she walked into the living room and got a nice big fire going to try to dispel the chill she felt, but she knew that nothing would take away the chill from inside of her. Sitting before the fire with a glass of wine, she thought over the dreams that had plagued her sleep. After finishing the bottle she was no closer to solving her dilemma, except that she did come to the realization that she should have talked with Jade. She should have told Jade how she felt and let her take it from there. This way, there was no conclusion and she was going to be driving herself nuts wondering. She didn’t think a rejection could hurt her heart anymore than it was already hurting. Berating herself for being so stupid, she drifted off into a wine-induced sleep.

Jade finished a roll of film and began loading another as she watched the sun rise over the ocean. She didn’t really feel much for the shots she was taking, except for the sense of isolation that she was feeling. Every time she let her thoughts drift, they always returned to a certain blonde haired beauty that she missed desperately. Sighing, she finally gave up and made her determined way back to the hotel. “This is ridiculous….I’m not going to drive myself crazy over this. I’m going to find out one way or the other!” she decided as she walked back up the beach. Pulling up a chair on the pool deck she pulled out her pad of paper and began writing to Lindsay. She thought and wrote making changes and when she had finally gotten it the way she wanted, she got up and went to her room to look in the phone book for a travel agency.

Putting the ticket with the letter in an envelope, she sealed it and dropped it into the Federal Express box. Lindsay should have it by tomorrow morning and all Jade had to do was wait until the following day. ‘Oh yeah! So easy…just wait!’ Jade thought sarcastically and went back out into the sunshine to try to dispel her fears and the chill that she felt. “Come on Jade, we’ve got work to do,” she told herself and headed down toward the pier.

Lindsay tore open the envelope as soon as she saw whose name was on the return slip. The ticket slipped out and fell on the table and she opened the letter and began to read. “Oh God!” Lindsay gasped as the tears began to well up in her eyes. She dropped the letter on the table next to the ticket and ran to her bedroom.

CHAPTER 9

Jade paced in front of the terminal counter and glanced at the monitor every five minutes to assure herself that the flight was still inbound. She wasn’t sure what she would do if Lindsay weren't on the flight, one thing she was sure of, was that she would at least have an answer. The monitor flashed that the plane was on the ground and Jade wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans nervously. She moved to stand off to the side and watched as the passengers deplaned. As the crowd thinned and the passengers trickled down to a few stragglers, Jade’s chest felt as if she had been kicked and began to turn to leave but, something kept her watching the aircraft doors. All of a sudden she saw a familiar blonde head and stepped forward as green eyes looked toward her. “She came!” Jade whispered in awe.

Lindsay hung back as the passengers surged forward to exit the plane. She was nervous and needed a few moments to calm herself before facing Jade. ‘Maybe I should have called to let her know I was coming? I wonder if she is out there?’ she worried silently until she looked up to see the stewardess looking over at her curiously. She smiled at the woman and got up to retrieve her pack from the overhead compartment and slowly moved down the aisle. As she exited the gangway she looked up into the most precious blue eyes imaginable and walked toward them without even blinking.

“You came,” Jade whispered when they stood face to face. “I had to,” Lindsay replied touching Jade’s jaw softly, “we have a lot to talk about.”

“Yes, we do. It’s bothered me that I didn’t say something sooner,” Jade replied taking Lindsay’s bag from her hand and heading down to luggage pickup. They retrieved her suitcase and Jade took Lindsay’s arm and led her out of the airport.

“I’ve felt the same way and kicked myself for letting you drive away.”

“Well, babe, you can stop kicking yourself because we are going to have a long talk and sort through all this,” Jade replied smiling as she led Lindsay to her car and opened the door for her. Lindsay got in and Jade ran around to the driver’s side and drove toward the hotel.

“Let’s finish this conversation where we can talk without being disturbed,” Jade replied. Lindsay nodded and smiled.

Jade lifted Lindsay’s suitcase and entered the hotel lobby, waving off the bellboy as he came to carry the bag. Leading Lindsay toward the elevator they got in and rode in silence to the room. Entering the room, Jade put down the suitcase and went to the bar.

“Want something to drink? Or, are you hungry?” Jade asked.

“Both!” Lindsay smiled.

“O.k. You take a look at the menu and I’ll get us something to drink…Wine o.k?”

“Perfect,” Lindsay replied picking up the menu off the table. After deciding on what they wanted, Jade phoned the order and went to the sliding glass doors to the balcony.

“Come on, let’s sit on the balcony and talk,” Jade offered.

Lindsay went through the door and looked out over the water as the sun slowly began to set. She took a deep breath of the warm tropical air and sighed, “This is so beautiful. I don’t miss the snow and cold at all.”

“Do I detect a possibility of your moving?” Jade asked cautiously.

“It’s a possibility. I don’t think I would give up my house because it is beautiful up there in the summer but, I think I’m ready to trade winters in.” Jade nodded and sipped her wine not wanting to push this too fast.

“So, how was the flight?” Jade asked.

“Long but, relatively painless,” Lindsay replied. “I sat in the back of the plane and I’ll never do that again. I never realized how many times people have to use the bathroom in a three hour period!” Jade began laughing at the comment, “I know what you mean.”

Their was a knock at the door and Jade stood up saying, “That must be our dinner,” and went let room service bring it in. The women talked about Jade’s assignment as they ate. They silently agreed to leave their important conversation for after dinner.

Moving back out to the balcony with the rest of the bottle of wine Jade had ordered with dinner, they settled in for their talk.

“Before you say anything,” Lindsay replied looking up at Jade seriously, “I need to tell you that I love you. Well, I just want you to know that.”

Jade’s eyes burned as she heard the three words she had been waiting for, crouching down in front of Lindsay she smiled and said, “I’ve wanted to hear that from you since I first looked into your eyes. I think you should know that is when I first fell in love with you. I just didn’t think you wanted to love me.”

“I wanted to love you but, I was so afraid of getting hurt again. Then, I didn’t think you needed any complications in your life,” Lindsay replied.

Jade leaned in and gently turned Lindsay to look at her and smiled, “My life is empty. All I’ve had is my work for the longest time. If you saw my apartment, you would understand. It has just become a stopping place to do laundry and get my mail.”

Lindsay reached out to stroke Jade’s tense jaw. “I’m sorry, I never realized. I’ve hid myself for so long that I allowed fear to blind me to a lot of things.”

“And now, what are you feeling?” Jade asked leaning her hands on Lindsay’s knees.

“I’m feeling that if I let you go without knowing exactly what you are feeling and what you want from me, then I will always know that I lost something special,” Lindsay replied looking down into blue eyes.

Jade looked up and said, “well, for openers, you know that I am deeply in love with you?” Lindsay nodded and waited for her to continue.

“And as for what I want from you…All I want is a chance to love you, a chance to help you break free from your prison, a chance to be someone you could love in return,” Jade replied as a tear slipped down her cheek.

Lindsay held Jade’s face in her hands and answered, “I am in love with you too. It took me awhile to realize that fact. I’ve been so afraid of getting close to anyone for fear of losing them but, in reality, all I’ve ever wanted was what you are freely offering me right now. “ Lindsay leaned down and captured Jade’s lips as both women rose to their feet never breaking contact. Jade wrapped her arms around Lindsay and deepened the kiss. Their bodies molded into familiar places as they held each other closely. “Let’s go inside,” Lindsay whispered and Jade pushed open the sliding door and led her into the room.

Jade pulled Lindsay back into her arms and looked deeply into green eyes whispering softly, “I love you so much that sometimes I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything, just show me,” Lindsay whispered. Jade moved her hand up to Lindsay’s shirt and slowly began to unbutton it. There was no desperation in her movements this time as Jade's lips boldly blazed a trail down Lindsay's body, staking claim to everything in their path. Clothing disappeared as the women traded kisses and touches, and moved to lie on the bed.

"Jade, please…," Lindsay cried out hoarsely.

Jade painstakingly moved back up Lindsay's body and blue eyes bore into green and she simply responded, "I love you," before claiming the lips before her. Breaking the kiss, Jade moved down to capture a hardened nipple and gently rolled her tongue over the tip of it before taking it into her warm mouth. She cherished every inch of her lover, never wanting this moment to end but she sensed Lindsay's need and began her final descent.

Lindsay could feel the fire raging in her body and every touch of Jade send liquid heat coursing to her center. She could feel herself getting wetter in anticipation of Jade's touch.

Jade kissed the wet sex before her and then kissed the inside of each thigh working her way back to her destination, as Lindsay's drenched folds opened to her. Gently, Jade worked her tongue along the glistening interior, savoring every essence her lover offered. As her lips circled the engorged nub, she knew Lindsay was trying hard to hold on and gently entered her.

Lindsay's body instinctively began to hum to the familiar dance that Jade's stroking called forth from her body. With the simplest of touch this tall, dark haired lover could command even her smallest of senses, all thought focused on this one moment in time. Lindsay could hear the rush of blood as it pounded in her ears, and when she thought it would deafen her, she felt an explosion erupt deep within her as she called out to Jade. Slowly, as Lindsay's body quivered, Jade moved her hands to grasp Lindsay's as she continued to stroke her sex until she came again in a hot, blinding rush. Lindsay pulled Jade up into her arms with tears in her eyes and whispered in revelation; "I've never felt that before."

"Never?" Jade softly asked kissing Lindsay's forehead and holding her tightly.

"No," a shaky voice replied in Jade' ear.

"Then, thank you for a most cherish gift," Jade answered and moved to kiss Lindsay long and slow.

Lying in each other's arms Jade continued to place small kisses along Lindsay's shoulder until she was pushed gently backwards. Lindsay rolled over on top of Jade and looked down at her lover. "I love you very much and now, I want to show you just how much," Lindsay replied as she lightly nipped at Jade's lower lip. Jade purred in delight and lay back, giving Lindsay all the opportunity she needed to express herself.

CHAPTER 10

Lindsay stepped out of the bathroom as Jade hung up the telephone, smiling she pulled Lindsay into her arms and kissed her.

"Mmm, I can't seem to get enough of you," Jade murmured as she kissed down Lindsay's neck. Lindsay's hands moved across her tall lover's back and up to her shoulders to gently tug on the long raven hair. Jade looked down curiously aroused as Lindsay sought out her lips for a deep kiss.

Pulling back, Lindsay smiled. "Me too! But, don't you have work to do?"

Jade groaned and put her forehead down against Lindsay's shoulder.

"Yes, but did you have to remind me?"

"Come on, the sooner you finish, the more time we will have," Lindsay chuckled.

"O.K." Jade replied and lifted her head to look into expressive green eyes.

"You don't get seasick do you?"

"No, why?" Lindsay asked curiously.

"Because we're going out on a boat today to finish this assignment," Jade replied moving to grab her daypack and tucking her camera inside.

"I need some shoreline shots for the layout."

"Sounds like fun!" Lindsay replied.

"Oh, I guarantee that," Jade replied with a glint in her eye.

"Behave yourself!"

"Nope!" Jade answered stubbornly. "I don't think so!"

"Oh, brother!"

Jade grinned from ear to ear and pulled Lindsay down on top of her on the bed.

"You know what they say about all work and no play!"

"Usually gets their work done!" Lindsay retorted.

Jade rolled over and pinned Lindsay beneath her and kissed her until they were both breathless.

"Well, work or play?" Jade asked huskily.

"Ooh, play, definitely play!" Lindsay replied and pulled Jade back down to her.

"How much time do we have?" Lindsay asked breathing heavily from her arousal.

"Long enough!" Jade replied and once again began to disrobe her lover.

"Oh yeah!" Lindsay replied and lightly licked Jade's bottom lip. Jade quickly moved to catch the roaming tongue and drew it into a deep moist kiss.

The afternoon was quickly upon the two women who scrambled to shower and dress. They headed down to the pier at a run so they wouldn't miss their ride. Grabbing her camera gear in one hand and Lindsay with the other, Jade began jogging down the long pier to the waiting boat.

"Sorry we are late!" Jade called out to the captain and helped Lindsay aboard.

"No problem," he replied. "We've plenty of time to get you set up."

"Great!" Jade showed Lindsay where to sit and began assembling her camera equipment.

"Can I help?" Lindsay asked as the boat slipped away from it's moorings.

"Sure, see those two lenses and filters?" Jade responded. "Mind holding them for me and when I need them we'll trade?"

"No problem." Lindsay pulled out the extra lenses from the case and watched as Jade lovingly worked with her gear.

"You really love this work don't you?"

Jade looked up with a sparkle in her eye, "Yes, very much!"

Lindsay nodded and continued watching her lover thinking, 'Then whatever we decide, I want to make sure you continue to do this work, and nothing can interfere, including me."

Jade looked up questioningly at the look on Lindsay's face and leaned in to whisper, "I love photography almost as much as I love you!"

Lindsay looked over to see that the captain had his back to them steering the vessel and quickly kissed Jade.

Jade stood up grinning from ear to ear as the captain turned to tell her they were almost in position. He turned the vessel against the choppy waters and Jade quickly sat down as the ride got bumpier. They fought the current for awhile as the two women remained steated and hanging on.

"You o.k.?" Lindsay asked a quiet Jade.

"Sure, just don't want to drop my camera overboard," she winked.

"How about you?"

"I'm fine, but parts of my anatomy are going to be very sore if we keep bouncing like this!" Lindsay proclaimed with a chuckle.

Jade leaned over and whispered warmly in her ear, "Don’t' worry babe, later I'll kiss them and make them feel better."

"Promise?" Lindsay asked mischeviously.

"Oh, yeah! You can bank on it!"

"Ooh, there's going to be lots of them too!" Lindsay cooed.

"I'm counting on it!" Jade replied looking at Lindsay intensely.

Lindsay blushed and looked down. Before Jade could say anymore, the captain cut the engines and they drifted just off shore.

"Just in time!" The skipper announced and pointed to the setting sun.

Jade nodded and went to stand aft, balancing herself as she began to photograph the shoreline. Lindsay grabbed her lenses and quickly stood next to Jade and watched her work fascinated. Four rolls of film later and numerous lens changes, Jade announced they were done. The women took their seats as the boat headed back to the pier.

"That was fun!" Lindsay said as they walked hand in hand down the quiet pier.

"What do you say if we drop this gear off and go out to dinner?"

"I'd say, it's sounds terrific!" Lindsay replied enthusiastically.

"Great! I found this little restaurant on the ocean and we can sit outside and eat. How does that sound to you?"

"It sounds wonderful!"

CHAPTER 11

The next two days went by too quickly for Jade and Lindsay, and soon it came time for their trip to end. They both were leaving the next morning, but to different destinations. Jade was driving father south to her home and Lindsay was flying north, some 1,600 miles away. They walked back from dinner along the deserted beach and stopped to sit and talk. The sand still warm from the heat of the day's sun but the light breeze had turned chilly. Jade put her arms around Lindsay and held her in front of her to shelter her from the night air. Lindsay shivered as Jade's warm breath caressed her ear with she leaned in to whisper, "I don't want to lose you."

Lindsay leaned back into Jade and pulled the woman's arms tighter around her. "I don't want to let you go either."

"What are we going to do?

"When's your next assignment?" Lindsay asked hesitantly.

Jade sighed and didn't respond right away. Lindsay closed her eyes and knew that the answer was not what she wanted to hear.

"I have to be in California by the end of next week." Jade finally answered.

Lindsay felt a tear slip down her cheek and she reached up to brush it away. She didn't want Jade to know how much it hurt her to leave.

"Well, maybe you can come for a visit when you are between assignments." Lindsay offered as a out for Jade.

Jade heard the break in Lindsay's voice and she kissed her cheek and replied, "I will come as soon as I can. I promise."

"Great! Shall we head back? It's kind of chilly out here." Lindsay hadn't known what to expect, but it seemed her heart had wanted more than Jade was willing to offer.

Jade stood up and helped Lindsay to her feet, putting her arm around the smaller woman she held her close as they made their way back down the beach.

CHAPTER 12

Jade drove too fast and too long down the highway, the tears long since dried up and now there was just the need to reach her final destination. She couldn’t get Lindsay out of her head and had picked up her car phone more times than she cared to remember, to call her.

“Come on Jade, you’ve got to get over her. She doesn’t want to be involved with anyone and especially, not with you.” Jade told herself outloud and willed herself to listen. The Florida state line came into view and with her jaw set, she punched the accelerator and raced across an unknown finish line, but there was no sense of victory in the tense woman.

Arriving at her destination, Jade checked into her hotel and took a long hot shower before collapsing onto the bed and falling into a deep sleep. She had driven straight through from Michigan, and now she was physically, and emotionally exhausted.

Lindsay walked around the empty house and finally went into the bedroom. She sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at the note on the nightstand. She knew that the bold writing was Jade’s and she read the phone numbers until they began to blur and she curled up onto the bed and grabbed Jade’s pillow and breathed deeply the scent that was left behind. Crying herself to sleep once again, she drifted off into a disturbed sleep.

Lindsay thrashed in the thralls of her dreams and cried out for Jade, but every time she got close to the elusive figure, Lindsay would find herself alone once again. By the final dream, Lindsay was soaked in sweat, her dream world became real as she ran toward Jade and finally reached her only to have the tall woman turn sadly and say, “I really tried to reach you….why wouldn’t you answer me?” Turning the figure of Jade melted away and Lindsay woke up with a start in the darkened room. She had slept most of the day and she knew that she wouldn’t sleep anymore that evening. Lindsay shivered and peeled off her sweat soaked clothes as she stepped into the shower.

Dressing warmly, she walked into the living room and got a nice big fire going to try to dispel the chill she felt, but she knew that nothing would take away the chill from inside of her. Sitting before the fire with a glass of wine, she thought over the dreams that had plagued her sleep. After finishing the bottle she was no closer to solving her dilemma, except that she did come to the realization that she should have talked with Jade. She should have told Jade how she felt and let her take it from there. This way, there was no conclusion and she was going to be driving herself nuts wondering. She didn’t think a rejection could hurt her heart anymore than it was already hurting. Berating herself for being so stupid, she drifted off into a wine-induced sleep.

Jade finished a roll of film and began loading another as she watched the sun rise over the ocean. She didn’t really feel much for the shots she was taking, except for the sense of isolation that she was feeling. Every time she let her thoughts drift, they always returned to a certain blonde haired beauty that she missed desperately. Sighing, she finally gave up and made her determined way back to the hotel. “This is ridiculous….I’m not going to drive myself crazy over this. I’m going to find out one way or the other!” she decided as she walked back up the beach. Pulling up a chair on the pool deck she pulled out her pad of paper and began writing to Lindsay. She thought and wrote making changes and when she had finally gotten it the way she wanted, she got up and went to her room to look in the phone book for a travel agency.

Putting the ticket with the letter in an envelope, she sealed it and dropped it into the Federal Express box. Lindsay should have it by tomorrow morning and all Jade had to do was wait until the following day. ‘Oh yeah! So easy…just wait!’ Jade thought sarcastically and went back out into the sunshine to try to dispel her fears and the chill that she felt. “Come on Jade, we’ve got work to do,” she told herself and headed down toward the pier.

Lindsay tore open the envelope as soon as she saw whose name was on the return slip. The ticket slipped out and fell on the table and she opened the letter and began to read. “Oh God!” Lindsay gasped as the tears began to well up in her eyes. She dropped the letter on the table next to the ticket and ran to her bedroom.

CHAPTER 13

Jade paced in front of the terminal counter and glanced at the monitor every five minutes to assure herself that the flight was still inbound. She wasn’t sure what she would do if Lindsay weren't on the flight, one thing she was sure of, was that she would at least have an answer. The monitor flashed that the plane was on the ground and Jade wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans nervously. She moved to stand off to the side and watched as the passengers deplaned. As the crowd thinned and the passengers trickled down to a few stragglers, Jade’s chest felt as if she had been kicked and began to turn to leave but, something kept her watching the aircraft doors. All of a sudden she saw a familiar blonde head and stepped forward as green eyes looked toward her. “She came!” Jade whispered in awe.

Lindsay hung back as the passengers surged forward to exit the plane. She was nervous and needed a few moments to calm herself before facing Jade. ‘Maybe I should have called to let her know I was coming? I wonder if she is out there?’ she worried silently until she looked up to see the stewardess looking over at her curiously. She smiled at the woman and got up to retrieve her pack from the overhead compartment and slowly moved down the aisle. As she exited the gangway she looked up into the most precious blue eyes imaginable and walked toward them without even blinking.

“You came,” Jade whispered when they stood face to face. “I had to,” Lindsay replied touching Jade’s jaw softly, “we have a lot to talk about.”

“Yes, we do. It’s bothered me that I didn’t say something sooner,” Jade replied taking Lindsay’s bag from her hand and heading down to luggage pickup. They retrieved her suitcase and Jade took Lindsay’s arm and led her out of the airport.

“I’ve felt the same way and kicked myself for letting you drive away.”

“Well, babe, you can stop kicking yourself because we are going to have a long talk and sort through all this,” Jade replied smiling as she led Lindsay to her car and opened the door for her. Lindsay got in and Jade ran around to the driver’s side and drove toward the hotel.

“Let’s finish this conversation where we can talk without being disturbed,” Jade replied. Lindsay nodded and smiled.

Jade lifted Lindsay’s suitcase and entered the hotel lobby, waving off the bellboy as he came to carry the bag. Leading Lindsay toward the elevator they got in and rode in silence to the room. Entering the room, Jade put down the suitcase and went to the bar.

“Want something to drink? Or, are you hungry?” Jade asked.

“Both!” Lindsay smiled.

“O.k. You take a look at the menu and I’ll get us something to drink…Wine o.k?”

“Perfect,” Lindsay replied picking up the menu off the table. After deciding on what they wanted, Jade phoned the order and went to the sliding glass doors to the balcony.

“Come on, let’s sit on the balcony and talk,” Jade offered.

Lindsay went through the door and looked out over the water as the sun slowly began to set. She took a deep breath of the warm tropical air and sighed, “This is so beautiful. I don’t miss the snow and cold at all.”

“Do I detect a possibility of your moving?” Jade asked cautiously.

“It’s a possibility. I don’t think I would give up my house because it is beautiful up there in the summer but, I think I’m ready to trade winters in.” Jade nodded and sipped her wine not wanting to push this too fast.

“So, how was the flight?” Jade asked.

“Long but, relatively painless,” Lindsay replied. “I sat in the back of the plane and I’ll never do that again. I never realized how many times people have to use the bathroom in a three hour period!” Jade began laughing at the comment, “I know what you mean.”

Their was a knock at the door and Jade stood up saying, “That must be our dinner,” and went let room service bring it in. The women talked about Jade’s assignment as they ate. They silently agreed to leave their important conversation for after dinner.

Moving back out to the balcony with the rest of the bottle of wine Jade had ordered with dinner, they settled in for their talk.

“Before you say anything,” Lindsay replied looking up at Jade seriously, “I need to tell you that I love you. Well, I just want you to know that.”

Jade’s eyes burned as she heard the three words she had been waiting for, crouching down in front of Lindsay she smiled and said, “I’ve wanted to hear that from you since I first looked into your eyes. I think you should know that is when I first fell in love with you. I just didn’t think you wanted to love me.”

“I wanted to love you but, I was so afraid of getting hurt again. Then, I didn’t think you needed any complications in your life,” Lindsay replied.

Jade leaned in and gently turned Lindsay to look at her and smiled, “My life is empty. All I’ve had is my work for the longest time. If you saw my apartment, you would understand. It has just become a stopping place to do laundry and get my mail.”

Lindsay reached out to stroke Jade’s tense jaw. “I’m sorry, I never realized. I’ve hid myself for so long that I allowed fear to blind me to a lot of things.”

“And now, what are you feeling?” Jade asked leaning her hands on Lindsay’s knees.

“I’m feeling that if I let you go without knowing exactly what you are feeling and what you want from me, then I will always know that I lost something special,” Lindsay replied looking down into blue eyes.

Jade looked up and said, “well, for openers, you know that I am deeply in love with you?” Lindsay nodded and waited for her to continue.

“And as for what I want from you…All I want is a chance to love you, a chance to help you break free from your prison, a chance to be someone you could love in return,” Jade replied as a tear slipped down her cheek.

Lindsay held Jade’s face in her hands and answered, “I am in love with you too. It took me awhile to realize that fact. I’ve been so afraid of getting close to anyone for fear of losing them but, in reality, all I’ve ever wanted was what you are freely offering me right now. “ Lindsay leaned down and captured Jade’s lips as both women rose to their feet never breaking contact. Jade wrapped her arms around Lindsay and deepened the kiss. Their bodies molded into familiar places as they held each other closely. “Let’s go inside,” Lindsay whispered and Jade pushed open the sliding door and led her into the room.

Jade pulled Lindsay back into her arms and looked deeply into green eyes whispering softly, “I love you so much that sometimes I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything, just show me,” Lindsay whispered. Jade moved her hand up to Lindsay’s shirt and slowly began to unbutton it. There was no desperation in her movements this time as Jade's lips boldly blazed a trail down Lindsay's body, staking claim to everything in their path. Clothing disappeared as the women traded kisses and touches, and moved to lie on the bed.

"Jade, please…," Lindsay cried out hoarsely.

Jade painstakingly moved back up Lindsay's body and blue eyes bore into green and she simply responded, "I love you," before claiming the lips before her. Breaking the kiss, Jade moved down to capture a hardened nipple and gently rolled her tongue over the tip of it before taking it into her warm mouth. She cherished every inch of her lover, never wanting this moment to end but she sensed Lindsay's need and began her final descent.

Lindsay could feel the fire raging in her body and every touch of Jade send liquid heat coursing to her center. She could feel herself getting wetter in anticipation of Jade's touch.

Jade kissed the wet sex before her and then kissed the inside of each thigh working her way back to her destination, as Lindsay's drenched folds opened to her. Gently, Jade worked her tongue along the glistening interior, savoring every essence her lover offered. As her lips circled the engorged nub, she knew Lindsay was trying hard to hold on and gently entered her.

Lindsay's body instinctively began to hum to the familiar dance that Jade's stroking called forth from her body. With the simplest of touch this tall, dark haired lover could command even her smallest of senses, all thought focused on this one moment in time. Lindsay could hear the rush of blood as it pounded in her ears, and when she thought it would deafen her, she felt an explosion erupt deep within her as she called out to Jade. Slowly, as Lindsay's body quivered, Jade moved her hands to grasp Lindsay's as she continued to stroke her sex until she came again in a hot, blinding rush. Lindsay pulled Jade up into her arms with tears in her eyes and whispered in revelation; "I've never felt that before."

"Never?" Jade softly asked kissing Lindsay's forehead and holding her tightly.

"No," a shaky voice replied in Jade' ear.

"Then, thank you for a most cherish gift," Jade answered and moved to kiss Lindsay long and slow.

Lying in each other's arms Jade continued to place small kisses along Lindsay's shoulder until she was pushed gently backwards. Lindsay rolled over on top of Jade and looked down at her lover. "I love you very much and now, I want to show you just how much," Lindsay replied as she lightly nipped at Jade's lower lip. Jade purred in delight and lay back, giving Lindsay all the opportunity she needed to express herself.

CHAPTER 14

Lindsay stepped out of the bathroom as Jade hung up the telephone, smiling she pulled Lindsay into her arms and kissed her.

"Mmm, I can't seem to get enough of you," Jade murmured as she kissed down Lindsay's neck. Lindsay's hands moved across her tall lover's back and up to her shoulders to gently tug on the long raven hair. Jade looked down curiously aroused as Lindsay sought out her lips for a deep kiss.

Pulling back, Lindsay smiled. "Me too! But, don't you have work to do?"

Jade groaned and put her forehead down against Lindsay's shoulder.

"Yes, but did you have to remind me?"

"Come on, the sooner you finish, the more time we will have," Lindsay chuckled.

"O.K." Jade replied and lifted her head to look into expressive green eyes.

"You don't get seasick do you?"

"No, why?" Lindsay asked curiously.

"Because we're going out on a boat today to finish this assignment," Jade replied moving to grab her daypack and tucking her camera inside.

"I need some shoreline shots for the layout."

"Sounds like fun!" Lindsay replied.

"Oh, I guarantee that," Jade replied with a glint in her eye.

"Behave yourself!"

"Nope!" Jade answered stubbornly. "I don't think so!"

"Oh, brother!"

Jade grinned from ear to ear and pulled Lindsay down on top of her on the bed.

"You know what they say about all work and no play!"

"Usually gets their work done!" Lindsay retorted.

Jade rolled over and pinned Lindsay beneath her and kissed her until they were both breathless.

"Well, work or play?" Jade asked huskily.

"Ooh, play, definitely play!" Lindsay replied and pulled Jade back down to her.

"How much time do we have?" Lindsay asked breathing heavily from her arousal.

"Long enough!" Jade replied and once again began to disrobe her lover.

"Oh yeah!" Lindsay replied and lightly licked Jade's bottom lip. Jade quickly moved to catch the roaming tongue and drew it into a deep moist kiss.

The afternoon was quickly upon the two women who scrambled to shower and dress. They headed down to the pier at a run so they wouldn't miss their ride. Grabbing her camera gear in one hand and Lindsay with the other, Jade began jogging down the long pier to the waiting boat.

"Sorry we are late!" Jade called out to the captain and helped Lindsay aboard.

"No problem," he replied. "We've plenty of time to get you set up."

"Great!" Jade showed Lindsay where to sit and began assembling her camera equipment.

"Can I help?" Lindsay asked as the boat slipped away from it's moorings.

"Sure, see those two lenses and filters?" Jade responded. "Mind holding them for me and when I need them we'll trade?"

"No problem." Lindsay pulled out the extra lenses from the case and watched as Jade lovingly worked with her gear.

"You really love this work don't you?"

Jade looked up with a sparkle in her eye, "Yes, very much!"

Lindsay nodded and continued watching her lover thinking, 'Then whatever we decide, I want to make sure you continue to do this work, and nothing can interfere, including me."

Jade looked up questioningly at the look on Lindsay's face and leaned in to whisper, "I love photography almost as much as I love you!"

Lindsay looked over to see that the captain had his back to them steering the vessel and quickly kissed Jade.

Jade stood up grinning from ear to ear as the captain turned to tell her they were almost in position. He turned the vessel against the choppy waters and Jade quickly sat down as the ride got bumpier. They fought the current for awhile as the two women remained steated and hanging on.

"You o.k.?" Lindsay asked a quiet Jade.

"Sure, just don't want to drop my camera overboard," she winked.

"How about you?"

"I'm fine, but parts of my anatomy are going to be very sore if we keep bouncing like this!" Lindsay proclaimed with a chuckle.

Jade leaned over and whispered warmly in her ear, "Don’t' worry babe, later I'll kiss them and make them feel better."

"Promise?" Lindsay asked mischeviously.

"Oh, yeah! You can bank on it!"

"Ooh, there's going to be lots of them too!" Lindsay cooed.

"I'm counting on it!" Jade replied looking at Lindsay intensely.

Lindsay blushed and looked down. Before Jade could say anymore, the captain cut the engines and they drifted just off shore.

"Just in time!" The skipper announced and pointed to the setting sun.

Jade nodded and went to stand aft, balancing herself as she began to photograph the shoreline. Lindsay grabbed her lenses and quickly stood next to Jade and watched her work fascinated. Four rolls of film later and numerous lens changes, Jade announced they were done. The women took their seats as the boat headed back to the pier.

"That was fun!" Lindsay said as they walked hand in hand down the quiet pier.

"What do you say if we drop this gear off and go out to dinner?"

"I'd say, it's sounds terrific!" Lindsay replied enthusiastically.

"Great! I found this little restaurant on the ocean and we can sit outside and eat. How does that sound to you?"

"It sounds wonderful!"

CHAPTER 15

The next two days went by too quickly for Jade and Lindsay, and soon it came time for their trip to end. They both were leaving the next morning, but to different destinations. Jade was driving father south to her home and Lindsay was flying north, some 1,600 miles away. They walked back from dinner along the deserted beach and stopped to sit and talk. The sand still warm from the heat of the day's sun but the light breeze had turned chilly. Jade put her arms around Lindsay and held her in front of her to shelter her from the night air. Lindsay shivered as Jade's warm breath caressed her ear with she leaned in to whisper, "I don't want to lose you."

Lindsay leaned back into Jade and pulled the woman's arms tighter around her. "I don't want to let you go either."

"What are we going to do?

"When's your next assignment?" Lindsay asked hesitantly.

Jade sighed and didn't respond right away. Lindsay closed her eyes and knew that the answer was not what she wanted to hear.

"I have to be in California by the end of next week." Jade finally answered.

Lindsay felt a tear slip down her cheek and she reached up to brush it away. She didn't want Jade to know how much it hurt her to leave.

"Well, maybe you can come for a visit when you are between assignments." Lindsay offered as a out for Jade.

Jade heard the break in Lindsay's voice and she kissed her cheek and replied, "I will come as soon as I can. I promise."

"Great! Shall we head back? It's kind of chilly out here." Lindsay hadn't known what to expect, but it seemed her heart had wanted more than Jade was willing to offer.

Jade stood up and helped Lindsay to her feet, putting her arm around the smaller woman she held her close as they made their way back down the beach.

CHAPTER 16

Jade watched as Lindsay boarded the plane before turning to leave. The tears stung her eyes and threatened to erupt as she hurried from the airport. She made it to her car as they fell with an intensity she hadn't expected. They would see each other soon, she had promised Lindsay. Why was she feeling this way? They had planned that as soon as this assignment was over, she would travel to Michigan. But, hadn't there always been one more assignment, one more thing that always seemed to come first. Her past relationships, or lack of them, was a glaring testament to this fact. She never should have left Lindsay the first time and now, after all her declarations of love, hadn't she just done the same thing again. Jade closed her eyes and leaned back against the seat in realization that this time, the stakes were higher, this time Jade had more on the line than just a casual affair. This time it was her heart and her future involved. Sitting up with a start, Jade knew that no job meant that much to her. "Nothing, absolutely nothing is more important than this!" she cried outloud.

Slamming her hands on the steering wheel, Jade looked up as Lindsay's plane roared overhead on it's way back to Michigan.

"Damn!" she shouted to the sky and quickly grabbed her two bags, and locking the car door she jogged back into the terminal. She approached the ticket counter and pulled out her wallet.

"I need the quickest route to northern Michigan." Jade told the agent as she dug out her planner and they began to schedule her travel. Jade would have three plane changes, but would make it to her destination only fifteen minutes behind Lindsay. Luckily, Lindsay had longer layovers and Jade would hopefully be able to catch up with her before she left the airport. Running to catch her flight, she carried her bags on board and took her seat. Jade sat anxiously awaiting take-off thinking, 'This is getting ridiculous. How many times are you going to go chasing after the most important thing in your life before you realize that's exactly what she is?' "One more time!" she whispered outloud.

Lindsay sat back and closed her eyes as the plane leveled off. She was glad the flight wasn't full and she had the entire row to herself. She didn't feel much like being sociable. Lindsay sat and thought about her life and Jade's. There was no way she could ask Jade to stop being who she was just because she had wanted more. She loved Jade and asking her to be anything less than what she was wouldn't have been fair. Jade has a career that involves a lot of her time and Lindsay would just have to adjust to a more casual relationship. But, it didn't help the gnawing in her gut or the pain in her heart. She already missed Jade's arms around her. She didn't know how she would live with the long periods of Jade's absence that were to come. Eventually, she knew that long distance relationships, were doomed to fail. Curling up against the window, Lindsay tried desperately to fall asleep as a tear ran down her cheek and she silently chanted, 'I can get through this.'

The plane landed and as the doors opened Jade was up and running down the walkway before anyone else smiling. 'Ya, gotta love first class!' She checked the arrival monitors on her way to baggage claim.

"Damn!" Jade exclaimed when she saw that Lindsay's plane had arrived earlier than expected. Picking up her pace, she ran hoping that the luggage had been delayed somehow. Jade ran down the stairs to find the last of the travelers collecting their things and proceeding out of the terminal. Not seeing Lindsay anywhere, she followed the signs toward the parking area. Entering the lot she looked over the tops of the cars and her heart leaped with Joy when she saw the familiar blonde head. Repositioning her bags on her shoulders, Jade sprinted in Lindsay's direction.

Lindsay opened the back door of her car and bent to pick up her suitcase when she heard running footsteps behind her. Startled, she turned, her mouth dropping open and her suitcase hit the ground with a thud as tears filled her eyes.

Jade set her gear down next to Lindsay's suitcase before enveloping her lover in her arms and holding her tightly.

"What are you doing here?" Lindsay asked taking a ragged breath. She didn't think her heart could take anymore of these changes.

"Because sometimes I am very stupid!" Jade replied pulling back to look into the most beautifully confused green eyes she had ever seen. "Sometimes the answer is staring you right in your face and you can't see it because you are focused in the wrong direction".

"What do you mean?"

"I thought I had it all figured out and everything had fallen into it's perfect little place, but what I didn't realize is that I didn't have a clue. I've spent my entire life searching for you. You are everything I am not. You make me want to do things I never thought I was capable of, and then, what do I do? I try to fit you into my life instead of the other way around. When what I need to do, is fit my life around you!"

"But Jade, your work is very important. I'm willing to wait here for you." Lindsay replied overwhelmed by what Jade was telling her. She didn't want any regrets in the future to come between them.

"My life is crap without you! Why would I want to put you second to that?" Jade answered firmly.

"Because you love what you do!" Lindsay insisted and stepped back from Jade. She couldn't let Jade put that aside. Not for her, not for anyone.

"No! I love you more! I can still do what I love, but it only has meaning if you're by my side. I don't want to just see you on visits between assignments!"

"But…how?" Lindsay asked leaning back into her car to steady her quivering legs.

"I don't know, but we will figure something out together." Jade replied and pulled Lindsay back toward her and consumed her lips in a need to prove her sincerity.

Loading up the explorer, Jade turned to take the keys from Lindsay. "You're shaking like a leaf, get in and I'll drive. You try and get some rest."

Lindsay reached up and kissed Jade lightly replying, "Thank you. It's the best offer I've had all day!"

"The day is young yet!" Jade grinned mischievously.

Lindsay jumped into Jade's arms for a crushing hug and then Jade walked her around the car and opened the door for Lindsay.

CHAPTER 17

Rolling on to her side, Jade leaned on her elbow and watched Lindsay in the morning light. She couldn't believe she had almost missed having this. Lindsay lay curled on her side facing Jade, her one hand tucked under Jade's pillow in a subconscious need of a connection. 'Even in dreams, you are with me.' Jade thought and it moved her deeply. She lightly brushed a stray lock of blonde hair away and sighed whispering, "I must have been blind."

"No, preoccupied." Lindsay murmured sleepily before opening one eye halfway and smiling at her favorite blue eyes. Lindsay stretched her arm over to drape across Jade's hip and snuggled closer. Jade smiled and moved to hold Lindsay's body closely.

"We're you going to watch me all morning or what?" Lindsay asked smiling.

"Or what!" Jade purred sexily and kissed Lindsay's closed eyes before moving down to capture her lips.

Lindsay awoke quickly as her body responded to Jade's questing lips and hands.

"I think I like waking up this way!"

"Oh yeah!"

Much later, both women were dressed and seated at the kitchen table with their morning coffee. Jade reached over and grasped Lindsay's hand in her's and held it happily. She couldn't remember a time when she had felt such a peace in her life.

"Do you know what the odds are of us finding each other?" Lindsay asked caressing Jade's hand with her thumb.

"With my batting average….one in a million!" Jade replied and lifted Lindsay's hand to her lips before adding, "And I have no intention of ever giving you up!" Jade leaned over to kiss Lindsay soundly and let her lips travel over her lover's face committing everything to her heart.

Setting back breathlessly, Jade sighed watching Lindsay intently. Lindsay smiled and locked eyes with Jade and they carried on their silent conversation until the phone rang. Jade's brow shot up in annoyance and Lindsay chuckled, "I'll be right back!"

"Hey, it's for you!" Lindsay called out and Jade jumped up and headed into the living room.

"Probably my editor. I called her earlier while you were in the shower." Jade explained and pulled Lindsay to her for a warm kiss before taking the phone. Jade stood watching appreciatively as Lindsay walked back into the kitchen. At the doorway, Lindsay turned grinning and pointed to the receiver in Jade's hand. "I believe someone is waiting for you."

Jade looked down at her hand surprised to see the phone in it and blushed. "Oh yeah!" Jade could hear Lindsay chuckling in the kitchen as she cheerfully answered the phone.

"Well, you sure sound chipper this morning! I'm going to believe it has something to do with that sexy voice that answered the telephone. Is she as sexy as she sounds?" Her editor asked.

"Oh yeah, and more!" Jade replied feeling a rush of heat travel down her body.

"So, you're back in Michigan."

"Yes, I'll send you the shoreline layout as soon as I put everything together and do a mock set-up." Jade replied. "But, that's not why I called. Remember you mentioned getting a writer to combine with my photos? Well, I think I've found one for you."

"Jade……" Judy replied hesitantly. "Are you sure you want to mix business and pleasure?"

"This is more than pleasure, Judy. I've found someone who counts." Judy could hear the happiness in Jade's voice for the first time she had known her.

"But, can she write?"

"Well, it's her profession!" Jade sarcastically remarked.

"You sure she's not just fishing around for a job?"

"Positive! She'd be happy waiting here for me if I asked her to, but I don't want that. I want her with me." Judy could tell that the strong willed woman had already made up her mind.

"Send me some of her work and I'll take a look at it and let you know."

"O.K. but, I have to talk with her first." Jade responded hesitantly.

"You mean you haven't even discussed this with her yet?" Judy asked surprised. She had never known Jade to be unsure about anything, especially other women and thought jealousy, 'You must have it bad honey!' She wasn't sure she was ready to give up her hold on Jade even though they hadn't had a relationship in over a year.

"Judy?"

"Yeah, I'm still here!" the editor replied sharply trying to shake off her thought and get back to business.

"I’m not making any promises. Send me some of her work and I'll discuss it with Mel and get back with you."

"O.k., I'll talk to her and email you some stuff later. If all works out, I want to take her to California with me on Friday." Jade informed Judy firmly.

"Well, let's just take this one step at a time shall we. Prove to me she can write first." Judy replied.

"Great! You won't be sorry." Jade replied and rang off.

Judy replaced the receiver and sat back in her chair and sadly said, "That remains to be seen."

Jade walked back into the kitchen and engulfed Lindsay from behind as she stood at the sink washing dishes. She ran her hands down Lindsay's arms and into the soapy water as she kissed and nibbled at her lover's neck.

"Mmm…good news I take it?" Lindsay asked leaning her head back onto Jade's shoulder as the lips moved further down her neck. Jade's hand continued to stroke down Lindsay's arms until fingers tangled and slipped through one another in the soapy water.

"Depends?" Jade murmured between kisses. "If you're interested in becoming a travel writer."

"What?" Lindsay asked turning around abruptly and splashing soapy water into Jade's face.

"Oh Honey, I'm so sorry." Lindsay giggled and attempted to wipe the drops off Jade's face with her still wet hands, making more of a mess.

Jade chuckled and pulled Lindsay into her wet body and wrapped her equally dripping arms around Lindsay and proceeded to use her shoulder to wipe her face off.

"Hey!" Lindsay protested, but was locked in Jade's strong arms trapped.

"Serves you right!"

Lindsay gave up struggling and began to laugh helplessly as her wet shirt clung to her body. Jade noticed it clung in all the right places and leaned down to add a wet, sloppy kiss to the mess she was making of Lindsay.

"Where were we?" Lindsay pulled back breathless.

"You were telling me of your interest in a job as a travel writer for the magazine."

"What does the job entail?" Lindsay asked curiously.

"Putting words to my photos." Jade stated simply as though it was no big deal.

"I don't know if that is possible!"

Jade grinned at the compliment. "I think you are the only one who can."

"Well, I’d have to know more about the job." Lindsay insisted slyly.

"Let's see, I can tell you about the fringe benefits." Jade offered seductively.

"O.k., we can start there."

"Well, first you have unlimited access to this benefit." Jade moved her hands up Lindsay's back taking her shirt with it and gently pulling it over Lindsay's head. Leaning down she captured a hardening nipple through the material of her bra as she slid the straps down the woman's shoulders.

"Ooh, I think that will be a very good one to have." Lindsay replied becoming more and more aroused by the employment offer.

"Just wait! We haven't even gotten to my favorite one yet!" Jade purred in Lindsay's ear and then led her back to the bedroom, peeling off her clothes as they walked.

"Why do I even bother getting dressed anymore?" Lindsay asked as she was pushed backwards onto the bed.

"Beats me!" Jade replied leaning down over her and continued her explanation of all the new job had to offer.

Lying back comfortably sated in each other's arms, Lindsay asked, "So, where do I apply?"

"Oh Honey, you've already got the job!"

CHAPTER 18

Jade's plan involved Lindsay writing the copy for the recent shoot in Florida while she worked on the photo layout. They would then send it off to Judy for final approval. Jade knew that Mel would not be able to resist this method. Since Lindsay had been there most of the time, and it was Jade's backyard so to speak, Jade was confident that they could finish it rather quickly. The film had been overnighted to Jade from the lab and should arrive the next morning.

As soon as the package arrived, the women set to work and by evening they were relaxing in front of a cozy fire. Their work already on its way back to Miami by courier.

"We make a good team." Lindsay spoke up as she relaxed in the circle of Jade's arms.

"The best!" Jade answered kissing the top of Lindsay's head as it rested back against her chest. "No matter what Judy says, I want you to come to California with me." Jade added and waited for Lindsay to reply.

"You know, I can write anywhere even if it isn't travel related."

"Does that mean you will consider traveling with me?" Jade asked hopeful that she was hearing right.

"Yes, if you want me to come."

"Honey, I've never wanted anything as much as that!"

"What do you say to living both here and in Florida?" Lindsay asked.

"You mean summers here and winters in Florida?" Jade questioned thinking that it was an excellent idea.

"Yes, between assignments."

"I think I would like that very much!" Jade answered.

"So, when do we leave for California?" Lindsay asked with a yawn, making a mental list of everything she needed to do before hand.

"Not until Friday morning. Come on let's get you to bed." Jade answered and stood up. She pulled Lindsay up and pushed her toward the bedroom. "You go ahead, I'll take care of the fire."

Lindsay nodded sleepily and padded down the hall. Jade shook her head amused and thought, 'Guess, I wore her little butt out today, better let her sleep in tomorrow." Jade quickly took care of the fire, satisfied that it would be o.k. until morning and went to bed only to find Lindsay already curled up asleep.

Quickly brushing her teeth, Jade got undressed and got into bed molding herself around Lindsay's body comfortably. Even in her sleep Lindsay reached out for Jade and found her perfect spot and sighed. Jade drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face and a special woman in her heart.

CHAPTER 19

The two women worked around the house preparing it for Lindsay's long absence. After the assignment in California, they were going to head to Florida to wait out the rest of winter. Lindsay knew that Jade was trying to be casual about everything, but on more than one occasion she caught her looking anxiously toward the telephone. The call they had been finally waiting for came on Thursday. Jade pounced on the telephone as soon as it rang.

"Hello?"

"Jade?"

"Yes, Judy…it's about damn time you called!" Jade answered briskly.

"Temper, temper!" Judy warned. "I told you I would call you as soon as a decision as made."

"Well?" Jade asked quickly, she knew that Judy was toying with her and she was quickly becoming aggravated.

"You pulled quite a stunt sending her work accompanied by your recent photo shoot. You knew Mel wouldn't be able to resist, didn't you?" Judy answered tersely. She hadn't been ready to give up on Jade, but this latest move had definitely shown her that Jade had been more than ready to move on.

"I knew that this way her work would get the proper consideration it deserved." Jade responded. "So, what did Mel say?"

"That's wasn't nice Jade. You made me look like a fool." Judy spoke up into the phone and Jade could tell that she wasn't very happy at the moment.

"Listen Judy, I just didn't want our history to become a factor in this and by the sound of things, I was right in my assumption." Jade answered raising her voice.

"Your assumption?" Judy sputtered. "You've just about shoved this woman in my face and demand I do backflips for you. I'm not your trained pet…or am I?"

Lindsay looked up when she heard Jade's angry voice and knew that somehow she was the cause of the disturbance. Walking over to Jade she lightly touched her shoulder and looked up worried.

Jade turned and smiled when she saw the look on Lindsay's face. Shaking her head she kissed Lindsay lightly and winked mouthing that it was o.k.

Lindsay looked into Jade's eyes and saw the sincerity reflected back toward her and nodded pointing toward the kitchen. Jade nodded and watched as Lindsay went back into the kitchen. Lindsay puttered around in the kitchen trying to keep herself occupied and not listen to the murmur of Jade's voice in the living room. "If anything is wrong, Jade will tell me!' she kept telling herself and finally pulled four, sugar and chocolate chips out of the cupboard. "When all else fails Lindsay, bake!" she mumbled to herself and began mixing the cookie dough.

Jade listened to Judy point out everything that was wrong with the current layout, mostly commenting on Jade's photos and their lack of originality. Jade knew what the real trouble was, Mel had liked what he had read and Judy was having trouble with what was happening.

"Judy…wait! We both know each other too well to play these games. What did Mel say about Lindsay's work?"

"Just what you knew he would say. If she is what you want, then he wants her onboard to work with you." Judy replied in defeat.

"Then she is coming to California with me and Judy…..I'm sorry you are having a tough time with this. I didn't mean to slight you in any way. I just wanted you to see that Lindsay was more than capable to do the job." Jade explained to Judy, hoping that her editor wouldn't see it as a personal challenge and would be able to move on from here.

"If this is what you really want Jade, I won't argue with you anymore. I'll have her employment package waiting for you at your hotel. Just have her sign the necessary forms and forward it back to my attention." Judy sat back against her chair. She could feel a migraine coming on and she just didn't have time for one right now.

"Judy…make sure the package includes a salary at least equal to the other writers on staff." Jade didn't want them to treat Lindsay as an entry-level staff writer. Lindsay had experience and was good at what she does.

"Fine Jade, whatever you want." Judy rubbed her temple furiously and hung-up the receiver. Leaning back in her chair she tried to think through the throbbing in her head and finally sat up angrily thinking, 'After everything that has happened between us, I want Jade to tell me to my face that we are really over. I don't think she can. I think she is using this woman to blow me off. I don't like being made a fool of, not by her or anyone else!' Judy picked up the telephone and began making the necessary arrangements before heading down to employment to personally see to Lindsay's paperwork.

CHAPTER 20

"Don’t worry about it! Everything's going to be fine." Jade replied as she helped Lindsay pack for their trip to California in the morning.

"Everything didn't sound so fine a little while ago!"

"Listen, what Judy and I had was a long time ago. She needs to come to terms with that. It is her problem not ours." Jade moved to pull Lindsay into her arms and kissed her.

"I just don't want it to become our problem." Lindsay replied looking up into bright blue eyes questioningly.

"It won't, unless we let it." Jade replied and dipped down for another kiss, this one deeper with more promise.

Lindsay looked up again, still unsure and Jade sighed and rested her head against her lover's and looked closely into the concerned green eyes.

"I love you. . I am IN love with you…My past relationship with Judy couldn't even come close to what we have!" Jade tried to explain and sat down on the bed and pulled Lindsay toward her and held her hands looking up she simply said. "You are the first person that I've wanted to share my life with."

"O.k., I believe you." Lindsay answered and smiled. Jade closed her eyes in relief and smiled. She wasn't sure what else she could say to convince Lindsay. She wasn't even sure herself if things would run smoothly with Judy. But, she wouldn't let that deter from working with Lindsay. Not only was she totally in love with the woman, but she knew that they would make a great team. They each brought a different approach to the partnership and complimented each other in more ways than one. Grinning she thought, "Love was just an added bonus'.

"What are you grinning about?" Lindsay asked nudging Jade with her body.

"Oh, I was just thinking about what a great team we make." Jade replied seductively and pulled Lindsay toward her as she fell backward on the bed. Lindsay landed next to Jade and was promptly pulled into the warmth of the raven-haired woman's arms. Jade lightly nipped at Lindsay's neck causing the woman to giggle and squirm closer.

"Is this part of the team-work you were talking about?" Lindsay asked slyly and kissed Jade's lips lightly.

"Oh yeah! The best part!" Jade murmured and continued her assault on Lindsay's neck as her hand slowly slid up her lover's side taking her shirt with it in the process. Jade and Lindsay spent the rest of the evening working on their team building skills. Each one adding their equal input into the partnership.

Jade and Lindsay scrambled to finish packing and get to the airport in time for their flight to San Diego. Their final destination was La Jolla, where they checked into the Sheraton Torrey Pines Resort.

"I'm exhausted!" Jade exclaimed and crawled up onto the bed. Lindsay smiled wearily and walked to pull the shade closed to block out the bright sunlight and went to the bed and crawled up bedside Jade.

"I've got a great idea! Why don't we take a nap and then go out exploring." Lindsay offered and quickly settled into the arch of Jade's arm.

"Sounds good to me." Jade mumbled sleepily and rolled to tuck Lindsay against her body. Both women were out in record time.

The phone rang startling Jade out of her slumber, fumbling she quickly reached over to answer it before it could ring again and wake Lindsay. She sat up on the edge of the bed and ran a hand through her tousled hair before getting up and moving away from the bed with the phone in her hand.

"Hello" Jade whispered hoarsely.

"Jade?" Judy's voice came clearly over the line.

"Yeah, what's up?" Jade asked looking over at Lindsay's still sleeping form.

"I need to talk to you."

"So talk." Jade replied shortly.

"Not on the phone, in person."

"Where are you Judy?" Jade asked cautiously, but she had a sinking feeling she knew what the answer was already.

"In the hotel, room 225." Judy replied evenly. "Can you come to my room so we can talk?"

"You are here, in this hotel?" Jade asked hesitantly. She wasn't sure why this fact bothered her, but for some reason, she was pacing like a caged lion.

'Yes. I need to talk with you."

Lindsay heard the murmur of Jade's voice and lay quietly listening to its timbre before realizing that her lover sounded very nervous about something. She was ready to open her eyes when she heard the name "Judy". Feigning sleep, she continued to listen to the conversation as her heart rate sped up and she felt a nervous roll begin in the pit of her stomach.

"Judy, why did you come here?" Jade asked, not wanting to go to her room to have this conversation.

"Because we have issues to discuss and I want them done face-to-face." Judy replied. "Now are you coming to my room, or do you want me to come to yours?"

"NO!" Jade shouted a little to loudly and looked back over at Lindsay. She hadn't moved and Jade was relieved that Lindsay was such a heavy sleeper.

"I'll be right over, room 225?" Jade replied smoothly, keeping her voice even and calm.

"Yes, I'll be waiting."

Jade hung up the phone and hesitated waking Lindsay to tell her. She thought for a moment and thought better of it and decided to see if she could get rid of Judy without having to say anything to Lindsay. Grabbing a pad and pen, Jade jotted a quick note to Lindsay, telling her that she was going for a quick walk to check out the site for tomorrow's photo shoot, and would be right back to take her to dinner.

Quietly slipping from the hotel room, Jade never noticed Lindsay sit up in the bed and watch the door close behind her. Lindsay went over to the note and threw it down on the table in anger. "Why?" she asked outloud to the closed door.

Lindsay walked over to the sliding glass doors and opening them she slid out onto the balcony. Sitting down in one of the chairs she watched as the sun began it's descent into a breath taking S. California sunset. Lindsay missed most of the wondrous sight before her and the tears clouded her vision. "She lied to me." She whispered hurt.

CHAPTER 21

Jade stood before room 225 and hesitated before rapping soundly on the door. Judy opened the door to the tall scowling woman.

"Come in."

"Make this quick Judy. I've got to get back." Jade replied shortly and walked past her editor.

"And how do you do too!" Judy replied sarcastically.

"Judy, what do you want? I know you didn't come all this way to deliver Lindsay's employment papers!"

"No, you are right, I didn't."

"So, what gives?" Jade asked and stood in front of the sliding glass doors looking out over the golf course.