Marinas hand came down over Sadies and gently took the keys from her hand. Please let me. She unlocked the exterior door and pushed it open. Sadie had to turn sideways to pass by Marina into the stairwell. The heat between the two women was clearly evident as their bodies brushed lightly.

Sadie felt tension deep in her stomach, and took a ragged breath. She still didnt fully understand why Marina had behaved as though Sadie had done something wrong, but damn, the woman had an affect on her. As she started up the stairs towards her home she pushed her thoughts anywhere but on the dark beauty behind her, and suddenly, Danas odd reaction and her questions about Lara came to mind.

Oh my Godshes the one! Sadie froze halfway up the stairs. Marina had to pull up quickly to keep from running into the blonde.

Whos the one?

Dana! Shes the girl that Lara dated, isnt she? Sadie turned and looked down at Marina who was unnervingly close. Marina nodded warily. Suddenly everything crystallized. Oh my Godyou guys saw me and Lara today! And you thought weyou thought Ithat wethat I DID her? What in the ***** gave you that impression?

Marina twisted her lips in an embarrassed smile. Well, you were awfully close when I saw you. She was walking you in, and had her arm around you. I could see your face, and you looked pretty happy about it. You even laid your head on her shoulder. It really looked like you two were intimate friends. She finished lamely. But now, Im banking that she was only helping you get in because of your accident and all? Suddenly Marinas eyes held a question.

Sadie studied the woman. As Marina stood on the step below her, Sadie realized that she was waiting to hear more than Sadies affirmation of innocence. She reached down and lifted a lock of hair from Marinas eyes. As her fingers ran through the silky hair, she felt Marina tremble. She placed her right hand behind Marinas neck and slowly, gently tilted the womans head back. As she leaned slightly forward she whispered, You are the only woman Ive thought about since Ive gotten here. Her lips grazed Marinas cheek, and moved slowly to the womans mouth. Marina sighed and leaned into Sadie gently, wary of the womans bruised ribs. Their kiss was soft and slow. Marinas tongue lightly traced the contours of Sadies lips with light pressure, and as the kiss extended, Marina breathed in fully enjoying the essence of this woman. With a light groan Sadie broke away, breathing hard. God, you are amazing.

Marina opened her eyes and smiled. She gestured around Sadie, Should we go in?

The two women entered the apartment. Mia raced to the door, leash in mouth, body wiggling from head to toe. When she saw that Sadie was not alone, she dropped to a sit position and politely peered at Marina, tail sweeping an arc on the polished wood floor.

No, Mianot a walk nowI only took you out an hour and a half ago. You can wait. Sadie took the leash from the dogs mouth and laid it by the door. The dog looked so crestfallen that Marina laughed.

Shes like a person with her expressions! Why dont you let me run out with her quickly? I can take her to the lot just beside The Planetthat way, you wont have to worry about taking her out again this evening. Really, I think youve been up and down those stairs enough for one day, dont you?

Sadie smiled. I normally dont relegate potty patrol to anyone else, but Lara earlier and now you.Im getting lazy in my old age. Alright girlyou be good for Marina. Mia jumped up, body wiggling from side to side. She should squat pretty quickly for youand thats all she needs to do. It shouldnt take long, and you wont need a bag or anything. Sadie stopped, shook her head. Pets bathroom habits arent exactly the most romantic topic are they?

Marina laughed. Well, maybe not–how about we talk about that open wound on your leg instead?

Sadie snorted, then grabbed her midsection. UghMarina, baby, with me you got your hands full! Ill try to think up some better topics while youre out. First, thoughhow about I open a bottle of wine to breathe while youre gone.somehow I take you for a red wine drinker. Am I right?

Marina nodded and bent down to fasten Mias leash to her collar. Yes, I love a full bodied wine, with a hint of spice. She smiled up at Sadie suggestively.

Sadie laughed, You tease.I think I have something youll like. Oh, and Ill get the wine too.

Marina chuckled and kissed Sadie lightly. Ill be right back.

-*-*
As Marina walked past The Planet with Mia, the door opened and Jenny emerged tossing back a See you tomorrow, lover! with a giggle. She stopped when she saw Marina, and said, in a noticeably cooler tone. Marina, I didnt know you were there. Whos your friend? Mia sat as Marina stopped (much to both Marinas and Jennys surprise).

Hi Jennythis is Mia. She belongs toa friend.

Yeah, that bike woman? The one that got so drunk she could hardly stand earlier tonight? Jennys face had a slightly malicious smirk. Everybodys talking about what a pathetic loser she seems like. It was nice of you to take her home and walk her dog. Pity, a woman that attractive, acting like an idiot her first time out. Pretty much marks her forever doesnt it? Jennys smile indicated that shed done her fair share of gossiping.

I dont know, JennyI seem to recall you passing out a couple of months ago in a bar. That hardly ruined your social calendar. Marina decidedly stayed off topic regarding Sadie. Now, if youll excuse me, I need to take Mia for her walk. Have a nice evening. And the border collie jumped to attention as Marina took a step away from Jenny.

As Marina took the dog to the empty lot, she realized that Mia had not wagged her tail at Jenny at all. In fact the dog had seemed completely uninterested in the slight auburn haired girl. I wonder if its true that animals have instincts about people? she wondered. Jenny had seemed pretty venomous towards Mias mistress. She watched the dog nose around the bushes, tail wagging to beat the band. Marina suddenly felt a kinship with the dog, and realized that she,too, had not been affected at all by Jennys presence.

Satisfied, she and the dog turned back to the apartment and Sadie.