Well, I wanted to post this last night, but the site was down and THEN my computer crashedbut all is well now.

LSUFan & Geauxtiger, sorry about the ladytigersbut you know what they are all doing now..out having fun drinking them Hurricanes!!! I wouldnt mind doing thathehehe

Katey, thank you, I just hope that we see more dimension to her next season.

Sous Chef, Darkhorse & Ash, I am glad that I can make yall happy and Darkhorseyou know I gotta bring Tonya inhehehehe

Alma, thanks for the E-mailYou are WAY too sweet

Margo & Lucy, welcome to our familyI hope to keep this story going for a whilesomething to tide us over until the second season

AND Kwhat can I say to you that you dont already hear everyday??? I cant think of anything, so I will go with what I tell you everyday you are WONDERFUL, SWEET, CARING and you have my heart

And now—here we go—grab whatever & enjoy!!!!


Chapter 23

Laughter woke a slumbering Howie. He couldnt tell where it was coming from, but he knew all to well whom it was. As he stumbled through the living room, rubbing his eyes, the laughter seemed to get louder. As he entered the kitchen, he saw why.

Lara stood behind Dana, her hands under her tank on her waist. She was nipping at Danas ear and neck and Dana was shooing her away.

Stop it. Dana playfully swatted at Lara.

I cant help myself, you just look so irresistible standing here. Lara went in for another nip.

Well wake up sleeping beauty in there.

Too late. Howie finally stopped rubbing his eyes. God didnt you two get enough of each other last night?

I can never get too much of your sister. A smile appeared upon Laras face as she went in one last time before turning to see the young man who she had disturbed. Well, I see there is something else you two have in common.

What? Both said as Dana turned to see what Lara was talking about.

You both like boxers. Lara moved from her position so each could get a good look at one another.

Yeah, but I look better in themsee. Howie began to model.

I dont think so little brotheryour ***** cant look this good in boxers. Dana turned to allow both Lara and Howie admire her backside.

You just did not flash me your *****. That is just sick. Howie hid his eyes, laughing.

I dont think it is sick, your ***** is just perfect baby. Lara moved in closer and placed her hands on the displayed body. It is so firm and round and

OKAY!!! Hellobrother still in the room thank you very much.

Dana and Lara both burst out into laughter.

Would you like something to eat How?

I dont care. Are you fixing anything?

Yeah, Ill whip something up before we go back up to the hospital.

Well as long as it isnt my sister, I dont care.

Now who is being sick? Dana smirked at her brother as Lara just shook her head as she began to gather stuff for breakfast.

Me of course. Howie was proud that he had gained his title back. Im gonna run and grab a shower. It wont take me that longso dont start anything you cant finish.

Oh you would be surprised what we can do in a short time. Lara pecked Dana on the cheek. Huh baby?

Mmm hmm. Dana turned and planted a deep kiss on Laras lips.

OooookayIm outta here.

Even though Howie left the room, the kiss didnt end. Lara backed Dana up to the counter so she could empty her hands and fill them with Dana. As their tongues slid past each other, they seemed to hold each other tighter.

You know, Lara began to speak into Danas mouth, you are becoming a bad girl dont you?

Its all because of you. A breathless Dana whispered in Laras ear as she broke away from her lovers lips. Are you gonna punish me? The later was more of a request than a question.

You knowmmm. Danas feast on Laras neck made it hard for Lara to respond, it will take a deep cleansing breath as Dana nipped the special spot right under Laras ear, longer than we have.

The feast ended as Dana pulled back and looked into Laras eyes, Well I guess I will have to wait until later to receive my punishment, huh?

I guess you will. Lara smiled as she gently kissed Dana. Maybe that will be your punishment, making you wait.

Well, Im gonna get dressed then. Dana moved away from the counter, making sure she brushed up against Lara, making sure she knew what she would be missing out on, at least until they got back home.

It didnt take long for everyone to finish getting ready. Lara got dressed as Dana and Howie ate their French toast. As they got ready to walk out the door, Lara suggested they stop by the Planet and maybe pick up some muffins and coffee to take to Danas dad.

Sounds good to me. Maybe we can say hi to the girls if they are there. Dana knew that seeing her friends always helped her gain strength.

The drive seemed short as the three all got out of the car to go get the coffee and muffins. As they walked into the Planet, they saw Marina behind the counter waiting on customers and Alice, Shane and Tina were sitting at their table.

Why dont you go say hi, Ill put in our order. Lara motioned Dana over to her friends.

Ok. Thanks. Dana waved to Marina and walked over to the table. Hey guys. How is everyone doing today?

Fine, I start my volunteer work today. Tina seemed upbeat for the first time in a while.

Well, Lisa is getting on my last nerve. He is worse than the clingiest ***** I know.

Everyone began to laugh.

So Miss Dane, how are you? You look like you are, shall I say feeling pretty good.

Danas face blushed as her eyes diverted downward.

Oh, our Lara must be taking care of business. Shane knew that look.

I think it was Lara who had her business taken care of last night.

Howie, Damn.

What? It was you two that kept me up half the night. You dont think you deserve this?

Dana, you go girl. Taking care of Lara, huh? Alice had her head rocking back and forth.

Tina just sat and grinned as she sipped her tea.

Well, well, Dane you are sure surprising lately. Shane was proud of Dana. Hey, how bout you come down to the shop one day you have a few and let me give you a new do.

Sounds good to me. I may need a look for the things coming up. Dana appreciated what her friend wanted to do for her. It all depends on how mom does.

Yeah, no prob. Hey I gotta go, I got a full day ahead of me.

Yeah, a full day of women who want your hands all over them.

Jealous Al? Shane placed her hand on Alices shoulder as she began to leave.
Yeah, well maybe.

See ya guys. Bye Lara.

Bye. Lara passed Shane as she made her way behind Dana.

Hi guys. Lara noticed that Alice and Tina had huge grins on their faces. What?

Oh nothing honey. They are just assuming things. Dana tried to dismiss Laras inquiry.

What, are they assuming you had me screaming, praising your talents last night?

That did it, Tina choked on her tea and Alice spit hers out, thankfully not spraying anyone.

Lara whispered in Danas ear, You are the one who wanted to be punished. She began to laugh as she pulled away.

Danas face just went straight into her hands in embarrassment.

So you have talents besides on the courts, huh? Alice just had to jab her friend when she was this embarrassed.

Lets just say that her talents are A grin spread across Laras face that was from ear to ear, that she has MULTIPLE talents, huh baby?

Dana got up from her seat as everyone else busted out in laughter. Isnt our stuff ready yet?

Marina sauntered up to Dana. Here you go. Are you okay? You look flushed.

No, she is actually multi-talented according to Lara over here. Alice was loving this.

At least I know what a ***** is supposed to be and am not dating a man named Lisa.

Alice was in shock, Dana didnt usually come back with something that fast and that good. I see you have been taking lessons. Lara, have you been her teacher?

How do you think she has become SO insatiable?

OKAY! I think it is time to go. Guys, wish we could stay, but we gotta go. Come on How and Lara, you best beat me to the car. That is all I have to say. Danas eyebrow raised and a crooked grin came over her.

Well, on that noteuntil next time. Well talk to you all later.

Bye guys and dont worry Dana, Alices voice got louder as the trio got further away, WE WONT TELL ANYONE ABOUT YOUR MULTI-TALENTS.

That stopped Dana in her tracks and made her turn around to see the three they had just left behind trying, unsuccessfully to stifle the giggles. She turned back around, shaking her head and walked out to the car where the other two were also unsuccessful in hiding their laughter.

Oh, dont worry, you will get yours. Dana started her SUV and drove to the hospital, almost fuming as the other two couldnt stop giggling.

As they walked to the ICU waiting room, Dana saw her dad talking to a strange woman. As she approached she saw the woman touch her fathers hand and this didnt set well with her.

Dad?

Oh, good morning. Irwin stood up.

Anything happen?

No. She is still sleeping. Was Howie good for you?

He was Howie. Dana had to grin, as did her father.

Here, we brought you some muffins and coffee. Lara extended the breakfast to Irwin. I would have brought you some French toast, but it just isnt any good cold.

Thank you. No french toast isnt any good cold. Thanks for the thought though. Irwin could only look at Lara for a second.

They had avoided the subject of the woman that had placed her hand over their fathers long enough in Danas opinion.

May I ask who this is?

Oh, this is Leslie. She is a friend of your mothers from years ago. They used to ride together and now she is on the board of the hospital.

Oh. Dana felt guilty for her thoughts. Nice to meet you.

Leslie stood up and shook Danas hand. Nice to meet you to. I wish it was under different circumstances.

Yeah me too.

Dana continued the introductions, This is my brother Howie.

Howie extended his hand, Hi

Hello.

And this is Dana could see her dad avert his eyes, almost as if embarrassed, my girlfriend, Lara.

A pin could have been heard if it had hit the floor. Lara was in shock that Dana did that, she half expected to be called friend, not girlfriend. Leslie, a little taken aback, offered her hand to Lara.

It is very nice to meet you.

Lara accepted the hand, You too. As the handshake ended, smiles became evident on everyones faces, except for Irwins.

Well, I will leave you. I will be back sometime later today to see if anything has changed. If you need anything, you just let me know and I will make sure that you get it.

Thank you. That is very nice of you. Dana placed her hand into Leslies one last time, this time it felt different. This time Leslie held it a bit tighter and a bit longer.

Well, until later. With that, Leslie left the waiting room.

How could you do that?

Do what dad, tell the truth?

Lara and Howie just stepped back and let those two have their say.

She is a very prominent person at this hospital. That is all we need is for everyone to know.

Know what dad, that I am in love with a woman? You know you cant catch it, its not a disease.

Lower your voice. I didnt say that.

That is what it feels like you are saying. I thought you were going to at least try and understand. I cant go through this again. My heart has been ripped out too many times these past weeks and Lara is the only one who has been around to repair it. Dana lovingly glanced back at Lara, telling her thank you, but not saying the words.

Alright. Im sorry. I am just not used to this. Our private lives are just that, private. I am not one to be so open about this. You know that.

I know and I should probably apologize, but dad, I cant. I will help you try and understand this when you are ready, but for me, this is it. Everyone is going to know anyway because of the campaign that is going nationwide soon.

The conversation was interrupted by the volunteer, Excuse me, the nurse just called. The doctor needs to see you and your family right away.

What was going on? Fear and panic set in as all four turned and raced to see what had happened.