Marina looked around the apartment, while Sadie tended to her leg in the bathroom. The long wall was evenly spaced with three floor-to-ceiling windows that had been fit with white wood blinds. Track lighting, running the periphery lent a warm glow to the space. A fireplace was set in the narrow wall near the front door, unused, framed by a white mantle. The hearth was inlaid with the same brick pattern as the walls. A matte black screen was placed before the opening. Opposite, at the end of the loft, the bedroom area was demarcated by a step up. Sadie had arranged shoji screens around the platform bed. The effect was clean and peaceful.

The living room was furnished sparsely with a comfortable couch, shoji accent tables in dark wood and an overstuffed lowslung chair with ottoman. Floor lamps, in brushed silver, were arranged on either side of the sofa. There was no noticeable entertainment center, but a stereo was resting on a long table. A cd collection was attractively displayed underneath the table.

Two large paintings adorned the wall running along the dining area. Marina stepped up to them with interest. Oils done in bold colors, the paintings each depicted fruit, pears and apples. However, the fruits arrangement was decidedly feminine, and Marina picked out the subtle forms of a womans torso in the first and a head suckling a breast in the second. Very nice, she murmured surveying the surprisingly erotic works.

Finally, she turned to the granite counter that separated the kitchen from the rest of the room. Simple in design, yet roomy enough for most cooks, the kitchen sported an island in addition to the counter. Marina noticed a bottle of wine sitting beside two glasses. She stepped over and poured the glasses, then moved to the stereo. She pressed play, and the immediately identifiable voice of Sarah McLachlan filled the room softly.

Sadie entered, wearing a pair of faded jeans and a white nubby sweater that hung loosely around the waist. Marina smiled. I love your home.

Thanks.Ive always wanted a loft. But, I forgot the practicalities that go along with it. She gestured to the front door. My washer and dryer are actually out in the supply closet!

Mia whined and put her head in Sadies hand. Was she good for you? Sadie asked rubbing the dogs ears lightly.

She was perfectshes a charming companion. You really trained her well.

Actually, she was trained by.a friend. Sadie suddenly seemed lost in thought. Paige had handpicked Mia as a pup, and had spent such large amounts of time training the dog that Sadie had felt jealous of the attention. Since Paiges death, however, Mia and Sadie had become practically inseparable. Sadie shrugged lightly, stirred and said with a sad smile, That was a long time ago.

Marina politely changed the subject, Your paintings, I love them.

Sadies face broke out in an enthusiastic grin. Thanks! I saw those when I was on one of my last business trips, and couldnt resist. They about broke the bank, but they were so.succulent.

Marina agreed. You should get Bette up here to look at thoseshes likely to contact the artist for the CAC.

Not a bad ideamaybe Ill invite her and Tina to dinner one night soon. But, Ill need a fourth—know anyone who might be interested? Sadie held out a wine glass to Marina with a wink.

Marina smiled, and taking the drink, said, Im sure youll think of someone.

-*-*-*
As they sipped wine, they settled on the couch. Sadie took some time getting comfortable, and Marina said, with concern, I keep forgetting that you had an accident today. I noticed some pain medication on your counter. Would you like to take one?

Sadie wrinkled her nose. Im afraid it will put me to sleep, she admitted.

Thats what its supposed to do! People heal more quickly while they sleep. Here, let me get you one.

Marina was back with one of the small Loritab tablets. I think you should take ityou still look a little pale from your escapade at The Planet.

Sadie took the tablet and washed it down with a sip of wine. She leaned back on the couch and smiled at Marina. So, you were a little jealous this afternnon then?

Marina laughed. Just a little. I fully expect my entire staff to commit mutiny for the way I treated them this evening. I stormed around the place like Attila the Hun, after I saw you and Lara.

Uh-huh. So, I guess that means that our kiss yesterday meant something to you? She smiled playfully.

Marina breathed out, I couldnt get you off my mind! You were so cute with that little grease mark on your cheek! Hey! By the way, I still owe you an apology for behaving so rudely earlier. When you came in tonight, I saw you immediately, but I was so mad at myself for believing you were interested, that I just tried to ignore you. I kept finding myself looking at you though, until I had to come over. And then, I acted like an *****. Sometimes I just do things that seem so stupid. Marina took a small sip of wine through tight lips. She looked at Sadie. I just want everything to be right between us. I like you, Sadie. A lot. Marina set her glass on the side table, and bent over to kiss Sadie.

The slight pepper of the wine heated their lips. The strains of McLachlans Sweet Surrender rippled suggestively through the room. Marina moaned from the back of her throat and pulled back. My god, you make me so crazy, she murmured and caressed Sadies face. I feel like Im going to explode if I dont make love to you.

Marina Sadie was suddenly serious. I havent done this in a while. Ive beenwell, I just havent been interested in relationships. Her lip trembled, as she exhaled slowly. But I feel the heat between us, and my body craves you more than I remember ever craving anything. Im scared, though. She turned her eyes to her hands.

Marina pulled back slightly more and took a deep breath. Sadie”I want to make this work, and Im willing to wait until youre more comfortable. I know the wait will be worth it. She reached down and let her hand rest on Sadies hands.

Sadie nodded. Im so glad you are here. She leaned her head back, and Marina saw that the cloud of pain that had been in Sadies eyes had dissipated. The woman was definitely more relaxed.

Another glass of wine?

Sadie nodded, and Marina refilled their glasses. They sat and chatted about music. Sadie took a deep breath, and Marina saw that the pain medication had taken firm hold.

Chere, are you ready for bed? She asked gently. Sadie smiled blearily. Ready or not, I think Id better.

Marina stood and held her hand out to the blonde. Cmon, thentomorrow youll feel better, and youll come over to the Planet for breakfast? I hear they have beautiful scones there, she teased.

Marina led Sadie to her platform bed. Without compunction, Sadie automatically unbuttoned her jeans, and let them drop in a rumpled heap to the floor. As she stepped out of them, Marinas eyes wondered up her firm, muscular calves, past the bandage that wrapped around her left leg, to the defined quads and hamstring and on up, to the black thong that barely covered her pubic region. Marina felt her body respond to the sight and bit back a moan.

Sadie, in a drugged state, pulled her sweater gently over her head. She wore no bra, her firm ***** were exposed suddenly, nipples hard. Almost unwittingly, Sadie stepped into Marina for a drowsy hug. Marina, thank you again for everything. Im looking forward to getting to know you better, she murmured in a voice thick with sleep.

Marina wrapped her arms around Sadies exposed back, and flushed at the softness of her skin. She felt the womans ***** rub against her, as Sadie turned back to the bed. Marina had to pull her hand back to keep from caressing the womans *****.

Me too, chere, she murmured as she tucked the comforter around Sadies now sleeping body.

Marina wrote a quick note to Sadie:

S-
I had to take your keys so I could lock the door.
Im at the Planet at 5 a.m. if you need them early.
Im completely consumed by you.
-M

Mias tail thumped as Marina let herself out of the apartment. She paused on the stairwell and leaned against the door. Godeven a cold shower would do her no good after that. With a happy smile, she left Sadies and headed home.