He said lifes a lot to think about sometimes
When you keep it all between the lines
Of everything I want and I want to find, one of these days
What you thought was real in life somehow steered you wrong
Now you just keep drivin tryin to find out where you belong
I know you feel helpless now and I know you feel alone
Thats the same road, the same road that I am on.

Lyrics from The Same Road Im On by 3 Doors Down



Shane pulled the Ryans truck into the parking space at Caioti Pizza Caf. She put the truck in park and turned the engine off. She glanced over and saw Alices mini cooper parked a couple of cars away. She figured Alice and Dana would be waiting anxiously on the patio.

In complete seriousness and sincerity Shane looked at Ryan and said,

I want to apologize for anything stupid, offensive, rude, or obnoxious that Alice and, or Dana may say.

Ryan tried not to laugh at Shanes effort to be protective and concerned for her.
Ryan softly grabbed Shanes face in between her casted left hand, and her free right hand, and kissed her with assurance on the lips.

I appreciate your concern, Baby, but I think I can handle it.

Still fixed in between Ryans hands Shane said, I dont know man, these two can be pretty whacked.

Alright, if I feel like they are hammering me to hard, Ill give you a signal to bring in the reinforcements. Ok?

Ok. Shane said hesitantly. Dont say I didnt warn you.

Shane kissed Ryan back then climbed out of the truck. She walked around the truck to open the door for Ryan. It was a nice brisk evening in West Hollywood. Shane was looking forward to eating outside on the restaurants patio. The patio provided a nice, relaxing ambiance.

Caioti Pizza Caf was a casual, romantic Italian restaurant. It was dark and intimate inside, and fun and casual with its outdoor seating. Shane noticed Alice and Dana werent outside. That had to mean they were already waiting inside at a table.

*****. ***** me. Shane whispered to herself so that Ryan couldnt hear.

Alice and Dana picked the more intimate setting not for themselves, but to pin down Shane and Ryan. It wasnt that Shane didnt want to be in an intimate setting with Ryan. She did, she really did. She just preferred it be by themselves, and not sharing it with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb.

Shane led Ryan into the restaurant by the small of her back. Ryan loved the warmth of Shanes hand on her body. Shanes touch sent heat waves down Ryans spine. Ryan also loved Shanes ability to take the lead with no questions asked.

The hostess showed Shane and Ryan to a tiny table in the back corner of the restaurant. Alice and Dana were locked into each others eyes and deep in conversation. It took them a second to notice Shane and Ryan.

Hey guys! Alice said excitedly as she and Dana got up to greet Ryan and Shane.

The girls responded, a husky Hey from Shane and a warm and friendly Hi from Ryan.

Shane pulled out the chair for Ryan to sit down. As she did Alice nudged Dana to point
out Shanes cute display of affection. Dana nudged Alice back in quiet disbelief.


Dana and Alice both were admiring the stunning beauty Shane had brought with her. They had seen Shane with beautiful women before. In fact, lots of beautiful women. Something was different about this particular woman. She was exquisite and striking. She exuded a mix of self-confidence and assertion, along with coolness, a certain gracefulness, wrapped in a relaxed, down to earth demeanor. One of those women, rare women, who makes every head turn, and every conversation stop as she enters a room.

They sat down at the cozy table and ordered drinks and appetizers. It was shortly thereafter the conversation immediately turned inquisitive. Shane looked at her watch. It took Alice exactly 4 minutes to start interrogating.

What happened to your wrist? Alice asked concerned.

Hmmm.Well.., Ryan started out acting like she was embarrassed. Things got a little rough with some handcuffs Shane and I were using last night.

Dana sat in shock and Alice laughed, not believing Ryan at all. Shane sat there loving the fact that Ryan could have such a great sense of humor. She was also savoring the thought of actually getting Ryan in a pair of handcuffs.

Stop drooling Shane. Alice whispered to Shane, as she could tell exactly what Shane was thinking.

Shane was embarrassed a little but mostly turned on. She licked her lips, locked eyes with Ryan, and smiled wickedly. Ryan licked her lips mirroring Shanes use of body language. Ryan then used her free hand and placed it on Shanes upper thigh, massaging it lightly. Shane grinned in delight. Ryan then explained how she broke her wrist ice skating.

So, Ryan what do you do? Dana asked.

Im an FBI agent. I work in conjunction with the LAPD. I am part of a new task force dealing with gangs and gang violence.

Wow Dana said as she leaned in closer to listen to Ryan.

Alice asked, How long have you been with the FBI and how long have you been in LA?

Shane interrupted and explained that Alice was a magazine reporter and apologized for rapid fire questions. Ryan patted Shanes leg signaling the questions were ok. And she answered the questions promptly.

Ive been in LA for a little over a year. Before this I worked in Washington D.C.
I worked undercover in the kidnapping/missing persons division. Ryan then continued to explain the inner workings of her career with the FBI.

That sounds really scary and fun. Dana said as she was hanging on every word Ryan was saying.

Shane sat back and took it all in. She liked to hear Ryan talk about her work. It was interesting and exciting to her. Every time Ryan opened her mouth Shane found out more about her. Shane loved the toughness mixed with the sexiness of Ryan. It was starting to feel like she had found the perfect woman. The perfect woman for her.

To keep the conversation going Ryan asked Dana what she did for a living.

Im a tennis pro.

Now sounds fun! I tried playing tennis some in college, I sucked at it. It was pretty scary.

Dana smiled and politely offered to give Ryan some lessons. Shane and Alice laughed at Danas attempt to be gracious and flirt at the same time. Dana and Ryan continued their conversation as Alice and Shane looked on.

Id like that. Ill have to wait till I get this stupid cast off.

How long do you have to wear it?

About 4 weeks.

I guess you have to work out a lot too? Dana asked as she was secretly admiring Ryans toned, lean muscles. Alice rolled her eyes at her beloved because she knew exactly what Dana was thinking too.

Yeah..I dont like to work out but its part of the job. Gotta keep in shape to catch the bad guys.

Do you run a lot? Dana asked.

Unfortunately yes, I try to run a couple a miles a day.

I have to run for tennis training too. I hate it. Sometimes I run the hills around here to break up the boredom of running on a treadmill.

Yeahmost of the time I run on the treadmill. I havent ventured out much around the hills to run. Id probably get lost.

Graciously Dana said, Wellmaybe we should run together sometime. Alice looked at Shane then shook her head slightly, letting Shane know that Danas flirting was bugging her too.

That would be great! Ryan responded excitedly.

Ryan was so excited she hasnt made a lot of friends since moving to LA. Now she has a new running partner.

Shane didnt like the little green monster that was starting to grow in the pit of her stomach. She was getting jealous and that was not like her at all. She did her best to hide it. She definitely didnt want anyone to know she was getting jealous of Dana and Ryans interaction.

Alice was getting a little jealous too but more frustrated that she wasnt more involved in the conversation. She squinted and grunted at Dana, signaling Dana to shut up. Making it seem like it was bothering Shane.

Dana acknowledged Alice and wrapped up her private conversation with Ryan.

Why dont you give me you number and I will call you about the running thing.

Ok.

Ryan reached in her purse and grabbed a pen and paper. She wrote her number down and passed it to Dana.

Its cool youre going to Vegas with us. Alice said.

YeahIm really excited. Since moving to LA I havent had time for a real vacation. Ryans light massage turned into a harder, grinding motion on Shanes thigh. She wanted to let Shane know just how excited she was about going away with her to Vegas. That little green monster of jealousy disappeared right away with Ryans firmer touch.

A grin escaped the corner of Shanes mouth and she slouched back even more in her chair, letting Ryan know she could have complete control of her body. Shane was enjoying the touch of her potential lover and the flirtatious nonverbal communication. She knew it was going to be hard to keep her hands off Ryan till Las Vegas.

The food came and the four continued to talk about life and careers. Shane was pleased that Alice and Dana hadnt embarrassed her at all. She was also surprised how easy and fun it was hanging out with another couple. Shane had never figured she would ever go on a double date. Here she was, and she loved it. Ryan fit in perfectly. Shane knew Bette and Tina would adore her too. The Las Vegas trip would be a perfect setting for them to get to know her better.

When they finished with dinner they walked to their cars. They said their goodbyes and Alice and Dana left. Shane drove Ryan home. Shane was a little on edge, she wasnt sure how the evening was going to end. Shane ached to touch Ryan tonight. To breathe her breath and to feel her skin and lie naked in her arms.

Ryan interrupted Shanes inner thoughts as she was driving.

Earth to Shane.

Yeah. Shane turned to Ryan.

You seemed lost in thought, are you ok?

Yeah..Im fine, I was just thinking how much fun were going to have in Vegas.

I know, its gonna be awesome. I cant wait.

Shane, I really liked hanging out with Dana and Alice. They are really cool.

Yepthey are the salt of the earth. My family.

I can tell they love you a lot.

Kinda hard to believe, huh??

Stop it Shane. In the short time I have known you, I think youre amazing.

Shane just said thank you. She wasnt used to handling compliments.

I forgot to tell you I talked to my boss today. I have to work early in the morning and some long ***** hours the next couple of days. We have some paperwork to go over for a case. It was on of our biggest cases last year and its heading to trial in a couple of weeks. I probably wont get to see you much till we head to Vegas.

Trying not to sound crushed and disappointed Shane said, Its okI have some clients this week and I need to get some things done before we go.

Shane walked Ryan up to the door.

Do you wanna come in for a while? Ryan asked as Shane pinned her against the door.

Shane answered, staring into Ryans eyes and playing with her hair,

NoI should go, since you have to work early tomorrow. And Im kinda tired after the holidays.

Are you sure? I wasnt going to bed yet? Ryan grabbed Shane by the collar of her shirt and pulled her in close. Close enough to were their lips were almost touching.

Yeah..its cool.get some rest and I will call you later. As Shane stared at Ryans lips, trying desperately not to be reeled in.

Ok. Then Ryan let go of Shane and stepped back a little.

Shane pulled Ryan right back in close. Ryan expected Shane to kiss her hard but Shane kissed her lightly and lovingly on the lips. Ryan responded by kissing Shane harder and heavier. She wanted Shane to know just how much she wanted her.

You keep kissing me like that and I might have to change my mind about coming in. Shane said out of breath.

Looking deep into Shanes eyes and glancing at her lips Ryan said, The invitation is still open.

I cant Baby. I should really go, its getting late. And you have an early morning.

Shane had to get out of there fast before she changed her mind.

OkI cant change your mind. Ryan said.

Ill call you later Baby. Good luck with the case thing at work.

Goodnight Shane.

They kissed once more before Shane headed to her truck and off to her apartment. Ryan went into the house and settled in for the night.

Shane knew she wanted to make the Las Vegas trip magical for Ryan. She had some ideas of what she wanted to do. Shane had never romanced a girl before. Seduced yes, romanced no.

Shane gave herself a pep talk. She was a Stud. She could do anything she put her mind too. When Shane got home, she began the preparations to make the trip something she, nor Ryan, would ever forget.


What you thought was real in life somehow steered you wrong
Now you just keep drivin tryin to find where you belong

Thats the same road, the same road that Im on.