Holly’s head was spinning, but she knew they should stop, for now. Gail needed to sleep more than she needed this. With great effort she pulled away slightly.

”Gail” Holly panted ”Let’s go upstairs”

Gail looked into her eyes, nodded, and reached up to kiss her again. It was a long, slow kiss that could have gone somewhere if Holly hadn’t pulled away again and gotten out of the car saying, ”No, really, come on.”

Gail groaned and let her head drop back against the headrest of her seat.

”Really?!” Gail said in her bitchiest tone, and glared, unused to having anyone else put on the breaks once she had made her move. But Holly only laughed and came around to open her door.

”Fine.” Gail pouted, as she unbuckled her seatbelt and prayed that her legs would support her.

Holly smiled, extended a hand and pulled her to her feet. Gail expected her to let go as soon as she was on her feet, but Holly’s hand remained firmly in hers as they walked toward the elevator. Panic began to set in as Holly pushed the button for her floor. Gail liked sex, and she was used to getting her way with men who found her ice queen beauty irresistible. She had often used it as a balm to make her pain, anger, and frustration go away, if only for a little while. This was different and she knew it. She knew she wanted Holly in every way, but now she was suddenly feeling insecure. She hated being insecure. Stuffing her hands into the pockets of her uniform jacket, she followed Holly out of the elevator, and down the hall. Holly took out her keys and opened the door to a spacious apartment. Walking into the living room Gail took it all in in one sweeping glance, from the overflowing bookshelves lining the walls, to the low modern furniture with it’s clean lines, to the black marble topped counter that divided the kitchen from the rest of the living space.

”Oh my God! You are such a nerd!” smirked Gail staring pointedly at the coffee table covered in open scientific journals.

Holly smiled, extended a hand saying ”Coat please,” sharply reminding Gail of the first time Holly had kissed her.
She removed her jacket slowly, and fumbled with the straps on her kevlar vest, exhaustion returning suddenly, making sway unsteadily on her feet, jacket and vest falling in a crumpled heap on the floor from her hands. She sagged. Suddenly Holly was there, catching her in a fierce embrace she hadn’t known she needed, until just then. Wrapping her arms around Gail, Holly kissed her on top of her head and murmured protectively ” It’s ok, I’ve got you, Love.”