Im glad"Id hoped they would. Gerbers are my favorite too! Sadie nodded towards the single bud vase that held a bright orange daisy. So are oatmeal raisin cookies"thanks, Im famished! And Sadie broke off a piece of the cookie and popped it into her mouth. Yum! Better than Mamasand that means theyre pretty darn good.

Marina leaned forward and put her elbows on the counter. Good, Im glad you like the sweetsall part of my plan to get you addicted. Ill have you as a daily customer in no time! She nudged the tea over towards Sadie. Ill even wean you off of coffee and onto green tea if you give me a chance.

Sadie winked and said, Careful what you ask for Marina.I just may take you up on the offer. Before Marina could respond, Sadie reached under the counter and brought up a colorful flier. Hey! I need a fresh unbiased opinion. What do you think? Will any of the gym rats around her respond to something like this?

Marina scanned the sheet:

Spinning your wheels and going nowhere?
Take a break from the gym and come outside to play.
Beginners Mountain Biking clinics
Saturday mornings 8-12:00
Trailheads to be announced
Sponsored by: Off the Chain Bikes and Gear
(Bike rentals available)

Sounds intriguing to meI think some of the girls around here would jump at the chance to get out and get dirty. A lot depends on who the instructor will be. Marina arched an eyebrow and leaned a little closer.

Oblivious, Sadie was still looking down at the flier. Ill be there every Saturday of course, and Mike and Steve will take turns helping out. Im hoping to hook up with a local club, but so far, I havent had much of a chance. Sadie looked up, and held her breath as she noticed Marinas unwavering glance.

Well, perhaps Ill take a Saturday morning off and come join in. Id like to experience what you are so passionate about. In the meantime, what are you doing tomorrow night?

Sadie suddenly became a little flustered. Uhwell, ummm, I—, well

Marina stepped in, I open the Planet after hours on Thursday night. The crowd is mostly women. Its really a great opportunity for someone who has recently been socially deprived. Id very much like it if you would come over and join us. Perhaps you can talk up your clinic.

Oh! Sadie felt a small twinge of disappointment wash over her. Shed been foolish to think that Marina was going to ask her out. Yeah- of course, Id like to meet more people.

Well, thenIll see you tomorrow? And just like that, Marina was moving toward the door.

Sure. As Sadie came around the counter Marina turned suddenly, and the two women collided. Sadie instinctively wrapped her arms around the slightly taller woman to keep her from losing her balance. Marina inhaled sharply.

Im sorry, MarinaI didnt see you turn- Im such a klutz! Are you okay? Sadie looked up, concern in her eyes, but her arms continued to hold Marina.

Marina looked into Sadies eyes and said quietly, Im fine- really. And she reached down and traced the smudge on Sadies cheek. Sadie leaned forward and the two women joined lips gingerly. Their breath intermingled, cinnamon from Marina and sugar from Sadie. The kiss grew in intensity, and Marinas hands lightly brushed the small of Sadies back. Marina felt the blonde woman respond, and her pulse quickened as she felt Sadies strong hands begin to explore her back and apply pressure just at the right place on her lower back.

The door chime suddenly sounded, and the two women abruptly sprang apart, breathless.

Mike, one of the mechanics, stood at the threshold with an uncertain grin on his young face. Sorry.um, I didnt know Id be interrupting anything.

No, its alright Mike. Marina—Mike, Mike—Marina. Sadie nodded to each by way of introduction, all the while rubbing her hands almost compulsively on the thighs of her sweats.

Nice to meet you, Mike.Sadie, I was just wondering if youd like me to post your flier at the Planet? And she reached for the colorful piece of paper.

Uh, yeahsure. Thanks. Sadie seemed to be struggling for words, as Marina picked up the flier.

Well, then, I guess Im off.tomorrow night? And she smiled.

Ill be there. Sadie looked at Marina, and smiled.