Fussing with the finishing touches, Shane turned Dana to face the mirror. So, do you like it? She waited in worried anticipation.

Dana stared in shock. Shed had the same hairstyle for years, never bothering to change it. Maybe she should have. Shaneits perfect. Shane gave her a blinding smile and Danas heart skipped.

Shane turned Dana to Tina, Well T, what do you think?

Tina looked around furtively. I think youre wasted here, but then Ive said that before. Once again, excellent job.

Shane grinned at her. When you start with beautiful hair like Danas, believe me, its helps. It doesnt have much to do with my skills.

Dana blushed, thinking that Shanes skills had nothing to do with hair. Shed been right earlier. The entire experience had been torture. For a few moments there shed thought she was going to die when Shane was washing her hair. When she was leaning over her, it had been all Dana could do to regulate her breathing, hoping that Shane wouldnt notice. She had been so close that if Dana had raised her head just a little That and Shanes fingers massaging her scalp had her almost squirming in the chair. Maybe its time for a little payback.

Bolstered by a jolt of bravery, Dana stood and faced Shane. Thank you, Shane, she murmured and, putting her hand on the back of Shanes neck, placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Shanes eyebrows shot up and she reddened. IYYoure welcome, she stammered, looking anywhere but at Dana.

Tina smiled to herself. Well well. Apparently Danas gotten over being shy. Breaking the tension, she asked, Are you done for the day now?

Grateful for the diversion, Shane answered, Yeah, Im done. Are we heading straight to your place? She grabbed her jacket, following Dana and Tina out the door.

Tina nodded. Sure, unless you need to change before we go out.

Shane looked down at herself then glanced at Dana. Actually, yeah, good idea. Ill just meet you guys there.

Noticing the quick look, Dana put a hand on Tinas shoulder, stopping her forward progress. Tina, Ill be right there. I just want to talk to Shane for a sec. Tina looked at her, puzzled. Getting no answer to her silent question, she shrugged and continued on toward her car.

Dana turned to Shane and took a deep breath. I should have done this a long time ago. Shane, I need to apologize to you. Im sorry Im always on your case about the way you dress

Shane shook her head and interrupted, Look, Dana, you dont have to

Dana stopped her with a hand on her arm and continued softly, No Shane, please just listen to me. I need to get this out. She swallowed heavily. The things I said, I never meant them and I know I hurt you. Dana paused and decided to go for half-truth. I was lashing out and I guess I was just jealous. Youre so comfortable with who you are. It seems so easy for you and sometimes that makes me feel inadequate. Im so, so sorry. Dana remembered that regardless of how spiteful shed been, Shane would always shrug it off and continue to be sweet to her. Feeling a pang of almost physical pain, tears started to well in Danas eyes.

Alarmed, Shane framed Danas face in her hands, holding her gaze. Hey, hey Dana. No, dont worry about it. Cmon now Shanes tone and the look in her eyes opened the floodgates. She promptly gathered Dana into her arms, murmuring, Shhhhey honey, its ok. Its not a big deal. Its ok. Shane held her closer, smoothing her hands down Danas back, inhaling the soft scent of her. Realizing that she was starting to become aware of Danas body against her, Shane joked, Cmon Dana, people are giving me evil looks for making you cry. Im fearing for my life here.

Dana laughed brokenly against Shanes neck. Her tears wound down but she didnt take her arms from around Shanes waist, just enjoying being there. After a while, Shane leaned back and brushed the moisture from Danas cheeks with her thumbs.

God, Im sorry. I must look terrible. Dana looked down, embarrassed.

Shane ducked to recapture her gaze. No Dana, you still look beautiful.

Dana chuckled. I can see how you get so many women. Youre so sweet. She wiped carefully at her face. Thank god for waterproof mascara.

Shane quirked a small smile. You ready to go? Tinas looking at me as if Ive done something unforgivable.

Turning to look, Dana saw Tina leaning against the car, trying to look as if she wasnt watching and glaring. Snorting softly in amusement, without thinking she took Shanes hand and pulled her to join Tina.

Everything ok? Tinas voice was guarded, glancing between the two.

Danas eyes met Shanes in a silent question.

Yeah, were good. Shane answered with a half smile.

Tina let it go, figuring shed get the story on the way. So, well meet you there?

Well, I think maybe I should still go and

A tug on the hand Dana was still holding stopped Shane mid-sentence. Danas eyes roved over every inch of her body and took on a smoldering heat. She unconsciously wet her top lip and said, I dont think you should change. You lookgood.

Shane stood rooted to the sidewalk, the shock of Dana blatantly ogling her having fried her circuits. Another tug on her hand locked her eyes to Danas and Shane took a half step closer before she realized shed moved. The slow burn that shed been riding all day found dry tinder, becoming a brush fire. Danas tongue nervously poked out again and Shane focused all her will on not following it with her own.

Dana was riveted by Shanes predatory focus on her lips, the air between them practically crackling with electricity. When Shane leaned further into her space, it was all she could do not to whimper. Her hand involuntarily clenched in Shanes, snapping them both back to their surroundings. Dana, refusing to relinquish Shanes hand, cautiously looked into her panicked eyes.

See you at Tinas? she asked softly. Shane nodded wordlessly. Dana once again pecked her on the cheek and without looking back got in the car, leaving both Shane and Tina still standing open-mouthed on the sidewalk outside.