CHARACTER DISCLAIMER:
The characters herein are mine. Any resemblance to real or fictional people are strictly part of your imagination. Some places in the story are real and some are fictional.

LOVE/SEX WARNING/DISCLAIMER:
This story depicts an explicit love/sexual relationship between two consenting adult women. If you are under 18 years of age or if this type of story is illegal in the state or country in which you live, please do not read it. If depictions of this nature disturb you, you may wish to read something other than this story.

Author's note: I have to take a moment to jump up and down and cheer wildly for Complx and Barb. You ladies are a huge help and I appreciate it. I genuflect at your feet.

Private Dancer

?1999 -Vertigo-

Reece emerged from the large shower and securely wrapped herself in the fluffy robe. Turning to grab another towel for her hair, she caught sight of herself in the mirror over the sink. The harsh look reflected back was doubled by the insistent glare from the illuminated lighting. Once vibrant blue her eyes were now tired and dulled. Long, wet, black hair plastered erratically against her slumped shoulders and weary face. She sighed out loud, unhappy with her reflection. Trying on a few of her best smiles and striking her most confident poses, she frowned at the woman in the mirror, unconvinced. Approaching footfalls broke her out of the daze. She plopped heavily onto the chaise lounge. Disgusted with herself, she continued to dry her hair.

There was a slight tapping followed by a quiet, "Hey, you almost done?"

Reece bent her head between her knees to dry the underside of her thick hair, trying hard to recall the woman's name. Well at least I remember she's blonde, she chuckled dryly. "There's a full bath downstairs if you want." She was startled by the feel of hands on her shoulders.

"Mmm, I'd much rather share this one with you, baby."

The tall woman stood quickly, nearly throwing the blonde into the toilet. "I gotta get going. I have a busy day today. You have about a half hour 'til I leave. If you want a ride, hurry up."

With that, the dark haired woman strode out of the room leaving the smaller woman to wonder what on earth she did wrong. What she didn't know was that Reece Corbett hated the morning after. Hated herself, hated her needs, hated small talk, and hated the women who thought so little of themselves to sleep with a stranger. But only the next morning.

It had taken years for the striking woman to realize the affect she had on people. And she used it to her advantage.

****

Faith Ashford turned and fluffed her pillow violently for the fifth time this morning. It had been three months and still, her internal clock refused to reset. When she took the job at the bar, it was temporary. ?Just until I can land a juicy role" were her exact words. Three months on the overnight shift, and she was completely miserable. Not only did she hate her job, but now it effectively sabotaged any chance she had at that juicy role. Looking like death warmed over from lack of sleep is definitely not the way ... "Aarghh!" The blonde threw herself on her side and squeezed her tired green eyes shut, willing sleep to take her.

She allowed images of her family's beach house in the Hamptons to float behind her eyelids. She could almost smell the sea, laying on the deck and watching the waves roll in. It was so peaceful.... So quiet.... Slowly she drifted off with the sounds of ocean and seagulls.

****

Waiting for the turning signal, the tall brunette's hair was whipped around her face by the crisp October wind. It's almost time to put this baby in storage, she thought sadly, revving the Harley between her legs. She turned onto Greenwich Street on her way to the gym. If there's one thing in life Reece would admit to loving, it was her Fat Boy. It was the first thing she looked forward to when she woke up. She would dote on that machine as if it were her child. Come September, she was on her way down south, riding with the warm wind and nothing and nobody to stop her. She was already taking chances, as it was. NYC is not the best place for a motorcycle, regardless of the weather. And now with the club, she was forced to lock it away as the seasons changed. She was already looking forward to the warm weather.

Circling the block for the zillionth time, Reece wasn't the least bit surprised that there wasn't a sliver of space to park her baby. Without a second thought, she pulled it to a stop on the sidewalk. After chaining it to her satisfaction, she bounced up the steps to begin her second favorite part of her day.

Cori noticed the familiar rumble outside of the gym. While not a fanatic about working out she did get the urge to shape up every so often. Especially when the hottest bods in the Village were the scenery. Reece let her use her guest passes as often as needed, after all she did have a vested interest in Cori's body?however many tattoos and rings adorned it. Feeling the tall shadow approaching, the pink haired girl fibbed out loud..."47...48...49...50!" Grunting at the end for effect.

"Hey, Boss, fancy meeting you here," she panted.?

Reece continued stretching and smirked. "50 leg curls? I'm impressed. And not even a drop of sweat. I wanna be just like you when I grow up."

"Fuck you asshole." Cori stuck her twice-pierced tongue out.

"Eat me, freak." Reece wiggled her once pierced tongue at her employee and got comfortable on the arm blaster.

Cori was shocked and amused. "Sooo, Butthead, how long have you had that? Don't tell me you had it when you chastised me for getting one. That would make you a hypocrite."

"Settle down, Beavis, I had this when you were plugging your first period," she strained out between lifts.

"Ew. That was just lovely. Hypocrite"

"Thanks, freak. I have to think of the clients. I run an..."

"..upscale establishment for the more respectable clientele. Yeah, yeah..." Cori butted in.

"But it's true, they don't like surprises. Spot me over here, will ya!"

"Um...Boss lady, I think they know what they're getting when they look at me." She twirled around for Reece's benefit.

"Freak."

"Dyke"

"Oh, yeah...that's mature. And now who's a hypocrite?"

"Fine. Just let's go, Body by Jake. I'm not here to spot your tight ass all morning."

"You want me." Reece chuckled.

"I had you and moved on," Cori countered.

"I ruined you for everyone else."

"Only for a week or two. But I got over it you, cocky fuck." She snorted.

Reece only shook her head. She couldn't for the life of her remember why she bedded the freak in the first place. Well she did have blonde hair, she thought. I'm a sucker for blonde hair and green eyes. Too bad it had been fake, on both accounts. She'd be quite the handful.

****

It was 5 pm when Faith crawled out of bed to a blast of freezing air. Living in a building such as this, she had long ago taken to sleeping with her sneakers on, and piles of blankets. Not only to avoid the cold, but to never have the experience of an unwelcome visitor touch any part of exposed skin again. She was dreading summer. It was a shock to the spoiled rich girl when she realized she was completely on her own. But the feisty blonde had perseverance, what with getting used to the odd looking pierced people, the pathetic looking junkies, and beggars. She learned the subway, and took self-defense classes at the Y after being followed one night. Unfortunately, this is where she lived, the best she could do on her salary and tips. The locals called it Alphabet City. No matter to her. Before she moved here, she had never even known that anything below 34th street existed, besides Wall Street, much less step foot in a neighborhood like this. After all, this was only temporary.

With a sigh, Faith started to strip off the layers. Turning on the illegal hot plates, she began the ritual of heating the pots of water, at the same time she filled the bath halfway with tepid tap water. It was bad enough to have a bathtub in the kitchen, she could at least have hot water. Instead, the girl who was used to opulent designer bathrooms had learned to take lukewarm baths in the middle of the kitchen. Showers were few and far between. In buildings as old as this, the shower stall was out in the hall and the rest of the 5th floor shared it. Only when she was absolutely sure that there was no one else around, would she take a quick one, armed with a crow bar just in case.

While quickly rinsing the last of the shampoo from her honey blonde hair over the sink, she was already anticipating her wake up coffee and pastry. The neighborhood might be bad, but within blocks were some of the best bakeries and restaurants she could ask for; cheap and delicious. Her favorite, Veniero's being only four blocks out of her way.

Grateful that she had gotten used to the chill, Faith locked all four locks behind her and gingerly made her way down the narrow stairs, stepping over the occasional junkie and drunk huddled here for warmth.

****

By the time Reece had set her baby in the garage and had the usual repetitive small talk with Pepe, the attendant, the money machine known as The Lounge was filling up. She sincerely doubted that his name was Pepe. If that were true, the fact that the last two were also named Pepe would be too weird. She nodded towards the bouncer, Sam, one time officer in the Army, now dishonorably discharged. (They asked, she told.) "Nice crowd, boss," Sam mentioned by way of hello.

Reece smiled and took the stairs two at a time. The sound of tacky dance music with way too much bass assaulted her ears. Hurrying through her club, nodding politely as she went, she fished out the keys to her sanctuary, solitude only reached when the door to her office was closed. Soundproof. It came with the club and she couldn't have been more thankful.

The tall brunette loaded the coffee machine and hovered over her big walnut desk. She wanted to sigh, but it would only send the already threatening mountain of paperwork to the floor. "I need an accountant," she stated to no one. ?A sexy accountant." She grinned at the thought before bringing her attention back to her desk. It had only been a year since she became owner of the club and Reece was not at all prepared for the job. While she had a head for business, and a strong will to succeed in life, she had no patience for the paperwork. Frank had thought otherwise. Or he wouldn't have given it to her. He'd had undying faith in Reece. Something she couldn't seem to find in herself.

"Faith," she snorted, making smaller hills of paper. "Yeah, thanks, Uncle Frankie. I owe you one." She wasn't ungrateful about being left the club, just angry at Frankie for dying. She was bitter at the circumstances of her good fortune and not quite confident that she could pull this off on her own. There were people depending on her, and it was a whole new concept. There was never anybody but herself to worry about, or provide for. Now responsibility had a different meaning, and she wasn't sure she could handle it. She'd much rather be out on the open road, or watching the women who depended on her perform. The moment her ass hit the chair, there was a knock at the door.

The now blue haired Cori peeked her head in the door. "Knock knock? Ooo, I smell hazelnut?" She was already pouring herself a cup.

Reece glared at the woman. For some odd reason, she allowed this obnoxious person into her world. There was no explanation. Cori just wouldn't go away. A big money maker for the business, she was a persistent little fuck who didn't take no for an answer. In some ways, Reece respected her strength of character. Besides, if you're gonna look like that, you have to be strong. The tall woman chuckled.

"What? Don't like the blue? I can just throw the rest of the pink in and make it a tasty lavender..."

"No, not the blue. It's the entire image. You look like a clown. And by all means, make yourself comfortable," she added without raising her eyes from her work.

Cori sang circus music, while balancing on one foot with her cup on her nose.

Reece clapped her hands. "Oh, I'm impressed. You know they have a freak show at the Limelight."

"Aren't you hysterical. Wait, I can't breathe!" Cori fanned herself dramatically.

"And a pathetic little drama club up the street. Shouldn't you be out there showcasing these magnificent talents?"

"You'd cry if I left you. You need me."

Reece stopped adding for a moment and stared at the dancer. She was right. She might have acknowledged that fact, but she wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

"So..." Cori took a gulp of caffeine. "It's Honey's birthday today and we're going out to celebrate. You wanna come?"

"Of course I wanna come, but not in a bar full of drunks." She smirked

"I'm sure the great pussy-meister had plenty of bar room quickies." Cori emptied her cup and stood.

The club owner gave a wicked smirk, but refused to say anything.

"It'll be good for you to hang out without the Reece Corbett fan club drooling on your boots for a change."

"You finished your coffee." Reese lifted her eyes but not her head.

"Observant. C'mon, it'll be fun." Noting that her boss had yet to blink, she added, "Ok, but we're meeting at The Tavern after hours. It's across from..."

"Thank you, Cori, I know where it is. I have work to do so, don't let the door hit your ass on the way out." Cori, who had to have the last word, waited 'til the door was closed before yelling "TIGHT ASS!"

Halfway down the hall she heard a muffled "FREAK!" and chuckled.

****

It was exactly 3 in the morning by the time The Lounge was officially closed. Sam was sitting at the bar chatting with Honey about the mind's ability to play tricks on the body. While illegal in NY to serve alcohol in a club where a woman performs nude, it was perfectly okay to serve nonalcoholic beverages without bringing attention to that fact. When the customer asks for beer, he assumes he's getting beer. Sam had to periodically eject the "drunken" businessman, whose brain had convinced his body he was drunk. When that happens, the brain is tired and the man begins to think with his dick.

The girls were all prepared to leave when Reece strolled through the brightly lit club and fell into inspection mode. After sufficient scrutiny, she nodded at the crowd and proceeded towards the exit. "Happy Birthday, Honey. Lock up, Sam." And she was gone.

"You know, Cori," Sam spoke up. ?I think she's opening up."

The girls laughed as they migrated to the door. Suddenly defensive, Cori backhanded Sam in the stomach.

"Shut up, Sarge. She's got...issues."

The dancer didn't know why, but she suddenly felt bad for her boss. There was a certain pattern to Reece's actions. She'd figure it out. No one deserves to be that sad. Climbing into the crowded cab, Cori thought about this. If she knew her boss, which she did, the brunette would be riding up to Henrietta's right now, taking over the pool table effortlessly. When bored with winning and without saying a word, she'd hand her helmet to one of the many women who'd been up her ass all night, take her home, and fuck her brains out. The dancer knows that scenario all too well. The next morning, Reece would be in a cranky mood. Cori figured her boss was looking to fill a void. Trying to compensate with sex. Shaking her blue head, she decided to forget about it for now. "Hey girls! Ready to Party?"

The blonde bartender wiped up what must have been two kegs of beer that night. Her feet were soaked, and the section between her upper thighs and her ribs felt waterlogged with liquor. Looking around at the sea of oddity that called themselves customers: bikers, punks, Goths, and the majority teenage frat boys she couldn't understand for the life of her why college kids had this need to inebriate themselves so thoroughly night after night. Dragging her hand through her hair for the hundredth time that night, she threw the rag on the bar and tried to will Mr. Politics to shut up already with her mind. She had been nodding and smiling for about two hours already and if the large tips he left meant anything, she was very convincing. But if she had to hear the name Monica Lewinsky one more time....

"Hey! Watch it, asshole!"

Well, that got her attention. She found the woman attached to the voice and quite openly stared. Mr. Politics, no longer having his audience, moved on to a table, and the oddest-looking woman sat in his place. She was about 5'6" with electric blue hair. A colorful tattoo snaked its way around the back of her neck, disappearing behind her shoulder. There was a ring with a bead through her left eyebrow, another through her right nostril, and a third through the right side of her bottom lip. Faith, in a moment of insanity, thought about what it would be like to thread a string through the hoops and control the woman's face like a marionette.

Temporarily amused she allowed her first real smile to cross her face. "What can I get you?"

"Cori...my name is Cori." She pointed out each woman at the table. "That's Debbie, Brandy, and that's Monica." Cori thought she heard the cute little bartender growl. "Can you send a couple of pitchers of Bass over to our table? I got the tab." Wow! She is something else. The dancer instantly saw the bartender in various stages of ecstasy. Faith glanced at the table of assorted women. "Sure, Cori. Glasses or mugs?" she smiled.

"Whatever..." Blue hair disappeared into the crowd.

"Thanks. This new addition is the birthday girl, Honey, and we intend on celebrating tonight." Cori gestured to the pretty bleached blonde.

Honey? Brandy? What are they...hookers? "I'll keep an eye out for empties then, ladies. Happy birthday." She smiled and returned to the bar. What an odd bunch, she mused. That Cori is a piece of work. She shook her head and smiled again. Gotta get her story.

*******

Reece casually dropped the 8-ball for the third time that night, to the hoots and sneers of the crowd. Pool was the only legal sport she excelled at. Living on the streets since the age of thirteen, she made quite a bundle street fighting in her youth and eventually matured into the best debt collector in town. Until she was busted. Enough of this, I need to get laid. She scanned the crowd of women surrounding her and swore she could smell the arousal.

As much as she hated it, she used women to play out her frustrations. With her wild libido, sex became the perfect way to release the tension. Not to mention the surge of adrenaline and extra strokes to her ego that came with it. There was always a willing participant. All the talk of the dark haired woman's sexual abilities made sure of that. Reece lived up to her reputation. She never disappointed and was fierce in bed. She had her limitations?she never went down on anyone. I don't eat what I don't know. It ain't worth dying for. It was her law. There were a few who tried to sway her, but otherwise, no one complained and she was never at a loss for partners. Besides, by the time she was done with them, they never missed it.

She placed the cue across the table and walked intentionally towards the bar. Needing to release the energy tonight, she waited to see who would follow her. She felt the hand on her lower back. Ah. Bingo! She turned casually and swallowed the woman with her gaze. Looking up into eyes of ice, the woman blinked twice and told Reece her name. Blue eyes narrowed as the hand on her back worked around to her stomach and fingernails traced her abs. Growling, she leaned into the hand and wrapped her fingers around the back of the woman's neck. Pulling her nearly to her toes, she then bent down and took control of the offered mouth.

"How'd you like to get fucked?" she asked into an open mouth. A shudder was her only reply. The welcome feeling of power and adrenalin caused the taller woman to flare her nostrils. Yessss. Reece handed the stunned woman her helmet and guided her towards the door. Envious stares and dejected faces followed the pair on their path.

*******

After the party had broken up, Cori had situated herself at the bar and was determined to get to know the adorable bartender. It was hard, but after a while the place emptied out and she was able to talk without shouting. Faith was born and raised in a very rich part of Long Island. She assumed the blonde was not on the best of terms with her family, or she wouldn't be working here. Why this place? She also learned that she was waiting for the role of her life to fall onto the big oak bar. Okay, so she was a bit naive. Smirking to herself, Cori figured she could teach her a few things. The more she looked at her, the more she realized that Faith was the exact woman Reece preferred. Blonde, green eyes, compact, fit. Okay, feisty wasn't on the boss' list of requirements but, hey, Cori liked feisty.

"So, Faith, what brings you to our fine city in the first place?"

The bartender looked up from washing glasses with a forced smile. "I needed to shake myself out of complacency."

"Uh huh. I knew it couldn't be the lure of piss-smelling subways and vomit in the park." Cori wasn't buying it. "Why..." She gestured to the door. "Why take a job in this neighborhood? Pardon me for assuming, but I think you're a mite too pure for Hell just yet."

Offended and caught, Faith shot back. "For your information, I took this job because it was close to home. And what makes you so sure I'm pure? You don't know me, and I really hope you're not basing your judgment on looks..."

"Home? You live here?" A hoop lifted with an eyebrow. No way!

"Yes. I live within walking distance. Now if you'll excuse me," Faith turned to finish cleaning but was stopped short by a belt loop caught on something. Reaching behind her she found a hand attached to fingers...looped through?. "Um, you can let go of me."

"Listen, Faith, I'm sorry. Sometimes my mouth gets ahead of me. I seem to get involved in peoples' lives without their consent."

"Ya think?"

"No, actually I don't, that's my problem. Let's start over. I like this bar and come here a lot. I've never seen you before and you just look a little out of place. I didn't mean any harm." Cori looked sincerely at softening green eyes.

Faith stuck out her hand.? "Truce. I'm a little on the defensive myself," she admitted. "I'm tired, I'm hungry, and my pants are fermenting."

Shaking the offered hand, the dancer stood up to pull the backpack off her shoulder. Producing a pair of rumpled jeans, and a very tiny thong, she pushed it into the blonde's chest. "Here, I always have clothes with me. Go change into this."

"Thank you! Oh God, you don't know how happy this makes me! I'll give them back, I promise. You know I've been here for months and I haven't met one single decent person yet."

Cori grinned at Faith's excitement. "Well, you're batting a thousand. Would you settle for slightly disturbed?"

"I'm pretty sure you're safe," a voice called from the kitchen. "They're a bit big, but they'll do. How the hell do you wear this thing all day?" The blonde came through the door with one hand tugging behind her in obvious discomfort.

Cori laughed. "You just pretend it's not there. Eventually you forget about it. Besides, there's no panty lines."

"It doesn't feel like its not there. Ugh," she groaned. "My stomach is protesting. I gotta get food."

The dancer liked the blonde. It was a warm kinda feeling. A friend. She could easily care for her. "Wanna go for breakfast or something? My treat?"

"Yeah, I'd like that."

They grabbed the bartender's coat and headed out the door.? "You wanna go to Christine's?" Faith offered.

"You bet. I'm starved about now. I'm glad I got money."

They both laughed this time. The sun was just rising as the strangest of friends made their way through the quiet streets.

*******

Reece opened her eyes at exactly 9:58. It never failed. No matter what time the alarm was set for, she preceded it by mere minutes. She stretched her long body, anticipating the kinks and cramps from last night's bout with Mary Lou Retton. Damn that girl could bend! Taking a mental inventory of her body, she felt pretty good. Nodding to herself, she left the comfort of the huge, cast iron, canopy bed and headed to the kitchen. As if detached from her body, her hands readied the coffee pot while she fought to keep her eyes open. Leaving the coffee to brew, Reece started towards the downstairs bathroom only banging her shin once on the dreadful table in the living room.

"Fuck!"

It was almost expected. Walk by the couch; knock your shin. For the life of her, she couldn't imagine a use for a table so close to the ground. This is how the house came to her and she kept it that way. "One day, though, I'll get around to that fuckin' table." Standing in the shower, the tall club owner made a mental note to herself to start buying furniture for humans. Just throw a few acrobats on that canopy bed and I can charge admission. She brought the washcloth between her legs and was not surprised that it felt good. No matter how many times she came with these women, it was never satisfying enough. It's like a Tylenol for a toothache; it just takes the edge off. It never really goes away. She knew that one day it would be there; the all-encompassing feeling of a mind-blowing orgasm. She knew it was possible, but she was pretty sure that love had something to do with it. Actually, it was sort of the reason why she kept trying. Reece never needed love to accomplish anything, and this would be no different?she'd be the proof of that.

The aroma of coffee wafted under the door. Drawn like a moth to a flame, she wrapped her hair in a towel and walked naked towards the scent. This time she avoided the table. If she could, Reece would erect a shrine to Juan Valdez and worship the coffee bean.

*******

Cori fell out of bed to the sounds of chaos filtering through her bedroom door. "Shit," she groaned. "Not again." Her roommates were having yet another loud argument. They were best of friends, had a brief romance, and now it was impossible to live with them. Monica left Debbie for a man and Debbie was pitiful for weeks. This is why friends should stay friends. She threatened to throw them out, but always relented when they promised to behave, but that never lasted. Cori played referee, devil's advocate, and Dr. Ruth until she gave up, announcing that they can kill each other for all she cares, as long as they do it quietly. And of course, not get blood on her couch. Throwing open the door and hoping to deter stained furniture, she stalked into the living room right into the path of a flying vase full of roses. The yelp of pain effectively silenced the two women.

"You know..." She picked the thorns out of her skin.

"Cor..."

"...No." She held up a hand. "Its all fun and games until someone loses an eye." The dancer got to her feet and promptly fell back down with dizziness.

"Cori, I swear, it was an accident. It just slipped. Are you okay?" Monica, the thrower, was kneeling at her side.

"God, Monica, she's bleeding! You are such an asshole! What if you killed her!" Debbie yelled.

"I didn't mean it...the vase was too heavy?. "

Cori, who was not feeling all too well, thought she might mention that she was about to pass out.

"Um, ladies, I think I might hurl...." and she did.

"Ewww!" Both Debbie and Monica voiced their disgust.

*******

Reece had been called off the leg press machine by the receptionist.

"Are you sure it's for me? Who would call me at the gym?" she wondered.

"Hysterical woman says she's Monica and she thinks she killed Cori."

"What? Those fucking idiots! I told her to throw their asses out." Reece was at the phone in a flash.

"No...listen?Mon...but...MONICA! SHUT UP! What hospital? I'll be right over. Calm down, and stay away from Debbie ?til I get there."

Aware that her mouth had gone dry and her heart was pounding more than it should, she realized with disdain that she was feeling fear. She actually cared about the dancer. "Christ!" she muttered, "I knew it. I let her get to me, and now I'm fucked." She flung open her locker. "Goody, I have a friend." She threw on her jacket and left.

Ugh. Reece was very uncomfortable and had a ways to go before she reached the hospital. Rumbling towards the Battery tunnel, she was feeling the cold bite through her soaking wet sweats. She hadn't bothered changing and was just now realizing the practicality of her chaps and boots in winter, not to mention a dry shirt. "This better be the last time I have to do this," she said out loud. "Those two are out of there tonight." Out of the tunnel and freezing, she fished money out of her jacket.

"Where the hell is Methodist Hospital?" she yelled a little louder than she should have at the guy in the tollbooth.

He shrugged in response. Welcome to fucking Brooklyn, she thought sarcastically.

Finally, after much cursing and the occasional finger, Reece found the hospital and a parking spot. Hmm, she thought, it doesn't smell like a hospital...or look like one. Practically running through the corridor, she found the three disheveled women walking towards her. Cori looked up at the sound of squeaky sneakers.

"You called her?" She was shocked. More so that Reese actually came all the way here.

"What the fuck happened?"

Monica hid behind Debbie, who hid behind the injured party.

"Well? Talk to me!" Blue eyes were fuming.

"The FTD guy took a wrong turn and flew into me."

The tall woman crossed her arms on her chest and tapped her foot. If looks could kill, they would be administering last rites in the hallway.

Monica started to cry. "It was an accident! It slipped..."

"Well, Monica, I don't think we have to worry about that happening again." Uncrossing her arms and putting each one around the cowering women's shoulders, she led them away from the dancer. "Go sit there for a sec...."

"Boss lady, really, it's okay. We already talked about it..."

"...and they're moving tomorrow. Right? I don't need to worry about..."

"You were worried?" Cori was standing in front of the club owner. The other women took their chance and high tailed it out of there.

Reece walked over to the bench and put her helmet down. "Yeah, I was. You happy? Don't ask me why. I don't know yet myself..." She was cut off as arms grabbed her around the waist and a bloodstained bandage was under her chin.

"Why boss lady...if I didn't know better, I'd be inclined to think you cared about me," the dancer teased.

Reece threw her hands up in the air in protest.

Sensing the argument, her blue head looked up into a concerned face and said, "C'mon take me home. I'm okay. I just can't sleep tonight and I'm sure you can keep me awake." She wiggled her eyebrows, which made her head throb. She heard her new friend swallow nervously.

"Cori...I..." Reece backed away a step

"Stop, I'm just kidding. A night with you would kill me in my state." She tried to ease her friends discomfort, leaving herself wide open for the reply.

"It would kill you in Jersey, too." Reece took the bait.

"Ha ha," the dancer stated dryly. "Seriously though, I was wondering how long it would take for you to realize that you can care about someone and not have to fuck 'em. Really, Legs, I'm honored."

"I don't care about the people I fuck," she defended.

"You do now." Cori felt the body tense and silently gloated. "We can talk about my adventures in the bar last night. I met a sweet blonde you'd die for."

A dark eyebrow went up. "Yeah? Do tell." She grinned.

"Later. Let's just go, Arnold. You're killing me with your pits."

"You'll have to sit in front. I need to keep my eye on you. "

"Oh, and your arms too. Didn't you ever hear of deodorant?"

"Shut up, Freak."

"Fuck you, asshole." Yes, this is going to be fun.

"Puke on my bike and I'll kill you."

"Can you feel the warmth? Thanks for your concern."

"Anytime."

*******

Faith was wandering through the West Village. This is more like it, she thought. The streets were much cleaner and tons quieter, the homes much nicer, the people friendlier. I could live here. No, I want to live here, she sighed. She wondered how this could be Manhattan. It looked as if it were a small town tucked into the city. Historic looking brownstones and redbricks lined the narrow, tree lined streets.

She wandered into the quaint little shops and bars, occasionally drawn to a Help Wanted sign. Unfortunately, with her clothes from the second hand stores, and her resume only being a bar in Alphabet City, Faith would not find employment here. She started to feel helpless and out of place, then angry at herself for it. God, get a grip girl! You wanted this! It was nearing time to get home and start the whole getting ready for work ritual. Work, she snorted. This isn't exactly how I pictured it.

Walking back towards the direction of the subway, the usually perky blonde was dragging her feet. She suddenly found herself feeling very homesick and horribly lonely. Acutely aware of where she was, and why. Tears started to fall and, try as she might; they wouldn't go away. Growing up, she was not allowed to show this kind of emotion. It wasn't proper or ladylike. Besides, it would embarrass her mother. Couldn't have that. So for the first time that she could remember Faith Ashford cried her eyes out, on the stoop of 12 Bank street, in someone else's jeans, and very alone.

The ride home was pretty much uneventful for the two women. Reece had insisted they go to her house. She had a guest room and privacy. The injured dancer feigned protest, but she really wanted to be there. It was all she thought about on the ride through the tunnel. The place was gorgeous. Some things were a bit tacky, but what do you expect from a titty club owner. It was two floors of decadence. There were two huge bathrooms, three bedrooms, a den, the kind of kitchen you see in magazines, and a living room to die for. You could rent out the hall closet as a room. It was bigger than her whole apartment.

Cori lived in Brooklyn all her life, knowing she'd never be able to live in Manhattan. Especially this area. Shit, she had to have roommates where she was now! As soon as she was able, she moved to Park Slope, using the excuse that it was closer to Manhattan, and really, it was the next best thing to being there. Truth be known, the neighborhood was nick named "Dyke Slope" and Cori just had to live there.

Turning off the West Side Highway, she got a childlike thrill of anticipation. Her nosy disposition was killing her. She heard the rumors that Reece had inherited the place from Frank as well, but the club owner made it clear that she didn't want to talk about Uncle Frankie. So Cori never got the whole story. Now she figured, with this little love fest she was feeling from the boss, it wouldn't be as hard to get her to open up as it had been. So many things the dancer wanted to know. So many blanks to fill in. She smiled, always loving a challenge.

Her smile faded as they rounded the corner on Bank street and Cori thought she saw the pretty bartender from last night Is that her? Is she crying? The bike circled the block again for a spot and Cori yelled to the driver, "Just drop me in front of the house. I'll wait on the stoop for you." Knowing there was a glare aimed at her behind the sunglasses, she continued. "I promise, Boss. I'll just sit there. You go get a spot. I don't feel much like walking." The bike came to a stop in front of #12.

That is her! What the...? She waited for Reece to pull away. "Faith? Is everything okay?"

No response.

"Hey." She smoothed the blonde's hair. "What's wrong? Don't cry."

The blonde looked up at the only person in the world that cared. Cori opened her arms and Faith fell into them with a loud sob.

"Oh Cori...I'm so sorry...." she hiccupped. "I don't know why this happened...I just can't stop crying."

The dancer pulled back and looked into the swollen green eyes, which widened when Faith noticed the bandage and rapidly bruising eye.

"Oh God, Cori...what happened?"

"It's nothing. I'm okay. It's you who I'm worried about."

"No dodging, you're hurt! What's up?"

"When dye jobs attack...it was a horrible thing." She mock shuddered. "Please, tell me why your sitting here crying." She lifted the blonde's chin.

Knowing when to back off, Faith answered, "I guess it's all hitting me at once. You know, what we talked about this morning. I just..."

Reece drove by again and paused. Upon seeing Cori's thumbs up and smile, she drove away on her quest for space.

Suddenly feeling embarrassed, Faith asked, "Who was that?" Cori hesitated.

Reading the pause all wrong she stood quickly. "Oh shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interfere, I'll get going...I'm such an idiot."

"No wait! Faith, don't make me yell...please." It hurts. Cori grabbed for the blonde.

"No, I feel like such a moron. I should have realized..." She saw the tall figure approaching from the corner. "I'm okay. Really. I gotta go."

"I'm coming to see you at the bar...Faith!"

Shit! Cori must think I'm mental. I am so embarrassed. And her boyfriend...just imagine what she's going to tell him! She groaned. Oh, that's just some loony tune bartender I met yesterday...Please Cori, don't show up at the bar tonight. The bartender saw the time just then. She'd only have enough time to take a shower now.

The club owner raised an eyebrow in the direction of the blonde, who was walking away at a rapid pace.

"That was the bartender I met yesterday." Cori followed Reece into the house and locked the door.

"Oh? She looked kind of upset. I figured that's why you wanted off the bike. Break her heart?" She smirked. "Coffee?"

"Absofuckinlutely. And down girl, she's just a friend. Straight as a pin. Aahh." she sunk deeply into the couch. "This is heaven. Marry me?"

"HA! In your dreams. Isn't this the one you said would be right up my alley? A hysterical straight girl?" The tall woman disappeared into her bedroom.

"I could divorce you and get half. Yeah. I know it looks bad, but...she's adorable, has a hard little body, and incredible green eyes..."

"Is she a freak, too?" Reese popped her head out of the doorway to meet the pillow head on. "I'm taking a shower. If you want, you can have a bath in the guest room."

"No, she's quite the loaf of Wonder." Cori stood up and got a little dizzy. She fell down into the couch.

"Whoa there. You all right?"

"Just a bit woozy. I think I'll have that coffee before I move again." She opened her eyes to a naked goddess hovering over her.

"Sweet Jesus!" Holy shit! She's beautiful!

"Jesus? Cor? You goin' God on me?" she joked.

"No, but I just had an epiphany." She couldn't take her eyes off the boss' nakedness.

"I think I could sue you for some kind of sexual harassment." Reece grinned, and walked slowly back to her shower.

"Like you'd turn it down. Hey, why you walkin' like you're sexy?" Thinking a cool bath was a good idea after all, the dancer stood cautiously and headed towards the guest room. "Fuck!" Rubbing her shin. "Who buys a table like that?" she shouted, then heard a chuckle from the other room.

Later that afternoon, the two sat swallowed up in the couch and talked. Well, one talked the other nodded on occasion and kept an eye on the TV.

"...and then Mothra descended on the bar and casually ordered a Shirley Temple."

"Mmm hmmm."

"By that time, the cute blonde bartender was gyrating naked on the soda tap..."

"Mmm...WHAT?"

"You know, you could at least make it appear you are listening to me."

"Who was naked?"

"No one, pig. I was trying to get your attention. Now that I have it, you wanna know what I think?"

"No. This is the best part...they're going to cross the Bog of Stench." Reece broke into guffaws as rude flatulent sounds came out of the TV. In stereo.

Cori, not getting the humor, shook her head in wonder. "So if I sat here and farted, you'd listen to me?" she pouted.

"Aw c'mon...that's funny!" she snorted on the inhale.

"Ooo, that's attractive. Do your ho's get to hear that? Or do you save it for your close warm personals?"

"Apparently I'm not going to watch this movie without you yapping." She flicked off the TV and turned around to stare at Cori in mock awe.

"Stop that. I can't concentrate when you do that. It's like looking into a hot flame."

"Well, I'm listening. So talk."

Averting her eyes from the blue gaze, she started to tell her about the bartender. "...and I think it might be a good idea to ask her maybe to work at the club." She looked up, hopeful.

"How do you do that without breathing?'

"Really, what do you think?"

"Well, you said she's a mean bartender, and feisty. We need feisty." She thought about it.

Cori started a nice shoulder massage on the tall woman. "She's real cute too. I bet she'd turn out a lot of repeat customers."

The boss' head fell forward and she groaned. "Mmm, we do need another girl behind the bar on weekends." She had already made up her mind, but hell if she was giving up this massage.

"Coax me more."

"You fuck head. You taking advantage of a sick woman?"

"Okay, bring her in tomorrow. Since there's no work for you ?til Friday, it'll give you the opportunity to get Little Miss Hardbody with the green eyes into your bed."

"I..." She slapped Reece in the back of the head, "...am not a pig like you. Besides, I have the wrong parts. But I'm sure you can work around it," she teased.

"Well, just bring her in. I have no more room for toasters."

*******

Cori was having a magnificent dream. It was this afternoon again, but this time the scene played out differently. The tall, muscular, naked body was moving on top of hers...she could hear the sounds of sex loud and clear. She bolted upright at the sound of the crash.

"Fuckin' ay!" Reflex caused her to curse her roommates. Her pounding head caused her to flop back into the pillow. "Oh man" she whined. After realizing she was in the guest room at the boss' place, she froze at the moan that accompanied a loud thud. "Shit Reece!" Still disoriented, and a bit pissed that she was roused out of a much-deserved sleep, not to mention the dream, she stumbled to the door. The sight that confronted her took a while to filter through her sleep fogged brain. What the fuck is that? Ok, that's definitely Reece, but...OH! She blushed furiously.

The boss had grown an appendage in the shape of a woman?a half naked, gyrating woman?whose legs were wrapped tightly around the taller woman's waist. By the looks of things, she was about to be mauled right there against the wall. Oh god...I shouldn't be watching this... she thought, still wound up from the images in her dream. But when it came time for her feet to move...they wouldn't.

Reece had started towards the stairs, then turned and aimed for the couch. No, go upstairs, inwardly groaned the dancer. The tall woman growled and assisted the body around hers in its movement.? I'm supposed to sleep NOW? she thought. She watched as Reece sat with the appendage still firmly attached, and buried her face in breasts. Heavy breathing filled the room, Cori's included. Then the woman threw her head back and groaned loudly, obviously on the receiving end of a talented tongue. Reece dug her nails harder into the humping ass and grunted. The tall woman then swept a booted foot across the table, clearing it of its contents. She leaned forward, depositing the flavor of the evening on her back, apparently not the least bit worried about waking her houseguest.

Gee thanks, boss lady. You're a gem.

At this time, the club owner was aware of the voyeur and, for her benefit, started going on in detail about what she was going to do to the woman. The appendage shuddered and groaned in anticipation. Cori did too, in sympathy. The tall woman shot a very lecherous glare at the dancer.

"Gonna stand there all night?"

Mortified, Cori slapped her in the back of the head. "Geez, didn't anybody ever tell you its rude to talk with a nipple in your teeth?" and she stalked off to the guest room. She heard her boss chuckle. It would seem the appendage was oblivious.

Morning saw the two women sitting across from one another. One fidgeting and staring into her coffee, the other highly amused at her friend's discomfort.

"Get any sleep last night, Cor?"

"Fuck you, animal."

Reece chuckled. "No, I fucked her like an animal. I knew I'd find a use for that table."

"Yeah, so I heard." Cori got up to leave the room. "I'll never be able to look at that table the same way."

"You jealous?" She clicked her tongue piercing against her teeth. "I heard you too, you know."

"What?" The dancer quickly turned back around.

"When we came in. I heard you, moaning and such. You were having some dream, huh?" She wasn't going to tell her she heard her saying her name. Cori would never look at her in the eye again.

"No, actually I felt sick to my stomach. And I don't know how you could have heard anything other than that tramp you were carrying around." The blush was betraying her, so she hurried to the guest room. "I'm jumping in the shower so I can get home. I'm gonna stop by the bar tonight and talk to Faith about the job. Oh, thanks by the way."

"What, for last night? My pleasure."

"You're so fuckin' full of yourself, you know that?" she yelled from the bathroom.

A bit later, while standing under the hot spray, a teasing voice wafted through the room. "The shower massage detaches, horn dog."

Blushing again, Cori thought about it. She never did finish that dream, and after listening to those two.... "What the hell." She took full advantage of the situation.

*******

Reece was well into finishing her allotted work for the evening, when there was a knock on her office door. "Go away," she bellowed. She had every intention of celebrating her accounting skills by going home, ordering Chinese, and sitting like a lump in front of the television. No one will ruin my party, she thought. The door opened and a purple head appeared.

"Woman, you're gonna be bald come Thursday. What do you want?"

"I, um, I brought a friend...okay?"

"Ooo, for me?" she wiggled her eyebrows. "You gonna watch this time, too?"

Cori shot her a glare that said "BE NICE!"

"You know it took me a lot of convincing today to get her to come here. I actually had to tell her you were nice."

Reece rolled her eyes and waved her hand in the air. "Yeah, yeah...come in." She stood up to walk around her desk. "Does she do bookkeeping? I could use a bookkeeper..." She was struck speechless by the woman standing in front of her. Shit! It's her! Shitfuckpiss!

Faith looked up at the sound of the sexy voice. Then kept looking up and up, until she reached a sea of blue. God damn! She is gorgeous!

Cori, extremely amused by the two women staring slack jawed at each other, took their hands and clasped them together in a handshake. They both jumped at the contact. Faith blushed furiously at her very unusual reaction. Reece cleared her throat and shook her head as if to shake the feeling loose. It didn't work. She had been looking for this woman for as long as she could remember. And it took Cori, her freak, to find her.

Finally Cori spoke. "Um, Reece Corbett, Faith Ashford. This is the woman I met at the bar."

Silence.

"Boss? You were going to talk to her about employment opportunities?? She stressed the last two words to get the tall woman's attention back to earth.

"Yeah, the bartender." She blinked a few times. "Sure, um, so..." What happened to my tongue?

Faith just stood there silently. There was a strange feeling in her stomach and she had no idea what it was. She was also a little embarrassed. This striking woman was obviously in some sort of trouble and she was beginning to think it was her.

"Why don't I go show her around the place first. You can meet us by the bar, boss lady." Cori could not, for the life of her, remember seeing Reece so uncomfortable before. If she didn't know better, she'd swear the boss was smitten.

Reece sat down on the edge of her desk. "What the hell was that?" she wondered. "A woman steps out of my dreams and into my office and I become an asshole?" She pounded her leg with a fist. "Get a grip!" she scolded herself.

The great Casanova was about to fall.

*******

Walking through the club, Faith was more than a bit surprised. So this is what a strip joint looks like, she thought. It was nothing like she assumed. It was far from sleazy or dirty. The customers were wearing ties, and the girls looked healthy enough. She began recognizing faces. Ah... She now put two and two together from the first night at the bar.

"So, is Cori your real name?"

"Yeah. But I'm the only dancer who uses my real name here." She smiled at the blonde. "Let me take your coat and I'll introduce you to a few people."

Cori saw her boss when one of the moving lights caught the crystal blue gaze. Following its path, she smirked when she saw Faith meet the stare and shiver. Oh boy...this is gonna be good!

What the heck? Faith felt all the hairs stand up on her body and instinctively turned towards the source. God...why is this happening to me? She was getting worried. Maybe she was getting sick. No, she felt wonderful. Maybe she needed sleep. Yeah...that's it. Sleep. Like that was going to happen anytime soon. The pipes in her building were banging so loud now, it wasn't even funny, and the new neighbors played speed metal all day.

"...hon? Are you listening to me?"

"Oh, Cori, I'm sorry. I am so tired, I must have zoned out for a moment." There it was again! Blue eyes averted their gaze and the tall woman disappeared in the darkness. "So... She owns this place? Unusual for a woman, isn't it?"

"Sure, but we don't consider her a woman."

"Oh? So tell me about her. What's it like working for her? Is she nice? Does she treat you well?"

After answering all the questions, and being bombarded by more, all about Reece, Cori could have laughed out loud. Well, I'll be damned...she has it bad. Poor thing. If only it wasn't Reece. She couldn't let her get anywhere near the cute, little blonde. She would chew her up and spit her out. Think of the devil...

The club owner was making a rare appearance at the bar. Faith took stock of the woman as she approached. Long, strong legs wrapped neatly in black denim and thick, square-toed boots. A silky looking cotton turtleneck, maybe Egyptian cotton, she thought, covering well developed but not bulky arms, nice lean abdomen, perfect breasts... Perfect breasts? I'm looking at her breasts? That way? I'm not a lesbian! But this woman, and butterflies in my stomach...am I?

Cori followed Faith's eyes...raising her own eyebrow at the bold appraisal. She glanced at Reece who had also noticed the green eyes and where they were paused. Her nipples hardened under the scrutiny...she began to blush hotly. Cori's mouth fell open and both eyebrows and the ring were nearly in her hairline at this reaction. Reece? BLUSHING? No fucking way...

The club owner caught the incredulous gawk aimed in her direction. Fuck... Not ever feeling quite so ill at ease before, she really didn't know how to act. Joking is always good, she thought.

"So...is Cori playing nice? Or should I fire her?" She followed it with a smile when the green eyes looked at her in disbelief.

"Oh, no. Actually, she was singing your praises, Ms. Corbett."

Cori nearly shot soda out of her nose.

"Reece, please, it's Reece." The tall woman narrowed her eyes into a very menacing glare at the purple haired dancer, who immediately stopped laughing. If there was one thing she could not tolerate it was people laughing at her. She'd blinded people for a mere chuckle.

Faith felt the danger in that look and subconsciously backed away. "Sorry...Reece," she stammered.

"Oh great, boss, scare her half to death why don't you." Cori turned to the blonde and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Here, I'll introduce you to the other girls. She's harmless really. A pussycat if you stroke her right." She shot a look at her boss, who was feeling a cross between regret and shock at hearing how Cori described her.

"A pussycat? I'll show you a pussycat. FREAK!" And she stomped off to her office. You could hear the door slam even over the music. Everybody winced.

Faith looked back over her shoulder at the tall woman stalking off into the darkness. "Shit, Cori, did I do that?"

"No, babe, she does it to herself. She's a real piece of work. You'll get used to her moods. But really, I think she likes you." That is the biggest understatement ever, she thought. "That is...if you still want to work here." They settled at the bar.

"Well, I'm not sure." I can't afford those clothes, she thought. "These women look like a Victoria's Secret catalog. I don't think I'd be comfortable at all..."

"Bullshit, you are one hot little number, Faith. Trust me, you'll do just fine. I have a few things at home that would suit you perfectly. Show off your best assets." She went out on a limb here. "And once Reece gets one look at you in the outfits I have planned...well, the next time a door is slammed around here, I bet you'll be on the other side with her."

The blush that covered the cute little blonde's neck was all the answer she needed. Now, how was she going to get to the boss lady without her own neck being snapped? She grinned widely. I just love a challenge.

Faith knew she would die of embarrassment. Was it that obvious? How did Cori know what she was thinking? God! She saw me looking at her breasts! Just kill me. But I liked looking at her breasts. And then there was that feeling in her stomach again.

Cori saw the internal struggle and decided to end it. "Hey. You wanna meet my ex roomies?"

"What? Ex? What happened?" Faith asked, thankful for the change of subject.

"Reece threw them out. It was for my own good. Now I gotta find new roommates."

"She threw out your roommates? Cori, I don't get it. I don't get her." Or why she makes me feel like this, she said to herself.

"Oh, stick with me and I'll make sure you get it." Faith was about to cut in. "Come on, I'm not blind. It looks to me as if you have a tiny little crush on Tall, Dark, and Sexy. I can help you out if you let me."

"Cori, I don't know what is going on." She lowered her eyes. "I'm not a lesbian, at least I don't think so. I never thought about another woman...well, like that, and I am not exactly comfortable with all of this either." She gestured around the club. "I mean I'm okay with you guys, and with the club and all...I am not homophobic or anything...." She looked into Cori's sympathetic eyes. "I don't know what I mean. I just don't feel comfortable is all. Thanks for trying to help me. I better get home." She got up from the chair and headed towards the door. Please let me make it out before I cry.

"Please, Faith. Let?s talk about it. I'll get you a cab and we'll go get something to eat?" She tried to convince the blonde with food. Noticing her face sink lower, it hit her. Everything made sense. The job, where she lived, the fact that she was still wearing the pants she lent her... She has no money! "My treat. I owe you for dragging you here anyway."

"No thanks, Cori. Its very nice of you, but..." Her stomach rumbled louder than the bus that went by. "Um, I'll catch the subway and eat at home."

"You are not taking the subway at this hour. I refuse to let you. Come on." She grabbed her by the bicep and pulled her into the waiting cab. "No refusals. We have to talk."

*******

After properly chastising herself and her behavior, the club owner was sitting on the office couch with her head in her hands. She started to question her feelings. Sure the blonde was a knockout, but so were a lot of the women she bedded. Why did this one feel different? I don't even know her. Damn, she was practically undressing me with her eyes. But that happens all the time too. Why did it feel like her eyes were actually touching my body? Why did I react that way? Why the hell did my mouth go dry at the idea of Faith really touching me? "I need to get laid. That's all. I need to get out and get laid." She grabbed her helmet and her jacket and headed out with determination. She stopped short in the doorway after seeing Cori and the blonde on the sidewalk. "Sam, what's up?"

"Well, Faith wants to take the subway and Cori don't like it."

"Ah, good for Cori." She hadn't taken her eyes off of the bartender. She looked so sad. I wonder why? "No one should ever make her frown."

"Yeah, it doesn't become her at all."

Reece was not aware she had spoken that last thought out loud.

"Well no, it doesn't," she covered. Seeing them get into a cab, she made a mental note to talk to Cori about a potential new roommate with blonde hair and beautiful green eyes. Which just locked into hers, for a brief moment. A strange feeling tickled down her spine and landed in her knees. Laid. I need to get laid. "Later, Sam."

"Safe home, boss."

*******

"Earth to Faith...do you read me?"

"Sorry. It?s just...she looks so..."

"Hot? Sexy?"

"No, determined. Like she's on a mission."

"You got that right. She's going to make an appearance at the Reece Corbett Fan Club." She received a puzzled look. "I'll explain the enigma that is Reece over some good food. Okay?"

"Why do I have this feeling that I don't want to know?"

"Oh, I think you want to know everything about her."

Faith rolled her eyes. But inside, she really did want to know everything. Where she lived, what she liked, what she slept in, how she smelled, what her skin felt like. A very large shudder passed through her. She glanced at Cori, who was giving her the raised ring and a smirk. Well, she thought, you can't beat ?em, join ?em. "You know, you should have pierced the other eyebrow. You don't look cocky, just silly with it bouncing around on your head."

"Yeah. How did you know I was shooting for cocky?"

"Shut up. Let?s go eat. You have some things you wanted to tell me." Faith decided to venture into Reece's world.

The two women found themselves in the Village. By the time they had their menus, they noticed a familiar figure idling at the light on the corner. Another figure that apparently couldn't keep her hands to herself was draped around her from behind. Legs and all. "Wow!" Cori said. "She was fast tonight! Must be horny as all hell."

"Okay, Cori, spit it out. What is that all about?"

*******

Reece couldn't help but see the purple hair in the window. Or the other woman gaping at her. She suddenly felt like she was doing something wrong. As if she were hurting the little blonde. She felt teeth at her neck and the insistent pressing against her lower back. Laid. I need to get laid.

*******

"Oh!" The redhead underneath her cried out. Reece was fucking her with all she had, her fingers plunging deep within the woman. All she needed was to get laid. She snagged a nipple with her teeth. The woman gasped.

Reece pushed back harder against the raised leg, in attempt to come again. The first one did absolutely nothing to squash the flame in her groin. Looking down at the stranger in her bed suddenly disgusted her. She sneered and closed her eyes. The woman groaned loudly. She didn't want to hear her. "Shut up," she said, and bit harder at the tender flesh. The woman whimpered. "I said shut up." The elusive orgasm was killing her.

"Sorry...Reece."

Oh, the image of Faith saying those exact words flashed before her eyelids. She rubbed herself harder against the already soaked thigh. She could feel the woman closing tightly around her fingers. She saw Faith in her bed...green eyes staring back at her with need... The woman started to shudder...then she yelled. Reece opened her eyes and watched as the stranger, not Faith, succumbed to her. She didn't want her there any more. She rolled off of her and lay there hating herself. Fingers made their way between her legs. "No, don't touch me. Just go."

The woman looked hurt. Oh fuck. "Look, I'm not feeling so good. I'll see you again sometime. Okay?"

Well, at least she smiled. Reece watched as the woman got dressed and smiled again as she let herself out. She rolled over onto her stomach and groaned. The throbbing in her crotch had not eased at all. The cause of the ache started to come back to mind. She turned back over as the image in her head rolled on top of her, touching her. Her hands followed the path that her green-eyed lover took. It felt like nothing ever had. In no time, her fantasy had taken her to places she only dreamed of. This was just what she needed. "Oh, Faith!" she cried as the powerful climax shook her very being. "Jesus!" she breathed at the feelings that overwhelmed her entire body. When she finally came back to reality, she rolled over on her stomach and clutched her pillow tightly. Tears were in her eyes and she had no idea why. Blinking them away, she realized Faith was the one. That frightened her like nothing before.

*******

The bartender was lying in her bed as the sun peeked into her room. God. The things Cori had told her. Faith was wide awake, her mind buzzing with all this information: the club, Frankie, Monica, and mostly Reece. So I'm not the only one, huh? Everybody slept with her. Cori even slept with her! And did she have to be so graphic? She had an idea Cori knew exactly what she was doing to her. So, it?s okay that I want her to touch me, and after hearing those stories, all I'd have to do is ask. "Hey, Reece, touch me." Yeah right. Hmmm, the thought of Reece touching her was not at all as unpleasant as the thought of asking her.

She started thinking up a scenario, what would happen if Reece did touch her. She'd love to run her fingers through that silky looking black hair, smell her perfume, and feel her arms around her. That wasn't unpleasant either; in fact it was very nice. She wanted to be the one that the tall gorgeous woman took home tonight. She imagined that she was on the back of the bike, wrapped around the muscular body. The feeling moved from her stomach to between her legs. It was a long time since she was this aroused. Her thoughts started becoming much more detailed. Damn Cori to hell. Reece was touching her all right, touching and biting and licking. Faith couldn't move fast enough for her fantasy. She was panting and sweating before her blue-eyed lover had even touched her where she needed it most. When she finally did, Faith gasped at how wet she was. Unable to control the fantasy, she let it take her to new places. Touching herself never felt so good in her whole life. It was like Reece was really there, doing incredible things to her body. She began trembling almost violently and grabbed a pillow to smother the name she screamed as she came. "Holy shit!" she gasped. "What the hell was that?" Wow, she thought, imagine what the real thing would do. She was totally drained and fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.

*******

Faith woke feeling better than she had in ages. She grabbed her crow bar and bounced into the hallway, celebrating her mood with a much-deserved shower. She grabbed all her dirty under clothes to wash with her. Last night still fresh in her mind, she let out a long breath and shook her head at how intense her body had reacted to a mere fantasy. So...I guess this means I'm attracted to women, a woman, that woman. Mmm, the tingling was back in her stomach, but she welcomed it now. She could have Reece in the flesh if she wanted. Cori made sure to make a point of telling her how easy it was to have her. Funny, she didn't feel so uncomfortable about it now.

She turned off the water and toweled off her hair. Actually, she felt excited at the prospect of bedding her, feeling her move with her, against her. Oh, better not go there now, kiddo, you got things to do. Wrapping her robe tightly around her, she made her way back to the apartment to start her day. She agreed to the job, and today she would be shopping for some tight, revealing clothes. Working at The Lounge would triple her pay and, if she looked good enough, add hundreds in tips. She would give her notice at The Tavern tonight. This, too, made her tingly, but in a different, new adventure kind of way.

*******

After the gym, Reece found herself in Brooklyn, knocking on her dancer friend's door. When no one answered for a while, she began to become unreasonably jealous, thinking that maybe Cori had spent the night with Faith. And why not? Because I don't want her to! she fumed. When the door finally opened, the dancer looked like she hadn't slept a wink and this fuelled Reece's anger. "You're a fucking ho you know that?"

"Gee, good morning to you too. What crawled up your ass this morning? And why did it do so at this hour?"

"Is she here?" The tall woman was furious.

"Who?" Reece pushed her aside and marched into the house. "Hey! What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Finding the house empty, completely empty, she was ashamed enough to offer an apology. She turned to face the narrowed eyes pointing at her, "No one, sorry 'bout that. You look like shit. Rough night?" She walked into the kitchen.

Cori watched as her boss plopped her body down in the chair, and her helmet and booted feet on the table, clearly expecting coffee. "Reece, what do you want?"

"Nothing. I just thought without Tyson and Holyfield, you'd be lonely. You got coffee?"

"It?s 10 am, I didn't get but two hours sleep." She yawned for effectiveness.

"Then you could use some coffee, too. So who or what did you do last night?"

"Put your eyebrow away, I didn't sleep with her. As if it was any of your business. We talked...about you...all night long." Cori attempted to make coffee, but the yawning was making her eyes tear up too much. "Do this. I'm blind."

"About me?" She scooped the grinds into the machine. "All night?"

"It seems Miss Thing is intrigued by the great Reece Corbett."

"Yeah?" she smirked. "Why do you think that is?" She was actually nervous.

"She wants you boss, real bad." She noticed the relief cross the other woman?s face. "You gonna fuck her?"

"No! I mean, I don't know. I don't want to hurt her." She might be able to get out of this... "I mean, what if she falls in love with me? They do, you know. Then what?" She turned to fill two mugs with the brew. "Can?t have her working for me all broken hearted, can I?"

"Hurt her, huh?" the dancer smirked. "You are so full of shit. You are afraid of her, aren't you?" She saw the woman's back stiffen. Yep, nail on head. "You're afraid that she'll break your heart. Am I right?" The shoulders fell.

"No, I don't have a heart remember? I think you said that to me after you slapped my face." She turned around and Cori saw the depth of her hurt.

"Come on, Reece. Look at me. I?ve known you how long now? It?s okay to feel something besides anger and release once in a while. I know you have it in you somewhere. Love is a beautiful thing. If it?s gonna take a little blonde haired bartender to pull it out of you, why argue? If you want to know what I think..."

"Not really."

"...I think she's just what you need."

Images of the night before came back to her, and she started to blush. Oh, she was what I needed all right! she thought. Exactly what I needed. Chancing a look at Cori, she winced at the look of amusement.

"Boss, why does she make you blush? Honestly."

"Honestly?" Oh, this will be good for shock value. "You might not have fucked her last night, but I did."

"You what? Ohhh, you didn't?" She saw the smirk and the wink. "You pig. Did the woman know?"

"She had already gone." She wiggled her eyebrows and leered.

"I have news for you...the way I left our little friend...I bet she let you." That ought to do it. One candle burning at both ends...coming right up.

Reece just swallowed really hard. The thought of Faith pleasuring herself, calling her name... Oh god, repeat performance, my bed, tonight

It was getting windier and colder every day. Reece finally admitted to herself that it was time to put the motorcycle away for the winter. Never really being without the bike for more than a few days, she felt like she was saying goodbye to a part of herself. I suppose I have to buy a warmer coat too, she thought with a frown. It had been so long since she spent a winter up north, she forgot how cold it could get. Shopping was not her favorite pastime, and was usually avoided. A fifteen minute trip to The Levi's Store was considered a spree. Tying the last of the heavy tarp over the machine, she sighed loudly, catching Pepe's attention.

"Don't worry, I'll keep it safe," he said reassuringly.

"No doubts, amigo." She shivered a little. Well, lets go get that coat.

She wandered towards the closest area to shop, Times Square. It was a tourists' haven, and she deliberately avoided any slow moving groups of people with cameras. Anything you can possibly purchase can be found on 42nd street. The tall woman was amazed how people could be fascinated by neon and some billboards.

After a long while, many elbows and a few growls later, the scowling woman settled on a jacket, hailed a cab, and plopped her aggravated self in the back seat. The vat of vile car freshener and near deafening foreign music added to her mood. Closing her eyes and laying her head back, she tried to relax and think calming thoughts before she had an aneurysm. Deep breaths would only kill her at this point. In moments, an image of the gorgeous blonde named Faith, lounging in a bubble filled tub danced across her eyelids. While not exactly calming, it was a welcome thought, and she smiled despite the blaring horns and lurching cab ride.

Reece melted willingly into the green eyes in her mind; she was horny in an instant, only to be jolted into reality by a recording of Jackie Mason reminding her to take her belongings. How does he listen to that crap all day? she wondered and shoved the money into the little drawer in the partition. Taking the steps two at a time, she headed straight for the Jacuzzi, leaving a trail of clothing in her wake. There was some unfinished business to tend to with a certain green-eyed lady, and she was eager to get to it.

*******

Cori managed to fall back to sleep after the boss had left. It wasn't long before the phone rang and she answered it with a growl. It was a very perky Faith asking her to come shopping with her. "Oh hey! Sorry, sure," the sleepy dancer agreed. "If I may, why the hell are you so damned cheerful?"

"Oh, no biggie." My fantasy Reece had me screaming like a banshee....

"Anything to do with our talk last night?" Cori was crossing her fingers.

Yup, thanks to your details. "You can say that." The grin was almost audible. "C'mon, you said something about dressing me up?"

"You bet!" She remembered Faith's monetary situation and though of the best place to barter. "Hey, let's go to 14th street, they have tons of street vendors and it's a bargain hunter's dream."

"Cor, I heard everything there fell off the back of a truck. I'm not so sure I want "hot" stuff on my body." Too late. It was out of her mouth before she could stop it.

"I beg to differ. And I'm sure Reece has been called worse."

"CORI!"

"Stop blushing like that, my phone is melting." She heard a groan.

They met at the coffee shop from last night. Faith got there first, grabbed a window booth, and ordered a giant coffee for her friend. Her thoughts drifted immediately to Reece. Walking up the stairs from the subway, Cori saw her friend's dream like stare and the coffee waiting for her and smiled.

"Large, black, three sugars." The blonde pushed the cup towards the dancer.

"Oh, bless you, child." She took a large swallow of the brew. The blissful expression on her face was like looking at dope addict getting a fix. Her friend matched her expression. "What's up, Mary Sunshine?"

"Nothing, can't I enjoy the day?" Her friend gave the eyebrow. "I'm excited about getting a new job and shopping okay?"

"Uh huh. That's the ?I can't wait to go shopping' glow if I ever saw it. Oh wait, maybe it's the ?new job' blush."

"All right already! I did some thinking about what you said last night." She didn't know where to start.

"And...."

"Um, well, I guess I admit to being attracted to Reece. " She blushed again. "While that's all well and good, I don't think I know how to do anything about it, I mean, um, what do I do now?"

Cori was very amused at her friend's admission. "So in other words, you want to know how get Reece into your bed. Right?"

"Uhm...well, no. Before that...I want more than sex," she struggled to explain herself.

"Oh, I see. You want to be her friend. Reece doesn't have friends."

"You're her friend, aren't you?"

Cori frowned. "I like to consider myself her friend, but I don't think you'll get that much out of her."

"I'm not going to be one of her whores. I want her to know me. After all you told me about her, I feel like I know her already. It would be different if I didn't. I'm not a toy."

"You're serious? I'm sorry, honey, but Reece doesn't have relationships; she fucks and moves on."

"I think I could be different." Faith looked confident

"Listen, please don't romanticize about her. She'll break your heart. While I know for a fact she wants you, and you might actually have a chance at getting closer than many, Aphrodite isn't about to descend on her. And if she saw it coming, she'd be sure to push it away. My advice is to get what you can."

"I intend to get what I want, not what I can." Faith stood up and put on her coat. "C'mon, I have some convincing clothing to buy, and you have to help me."

"Faith, you don't want to start this. Not with her, please, none of us can take the backlash," Cori pleaded

"Don't worry, trust me, everything will be fine. Now, no more talk about it. Let's shop!"

The dancer frowned. As much as she wanted to see these two together, she couldn't help feeling like someone was going to get hurt big time. She'd have to have a talk with Reece, and she wasn't sure this was a good thing.

*******

The Lounge was pretty crowded when Reece arrived. She was feeling rather cocky tonight and decided to wander around the club, taking in the scenery for a while before locking herself away in the office. Monica noticed her first and she elbowed Debbie, who elbowed Honey, who in turn skittered off to the dressing room to tell the others. It was very rare that the boss prowled around the club like this. It reminded Monica of when Reece was a fixture at the bar, running collection errands for Frankie, or bouncing some asshole out on his ear.

The dancers loved her and she took full advantage of that, never at a loss for pussy. Monica swore that Frankie encouraged her to sleep with them, always disappearing into a secluded corner with a dancer, and sometimes not so subtly right there in your face. The tall, dark woman had a certain air around her. It was almost like you could see the electricity crackling off of her body. But it was her eyes that captured the attention. Some of the girls swore it was like being hypnotized; they never had a chance. She laughed a lot more then too. God she was gorgeous when she smiled. Monica grinned at her memories.

Since Frankie died, the spark was gone and the fiery blue faded to dull and sad. She had always kept to herself and, in those days, you could probably find her staring into space lips pursed in thought. But she was never sad. Since she became owner of the place, she was hardly ever out of her office, if she came in at all, and she never fucked the girls any more, either. Monica was silently hoping that this was her big chance to have the boss, never having the opportunity of being "picked" in the past.

*******

"Shit, Faith! We are so late! Reece is going to kill me!"

"She wont actually kill you, Cor. Calm down, we're almost there. Besides, how do you know she'll even be there yet? She's probably stuck in traffic anyway."

The dancer didn't look any less upset. "I'm going to call. One of the girls will have to cover for me. Oh, and she locked up the bike for the winter, so traffic isn't the answer." She dug into her backpack for a quarter.

"Oh, she did? Yeah, I guess you'd have to. I mean you can't ride in the snow." Crap! Faith really wanted to be on the back of that baby so she could wrap herself around that woman. After the dream she had this morning, she wanted so bad to work out the details of foreplay on a moving bike.

"What? Oh, man. Thanks." She hung up the phone and leaned her head on it. Is she nuts? Can't she wait ?til Faith gets there?

"Ew, Cori. You don't know what touched that receiver last. What happened?" The bartender ran to catch up with her.

"Boss lady is making rounds tonight."

"But you said she doesn't do that any more." Faith looked crestfallen "No, I don't think it's about that. The girls think she's prowling too, but I think there's something else on her mind, especially since she knows you're starting tonight." They turned the corner to the club. "Open that coat and let me look at you, girl!"

Faith made a show of flashing Cori, and inadvertently Sam, who blushed. "Oh yeah, you're going to knock ?em dead."

Sam let out a wolf whistle, startling them both into laughter. "You ain't kidding!"

"Oh! Hi, Sam. Ya think so? ?Cuz I have my sights set on an apartment with its own toilet."

Cori grabbed her around the waist, "C'mon, let's sneak into the dressing room before anyone else sees us."

*******

Monica had all but thrown herself at the club owner. She gyrated, humped, and bumped all over the place trying to catch her attention. Reece noticed the extra effort, but wasn't interested. Sure Monica was hot; long legs, dark hair...gorgeous...but not her type. The other girls vied for her attention, too, leaving Reece very amused. She knew her own reputation well and did nothing to change it. She liked what they were up to and it made her even cockier. She flirted with the girls, toyed with a few waitresses, even tipped one of the dancers, but it didn't feel the same. She wasn't the least bit interested in any one of them. Here she was, women falling all over her, but she couldn't find what she was looking for.

She noted that Cori wasn't around, and this disturbed her. What if Faith changed her mind? She got a knot in her stomach thinking about it. She also just noticed the waitress straddling her legs, just short of a lap dance. She put her hands on the girl's waist, lifted her up, and placed her aside as she stood up to leave. Suddenly feeling extremely frustrated, she immediately grew tense. "Shouldn't you be paying attention to the men?" she asked sharply, before stalking off to find out where Cori was with the woman who invaded her dreams.

Cori and Faith were just exiting the dressing room when they caught sight of a very agitated Reece storming towards her office. They were about to duck back inside when the ice blue lasers pinned them to the spot. "Uh oh," Cori whispered. Faith just swallowed hard. The boss stopped short when she saw the fear in the green eyes. She opened her fists and tried to stop her jaw muscles from clenching.

"Uh, hey. Great, you're here". She stretched her fingers unconsciously, but Faith saw an invitation and took it. Reece swallowed and tried to block the tingling feeling out.

"So, you're going to work the bar for the waitresses for now. Just until you get the feel of it, okay?" She didn't want to release the smaller hand and, if she could, she'd hold it all night.

The bartender wasn't complaining and she didn't want to let go either. Nodding in agreement, she never lost eye contact. "I'm a little nervous and a bit uncomfortable in this outfit, but I think I'll be okay."

The taller woman broke the gaze to take in the smaller woman. Wow! Her mouth fell open at the sight before her. God, now I really know what she looks like half naked.

The blonde blushed scarlet with the attention, but she welcomed every ogle the beautiful woman gave her. Besides, it made her stomach do that thing.

Cori, silently taking it all in, was shocked yet thrilled to see the boss react in such a way. "Fierce, huh? I thought she'd look good in fishnets. How about the dress?"

The dress? Reece was still lingering at the garter. Looking up slowly, her mouth went dry as her eyes traced every curve the little Lycra dress clung to. She wanted to be that dress.

"Boss?"

"Umm, yeah. Unbelievable. It looks...you look great. Good luck tonight." She tore herself away and tried to act as casual as she could walking to her office. Which wasn't easy, considering she might have just experienced the first simultaneous heart attack/orgasm in the world.

*******

Cori and Faith stood there looking at each other, and then in the direction of the anticipated slam. After which, Cori ushered the new bartender to her place and ran down the list of faux mixed drinks as quickly as possible.

"When in doubt, improvise. But never make it a bright color." She puffed out her chest and deepened her voice in imitation. "Real men don't drink pink."

"Thanks, Cor. Where you going?"

"I got something to do real quick. I'll be back to check on you before my first set." She kissed her cheek and took off.

Knowing the boss, she had to hurry or Reece would be running out of the door in search of a quick fuck. She stood outside the office door and composed herself, thinking of the best way to approach this fascinating new development. The dancer never would have thought she'd bear witness to a crack in the facade. Snickering, she stood poised to knock when the door flew open, presenting a very high-strung woman, and she nearly fell on her face.

"You gonna stand out there all night?" It was more of a statement, with her eyebrow asking the question.

"God! I hate when you do that! Can I talk to you about something?"

"Make it quick, I gotta go."

Cori stood in the office while Reece leaned on her desk. The dancer took stock of the woman...her leg bouncing rapidly, twisting a pen like a baton. The boss was wound up tight, and this might not be a good idea. Her palms started to sweat and she was about to get up and leave when a hand on her thigh startled her.

"What? You can't talk all of a sudden?" Reese got up and began to pace.

"Um, yeah. No! I just was wondering...." she floundered.

Reece was getting agitated and stood in front of her with her arms folded across her chest. "You were just wondering. So what else is new?"

"Um, could you do me a favor?" Cori had given up on her original idea of teasing the boss about her weakness. Now she just wanted to get out of there and pick this up after Reece was less "edgy".

"Depends." The tall woman had her jacket and gloves on already and was walking towards the door. "What kind of favor?"

Cori had an idea, "Can I stay at your place today? I mean, I'm not too comfortable in that house by myself."

"That's what got you so nervous? She raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"Well, I want to bring company...." She cringed waiting for the explosion, but all the tall woman did was tap her foot and open the door.

"What, did you tell some chick that you lived in my place?" she snickered. "Need to impress someone?"

"No! I had plans with someone and, well, I can't break them now, and like I said, my place is...yeah, well I guess I don't really want to entertain in my shit hole, so, yeah, you're right."

"Not only don't I believe you, but that was so awful, I have to see what this friend is like. She must be something else if she's able to make you make an ass of yourself. C'mon, I got business to attend to."

The boss was sweating now.

"Thanks, Reece. You won't regret it."

She opened the desk drawer and tossed the dancer her spare house keys. "I think I already do. Go on, you're up in five minutes."

"Oh, and don't tire yourself out."

"Oh? What's it to you?"

"Nothing, go get laid before you explode."

"Thanks, I needed your permission."

*******

Faith was doing great at the bar, but she wished she could wait on the customers. As much as she hated the stupid chatter at The Tavern, she missed the interaction. It made the night go faster, and she was much more busy. Oh, the waitresses were sweethearts and shared the tips with her, but she was rather lonely. When she wasn't daydreaming about Reece, which she did often, her curious nature had her making up life stories and scenarios about the customers that came and went, and that helped her pass the time.

The music stopped and the announcer warbled something to the crowd, which started a ruckus. She looked towards the stage to see the big fuss and a little spotlight was fixed on Cori. She fought the urge to turn away, even though it felt like she was looking at her own sister moving about suggestively in her underwear. Watching her best friend parade around shaking her parts almost made her angry, until she saw the amount of money she accumulated. Just then, Cori started to disrobe and Faith couldn't help turning away.

Oh man, I could never do that. I give her credit. The crowd was cheering wildly and she peeked again. To her amazement, there was a small pile of bills on the stage and Cori was swinging around naked on the pole, her garter was completely full of money. Holy shit...there must be a hundred dollars there! she thought in awe.

*******

Meanwhile, Reece was on her way to her favorite place wondering what Cori meant by that last comment. "Why wouldn't she want me to tire myself out? What does she care? Unless...nah, she wouldn't want, but maybe her date..." She mentally slapped herself. "Cut it out, you need to get rid of this tension, she's right. You're going to explode, you predictable slut."

She started to think about what she was doing and this was bad. She'd hastily find a woman, be unreasonably hostile with the poor girl, and wind up having either a terrible time, or really rough sex. The latter not usually bothering her much, but with the images that kept popping into her head lately, this would never do. The last thing she wanted to do was manhandle her little fantasy woman, and it was bound to ruin her evening.

Shit! Now what? This was bad, very bad. Not only had the blonde been slipping into her dreams, now she was letting her disrupt her real life. She thought about Faith, about approaching her, maybe seducing her. With an evil grin she thought, Yeah, just do it. Just go up to her, tell her like it is, and take her to your office.

The tall, extremely frustrated woman started walking back towards the club. No, I can't do that. Cori said she was better than that. Fuck, I'm not better than that, what the hell do I care? She does have the hots for me anyway. She stopped walking, and felt something odd inside, a sick feeling when she thought of using Faith for her own benefit. Man! I am losing my mind! Okay, let's stay predictable and go get laid. She started towards the subway, changed her mind again and just started home, deciding a really long walk would do her good. She kept herself focused on a cold shower and a hot coffee, which was very hard to do since she had always thought with her crotch at times like this.

*******

Back in the dressing room at The Lounge, Cori was changing for her next set, when Faith came in for her break.

"C'mere, Blondie." She patted the overstuffed chair, "Sorry I didn't get to check up on you...how'd it go?"

"That's okay. It went great, smooth. I got it covered. How'd you do?"

"Oh, not so good, I got $93 and a food stamp. Assholes."

Faith's eyes bugged out. "That's not good? $93? Shit, girl, that's a weeks worth of tips at my old job, and you still got another set!"

"What...you want to dance now, too?"

"I couldn't, but the money...nah, I can't." She was fidgeting just thinking about it.

"Okay, chica, but if you change your mind, just tell me. I'll show you how it's done." With that, she bumped and ground her way around the chair, making them both giggle. "Hey, you want to get some coffee? I could use a cup."

"Yeah, but I don't want Reece to get mad if I leave."

"Are you kidding? She won't be back tonight. She went out..." The dancer narrowed her eyes and looked evil, "...on a mission. She took one look at you and needed to get laid."

"Oh, come on. You don't expect me to believe that." She got a serious look in response. "Yeah?" she smirked. "Wow, I guess it's working then, huh?"

"Uh huh. But I don't want you getting in too deep with her just yet. Yeah, she wants you, but let's get her to want to know you first. I have another plan that just might work." She dangled the keys.

"What's that?"

"Boss' keys, now you get to see how the other half lives."

"Oh, I know how they live. I was the other half remember?"

"Oh yeah, sorry. Hey, speaking of living, why don't you come stay with me? I'm not going to be able to foot the rent myself and you want to move so bad, you can taste it."

"You mean that? I'd love it! How much do I need to give you for security? I need to know how much I have to save."

"Nah, no bother, just move in now, and you'll pay me half the rent next month. Get yourself settled in, you know?"

The bartender was trying not to cry. She wrapped her arms around the dancer and hugged her. "You are a godsend do you know that? I'm so lucky to have met you. Thank you."

"No, Blondie, thank you. I'm the lucky one. Hey, let's go get that java, I want to tell you what I have in mind for tonight."

"If it involves a certain tall boss, do tell." They started to walk.

"You're too much. Yes it does. We'll go over there...after she's gotten her fix, if you know what I mean. She's easier to talk to that way, and all I can get her to talk about is sex really. So we have a plus, we talk about sex, she joins in, and we can play a sort of twisted version of truth or dare. I don't know if she'll go that far, but it's worth a try. Did I tell you we're spending the night there?"

The bartender ordered her coffee and thought about the implications of sleeping at the boss'.

"She has the most awesome bath tub...in the bathroom...with a shower...."

"Okay, okay. I just don't know if I'm ready for this. What if she gets the wrong idea and thinks I'm like the rest of her conquests?"

"I took care of that already. I hope." They entered The Lounge and Faith settled back behind the bar. "Good luck on the next set, Cor."

"Thanks, roomie."

It was getting windier and colder every day. Reece finally admitted to herself that it was time to put the motorcycle away for the winter. Never really being without the bike for more than a few days, she felt like she was saying goodbye to a part of herself. I suppose I have to buy a warmer coat too, she thought with a frown. It had been so long since she spent a winter up north, she forgot how cold it could get. Shopping was not her favorite pastime, and was usually avoided. A fifteen minute trip to The Levi's Store was considered a spree. Tying the last of the heavy tarp over the machine, she sighed loudly, catching Pepe's attention.

"Don't worry, I'll keep it safe," he said reassuringly.

"No doubts, amigo." She shivered a little. Well, lets go get that coat.

She wandered towards the closest area to shop, Times Square. It was a tourists' haven, and she deliberately avoided any slow moving groups of people with cameras. Anything you can possibly purchase can be found on 42nd street. The tall woman was amazed how people could be fascinated by neon and some billboards.

After a long while, many elbows and a few growls later, the scowling woman settled on a jacket, hailed a cab, and plopped her aggravated self in the back seat. The vat of vile car freshener and near deafening foreign music added to her mood. Closing her eyes and laying her head back, she tried to relax and think calming thoughts before she had an aneurysm. Deep breaths would only kill her at this point. In moments, an image of the gorgeous blonde named Faith, lounging in a bubble filled tub danced across her eyelids. While not exactly calming, it was a welcome thought, and she smiled despite the blaring horns and lurching cab ride.

Reece melted willingly into the green eyes in her mind; she was horny in an instant, only to be jolted into reality by a recording of Jackie Mason reminding her to take her belongings. How does he listen to that crap all day? she wondered and shoved the money into the little drawer in the partition. Taking the steps two at a time, she headed straight for the Jacuzzi, leaving a trail of clothing in her wake. There was some unfinished business to tend to with a certain green-eyed lady, and she was eager to get to it.

*******

Cori managed to fall back to sleep after the boss had left. It wasn't long before the phone rang and she answered it with a growl. It was a very perky Faith asking her to come shopping with her. "Oh hey! Sorry, sure," the sleepy dancer agreed. "If I may, why the hell are you so damned cheerful?"

"Oh, no biggie." My fantasy Reece had me screaming like a banshee....

"Anything to do with our talk last night?" Cori was crossing her fingers.

Yup, thanks to your details. "You can say that." The grin was almost audible. "C'mon, you said something about dressing me up?"

"You bet!" She remembered Faith's monetary situation and though of the best place to barter. "Hey, let's go to 14th street, they have tons of street vendors and it's a bargain hunter's dream."

"Cor, I heard everything there fell off the back of a truck. I'm not so sure I want "hot" stuff on my body." Too late. It was out of her mouth before she could stop it.

"I beg to differ. And I'm sure Reece has been called worse."

"CORI!"

"Stop blushing like that, my phone is melting." She heard a groan.

They met at the coffee shop from last night. Faith got there first, grabbed a window booth, and ordered a giant coffee for her friend. Her thoughts drifted immediately to Reece. Walking up the stairs from the subway, Cori saw her friend's dream like stare and the coffee waiting for her and smiled.

"Large, black, three sugars." The blonde pushed the cup towards the dancer.

"Oh, bless you, child." She took a large swallow of the brew. The blissful expression on her face was like looking at dope addict getting a fix. Her friend matched her expression. "What's up, Mary Sunshine?"

"Nothing, can't I enjoy the day?" Her friend gave the eyebrow. "I'm excited about getting a new job and shopping okay?"

"Uh huh. That's the ?I can't wait to go shopping' glow if I ever saw it. Oh wait, maybe it's the ?new job' blush."

"All right already! I did some thinking about what you said last night." She didn't know where to start.

"And...."

"Um, well, I guess I admit to being attracted to Reece. " She blushed again. "While that's all well and good, I don't think I know how to do anything about it, I mean, um, what do I do now?"

Cori was very amused at her friend's admission. "So in other words, you want to know how get Reece into your bed. Right?"

"Uhm...well, no. Before that...I want more than sex," she struggled to explain herself.

"Oh, I see. You want to be her friend. Reece doesn't have friends."

"You're her friend, aren't you?"

Cori frowned. "I like to consider myself her friend, but I don't think you'll get that much out of her."

"I'm not going to be one of her whores. I want her to know me. After all you told me about her, I feel like I know her already. It would be different if I didn't. I'm not a toy."

"You're serious? I'm sorry, honey, but Reece doesn't have relationships; she fucks and moves on."

"I think I could be different." Faith looked confident

"Listen, please don't romanticize about her. She'll break your heart. While I know for a fact she wants you, and you might actually have a chance at getting closer than many, Aphrodite isn't about to descend on her. And if she saw it coming, she'd be sure to push it away. My advice is to get what you can."

"I intend to get what I want, not what I can." Faith stood up and put on her coat. "C'mon, I have some convincing clothing to buy, and you have to help me."

"Faith, you don't want to start this. Not with her, please, none of us can take the backlash," Cori pleaded

"Don't worry, trust me, everything will be fine. Now, no more talk about it. Let's shop!"

The dancer frowned. As much as she wanted to see these two together, she couldn't help feeling like someone was going to get hurt big time. She'd have to have a talk with Reece, and she wasn't sure this was a good thing.

*******

The Lounge was pretty crowded when Reece arrived. She was feeling rather cocky tonight and decided to wander around the club, taking in the scenery for a while before locking herself away in the office. Monica noticed her first and she elbowed Debbie, who elbowed Honey, who in turn skittered off to the dressing room to tell the others. It was very rare that the boss prowled around the club like this. It reminded Monica of when Reece was a fixture at the bar, running collection errands for Frankie, or bouncing some asshole out on his ear.

The dancers loved her and she took full advantage of that, never at a loss for pussy. Monica swore that Frankie encouraged her to sleep with them, always disappearing into a secluded corner with a dancer, and sometimes not so subtly right there in your face. The tall, dark woman had a certain air around her. It was almost like you could see the electricity crackling off of her body. But it was her eyes that captured the attention. Some of the girls swore it was like being hypnotized; they never had a chance. She laughed a lot more then too. God she was gorgeous when she smiled. Monica grinned at her memories.

Since Frankie died, the spark was gone and the fiery blue faded to dull and sad. She had always kept to herself and, in those days, you could probably find her staring into space lips pursed in thought. But she was never sad. Since she became owner of the place, she was hardly ever out of her office, if she came in at all, and she never fucked the girls any more, either. Monica was silently hoping that this was her big chance to have the boss, never having the opportunity of being "picked" in the past.

*******

"Shit, Faith! We are so late! Reece is going to kill me!"

"She wont actually kill you, Cor. Calm down, we're almost there. Besides, how do you know she'll even be there yet? She's probably stuck in traffic anyway."

The dancer didn't look any less upset. "I'm going to call. One of the girls will have to cover for me. Oh, and she locked up the bike for the winter, so traffic isn't the answer." She dug into her backpack for a quarter.

"Oh, she did? Yeah, I guess you'd have to. I mean you can't ride in the snow." Crap! Faith really wanted to be on the back of that baby so she could wrap herself around that woman. After the dream she had this morning, she wanted so bad to work out the details of foreplay on a moving bike.

"What? Oh, man. Thanks." She hung up the phone and leaned her head on it. Is she nuts? Can't she wait ?til Faith gets there?

"Ew, Cori. You don't know what touched that receiver last. What happened?" The bartender ran to catch up with her.

"Boss lady is making rounds tonight."

"But you said she doesn't do that any more." Faith looked crestfallen "No, I don't think it's about that. The girls think she's prowling too, but I think there's something else on her mind, especially since she knows you're starting tonight." They turned the corner to the club. "Open that coat and let me look at you, girl!"

Faith made a show of flashing Cori, and inadvertently Sam, who blushed. "Oh yeah, you're going to knock ?em dead."

Sam let out a wolf whistle, startling them both into laughter. "You ain't kidding!"

"Oh! Hi, Sam. Ya think so? ?Cuz I have my sights set on an apartment with its own toilet."

Cori grabbed her around the waist, "C'mon, let's sneak into the dressing room before anyone else sees us."

*******

Monica had all but thrown herself at the club owner. She gyrated, humped, and bumped all over the place trying to catch her attention. Reece noticed the extra effort, but wasn't interested. Sure Monica was hot; long legs, dark hair...gorgeous...but not her type. The other girls vied for her attention, too, leaving Reece very amused. She knew her own reputation well and did nothing to change it. She liked what they were up to and it made her even cockier. She flirted with the girls, toyed with a few waitresses, even tipped one of the dancers, but it didn't feel the same. She wasn't the least bit interested in any one of them. Here she was, women falling all over her, but she couldn't find what she was looking for.

She noted that Cori wasn't around, and this disturbed her. What if Faith changed her mind? She got a knot in her stomach thinking about it. She also just noticed the waitress straddling her legs, just short of a lap dance. She put her hands on the girl's waist, lifted her up, and placed her aside as she stood up to leave. Suddenly feeling extremely frustrated, she immediately grew tense. "Shouldn't you be paying attention to the men?" she asked sharply, before stalking off to find out where Cori was with the woman who invaded her dreams.

Cori and Faith were just exiting the dressing room when they caught sight of a very agitated Reece storming towards her office. They were about to duck back inside when the ice blue lasers pinned them to the spot. "Uh oh," Cori whispered. Faith just swallowed hard. The boss stopped short when she saw the fear in the green eyes. She opened her fists and tried to stop her jaw muscles from clenching.

"Uh, hey. Great, you're here". She stretched her fingers unconsciously, but Faith saw an invitation and took it. Reece swallowed and tried to block the tingling feeling out.

"So, you're going to work the bar for the waitresses for now. Just until you get the feel of it, okay?" She didn't want to release the smaller hand and, if she could, she'd hold it all night.

The bartender wasn't complaining and she didn't want to let go either. Nodding in agreement, she never lost eye contact. "I'm a little nervous and a bit uncomfortable in this outfit, but I think I'll be okay."

The taller woman broke the gaze to take in the smaller woman. Wow! Her mouth fell open at the sight before her. God, now I really know what she looks like half naked.

The blonde blushed scarlet with the attention, but she welcomed every ogle the beautiful woman gave her. Besides, it made her stomach do that thing.

Cori, silently taking it all in, was shocked yet thrilled to see the boss react in such a way. "Fierce, huh? I thought she'd look good in fishnets. How about the dress?"

The dress? Reece was still lingering at the garter. Looking up slowly, her mouth went dry as her eyes traced every curve the little Lycra dress clung to. She wanted to be that dress.

"Boss?"

"Umm, yeah. Unbelievable. It looks...you look great. Good luck tonight." She tore herself away and tried to act as casual as she could walking to her office. Which wasn't easy, considering she might have just experienced the first simultaneous heart attack/orgasm in the world.

*******

Cori and Faith stood there looking at each other, and then in the direction of the anticipated slam. After which, Cori ushered the new bartender to her place and ran down the list of faux mixed drinks as quickly as possible.

"When in doubt, improvise. But never make it a bright color." She puffed out her chest and deepened her voice in imitation. "Real men don't drink pink."

"Thanks, Cor. Where you going?"

"I got something to do real quick. I'll be back to check on you before my first set." She kissed her cheek and took off.

Knowing the boss, she had to hurry or Reece would be running out of the door in search of a quick fuck. She stood outside the office door and composed herself, thinking of the best way to approach this fascinating new development. The dancer never would have thought she'd bear witness to a crack in the facade. Snickering, she stood poised to knock when the door flew open, presenting a very high-strung woman, and she nearly fell on her face.

"You gonna stand out there all night?" It was more of a statement, with her eyebrow asking the question.

"God! I hate when you do that! Can I talk to you about something?"

"Make it quick, I gotta go."

Cori stood in the office while Reece leaned on her desk. The dancer took stock of the woman...her leg bouncing rapidly, twisting a pen like a baton. The boss was wound up tight, and this might not be a good idea. Her palms started to sweat and she was about to get up and leave when a hand on her thigh startled her.

"What? You can't talk all of a sudden?" Reese got up and began to pace.

"Um, yeah. No! I just was wondering...." she floundered.

Reece was getting agitated and stood in front of her with her arms folded across her chest. "You were just wondering. So what else is new?"

"Um, could you do me a favor?" Cori had given up on her original idea of teasing the boss about her weakness. Now she just wanted to get out of there and pick this up after Reece was less "edgy".

"Depends." The tall woman had her jacket and gloves on already and was walking towards the door. "What kind of favor?"

Cori had an idea, "Can I stay at your place today? I mean, I'm not too comfortable in that house by myself."

"That's what got you so nervous? She raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"Well, I want to bring company...." She cringed waiting for the explosion, but all the tall woman did was tap her foot and open the door.

"What, did you tell some chick that you lived in my place?" she snickered. "Need to impress someone?"

"No! I had plans with someone and, well, I can't break them now, and like I said, my place is...yeah, well I guess I don't really want to entertain in my shit hole, so, yeah, you're right."

"Not only don't I believe you, but that was so awful, I have to see what this friend is like. She must be something else if she's able to make you make an ass of yourself. C'mon, I got business to attend to."

The boss was sweating now.

"Thanks, Reece. You won't regret it."

She opened the desk drawer and tossed the dancer her spare house keys. "I think I already do. Go on, you're up in five minutes."

"Oh, and don't tire yourself out."

"Oh? What's it to you?"

"Nothing, go get laid before you explode."

"Thanks, I needed your permission."

*******

Faith was doing great at the bar, but she wished she could wait on the customers. As much as she hated the stupid chatter at The Tavern, she missed the interaction. It made the night go faster, and she was much more busy. Oh, the waitresses were sweethearts and shared the tips with her, but she was rather lonely. When she wasn't daydreaming about Reece, which she did often, her curious nature had her making up life stories and scenarios about the customers that came and went, and that helped her pass the time.

The music stopped and the announcer warbled something to the crowd, which started a ruckus. She looked towards the stage to see the big fuss and a little spotlight was fixed on Cori. She fought the urge to turn away, even though it felt like she was looking at her own sister moving about suggestively in her underwear. Watching her best friend parade around shaking her parts almost made her angry, until she saw the amount of money she accumulated. Just then, Cori started to disrobe and Faith couldn't help turning away.

Oh man, I could never do that. I give her credit. The crowd was cheering wildly and she peeked again. To her amazement, there was a small pile of bills on the stage and Cori was swinging around naked on the pole, her garter was completely full of money. Holy shit...there must be a hundred dollars there! she thought in awe.

*******

Meanwhile, Reece was on her way to her favorite place wondering what Cori meant by that last comment. "Why wouldn't she want me to tire myself out? What does she care? Unless...nah, she wouldn't want, but maybe her date..." She mentally slapped herself. "Cut it out, you need to get rid of this tension, she's right. You're going to explode, you predictable slut."

She started to think about what she was doing and this was bad. She'd hastily find a woman, be unreasonably hostile with the poor girl, and wind up having either a terrible time, or really rough sex. The latter not usually bothering her much, but with the images that kept popping into her head lately, this would never do. The last thing she wanted to do was manhandle her little fantasy woman, and it was bound to ruin her evening.

Shit! Now what? This was bad, very bad. Not only had the blonde been slipping into her dreams, now she was letting her disrupt her real life. She thought about Faith, about approaching her, maybe seducing her. With an evil grin she thought, Yeah, just do it. Just go up to her, tell her like it is, and take her to your office.

The tall, extremely frustrated woman started walking back towards the club. No, I can't do that. Cori said she was better than that. Fuck, I'm not better than that, what the hell do I care? She does have the hots for me anyway. She stopped walking, and felt something odd inside, a sick feeling when she thought of using Faith for her own benefit. Man! I am losing my mind! Okay, let's stay predictable and go get laid. She started towards the subway, changed her mind again and just started home, deciding a really long walk would do her good. She kept herself focused on a cold shower and a hot coffee, which was very hard to do since she had always thought with her crotch at times like this.

*******

Back in the dressing room at The Lounge, Cori was changing for her next set, when Faith came in for her break.

"C'mere, Blondie." She patted the overstuffed chair, "Sorry I didn't get to check up on you...how'd it go?"

"That's okay. It went great, smooth. I got it covered. How'd you do?"

"Oh, not so good, I got $93 and a food stamp. Assholes."

Faith's eyes bugged out. "That's not good? $93? Shit, girl, that's a weeks worth of tips at my old job, and you still got another set!"

"What...you want to dance now, too?"

"I couldn't, but the money...nah, I can't." She was fidgeting just thinking about it.

"Okay, chica, but if you change your mind, just tell me. I'll show you how it's done." With that, she bumped and ground her way around the chair, making them both giggle. "Hey, you want to get some coffee? I could use a cup."

"Yeah, but I don't want Reece to get mad if I leave."

"Are you kidding? She won't be back tonight. She went out..." The dancer narrowed her eyes and looked evil, "...on a mission. She took one look at you and needed to get laid."

"Oh, come on. You don't expect me to believe that." She got a serious look in response. "Yeah?" she smirked. "Wow, I guess it's working then, huh?"

"Uh huh. But I don't want you getting in too deep with her just yet. Yeah, she wants you, but let's get her to want to know you first. I have another plan that just might work." She dangled the keys.

"What's that?"

"Boss' keys, now you get to see how the other half lives."

"Oh, I know how they live. I was the other half remember?"

"Oh yeah, sorry. Hey, speaking of living, why don't you come stay with me? I'm not going to be able to foot the rent myself and you want to move so bad, you can taste it."

"You mean that? I'd love it! How much do I need to give you for security? I need to know how much I have to save."

"Nah, no bother, just move in now, and you'll pay me half the rent next month. Get yourself settled in, you know?"

The bartender was trying not to cry. She wrapped her arms around the dancer and hugged her. "You are a godsend do you know that? I'm so lucky to have met you. Thank you."

"No, Blondie, thank you. I'm the lucky one. Hey, let's go get that java, I want to tell you what I have in mind for tonight."

"If it involves a certain tall boss, do tell." They started to walk.

"You're too much. Yes it does. We'll go over there...after she's gotten her fix, if you know what I mean. She's easier to talk to that way, and all I can get her to talk about is sex really. So we have a plus, we talk about sex, she joins in, and we can play a sort of twisted version of truth or dare. I don't know if she'll go that far, but it's worth a try. Did I tell you we're spending the night there?"

The bartender ordered her coffee and thought about the implications of sleeping at the boss'.

"She has the most awesome bath tub...in the bathroom...with a shower...."

"Okay, okay. I just don't know if I'm ready for this. What if she gets the wrong idea and thinks I'm like the rest of her conquests?"

"I took care of that already. I hope." They entered The Lounge and Faith settled back behind the bar. "Good luck on the next set, Cor."

"Thanks, roomie."

After her cold shower, hot coffee, and flipping through the channels on the TV several times, the club owner wasn't feeling any better than before; still horny, still aggravated at herself, and still wanting the blonde bartender from out of her dreams. She flopped on her bed and finally settled on video games, firing up the Playstation for some serious butt kicking. She felt somewhat better while blowing the faces off of the zombies, and turned up the volume to hear them scream. It was then when her houseguests entered and, due to the stereo speakers, she never heard them arrive.

Cori heard the noise from upstairs and grinned. The element of surprise on her side, she took her time showing the slack-jawed bartender around the house.

"I can't believe this is in Manhattan! It's unbelievable. That table there," she pointed at the table that made Cori blush, "that's a one of a kind. And that painting, my God, I think it's an actual Monet! Where did she get this stuff?"

"Jeez, Faith, calm down. This is all as was when Frankie left her the place. The only thing she added to this place, is herself."

"Wow. Frankie, huh? What's the deal with that?"

"I'm working on it. All I know is that since he died, she," the dancer gestured upstairs, "hasn't been the same."

"But look at this place! Are you sure she only worked for him?"

"Faith, trust me on this one."

"I'm just amazed is all. What's upstairs? I mean, besides Reece."

"Her boudoir, with connecting frickin' Roman bathhouse."

The bartender felt warm suddenly, thinking about a certain someone in a bath. "Is she coming down? I'm not so sure I want to surprise her. It can be dangerous."

"Nah, don't worry, I told you she knows we're coming. Anyway, I want to surprise her somewhat, she has no way out of it then."

Faith nervously took off her jacket and sat on the couch, while Cori grabbed some wine from the kitchen. They could hear Reece laughing wickedly while explosions filled the air. They giggled, knowing that if the boss saw them she'd flip out, which made them giggle even more. Finally they composed themselves enough to sit down and wait for the right moment to alert Reece of their presence.

"So, Faith, what makes you think you can't dance?"

"It's not that, it's just no one has ever seen me naked before, and I'm not entirely comfortable with a crowd of strangers gawping at me that way."

"No one?! Not even..."

"No, no one. The only time I had sex it was in the dark and we had most of our clothes on anyway." She took another mouthful of wine, enjoying the way it made her insides all warm.

"You mean to tell me, you only had sex once? How do you survive?" She made a look of horror.

"Just fine, thank you. It wasn't all that wonderful anyway. Nothing like when I...." she blushed and drank some more.

"Yeah...like when you what?" Cori refilled their glasses. "Come on, Blondie, spit it out."

"Well, I can't believe I'm going to tell you this...it's gotta be the wine, but?." she stalled.

"What! I gotta know now..."

"Remember when we went shopping and? Well, the night before we talked and?" She emptied her glass for confidence. "Well, I fantasizedaboutReece?whenImasturbated." She blushed furiously.

Cori sat there for a second to decipher what the blonde said. "Ohhhh, so it was good?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

"Fantastic. It's never been like that before, and believe me, I get lots of practice."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. So if you'd let her see you naked, why don't you pretend that the audience is full of Reeces and..."

"Nonono, no way. I don't even think I'd be comfortable naked in front of you."

"Take your top off."

The bartender stared blankly at her, both of them feeling the wine kicking in.

"Really, start by just sitting here casual with your top off."

Nothing.

"Okay, I'll take mine off, too." She did. "How's that?"

"I don't know, Cor."

Neither of them noticed that the noise from upstairs had stopped.

"C'mon, just do it. You wont even notice it after a few minutes. Just get used to the feeling of being topless."

Faith reluctantly took off her top and her bra. She struggled not to cross her arms and tried to act casual. This made them giggle again, and this time they couldn't stop and it became full out, tears in your eyes, hysterics.

That would be when Reece came down the stairs. Speechless and stunned, she sat on the bottom step and stared at the spectacle before her.

"Okay, okay." Faith sniffed between fits. "So now what? We're drunk and topless in our boss' house."

"We drink more wine and make like we're just two friends who aren't drunk, topless, and in their boss' house."

"I wish she was here with us, pretending not to be topless."

"You pig. You two will get along just fine. I created a monster."

"You slept with her, what's she like? Is she soft, hard, strong, feminine..."

"All of the above. She's got it all, Faith, all."

Reece mentally strutted around.

"What was she like? I mean in bed."

If a grimace was audible, the boss would have given herself away. She remembered the way they first came together. It was all aggression and power. She dominated Cori and made her beg. It was much different after that, Reece deciding that she only kept up with her as long as she did out of remorse for the first night and, in retrospect, because of her feelings for the dancer.

"Um, it was fine, Faith. She'll make your wildest dreams come true." Well, it's not really a lie, the dancer thought. "Your darkest fantasy."

"Dreams, mmm, fantasy, yeah. I wanna smell her hair, touch her skin, taste her sweat. I never felt like this before. I want to touch and taste every inch of her. God." The little tipsy blonde was getting turned on.

Cute, even her tits blush. "Hey, you don't seem to be bothered by the naked thing anymore."

"I'm naked?" She picked up both her breasts and feigned a swoon. "Oh, lordy be!"

"You, my dear, are drunk." The dancer laughed, and drank from the bottle. "This one's empty, want more?"

"No, I'm toasted already. Hey, Cor? What's it like? Dancing for all those strangers. I can't do it, you have balls."

Cori stuck her hand down her pants and fished around for a moment causing Faith to crack up again. "Nope, no balls there, babe. But damn that felt good. I need to get laid."

"You too, huh? I can't stop dreaming about her. I mean it?sex."

"Her? Boy, you got Reece on the brain, girl."

"And on the shoulder, on the leg, on the mouth."

The woman on the stairs shuddered at the image.

"Come on now, Faith. I told you, not yet. She'll go way too fast for you. You gotta show her that you are worth more than a quick fuck. She doesn't have the same romantic ideals as you."

"It has to be soon, Cor. I swear, it was like she was really honestly touching me...it was electric. It was...mmm, it was perfect. I don't want to imagine, I'm dying to know what the real thing would be like." She unconsciously ran her nails up and down her arms making every hair stand on end, among other things. The woman on the stairs stifled a groan at that and her parts stood on end too.

"Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. I am officially a member of the fan club."

It was then that Reece made herself known. "Ahem. I'm not interrupting something, am I?"

Both women looked down at their chest, then at each other.

"Ah, no, Reece, we were just, um, talking..." Faith turned around to cover herself up, acutely aware of her nipples.

"Hey, don't worry about me. Make believe I'm not here."

The bartender's eyes widened. Yeah right! Pretend that your every desire isn't standing there staring at your nipples. She went to spin around and lost her balance. Suddenly feeling warm hands on her naked waist, turning her around, she stared right into the blue eyes of her fantasy.

"Hey, Faith, you all right? You wanna lay down? Go on to the guest room. Cori will show you."

Faith wasn't that drunk; she was lightheaded from being topless in front of Reece. Burning the feeling of those hands on her skin into her memory forever, she gulped audibly "No, I'm fine, really. I just wish I had my top."

The tall brunette smiled. "Nah, leave it off, I think you both look wonderful." She stepped away feeling a sense of loss when she let go.

Both women said thank you, and didn't know what to do. They certainly didn't plan this? playing twenty sex questions, topless, drunk, and with the object of her desire didn't sit well with Faith. She eyeb