CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Carly woke to silence. The shutters were no longer banging, there was no rain hitting the house. And Pat was still asleep. Carly untangled herself from Pat, both their bodies damp with perspiration. It was stifling. And it was dark. She got up and moved to Pat's side of the bed, finding the flashlight she'd discarded earlier. She moved out into the hallway before turning it on.

It was later than she'd thought. Nearly six. She moved into the kitchen and opened the window, reaching for the latch that held the shutters. She opened one and smiled as the cool breeze hit her face. The storm had passed. She moved around the apartment, opening all the shutters, letting in light and fresh air.

She wished there was coffee. She couldn't function without coffee. She settled for a shower instead. There was no hot water but it didn't matter.

Later, as soon as it was light enough, she walked downstairs. In the kitchen, she lit the oil lamp and lifted the towel that covered the box. The egrets were huddled together and they both opened their mouths wide when they saw movement.

"Hungry?" Carly asked. The only thing remotely suitable she found was a can of tuna. It would have to do until they could get into town and buy some fresh fish. She fed them the small bits of tuna, pleased that they ate so easily. But they probably hadn't had food since early yesterday morning, if then. She covered them back up, then opened the back door.

The sun was barely up, but there was enough light for her to see the thick clouds that still swirled overhead. And it was a mess. Limbs and branches lay scattered around, but the two old oaks behind the house looked intact. Pat would be pleased.

Carly walked around the house and towards the Visitor's Center. She nodded. It looked fine. She began moving some of the branches that had blown against the entrance, then gave up. There were too many for her to even begin to make a dent. And she doubted that even with Elsa and Martin's help they would be able to clean up the mess. She would have to hire someone. Or gather volunteers from town.

Then, with a heavy heart, she walked around the front and to the marsh. It was flooded, as she knew it would be. It looked like a small lake. She was mentally planning how they could drain it. It would have to be pumped into the bay. There was too much salt water in it for them to dump it into the woods. It would damage the oaks and probably kill the shallow-rooted brush if they did that, which of course, would have been the easiest solution.

Then she turned a complete circle, looking all around her. It could have been a lot worse. It should have been, she realized. The wind had been so strong. She could see a few uprooted trees and she knew that they had suffered the brunt of the storm. But the structures looked intact. Of course, she hadn't been to the old barn. She was surprised that it was even still standing this morning.

She walked back to the ranch house, seeing for the first time the damage to the roof. The corner section was torn. She was surprised that they hadn't had water in the living room upstairs.

When she went back inside, Pat was standing in her kitchen, freshly showered. Her wet hair was slicked back from her face. She had on long, baggy shorts which didn't cover the scratches on her knees.

"Let me see," Carly said, pulling Pat towards the window and the light. The swelling had gone down some but the bruise was deeper now. Her wound appeared to be healing. There was no infection that she could tell. "How's the pain?" she asked.

"Bearable," Pat said. Her eyes searched Carly's. She remembered her dream from last night. It had seemed so real. Carly had come to her in the night, had covered her body with kisses. When she woke this morning, she still felt the lingering touch upon her breasts.

"What?" Carly asked as she met Pat's eyes.

Pat smiled slightly, but shook her head.

"Nothing. I was just remembering my dream," she said.

"Dream?" Carly saw the wistful look in Pat's eyes. So, Pat thought it had been a dream. Great. "Going to tell me about it?"

"Oh, no. It's too early to get you pissed off at me. Besides, there's no coffee."

"I won't get pissed off. I promise. Now tell me about your dream."

Pat swallowed, embarrassed. She shouldn't have said anything. But did it matter? Carly already knew how Pat felt about her. Surely she assumed that Pat had delicious fantasies about her.

"We made love," Pat said quietly. "Or, you made love to me," she clarified. "I don't remember participating."

Carly smiled. "Maybe that's because you fell asleep."

Pat's eyes widened.

"Wasn't really a dream, Pat."

"You made love to me?" Pat whispered. "You made love to me and I don't even remember it?"

"Trust me, we never really got that far."

"So, you just took advantage of me in my weakened state? You drugged me then had your way with me?" Pat teased.

"Yes. And had I known you were going to start something and not finish it, again, I would have only given you . . .."

"I'll finish it now," Pat interrupted. "I feel great. Not a bit sleepy."

"Sorry. The mood's passed."

Carly turned away but Pat pulled her back around.

"You can't just tell me that you had your hands on me last night and expect to walk away."

"As I recall, you're the one that usually walks away."

Pat smiled shyly, meeting Carly's eyes.

"Was I enjoying it?" she asked.

"Oh, yeah."

"Were you?" Pat asked seriously.

Carly remembered the throbbing ache of her body, the way she'd pressed her hips into Pat, wanting release. The wanton way she'd straddled Pat, Pat's breasts in her mouth, Pat's hands on her own breasts. She felt the flush creep up her face. Was she enjoying it? God, yes.

"The next time you fall asleep on me while making love," Carly said softly. "I'll dump you into the bay."

Pat grinned. "I have no intentions of ever getting dumped into the bay."

"Good. Because believe me, you'll pay for last night."

"Had you in a state, did I?"

"Yes," Carly admitted. "You did. And you don't even remember doing it."

"I remember you touching me. I just thought . . . it had to be a dream."

"No. I'm just sorry you fell asleep."

Their eyes locked and Carly let Pat pull her the short distance towards her, the fire in her eyes mesmerizing Carly.

Carly moved into her arms, pressing against Pat, loving the way Pat's body felt next to her own. She lifted her head and met Pat's mouth, gentle and unhurried. She didn't want to respond, not now. Not when there was so much to do. But her body wouldn't listen. Pat's hands moved over her back, sliding to her hips and Carly moaned into Pat's mouth. It was too hard to fight these feelings and she let herself go. Her mouth opened, meeting Pat's tongue with her own. She remembered the softness of Pat's skin under her hands, and she slid under Pat's shirt now, feeling the warm smoothness under her fingers.

"I want you so much," Carly murmured. "You can't keep doing this to me."

Pat didn't answer. She couldn't. Carly's hands had found her breasts.

No bra. Carly moaned as her hands touched the soft swell of Pat's breasts, the hard nipples pressing into her palms. No time? They had all day. The cleanup would have to wait. Pat's hands at her hips pulled her closer still and Carly parted her legs, feeling Pat's hard thigh move against her. Their mouths were hungry and tongues dueled and Carly let herself go. She lifted Pat's shirt, her mouth immediately replacing her hands on Pat's breasts.

"Oh, God," Pat murmured. Her head fell back, her eyes closed against the pleasure of Carly's mouth at her breast.

Carly paused when ringing interrupted their passion. Her cell phone. Jesus, not now.

"Please don't answer it," Pat whispered and she brought Carly's mouth back to her own.

But the ringing continued.

"It'll be Elsa or Martin," Carly said. "They'll be worried if I don't answer." She pulled away from Pat and snatched up the phone on the table. She paused to breathe, trying to gather herself, before answering.

"Good morning," Elsa said cheerfully.

"Morning," Carly said, trying to keep her voice even.

"What's wrong? You sound like you were running."

"I . . . ran up the stairs to catch the phone," Carly said, smiling at Pat who chuckled beside her.

"I assume you made it okay, then. Pat got back safely with the egrets?"

"Yes. How are things in town?"

"Power's out, but that was expected. Galveston got hit hard but I think Port Aransas made it through okay."

"Good," Carly murmured. She couldn't think. Pat had moved behind her, pulling Carly against her body. She felt Pat's mouth move under her hair, wet lips moving over her neck and she trembled.

"We're coming out there. The roads are clear."

"Good." Then Pat's hands moved around her, cupping her breasts from behind and Carly only barely stifled a moan. She closed her eyes and leaned back against Pat, losing herself as Pat caressed her breasts.

"Are you okay?"

"Mmm," Carly breathed. Then she opened her eyes, trying to focus on Elsa. "Yes. We're fine," she said. Pat was pressed hard against her and Carly let her hand fall, resting against Pat's thigh and she rubbed it gently. Then Pat's hand covered her own, moving it firmly against Pat, sliding it to the heat between Pat's legs.

The phone fell to the floor as Carly felt Pat's wetness that soaked her shorts. She turned in Pat's arms, facing her now and her mouth was immediately captured by Pat's.
"Carly?"

Carly ignored the tiny voice from the phone. Her hands moved over Pat, sliding to her hips, then down, cupping Pat intimately, again feeling the heat.

"Jesus, you're so wet," she murmured into Pat's mouth. "I'm going to go crazy if I don't get my hands on you."

"Carly?"

"Christ!" Carly pulled away again, picking up the phone. "I'm sorry. It fell," she said. "What is it?" she asked impatiently.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Elsa demanded.

"Nothing. I'll see you when you get here."

"Fine. Do you need anything?"

"No! Wait, yes. Fish," she said as Pat's mouth found hers again.

"Fish?"

"For the egrets," she murmured before she disconnected. She tossed the phone on the table and grabbed Pat's hand, pulling her towards the bedroom. She pulled her shirt over her head, then reached for Pat's.

"Hurry. They're on their way."

Pat stared at Carly's exposed breasts. She was beautiful. Then she remembered last night. Remembered how Carly's breasts had looked in the shadows. No, it wasn't a dream. She went to Carly, pulling her into her arms, their mouths meeting again.

"We could wait," Pat offered. "There's not enough time. I don't want to hurry through this, Carly."

"I swear, if you stop this now, you'll be in the bay before they get here," Carly threatened. Her hands went to Pat's shorts, and she unbuttoned them, sliding the zipper down in one motion. She didn't care that Elsa and Martin were coming. She didn't care that they wouldn't have time to savor this. She wanted Pat. She needed her. Now.

Pat let her shorts fall and she stood nearly naked, watching as Carly's eyes darkened at the sight of her. No, they couldn't wait. Her own hands reached for Carly's shorts, pulling them down.

"Beautiful," she whispered. Her eyes rested on the only piece of clothing still covering Carly. Then her hands slipped inside the waistband of her panties, urging them downward.

Carly closed her eyes as Pat exposed her. Her chest rose and fell with each breath. Then she reached out, pushing away the last bit of clothing covering Pat, leaving her as naked as Carly was.

"Mi Dios," she murmured. She moved back to the bed, pulling Pat with her. Then Pat was covering her body and Carly opened her legs, surging up to meet Pat as she felt her weight upon her. Their kisses were slower now, not hurried and Pat's tongue traced Carly's lips before slipping inside. Carly took her, sucking her tongue, swallowing Pat's groan that mingled with her own.

"Please touch me, Pat," Carly whispered. "Please."

Pat lifted up, supporting her weight with one arm and the other hand moved over Carly's breasts, then downward, touching damp curls. Carly's hips rose to meet her and Pat slid her fingers into her wetness.

"Oh . . . yes," Carly breathed. She jerked up hard when Pat entered her and her hips moved, meeting Pat's thrusts. It had been too long. Carly had forgotten the feeling of another's touch upon her. Then she groaned loudly as Pat's mouth found her breast. Her nipple ached as Pat's tongue swirled around it, finally sucking it into her mouth. Carly's hips arched again and her own hands moved over Pat's warm flesh, into her still damp hair and held her close against her breast.

Pat was lost in the sensation of Carly's wetness. She felt the muscles contract against her fingers and she pulled out again, meeting each thrust of Carly's hips. She knew Carly was close to climaxing and with her thumb, she touched her swollen clit. That was all it took. Carly cried out, her hips moving hard against Pat's fingers. Pat left Carly's breast, moving to her mouth and catching the last of Carly's screams. Finally, she felt Carly's body relax against the bed, felt as Carly's arms pulled her tight against her.

Carly closed her eyes as she held Pat against her. Pat's fingers were still inside her and Carly squeezed her legs tight, holding them. It was too fast. Much too fast.

"Thank you for not making me throw you in the bay," Carly whispered. "But I still haven't had my hands on you. And I so want to touch you."

Pat rolled over, pulling Carly with her. Carly settled between her thighs, her mouth finding her breast before Pat could speak. Pat's hands slid up Carly's back, holding her firmly against her. She couldn't remember a time when she'd wanted another's touch like she now wanted Carly's. Carly moved her mouth back to Pat's, kissing her lightly.

Carly leaned on her elbows, looking at Pat. Her eyes were closed. Carly smiled and pressed into her, feeling Pat's wetness as it coated her stomach. Her hands itched to touch her and she moved between them, wondering at how many years it had been since she'd touched someone like this. The few affairs she'd had over the years were never like this. They were just a quick release then forgotten. With Pat, she would never forget.

She found Pat's wetness and moved into it. Like silk through her fingers, she touched her. Pat moaned, her eyes opening and finding Carly's. Carly closed her own as her fingers slipped inside Pat. So warm. So wet.

"I had forgotten how it felt," she whispered. She pulled out, finding Pat swollen and she moved over her, teasing her. When Pat's hips moved against her, she entered her again, feeling Pat clutch her hand tightly between her thighs.

They both heard the car door slam at the same time. Pat whimpered as Carly pulled away from her.

"I don't believe this," Pat whispered. She pulled Carly's hand back to her, pressing it hard between her thighs. "Don't you dare leave me like this."

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry," Carly murmured. She kissed Pat hard, part of her wanting to ignore Elsa and Martin and finish what they'd started. She let her fingers slide through Pat's wetness again. It wouldn't take long, she knew.

"Hello?" Elsa called from downstairs.

"Christ!" Carly rolled away from Pat, nearly laughing at the pained expression on Pat's face.

"I just can't catch a break, can I?" Pat murmured. Then she too got up, taking her clothes from Carly's outstretched hands.

"You deserve it for all the times you made me wait," Carly said. She pulled her T-shirt over her head then went to Pat and held her. "And you were right. We needed hours for this." She kissed her, letting her lips linger. And that was all it took. Her desire flared again and she groaned as she pulled away from Pat. "I can't keep my hands off you, you realize that, don't you?" She took Pat's hand and brought it to her lips, kissing it softly. "I want to make love to you. And I want to take hours doing it."

"You can't just tell me something like that and walk away," Pat said. She reached for Carly and pulled her against her, kissing her hard.

"You guys up here?" Elsa called again.

"Get dressed," Carly said as she pulled away. "I promise I'll make it up to you."

She closed the door after her and Pat laid back down on the bed. So close. She had been so close. But she smiled. It didn't matter. It was enough to remember how it felt to be inside Carly, how it felt to bring her to orgasm. And later, tonight perhaps, they would have time to explore each other at leisure. Pat ached to know how Carly would taste. She groaned, imagining her mouth between Carly's thighs.

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

"What's going on?" Elsa asked when Carly met her on the stairs.

"Just . . . getting dressed," she said. It wasn't a lie. "How were the roads?"

"Good. A lot of trees down. We saw a barn that was completely lost out off 39."

Carly nodded. "Fish?"

Elsa held up a bag.

"Where's Pat?"

"She's . . . ah . . . she'll be down in a minute. Why don't you help me feed the egrets," Carly suggested. "Where's Martin?"

"He went to check on the barn." Elsa followed Carly back down the stairs, finally taking her arm to stop her when they entered the kitchen. "What's going on? You're acting strange."

"I'm not acting strange. I'm just . . . tired. Didn't sleep much last night, with the storm and all."

"Uh huh."

"Really."

"And how did Pat sleep?"

"She slept fine. In fact, I gave her a pain pill and she was out."

"A pain pill? What happened?"

"She got hit in the head with a limb. When she was out."

"Mi Dios! I told you it was too dangerous to be out. Estupido! She could have been killed!"

"Don't you think I know that?"

"What's all the yelling?" Pat asked from the doorway.

"Jesus! Look at you," Elsa said. She walked to Pat, gently touching her bruised cheek. "Stitches? You let her give you stitches?"

Pat met Carly's eyes and smiled, still seeing the lingering desire there.

"She didn't exactly give me a choice," Pat said. "In fact, she tied me down and had her way with me."

"I most certainly did not. If I'd had you tied down, I'd have stitched your mouth shut as well."

"Well, I see nothing's changed with you two," Elsa said.

Pat and Carly exchanged glances again, then Carly lifted the towel off the egrets. Twin mouths opened immediately.

"I know you're hungry. Tia Elsa brought you some lunch," she cooed.

"Dios, they're ugly," Elsa said as she peered into the box. Then she looked at Pat. "You risked your life to save them?"

"Yes, I did. They were just so helpless out there. They would have been killed."

"You could have been killed," Elsa said.

Pat shrugged. "But I wasn't."

She watched as Carly cut the fish into small pieces, then smiled as the hungry birds snatched it up. She touched the bruise on her cheek. Yes, it was all worth it.

"Where's Martin?" she asked.

"Outside checking the damage."

"I think I'll join him," Pat said. "Been cooped up long enough. Besides, I want to get some shots," she said, holding up her camera.

Carly grabbed her arm as she walked past.

"Be careful. Don't do any bending or lifting," Carly said. "Your cheek, it'll just start throbbing again."

"Are you threatening me with another pain pill, Dr. Cambridge?"

"No. We certainly can't have a repeat of last night," she teased.

"No, we can't." Pat flicked her eyes to Elsa who was listening to their every word. She stepped closer to Carly and whispered, "Because I want my mouth on you tonight."

Then she walked away, leaving a stunned Carly staring after her. Carly squeezed her eyes shut against the vision of Pat lying between her legs, bringing her to orgasm with her mouth. Mi Dios.

She knew Elsa was watching her as she went back to feeding the egrets, but she ignored her. Knowing Elsa, it wouldn't last long.

"Oh my God," Elsa said.

"What?"

"You had sex."

"What are you talking about?" Carly said, trying to sound offended.

"You're blushing. You never could lie worth a damn."

Carly raised her eyes, intending to deny it, but when she met Elsa's amused eyes, she smiled and nodded.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Details," Elsa demanded.

"I will not. And not one word in front of Pat. I mean it."

"You are so cute." Then her eyes widened. "Oh, Dios! When we drove up? When you didn't come down?"

"Yes. Are you happy now?"

"Yes. I'm happy now." Elsa walked over and hugged Carly hard. "I knew she was the one," Elsa said.

"The one? I think that's a bit premature, Elsa."

"No. She makes you laugh. She makes you happy. And you probably don't even know it, but Pat's eyes light up each and every time she looks at you."

"Elsa, if I tell you something, you promise you won't over-react?"

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"I promise."

"Pat doesn't intend for this to be a . . . passing affair. In fact, she wouldn't even sleep with me unless I knew what the stakes were," she said. "I could fall in love with her, Elsa. It would be so easy. But what if it ends? I'm not sure I could manage again."

Elsa smiled sweetly at her. "You're already in love with her, Carly."

Carly hung her head. "If I don't say the words, I can still believe that I'm not," she said quietly. "It hurts. Just the thought of losing her hurts."

"You've just begun. Why are you insisting that it will end?"

"Because that's what happens with me," she said.

"It happened once," Elsa reminded her.

"And I can't go through it again. I promised myself I would never let anyone get inside me again."

"It's too late, Carly. She is inside you."

"Yes, I know she is."

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

"Hey, Martin," Pat greeted. He was walking around the barn, checking for damage.

"Pat." Then, "Good God, what happened to you?"

"Oh, had a run-in with an oak limb," she said. "But I'm okay."

"Elsa said you were out trying to rescue the egrets," he said. "Is that when it happened?"

"Yes. Foolish, I know. But we'd gotten kinda attached to them."

"Dr. Cambridge made you go out?"

"No, no. It was my idea. Not her fault." Then Pat looked at the old barn. "Any damage?"

"Lost a section of roof on the back side, but other than that, it looks okay."

"You think it's too wet to take your truck out and start on the limbs?" she asked.

"Probably. But we can at least pick them up around the house and the Visitor's Center. Those we can lift anyway. Tomorrow I'll take the chainsaw out and start on the trees."

"What are we going to do with it all? Burn it?"

"The branches, yes. But the trees and larger limbs, we can sell to one of the firewood places. Won't get much for it, but at least it won't go to waste."

"Maybe they would come out and cut it," Pat suggested.

"Normally, yes. But after a storm like this, they'll have more business than they can handle."

They walked back to the house just as Elsa and Carly walked out.

"Well?"

"Just lost part of the roof. That can be easily fixed. I see the ranch house had a problem with the roof, too," Martin said, pointing.

"Yes. But I think it's superficial. I don't believe we had any water inside."

"Well, Pat and I were just discussing starting on the downed limbs. At least around here and the Visitor's Center."

Carly looked around. It seemed an impossible job. The ground was literally covered with limbs and branches. But they had to start somewhere.

For the next several hours, they loaded Martin's truck time and again, but they had hardly made a dent. Pat was helping, despite Carly's objections. She had wandered around with her camera for awhile, but then she insisted on helping. And now, she could see the pain in Pat's face but she still refused to stop. Carly finally went to her and touched her arm lightly.

"Why don't you stop? I can see you're in pain."

"I want to help," she said stubbornly.

"Yes, I know. But I have plans for you tonight. What good will you be if I have to give you a pain pill?"

"Dr. Cambridge, are you planning on having your way with me?"

"Yes, I am. And I want you fully awake."

"Then maybe I should lie down now and rest up, huh?"

"I think that's a wonderful idea."

Pat captured her eyes, seeing the simmering desire that Carly didn't try to hide.

"You look at me like that and I just want to drag you inside with me," Pat whispered.

"Martin and Elsa might object," Carly said.

"I don't think Martin or Elsa would even know," she said, motioning with her head. Martin and Elsa were locked in an embrace on the other side of his truck.

Carly shook her head and smiled. It appeared Elsa had finally found her Mr. Right.

"Go inside and rest," Carly said. "You should probably call Rachel, too."

"Yes. I'll check in with her."

"Are you okay, really?" Carly asked.

"It's throbbing again," Pat admitted. "But nothing like last night."

"It's from all the bending over," Carly said. She reached out and touched Pat's face, feeling for a fever. But her skin was cool. She met Pat's eyes, again wanting nothing more than to drown in them. She pulled Pat to her and touched her lips lightly.

"Now you've done it," Pat whispered. She pulled Carly into her arms and kissed her, her mouth opening to Carly, meeting her tongue with her own.

Carly dropped the limb she was holding and wrapped her arms around Pat's shoulders, pulling her close. She simply could not resist this woman.

"Excuse me! I thought we were working here," Elsa called.

Carly pulled away guiltily. She had forgotten they were not alone. And the night could not come soon enough.

"Go inside before I really embarrass myself," Carly urged. "You're not safe."

"Don't work yourself to death, Carly. I have some plans of my own tonight."

Carly watched her walk away, her stride so confident and sure, her back straight. She was magnificent to look at but it was her personality that Carly had fallen in love with. Her outside beauty was just a bonus.

"Did I just say that?" In love? Yes.

"Not trying to keep it a secret, huh?" Elsa said as she walked up to her. Martin drove off with another load.

"I can't seem to keep my hands off her," Carly admitted.

"Well how could you? She's a goddess."

Carly smiled. Yes, she was. And she was her goddess.

"And I saw you sucking face with Martin."

Elsa blushed. "Sucking face? That is so gross."

Carly laughed. "Martin seemed to be enjoying it."

"Yes, he was."

"So, are you going to tell me what's going on with you two?"

"We're . . . seeing each other," Elsa said.

"I gathered as much. What else?"

"Well there's no wedding planned, if that's what you're getting at."

"Are you in love with him?"

"I think I am," Elsa admitted. "He, however, has said no such thing."

Carly saw the sadness in Elsa's eyes and she squeezed her arm.

"Give him time," Carly suggested.

"It's ironic, isn't it? The first man I've met that I think could be husband material and he's only interested in sex."

Carly tried to think of some advice to give but she had none. What did she know about it?

"Give him time," Carly said again. "Martin is an honorable man. Maybe he thinks all you want is sex."

"It's not like we jumped into bed the first time we went out."

Carly raised her eyebrows but said nothing.

"Okay, maybe the second," Elsa admitted. "But I liked him."

"And maybe that's why he thinks that's all you want," Carly said gently. "Maybe he's afraid you'll run if he suggests more."

"You really have no clue about men, do you? It's the man who runs when the woman mentions the "L" word. Besides, he's been married before. He's probably scared to death of me."

"What I just saw was not scared to death," Carly said.

They heard Martin's truck approach and they went back to picking up limbs, Carly's thoughts on her two friends. She wanted Elsa to be happy. She had been single for as long as Carly had known her, dating several men but never finding the one that she wanted. At least she had not settled on anything less.

Her thoughts suddenly went to Carol, trying to remember how their relationship had even started. How they had ended up moving in together. She had been so blind to everything. She had never had a relationship before, not even with a man when she still thought she was straight. Her studies were always more important. She never gave thought as to why she didn't find any of the boys in her high school attractive. And even in college, she had buried herself in books and studying, she never thought about dating. Her friendship with Carol was just that, nothing else. But suddenly, Carol had offered her more and she took it, finally realizing why men had never attracted her. She had no concept of what a perfect mate should be. There was only Carol.

It happened so fast, she hadn't had time to analyze it. She had simply wanted to make Carol happy. But no matter how much she spent on her, how much she helped with her studies, it was never enough. Carol always wanted more. And Carly tired to give it to her. A house. A new car. She never stopped to consider her own wants and needs.

She should be thankful Carol had only used her for four years and then moved on. What if she had stuck around longer, continuing her affair on the side? Would Carly have ever known?

And now Pat was offering her something again. Friendship, love. It felt so different with Pat. And Carly admitted that it also felt right. Pat didn't want anything from her except friendship and love in return. There was no underlying agenda. She wasn't using her for personal gain. Pat just wanted . . . her. Nothing more. And Carly so wanted to give herself to Pat. But she was still afraid. She knew that she wouldn't survive if Pat ended up hurting her. If she gave herself to Pat, that would be it. There would be no going back. Could she trust Pat with her life?

"Yes."

CHAPTER FIFTY

"So, you didn't blow away?" Pat asked.

"About time you checked on your old aunt. I could have been blown to San Antonio by now."

"I've been busy," Pat said.

"Yes, I figured. Have you slept with her yet?"

"I can't believe you just asked me that! We were stranded. We barely survived the storm and you're thinking about sex."

"Does that mean yes?"

"I'm not going to answer you."

"That means yes. I'm so happy for you. About time you got laid."

"Aunt Rachel!"

"Oh, please. Give an old woman a little excitement."

"Okay. I'll give you details when I see you," Pat said with a smile. "Now, how are things at your place?"

"Only lost one tree. That old oak at the edge of the property. I'll have a better view of the bay now, at least."

"Do you need help? Or has Alice called your 'crew' in again."

"Yes, they've already taken the shutters off and cut up the tree."

"I assume you're still without power?"

"Yes, but they've restored it on the north side. Alice is going to run out and pick up dinner. That is, if she can get in. There are only two restaurants open."

"Okay. Well, I guess I'm going to stay here again tonight," Pat said. "I'll make a run to the island in the morning."

"And how is everything there, Pat? No major damage?"

"No. Just trees."

"Very well. I hope you'll come by tomorrow when you're in town."

"I will. I'm sure I'll be starving by then. Let Alice know."

Pat tossed her cell phone down and stretched out on the sofa. Her face was throbbing and she'd swallowed a couple of ibuprofen. Hopefully that would help. No way was she taking a pain pill. Not when Carly had plans for her.

She grinned as her eyes closed. It had happened so fast, really. Her gentle courting had been rebuffed easily by Carly. At least on the outside. But Carly's eyes didn't lie. And the storm had thrown them together, giving them a chance to be alone. A chance to explore their feelings. She wondered if Carly had accepted what was happening between them yet. Physically, yes. That was obvious. But emotionally, she wondered if Carly was still trying to keep her distance.

"Doesn't matter," Pat murmured. "I can see it in her eyes."

And that was how Carly and Elsa found her later, stretched out on the sofa and sound asleep.

"Look at that, she's adorable," Elsa whispered.

"Yes, she is," Carly agreed. She let her eyes linger on the long legs that were crossed at the ankles. Then she moved to Pat's face, noting how peaceful she looked in sleep, even with the bruise.

They went into the kitchen and made sandwiches. Carly left Pat's on the table, wrapped in foil. The others, they took downstairs to join Martin. Carly grabbed one of the bags of chips on her way out.

"I should really feed the egrets," Carly said.

"Eat first," Elsa said. "You must be starving."

"So must they. Go on out. It'll just take me a minute."

She unwrapped the fish and turned her face away. It was already beginning to smell. She wished she had thought to ask them to bring some ice. But she was lucky she had even remembered the fish. The two birds were indeed starved. They took the fish easily from her hands and she knew she needed to get them outside soon. She couldn't just keep them in the box indefinitely. Maybe Martin could rig up some sort of cage for her.

Martin had pulled the lawn chairs back out and they sat under the oaks and ate. The sun had finally broken through the clouds and the day seemed almost normal.

"It's so nice out," Carly mused. "Hard to believe that yesterday a storm was raging."

"Yes. I can't believe the sun is out." Elsa said.

"I really appreciate you coming out today. It would have been a great day to stay inside and lounge around."

"Not without electricity and AC," Elsa said. "Besides, we've got to get this cleaned up sooner or later."

"Speaking of that, Martin, will you call around and see about getting the large limbs picked up? I know you said something about firewood."

"I'll call, but they will be swamped with offers. We may have to move it ourselves."

Carly shrugged. "Oh well. We can haul it out back for now. It won't hurt anything. I just don't want to spend a lot of time on that. We need to get the marsh drained and planted. And I'm sure it will be at least a week before it's dry enough for them to get their equipment back out."

"How will we drain the marsh?" Martin asked.

"I'll have to hire someone from one of the rigs. We'll pump it back into the bay," she said.

"And the cost?" Elsa asked.

"Outrageous. I don't even want to think about it. But it's got to be done."

They rested a bit longer, then went back to work. Carly swore her back would never be the same after bending over all day. The only thing that kept her spirits up was knowing that later, after a shower, she and Pat would be alone.

It was nearly four when Carly called a halt to their labor. They would be totally exhausted tomorrow if they didn't stop.

"Let's call it a day, guys," she said.

"I won't argue with that," Elsa said.

They were still working around the Visitor's Center but they had made good progress. Carly then saw a familiar figure walking towards them. And a freshly showered one, if the wet hair was any indication.

"Damn, you're a slave driver, Dr. Cambridge. I doubt they'll even come back tomorrow," Pat teased.

"I doubt I'll even be able to get out of bed in the morning," Elsa complained.

"And I doubt this will be the reason," Carly said with a smile. Elsa blushed, then looked at Martin, hoping he hadn't heard.

"How was your cold shower?" Carly asked Pat.

"Refreshing. You ought to try it."

"What are you saying?"

"I should have brought my camera out. This would make a great shot for the next brochure."

"I told you before, I will not be in the brochure."

"And I told you before, people want to know who is spending their money. In their mind, they see old Mrs. Davenport and they hesitate. But if they saw you, they'd think you were totally sexy and would open up their wallets."

"You are so full of shit," Carly said.

"It's true."

"I think it's a good idea," Elsa said.

"Oh, no. Not you, too? I will not be in the damn brochure."

"Can I still take your picture?" Pat asked.

"No, you may not. And you must be feeling better. Your mouth has not stopped moving since you've been out here."

Pat grinned. "Well, that's a good thing, right?"

Carly blushed and walked past Pat, playfully hitting her stomach as she passed.

"Do I even want to know what that was all about?" Elsa asked.

"No," Carly tossed over her shoulder.

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

When Carly stepped out of the bathroom, clad in clean shorts, a T-shirt and wet hair, she found Pat in the kitchen, making them sandwiches.

"I'm going to hate sandwiches by the time this is all over with," Carly said.

"Me, too. I'm thinking a bowl of gumbo would hit the spot."

"And fried shrimp," Carly added.

"I'm starving."

"Me, too."

Pat pointed to the table. "I made you a drink. Bourbon. But there's no ice."

"I don't care." Carly settled at the table and lifted the glass, then paused. "I should really go feed the egrets."

"I did it. The fish smells like hell, though. I doubt we'll be able to stand touching it in the morning."

"I'll need to go into town anyway. I've got to get something to keep them in," she said.

"Pet store?"

"No. I'll go to one of the vets in town and borrow a cage."

"You think they'll make it?"

"Yes. They're old enough. Another two weeks, maybe, then we can let them go."

"You think the parents will come back?"

Carly shrugged. "Maybe. I hope so. It would be nice, wouldn't it?"

"Yes." Pat looked at her damp hair, already nearly dry and reached across the table to brush it away from Carly's face. Their eyes met as Pat's fingers brushed across Carly's cheek. "Why are we making small talk?"

"Because I thought it would be uncivilized if I just dragged you back to the bedroom right away."

"Is that what you want to do?"

Carly blushed. "I've thought of little else all day."

Pat nodded. "Me, too."

"Do you find it amusing?" Carly asked.

"What?"

"That I can't seem to control myself around you. That I can't keep my hands off you," she said quietly.

"Amusing? No, I find it to be exciting . . . refreshing," Pat said. "In case you haven't noticed, I can't exactly keep my hands off you, either."

"I never thought this would happen to me, Pat," Carly admitted. "The first day I met you, I knew you were dangerous. I tried so hard to keep you away."

"I know. But I didn't want to be kept away."

"I still can't promise you anything, Pat."

"Can't or won't?"

"Please don't make me," Carly whispered. "I'm scared of what I feel for you."

"You know I'm in love with you, don't you?"

Carly squeezed her eyes shut and looked away. "Please don't say that."

"Is it easier for you to pretend that I'm not? That way, it can just be sex between us? No real ties?"

"I'm scared you'll hurt me," Carly admitted.

"So I shouldn't tell you that I want to wake up with you for the rest of my life?"

"Oh, Pat," Carly whispered. She took Pat's hand and squeezed it, finally meeting her eyes. "You don't know what you're asking of me."

"Yes, I do."

They sat quietly at the table with hands clasped between them for long moments, their eyes meeting then pulling away. Finally, Pat stirred.

"You know what I'd like to do?"

"Hmm?"

"Catch the sunset," Pat said. "There's this great little spot on Goose Island that looks out over Copano Bay. I think we can make it in time," she said.

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

Pat turned down the dirt road, ignoring the 'Private Property' sign. The road escaped the oak motes and ended right at the bay. They both got out and stood in front of Pat's Jeep, eyes turned to the west as the sun hovered over the bay.

Then Pat pulled Carly in front of her and leaned against the Jeep, holding Carly lightly from behind. Carly's hands came up and covered Pat's at her waist and she sighed contentedly. They said nothing, just watched as the sun dipped lower in the sky, turning the bay a brilliant orange. Then, as the sun touched the water, a rosy red replaced the orange, shimmering in the waves, only to be replaced by a gentle pink glow where the sun had been only moments before.

For the first time that Pat could remember, she didn't itch to hold her camera. She was holding all that she needed. Carly.

"That was beautiful," Carly whispered.

"Yes, it was."

They remained that way, looking out over the bay as the pink faded from the sky. Finally, Pat moved, turning Carly in her arms to face her.

"Yesterday, a storm was raging . . . today, we're blessed with a beautiful sunset. No matter what happens, the sun still comes and goes as planned, doesn't it?"

Carly nodded, her eyes locked on Pat's.

"You know, it's funny. All these years, I had given up on finding someone. I mean, I'm thirty-six. I figured I was destined to be alone. It's not that I never looked, you know. I did. But I was always looking for someone that could be there for me. I always imagined the perfect someone that would be a part of my life. I never really considered what I would be to them. It was always about me.

But I find myself wanting to be the perfect someone for you. I want to be your hero. I want to be your rock. I want to be there for you to lean on. I find what I need is to be needed . . . by you. To be trusted by you. Everything I imagined in my life before seems so shallow compared to what I feel in my heart for you, Carly. I never thought I could truly love someone. It wasn't a part of my life. But I so want to love you, Carly."

Carly let her tears fall. She no longer cared if Pat saw them. She reached out a gentle hand and touched Pat's face, surprised to find dampness there as well. Her heart broke. This wonderful, proud woman loved her. How could she deny that? How could she possibly run from this?

"You're just a romantic fool, aren't you?" Carly whispered.

"Yes."

Carly leaned forward and kissed Pat, softly, gently, without the raging passion that normally consumed them. This kiss was totally about love . . . and the joining of souls.

"Take me home, Pat. I want to make love to you. I need to make love to you."

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

Carly placed the oil lamp on the table beside them. She was actually nervous. This was no longer about sex. It was about love.

Pat stood beside her, fully clothed, as was she. Pat, too, seemed nervous. Carly went to her and wrapped her arms around her and held her. Just held her, this woman who wanted to be her hero, her rock. Carly's heart swelled with love, so much so that she was sure it would burst in her chest. She wanted to cry . . . she wanted to laugh. She wanted to make love to this woman.

She finally pulled away, finding Pat's mouth. The slow kiss quickly turned hungry as their bodies pressed together and hands moved freely over the other.

"You have no idea how much I want you right now," Carly murmured into Pat's mouth. She pulled Pat's shirt from her shorts and found warm skin, her hands moving up to her breasts. She pushed her bra aside, cupping her breasts, fingers moving over nipples.

Pat moaned, finally stepping away and pulling her shirt and bra over her head. Then Carly's hands found her again as their mouths joined and mated.

"Take it off, please," Pat murmured, tugging at Carly's shirt.

"No, no, no. It's my turn," she whispered. Her hands went to Pat's shorts, sliding them down her legs impatiently. "Lay down. Let me make love to you. Please?"

Pat trembled at the desire she saw in Carly's eyes. She obeyed without question, sinking onto the bed, her eyes never leaving Carly's. Then Carly pulled her own shirt off, leaving her standing in bra and shorts and Pat reached out a hand to touch her.

"No. It's my turn," Carly said again. She finished undressing, then went to Pat, kneeling down before her and she slowly slid Pat's panties over her hips and down to her ankles, tossing them on the floor with the rest of her clothing.

"You're so beautiful . . . it should be a crime," Carly murmured as her hands moved gently over Pat's body. "So beautiful. I can't believe you want to give this to me," she whispered.

"Please come here," Pat whispered. She pulled Carly on top of her, settling her weight between her legs. "You say I'm beautiful, when you have no idea how breathtaking you are."

Then there was no time for words as their mouths joined again. When Pat's hands moved over Carly's body, she grabbed them both and held them captive over Pat's head. Her mouth dipped lower, finding Pat's breast, sucking her nipple inside. She feasted, knowing she would never get enough.

Pat arched into her, loving the feeling of Carly at her breast. Her hands ached to touch her, ached to be inside her, but Carly still held them tightly. Then Carly pressed her hips into Pat, rubbing against her intimately and Pat surged up to meet her, rising off the bed as they touched.

Carly finally released Pat's hands, moving down her body, tasting every inch of her. She wanted to be between her thighs, she wanted to taste the most intimate part of Pat.

Pat threw her head back in surrender as Carly moved down her body. Her hips arched, searching, wanting Carly's mouth on her.

Carly spread Pat's legs, seeing her glistening curls in the shadows of the oil lamp. She closed her eyes and groaned, knowing she would never be the same if she took Pat this way. It no longer mattered. Pat had already taken her heart.

Pat cried out when Carly's mouth found her. She clutched at the bed sheets, her eyes squeezed tight against the pleasure. Then Carly's tongue moved through her wetness, finding her swollen and ready. Carly's lips took her inside, sucking hard against her and Pat rose off the bed, her hips unable to remain still. Then Carly slowed, her tongue again moving through her, finally plunging inside her.
"Oh, dear God," Pat murmured. Her hands reached out and grabbed Carly's head, holding her firmly to her as her hips undulated against her mouth.

Carly was delirious with pleasure as her mouth feasted on Pat. So wet, so sweet. She felt her own wetness soaking the bed, felt her own throbbing between her thighs. Her tongue pulled out of Pat and her lips found her again, sucking her hard. She struggled to hold Pat down, her hands pressing against Pat's hips as she held her legs apart. Then she felt Pat still, heard her breath catch and hold, then Pat rose up again, one last time, screaming out her pleasure as she climaxed against Carly's mouth.

Pat laid back, pulling Carly up her body, knowing Carly needed her own release. She felt as Carly straddled her thigh, felt her wetness coat her as Carly ground into her hard. Pat's hand moved between them, finding Carly wet and ready. She touched her, stroking her as Carly pressed against her thigh.

Carly felt Pat's hand on her and she reached for it, grinding against her fingers as she sought release. She bent her head low to capture Pat's lips and she came instantly, crying out into Pat's mouth.

She finally collapsed on top of Pat, letting her weight settle over her. She felt Pat's arms come around her, gently caressing her back as her lips moved over her face.

Carly finally pulled away, resting her weight on her arms. She met Pat's eyes and she smiled. Then she bent her head and kissed her softly, gently.

"Oh, Pat . . . I love you," she whispered, so quietly, she wasn't sure Pat had even heard her.

"And I love you with all my heart," Pat whispered back. "I want to love you for the rest of my life."

"Yes. I think I'd like that."

Pat kissed her again, then quickly rolled them over, penning Carly beneath her.

"You know what I'd like? I'd like to make love to you for the rest of the night," she murmured, her lips trailing kisses over her breasts, then finally lower, to where Carly needed her the most.

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

"I think that was taken in my front yard," she told Rachel. "I wonder why it's not mentioned in the caption?"

Pat glared at Mrs. Davenport as she made her way around the Visitor's Center, looking at the framed prints that adorned the walls.

"It was taken here," Pat insisted.

"You probably don't even know what it is."

"I most certainly do. It's a . . .." Shit! What was it again? Sandpiper something or other. Oh, goddamn it! They all looked alike.

"As I suspected, you have no idea. It's a Long-billed Dowitcher. They often winter in my yard, by the pond. And this looks suspiciously like it.
"It was taken at the pond out here," Pat said. "Not in your damn yard."

"Now, Pat," Aunt Rachel said. "Is that any way to talk to Mrs. Davenport? After all she's done for you?"

Pat looked appropriately chastised as she glared at the old woman. It wasn't enough that four of the prints mentioned Mrs. Davenport's pond. Now she wanted to claim credit for others.

"I apologize. The ones I took at your pond are farther down the hall there," she said as sweetly as she could.

She let them walk off without her, then glanced around the crowded Visitor's Center. It would be opened to the public next week, but today they had invited the local birders who had helped them throughout the last year and a handful of donors who had contributed large sums of money to this project.

She walked to a window, looking out at the bright sunshine. The old road to the bay was now paved, as was the road to the new marshes. And the marsh looked good, she had to admit. The native grasses they had planted had taken hold, as had the reeds. She spotted two white birds and she smiled. Their egrets, no doubt. They had released them back at the pond and she and Carly both cried when the parents returned. They had spent nearly every evening out there watching the four birds, watching as the parents taught the young to fish. The two young had finally moved to the marsh but the parents stayed at the pond.

She turned back to the room, scanning the crowd. She found Elsa and Martin talking quietly in one corner. She smiled as she caught the sparkle of Elsa's engagement ring. She moved away from them, her eyes searching, finally finding Carly as she talked to three men in suits. Board members. And they looked completely out of place among the birders.

Carly glanced up, feeling Pat's eyes on her. She smiled warmly at her lover, then excused herself. She hadn't talked to Pat since early that morning.

"Hi, love," she whispered. "Having fun?"

"Mingling with birders . . . my very favorite thing in the world," Pat teased.

"I've missed you," Carly said. "Have you been showing Mrs. Davenport around?"

"God, yes. Much more of this and I'll need therapy. I'm convinced the woman is trying to drive me insane."

"You may be right. She certainly enjoys baiting you."

"How much longer?" Pat asked, glancing again at the suits.

"Not long. I'm sure they'll be heading back in an hour or so."

"Well, that's too long," she murmured. "I haven't kissed you all day." She took Carly's hand and pulled her behind the counter and into the storage room. She shut the door firmly behind her.

"Well, this is subtle," Carly teased. "I'm sure no one has a clue."

"Hush," Pat said, silencing Carly with a kiss.

Carly melted into her embrace, her fingers sliding into Pat's silky hair. When Pat grabbed her hips and pulled her against her, Carly felt the now familiar stirring of desire. It had been nearly a year and she still couldn't keep her hands off this woman. She let her hands slip lower, cupping Pat's breasts. Pat moaned into her mouth and Carly squeezed gently.

"Don't tempt me," Pat threatened. "I just wanted to kiss you."

"Then you shouldn't have touched me," Carly whispered into her mouth. She pushed Pat against the counter, her hands moving lower, resting on the heat between Pat's thighs.

"Carly, don't," Pat said but her hips moved against Carly's hand anyway. God, this woman could drive her to the edge in seconds.

"But I want to." She unbuttoned Pat's shorts and slipped her hand inside, finding the wetness she knew would greet her. "Always so wet for me." She slid her fingers against Pat, moving through silk to reach her goal. "I love you so much, Pat," she whispered.

Pat met her thrust as Carly slipped inside her. She tried to stifle her groan but couldn't. Her hips moved faster now against Carly's hand. She pulled Carly into her arms, settling her lips against Carly's mouth, trying to muffle the sounds of pleasure that she could no longer keep in.

Carly's wet fingers found her clit, swollen and ready. Pat jerked against her, her teeth biting gently into her neck and Carly was lost. She groaned as she moved faster over Pat, stroking her to orgasm. She felt Pat arch and her mouth went to Pat's, catching her screams.

They stood leaning against each other, both breathing heavily. She finally pulled her hand away, moving under Pat's shirt and wiping the wetness against Pat's skin. Like always, she wished they had more time.

"Please let me touch you," Pat whispered, her hands sliding to Carly's waist. "I know you want me to. I know how wet you are."

Carly tilted her head back as Pat's lips moved over her neck. Yes, she was wet. Yes, she wanted Pat to touch her. But there was no time.

"No. I've got to get back," Carly said, stopping Pat's hands before they went inside her shorts.

"That's not fair. You can't just do that to me and then walk away."

"Of course I can." Carly kissed her quickly, the pulled away.

"Carly . . .."

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

Carly stopped at the door, a soft smile on her face. Then she walked back to Pat and kissed her again.

"I love you, too. You're my hero," she whispered.

"And tonight, we'll turn off the phones?"

"We'll turn off the phones," Carly promised.

Pat pulled Carly into her arms once again.

"Good. Because tonight, you're mine."

Carly smiled.

"I'll be yours forever."

The End