DISCLAIMERS: in Part 1

Hidden Desires, Part 35

©2002 -Vertigo-

Brooke wasn't as nervous as she should have been about Cayden coming over. Instead, she was very excited, and couldn't control her energy. She bounced around the house either smiling uncontrollably, or giggling happily as she waited for dinner time.

"Brooke, can you help me for a second?"

"Sure, mom." Happy to have something to do, Brooke darted into the kitchen eagerly.

"Can you mash the potatoes? My arms are tired."

Brooke took the masher and went to work. "Home made 'tatoes ma? Did we run out fo the fake stuff?"

"Don't you think Cayden deserves real potatoes?"

"Oh she deserves it." the blonde agreed. "She deserves anything she wants." she added quietly.

Harriet looked pointedly at her daughter. "Cayden is very important to you, isn't she?"

Brooke nodded and didn't look up from the potatoes. "It's like she's the most important thing. I think about her constantly, more than I ever thought about anything." She paused and glanced at her mother, who appeared to be listening in earnest, "I've been in relationships, I was in love before," she stopped mashing and looked her mother in the eye. "Why is this so different?"

Harriet sighed in thought. She folded her arms across her chest and leaned on the sink. "You've never felt like this before?"

Brooke shook her head. "No."

Mrs. Hewitt patted Brooke on the arm. "Tell me about it."

"Ma, I didn't even know her and I was dreaming about her. I thought it would stop once I got to know her, but now... she consumes my waking moments too! What's wrong with me?"

Harriet cracked a grin, she knew what Brooke was feeling all too well. "I think you'll be just fine, honey." She smiled warmly at her addled daughter.

Brooke sighed heavily. "I hope so." Finished with the mashing, she wandered distractedly into the living room. Sitting down, she continued to wonder. Mom smiles like she knows a secret. She says it's okay to feel like I do, but is it healthy? Am I obsessed? Is it normal to feel like I positively NEED to be with Cayden?

"Brooke?"

Brooke blinked a few times. "I'm sorry daddy, what did you say?"

"Well, " he began, then folded up his newspaper neatly. "I heard what you said to your mother," he crossed and uncrossed his legs uncomfortably. "She's right you know."

Brooke smiled at his effort. "Thanks daddy."

Bert picked up his paper again and disappeared behind it. Sure it was alright for Brooke to be this preoccupied with Cayden, but he was going to find out if Cayden returned the sentiments.

Brooke wandereed into her room to check her hair and as soon as her bedroom door closed, Harriet ran into the living room. "Bert!" she whisper-shouted. "Do you think she knows? Should we tell her?"

"Harriet, leave her alone. She doesn't need us to stick our noses into this any more than you already have."

Mrs. Hewitt narrowed her eyes and huffed. "Fine." she said and marched back into the kitchen.

**********************

Cayden was rolling the last of the cat hair off of her shirt when Wade came home. As soon as he stepped into the apartment she stormed inside. "When did you teach that fat fuck to open drawers?"

"Huh?" Wade took off his shoes and looked confused.

"I came out of the shower, and that" she pointed at the cat who was obliviously licking himself, "was inside my drawer.. happy as you please!"

Wade chuckled at first but after seeing how unamused Cayden was, made a serious face. "Bad La La Bird" he scolded half-heartedly. "Anyway, the big question is why you look so spiffy on your day off? Where's the torn panties and over washed T-shirt I've grown so fond of?"

"I'm going to Brooke's for dinner." Wade's eyes went wide, but before he could respond, Cayden held up a hand. "No comments please. I'm nervous enough. I'm going and that's that."

A broad smile covered his face. "Aww, this is so damned cute. I bet she said pleeeease."

Cayden's mouth hung open.

"I know I'm right. Something is happening isn't it Cayd?"

"Big time." she admitted, swallowing hard. "I had a lot of time to think today, and well, um.. I think Jodie may be right. " she said, getting a case of the nerves all over again.

"Jo's right? About what?"

"She says I'm in love with Brooke." Cayden replied in a low whisper.

"Oh, pshaw. I could have told you that ages ago. Now stop being such a wuss, pull up your big girl bloomers and go see your woman."

Cayden took a deep breath. "You're right. I'm an adult who's scared like a child."

"Aw, Cayd, it's new. Trust me, it'll grow on you if you let it."

Blue eyes narrowed in thought. "Ya think?"

"I know. Hey, I'm not exactly inexperienced in this you know. I've been in love. All these new confusing emotions, especially the neediness, it will all calm down. You'll find peace, trust me."

Cayden cracked half a smile. " Thanks Wade."

Wade opened his arms wide. "Oh come here you big, in love ol' lesbian."

Cayden chuckled and accepted the hug. The reassuring embrace felt good and she smiled. "Well, time to face the parents."

"You just be yourself, you ain't all that bad."

************************

Brooke jumped from the couch when the doorbell rang. Hurrying to get it, she bumped into her mother who beat her there. "Ma, it's my date not yours." she hissed.

"It's my house and I get to answer the door." With that, Harriet flung it open. "Why hello Cayden, you look lovely."

And I try so hard not to look lovely. "Hello, Mrs. Hewitt." Cayden replied respectfully, looking around for Brooke.

Brooke stepped in front of her mother, and pushed her backwards with her butt." "Hi." she said cheerfully.

Cayden had both eyebrows in the air at the curious behavior. "Am I late or something?" she wondered.

"Nope, you're right on time." Brooke said, suddenly getting a whiff of Cayden's cologne." God, she smells so good! "Come." she took the tall woman by the hand.

Cayden was surprised when she was led right past the living room and Mr. Hewitt, but grinned when she realized where they were going.

Once Brooke had Cayden behind her closed bedroom door, she threw herself into her arms. "Mmm, I missed you so much today."

Cayden sighed happily and wrapped her arms around Brooke. She felt suddenly complete and not at all anxious any more. Wade was right, just let it happen, it will be alright. "I missed you too." She kissed the top of Brooke's head and relaxed into her body.

The smaller woman pulled back and looked into comforting blue eyes. "From the moment I first saw you, I was amazed at the color of your eyes. I still am. They're gorgeous."

Cayden grinned shyly and tried not to look away. "Thank you, and yours aren't so bad you know." She looked deeply into Brooke's eyes and her stomach flipped over at the honesty she found there. She looked away quickly.

"What just happened?" Brooke asked, worried.

Cayden took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. "Nothing," she smiled. "I think I need a kiss."

Brooke didn't hesitate to cock her head back and offer her lips. She hummed in pleasure as their mouths met. Cayden's soft, warm lips never ceased to turn her knees to jelly, and when her hot tongue slipped past her lips, Brooke's stomach twirled.

Cayden lost herself in Brooke's kiss, it was always the most delicious sensation when their tongues met, but now, it reminded her of more intimate contact and she was immediately turned on.

Sensing a change in Cayden's intent, Brooke pulled away. "Whoa, easy there tiger. We have to eat dinner."

Cayden closed her eyes and willed her heart to slow down. "Sorry, I just... you make me... God!"

Brooke smiled and giggled. "You don't have to explain. I know exactly what you mean."

They stood there a moment to collect themselves before venturing out.

**************************

"Dinner's ready!"

The two women made their way through the apartment, Cayden again being led by Brooke. Once at the table, Cayden's nerves came back. Just as they did, Brooke squeezed her hand reassuringly, as if she knew how Cayden felt.

"Cayden." Mr. Hewitt said in acknowledgment. He was at a loss as how to greet her. Usually, he'd shake hands with Brooke's dates, but he wasn't sure this was appropriate for a woman. He nodded politely at her and made a mental note to ask Harriet of she'd heard of this on Maury.

"Hell,o Mr. Hewitt." Cayden sat down in the chair indicated by Brooke. This put her across from Bert and to the left of Harriet. She tried to discretely scoot her chair closer to Brooke, but the chair made a hideous noise as it scraped across the floor. "Sorry." she said in embarrassment.

"S'okay honey." Brooke said with a grin, and poured Cayden a glass of water.

Honey? In front of her parents? Nobody seemed to have noticed so Cayden let it drop.

Harriet took the pitcher and poured herself and Bert a glass. "So, Cayden, tell, me, how was your day?" she asked.

And we're off..Cayden smiled. "It was good. A quiet day at home is always nice." She drank some water to wet her dry mouth.

"Oh, so you don't work today?' Harriet inquired, dishing salad out to Bert and herself.

"No, it's my only day off." Cayden watched uncomfortably as Brooke took the tongs and filled both their salad bowls. Must talk to her about that.

"Dressing?" Brooke asked, smiling warmly.

Cayden couldn't help but smile back. "Yes." she replied, taking the bottle away from Brooke. "You don't have to wait on me." she said quietly. Although it was cute, she didn't need attending to.

Bert seemed to be engrossed in his salad, but surreptitiously studied Cayden. She was nervous, that was obvious. He'd used the same phoney smile plenty of times in his life. However, her whole demeanor changed when she looked at Brooke. Her smile was real and her eyes were warm. This pleased Bert. Cayden was genuine in her feelings for Brooke. He could eat his salad now.

Cayden waited uncomfortably for Bert to finish his salad. Mrs. Hewitt was staring at her and she just knew the woman was biting her tongue. She looked sideways at Brooke, who was smiling, and it gave her a little bit of relief. She opened her legs a bit wider, so her thigh touched Brooke's and felt even more at ease when it did.

Brooke was so happy that Cayden was actually there, sitting next to her that she couldn't stop smiling. Mom seemed to be behaving as best she could, and dad looked about as relaxed as ever. She slyly reached a hand under the table and rested it on Cayden's thigh. The tall woman started at the touch and shot a nervous look in her direction, but Brooke didn't flinch, nor did she move her hand. She sighed to herself in pleasure as the warmth of her lover's skin seeped through the fabric her pants.

Cayden just knew one of the parents saw Brooke's hand disappear. Harriet, it had to be her, she hadn't stopped looking at the tall woman the whole time. Surely she saw her jump in surprise. Cayden's nerves started fluttering back in a big way. With no food in front of her to play with and unable to bolt from the table, she took Jodie's sage advice and tried to picture Bert in his underwear. She looked at him through her eyelashes and hardly anything changed. She figured that's just as well, she could only see him from the waist up. Picturing Bert in an undershirt wasn't a stretch. Now, Harriet... she thought, glancing over at the older woman. Her eyes narrowed as she concentrated on Harriet's upper half. Stifling a snort at the sight she conjured up, Cayden blinked away the vision. Oh lord... who wants to see their woman's mother in her bra? What was I thinking? Snickering to herself, she turned towards Brooke just to clear her mind and nearly fell out of her chair. Oh, sure. HER I can see clearly in underwear. she thought, squeezing her eyes shut. This didn't help matters, as once her eyes were closed, her imagination ran wild with images of Brooke in various lingerie. Opening her eyes quickly, she focused on her glass of water.

"Okay, here's the pot roast!" Harriet announced, plunking down a large tray in the middle of the table. "There's potatoes and peas too. Dig in!"

Cayden, grateful for the distraction from Brooke's half naked images, dug in.

Brooke eyed her lover curiously, she was behaving strangely, even for Cayden. "Are you alright?" she asked quietly.

Cayden turned to Brooke, opened her mouth, then closed it quickly, eyes wide. Turning away she replied to her plate. "Fine."

Brooke's stared skeptically. "Hmm. I don't believe you." she whispered.

Cayden, refusing to look at Brooke, nodded rapidly. "Yes, I am. I'm fine." she said through her teeth.

Brooke pouted. She can't even look at me. I wonder what happened? Maybe it's my hand? As she thought that last bit, she unconsciously squeezed Cayden's thigh and she swore she heard the tall woman groan. Interesting... "Cayden, is everything alright?"

Her stare fixed to her plate, Cayden responded. "Yes, it's great. The potatoes are fantastic. Nothing like home made." she babbled.

In between forkfuls, Brooke glanced at her lover. Her leg was bouncing fast and furious and she refused to look in any direction but forward. What is she up to? She watched the brunette steal a peek at her, blush and look away quickly. That was wierd, she wasn't even looking at my face and ... Oh Cayden... just what are you thinking? Brooke smirked, and gave her theory a test. "Cayden, honey, is there something on my shirt? I think I splashed, but I cant tell."

In a terrible bind, Cayden swallowed hard and willed her imagination to behave. She turned her head slowly to catch a glimpse of Harriet in a turn of the century boustier, and then quickly averted her eyes to good old Bert in a dirty undershirt. Having nowhere else to turn, she turned to Brooke. Her lover was sitting there in a cupless bra and the tiniest panties in the world. A loud gasp escaped her. Shit She cursed even as she inhaled, knowing what she did. Her eyes went wide and as Cayden is want to do, began choking.

Harriet panicked instantly. "Oh! Slap her on the back! Pick her hands up in the air! Hang her by her feet!"

Mortified, Cayden lifted a hand and shook her head.

Although her lover was choking, Brooke smirked. Sex. She only chokes when there's sex. She patted Cayden on the back and whispered. "Serves you right for what you were thinking."

"My goodness!" Harriet stood up and ran to Cayden, whacking her on the back.

"Mom! Don't beat her!"

"She's choking to death!" Mrs. Hewitt yelled.

"Stop being so dramatic, she probably swallowed the wrong way." Brooke handed Cayden a glass of water and again leaned close to her. "Shame on you, thinking smut in front of my parents."

Bert cocked his head and looked at the sputtering houseguest. "If she's choking, she's breathing. Give her a chance to catch her breath."

Cayden gave Bert a thumbs up as her hacking wound down.

"It's alright mom, she does this alot." Brooke said, rubbing slow circles on her bright red lover's back.

"Really? It does? Maybe her epiglottis isn't working."

"Her what?" Brooke asked, puzzled.

"Or her uvula... yes, it's probably her uvula!"

Cayden stopped coughing and settled down. "I think I breathed a pea." she choked out, her face bright red from embarassment, and the things Brooke was whispering to her.

"See Harriet? I told you no one wanted peas. You almost killed Cayden." Bert mentioned dryly.

Harriet covered her mouth with her hand. "I'm sorry!"

"No, it's alright." Cayden couldn't tell her why she choked, and she couldn't have Harriet think she nearly killed her either. "It probably is my epiglottis." she said with a nod.

"Yeah, right." Brooke agreed sarcastically. Cayden shot her a look. "I suppose your uvula got caught in it." She got an even more evil look. "But you're okay now pookums."

Cayden wanted to crawl under the table, she needed a distraction from the horrifying situation. "So, Mrs. Hewitt, was there something you wanted to ask me?"

Harriet's face lit up like a million suns.

Bert and Brooke's mouths fell open in shock. Cayden must have just lost her mind. She must have suffered a loss of oxygen from her choking jag. There was no other possible explanation.

"Well, now that I think about it..." The older woman beamed with excitement, "Tell me, where are your parents? When did they retire? How long have you had the store?"

Cayden swallowed hard as Brooke sat and smirked. Bert just rolled his eyes and played with his peas.

"My parents live in Vegas, they moved about 3 years ago. They gave me the shop before they moved, so I've been running it for 5 years now." The brunette stuffed a forkful of potatoes in her mouth.

Harriet seemed satisfied with those answers. "Very nice, very nice.. so is it a good living? I know you have a room mate, is it a necessity?"

Cayden's leg began bouncing again. "Rent is quite high, so yes, it is a necessity due to the area we live in. If I wanted to, I could a afford a lesser apartment on my own. The store brings in money, but it's just a little neighborhood shop. It's not a million dollar business." She looked to Brooke for help, who thankfully, was fully clothed.

Brooke smiled. "I think what my mom is getting at, is are you able to take care of me."

"Brooke!"

"Well, that's what you want to know."

Cayden grinned. How typical. "Sure, I could take care of Brooke properly, but I really doubt she wants to be taken care of."

Bert snickered. "Go on Harriet, I know there's more."

"It just so happens there is, and if we're going to be blunt, am I ever going to see grandkids?"

Cayden's eyes widened like saucers. That one was not expected. Brooke patted her gently on the leg.

"Ma, I think we discussed this already."

Cayden stared at Brooke. "You did?"

"Don't worry honey, I don't plan on that any time soon."

Cayden began breathing again.

"Don't you like children?' Harriet questioned with narrowed eyes.

"Uh, sure... it's just... now isn't..."

"Jeez Harriet, do you want her to choke again?" Bert gave his wife a sour face.

Harriet pouted. "I'm not getting any younger you know, and neither are you." She looked pointedly at her daughter.

"Excuse me? I'm still in my 20's thank you very much!" Cayden chuckled at Brooke's outrage. "I'd hush, you're older than me." Brooke gave her lover a glare.

Cayden figured it was up to her to fix this mess. "Look everyone, I am not opposed to kids, just not right now. Brooke and I are still new, we have a lot of learning to do before we can talk about our future."

Brooke felt tingles all through her body. She sees a future! Our future! She leaned over and hugged Cayden, planting many little kisses all over her face. "Thank you." she whispered.

"For what?" Cayden was confused.

Brooke just smiled. "Everything."

part 36

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