Sheridan led the inspector around the job site and Keefer scribbled diligently as she went along. The construction worker would find herself lost in thought as she watched the tall woman pause and write on her clipboard. She'd trace the long fingers with her gaze, imagining them roaming up and down her body, remembering how they felt digging into her arm that night. She'd catch herself on occasion, watching Keefer's ass and hips move as she walked in front of her, tripping over things as she did. Keefer would look over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow and Sheridan could hardly hold back her embarrassment.

Keefer found it hard to believe that Sheridan was so clumsy, at times stumbling over her own two feet and wondered if maybe she was giving the construction worker a reason to be so distracted. She remembered the look on Sheridan's face the first time she saw her in her sleep shorts and a silly grin crept up on her. Maybe I am doing this to her. Maybe she does find me distracting... The inspector forced herself to concentrate on her job before she screwed this up a second time.

The guys stood around, looking at each other with knowing expressions. They knew this was the mystery woman who had Patch so flustered. They had never seen her lose it like she did when the inspector showed up unannounced. The guys had seen their co-worker in all sorts of uncomfortable situations, including being pushed into a wheelbarrow full of wet cement by an unhappy woman. All three of them had to agree -- this was very different.

"That's her, you know," Bobby nodded as he spoke.

"It's gotta be," Phil agreed.

"I gotta hand it to her, I don't know how long I'd be able to hold out on that one. DAMN! She's one hell of a looker!" Tony whistled his pleasure.

They all agreed -- Ms. Gibson was 'the one'.

"Poor Patch. She's got it bad," Phil said sympathetically. "How long ya think it's gonna take her to figure it out?"

"I dunno. Ya know, she said this woman has issues... big time problems. She may never stick around long enough to find out," Tony stated, looking expectantly at Bobby.

"I ain't gonna tell her... no way!" Bobby backed up and shook his head.

"Well, neither are we," Phil shook his head too.

All three men frowned. It was going to be a bumpy ride.

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

Sheridan wrestled playfully with her dogs, feeling guilty for not spending her usual amount of quality time with them lately. They stayed in the dog run at the park for hours and then she roughhoused some more with them at home. Finally tiring them out, she filled up their food bowls and plopped down on the couch to catch her breath. Some time later, while watching television, her cell phone rang.

Damn! I forgot to call that girl, what was her name? On her way to find her phone, she dug in her pockets for the number. Aha! Sara... gotta call Sara, she thought with a smirk. Finding the cell, she glanced at the incoming number as she hit the talk button. Shit... it's Keefer... She wasn't expecting her to call tonight. "Hello?" she answered warily.

"Hi, Sheridan, it's Keefer."

"I know. What's up? Bad news to tell me? The site was a problem?" she asked while sitting back down on the couch.

"Uh, no. It's actually pretty 'by the book'," Keefer replied with a smile, happy for her friend.

"Well that's good. So what's up?" Sheridan was curious.

Come on... ask her! You know you want to see her. "Well... I was just wondering if you're doing anything for dinner tonight."

She wants me to come over there? Already? "I'm not... why? You cooking?"

"Actually, I was thinking about it and I hate to cook for myself really... so maybe you'd like to come over or something?" Keefer was very hesitant. It took her almost a full hour to make the phone call and now she was very nervous.

"I'd be more than happy to eat what you cook. I was going to settle down with a frozen pizza." Zeus trotted over, hauled himself onto the couch and flopped his big body across her lap. "OOF!"

"What was that?" Keefer asked with a chuckle.

"My dog just sat his fat ass across my stomach." Just then, Pharaoh jumped up from his nap and began barking at the air. "That would be my other dog barking at his own shadow," the blonde laughed. "Hey, knock it off!" she yelled away from the phone.

"He sounds pretty big. What kind of dogs do you have?" Keefer asked, genuinely interested and much more at ease with a familiar subject.

"A Pit and a Rotty."

"YOU have a Pit and a Rotty?" Keefer couldn't even picture the smaller woman walking those beasts down the street.

"Yeah," Sheridan laughed at the shocked tone of her friend's voice. "They're good boys."

"If you say so," Keefer played like she didn't believe her.

"I'll introduce you one day." Sheridan's stomach growled. "Hey, what time should I be over there?"

Oh yeah, dinner. The inspector got nervous all over again. "How about in an hour or so? Is that too soon? Do you have things to do?"

"Take it easy, babe, an hour is fine. Just gotta jump in the shower, okay?" Sheridan heard the tall woman's nerves jangling from where she was sitting.

"Okay. Thanks."

"Don't thank me until you've had dessert," Sheridan teased.

WHAT? "Dessert?" All sorts of wonderfully arousing images danced around in Keefer's head.

"Well, I was gonna bring Aunt Sadie's famous cookies," the blonde smirked to herself, "but if you had something else in mind..."

"NO! I mean, that sounds great," Keefer covered her face with her hand.

I know just what you're thinking, cuz it crossed my mind too, Keefer. Bad girl. "Okay then, see ya soon."

Keefer stared at her phone long after Sheridan hung up. God, the things she does to me!

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

Immediately after hanging up with Keefer, Sheridan called Sara and made a date for that night at the club. She hummed as she showered, it had been a long time since she had any home-cooked food and she was looking forward to it. Dressing in jeans and a T-shirt, she ditched her jacket, due to the warm evening. Slipping into her boots, she called her goodnights to the still-napping dogs. "I promise I'll be home tonight, kids!" she vowed before she left.

Keefer fretted for a while about what to make for dinner and she finally decided on steak. Sheridan looked like a meat and potatoes kind of woman and Keefer looked forward to pleasing her. She made homemade mashed potatoes and salad to go with it. She was just about finished when she saw the headlights shine into her front windows. Perfect timing! she thought as she headed towards the front door. Fifi remained where she had been from the moment Keefer started cooking -- sitting directly in front of the broiler, licking her lips.

Sheridan had her hand poised to ring the bell when the door opened up to the wonderful vision of Keefer. I swear she gets prettier and prettier. "Hey, psychic or something?" she asked with a wink, letting herself into the house.

"Yeah, you've found out my secret," Keefer smiled and shut the door.

"I seriously doubt that, Keefer. If you could read my mind, you'd have run away screaming the first day you met me," Sheridan said with an eyebrow wiggle.

I bet she's so right. "You don't scare me, Sheridan Landers," she said with much more confidence than she felt.

"I should. Remember that," the construction worker half teased.

Keefer took in Sheridan's half grin, her confident stance, her clothing and the delicious body they were hugging and knew she was right. She should be very afraid of this woman, she had some sort of power over her, Keefer was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, but she had a reputation and she didn't hide it. The tall woman glanced up into knowing green eyes and true to form, she blushed.

She was definitely checking me out. Tread easy, Sher, this is very iffy. "Mmmm, it smells damned good in here." She closed her eyes and inhaled dramatically.

"Hope you like steak." Keefer was grateful for the change in conversation. "I have wine, beer... vodka or would you like soda?" she asked with her head buried in the fridge.

Sheridan stared at the perfect ass aimed directly at her and exhaled a heavy sigh. What did you get yourself into? You'll never be able to say no to her. Not with that body, those eyes... that ass. She wants you, Sher, in a bad way. Thank god she's as shy as they come or you'd be all over her like flies on shit. Keefer stood up and she remembered that she was asked a question. So, what exactly is stopping you from jumping her bones? She certainly does want you, and you definitely want her. So, what's the deal? "Soda's fine. I'd usually go for the beer, but I'm driving tonight."

"Sorry, I forgot. Do you mind if I have some wine?" I can't do this without some help.

"No, suit yourself," Sheridan waved her hand. Please don't get drunk, I beg of you... please...

Keefer grabbed a can of soda, a bottle of wine and a glass and nudged the dog with her bare foot. "Feefs, you're going to have to move."

"Hmm, maybe you do have some powers, the dog is damn near hypnotized," Sheridan narrowed her eyes playfully.

"Trust me, it's not me, she'll sit there all night if she has to. She loves steak."

"My kinda woman."

"So, there is such a thing?" Keefer asked before she could censor herself.

"Maybe. I like all kinds." Lately, tall brunettes with crystal-clear blue eyes seem to be at the top of my list.

Keefer got warm at the way Sheridan was looking at her and looked away. She motioned for the blonde to sit down and she began bringing plates to the table.

Sheridan popped right back out of her seat and protested, "Let me do that, you cooked."

"No, it's alright, I want to do it," Keefer argued holding the plates over her head out of Sheridan's reach.

Sheridan sat down and pouted.

Jesus, she's adorable when she does that. "Just you sit there and let me wait on you."

"You're going to spoil me," the construction worker shook her head and wagged her finger.

Perhaps that is the plan... "Please, when's the last time you sat down and someone served you?"

Sheridan smiled wickedly and chuckled.

"FOOD! I meant food, you pig." Keefer swatted her in the back of the head and then covered her mouth in shock at the familiar gesture. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I don't know why I did that."

Sheridan rubbed her head and frowned, "You better be careful there, Keefer, only certain women are allowed to smack me in the back of the head. Certain women with certain privileges."

As much as she didn't want to hear it, she found herself asking, "Oh? And what makes them so special?"

Sheridan leered.

Keefer gulped.

She is turning out to be so much fun, Sheridan thought as she changed her expression to a cocky smirk. "You may just find out yet," she teased.

Keefer drained her glass of wine.

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

Keefer found it very hard to eat with Sheridan sitting across from her. She tried to stay focused on her plate, but her eyes kept drifting of their own accord to the blonde. She would catch herself stopping in mid-chew to admire the way Sheridan would lick her lips or the way her muscles moved as she lifted her soda, both sights causing pleasant feelings in her groin.

"This was fanfuckingtastic, Keefer," Sheridan said with enthusiasm. "You did good," she leaned back and smiled at the brunette.

Keefer fell into the green eyes, her wine glass resting on her lips. Catching herself staring once again, she put down the glass and smiled back, feeling very pleased with herself. "Thank you."

"Fifi agrees," Sheridan winked at Keefer, then reached down to pet the dog at her side.

"I better keep my eye on you, she's going to be waddling soon if you keep feeding her like that."

Sheridan raised an eyebrow. "If I didn't know better, I'd say that was an invitation."

Keefer looked like a deer in the headlights. What the heck? Why not... "I suppose it was," she said distractedly, Sheridan's grin made her forget what she was saying.

"I'd like that, Keefer, I enjoyed the food and the company. It's not often I get to eat a meal with such great scenery," Sheridan smiled and stood up with her dish. "Do you have a dishwasher or should I put this in the sink?"

Her smile does such strange things to my insides or is it the wine? No, wine never made me feel like that before, it must be her...

"Keef?" Sheridan knew that look and she mentally patted herself on the back.

Oh god, I love it when she calls me Keef.

"Hey, Earth to Keefer..."

The tall woman jumped up out of her seat. "Oh! I am sooo sorry. Just rinse it off, I'll load up the dishwasher," Keefer apologized, thoroughly embarrassed.

"No you don't! The least I can do is clean up." Sheridan put the plate down and walked over to Keefer, turned her around and led her into the living room. "Sit," she ordered, pointing at the couch.

Keefer grinned and obliged. "Okay, but don't make a habit out of this," she warned, loving the warmth of Sheridan's hand on her back.

"I think I'm already addicted," Sheridan mumbled on her way back into the kitchen, looking at her hand.

Keefer leaned back and smiled to herself. The wine made her pleasantly relaxed and she felt so comfortable with the blonde in her kitchen. She stretched her long legs out in front of her and sighed happily. This is nice, she thought. Sheridan's not so bad, once you get used to her. I'd like to keep her around; she makes me feel good just by being here.

"Hey, you done with this or do ya still want it?"

The object of her thoughts was standing there holding the half empty wine bottle; she had already placed the glass on the coffee table. Jeez, Keef, she had to see you smiling like a nut job. The tall woman blushed and accepted the bottle with a shy grin.

"Be careful, Keef, I don't want you getting drunk and taking advantage of me," Sheridan teased.

It took her a moment to figure out the comment since she was already rather tipsy. When it made sense, she sat straight up and moved her mouth a few times without saying anything.

Sheridan snickered. "Gotcha," she teased and sat down next to the flustered woman. "It's okay, I know you'll control yourself," she added playfully.

"You are so bad, Sheridan," Keefer paused to glance at the blonde, regretting it the instant she felt her face get hot. Shaking her head, she looked at her hands. "I think you like to tease me."

"Oh, you don't know the half if it," Sheridan grinned, noting Keefer was much more relaxed than usual.

Keefer let the comment slide; her mouth going dry at the implications. She lifted her glass and toasted the air, "Here's to new friends." She drank, grateful for the cool wetness sliding down her throat.

"Tonight is kinda special," Sheridan added with a chuckle.

Keefer laughed, "You really are bad."

"I'm so bad, I'm good," Sheridan wiggled her eyebrows.

"I just bet you are." Keefer's mouth opened wide and she hid her face. Where the hell did that come from?

"Hey, did anyone ever tell you you're beautiful when you're mortified?"

"No, I've never been so embarrassed before," Keefer admitted, her face still in her hands.

"Ooo, I'm special then. Cool."

You certainly are, Keefer thought as Sheridan pulled her hands away from her face.

"Hey, no harm done. If you must know, I like it that you are so shy around me. It makes me smile a lot."

Keefer turned her head and looked into deep green eyes, the feeling in her stomach made her eyelids flutter. Sheridan was so attractive to her; everything about her turned her on, even when she teased her mercilessly. Look away, Keef...

Sheridan felt her own flutters, a little lower than her stomach. Keefer's eyes were so blue, she felt as if she could drown in them. She knew the brunette was pretty vulnerable after drinking half a bottle of wine and she felt a little protective as well as turned on. She knew she shouldn't stare into her eyes any longer, but she couldn't stop herself. She had already caught herself licking her lips and she noticed the vein in Keefer's neck throb furiously after she did.

Oh, my god, she's going to kiss me! Keefer's blood rushed frantically through her body, giving her a head rush. She closed her eyes briefly to gain her equilibrium and when she opened them again, Sheridan was looking away, her green eyes closed. Breathe, Keef, breathe... she reminded herself as she too looked the other way.

Sheridan took a long slow deep breath. Okay, Sher, that was almost very stupid. You know you can't fuck her, so drop it. Besides, Sara is waiting for you. Sheridan jumped as she felt Keefer's hand touch her arm. What is she doing? Her eyes popped open and she watched as Keefer seemed to be studying her arm. The inspector's fingers traced her muscles and Sheridan couldn't contain a shiver. She's going to kill me. She felt her nipples harden as the goosebumps appeared. Oh, shit... I gotta get out of here.

Keefer couldn't stop herself and she watched her hand reach out and touch Sheridan's forearm. The muscle had been flexing while the blonde sat with her thoughts and it called to the tall woman. Her fingers drifted up and down the smooth skin, delighting in the feel of the soft, blonde hairs. She glanced up and saw Sheridan's half lidded gaze following her fingers and warmth flooded her sex. Wow, that look is so hot. Keefer stopped when she saw the small shiver and the goosebumps her touch was causing. I did that? To Sheridan? A small triumphant smile flickered across her face and she tried to wipe it away.

As soon as the fingers disappeared, Sheridan stood up and smoothed her sweaty hands on her jeans. She looks mighty pleased with herself, doesn't she? she thought, noticing the ill-hidden expression on Keefer's face. You know? I should just... Hold up, hot stuff, she's learning here, and you're the willing subject or you wouldn't be submitting yourself to it by being here. Sheridan calmed her breathing and noticed Keefer had stood up too. Just why are you allowing this, anyway?

"I'm sorry, Sheridan, I couldn't seem to stop myself..."

"No, that's quite alright. It felt very good. Besides, it was your turn anyway, remember?" she smiled reassuringly.

"That's all I get?" Keefer's eyes widened enormously. That's it! She put down her wine glass and blushed bright red.

Sheridan couldn't stop herself and a snicker escaped. Keefer was completely horrified at herself. "Whoa, easy there. It's okay." She rubbed her hand on the tall woman's back. "There's plenty more of me for you to touch."

The tall woman felt her stomach flop at the touch. If possible, Keefer's eyes widened even more.

"Hey, relax, Keef, we got all the time in the world, right?" We DO? What am I saying?

Keefer managed to calm slightly and she nodded. "I really don't know why I'm acting like this. It must be the wine," she pointed at the offending bottle.

"Well then, I'll remember to bring some wine the next time I come. I like you like this," Sheridan smiled and tucked a stray black hair behind Keefer's ear. The tall woman shivered and Sheridan's eyes narrowed with arousal. Gotta get out of here, she reminded herself.

The tall woman nearly groaned out loud at the gentle gesture. "Didn't you mention something about cookies?" Keefer hugged herself to hide her hard nipples.

"Shit! They're in the car. So much for dessert, huh?" Sheridan smacked herself in the head. "I'll go get them."

"Nah, save them for next time," she said. I think I've had too much dessert for one night, anyway. Keefer thought with another shiver.

"Um, I gotta get going, I have um, something tonight and..."

"Sheridan, I know all about it." That's what you get for falling for the neighborhood slut. Did I say falling? Keefer pushed the thought away. "Go have fun. I had a great time tonight," she said with a hint of sadness.

"Me too. I look forward to spending time with you again," Sheridan tried to make Keefer feel better.

Keefer smiled. "I bet you say that to all the girls," she joked.

"Actually, no, I don't. Goodnight Keef." Sheridan blew a kiss to the tall woman.

"I like when you call me Keef. Good night, Sheridan, be careful."

Keefer watched as the door closed behind the blonde and she sat down in the couch heavily, reaching for the rest of the wine.

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

Sheridan arrived at the club and spotted Sara first. She was wearing a barely-there mini skirt and a tiny half-shirt. Green eyes drank in the long, sexy legs and flat belly and the construction worker made a beeline for the attractive blonde. Oh yeah, just what the doctor ordered.

"Well, hi there, Sheridan. I was wondering if you were going to show up at all," Sara smiled seductively, inviting Sheridan to move closer.

"I'd never stand a pretty lady up. You look great," the construction worker openly appraised the tall blonde.

"So do you." Sara reached out and tickled her fingers from Sheridan's shoulders to her hands. Small talk out of the way, Sheridan reached up and pulled Sara down into a kiss. As soon as their tongues met, she pulled away with a curious look on her face. "What are you drinking?"

"Wine, why?" Sara wondered.

"Nothing." Sheridan resumed the kiss. It just fucking figures.

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

Sheridan leaned into Sara's back, as the cashier's face pressed up against the wall. The smaller blonde was sucking on the back of the tall blonde's neck, running her hands all over her long legs.

"I never figured you for a leg woman, Sheridan," Sara breathed out into the cool tiles.

"I'm not," Sheridan replied into a burning ear. Just can't control these impulses lately. She trailed her hands up the inside of Sara's thighs and growled at the wetness she found at their apex. "It doesn't look like you mind the attention, now, does it." I wonder if Keefer gets this wet.

"Mmm, not at all, baby." The taller woman stuck her ass out, pressing it into Sheridan's body, begging her to continue. "Do it."

Forget Keefer, dammit! Just drop it! Green eyes narrowed at the back of Sara's head. "You horny bitch, you wanted me to fuck you like this from the second you laid eyes on me, didn't you?" Sheridan whispered hotly into Sara's ear, shoving her fingers inside her waiting entrance.

"Yesss... harder!" Sara grit her teeth to stop from screaming.

"I bet you wish I had a cock so I could shove it into you right now." Sheridan grabbed a handful of Sara's blonde hair and pulled her head back, thrusting her hand into her sex, her crotch into the round ass.

"Fuck me, Sheridan!"

"You're damned right I'll fuck you." The muscular blonde yanked Sara's hair harder and she rode her ass, pumping her fingers hard and fast. "I'm going to make you scream, Sara," she growled, reaching for Sara's hand and thrusting it between her legs. "Touch your clit," she instructed.

"Ohhh... I'd much rather... touch yours," Sara groaned between breaths.

Sheridan grinned wickedly, wiping her sweaty face against Sara's shoulder. She guided the slender hand behind the woman to her own crotch. "Find it, and you can have it all you want."

Sara fumbled around behind her, hand at an awkward angle; finally tearing open the buttons on Sheridan's pants, she shoved her hand into her underwear.

"Oh, fuck... you got it," the construction worker grunted, thrusting her hips in time with her hand.

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

Keefer lay on the couch in a pleasant haze from the wine. She ran her hands gently up and down her arms, watching as the hairs stood up, imagining they were Sheridan's hands, softly exploring her body once again. She brought them across her chest, using the slightest of pressure over her breasts, shivering at the sensations. Her imagination allowed Sheridan to touch her everywhere, skimming her calloused fingers over her cheekbones and into her hair. Her nipples were straining for attention and she teased them gently, slowly and patiently, paying close attention to the twitching between her legs as she did. The alcohol made her relax, able to accept her fantasy lover's touches and she closed her eyes as the teasing fingers slipped across her belly. Slowly lifting her shirt, she touched flesh to flesh, hand on breast and arched her back dramatically.

"Oh, Sheridan."

To be continued...in Part 12