Chapter One

Maggie lost interest in the potato she was peeling, looked out of the kitchen window and was captivated. 

Captivated by a head of short dark curly hair, clearly visible through a window of the next door house. Then by an elfin face. A slender neck, square shoulders and� Maggie gave a small gasp � breasts, uncovered, pearly pale and pointy. The potato slipped from her fingers. Pink rounded nipples�

�Haven�t you finished those yet?� Anna�s sharp voice made her jump.

�Sorry!� she choked out, certain that guilt was written all over her face. �You know I hate peeling things.�

�I could give you the meat but you�d only burn it.� Anna�s tone had a harping edge to it. �This is our first proper meal in the house, so you might at least make an effort.�

Irresistibly, Maggie�s eye was drawn once more to the window next door. Empty! She felt ridiculously disappointed. The girl had disappeared. It might almost have been a mirage. A mirage born of frustration as she wandered in a domestic desert starved of excitement, thirsty for sex. She picked up the half-peeled potato and stabbed into it. Her relationship with Anna was definitely deteriorating. They were taking each other for granted, getting bored. She gave another stab.

The knife slipped. �Ouch!�

�What have you done now?�

�Cut my finger. Shoot! It�s bleeding everywhere. I�ll have to get a band-aide.�

�If I didn�t know what a baby you are, I�d say you�ve done that on purpose to get out of peeling those potatoes.�

�Thanks for the sympathy!� She flounced out, pretending indignation, but actually enjoying the spark between them. Better a spark of annoyance than the chill of indifference.

The bathroom was occupied. She could hear David, their fellow tenant, singing in a deep baritone. �Quick!� She banged on the door. �Let me in. I�ve cut my finger and I�m bleeding all over the carpet.�

�It isn�t locked.�

She fought her way through steam. �There is an exhaust fan, you know.�

�Sorry!� David was wrapped in a towel. �Come on! Let me help.� He got the first aid box down while she ran water over her finger.

She liked David. He showed a sympathetic understanding towards her and Anna, and apart from a propensity to encourage mould in the bathroom, was no trouble because he spent most of his time at work or his girl friend�s.

�How did you manage this, clumsy?�

�Anna thinks I did it on purpose to get out of the cooking.�

�Well didn�t you?� They burst out laughing.

Expertly he dried and disinfected the cut. �Thanks Dave. It�s good to have a nurse in the house. Librarians are hopeless at this sort of thing. Well I am, and Anna almost faints at the sight of blood. Not that I�m intending to bleed too often!�

�Glad to hear it. Whoops! � He made a grab for his towel as it fell to the floor.

�What�s going on in here?� Anna was at the door, voice and face pinched.

�A bathroom orgy,� David guffawed.

Anna gave his uncovered genitals a contemptuous glance.

�Just joking!� Hastily he retrieved the towel and wrapped it around again. �No, I�m administering to the wounded.� He applied a band aide.

�She has to make a drama out of everything, don�t pander to her. Now hurry up Maggie. The table needs setting.� This time Anna flounced off, if you could describe a lean, stiff march as a flounce.

�Ooh!� they exclaimed together, like two naughty children. However, Maggie trotted off obediently to the dining room.

Anna�s mouth was drawn into a straight, hard line. It could be a long chilly night! Deliberately Maggie clattered the cutlery onto the table. Made of oak, it was Anna�s pride and joy. They�d bought it together, five years ago when they�d fallen in love.

She�d been so flattered: a newly graduated librarian fancied by her boss. And there had been passion. But that seemed a lifetime away. Now they hardly ever slept together. She got plates out of the cupboard and clattered them down.

�Make a noise, why don�t you!�

Had she really been in love? Or had it just been an ego trip? Pepper grinder� mustard pot� She went to the cabinet and took down two wineglasses  beautiful Stuart crystal that they�d been given by a dear friend.

�Be careful!� Anna grabbed her arm.

Startled, she let go of a glass and it fell to the floor with a terrible tinkle. Disbelieving, she stared down at it, smashed on the tiles.

�I told you to be careful!�

�You made me do it. It was your fault.�

�I could see you were going to smash them, the way you were clattering about. You want to ruin everything,� Anna was now shouting hysterically.

�You caused it, you stupid cow!�

Anna slapped her across the cheek.

Maggie touched the hot, stinging patch and glared at the white distraught face. �You�re seriously twisted.� She turned on heel, flew down the passage and went out of the front door with a loud bang.

The unbroken glass was still in her hand. �I don�t give a damn,� she muttered, discarding it beside the door and marching down the driveway and out onto the footpath.

�See you!� floated a husky female voice on the evening air. Maggie stopped, mid stride. Pulse racing now with excitement as well as anger, she peered around a hedge. It was the girl from the window, going out her front door.

A short black skirt showed long, shapely legs. Platform black shoes made them seem even longer. A bright pink top hugged the pointy breasts. She turned around. Bright pink lipstick glowed on a provocative mouth. Huge brown eyes were highlighted with blue eye shadow and dark eyeliner.

Maggie was rooted to the spot, watching as she put her tote bag down and bent over it. Entranced by a show of thighs, then� She sucked in her breath �A glimpse of rounded buttocks. Hell�s teeth, there was only a g-string under the skirt!

A pain knifed through her body, followed by throbbing desire. Bend over more, she pleaded wildly and silently. But the girl stood up, and as if alerted by the feverish agitation, looked in her direction. She ducked back, feeling like a peeping Tom. Well, a peeping Maggie!

Appalled she crept back towards the house. What if someone had seen her? God, she must be frustrated to be drooling over a neighbour. But she couldn�t stop the throb of desire and felt dampness between her legs. It was as if she was possessed. Excited, tantalised. Burning, hungry. She flopped down onto the front steps. It was ridiculous. She was ridiculous. A dirty old woman! Well she wasn�t that old - only thirty. But how old was the girl? About twenty! Cradle snatching. But then isn�t that what Anna had done with her? There were twelve years between them.

It was incredible, yet it was happening. She had a full blown craving to see the girl again, somehow to meet her. She put her head in her hands. Forget it! But she couldn�t forget it. It had fast become an obsession.

Cold from the step was seeping into her body; she�d have to get up. Might as well go back inside. The agitation of her exit had cooled in the light of this new passion. How strangely and how rapidly life had done a somersault. There was new purpose: a heady feeling of something wonderful around the corner. She picked up the glass, threw open the door, almost bumping into David on his way out.

He squeezed her shoulders sympathetically. �Will you be all right?�

�Of course I will. Is Anna�?� She rolled her eyes towards the kitchen.

��Cleaning up, but not happy. Definitely needs some TLC. Have to go. Won�t be back tonight. Hang in there!�

�I will.� She tried not to sound elated. �Good to sweep away the cobwebs sometimes. Thanks.�

Anna was emptying the shattered glass into the bin. She turned around with surprise and undisguised relief. However her tone was sarcastic. �Back so soon? I thought you�d walk all night just to worry me.�

�You know how I hate walking.�

Anna actually gave a wan smile. �And cooking. And me��

�Don�t be silly.� Maggie held out the unbroken glass as a peace offering. �I really am sorry!�

Anna held it to her chest and looked so dejected that Maggie gave her a hug. Her frame felt thin and rigid. Had she always been like that?

�He has to go.�

�Who?�

�David, of course.�

Maggie took an impatient step away. �Because of what you thought you saw in the bathroom? Now I think you really are mad.�

�Not because of that. No, because he�s interfering. Trying to tell me my business. I won�t have that in my own house. We don�t have to split the rent three ways. We�re not that hard up.� Anna sat down heavily.

Maggie began to worry that she really didn�t look at all well. Her skin had an unhealthy pallor. �Oh come on, he was probably just trying to help. What did he say?�

�He �he told me to stop treating you like a child, more than hinting that I�m old enough to be your mother.�

David must have been reading her mind. �Of course he didn�t mean that. However, you must be feeling old enough, to be thinking that he did.�

Anna gave a laugh combined with a hiccup. �You�d drive anyone into an early grave.� Then tears gushed and rolled down her cheeks. Maggie�s heart did a flip. She�d never seen Anna cry before.

�Oh please, Anna, don�t get yourself worked up.� She felt helpless, and what was worse, unconnected. She just wanted to escape; like a delinquent child wanting to escape the parental home.

Anna gave a shuddering gasp and blew her nose. �I don�t really mean that David has to leave. I was just overreacting.�

How she�d let herself go, Maggie couldn�t help thinking. Her hair was lank. She was dressed in a tracksuit that had seen better days. When they�d first met she�d been elegant and although never sexy or beautiful, handsome. At the moment, she could very well be taken for her mother.

�God, see what you�re doing to me?� Anna glared with pale blue, red rimmed eyes.

Maggie sat down next to her, cheeks starting to burn, feeling anything but innocent. �What? What have I done?� Anna couldn�t possibly know about her fascination with the next door neighbour. Anyway she hadn�t actually done anything. Not yet! �If it�s the glass, I�m truly sorry. But you know it was because you startled me.�

Anna gave a heavy sigh. �Not that! I know it was my fault. No, just everything. You don�t seem to want to be here. You�re always miles away. I think you�re bored with me and don�t need me anymore. But I still need you.� She touched the spot where she�d slapped her face. �I�m so sorry.� Her eyes poured out love. �You are so beautiful.�

Maggie�s heart sank. This was not what she wanted to hear. �Don�t be silly  unless fat is beautiful.�

�You aren�t fat.� Anna clasped Maggie�s hand. �You are just generously proportioned. Perfect.�

Desperately, Maggie wanted to stop this line of conversation. She pulled her hand away. �Now go and have a shower. I�ll do something with the remains of dinner and you can have it in bed. You really don�t look well.�

�The meat�s ruined. How can you do anything with it! Oh I so wanted this to be a wonderful night. Maybe moving house was a bad idea. We�ve been here less than a fortnight and already it�s going wrong.�

It had been Anna�s idea to upgrade  better home, better suburb. A bid to buoy up their floundering relationship, Maggie suspected. �Who�s being dramatic now? My offer may not last, so take it while you can.�

�Will you eat in bed with me? We can watch TV.� She sounded so hopeful, Maggie had to say yes.

The meal was a bit over cooked, but edible and Anna seemed much cheerier. They actually laughed together. �Stay with me tonight, darling,� she asked when Maggie came to say goodnight.

�Surely you�d get a better sleep without a big lump in the bed.�

�I like the big lump.�

�Oh all right.� Maggie tried not to sound ungracious. She climbed in, conscious of her ample breasts showing through her pyjama top. Anna was eyeing them, and Maggie shrank from the gaze. She turned out the lamp. The room seemed extra dark and too intimate.

Hands around her stomach, knees against the back of her legs. Her body contracted. Just a night ago she would have been pleased by this show of interest, but now the girl next door had come between them. She lay very still hoping that Anna would go to sleep which she did with a slight snore. Soon it would be possible to get away.

However, the warmth and regular breathing was soothing and Maggie found herself too sleepy to get out. In a half dreaming state, she imagined meeting the girl next door. The pale breasts, enticingly pointy. The long thighs, leading upwards. Her desire quickened again: to run her hand up those thighs and between them: to discover that dark secret place.

Erotic fantasy! But maybe� who knows�Her waking dream turned to sleep. Tantalising visions� seduction, passion�

******

Chapter Two

The girl next door! Maggie woke luxuriating in half-remembered dreams.  Stretching, she turned over. Anna was asleep beside her. The pleasant torpor turned to stomach tightening reality. She had Anna.

Anna looked old. Sunlight, streaming through the window revealed fine lines in her pale face, dark shadows under her eyes, a flaccid quality to the skin of her neck and inner arms. Could it be that she was she older than she admitted? 

Moving in her sleep, Anna wrapped her legs around Maggie�s. The legs felt bony, spiky unshaven hairs prickled. Repulsed, Maggie inched out of the intimate imprisonment, Anna mumbling and turning over but not waking. She had to escape. Had to think - to plan. Stealthily, she climbed out of the bed and crept away.

Now nervous excitement took hold of her. Today! She had to meet the girl. It must happen. She was in lust  maybe in love. It didn�t matter that she knew absolutely nothing about her, except for the beautiful breasts and tantalising thighs  and terrible taste in clothes. She had to meet her  the need was overwhelming.

Maggie sang in the shower,  �If I Loved You,� from Carousel. ��Time and again I would try to say�� she trilled. ��Longing to tell you but afraid and shy� Off you would go in the mist of day�� Her eyes clouded at the thought of losing her, never having revealed her love.

What romantic nonsense! But maybe it wasn�t. Maybe one day she would tell her. But definitely not today. She imagined the look of embarrassment, even a slap or a � fuck off!�� No, she didn�t want to risk that. Today it would be enough to contrive a visit. 

She dried her hair with the blow dryer, making it fluff out in a reddish brown halo. It was her best feature, apart from her big tits which she hated, but which attracted many an appreciative glance from both males and females. Now she applied mascara to enlarge her not so large blue eyes, a subtle blush to her cheeks and soft pink to her lips. The effect on her round face was one of glowing health and cheeriness. Jeans to pull in her stomach and hips, and her new navy top to let her boobs hang out.

She stared into the mirror. Her eyes reflected the navy and were given greater depth. There was no mark left from Anna�s slap. She was looking about as good as she could, at 8.30 on a Sunday morning.

But this is crazy, absolutely crazy! What did she intend to do? Stand outside the house, waiting for the girl to come out, then leap from behind the hedge? It was as if teenage madness had taken hold of her, hormones gone haywire.

Humming �I�m in the Mood for Love�, she pulled up the blind above the kitchen sink. Disappointment! A curtain was drawn across the window opposite. Probably sleeping in, as would anyone be, in their right mind. Did she, Maggie, out of her right mind intend to stay glued to the glass until something happened? She could be waiting there all day.

But no, she didn�t have to wait all day - something was happening. The backdoor was opening, and as she watched with held breath and quickened pulse, a hand, graceful and feminine, firmly pushed out a cat. Then a bare arm emerged, followed by a shoulder, a rosy sleep softened face leaning forward, then a shapely figure in a man�s pyjama top. The figure stretched, hands upwards, face thrust back to enjoy the early sun. The pyjama shirt lifted, revealing the top of firm thighs leading up to a suggestion of dark curly hairs. Maggie gripped the side of the sink, her legs rubbery.

�What are you looking at?�

�My god!� Maggie jumped around guiltily. Then in an instinctive attempt at distraction, she trod on Anna�s foot with an �Oh sorry!� but Anna was not to be put off. She stood rigidly determined, peering over Maggie�s head. Maggie closed her eyes waiting for the sarcastic outburst.

 �Since when have you found cats so riveting?�

Maggie opened her eyes and turned to look again. With relief she saw that the half-naked figure had disappeared. The only thing in sight was the cat, large and fluffy, eating from a bowl.

Now the suspicious eye focussed on her. �And what are you doing up and dressed so early?�

�It�s not exactly the crack of dawn.�

�It is the crack of dawn for you on a Sunday morning.�

True! What reason could she give? �I might go for a walk.� That would most certainly fan her suspicion. ��To the shop,� she added. �I need something.�

�I�ve never known you to walk when you could drive, and what on earth do you need so urgently that you have to go now?�

Frantically, Maggie tried to think of something she might need. �I�m going to make a cake.� Oh hell, that was the most improbable reason she could possibly have thought up. She never made cakes. She prided herself on not making cakes.

Anna�s expression was one of complete incredulity. �You must be sickening for something.�

�You always have to be so negative.� Attack was sometimes the best form of defence. �But in spite of that, I am going to the shop to get self-raising flour, as well as more butter and eggs, and I am going to make a cake.� She turned on her heels and stormed out. Definitely shades of the night before.

Outside, Maggie took a deep breath of the crisp morning air and felt quite pleased to be doing something so healthy. At the edge of their garden she paused. This was where she had stood the night before. Was it possible to be lucky twice? If the girl were to appear she�d venture a breezy greeting, and who knew where that might lead? She stepped out hopefully, however the front of the house was disappointingly blank, curtains drawn and not a soul in sight. No loitering this time! With false briskness, she walked by. Maybe on her way back luck would be with her.

It took longer to get to the shops than she�d anticipated and by the time she was again passing the house, still devoid of life, she cursed her stupid idea. A complete waste of time and effort and now she was stuck with having to bake a cake!

�I�m so looking forward to a taste of your culinary art,� Anna greeted her dryly. �It just shows that even when you live with someone for five years you can still be surprised.�

Maggie thumbed through the few recipe books she could find on the kitchen shelf: a butter cake! Maybe even she could make that. Butter, flour, eggs� Castor sugar, she hadn�t thought of that  maybe ordinary sugar would do if they didn�t have any. All right so far! �Line and grease two seven inch sandwich cake tins�. Cake tins. She opened a few cupboards, shutting them more and more impatiently. �Where the hell are cake tins and that sort of thing?�

�They�re probably still packed in a box somewhere.�

Maggie went to the boxes in the garage and began pulling things out. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. And why was she bothering? Making the cake had just been an excuse to go past the house. She dumped things back again.

Then an absolutely wonderful idea struck her. The perfect pretext. She would go next door on a borrowing mission.

Anna was eating toast and reading the paper. Maggie announced, �I�m going next door to borrow cake tins.�

The toast stopped halfway to her mouth. �What? You must be mad.� Then she waved the toast with a smile. �I know what all this is about; you�re childishly transparent. You want me to make a cake. Well it�s not going to work. This is my lazy day. Go and buy one.�

�That is not what it�s all about.� If she only knew  the truth was stranger than the lie. �I really want to make a cake.�

�Then bloody well make it and stop acting like a difficult teenager.�

�First I�m a child, then I�m a teenager. Well you are a bossy old parent.� Maggie hated her words as soon as they�d leaped out. �I�m sorry, I didn�t mean it.�

Anna put her toast down, face pinched. Deliberately she stood up and brushed past Maggie without a word. Went to her bedroom, quietly shutting herself in.

Maggie couldn�t bear it. She knocked on the door. �Anna I�m going now.� Silence! �Maybe if the weather�s nice we could have morning tea al fresco - with my cake.� If it was edible which was highly unlikely. No answer, oh hell! When Anna got into a sulk it lasted for hours, maybe days. Why had she said that to her? �Back soon,� she called, trying to sound nonchalant, but her heart raced and her mouth felt dry as she left on her mission of love.

Down their driveway again, onto the footpath and around the hedge and this time bravely up next door�s path to the front door. It was an attractive house, quite imposing. Maybe the girl was living with her parents. She pressed the doorbell. Butterflies flipped and flapped around her stomach.

From inside but at a distance, came the beat of music. Not her sort of music; she was strictly classical. She pressed the bell again. If someone didn�t come soon, she�d wet herself. Then, distorted through the frosted panel beside the door, a shape loomed. It looked too big to be the girl. She felt light headed with nervous anticipation as a key was turned in the lock, a chain rattled, and eventually the door opened.

Even more light headed with disappointment Maggie stared at a young man wearing the bottom half of the pyjamas she�d seen at the back door. He stared back. He seemed to be staring very intently. Could he somehow know what she was doing there? Was her lustful intent obvious?

Her voice seemed to have seized up. �Hi!� she managed to croak. �I ...I�ve moved in next door. We are still in a bit of a muddle and I can�t find some cooking utensils�� He kept staring. It was almost impossible to go on. ��Cake tins actually. I�m going to make a cake,� she finished lamely.

�Chloe!� His yell made her jump. �Chloe!�

That had to be her - Chloe! Such a beautiful name!

�It�s not my province.� He now smiled disarmingly. Nor is it mine, Maggie thought, returning his smile. �However, Chloe might be able to help. Come in!�

She followed him inside, gaining some courage from his pleasant manner and for a moment almost believing that she really was there to borrow cake tins. �By the way, I�m Maggie, Maggie Martin. Sorry to disturb you.� She had to speak up because the music was now quite loud.

�I�m Matt Rivers.� He put out his hand. She took it, trying not to look at his uncovered hairy chest. �Glad to meet our new neighbour.� Sounded as if it was his house. So was Chloe just visiting or did they live together?

�Chloe doesn�t go in much for cooking�� Snap, thought Maggie. ��But she might have some idea where Mum keeps things like that. Mum and Dad are away.� So it was his parent�s house. �Chloe is working out and, as you can hear, treating herself to an aural battering. Follow me!�

This was it! Suddenly Maggie couldn�t believe what she was doing. Had she taken leave of her senses? Her legs felt as if they might buckle; her heart pounded. Could she tell him to stop, not to disturb Chloe�but it seemed impossible to speak. All she could do was to go on, following Matt with inexorable tread across a large family room, down some steps and to a door. He opened it. The noise was deafening.

And there was Chloe! Surrounded by an amazing variety of gym equipment, she marched on a tread mill, back to Maggie, legs striding with graceful power, pert bottom gyrating, buttocks clearly revealed in tight grey shorts.

The music pulsated and throbbed. Chloe continued her exercise, quite unaware of their presence. Maggie could have stood there forever, in fact felt incapable of doing anything else. But unceremoniously Matt switched off the tape.

�Hey, what the fuck?� Chloe stopped and turned: noticing Maggie but with no apparent curiosity or embarrassment.

Maggie looked into large dark almond shaped eyes and felt herself drowning.

Matt said, �Meet Chloe! She doesn�t mince her words. Chloe meet our new neighbour, Maggie Martin.�

Chloe�s dusky brown skin glowed, cheeks pink. �Hello,� she muttered getting a towel and wiping sweat from her face, her neck and shoulders, arms, then breasts.

Maggie followed the movement with her eyes, taking in the contours, now slightly flattened by a sports top but nipples still showing. Chloe met her gaze with a hint of awareness that sent her pulse racing. Was she being deliberately provocative? Gradually Chloe worked her way down to her thighs, oozing sexuality. Maggie felt almost ill with pent up desire.

Matt�s voice broke the spell. �Maggie wants to borrow a cake tin or something. You might know where to look.� He laughed, �Or maybe you won�t.� With difficulty, she dragged her eyes away from the thighs and looked at Matt. �I�ll leave you in Chloe�s care, Maggie. If you do make that cake, though, be sure and bring me a piece. Nobody makes me any, here.� He left and they were alone.

The sense of intimacy seemed tangible. Chloe finished drying herself and threw the towel onto a chair. There was a deliberate rebelliousness about everything she did. Now she challenged Maggie with a silent stare.

Maggie�s eyes lowered, then fluttered back. Somehow she must find her voice. �Sorry to barge in so early on a Sunday morning. I want to make a cake and don�t seem to be able to find any tins.� Miraculously, it had sounded normal.

�You make cakes?� Chloe looked sceptical.

Maggie wondered what it was about her that made it impossible for anyone to think she could bake a cake. �Well, not often, but sometimes it�s just what I feel like doing.� 

Chloe�s face now lit up with an impish smile, and Maggie�s heart did a flip. �Can�t stand cooking: not sure what�s in the kitchen cupboards.� She dashed off.

Maggie hurried to keep up, mesmerised by her bottom, high firm cheeks rotating. It was all she could do to stop herself taking hold of the tantalising mounds. It was a perfect arse.

She followed Chloe into the kitchen. Cupboards were opened and closed with a cheerful, �Told you! No idea!�

Maggie tried to make herself smaller; she felt large and ungainly beside Chloe who in spite of her athleticism and shapely curves was quite delicately made. �Please, don�t trouble yourself anymore! I don�t have to make a cake.�

�There must be some of the bloody things somewhere,� Chloe said still with good cheer, and stretched past Maggie to reach another cupboard.

Maggie inhaled her natural, sweet, wild animal smell. It was heady, far more exciting than any manufactured perfume.

�Ha! Got you!� Chloe suddenly shouted. �We�re in luck. I�ve found some.�

Maggie didn�t feel in luck. Their time together was coming to an end. Being with her was life; parting was death.

�Have a look and see what you want.� Chloe threw some tins onto the bench.

 Maggie didn�t really know. What was a sandwich cake tin? She couldn�t show her ignorance. �I�ll borrow these and maybe this.� Hopefully out of that lot, something would be right. �I�ll return them as soon as I�ve finished; this afternoon if you like.� She had to see her again - as soon as possible. �Matt was probably just being polite when he asked me to bring him some cake, but I will,� she continued quickly, in case Chloe was going to tell her not to bother. �Would you like some too?�

�No thanks, I�ve got to watch my figure.�

That�s a job I�d like, Maggie wanted to say, but just exclaimed. �My god if you have to watch your figure, what do you suggest I do with mine?�

�Don�t eat cake, for a start.� Chloe smiled her elfin smile.

 �Thank you very much. The truth from someone who isn�t even my best friend!� They laughed together as if they were best friends. Maggie felt so happy.

Chloe looked into her eyes. �Tell you what. When you bring Matt his cake, why don�t I give you a bit of a work out.�

Maggie was stunned into silence for only a second. �How wonderful! But are you sure I won�t be a nuisance?�

�I�ll work out with you. I need to do more.� Maggie couldn�t think why.

�All right, thank you for these. What time?� It was almost impossible to hide her eagerness.

�Oh whenever, this afternoon, I�ll be here. See you.�

Maggie walked on air, wanted to sing and shout. She laughed aloud wondering which would kill her first, the exercise or the terrible music? Or could she die of love?  What an extraordinary day! Walking, making a cake and working out; three activities that up until then had been on the bottom of her list of fun things to do.

What next! The prize at the end of her trial!

Anna was in the kitchen washing up. She had made an effort with her appearance, although looked shiny nosed and red eyed. She greeted Maggie with a watery smile. �I do appreciate your thoughtfulness and I would like to have a picnic morning tea.�

Maggie had the grace to feel deeply guilty. �Great! We could take out the rug and put it under that wonderful old elm.�

Anna put an arm around her waist. �Why don�t I make the cake with you? Not that I don�t think you can do it,� she added hastily.

�Yes, that would be lovely,� Maggie agreed, trying to sound enthusiastic. The price she was paying for love. 

�Bye the way,� said Anna. �You didn�t need to borrow the tins. I�ve found ours. I remembered where they were and went out after you, but you�d already gone in. Sorry!�

No need to be sorry, Maggie said silently, and gave fervent thanks to her guardian angel. Now what the hell was she going to wear for a work out?

******

Chapter Three

Up the garden path again, Anna safely napping, and this time, magically, wonderfully, Chloe appeared at the front door. They stood and looked at each other, a faint tension between them. Chloe was now in black shorts and white top. Maggie wished her body could look like that in shorts and sports top. She was wearing red tracksuit pants and hooded jacket and felt as overdressed as someone in bathers on a nudist beach.

At last Chloe broke the tension and said, �Come on, you�re letting the flies in.� 

Maggie followed, holding in one hand a bunch of yellow and white roses, and in the other a basket containing the returned cake tins, together with a generous serve of cake. �I feel like little red riding hood.� She indicated the basket and her red hood.

�And where are granny and the wolf?� asked Chloe deadpan, but flirting.

Maggie wanted to tell her that she was really the wolf in disguise. Instead she flirted in return, �You certainly don�t look like granny,� and held out the roses.

Chloe gave the flowers a dubious glance and dumped them in the kitchen sink.

Taken aback by the ungraciousness, Maggie asked pointedly, �Shall I put them in a vase?� Obviously she wasn�t used to romantic offerings from Matt. She�d have to be educated.

�Sorry, I�m not very good with flowers.�

Maggie forgave her instantly, and armed with a slight knowledge of the kitchen, found a vase and arranged the roses in it. �Is Matt home?�

�No, he�s out.�

All the better for me, thought Maggie the wolf.

�Come on!� Chloe set off impatiently, Maggie following with eyes feasting once again on the pert little buttocks.

The sight of the gym and its instruments of torture dampened her ardour. Could she get out of it somehow? Plead a twisted ankle, bad back?

�Now take off that jacket and let�s have a look at you.� Too late! Maggie removed it, revealing a large T-shirt. Chloe started to pull it up. �You can�t do a proper work out in that. Take it off.�

Maggie held onto it. �Definitely not! I�d rather do an improper one.�

�What do you think is going to happen?� The question was apparently innocent, yet somehow Chloe gave it a suggestive air.

Maggie felt herself melting with desire. But to bare her body! That could ruin the relationship before it had started. �Matt might come back.�

�Stop being such a wimp.� Chloe grabbed the shirt and dragged it over Maggie�s head.

This is a strange reversal, she was thinking wildly. I�m supposed to be undressing her. Chloe was the wolf after all! Now Maggie stood exposed in her bra. It was a very sensible one designed for maximum support; not what she would have chosen for her first showing. She was blushing. A dead give-away! Chloe must be aware of how she felt about her.

�Come on, now the pants.�

�No, definitely no!� Revealed in sensible bra was one thing, but revealed in white cotton briefs was another.

Chloe grumbled, �It�s useless if I can�t see what your legs are doing.�

�Then you�ll just have to use your imagination. Much better than experiencing the reality I assure you.�

Suddenly Chloe touched her waist, pinching the excess skin above it. Maggie jumped as if shot through with an electric current. �You�re nervy! I just wanted to assess your condition.� Then she clasped one of her arms and gave it a squeeze.

This was not the romantic seduction of Maggie�s dreams. 

�Flab!� Chloe pronounced and Maggie�s self image plummeted. �Now first some walking on the treadmill. I�ll put it onto easy pace and you can do it for ten minutes. That�s not nearly enough but we don�t want you collapsing. You�ll have to tone up slowly. What sort of music would you like?�

�Are you really asking?�

�Why did I say it?�

�All right! Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi��

Chloe grimaced. �Sorry, no go! Don�t have any of that.�

�Well then, something less strident than yesterday�s.�

�It was Hard Core Logo.�

�I don�t know about �hard core logo�, but it was definitely hard on the ears. You�ll go deaf.�

Chloe giggled and it was a sweet sound, quite different from her husky voice. �How about this?� Something marginally more acceptable began to beat out it�s rhythm, and Maggie was positioned onto the treadmill.

Feeling very silly and very exposed she began walking. Almost at once her body protested: lungs, legs and back aching. Five minutes, and all that kept her going was the sight of Chloe in the mirror lifting weights. Maggie couldn�t believe that such a delicate body was capable of such feats. She watched as the muscles flexed and rippled, trying not to catch sight of her own reflection, red faced, heaving and flabby armed. Thank god her legs weren�t being revealed in all their ample glory. By seven minutes she was begging to be let off.

�No! Another three minutes. It has to hurt a bit to do any good.�

�Hurt a bit? It�s agony,� she puffed.

�Close your eyes and relax.�

No way, Maggie told her silently: the only thing that�s keeping me going is having my eyes open and feasting them on you. The agony seemed to last forever, but eventually the ten minutes was up and the machine turned off. Her legs felt like jelly, and she almost fell onto the only chair in the room.

�Don�t do that. You�ll stiffen up. Let me give you a quick massage. Then we�ll do some gentle aerobic exercises.�

�You do want to kill me!�

With a mock despairing look, Chloe started massaging her shoulders and neck with hands that were exquisitely soothing. Maggie forgot her aches. She closed her eyes and revelled in the sensation of the gentle hands and the closeness of the body. She could sense the rising and falling breasts almost touching her back, could feel the little panting breaths on her neck. She wished it would last forever. She wanted to lean her head back until it touched the breasts  in between them, up and down and around their points. Desperately she wanted to feel them, even with the back of her head.

Slowly the massage wound down with a final gentle kneading. Maggie gave a sigh of contentment and regret. �That was wonderful, you do it like a professional.�

�I�ve done a course,� Chloe said gruffly. �Come on, stand up and we�ll do some aerobics. You follow me. I�ll make it simple.�

�Also short,� Maggie groaned, �otherwise you will have a corpse on your hands. And please let me stand behind you, I don�t want you looking at me or I�ll feel even more of an idiot. And I don�t want to face any mirrors.�

�And I don�t want any more �don�t wants�. You�ll just have to get used to seeing yourself and being seen if you want me to take you in hand.�

Taken in hand! Wonderful thought. �I�ll be good,� she said meekly.

�Ten minutes then, and we�ll call it a day.�

�Ten minutes! I can�t! Truly I can�t�

Chloe pouted. �Five minutes then!�

Maggie huffed and puffed and sweated, her only comfort the sight of Chloe�s body, moving in perfect co-ordination and balance. Supple, fluid, graceful! How did she get to be so good? 

�What are you two up to?� It was Matt at the door. Maggie grabbed her shirt and draped it around her shoulders, holding it over her bra. He gave a boyish grin. �Did you bring that cake?� When she nodded because she could hardly breathe, he added, �Stay and have a cup of coffee. You can watch me eat the cake  Chloe won�t have any  and I�ll tell you how good it is in the hope that you�ll make me more.�

Male vanity! But she couldn�t feel too unkindly towards him. �I�d love to,� she panted, �but I need a shower. I�m revolting. Chloe made me work really hard.�

�Have a shower here.� Maggie looked at Chloe. She was drying the sweat off, apparently indifferent.

�All right if you�re sure.� A bit longer with her!

�I�ll get a towel and show you the shower.� Matt had taken over. Maggie wanted to be shown by Chloe. She wanted Chloe in the shower with her. Or did she? Did she really want her to see the white, soft skinned, over generously proportioned body?

Matt hovered at the bathroom door. �You have the most beautiful hair.� His eyes wandered downwards.

And beautiful tits! �Thanks Matt. You�ve been very kind.�

�Oh yes, of course.� He gave an embarrassed cough and disappeared fast.

She locked the door and undressed. Why would he be interested in her when he had Chloe? She stared at her bared body in the mirror. He must be crazy. But then she wanted Chloe to be interested in her. Wasn�t that far crazier? She just had to lose weight.

The hot shower soothed her aching muscles. How amazing that twenty-four hours earlier she hadn�t even known Chloe existed. Yet here she was, in her house, under her shower, besotted and lusting and shamelessly on the make. Ruthlessly deceiving Anna and disregarding Matt. What kind of a bitch was she?

A bitch on heat!

She got out and dried herself, getting back into the sweaty clothes. No it was more than that. Chloe was meant for her. But how such certainty? She knew absolutely nothing about her. Over coffee she had to find out more. Were Chloe and Matt casual lovers or did they live together on a permanent basis? How long had they been together?

Chloe! Such an exciting mixture of delicacy and roughness! Was she a student? Did she have a job? Maggie longed to know all about her, jealous of the years of unknowing. She stared at her face in the vanity mirror: shiny pink framed by unruly hair, damply curling. Could Chloe possibly fall in love with her?  

In the kitchen, Matt was making the coffee. Maggie studied him: graceful, darkly handsome. If that�s what you liked, quite a guy. Chloe was probably mad about him. For a second she hated Matt - hated all men. Where was Chloe? Why didn�t she come?

�I won�t offer you a piece of your cake. Might undo all the good work. How do you have your coffee?�

�Milk and a sugar, please.�

�No you don�t!� Chloe appeared, shaking her head at Maggie. �Exercise isn�t enough. You�ve got to improve your diet as well.� She�d obviously had a shower too, and was now wearing jeans and a large top that could have been Matt�s. Even with her short hair in wet spiky curls and the boyish clothes she looked utterly sexy. Maggie loved everything about her, even her tendency to nag.

Chloe turned to Matt. �Hope you haven�t forgotten about mowing the lawn. You promised! Dad would have a fit if he could see it.�

Maggie did a double take. �I thought it was your parents� house, Matt.�

�It is.�

�Then��

�They�re my parents too.�

��You are brother and sister?� She tried to keep her surprise and relief hidden. How absolutely wonderful! How miraculous! And now that she looked at them - how obvious. Brother and sister, her heart sang.

�What did you think?� growled Chloe.

Maggie hid her embarrassment by taking a sip of coffee. Black and sugarless, it was revolting. But she�d suffer more than that.

 �Yes,� said Matt, �we�re minding the house while they�re on holiday  OS for six months. They�ve only been gone three weeks.� Almost six months still to go thought Maggie with relief. �And you?� asked Matt. �How long are you renting next door for?�

�We�ve signed up for a year.�

�We?�

�I�m sharing with two others, Anna and David.�

�Is David your partner?� Matt�s tone showed more than just a casual interest.

�Heaven�s no!�

He gave an obviously relieved smile, and with the lift of an eyebrow, Chloe showed she understood his interest. Maggie understood too and did not find it amusing.

�So, are Anna and David an item?� Matt continued his cross-examination.

�No again!� This was the moment to say that, however, she and Anna were. Chloe must realise by now that she was gay, and Matt ought to be made aware. But  she didn�t want Chloe to know about her relationship with Anna.

�Chloe�s got a boyfriend. His name�s Brad.� Hell! She�d just got rid of Matt and now there was Brad. Bloody men! �Maybe we could go out as a foursome, Chloe and Brad, you and me.�

Maggie tried to keep a straight face, avoiding Chloe�s eye. She supposed that it was flattering but just found it irritating. As Chloe�s brother he�d become more of a nuisance than he�d been as her supposed lover. �Thank you, Matt, maybe sometime,� she said as graciously as she could. Matt looked pleased. Damn! That must have sounded more like a yes than a no. Why was life so complicated?

�This is good.� Matt had his mouth full of cake. �You�re a great cook.�

�I had help from Anna.� Maggie didn�t want to hear about her cooking.

�You are too modest,� he said dotingly, cramming more cake into his mouth.

Maggie wanted to scream. She turned to Chloe. �What do you do, Chloe?� The question sounded ridiculously formal.

�I�m a student.� She sounded disinterested.

�Amongst other things,� Matt added mysteriously.

�What other things?� Maggie couldn�t help asking.

�Nothing! Matt�s just talking rubbish.�

�What are you studying?� She was beginning to sound like somebody�s mother.

�Just limping through a BA to please the Parents.� Chloe gave a great yawn.

Hell, she was being boring! What did it didn�t matter! Chloe could be a street sweeper and she would still want her. Maggie quickly downed the last of the coffee, burning her throat. If she hung around any longer, Chloe might decide she was too boring to bother with again. Anyway, Anna had probably woken up and would be wondering what had happened to her. �Thanks for the exercise Chloe and the coffee Matt.� Her voice sounded slightly cool.

�Any time, Maggie,� Matt said meaningfully.

She got her basket and started for the front door. Matt followed. Chloe didn�t seem to notice. Perhaps that was it! The offer of another workout had to come from Chloe herself. No way was she going to suggest it. She had some pride. Not much, but a few shreds to wrap around herself.

�Bye!� She forced a smile for Matt. Down the path on legs that had become leaden, not just from unaccustomed exercise but from dashed hopes. Maybe she was destined to love her from afar. Unrequited passion!

�Wait!� It was Chloe�s voice.

Her heart soared. She turned, trying not to show how she felt.

Chloe grabbed her arm. �We haven�t arranged our next workout.�

�Anytime,� Maggie stammered, unable to keep the eagerness from her voice.

�I�m working the next two nights. How about Wednesday?�

Oh it wasn�t fair! Her guardian angel had deserted her. That was the one night of the week she and Anna had a permanent commitment  as a couple. She couldn�t get out of it.

�Don�t feel you have to,� Chloe muttered.

�Of course I want to.� Her life depended on it, and if she kept hesitating, Chloe would lose interest. She�d have to manage something. �It just means rearranging things, but I�ll be able to.�

They looked into each other�s eyes. Maggie felt she could have lost her way in the dark brown depths.

�Matt fancies you, you know.� Maggie dragged herself back. �He�s a bit young and silly.�

�Silly to fancy me, you mean?�

�No! I don�t mean that.� For a second, it seemed that Chloe was going to say more. To say something that Maggie might want to hear. Her mouth was half open and softly inviting. Maggie so desperately wanted to kiss it, tenderly, lovingly, passionately� but Chloe turned away. �See you! Wednesday night!� she called over her shoulder.

Maggie watched her go into the house. Had she imagined a tension of attraction between them? No, she was sure it had been there. Palpable, full of promise! How could she wait until Wednesday night?

And how would she get out of going with Anna to their club? They always went together. No way could she tell her that she wanted to do a workout instead. She would have to pretend to be sick, then when Anna had gone, slip out of the house. She loathed her deceitfulness, but what alternative was there? She had to see Chloe again.

******

Chapter Four

Wednesday night and Maggie got into bed.

�Ready in ten minutes!� Anna called.

Maggie tried to sound ill. �I�ve got a terrible headache. I think I might be coming down with the �flu.�

Anna put her head around the bedroom door, frowning. �Why didn�t you tell me before I changed?�

�It�s just come on. You can go without me.�

�I couldn�t possibly do that. It�s for couples.�

�Of course you can go on your own. It�s not your fault that I�m sick.�

�But I ought to stay and make sure you�re all right.�

Guilt and frustration warred in Maggie�s breast. What sort of a hypocrite was she turning into? �I just want to go to sleep. If you stay, I�ll feel guilty and that will make me worse.�

�All right, but I�ll come home early.�

This was just too difficult. Maggie actually began to feel quite ill. In fact she hadn�t felt entirely well all day - probably the effect of a bad conscience. �Please,� she groaned, �you must just go and forget me.�

�I can�t do that.� Anna kissed her forehead. �You do feel hot. Must have a temperature. I�ll see what it is.�

�No!� It was all she could do not to shout.

Anna�s face had begun to look pinched again. �Well, I�ll go then if you don�t want me.�

Maggie softened her approach. �I just don�t want to be a nuisance, that�s why I want you to go.�

�All right, just to keep you happy!� With another kiss to her forehead, Anna said goodbye.

In a fever, but not that of the �flu variety, Maggie listened until the front door had opened and closed. Then, trying not to imagine Anna turning around and coming back, she got up and began to dress. This time her bra was black and lacy, as were her knickers. Not suitable for exercising but very suitable for making love! On top she put a T- shirt and the red tracksuit pants.

She felt like a criminal stealing out into the quiet evening. It was almost dark. Irrationally, she wished it was entirely so, to hide her movements from prying eyes.

Heart thumping, she approached the house next door and rang the bell. Waiting lasted an eternity. No movement, no sound! Perhaps Chloe had forgotten. Perhaps she wasn�t home. But then a shadow showed through the frosted glass, the door opened and Chloe stood before her. She was wearing the grey shorts and top, and in her arms was the fluffy cat. Maggie thought she might faint with tension. Excitement, apprehension, shyness...

Chloe didn�t look at her, just buried her mouth in the fur. Maggie stared, entranced. She�d forgotten how beautiful she was. High cheek bones, sculptured eye lids, small tilted nose� �Did you remember I was coming?�

�Of course.� Chloe glanced at her. There was no smile, the voice more deadpan than usual. �Come on, we may as well get started.�

Maggie followed, deflated by her seeming indifference. Did Chloe have second thoughts about inviting her over? Had she become wary of the implications of a relationship with a lesbian? The perfect bottom rotating before Maggie�s eyes wasn�t enough on this occasion to distract her from nagging doubts. �Or was she simply bored?   

They entered what Maggie had dubbed the torture chamber, and Chloe, still clutching the cat, turned on her. �Haven�t you got anything more suitable than that?� She nodded towards her clothes.

�Do you want me to take off the shirt?� Maggie felt uncertain and embarrassed.

�Whatever.� Chloe shrugged.

Now she�d feel silly taking it off and revealing the sexy bra. She�d have to leave it on. Everything was going wrong. �Same as before?� she asked coldly. Two could play this game.

�I know!� Chloe dropped the cat and it fled. She seemed suddenly to come to life. �You might fit into Matt�s bicycle pants.�

Maggie could hardly keep up with the change of mood, and for a moment didn�t want to. �They�d be too small,� she retorted, still cold.

�No, I think they�d fit. They�re stretchy.� Chloe raced off.

For a moment longer Maggie felt angry, then totally forgave her. She loved Chloe and wanted her, changeable moods and all. Seize the opportunity, she told her reflection in the mirror, and with a wry face, lifted off the shirt. Her boobs bounced in their flimsy lace bra, above it an alluring fullness and through it a tantalising glimpse of nipples. God she was big.

Chloe came back. Like a magnet to iron, her eyes were drawn to Maggie�s breasts. It was as if she couldn�t pull them away. She stared long and unblinkingly. Maggie�s heart hammered. At last she wrenched her eyes away from the breasts and into Maggie�s self-conscious gaze. There was a flash of awareness, then Chloe ordered, �get them off,� indicating her pants.

Feeling as if she was doing a strip tease for an audience of thousands, Maggie obeyed. She stood exposed in her lacy panties, so embarrassed she seemed to burn all over.

Chloe looked her up and down, not a flicker of expression, then shoved some black stretch pants at her. �Put these on.�

Maggie struggled into them, thankfully no longer watched. They sort of fitted, and although her reflection showed thighs like a prise fighter�s, she was grateful for any concealment. With relief she got on the treadmill and started walking.

This time there was no music, just the sound of their exertions - a slight huffing from Chloe and lots of puffing from Maggie. Even the Hard Core Logo beat might have been preferable to such strained silence. Why was Chloe so moody? What was she thinking? How could she, Maggie have deceived herself into imagining that Chloe might want her?  

Maggie laboured away for ten minutes, then got off. Chloe still didn�t speak, apparently absorbed in endless rowing to nowhere. Maggie sat in the chair, wondering whether there would be another massage, pessimistically doubting that there would. But yes, Chloe had stopped rowing and was coming over. Her heart lifted.

Panting slightly, Chloe began manipulating her shoulders, back and neck. Maggie could feel warmth radiating from her body and every now and then a brush of breasts. Shutting her eyes and inhaling deeply, she abandoned herself to the sensation of sweet breath fanning her face, the special essence that was Chloe. The firm and gentle touch stroked and kneaded, almost touching her breasts. Towards and away, towards and away. Was Chloe deliberately tantalising her? Behind closed eyes, tears of pleasure formed. But it was coming to an end. Maggie wanted to beg for more. Instead, she said primly, �Thank you that was very relaxing.�

Chloe gave no reply and went to the CD player. So there was going to be further torture! Maggie felt exhausted just at the thought of it. How could she stand, let alone do aerobic exercise? And why bother? For all the notice Chloe was taking of her she might be invisible. However with her last ounce of strength, she made herself flex and bound, breasts sore from their unconfined bouncing. Then it was over. Chloe turned off the CD leaving the unbearable silence again and Maggie just wanted to go. She wanted to go, yet knew she would be utterly disappointed if she did. All her hopes and longings for the evening. The lies to get there. All for nothing!

�Do you want a shower?� Chloe asked abruptly.

�I think not. You seem a bit distracted. Maybe you are expecting Brad.� She said this almost spitefully.

�Not him, the bastard!� Chloe exclaimed violently. �I hope I never see the bastard again.�

Then to Maggie�s surprise and consternation, Chloe began to sob. Instinctively, Maggie moved towards her, and instinctively Chloe put her head against her shoulder. Maggie held her close, kissing the top of her head, murmuring soothing words. Chloe sobbed harder and harder. Maggie stroked her neck. The sobbing quietened and as it lessened a mutual awareness grew.

Chloe drew her head back and looked up. Maggie took in the forlorn face, watery eyes, running nose and got a tissue from her bag. She wiped the eyes and cheeks. Chloe blew her nose. Their eyes met. Maggie lowered her head and kissed the damp cheeks, the eyelids� then the mouth. It felt warm and yielding. She kissed each tiny part of the lips, lingering over their fullness and softness.

A submerged sigh of pleasure from Chloe fanned her desire and hungrily she was prizing the lips apart with her tongue. Chloe became a willing partner. Their tongues loved each other on and on. Tenderly, greedily, painfully, reaching down through their bodies to the more secret lips that now longed to touch.

Chloe gave a choking sound and they drew apart. Maggie�s lips were burning and she could see Chloe�s chafed and red. She sank to her knees.

�I love you.� She ran her hands up under her shorts to the top of her thighs, so smooth and firm. Then it was her mouth savouring the silky skin, and she melted with desire. �I love you.� Shaking, she drew the shorts down. Chloe stood like a statue - a breathing warm statue. Her underpants were gorgeous: satiny red with little splits at the side and lace edging. Maggie touched the material, sensuously running her fingers around the narrow hips and down the two high curving buttocks, thrilling to the sensation. Exquisite and sharp pains knifed up between her legs.

Across the almost flat stomach, she continued her exploration, then slowly, lingeringly down. Down to the gentle mound, feeling curly hair beneath the satin. Backwards and forwards until she couldn�t bear it any longer. She was throbbing and pulsing with desire, already wet from an orgasm. �Oh god I need you!� She buried her mouth there, where legs and mound met. Moist and damp, she inhaled a warm scent of sex.

Her pleasure and desire became a groan. Now she dragged at the pants. Wondrously revealed was smooth skin, golden brown. And below, guarding that longed for hidden place, her dark curly triangle. �Oh my angel!� Tenderly, she touched the curls with her lips. Chloe gave a great gasp and parted her legs.

At that moment, a sound jarred its way into Maggie�s consciousness. They jumped apart.

�Shit! Matt!� Chloe tugged her pants up and then her shorts. Maggie grabbed her shirt and pulled it on. She felt stunned by her sudden loss, dizzy still with desire. She was wet between the legs and panting. Heavy footsteps down the passage. Maggie almost threw herself onto the treadmill.

�What the fuck are you up to?�

That wasn�t Matt�s voice. She turned towards the owner.

A stranger to her but not to Chloe; �Brad!�

Maggie disliked him on sight. His lips were set in a pout, a self-indulgent pout. And there was something in his eyes: an evasive look. No, she definitely didn�t like him.

�Who�s this?�

�Someone I want to be with,� Chloe muttered darkly.

 �Last night you wanted to be with me. You made a big enough fucking noise about it. Swearing at me down the phone like a mad woman. So I�m here and I find you with someone else.� His tone was menacing.

Was it obvious that she was gay? Did he know what they�d been doing?

�Just because you stood me up last night and I was shitty about it, doesn�t mean I�m going to be sitting around waiting for you tonight, you dick head.�

�Don�t give me that fucking shit. And get rid of her.� He pointed towards Maggie without actually looking at her. �I had to work last night and now I�m starved for a bit of arse.�

It was too much for Maggie. She went up to him, wanting to hit his arrogant face or punch him in the balls. �How dare you come barging in like this! Can�t you see you aren�t wanted?�

He pushed past Maggie almost knocking her over. Chloe gave a scream as he made a grab for her. �Go quickly, Maggie!�

He swung around on her. �You heard the lady. She said to get out, so go.�

 Maggie felt as if they were in a forties Hollywood movie. �No dice!�

Looking as if he might punch her, he bellowed, �And who do you think you are, to give me this shit?� Now they were definitely back in the 21^st century. �A friend of Chloe�s!� He threw his head back and gave a horrible snort. �Oh yes, a big fat dyke wanting a bit of the arse that belongs to me.�

�Go!� Chloe shouted. �Please go! I�ll be all right.�

�I can�t leave you with this animal.�

�Stay and protect her, is that it?� Brad laughed and it was not a pleasant sound. �You want to fight me? Come on!� He put his hands up in a boxing position and made a punching feint. Maggie leapt away. Laughing, he kept up his mock fight, bouncing lightly on his feet and forcing Maggie further and further back. Then he stopped and snarled at her, �Pathetic! And you!� He turned on Chloe. �You are just a little tart. I don�t know why I bother.�

�Go,� Chloe begged Maggie again. She looked scared.

 Maggie grabbed her clothes, and with heart beating in anger and fright, left the room. A coward that�s what she was! She should stay and face him. At the front door, she hesitated. What if something happened to Chloe? She could never live with herself.

Her whole body shaking with agitation, she made herself return to the room. His back was towards her, his body masking Chloe. He was thrusting into her, like a rutting dog, grunting. Chloe seemed to be trying to push him away. Maggie hesitated. What could she do? Her interference might make the situation worse. Even dangerous! She crept off, but at the front door, hesitated again. It broke her heart to leave Chloe with such a pig. Tears began coursing down her cheeks. Why wasn�t she a six-foot hunk who could knock him down and beat him senseless? Should she phone the police? But he was Chloe�s boyfriend and he hadn�t hurt her. Chloe wasn�t calling for help.

Still wearing Matt�s pants and carrying her tracksuit, she dragged herself home. What an animal! How had Chloe become involved with someone like that? And how could Matt have suggested they go out as a foursome. Didn�t he know what Brad was like? Miserably, she undressed and got under the shower. Poor Chloe! Poor darling Chloe! She felt so helpless.

In bed she curled into a despairing ball. Brad had called her a dyke  no one had ever said that to her before. She supposed she�d lived a very sheltered life, never before exposed to anyone like him. How had Chloe got herself into a relationship with someone like that?

The sound of the front door opening made her go rigid with alarm. My god! Brad! Could he have followed her? Ridiculous! She�d locked the door  he couldn�t get in. It must be David. But no, the footfall was too light. Anna! Relief flooded through her. 

�Are you all right?� a soft voice enquired.

Then relief turned to frustration born of guilt. How like her to come home early! She couldn�t stay away for even a couple of hours; had to come checking up on her. �No, and why have you come home early? I told you not to.�

�I don�t feel well. Maybe I�m coming down with the same thing you�ve got.�

�I doubt it,� Maggie couldn�t keep the irony from her tone.

�Why? Because we never get close enough give each other anything? You�re right there. Anyway I do feel ill, as if you care, and I�m going to bed.�

Hell! Suddenly it hit Maggie. That had been a very close shave. If it hadn�t been for Brad she�d still be next door. The thought made her blood run cold. She couldn�t go on like this. Something would have to be done. She�d have to tell Anna.

However, it wasn�t just Anna. It was Brad. He might make it impossible for her to see Chloe again. Panic sent her pulse racing. Could she confide in Matt? He was definitely not a Brad. But maybe all males stuck together. Oh, how utterly depressed she felt. Everything seemed impossible.

Yet� her depression gave way to excitement �something wonderful had happened. Chloe had been awakened. Chloe had wanted her. Chloe had parted her legs. The exquisite pains of desire knifed through Maggie. What might have happened next, if Brad hadn�t interrupted? The joys of discovery! Unimaginable delights! She had to be with Chloe again.

�

The morning alarm woke her. It had been a night of erotic dreaming and wakeful turmoil. Her body felt heavy and her mind unready for work�s routine. She could take a sick day. Maybe Chloe would be home. She must see her.

�Maggie,� Anna was calling in a hoarse voice. �Can you come here for a moment.�

Please don�t be sick, she thought. I want to be sick. But Anna was white and puffy eyed, almost too weak to smile. �You look terrible. I don�t suppose you should go to work.�

�I have to if you�re not well. We can�t both be away.�

A moment�s inner struggle, then her conscience won. �I feel a bit better. I can go to work You�re obviously much sicker than I am. In fact,� looking at her really closely, taking in the dark circles and drawn features, �I think you ought to go to the doctor.�

Anna put out a long thin hand. �Thanks pet. I�m sorry you can�t stay home too. It would be nice if we could be together. You�re a good girl.�

Poor deluded Anna! �Do you want a cup of tea?�

�That would be lovely, if you�ve got time.�

In the kitchen, Maggie pulled up the blind and stared longingly at the drawn curtains opposite. So near and yet so far! She called silently to her. Chloe! Are you all right? I desperately need to see you. I love you. Tonight! Maybe tonight, somehow.

******

Chapter Five

�Maggie!� Anna�s weak voice called as she came in the door.

The day at work had left her tired and short-tempered. �Yes?� she said shortly, putting her head around the bedroom door. She just wanted to take her shoes off and put her feet up with a sherry, but forced herself to enquire, �Feeling any better?�

�I�ve got the �flu. I went to the doctor and then felt so ill I couldn�t stop off at the chemist.� Anna was shivering and red-eyed. �Can you get me something for the pain? I�m aching all over. I�ve got the most awful headache.�

�What did the doctor say?�

�Oh you know, the usual! Rest, liquid and pain relief. God I feel so sick.� Her head tossed fretfully on the pillow. �I�m run down apparently. She said when I�ve recovered I should take some leave. Maybe I�ll go on a holiday.�

�It�s years since you�ve had a break.�

�Wish we could go together but that�s impossible.

�Don�t worry about me. You�ve got to get yourself well and fit again.� What a hypocrite! Maggie hated herself, but suddenly saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Time to get things sorted.

 �Sorry to ask you to go out again. You look exhausted.�

�I�m all right. I�ll go now.� A chance to see Chloe  if she was home. �Have to get some petrol, so don�t worry if I�m a while.�

�Take my car.�

�No, I want to get some. Should have done it on the way home. Now try and get some sleep. When you wake up I�ll be back.�

�Thanks pet,� Anna croaked, already closing her eyes.

Backing the car out and parking it down the road, Maggie told herself that she was despicable. She�d always taken pride in being honest and straightforward, yet now was going from one deception to another. It must stop. But Chloe had cast an irresistible spell. And now she was being drawn to her house once more. Please be home, I have to see you.

The doorbell ringing, footsteps and a face peering through the frosted glass  it was Chloe. Maggie�s relief and gratitude were overwhelming.

�What do you want?� asked her voice through the door.

More games! Maggie �s stomach churned with apprehension. �To see you of course. I haven�t got much time. Please let me in.� She hated the pleading, whining tone.

�I�m not well.�

�I�m sorry, but nor am I.� Her patience was wearing thin. �And I�ll feel even worse if you don�t open the door.�

There was silence. Maggie was beginning to lose all sense of proportion and contemplated smashing the door down or breaking a window to get in. But the lock was being turned, then the door slowly opened. Barefoot and wearing a white towelling robe, Chloe walked away from her, muttering, �I don�t want to see you.�

Maggie couldn�t cope with the mood swings any longer. She grabbed at her shoulder and swung her around. �You are driving me insane. You little b�� Her words dried in her throat as she saw Chloe�s face. A bruise ran from the bottom of her right cheek down to her jaw line. It was swollen.

�Now you know why I didn�t want to see you,� Chloe accused.

�You mean why you didn�t want me to see you!� Maggie felt sick. �Brad! The bastard! I knew I should have stayed.�

�You couldn�t have done anything, and he might have hurt you and done something worse to me.�

�How could it be worse?� Maggie exclaimed incredulously

�It can, I assure you.�

�He�s done this before? Why do you keep seeing him?�

�Oh, you wouldn�t understand. That�s why I didn�t want you to see me. I knew you�d carry on.�

�Of course I�m carrying on. Wouldn�t anyone? Your parents, your friends, your brother  wouldn�t they make a fuss? Or are they quite happy for it to happen?�

�Of course not! Oh go away. I don�t want to talk to you. Just go away. If you hadn�t been here last night, he mightn�t have done it. I don�t want you to come again.�

Maggie felt like throwing up. How was it possible that she�d become so entangled in the life of this girl? Someone she�d met only five days ago and knew almost nothing about. But entangled she had most certainly become. Through her own unrestrained, impetuous desire and lust. �Believe me, I wish I could go out that door now and never see you again. But I can�t. Don�t you think you�re making just as much trouble for me? I wish I�d never set eyes on you.�

�You are a fat dyke,� Chloe shouted at her.

�How dare you!� Maggie took her by the shoulders and shook her hard. Then she let go as if stung. My god she was as bad as Brad! �It�s your fault. You drive people mad. I hate you.� Now she was crying and wondering whether she was losing touch with reality. Maybe she was having mid-life crisis. At thirty! Hardly! Anyway, why was she crying? It was Chloe who should be crying. It was Chloe who was bruised, and at this thought she cried even harder.

A cautious arm was put around her shoulder. �I�m sorry! I didn�t mean it,� was breathed against her neck A soft kiss was placed on her cheek. Their heads turned simultaneously and mouths met of one accord. So gently and tenderly they touched with their lips.

Rapturously Maggie�s heart sang, and she murmured, �I love you. I can�t help it.�

�I know,� murmured Chloe in return. �But I don�t think I can love you. I probably can�t love anyone.�

Maggie pulled her face away. �But you do want me, don�t you?� she demanded fiercely. �You do want me. I�m not imagining that.�

�No!� The murmur had become a whisper.

Maggie couldn�t let go of her fierceness. �You mean no you don�t want me, or no I haven�t imagined it?�

Chloe�s dark eyes looked hugely into hers. �No you haven�t imagined it.�

The throbbing began between Maggie�s legs. She just couldn�t help it. She was on heat. Even now, when Chloe was hurt, and she was meant to be getting something for Anna who was ill, she desired Chloe. �I long for you. I want to discover every small part of you.� Invited by a delicate cleavage, she put her hand inside the robe, thrilling to the feel of soft firm skin, running her finger around and up a small mound, capped by a pointy nipple. Luxuriously tweaking the point. Indescribable sensation! Now both hands were more urgently exploring both breasts. �Oh Chloe, since I first saw you through your bedroom window, bare shouldered, naked breasts, I�ve desired you, been obsessed by you.� She bent and kissed each nipple, licking and flicking with her tongue. 

Chloe gave a strangled moan.

�And I want to be explored by you.� She pulled Chloe�s hands against her blouse. Chloe still gazed with her dark eyes. In them submerged fire. �Let yourself go!�

The hands were unresponsive. �I can�t. I don�t dare. I don�t know what I�m doing. I�m not gay!�

Maggie let the hands go and they dropped limply. �That doesn�t matter. Love isn�t something that�s kept in tidy boxes, to be brought out at the correct moment by a man and a woman contemplating marriage and parenthood. Love explodes on the scene, devouring and ruthless.

�I don�t want to talk about love.�

�Well then, passion, lust, desire� They happen at any time and anywhere, untidily, inconveniently. They can�t be ordered by society.� Maggie scarcely recognised the words as coming from her mouth. Not from the inoffensive, neat librarian! Lesbian yes, but quite socially acceptable. Never doing anything that might frighten the horses.

Chloe touched her bruise. �Brad did this because of you.�

Maggie felt very saddened and also touched the bruise, gently and tenderly. �Oh my love. I�m so sorry. Does it hurt?�

�A bit, but not terribly. It hurt when he hit me.� Now tears welled up in Chloe�s eyes. �He has passion and lust: you think that�s all right?�

�Brad is selfish and cruel. He�s done it before and I wasn�t around then.�

�No, someone else was. He gets uncontrollably jealous.�

�You�ve said it. Out of control! You have to get rid of him.�

�I know. I will. It�s just that he�s been part of my life and I don�t know what to replace him with. I�m scared of being lonely.�

�You could have me.�

�That�s different. I�m not gay. I can�t go out with you.� Tears were brimming over Chloe�s eyelids and coursing down her cheeks, down over the bruise.

�You mean you�ll be ashamed.� Maggie said sympathetically and kissed the tears away.

�Charming scene!� She hadn�t heard Matt come in. His expression was quizzical. �So that�s how the wind blows.�

�I was just comforting Chloe.�

�Yes I can see. Obviously no hope of me ever being comforted.� He gave a self-deprecating laugh.

She jumped up and pecked him on the cheek. �As guys go, you�re one of the best.�

�It�s just that you don�t fancy men.�

Maggie shook her head. �Sorry Matt. I tried to let you down lightly. I didn�t want to mislead you.�

�Shit! Stop perving over each other,� Chloe broke in, �you�re supposed to be comforting me.�

Maggie sat beside her again. To Matt she asked, �Did you know Brad was capable of this?�

�Of course not! The creep! Chloe met him��

�Shut up!� Chloe interrupted.

Again, the hint of a secret, but Maggie stored the mystery away for another time. �Well, what are you going to do?�

�Tell him to keep away from my sister.�

�He�s got a key and he�s violent.�

�We�ll get the locks changed. But the shit won�t have the nerve to come back after what he�s done.�

�Did you know he�s done it before?�

Matt looked shocked. �Is this true Chloe? When?�

Chloe got up listlessly. �Oh, it doesn�t matter.�

�Of course it does. I�ll beat the living daylights out of him, I�ll��

�My god! I forgot!� Suddenly Maggie remembered what she was supposed to be doing. �Anna�s got the �flu. I�m supposed to be at the chemist buying something for her headache. How long have I been?� She looked at her watch, panic taking over. �Hell, what shall I do? She doesn�t know I�m here. I can�t tell her.�

�Keep calm,� soothed Matt. �I�ve got something.�

�But she�ll know I haven�t just bought it. How can I explain that? Say the car broke down and I went into someone�s house?�

�Stop panicking! It�s a brand new packet. I bought it for Chloe but the stubborn little idiot refused to take anything.�

�Oh Matt! I almost love you. If you were Chloe I would.� He gave a wry grin and left the room.

Chloe was standing by the window, looking at Maggie�s house. �Anna�s your partner, isn�t she?� Maggie nodded, but Chloe didn�t see her. However she took the silence as affirmation. �How long?�

�Five years.�

�And you are going to break up that relationship for me?�

�It was all but over.�

�That�s what husbands say when they want a piece of new skirt. �My wife doesn�t understand me�,� she mimicked.

 �It isn�t like that.� Maggie�s voice trailed off. �Well yes it is a bit. But truly, the relationship has been floundering for a while.�

Matt was back and handing her a new packet of tablets. �Thanks, you�ve saved my life. Chloe, I�ll have to go. I probably won�t be able to come for a while. Can you look through your bedroom window occasionally? I might be at the kitchen window. I can at least see you.� Chloe was shaking her head as if she thought she was mad. �Please! And Matt! Maybe you could come and borrow something, just to tell me how Chloe is. Anna won�t be suspicious of you. Then if Anna goes on holiday, we can be together,� she took Chloe in her arms and kissed her lingeringly on the lips, �and I will make you love me.�

�Do you mind? There is a male present.�

�Thanks Matt,� she gave him a hug. �Please help Chloe get rid of Brad. He�s dangerous. And don�t tell him where I live.�

�I won�t. Look after yourself, and,� he threw a wicked look at Chloe, �if ever you want to have fun in a threesome, Chloe mightn�t mind sharing��

Chloe tossed a cushion at him.

�You�re lucky to have each other,� Maggie told them. �Look after her. I�m forever grateful for the tablets. Bye.� She ran out to the car and drove to the end of the road, then back. It was almost dark. Was Anna awake and waiting for her?

The world seemed unreal, away from Chloe. It wasn�t just lust. She needed her for herself. It must be love. Life before Chloe was impossible to believe in.

As soon as Anna was better, she�d tell her. Tell her what? I love her. My happiness depends on being with her. And Chloe, Anna would ask in a dry voice, does she love you? What would she reply to that? Not yet, she would have to say, but maybe one day�   

The house was dark and quiet. Maggie ached to be next door.

�That you?� called Anna.

Who else would it be? �Yes it�s me.�

�I�ve been worried. You seemed to be gone a long time.�

�Sorry, everything was slow. I�ll get some water and you can take the tablets. Better take two.�

�I�m glad you�re home.�

Hell, what a responsibility! She wanted to scream and rush about, throw off her conservative work clothes, put on something crazy and go to a party. Get sloshed, dance and make love  with Chloe!

Copyright (c) 2000 Joanne Boyd. All rights reserved.