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  “That’s the point. Diane is a woman running a billion-dollar company all by herself.”

  Michelle chuckled. “She does have help, Jillian.”

  “I know she does, but she is still the boss. Women need to read about people like her.” Jillian moved closer to Michelle. “It was the same way for women like us. If we didn’t have lesbian role models, everyone would still be in the closet.”

  “I know exactly what you mean, but I don’t believe she is going to change her mind.”

  Jillian put her arm around Michelle. “Maybe if I change your mind, you will change her mind.”

  Michelle threw her head back and laughed. “If only I had that kind of power over my boss.” She poked Jillian in the stomach. “This is Diane’s decision and I will do nothing to influence her.” Her eyes looked into the blue eyes. “No matter how good your kisses are.”

  Jillian sat up. “Oh, they’re good, huh?” Michelle nodded with a grin. Jillian’s finger went down Michelle’s cheek and rested against her neck. “Maybe my other talents will convince you?”

  Michelle laughed again. “So you plan on using sex to convince me?”

  Jillian grinned and nodded. “Will it work?”

  “No, and it won’t change anything.” Before Michelle could say anything else, Jillian’s lips found hers.

  Kissing turned into petting and when Jillian began to lower Michelle onto her back. “No, Jillian.”

  Jillian looked at Michelle with eyes that were dark with arousal. “Am I rushing you?”

  Michelle sat up. “I can’t just jump into bed with you after one date.” Her eyes lowered automatically. “That’s just not me.”

  Jillian grinned and rested her hand on Michelle’s cheek. “I’m sorry, honey.” The hand continued to caress. “I just want you so much. I’ve wanted you since the night in the bar.” Michelle opened her mouth to speak, but Jillian’s finger rested against her lips. “But you are worth the wait. Let’s watch that movie I promised you.”

  As Michelle got ready to leave after the movie ended, Jillian asked, “I have an interview tomorrow morning, but the rest of the day I’m free if you’d like to spend it with me.”

  “I’d like that, Jillian.” Her mouth went to Jillian’s lips. “Call me when you are free.” Michelle’s kiss deepened. “I want you too, Jillian. Please don’t have any doubts about that.” She watched a smile appear on Jillian’s face. “Good night.”

  “Good night, Michelle.” Jillian opened the front. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER 9

  Michelle was still lounging in her bed when her cellphone rang. She looked at the picture of Jillian and automatically smiled. “You’re done early.”

  “I know. It’s just a small article for the magazine. Nothing important,” Jillian said with a shrug that Michelle couldn’t see. “So what would you like to do today?”

  Crawling into your arms naked would be a good place to start. “Feel like meeting for lunch?”

  “Yes, I’m starved. I didn’t have time for breakfast this morning. Are you ready to go out?”

  “I’m still in bed.” Michelle looked at the clock and saw it was eleven. “Didn’t realize how late it was.”

  “Well, get your sleepy ass out of bed and I’ll pick you up in forty minutes.”

  Michelle chuckled. “See you then,” she said throwing the phone on the bed and headed to the bathroom.

  “I wish I was there with you, Michelle,” Jillian said to the empty room and began to change her clothes.

  Michelle was standing outside when Jillian pulled up in her car. She opened the car door and got in. “Perfect timing,” she said before stealing a kiss from Jillian.

  “I know a great breakfast place not far from here. If that’s okay with you.”

  “I could eat anything at this point,” Michelle said licking her lips, but then saw the stunned look on Jillian’s face. “One track mind, I can see.” Jillian laughed, but didn’t deny Michelle words.

  “Wow. You ate your whole breakfast and finished mine.” Michelle laughed as she watched Jillian holding her stomach as they left the restaurant. “Do you want me to drive?”

  “No, I can do it.” Jillian opened Michelle’s door and walked around to the driver’s side. She groaned as she sat behind the steering wheel. Michelle was still chuckling under her breath when Jillian started the car. “Do you mind if we go to my apartment.” A burp came out of her mouth. “Sorry. Excuse me. I want to take something before I explode.”

  “I think that is a good idea.” Michelle turned her head so she couldn’t see the grin on her face.

  Jillian plopped two tablets into the cold water and barely waited for them to dissolve before she drank the liquid down. “Ah. That feels better already.”

  “You are still green around the gills. Why don’t you come over to the sofa and lie down,” Michelle said taking her arm and leading her to the living room. Jillian laid down with her head in Michelle’s lap.

  “I’m not usually such a pig,” Jillian said looking up into the green eyes, “I swear.” She held up her right hand.

  “I believe you.” Michelle began to stroke her hand through the dark short hair. Unable to stop herself, she leaned over and kissed Jillian’s forehead.

  “That feels so good, Michelle.” Jillian’s eyes drooped as the gentle hands continued their massage against her scalp. “So good.”

  A light snore left Jillian and Michelle stopped stroking her hair. I’m some date. I just put my date to sleep. She thought about calling Donna to pick her up, but then thought that maybe she wouldn’t sleep too long. Before she realized what was happening her head went back on the couch and she closed her eyes. The food coma overtook her body and she went to sleep. By the time Michelle opened her eyes, Jillian’s face was buried in her stomach and her arms were wrapped around her waist. “Honey, wake up,” she said softly stroking Jillian’s forehead.

  Jillian turned over and looked up at Michelle. “I fell asleep?”

  “Yep,” Michelle smiled and continued stroking, “I did too.”

  “We’re some pair, huh?”

  “It’s the last time I listen to you and order the supreme breakfast.”

  Jillian buried her head again against Michelle. “Yeah, but you left half of it on your plate and I ate the rest.”

  “Don’t forget you finished all of yours.”

  “Please don’t remind me. It might make a return visit if we keep talking about it.” Jillian’s hand began to stroke Michelle’s side. “I guess you aren’t interested in having dinner with me tonight?”

  “No,” she answered quickly. “I think maybe a snack or some soup later might be nice, but not a full meal.”

  “So you don’t want me to take you home now?” Jillian asked, looking up.

  “No.” Michelle’s head came down and Jillian arose so their lips could meet. “I’m glad you are feeling better.” She kissed her again.

  “Can I interest you in taking this to the bedroom?” The pale blue eyes had turned dark with passion. She licked her lips as she eagerly awaited Michelle’s answer.

  “No,” Michelle whispered as she kissed Jillian one more time before they left the room hand in hand. “I want you too, but I can’t just jump into bed with you. I’m sorry.”

  “I understand, Michelle.”

  So the following week Jillian and Michelle spent each evening speaking with each other. Michelle was learning so much about this woman and realized she wasn’t just ‘hot girl’ from the bar, but had depth. They arranged to get together Friday night for dinner.

  Jillian took Michelle’s hand as they left the restaurant. Both women having enjoyed the meal and the wine. “Do you want to come back to my place?”

  Michelle nodded. I want her. “Sure. Let’s go.”

  Once in the apartment, they sat on the couch kissing and petting again, but this time there was no stopping them. “Bed?” Jillian questioned.

  “Yes,” Michelle said softly.
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  Before the soon-to-be lovers reached the bedroom, they began to kiss again. Reaching the bed, they fell together onto the mattress moaning as their bodies came together intimately. “You are so beautiful,” Jillian said looking into the green eyes as her hand trailed a path down Michelle’s cheek.

  “Only if you think I am, Jillian.” A soft sigh left her throat. “Make love to me, Jillian.” Her only response was a grin as Jillian began to remove Michelle’s clothes. Jillian’s hand came out and slid along the skin between her breasts stopping and caressing the taut stomach. “I need you naked too.”

  Jillian didn’t need any coaxing as the clothes left her body quickly. They both moaned as their naked skin met for the first time. “So good,” Jillian whispered softly before her lips sucked on Michelle’s earlobe. “I want to taste every bit of your skin,” she said as her lips went to the hollow of her throat. Jillian couldn’t help notice Michelle lifting her hips trying to get more contact with Jillian. “Patience, honey.”

  Michelle’s hips dropped quickly to the mattress. “I am not a very patient person. Please don’t keep me in agony.” She kissed Jillian passionately. “I need you to touch me now.” Michelle’s body shuddered. “I need you in me. Please hurry.” Jillian didn’t respond to Michelle’s commands, but the moment she entered her no other words were needed.

  CHAPTER 10

  Michelle had spent the rest of the weekend with Jillian and Jillian had gotten her wish to taste all of Michelle’s skin. Michelle was now dragging her tired body into work Monday morning and she prayed that today would not hold too many problems that would cause her to have to think too much. The only thing that had been on her mind Sunday night was Jillian and how she had brought her body to life with their lovemaking. As she started the coffee her phone dinged indicating a text. Michelle pulled it out of her pocket and read the text.

  Missed you last night. Have a good day.

  Michelle was smiling as she turned trying to decide her response when a voice brought her out of daydream. “Good morning, Diane,” she said lowering her phone.

  “I hope you had a good weekend?” Diane asked, seeing the sudden blush on Michelle’s face. Oh yeah, she did. That look says it all. She looks like she didn’t sleep all weekend. Didn’t think the journalist would wait to take her to bed.

  “It was good. You?” Michelle asked, turning her back as she walked over to the coffeemaker.

  “Not as good as yours,” she mumbled and moved forward to her office door.

  “Excuse me?” Michelle asked turning.

  “Good. Good.”

  Michelle poured coffee for Diane and followed her into her office. “Do you need anything right now?”

  “Not at the moment,” Diane said as she picked up the steaming cup of coffee. No, you go ahead and talk to your girlfriend.

  Michelle closed Diane’s door and pulled out her phone again. I missed you too. Enjoy your day. Michelle sent off the text and poured herself a much needed cup of coffee. As she sat down, she realized that Diane had seemed pissed when she saw her holding her phone. Diane knew that Michelle never ignored her work to talk to friends. So why did she have that look on her face? Unable to find an answer, Michelle began her work.

  It was just before lunch when the phone rang. “Ms. Baker’s office,” Michelle said in her best professional voice.

  “Hey, baby. How about putting me through to your boss.”

  Michelle chuckled. “Nice try, Jillian.”

  “Aw. Didn’t I take care of you this weekend?” Jillian asked in her most seductive voice.

  Michelle laughed again. “I seem to recall me taking care of you too.” The door to Diane’s office opened and she appeared. “I will let Ms. Baker know that you called.”

  “Is she there?”

  “That’s right, Ms. Stevens. Ms. Baker is not interested in doing an interview.” Michelle watched as Diane stuck her hand out and flicked her fingers indicating she wanted the phone.

  “Ms. Stevens, this is Diane Baker. I’m sure Ms. Whitman has explained to you time and again that I do not wish to be interviewed.”

  “She has, but I think you would be happy with the end result.” Jillian was so thrown that she was actually speaking with the woman she had tried to get on the phone, her mind was blank.

  “What makes you think I even need this?” Diane did not disguise her frustration with this woman.

  “Everyone can use good publicity.” Jillian offered quickly. “You are an inspiration to the women who read the magazine. You are running a multibillion dollar company at the age thirty-five. There are very few women who can say that.”

  Diane rolled her eyes at Michelle. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Baker. That’s all I can ask.”

  “Fine,” Diane said and hung up the phone. Michelle knew her face was red. “Your girlfriend is very persistent.”

  “I’m sorry, Diane.” Michelle lowered her eyes, but watched as Diane headed for the outer door.

  “I’ll be back in an hour.” You handled that well. Why didn’t you tell her to stop seeing that woman? That she is only using you to get to me. Yeah, that would go over well. Diane stopped suddenly as she walked toward the elevators.

  “Are you okay, Ms. Baker?” an employee asked.

  “Yes, I’m fine.” Diane pressed the elevator button. You should just do the interview so Jillian will go away. Instead of getting onto the elevator as the doors opened, she turned on her heel and went back to her office. She opened the door to find Michelle sitting there as if she were in a daze. “Tell Ms. Stevens to be here tomorrow at eight thirty. I will give her an hour.” Diane took a breath. “No longer.”

  “Diane, are you sure? You don’t have to do this,” Michelle offered softly.

  “That’s the only way I’m going to stop her constantly calling,” Diane said in a huff.

  “I’ll tell her not to call anymore. Please, Diane, you don’t have to do this.”

  “No, Michelle. I don’t want you stuck in the middle of this. Call her.” Diane left the office again knowing she was late for her next meeting.

  “Hi, Babe,” Jillian said when she answered the phone.

  “You have your interview.” Michelle’s voice was professional as she gave Jillian the information. She didn’t like that Jillian had jeopardized her career and didn’t take her feelings into consideration.

  “I do?”

  Michelle could hear the glee and a smile in Jillian’s voice. “Be here at eight thirty tomorrow. You will have one hour. If you are late, you will be done at nine thirty.”

  “What’s wrong, Michelle? You sound pissed.”

  “Be here, Jillian. Goodbye.” Michelle didn’t care if Jillian thought she wasn’t friendly when she gave her the message. She just didn’t care. A text came through her phone.

  Are you mad at me?

  Am I mad at her? Michelle shook her head. She just doesn’t get it. She began to type. You got your interview. Be happy and I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Michelle didn’t answer her question. She just wanted to forget the whole thing.

  The closer Michelle got to her front door, she recognized Jillian sitting on the front steps. As she approached Jillian stood up. “Hi.”

  “I didn’t expect to see you,” Michelle said opening the front door and walked into the building. Jillian followed on her heels without an invitation.

  “I came to apologize to you in person.” Jillian’s head lowered and her hands rested inside her front pocket.

  Michelle turned before opening the door to the apartment. “Do you know what you are apologizing for?” Jillian shrugged. “Then don’t apologize.”

  Jillian followed her inside. “I’m sorry if Diane felt she was pushed, but maybe she agreed to the interview because she liked what I told her.”

  “I think she was just fed up with your calling,” Michelle said a little too strongly.

  “Do you want me to forget the interview?” Jillian asked with wide eyes.r />
  Michelle mumbled before she said out loud, “Don’t make that offer because I know you wouldn’t do it.”

  “Can we sit down and discuss this?” Jillian took her hand and led her over to the couch. “My job is to get the interview that is important to the magazine.”

  “No matter how you go about doing it?” Michelle asked frustrated.

  “Yes. It is my job, Michelle.”

  “And my job was to honor Diane’s wishes.”

  “You did. It was Diane’s choice to agree to the interview.” Jillian picked up Michelle’s hand. “Diane doesn’t give me the impression of doing anything she doesn’t want to.” Michelle nodded in agreement. “Can we call a truce?” Michelle nodded again. “Good. I’ve been dying to kiss you ever since you walked up to me.” Michelle leaned in and kissed Jillian’s lips softly. “Thank you.”

  “For what?” Michelle asked grinning.

  “For forgiving me.”

  Michelle smiled. “I didn’t say I did, Jillian. You put me in a position I wasn’t comfortable with.” The door suddenly opened and Donna walked into the apartment.

  “Didn’t expect hot girl to be here,” Donna said with a laugh.

  The two women moved apart and Jillian raised an eyebrow. “Hot girl?”

  Michelle covered her face with her hands. “That’s what I called you the first night I saw you at the bar.” She looked up at a grinning Donna and pointed, “She’s been calling you that ever since.”

  “I certainly am not insulted.” Jillian took Michelle’s hand. “I saw you that first night too. I asked my friends if they knew who you were, but no one knew you. You left before I could approach you.”

  “I did?” Jillian nodded at Michelle. “I had no idea.”

  “I looked up from speaking with my friends and our eyes met. It was only for a split second, but I remember.”

  Michelle didn’t see Donna’s face when Jillian released that little bit of information. Instead Donna said, “Oh brother,” from across the room. “I’ll be in my room if you need something.”