I dedicate this chapter to J & T who have been a constant throughout this story…Thanks for your words of encouragement and support…From the fly on the wall…
Until Tomorrow Comes…
Chapter 39
Jane sat at the water's edge, watching the mist float over the surface of the lake in a lazy roll from one end to the other. The early morning air was cool with just the hint of frost even though it was already late May. The sun hadn't yet made its way past the horizon as the still dark sky reflected off of the misty water. She sat quietly, knees drawn up to her chest and arms wrapped around her legs waiting for the first show of color to make its appearance. With a contented sigh she rested her chin on her knees and let her eyes slip closed as her thoughts turned to Maura who was still curled up in their sleeping bag, warm and sound asleep. They had both been too exhausted to do much more than set up camp, eat a light dinner and fall asleep wrapped around each other. It hadn't gone quiet as Jane had expected, but she couldn't stop herself from smiling at the intimacy they had shared the night before just holding each other.
With her eyes still closed, Jane sensed more than heard as Maura moved up behind her. She quietly slipped her arms around Jane's waist and rested her chin on a broad shoulder, pressing her cheek to Jane's cold one.
"You're cold…" Maura murmured in Jane's ear.
"Not any more…" Jane slowly opened her eyes to see the first streaks of pink softly glowing off in the distance. "Look…"
Maura stopped nuzzling Jane's neck to look up. Her breath caught in her chest at the beauty before her. The sky was almost as beautiful as the first sight of Jane had been. "It's beautiful…" She snuggled closer to Jane to warm herself.
"Yeah…I was hoping you'd make it but I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful…" Jane whispered. She felt as if talking too loud would somehow impede the beauty of the sunrise. "It's going to be a nice day…you up for a hike?"
"Absolutely…as long as you don't wear me out. I have plans for you this evening that involve a little more than just sleeping." Maura began nuzzling Jane's neck again.
Maura's movements tickled Jane causing her to laugh but at the same time she was burned by the words that Maura had spoken. She too had hopes of a different ending to their evening than the one the night before.
"I promise…we'll take it easy. Maybe take some sandwiches and stuff. I know of a nice overlook we can picnic at." Jane continued to chuckle as Maura attempted to warm her cold nose against her neck. "Hey…your nose is cold." She tried to squirm away.
"I know…but your neck is so warm…" Maura continued to rub her nose against Jane's warm skin.
"Okay…okay…" Jane stopped moving around, suddenly turning serious. "Let's watch the rest of the sunrise before making plans for the day."
"Um…sounds good to me." Maura moved to rest her chin on Jane's shoulder again so she too could watch the changing display of colors.
In silence, they watched the soft glow of pink change to a deep reddish-orange as the sun pushed up past the horizon, mirroring its ascent in the glass like surface of the lake. As it continued to slowly climb up and over the water the colors faded into yellows, grays, and light blues before coming to hover just above the line that separated the sky from the lake. The air was quiet and still around them save for the occasional bird whistle off in the distance breaking the silence but not the spell they seemed to be under as they both relaxed into the comfort of the other. It wasn't until they both let out a heavy sigh at the same time that the spell was finally broken.
"I'm glad you made it in time to see that…" Jane leaned her head against Maura's.
"Me too. Can we do this again tomorrow?" Maura asked.
"I guess that depends on how much sleep we get tonight." Jane wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
"Well, we can always get up and watch, then go back to sleep." Maura gave Jane's middle a gentle squeeze.
"Yeah, I suppose so…" Jane conceded. "You ready for breakfast?"
"I am famished…do we have coffee?" Maura let go and stood up. Reaching down, she offered her hand to help Jane stand.
"As a matter of fact we have your favorite…instant coffee…" Jane took Maura's hand and tried not to smirk.
"At this point…instant coffee sounds divine." Maura intertwined their fingers together and pulled Jane towards their camp site.
"Hell must have frozen over if you think instant coffee sounds divine…" Jane rolled her eyes.
"Maybe not hell, but my butt sure is cold…among other parts of me." Maura grinned at her own joke.
"Alright, instant coffee it is." Jane laughed as she followed Maura to start their day.
With the afternoon came warmer temperatures giving Jane an excuse to pull off her sweatshirt as she and Maura found a nice spot overlooking the lake to have their picnic. Maura pulled off the book bag she was carrying and dropped it at Jane's feet with a heavy exhale of breath. They had gone a few miles at a steady uphill incline causing them both to be slightly out of breath.
"Beautiful…isn't it?" Jane bent at the waist, holding onto her sides as she tried to catch her breath. She was glad they had finally found a nice place to stop, she was starting to get hungry.
"Yes, it is…" Maura's eyes traveled over Jane's body as she took in the tank top and cargo shorts with a satisfied smile. It was quickly becoming one her favorite looks on Jane.
Jane lifted her head to look at Maura and laughed when she saw the way Maura was looking at her. "I was talking about the view…"
"Yeah…so was I." Maura smirked.
"Ha ha, come on let's have lunch…I'm starving." Jane smirked back as she dropped the back pack she was carrying next to Maura's. She pulled out a blanket and spread it out in a sunny spot.
Taking a quick look at the view that Jane had been talking about, Maura agreed that it was indeed beautiful. As she moved to sit next to Jane she was caught off guard when two hands grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down. "Hey…" She started to laugh when she found herself sitting in Jane's lap.
"Told you I was hungry…" Jane pulled Maura close and kissed her lightly on the neck. "Now…what's in the bag?" She pulled away and tilted her head towards the bag that held their lunch.
"Um…should we skip the appetizers and move straight to the sandwiches?" Maura teased.
"I say we save the appetizers until later…" Jane nibbled the soft skin along Maura's throat.
"If you don't stop doing that right now…I won't be held accountable for what happens next." Maura gave Jane a gentle push.
"Don't worry…I've got plans for you tonight." Jane released Maura from her hold as she reached for the bag with the sandwiches.
"This plan of yours better include you using this…" Maura leaned forward, placing a quick but sensual kiss to Jane's mouth.
Jane's eyes widened at Maura's comment causing a blush to spread across her face. "Jesus Maur…you're gonna kill me…"
"Well, we can't have that now can we?" Maura reached into the bag, pulled out a sandwich and handed it to Jane. "I also have plans for you tonight and it would do me no good to have you die…"
"Give me that…" Jane good naturedly snatched the sandwich that Maura was offering. She couldn't wipe the smile off of her face as her thoughts turned to what they would be doing after the sun set, leaving them with only the light from their campfire to see by.
"I think I could take a nap…" Jane leaned back until her head was resting in Maura's lap. She adjusted her sunglasses as the sun warmed her face making her feel sleepy.
Maura looked down, seeing her own reflection in the mirrored aviators Jane was wearing. She smiled at the image that was reflected back at her. Her windblown hair fell around her shoulders and in her face as she continued to look down at Jane. Reaching up, she pushed some of her hair away from her face so she could see Jane better.
Jane closed her eyes behind her sunglasses as the warmth of the sun lulled her into a relaxed state. She tilted her head just enough to feel the heat on both sides of her face as she let out a contented sigh. "This feels really good Maur…"
"I have to admit that this was an excellent idea…" Maura reached down to run her fingers through Jane's dark hair. As her fingers moved through the soft, silky locks they shimmered black and brown, and held just the hint of blue in the bright light of the sun. With a measured eye she watched Jane's expression with curiosity.
The feeling of Maura's fingers running through her hair cause Jane's body to relax even more but her mind wouldn't give up so easily. As her thoughts moved from the here and now, she began to worry about the fall and their impending separation. A sudden pain spread through her chest causing her to grimace and she realized that Maura had seen it when the fingers stopped stroking her hair.
"Are we going to talk about it?" Maura asked as her fingers stilled in the soft strands of hair she had been stroking.
"Talk about what?" Jane didn't open her eyes, afraid to see the look on Maura's face.
"I know what you're thinking…" Maura pulled the sunglasses off of Jane's face so she couldn't hide behind the mirrored lenses.
Blinking back the bright light, Jane brought her arm up to cover her eyes but it was mostly because she didn't want Maura to see what she was trying to hide. "What?"
"I know it's going to be hard Jane…but we'll make it…" Maura couldn't stop herself from running the backs of her fingers across Jane's cheek. "Please talk to me…it's the only way."
"I don't know what to say…" Jane tried to turn her head away from Maura's touch only to be stopped by an open palm resting against her cheek gently forcing her to look back at hazel-green eyes filled with concern and sadness.
"Please Jane…don't withdraw from me. I don't think I could stand it if you did. We need to talk about this. I can see it in your eyes sometimes…there's a resignation there, almost like you've already given up. I couldn't stand to lose you that way." Maura's voice held a heartfelt plea.
"I haven't given up Maura…I promise. But I am scared…I'm afraid of losing you to the life you deserve…the life I could never give you." Jane squeezed her eyes shut as tears threatened to fall.
"I need you to talk to me Jane…as long as you tell me what you're feeling…we can work through this. I know we can. You are everything I have ever wanted or have ever needed in this life…please believe me." Maura couldn't stop the tears as they rolled down her cheeks one by one leaving a trail of wetness in their wake.
"I'll try…I promise…I'll try." Jane opened her eyes to see the tears running down Maura's cheeks before dropping onto her own. Seeing Maura's sadness was almost enough to break her, but when she felt the evidence of Maura's sadness as tears dropped mixing with her own she couldn't stop herself from feeling the awful pain of impending loss. "Can we just pretend that we never have to leave here…we can stay and love each other forever…where there is no tomorrow…just today?"
Maura had seen the pained expression that Jane tried to hide but she didn't want to think about what it might mean, so she just nodded as she wiped Jane's and her own tears away with her thumb. As her thumb lightly grazed across Jane's skin, a small smile filled with gratitude tugged at Jane's lips. "We live for today…" Maura murmured as she bent her head to lightly kiss Jane's lips. She could taste their tears as they mingled together in their salty wetness and her heart lightened when she felt Jane's smile against her lips.
"Today…" Jane murmured against Maura's mouth. She felt lighter as if the weight of doubt had been lifted, if only temporarily.
"You expect me to what?!" Maura's eyes were wide with a mixture of surprise and horror.
"All you gotta do is put the hook through it, twist it around and hook it again." Jane illustrated what she was trying to describe to Maura as she put a worm on her hook.
"I will not now or ever…" Maura was slowly backing up from Jane shaking her head. "Put a worm on a hook…"
"Come on…don't be so squeamish. You want to be a doctor, remember." Jane tried not to laugh at the look on Maura's face.
Maura stopped backing up and tilted her head to regard Jane for a moment. "Are you trying to appeal to my practical side?" She asked as she put her hands on her hips.
"Well…yeah…maybe." Jane gave her a crooked smile. "It's not that bad…you just gotta get past the part where they wiggle around…"
Letting out a heavy breath, Maura took a step closer to Jane to see what she was doing. "Okay…show me again what to do." She squared her shoulders and tried to stand taller as she watched.
Jane couldn't wipe the silly grin off of her face as she again showed Maura what to do with the worm on the other pole before handing it to her. "I like how you did that…"
"What?" Maura asked innocently.
"How you got me to put the worm on the hook for you…but next time, you get to do it all by your little self." Jane glanced over her shoulder before casting her line out into the lake.
"Okay…" Maura couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Now what?"
"Here hold mine and I'll show you what to do…" Jane handed her pole to Maura. "Watch…" She glanced over her shoulder again before whipping the pole back over the same shoulder and bringing it back out in front of her. With the push of the button on the reel, the line flew out in a high arc before plopping down onto the surface of the water.
"Now what?" Maura asked as she handed Jane her pole before taking her own back.
"Now, we wait and watch…" Jane took a seat at the edge of the lake, dropping her feet into the water. "See that little red and white thing floating on the water?"
"Yes…" Maura squinted as if she were having trouble seeing in what was left of the bright sunlight.
"That's the bobber and when it bounces up and down it means there's a fish nibbling on the bait…if it disappears under the water…you gotta act fast to set the hook." Jane patted the spot next to her indicating that Maura should sit next to her.
Taking a seat next to Jane, Maura let the tip of her pole hit the water causing Jane to shake her head. "What?" She asked as she leaned a shoulder against Jane's, seeking warmth and comfort.
"You're gonna scare the fish away. You gotta hold the tip up so you don't disturb the water." Jane wrapped her left arm around Maura's waist and pulled her closer. She smiled when Maura leaned her head against the shoulder she offered.
"Okay…what do I do if I get a fish?" Maura pulled her pole up to hold it higher.
"Just give it a quick jerk…it will set the hook and then you got 'em…" Jane leaned against the top of Maura's head, resting her cheek against the soft, honey-blonde locks. With a contented sigh she watched as the late afternoon light faltered ever so slightly as the sun drifted behind them on its way to setting below the horizon. The color of the sky indicated that twilight was upon them, painted with dark blues and grays that reflected in the glass like surface of the lake. Jane could still feel the warmth of the setting sun behind them as they continued to watch their bobbers drift along the top of the water. When Maura's bobber jerked a few times before disappearing, Jane grabbed the pole before it was yanked out of Maura's hand. "Whoa…you got one…"
"I've got what?" Maura tried to hang onto the pole that twitched and pulled in her hands as Jane wrapped her hands around Maura's to hold on.
"A fish Maura…you've got a fish." Jane gave the pole a quick jerk up in an attempt to set the hook so Maura could reel it in. When she was satisfied that she had the fish hooked, she loosened her grip. "Now you have to reel it in Maura…like this." She turned the handle on the reel causing the pole to bend.
With wide eyes, Maura watched as the barely visible line moved back and forth in the water as it pulled tight causing the tip of the pole to bend almost touching the water. "What do I do? What do I do?" She frantically struggled with the pole as she tried to turn the reel.
"Give the fish a minute to wear itself out before you try to reel it in. You don't want to break the line." Jane moved to stand behind Maura as she wrapped her arms around Maura's waist. She let her hands come to rest on the tops of Maura's hands as she tried to help guide. When Maura relaxed, Jane pressed her cheek against Maura's and whispered words of encouragement to her. "Like that…let it swim a little…eventually it will tire out and you can bring it in."
"I don't want to hurt it Jane…" Maura's tone was filled with worry.
"We'll throw it back Maura…I promise." Jane reassured Maura with a gentle kiss as she continued to help Maura reel in the fish. "Okay…I'm gonna let you finish while I get the net…" She made a move to let go of Maura's hands but Maura immediately protested.
"Wait…what if it gets away?" Maura continued to struggle.
"Then it gets away…" Jane gave Maura a gentle squeeze before letting go to grab the net. "Now when I say…I want you to pull the pole up so I can get the net under the fish." She watched as Maura continued to turn the reel. "Now…" Jane called out just at the fish broke the surface of the water. Maura did as she was told, pulling the pole up high causing the fish to twist and turn as it was pulled from the water.
With expert quickness, Jane slipped the net under the fish just before it broke free from the hook and dropped. "Look…you caught your first fish…" She held the net up for Maura to see.
As Maura leaned forward to get a better look, the fish started to thrash around flicking water at both of them. In an effort to escape the spray of water, Maura lost her footing and started to stumble back towards the water only to be caught in a tight grip on her forearm.
Jane dropped the net the second Maura started to scramble to gain her footing before falling backwards into the lake and caught her by the arm. With a smirk, she held Maura poised over the lake raising an eyebrow as she watched Maura's eyes widen in panic. "You don't think I'd drop you do you?"
"No?" Maura said, uncertainty filling her voice.
"Well, I could let you go…then you'd have to take off those clothes…" Jane tilted her head to judge the distance between Maura and the lakes surface. "But if I do that…I have a feeling I might be sleeping in my own sleeping bag, alone…" She mused aloud as she watched Maura scowl.
"You can be sure of that…" Maura frowned as she grabbed Jane's arm with her other hand trying to pull herself up. Before she knew what was happening, she felt a sudden jerk and found herself wrapped in Jane's arms.
"Did you really think I'd let you fall?" Jane wrapped her arms around Maura's waist and kissed her on the forehead.
"Only if you wanted to go down with me…because I wasn't going to let go." Maura snuggled up against Jane's chest, burying her face in the dark hair that hung loosely around Jane's shoulders.
"You caught and then lost your first fish…" Jane pulled back just enough to look down at Maura. "I suppose we should get a fire started, it's getting dark."
"I won't let go Jane…you know that don't you?" Maura murmured against Jane's warm skin. Jane didn't answer with words, but Maura could feel the nod as arms tightened their hold around her.
Jane couldn't stop the shiver that ran through her body as Maura whispered against the skin at her throat. She also couldn't think of anything to say in response so she just nodded and held Maura closer. With a sigh, she looked out over the lake taking in the darkening of the sky as twilight finally descended upon them. She didn't know what lay beyond that dark horizon, but in that moment, wrapped in Maura's arms she suddenly realized that she didn't need to know. Tomorrow would come soon enough, it always did no matter how tightly she held onto Maura today.
"Stop thinking about it Jane…" Maura reluctantly pulled away. "You're right though, we should get the fire started."
With a sad smile, Jane acknowledged Maura's request. "Sorry…" She pushed some of her hair away from her face, tucking it behind an ear. Reaching out, she wrapped an arm around Maura's waist as they walked side by side towards their camp site. "But for the record…I don't want to let go either…" She leaned over and kissed the top of Maura's head.
"Then don't…" Maura's voice was almost a whisper. "Last one to camp gives the winner a massage…" Maura pulled away and started to run taking Jane by surprise.
"I don't see how that is a punishment…" Jane called after Maura's retreating back as she took off at a lazy run. When Jane finally caught up to Maura, she couldn't stop herself from gathering Maura up in her arms and carrying her the rest of the way. "I think we should call it a draw…"
"I can live with that…" Maura wrapped her arms around Jane's neck and rested her head against a strong shoulder.
As they neared their campsite, Jane placed Maura back down on the ground and bent to give her a quick kiss. "If we don't hurry, it will get cold and we won't have the fire started."
"Why don't you get it started and I'll get the stuff ready for dinner." Maura pulled Jane back down for another kiss. It started out soft and delicate but quickly turned insistent before Maura pulled away feeling dizzy from the effects. "Go…I'm hungry…for food…" She gave Jane a gentle push when Jane attempted close the small gap between them at Maura's words.
"Food, huh…?" Jane tried not to smirk but failed miserably.
"Yes…I have a feeling I'm going to need the energy." Maura did her best to smirk back as she pushed Jane away a little firmer this time.
"Alright, alright…" Jane laughed as she raised her hands in surrender. "You win…I'll get the fire started." If their playful banter was any indication of the night to come, Jane knew she wouldn't be disappointed.
Pushing her paper plate away, Jane took a deep breath before exhaling slowly. The meal of hotdogs and potato chips had hit the spot. It hadn't been easy to sell Maura on the idea of eating hotdogs, but she had promised they were natural all beef with not additives or preservatives. She said a silent thanks to her mother for helping her find alternatives that Maura would enjoy.
"Those were good…" Maura gave Jane a smile of approval.
"Yeah?" Jane moved over to their pile of supplies. "I've got a surprise for you." She began to rummage around in one of the bags before pulling out a bottle or red wine.
"You brought wine?" Maura clapped her hands together in excitement.
"Your favorite…I asked Carly and Ryan to get it for me." Jane gave Maura a sheepish grin. "And they finally agreed after a twenty minute lecture on the dangers of underage drinking." She laughed.
"I imagine so…" Maura took the bottle from Jane. "Do you have a bottle opener?"
"Yep…right here." Jane pulled the bottle opener out from the same bag. She handed the bottle opener over to Maura and watched as Maura expertly popped the cork out. Holding the bottle under her nose, Maura took a deep breath inhaling the slightly spicy, oaky fragrance of the red wine that carried up to her. "Do you approve?"
"Absolutely…" Maura grinned. "Glasses?"
"Um…I've got plastic cups…" Jane shrugged her shoulders in silent apology of not having the right kind of glasses.
"That'll do…" Maura took one of the cups and poured some of the red liquid into it. Handing it back to Jane, she took the other cup and filled it up as well. She put the cork back into the bottle before stowing it away in the bag it had come from. "We'll save the rest for tomorrow night."
Jane leaned back so she was propped up against the log that lay behind her. Reaching out to take Maura's hand, Jane spread her legs so Maura could sit between them. "Come're…" She pulled Maura towards her.
As Maura leaned back, she rested her head against Jane's chest and wrapped an arm around one of Jane's bent legs. She sighed in contentment when she felt Jane's arm snake around her waist allowing a hand to come to rest on her hip. "This is nice…" She took a sip of her wine, savoring the spicy liquid as she allowed it roll over her tongue.
"Um hum…" Jane moved her fingers along Maura's hip until she found the edge of her t-shirt. Slowly, she slipped her fingers up and under the t-shirt to allow her hand to graze along warm skin causing Maura to shiver. "Are my hands cold?" Jane tilted her head down to look at Maura.
"No…it's just…" Maura hesitated slightly before sinking back further into Jane's comfort. "It feels really good." She shivered again as Jane's fingertips continued to dance along her warm skin.
"Yeah?" Jane's hand traveled higher. She was enjoying the way that Maura's muscles twitched under her light ministrations. "You feel really good…so soft and warm…"
"Jane…?" Maura placed her hand on Jane's to stop it from reaching any higher. "How much privacy do we have out here?" She turned her head up to look at Jane who was giving her that sexy, lazy smile that caused her stomach to do flip-flops.
"Being that it's Sunday night, mostly everyone has left…" Jane gave a quick glance over her shoulder. "I don't think there is anyone around us though. I don't see any fires or hear anything…"
Maura bit down on her bottom lip as she contemplated what her next move was going to be. She set her cup down before reaching for Jane's to set it next to hers. Tilting her head to the side as if it might help her to hear better, she listened for anything other than the sound of crickets and frogs in the distance. When she was satisfied that they were indeed alone, she shifted her weight until she could comfortably straddle Jane's hips.
Watching Maura with an amused smile on her face, Jane knew exactly what she was doing. She pushed herself up just enough to let her long legs stretch out in front of her as Maura moved to straddle her.
With hungry eyes following her every move, Maura felt a heat spread throughout her body as she lifted her shirt up over her head exposing the skin that Jane had been so intent on touching. She could feel the heat from the fire her on her back and she could see the reflection of its light in Jane's eyes. The familiar soft brown that gazed at her was alight with yellow and orange flames threatening to devour her. Reaching out to place a hand on either side of Jane's face, Maura tilted Jane's head up to look at her. The first thing she noticed was that the sexy smirk had been replaced by a stern look of concentration as they stared into each other's eyes. The playful banter was gone as they silently conveyed all the love they felt for each other and all the promises their hearts held.
Jane's hands moved to Maura's hips to keep her from moving away. She couldn't disguise the hunger in her eyes as she watched the firelight flicker across Maura's bare skin, painting with brush strokes of yellow and orange. It mesmerized her to the point that she didn't realize she wasn't looking at Maura's face until she felt Maura's hands tilting her head up so they could look into each other's eyes. Her breath stopped in her chest when she saw everything she was feeling looking back at her through hazel-green eyes so filled with love and desire that she wasn't sure she would be able to bare the distance between them any longer. As their eyes held, saying things that neither could bring themselves to verbalize at the moment, Jane's hand moved slowly up Maura's back until it was behind her head. Her fingers moved through the soft, silky strands of Maura's hair before coming to rest against the skin at the back of Maura's neck. Breaking eye contact long enough to look at Maura's lips, Jane couldn't contain the moan that escaped at the sight of Maura biting her bottom lip. It was enough to break the silence that had surrounded them and it was enough to let lose what Jane had been holding back until that second. She could no longer contain the force that drove her into the arms of the young woman who held her heart and soul on the brink of shattering. And before she could take another breath, Jane's lips found Maura's and her world all but crashed down around her.
The intensity that flowed from Jane took Maura by surprise as their lips met in a fiery kiss. There was an urgency to the kiss that Maura had never felt before and when she felt Jane's tongue slip past her lips she responded with the same urgency. It was as if the fire that Maura had seen reflected in Jane's eyes was now coursing through her body into Maura's. The soft, velvety feeling of Jane's tongue against her own almost rendered Maura helpless with a need so strong that it flowed from her in a surge that threatened to overwhelm them both.
When Jane felt Maura respond with as much passion as she was experiencing, she reached her other hand up to unhook Maura's bra. Without breaking their kiss, Maura pulled back just enough to allow the straps to fall down her arms before throwing the offending garment to the side.
"Wait…" Jane tried to speak around Maura's mouth as the kisses continued. Maura stopped, suddenly aware of Jane's protests. Uncertainty took over where passion had once ruled and she made to pull away. "No Maura…I just…" Jane slipped her hands down back to Maura's hips to stop her from moving too far away. "I just need to see you, please…let me look at you…" Her eyes dropped from Maura's to take in the soft curves of full breasts before looking back up into Maura's eyes. "You are so beautiful Maura…it takes my breath away every single time…" Jane struggled to speak.
"Touch me Jane…" Maura took Jane's hands and moved them to cover her breasts. She watched as Jane's head descended, crying out when she felt a hot, wet mouth cover her nipple. Her fingers tightened in the tangle of dark hair she had her hands buried in as she held Jane to her.
The feeling of Maura's fingers tightening their hold on her had Jane groaning against the soft skin her lips were now skimming over as she moved from one breast to the other. This time she used her tongue to gently flick over Maura's nipple before enveloping it with her mouth. She could feel the vibration of Maura's moan against her lips as her mouth continued to worship.
The feeling of Jane's hot mouth moving over her heated skin was almost enough to drive Maura over the edge but she wanted, needed to make it last. "Jane…it's too much…I won't last if you keep doing that…" She was panting as she tried to catch her breath. When she felt Jane rake her teeth across her nipple, the sexual current that shot through her body almost set her world on fire and it was all she could do to hang on to the small semblance of reason that tried to slow things down. "Ah…Jane…" Maura called out. "Please…" She tried to pull away, but it was a weak attempt. When Jane used her tongue to soothe the fire she had set with her teeth, Maura couldn't stop herself from pulling Jane closer in an attempt to keep her there.
Sensing that Maura was close, Jane slowed down the pace after pushing her to the brink. With her arms wrapped tightly around Maura's waist, Jane continued to explore the soft curves of Maura's breasts intentionally moving away from her sensitive nipples. The move brought what could only be described as a sigh of relief from Maura causing Jane to chuckle against the supple skin her lips were moving over.
"Let's continue this in the tent…" Jane whispered against the side of Maura's breast. She didn't wait for Maura to answer as she gently moved Maura from her lap before standing, pulling Maura up with her. Without a word, Jane led Maura to their tent hoping that she would like the surprise waiting for her. She pulled back the flap to reveal that she had put their two sleeping bags together to make one big one and it was covered with rose petals. The soft glow of several glow sticks illuminated the small space giving enough light for Maura to see what Jane had done.
"I would have never pegged Jane Rizzoli for a romantic…" Maura pushed Jane into the tent.
"There are a lot of things I wouldn't have been pegged as…but…" Jane winked as she fell back on the sleeping bags, pulling Maura with her. "Wait…" She jumped up to unzip a small square in the top of the tent. "Look…a sky light. Now we can see the stars…" The words were barely out of her mouth before she found herself on her back with Maura hovering above her.
"My turn…" Maura growled grappling with Jane's t-shirt as she struggled to pull it over Jane's head.
It was a move that took Jane by surprise and she failed miserably as she attempted to help only succeeding in getting herself tangled up. With her arms high above her head at this point, she was unable to touch Maura and it only caused her to struggle more against her unintended restraints. She frowned when she heard Maura chuckle as she tried to look up but found that the material of her t-shirt was inhibiting her from even doing that.
"I think I like you tied up like this…" Maura purred as she bent forward to place a slow, open mouthed kiss to Jane's lips. "It makes things easier for me…"
"Come on Maur…" Jane tried to plead between kisses but found that she was quickly losing interest in anything but the feeling of Maura's mouth against hers.
"Unfortunately if I don't remove this…" She pulled at Jane's t-shirt, finally freeing Jane's arms. "I can't get to this…" She sighed as she pushed Jane's sports bra up in the same direction as the t-shirt. When Jane was finally free of both garments, Maura let out another sigh, but this was one of relief.
Placing her hands behind her head, Jane opened herself to Maura's gaze and touch. "Does this help?" She asked as she watched Maura's eyes rake over her body causing her to shiver.
"It doesn't hurt…" Maura bent to kiss Jane again. As she moved her mouth over Jane's, her hair fell to curtain them tickling Jane's cheek.
The soft strands of Maura's hair that trailed along her cheeks caused Jane to giggle. She did her best to stay stoic as Maura moved lower to kiss her neck, allowing her hair to follow her mouth. The soft brushing of honey-blonde hair along her skin had Jane giggling uncontrollably bringing Maura to a stop.
"Of all the reactions I imagined, this definitely wasn't one of them." Maura pulled back to hover above Jane as she continued to giggle and squirm. "But…" She moved her head back and forth so her hair would continue to brush the soft and apparently ticklish skin at Jane's throat. "I can't say I don't enjoy it either…"
As Maura continued her slow and gentle torture, Jane was almost in tears as her giggling turned into all out laughter. "I'm sorry…I can't help it…" She continued to laugh, tears in her eyes as she struggled to stifle the laughter she couldn't seem to control.
"That's okay…let's see how far we get before you can help it…" Maura had a playful glint in her eyes as she bent her head lower, hovering just above Jane's breast. Shaking her head back and forth, she allowed her hair to skim over the soft curves below her. She couldn't hide the smirk when she heard a sharp intake of breath and saw Jane's nipples tighten at the light brush as she continued to move lower. Jane continued to laugh as Maura skimmed along her stomach causing her muscles to contract and twitch at the feathery light touch. When Maura reached the cargo shorts, Jane suddenly turned sober as she lifted her head to watch them being tugged off. Lifting her hips up to help, she was surprised to find that Maura had pulled both the shorts and her underwear off in one swift move.
"Not so funny anymore…" Maura moved back up to look Jane in the eyes and just as quickly Maura disappeared from sight as she began leaving a trail of hot kisses between Jane's breasts. As she teased the soft skin with her mouth and tongue, she slid down the long body beneath her until she found Jane open and ready for her touch.
It was the first touch of Maura's tongue that caused Jane to cry out and Maura thought she might fall from the edge just by hearing the sounds of pleasure coming from Jane. Every soft moan, every time she heard her name falling from Jane's lips, Maura felt a wave of heat vibrate though her. Her hands began to journey along the curve of Jane's thighs and over the slope of her hips as Jane's body began to shake. Sliding her open palms over Jane's tight stomach, Maura did her best to commit to memory every dip and curve of Jane's body as she lifted up to meet Maura's mouth.
It was the gasp of pleasure that quickly vanished on a sigh leaving Jane breathless with need that indicated how close to the edge she was. When Jane was finally ready, she ground against Maura, her thighs clamping tightly around Maura's shoulders followed by a final cry of release. When Jane fell back gasping, her body limp from the climax that shook her to her core, Maura moved to rest her head against Jane's stomach. As Maura waited for Jane to catch her breath, she absently moved her fingers over the velvety softness of the skin next to where she rested her cheek.
When Jane felt her world coming back to her, she reached down to tuck a strand of hair behind Maura's ear. She liked the feeling of having Maura resting her cheek against her stomach, it was comfortable, almost as comfortable as the silence that had filled the space around them. The thought of the intimacy they had just shared brought a sigh to Jane's lips as her fingers continued to absently stroke Maura's hair. Maura's exhale of breath traveled over her heated skin, dancing along the edge of the desire she was still feeling and it caused her to tremble.
"Are you alright?" Maura lifted her head just enough to rest her chin on the back of her hand that was still resting on Jane's stomach.
"More than okay…in fact, I think I'm fabulous." Jane propped herself up on the arm she had tucked behind the back of her head.
"Have I told you how much I love you?" Maura asked as she began to slowly move up Jane's body until they were looking into each other's eyes. "I love the way you feel…" She kissed Jane's mouth slowly before pulling away to continue. "I love the way you smell…" She kissed the tip of Jane's nose. "I love the way you taste…" She said as she traced her tongue over Jane's top lip. "And I especially love the way you say my name when you come…"
It wasn't the kiss that took Jane by surprise, but the fierce need behind it that had Jane trying to catch her breath. They had already shared so much and there was still so much more that had been left unspoken but Jane could feel everything that Maura wanted her to know in that kiss. In that moment, Jane knew that if she were to ever walk away, she would forever carry the scars of Maura's love and the damage to her heart would never be undone. It was a thought that pained her but she suddenly found the strength to push the idea to the back of her mind.
Maura must have sensed the brooding mood that was overtaking Jane's thoughts. "I won't let you slip away from me…not now…not ever…" She pressed her body against Jane's and kissed her hard. "Please Jane…" Maura's words held a soft plea.
"I'm right here Maura…I'm not going anywhere." Jane spoke with such conviction that even she believed it. She wrapped her arms around Maura and rolled them both over until she was on top. With their bodies still pressed tightly together, she shifted just enough not to put too much of her own weight on Maura. The move caused her thigh to slip between Maura's legs where the evidence of Maura's desire waited for her.
"You make me this way…" Maura ground herself along Jane's thigh. "Remember…only you can do this to me…" Her voice was breathless as the pressure in the pit of her stomach threatened break loose.
"I love you so much Maura…" Jane pushed herself up so she could hover above Maura and look down at her. She shifted her weight so she was laying almost beside Maura, but still above her as her fingers traced along the soft, silky skin at Maura's throat. As Jane's hand continued to move down, she grazed a nipple with the palm of her hand drawing a gasp from Maura who arched into the touch, wanting more. "You like that?" Jane asked as she continued to move the palm of her hand over the now hardened nipple. A slow, sexy smile filled her lips as she felt Maura press herself into the palm of the hand that was caressing her at a torturous pace. Enjoying the power she now wielded over the body beneath her, Jane began to trace lazy circles with her index finger around Maura's breast closing in to the center before moving back out again.
"Jane, please…" Maura's voice was a hoarse whisper.
Jane's fingers began to dance lightly over heated skin, stroking fleetingly as her hand moved down. She watched with bated breath as Maura writhed beneath her, seeking her touch. As her hand continued to move lower, she sighed when her fingers finally dipped into the shimmering depths of Maura's desire.
The feeling of Jane's fingers moving over her skin before moving lower to fill her spread liquid fire throughout Maura's body. Drifting away on a wave of heat and sensation, Maura lost herself in Jane's tender touch. In that moment, her sole focus was on the young woman above her, around her, and inside her. She squeezed her eyes shut in an effort to catch her breath but when she felt Jane's mouth move to where her fingers were, Maura couldn't control the surge of pleasure that threatened to carry her over the edge. When she opened her eyes, the stars above fell down around her in a shower of light, heat, and sensation. The intensity of her climax shook her to her soul bringing the sky down around her almost crushing her with its power. All she could do was hold on to Jane as she climbed higher than she had ever been. The fear of letting go disappeared as she realized that no matter what happened, nothing would ever change between them.
"Maura?" Jane's voice carried softly to Maura.
Maura blindly reached down to pull Jane up to her so she could see her face. "What is it my sweet Jane?" She asked as she placed an open hand on Jane's cheek with one hand and tucked a stray lock of hair behind Jane's ear with the other. When her eye's met the soft, dark brown eyes that she had come to love so much she knew that Jane was the person she was meant to spend her life with. It wasn't something she thought, but it was something she knew deep within her heart.
"Please don't let tomorrow take you away from me…" Jae whispered as she buried her face in Maura's neck.
The words may have broken Maura's heart had she heard them the day before, but now she knew without a shadow of a doubt that no matter what tomorrow brought them, they would always find their way back to each other. "I'll always find my way back to you Jane…always…" Maura whispered back as she wrapped her arms tightly around Jane's now trembling body. And as they lay under the night sky filled with stars, she had never known a truer statement in her life.
Jane took comfort in Maura's whispered words knowing that it was the truth. No matter what uncertainties tomorrow held, they would always have today. And today is what Jane would concentrate on, one today at a time until tomorrow finally came but as she lay safe in Maura's arms, she wasn't afraid anymore. Maura was her beginning, middle, and end and nothing would ever change that.
The End…
Until tomorrow comes…
*Thank you so much to those who have followed, favorited, and reviewed this story. It was very hard to bring it to an end…finally, but for those of you who aren't ready to say goodbye…there will be a second part. I will take a few weeks to get things started on the next chapter in Jane and Maura's lives and I hope to see you all on the flip side.