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Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 01

By: Phoenix74



The following story is pure fiction. Any resemblance to an actual person, or event, is purely coincidental. Also, this is a follow-up to "Cajun Spice" and does refer back to events from that story, so I strongly suggest reading that story first, if you haven't already. The author retains all rights and privileges to the following story.

*

April sat in her apartment, staring at the answering machine. It had been almost three months since her case in New Orleans and her encounter with the Dupree sisters. She had called Jasmine a couple of times, her first week back, but they were never returned. She waited a few weeks, but had given up when she realized that Jasmine wouldn't be calling.

She'd spent the next month lost in a sea of alcohol, cigarettes and one-night stands. That had worked for her when she'd been in her early twenties, but now, at 31, it was just old. Especially when that little red head she had picked up at the bar, stormed out of her apartment, madder than a wet hen. In the throes of passion, April had screamed out Jasmine's name, and the woman she was with at the time, took offense. 

The last few weeks she'd just buried herself with cases. It had always worked for her before, but every once in a while, the image of a beautiful red head with cream-colored skin still popped into her mind. 

She'd just gotten home a few minutes ago from a business trip to New York. As always, one of the first things she had done was play back her messages. The sound of John Dupree on her answering machine had stopped her cold. 

Apparently, things hadn't been going well between the three Dupree's the last few months. Jade had taken off. John didn't think anything of it at first, sure that Jade would check in with him, eventually. But three weeks had passed without a word, and now he was truly worried. He was calling April because he wanted to hire the P.I. to find his missing niece.

April had received a handful of e-mails from Jade over the last few months. She almost hadn't answered the first one, but she sensed that Jade really needed to talk to someone, so she had written her back. They had talked things out and settled any unresolved issues between them. Jade's last few letters were nothing more than her needing a friend to give her advise, hear her out. April answered every one of them. Part of it was guilt over the way she had screwed everything up between Jade and Jasmine. The other part was that, through their e-mails, she and Jade had become friends, comfortable in discussing almost anything with each other.

Now Jade was in the wind. She hadn't mentioned, in her last e-mail, that she was intending to leave town. April was concerned, but not sure if she should take this case. Maybe it would be better if she just called John back and recommended another P.I. to him. Then again, she knew Jade, knew how her mind worked. She'd have a better chance at finding her than some stranger. But returning to New Orleans meant being face-to-face with Jasmine again. She didn't know if she could handle that, handle being that close to the woman she had fallen in love with, knowing Jasmine hated her guts.

April spent almost an hour, staring at the machine, going through the pros and cons in her mind. With a sigh, she picked up the phone and returned John's call. Maybe she'd have time to hit the laundry mat before she headed to the airport.

##

April sat in a chair opposite John Dupree while he filled her in on the events of the last few months. John blamed himself for Jade's embezzlement of company funds. She'd done it in an attempt to draw attention to herself, and to show him that Jasmine wasn't perfect. Due to his feelings of guilt, John hadn't fired Jade. Instead, he hushed up the entire incident and encouraged Jade to stay, hoping that, by her staying, they would eventually work out their family problems. 

But Jade didn't seem to want to talk to him, and any conversations between her and Jasmine always ended in a full-blown screaming match. Three weeks ago, John had come to work to find Jade's letter of resignation sitting on his desk. A quick call to Jasmine, at the house the sisters shared, revealed that Jade's room was bare of any clothes, or any other personal belongings. So, John had decided to wait it out, thinking that Jade would eventually call to tell him she was ok, but no such call ever came. Neither he, nor Jasmine, had heard a word from Jade in almost a month. He now feared the worst.

April did her best to reassure John. She figured Jade had begun to feel uncomfortable around her family. Ashamed of what she had done, feeling unable to patch things up with her sister and uncle, Jade had probably decided to relocate, start over somewhere new. 

April told John not to worry, that she'd find Jade and, if she couldn't convince her to come home, at least call John and let him know she was ok. April headed for the door, planning to set up shop in the little apartment above Mama's bar in the Quarter. She'd already called, and Mama had assured her that the apartment was, indeed, available if she wanted it. Well, at least one person had seemed happy that she was back, two if she counted John. She'd yet to see Jasmine, who was conspicuously absent from today's meeting.

##

It was now early evening, and April sat on the couch in her temporary apartment. Her laptop sat on the coffee table beside her, humming away as it busily worked on the searches she had set up. While the computer did its thing, April cleaned and inspected the gun she had just picked up. Just then, she heard a soft knock at her door. Getting up to answer it, she rounded the corner, and came to a dead halt. There, on the other side of the screen door, stood Jasmine Dupree, looking slightly irratated, but breath taking just the same.

Shaking off the shock, April quickly let her in, inviting her to sit with her on the couch. Instead, Jasmine took the high back chair that stood near the end of the couch, facing the coffee table. April sat back down, wiping her damp palms on her jeans before she went back to cleaning the Glock.

Jasmine just sat there, frowning at the table. April had a thousand things she wanted to say, buzzing around in her mind, but she thought it better to let Jasmine start the conversation. She wasn't entirely sure why Jasmine was here.

Finally, Jasmine spoke. "You're looking for Jade," the comment was more a statement than a question.

"Yes. Any idea where she might have headed off to?"

"No." Jasmine continued to stare at the gun. "Still insisting on carrying an illegal weapon, I see."

April just reached for her wallet, pulled out the permit and tossed it on the end of the table, directly in front of Jasmine. Jasmine glanced between April and the paper lying in front of her, then she picked it up and began to read.

"You've already got a permit? When did this happen?"

April didn't answer her right away. She was debating whether to play along, or just get it all out. Deciding to go for it, she stopped in the middle of cleaning and turned her head to give Jasmine her full attention.

"I picked up all the paper work I'd need before I left. Then I just submitted everything from home. Besides the permit to carry, I have my P.I. license for the state of Louisiana."

Jasmine stared at her, her mouth hanging open in shock. "Why?"

"Because, at the time, I thought I'd be moving down here, eventually." April didn't bother to elaborate, thinking it better that Jasmine make the effort to ask, if she cared to.

"You assumed quite a bit."

"Well, there was this one night were I thought I had heard you tell your sister that you were in love with me. Judging from the way things turned out, it must have been my imagination."

"You're the one who left, cher." 

April watched Jasmine's eyes spark with anger, her hands clenching the arms of the chair. "Now we're getting somewhere," April thought. She carefully laid the gun and cleaning tools back on the table, choosing her next words very carefully.

"Jasmine, I left because I thought you and your sister needed time to talk, to work things out. I had become another wedge between the two of you. I thought that, if I stayed, I'd just gum up the works."

Jasmine listened to April, feeling angry, hurt, abandoned, and something else. God help her! As mad as she was that April had taken off without a word, she still wanted her. When April had answered her door a few minutes ago, her heart had leaped in her chest. She didn't want to still care about April, and knowing she did just spiked her temper.

"Please! Admit it, April. You knew your chances of getting laid by either one of us was slim to none, so you packed up and ran home."

April understood Jasmine was angry, but she felt her temper kick in, just the same, at Jasmine's biting comments. 

"That's bullshit and you know it," April snapped out. Hearing her own voice, she took a deep breath. This might be her last chance with Jasmine, and she didn't want to waste it because she couldn't control her temper. Feeling calmer, she tried again.

"If what happened between us was just you and I getting laid, then why are you so angry?"

April's matter-of-fact tone was really infuriating. Jasmine felt her tempter snap, her next words pouring out in an angry rant.

"Because I wasn't just getting laid. Apparently, you were. My life fell apart and you bailed, so forgive me for not buying that crap about you being in love."

"Ah, there it is," April thought. It was past due, though, that she set Jasmine straight. She got up and advanced on Jasmine. Leaning over the chair, her face in Jasmine's, she struggled to keep herself in check.

"I told you why I left Jasmine. I called you twice, that first week after I left, to explain to you why. You choose not to return my calls. If you were so in love with me, why didn't you at least call back to get an explanation?"

April watched Jasmine's mouth open and knew there was some smart comment coming. Deciding she didn't want to hear it, she pushed on, interrupting Jasmine before the fiery beauty could get started.

"I am in love with you, Jasmine. I spent months trying to forget you, only to find I can't. I'm back because I care about you and your family. I won't feel any better than your uncle does right now, until I can see, with my own eyes, that Jade is safe and sound. And I'm not leaving New Orleans until you and I clear things up. In fact, I might not leave at all."

Right at that moment, Jasmine knew that if April kissed her, touched her in any way, she'd give herself over without a minute's hesitation. That knowledge scared the hell out of her. But hearing April's words, feeling this spark of happiness at her declaration that she wasn't leaving, after the hell she went through when she had found out April had left, ignited her temper. She pushed out of the chair, shoving April out of her way as she went, and stormed out the door, letting the screen door slam shut behind her.

April walked out onto the balcony to watch Jasmine storm down the alley. She wanted to stop her, but decided Jasmine needed time to think, to let her threat about not leaving town, sink in. She watched as Jasmine jumped into her classic, Ford Mustang convertible, and peel out of the parking spot, filling the air with the smell of burnt rubber. April couldn't help but smile. Jasmine had one hell of a temper, and she wasn't one to back down. That was one of the things that April admired and respected about Jasmine. She was also discovering that it was one hell of a turn on.

##

It had taken April almost two days of computer searches and phone calls, but she had finally traced Jade's last few movements. Jade had rented a car, the same day John had found her resignation letter on his desk, and withdrawn about $5,000 from her bank account. The last time she had used either her bankcard, or any of her credit cards, was to pay for gas, latter that same day, at a station on the edge of Baton Rouge. Figuring that was as good a place to start as any, April climbed into her rented sedan and headed out. She had her Glock locked in the glove box and a picture of Jade tucked in her pocket.

##

April had now been in Baton Rouge for almost three full days. At night, she hit all the gay bars, showing Jade's picture around. The problem was, Baton Rouge was a big city, the state capital, and there were a lot more clubs than she had originally figured on. She had called Mason, the boy wonder of computers, and had asked him to keep an eye on Jade's credit cards and bank activity. There was nothing so far.

She also checked in with John periodically, keeping him posted, and hoping that maybe Jade had called him. Nothing there either, so far. The one person she hadn't talked to, since leaving New Orleans, was Jasmine. April was being very careful to keep her cell phone charged, for obvious reasons.

Tonight was her third night, maybe her fourth, of club hopping. She'd yet to find anyone who recognized Jade's picture, but she had gotten a few offers. Aaaah, at least she had hope in case Jasmine never talked to her again. 

Checking the map on her laptop, she pulled up in front of a club called The Litter Box. It was well after ten and this was the fifth club tonight. She locked her car and headed in. Buying herself a drink at the bar, she pulled out Jade's picture and made the rounds. She was almost back at the front door, having worked her way around the club, when a blonde commented that the girl in the picture looked a lot like a bartender she had seen the other night. April slipped the girl a twenty and quickly got a few more details.

It turned out that there was a private club near downtown that catered to lesbians only, and was very elite. You had to be a member, or with a member, to get in. The blonde had been there two nights ago, with a date, and swore that one of the bartenders was a dead ringer for the picture that April was showing her. Getting directions, April sprinted out of the club, found her car, and headed over.

Ten minutes later, she was parked across the street from a small, one floor, gray brick building. There was no sign anywhere, just a steel front door, with a carpet and awning that formed a path from the door to the curb. She didn't even see signs of a bouncer. It was close to midnight, and April noticed that there wasn't a whole lot of traffic, street, or pedestrian. She drove around the block a few times, getting a feel for the layout. She still hadn't seen anyone around.

Finally, she eased the car down the alley that ran behind the club. She saw one steel door at the back, a single light mounted right above the door. There was a little parking lot with just a few cars parked there, again, no sign of another living soul. Thinking it was probably the employee entrance, April parked her car a little farther down the alley, out of sight of the building, and walked back.

She came to the end of the fence, where the parking lot started, and stood there for a few minutes, smoking a cigarette. Looking around, she didn't see anyone, and decided it was safe to try the back door. She crossed the lot to the door, walking briskly, her eyes scanning the surrounding area the whole time. The door was locked so, satisfied that no one else was around, she slipped a small leather case out of her back pocket. Choosing a pick, she began working the lock on the door. 

Seconds later, she heard a voice and, jumping back while she slid the door pick back into her pocket, saw a woman sashay around the corner of the building.

"You know, sugar, if you want in that badly, I might be persuaded to help you out." As the woman walked closer, April got a better look at who had just issued the provocative invitation. She wasn't more than 5' 4", tops. Very slim and lanky, the woman had long blonde hair, the roots starting to show. She looked barley legal, having the fresh face of a kid just out of high school, but she was dressed to impress, or at least increase a person's heart rate. She was wearing fish net stockings, black shoes with at least a two-inch heel, skin tight, black leather skirt and a halter top, with a nametag that read 'Kayla'.

"And you could get me in?" April's tone was one of great skepticism. She watched as it had the right effect. The girl got a defensive look on her face; acting like April had just thrown down a dare.

"Yeah, I can get you in. I'm allowed guests, you know."

"Even when you're working?"

"Yeah. I can let a friend in once in a while."

"Ok. So, you gonna let me in?"

"Well, sugar, you're not a friend yet." Kayla gave April the once over, a little gleam in her eye. April chocked back a laugh. Kayla was trying so hard to sound like a street tuff, but it just wasn't working for her.

Trying to keep from busting out laughing, April took a gulp of air, deciding to try another tact. She fished Jade's picture out of her pocket and held it up for Kayla to see.

"Know her?"

Kayla's eyes widen in surprise. "Yeah, that's Lee Anne. You a friend of hers?"

Lee Anne? Had Jade changed her name? Wheels turning, April forgot Kayla was there for a minute. Then she felt a finger slide down her arm, and she jerked back to reality, finding Kayla almost plastered to her side.

"Does Lee Anne have a last name?" April held a folded up twenty between two fingers and offered it to Kayla. God, she had to find Jade soon, or wire John for more money. The twenty disappeared inside Kayla's halter-top. 

"I don't know," Kayla's voice hesitant, "I mean, I don't know if I should tell you. You aren't gonna hurt her, or something, are you?"

April gave Kayla her most comforting look. "No, Kayla, I'm not here to hurt Lee Anne. I'm an old friend and she just kind of disappeared from our hometown. I just want to see her. You know, make sure she's all right. That's all."

Kayla studied her for a few minutes, mulling things over. "I tell you what, I'll let Lee Anne know she's got a friend in town. If she wants to hook up with you, we'll meet you at The Rainbow in an hour. We're both scheduled to go home soon, so we can both meet you. That way, it's public and safe. Ok?"

April didn't think she could completely trust Kayla, but didn't have a lot of other options at the moment. "Ok. Tell her Sam is here to see her." Sam was one of the sisters' friends from home, who they went clubbing with on a regular basis. April and Sam had enough similar features that, if Kayla described her to Jade, she'd probably buy it. Mind you, she and Sam were definitely different looking, but April didn't think Kayla would give much of a description beyond dark hair and dark eyes. Close enough for government work.

Kayla nodded and went inside. April already knew where The Rainbow was, having hit it last night on her rounds, and headed for her car.

##

Same as last night, The Rainbow was packed. April found a pillar to lean against and hoped a table would open up soon. Twenty minutes later, two love birds slid out of a nearby booth, obviously going home to consummate their drunken vows of forever after. April jumped in, just beating out a small group of women. 

"Friends on the way," April muttered to the group, explaining why she, only one person, was going to be mean and take the booth from them. Thankfully, the women didn't argue and just slipped back into the crowd.

Trish had been watching the stranger ever since she came in. She recognized the woman as the one flashing a picture around last night, but that wasn't what was bothering her. Even when she talked to her last night, the woman seemed familiar, but she just couldn't put her finger on it. She just hoped that the woman wasn't going to be trouble. She owned this bar, and wasn't in the mood tonight to have a hassle on her hands.

Trish was a formidable woman. She stood almost 5' 10". Her grandmother had been part American Indian, and Trish had inherited her exotic looks. Her raven black hair hung long and straight, almost to her waist. She had dark brown eyes and her skin was a beautiful, deep bronze. Trish kept herself in shape too. Mainly because she often found herself playing bouncer, on the rare occasions someone got out of hand. She was no push over.


Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 01



Trish watched as the newcomer made a move on the booth that two lovers were getting ready to vacate. As the stranger slid in, Trish caught sight of a tattoo, a phoenix, peeking out from under the back of the woman's tank top. Suddenly it hit her. She hadn't seen this woman before, but she'd certainly heard all about her. Trish reached for the phone, placing a long distance call to New Orleans.

##

April was running out of patience. It was past the time Kayla said she would be here, and it was getting close to closing time. Just then, Kayla appeared, sliding into the booth across from April. She wasn't surprised to find Kayla was alone.

"Where's Lee Anne?"

"Don't worry, sugar. She got tied up at work. She'll be here soon."

April knew when she was being played. She was starting to get really irritated, but maybe she could wiggle some information out of Kayla, so she kept her temper in check. Instead, she flagged a waitress and ordered another drink, getting one for Kayla too.

While they waited for the waitress to return, April started making small talk, occasionally slipping in a question about the private club, or Jade. But Kayla was more interested in trying to get into April's pants. Their drinks arrived and, while she was busy paying the waitress, Kayla ducked under the table, reappearing beside April.

April felt her temper kick in. She turned to face Kayla, who now had her hands all over her, and started to tell the young woman off. She never got the chance.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Jasmine roared. 

April hung her head for a second. God, sometimes the Dupree sisters had the worst timing. She turned back around, to face Jasmine, and answered her question, her tone just as angry as Jasmine's.

"I'm doing my job, damn it."

"Looks to me like you're trying to get laid. Your libido seems to interfere with your work a lot, doesn't it cher?" That last comment came out as snide as you can get, but Jasmine didn't wait for a response. She turned around and headed for the back of the club.

That did it. April jumped out of the booth and tore after Jasmine, her temper in full gear. She'd had about enough of Jasmine's spurned lover routine. She watched Jasmine slip through a swinging door and she was right on her heels. Jasmine was already half way down the long hall, which ended at a single steel door, the kind that could only be opened from the inside, when April noticed one of the bartenders waiting at the door. The tall, exotic one she had noticed both last night, and this evening.

Quickly forgetting the other woman, April reached out a hand, grabbed Jasmine's arm and, just a few feet away from the other woman, pushed Jasmine up against the wall. She stood back, but held her hand out, using it to keep Jasmine in place.

"God damn it, Jasmine! You need to learn to keep your mouth shut until you know what the hell's going on." She had been so close to getting some more information, maybe, at least, the last name Jade was now using. April was tired from all the late nights she'd been putting in lately, and now Jasmine's temper and sharp tongue had just caused a major set back. 

Jasmine felt her own temper flare even higher, if that was possible. God, April was an infuriating little bitch sometimes.

"You need to learn to keep your pants on," Jasmine shot back.

"I was seconds away from getting that girl back there to give me information on Jade. And, for your information, the next time I take my pants off, it'll be to fuck you blind." Jesus, where the hell had that come from.

Jasmine felt a sharp tingle between her legs at April's lewd comment. She could feel that ever-present spark of electricity that always hung between them. But right now, she was still feeling angry enough to be defiant.

"No way in hell," Jasmine snapped out.

"Hell yes," April growled back. She had seen that brief flare of desire in Jasmine's eyes, and it undid her. She swooped down, capturing Jasmine's mouth with hers, shoving her tongue inside to war with Jasmine's. She had the brief thought that Jasmine was just mad enough to bite her tongue clean off, but she just didn't care.

Jasmine felt her body come to life, and she kissed April back with just as much force and desperation. She had sooo missed this.

Trish was a little shocked at the way Jasmine and April were practically attacking each other. She cleared her throat to get their attention, and then watched in amusement as they sprang apart.

April's head whipped around and she spotted the bartender standing within arms length. For a moment, April had forgotten she was there.

Jasmine sucked in air, her lungs feeling like they were on fire. She saw April and Trish staring at each other, and thought it best to make some introductions.

"April, this is Trish. She's an old friend of mine. We grew up together. This is her club."

April eyed Trish and, seeing the tall beauty blush a little, finally put two and two together. Trish had called Jasmine.

Trish spoke up. "Listen, my apartment's just upstairs. Why don't you both come up with me and we can talk." She headed out the back door, April and Jasmine right behind her.

##

She and Jasmine followed Trish into her apartment and sat down on the couch. Trish disappeared into her kitchen, reemerging a few minutes later with a bottle of tequila and everything they'd need to do shots. April saw the bottle and burst out laughing. 

"Dear Lord! Is that the only thing you southerners drink?"

"No," Trish answered, a little confused. She set everything down on the coffee table and noticed the meaningful look Jasmine was giving April.

Jasmine saw the tequila and started thinking about the time April had showed her a whole new version of a body shot. She felt a little thrill course through her, her body still wired from their encounter in the hallway, and sent April a look, silently praying for that same body shot.

April saw the look Jasmine was giving her, but couldn't believe that Jasmine wanted to do that here, in front of her friend. "Are you sure?" she asked, her eyes moving from Jasmine to Trish.

"Uh huh," came Jasmine's steady reply. Then she pulled off her shirt and bra, and settled back on the couch.

Trish watched in shock as Jasmine peeled off her clothes, and now sat naked, from the waist up, on her couch, her heated gaze never leaving April's face. She plopped down at the opposite end of the couch as April slid down to kneel on the floor. Trish watched as April poured a shot and began arranging things on the table. Then she grabbed Jasmine's hips and pulled her until her butt sat right on the edge of the couch.

April slid Jasmine into position, then shifted so she was kneeling between Jasmine's legs, with Jasmine leaning back until her head rested against the back of the couch. April hesitated a moment, giving Jasmine a chance to change her mind, and when she didn't, began suckling Jasmine's breast. When it was wet, she sprinkled the salt on, and licked it back off. She poured tequila into Jasmine's navel, quickly dipping her head to suck and lick it up, as some of it spilled out and began sliding down her stomach. Then she held a lemon wedge to Jasmine's lips and, when Jasmine bit down on the end, leaned up to suck the wedge.

Trish stared in fascination. She'd never seen a body shot done quite like this. She felt a tingle between her legs as she watched April's lips slip over the wedge. Then she looked up and caught Jasmine watching her, as she watched Jasmine and April.

April noticed Trish and Jasmine staring at each other. She recalled that time in the alley when she and Jasmine had been all over each other, a young man avidly watching from across the street. Then it hit her. Jasmine was getting off on having an audience.

"You like to be watched, don't you, angel?" April's voice was soft and low.

Jasmine returned her attention to April, a shocked look on her face. She started to say no, but Trish interrupted her.

"She sure as hell does. You should have seen her during college. She'd bring her friends down here to my bar and they'd start doing shots and fooling around, with the whole club watching. The more people that noticed, the bolder Jasmine got."

Jasmine's head was swiveling back and forth between April and Trish, sputtering in protest the whole time. She heard April's sultry laugh, and knew she was in trouble.

"Come on, Jasmine. You know you want to give Trish a show. How about it?" April watched a blush spread across Jasmine's face. Then Jasmine's eyes settled on hers and she gave April a little nod. April felt the heat spread through her. With one quick move, she had Jasmine laying flat on her back on the couch, her head in Trish's lap.

Jasmine squealed as she suddenly found herself staring up at Trish, then hissed in a breath as she felt the rest of her clothes disappear. The next thing she knew, she was naked on the couch with April leaning over her, still fully clothed. 

April felt the tension building as Jasmine's eyes darted between her and Trish, her mouth slightly parted in surprise. She decided to seized the opportunity, and captured Jasmine's mouth with hers, sliding her tongue inside.

Jasmine clung to April, as she felt her lover seemingly suck all the breath out of her lungs. Then, she was gasping for air as April released her mouth and started sliding down her body, leaving a trail of open mouth kisses in her wake. Jasmine, once again, found herself staring up into her friend's eyes. Trish slowly stroked her hair as April showered kisses all over her body. Jasmine felt her heart hammering inside her chest.

After covering Jasmine's body in kisses, April settled in between her legs. She glanced up at Jasmine, watching the excitement and desire burn in her eyes. She watched Trish slowly lay her hand on Jasmine's breast and begin tracing lazy circles around one nipple, still stroking Jasmine's hair with her other hand. Jasmine closed her eyes, a contented sigh escaping at Trish's gentle touch.

Smiling, April turned her attention to the prize before her. She dipped her tongue between Jasmine's nether lips and began licking up and down, gradually increasing her pace. After a few minutes of this, she teased Jasmine's clit with her tongue for a little while, and then changed direction, driving her tongue into Jasmine's wet heat.

Jasmine squealed at the sudden invasion. Her body began to writher, the contrast between April's tongue pounding her pussy, and Trish's lazy caresses on her breasts, were driving her wild. 

"Oh Goddddddddd! Oh, April! Trish! Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!" 

Her back arched sharply as the first orgasm spiraled through her body. Neither April, or Trish, stopped, or changed the pace of their assault. Jasmine's body began to thrash, her hips wildly bucking against April's face. Jasmine buried her fingers in April's hair, keeping her face pressed against her mound.

April felt her own excitement building as she listened to Jasmine's cries, felt her body bucking against her face. Slowly, she began to back off. She was so tempted to keep tongue loving Jasmine until she passed out, but she knew there was more to come, and she wanted Jasmine awake for every delicious minute. As she felt Jasmine's body calm down, she slid off the couch and sat on the floor a few feet away, silently telling Trish, with just a look, that it was her turn.

Trish gently slipped out from under Jasmine and stood beside the couch, facing April, as she took her time removing her clothes. She stood before April, in her birthday suite, and felt the heat increase between her legs at April's appraising gaze. She looked down at her friend, who was lying in the same position, her arm flung over her eyes as she tried to catch her breath. Trish moved over Jasmine, settling between her legs, her body pressing flat against Jasmine's. She began to slowly rub her body against Jasmine's, holding on to the arm of the couch for leverage.

Jasmine's breath caught as she felt a weight against her. She knew, without looking, that it was Trish, not April, who was lying against her. She started moaning as their sweat soaked bodies began to rub together, their breasts, nipples, flat against one another.

April watched, transfixed, at the sight before her, two incredibly beautiful women, naked and slithering against each other. Right at this moment, she understood why men so enjoyed watching women make love to each other. Nothing had ever looked, or sounded, so sexy, so enticing, as the moans and gasps escaping from Trish and Jasmine. Sitting on the floor, her body begging for release, she decided not to wait any longer. She stripped, then scooted closer to the couch and began teasing Jasmine's ear lobe with her tongue. She gently caught the lobe and raked her teeth over it, her eyes locked with Trish's as she did it.

Trish sucked in a breath. This was incredible. She and Jasmine had been lovers before. The two of them, along with three other friends, had been joined at the hip during high school. The five of them were their own little click, helping each other discover their bodies and the joys of sex. This wasn't her first three-way, or her last hopefully, but this had to be one of the most sensual encounters she'd ever had. The chemistry between April and Jasmine was a palatable thing, this kind of current that hung in the air, and she found herself caught up in it. Caught between these two extremely sexy women.

April saw the look in Trish's eyes and knew this woman was totally caught up in the moment. She decided to heat things up. April stood up and, catching Jasmine's knees, pushed her legs up and back. Next, she knelt on the couch, straddling Trish's cute little ass. She let Jasmine's legs fall back down, now enclosing both Trish and April between her thighs. Jasmine wrapped her legs around both women and crossed her ankles behind April, her heels digging into the small of April's back.

They made quite a picture, all three naked, Trish flat against Jasmine, April on her knees, riding Trish's ass. Trish groaned as she felt April's wet pussy pressing against her butt. Suddenly, she felt her body slide into the perfect position against Jasmine, and she stopped. Their pelvises were pressed together, their clits hitting each other just right. She laid her head down on Jasmine's shoulder, her face pressed against her neck, and the two women held on to each while April, in essence, rode them both to a mind blowing climax. 



Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 02



April woke up alone in Trish's bed. She heard voices outside the bedroom door, and assumed Trish and Jasmine were already up. Finding her clothes in a neat pile, on a chair near the bed, she jumped in the shower.

Fifteen minutes later, she walked into Trish's kitchen to find her and Jasmine finishing their brunch. Trish gave her a smile and handed her a plate of food. Jasmine didn't even look at her.

She took a seat at the end of the table, putting Jasmine between her and Trish. She ate in silence while Trish and Jasmine chatted away. Trish's eyes kept darting back and forth between her and Jasmine while they talked, but Jasmine acted like she wasn't even there. Halfway through her meal, Jasmine stood up and announced she was leaving. Trish walked her to the door, they hugged, and April stared at Jasmine's back as she disappeared down the hall. The sound of Trish's voice jerked her back to the present. 

"I'm sorry April. She tried to leave this morning, while you were still sleeping. I finally talked her into staying; so I thought she was willing to talk to you, maybe work things out, but..." her voice trailed off.

No, Jasmine had decided to stay just long enough to bury a knife in her heart, and then give it a good twist. It hurt. It hurt like hell. She just sat there, staring at the door, feeling like she'd just been sucker punched. Eventually, though, her Irish temper kicked in, pushing out the pain.

"Fine, Jasmine," she thought. "We're even. Even and done."

Fueled by temper, she thanked Trish and said goodbye, drove back to her hotel, took another shower, changed clothes and checked out. She headed back to New Orleans, making the hour and a half trip in an hour flat. It was temper that had her practically kicking her own door in. She threw her bags on the bed and marched out to the balcony. Hands gripping the top of the railing, she stared out over her little piece of The Quarter, lost in thought. 

First, she imagined knocking Jasmine on her arrogant little ass. Then her mind started replaying last night. After that, her mind drifted to the first time they had made love, and their first kiss in front of the drug store, over three months ago. She felt tears welling up in her eyes and marched back inside, shaking them off. She stood in the middle of her apartment trying to gain control of her emotions.

She needed a game plan. She always felt better if she mapped out a course of action. She stared at her bed, marshalling her thoughts into some kind of order. She needed to call John, give him an update. Maybe he would know why Jade had chosen the name Lee Anne. Then she needed to find Jade and haul her ass back home. She'd hog tie her and throw her in the trunk of her car, if she had to. After that, she was getting as far away from this city as humanly possible, and then forgetting she had ever heard the name Dupree. Feeling calmer, she snatched up her phone and put a call in to John.

##

April eased the phone back into its cradle, actually feeling a little optimistic. John had given her a last name, St. Clair. Apparently, Lee Anne St. Clair was the sisters' mother's maiden name. It made sense, knowing Jade as she did, for her to decide to take that as her new identity. Spurred on by this new piece of information, she found her laptop and went to work.

##

Two hours later, she had a headache, sore eyes and nothing new. She couldn't find any new listings, anywhere, for a Lee Anne St. Clair in Baton Rogue. She had tried to find some information about the private club Jade was now working at, and had come up empty there, as well. 

She needed a hacker. Mason had done a fantastic job for her last time, but it was now fall, Halloween was just a few weeks away, and he was back in school. She was sure he'd be happy to help her, but his time would be limited, and April didn't want to wait around. Snatching the phone back up, she called her old friend Mike from back home, hoping he could recommend someone else.

It turned out Mike had several names for her. The best one, though, was going to be hard to find. Her name was Alyshia, no last name, and Mike swore she was the best hacker on the planet. That, in April's mind, was high praise. Unfortunately, this master hacker wasn't easy to locate. Whoever she was, she kept a very low profile, communicating only through e-mail, and was usually so busy, she turned down a lot of jobs. Mike had promised to contact this woman for her, hoping she might be more willing to accept a job offer from a fellow hacker, but there was no guarantee. April decided to give it 24 hours. After that, she was moving on to the next name on her list.

The following afternoon, Mike called April back. "You're in luck. She accepted."

"Great! Thanks Mike, I owe you one."

"Yes, you do, but I'll just add this one to your tab," Mike said, chuckling.

"Ha ha. Ok, so what do I do next?"

"Pick her up at the airport. She was already on the road and emailed me that she was headed to New Orleans."

"That works. When does her flight come in?"

"Four o'clock this afternoon."

"Shit! Mike! It's 3:45. Jeez," April frantically looked around her apartment for a pen and paper. "Ok, what's the flight number?"

April scribbled the information down on the back of a pizza takeout menu and rushed out the door. She mentally crossed her fingers hoping Alyshia didn't get mad and leave before she made it to the airport.

##

Almost an hour later, April rushed into the airport, frantically checking the signs. She couldn't find the flight number posted anywhere and checked at the desk. The woman there pointed out a lounge area and explained that that was the most likely place for Alyshia to wait, unless she had gone into one of the restaurants. April sped off towards the lounge area and found a young, petite blonde woman sitting in a seat off in the corner, surrounded by several pieces of luggage. April hurried over to her.

"Alyshia?" She asked, uncertain. When the woman nodded yes, April let out a sigh of relief.

"I am so sorry for being late. By the time Mike got back to me with your flight information, your plane was probably already landing, and traffic was murder getting over here." Alyshia just nodded and started gathering her bags. 

"Here, let me help you with those." April took the larger pieces. Alyshia didn't look like she'd weigh 100 pounds, soaking wet. They walked to April's illegally parked car in silence and April silently groaned. "Great," she thought, "she's angry that it took me so long to show up." She really needed this woman's help and was kicking herself for getting off on the wrong foot.

Finding the car, April loaded up the trunk while Alyshia climbed into the passenger seat. April jumped in behind the driver's wheel just as a traffic cop was about to write her a ticket. She waved, and made a show of pulling out and the cop was nice enough to wave her off, letting her go without a ticket.

April drove back towards the city. Alyshia was silent the whole time. As they neared town, April asked her were she was staying. Alyshia just shook her head no. April wasn't sure what that meant, but didn't want to push her luck, so she just drove back to her apartment.

Once there, she helped Alyshia carry her bags inside. Alyshia grabbed a couple of them, sat down on the couch while pushing April's laptop out of the way, and started setting up her own equipment. April just stood behind the couch and watched. When Alyshia seemed to have every thing ready, she looked over her shoulder at April with a questioning look on her face.

April wasn't sure what to do next. It was bugging her that Alyshia appeared to not want to talk to her. April walked around the end of the couch and sat down next to Alyshia, determined to patch things up.

"Listen, I'm really sorry about the screw up at the airport, but how are we going to work together if you refuse to speak to me?"

April watched as Alyshia leaned towards her laptop and opened a Word document and started typing.

"I'm mute," April read. 

"Well why didn't you say so earlier." The minute the words were out of her mouth, April groaned and buried her face in her hands. "Great, Shaughnessy," she thought, "Why stop at sticking your foot in your mouth when you can just shove it down your own throat."

She looked up to find Alyshia looking at her with an amused look on her face. Ok, so maybe she wasn't mad. 

"I'm sorry. I'm not usually such a bumbling idiot." April saw Alyshia's smile widen a little and felt relieved. Obviously, Alyshia could hear her just find, so that saved her from asking another stupid question. Deciding it was best to just go to work, she explained the case to Alyshia and what it was she needed help with. Alyshia nodded and went to work on her computer, her fingers flying over the keyboard, causing windows to fly open, code scrolling madly across the screens. April figured it was best to just let Alyshia do her thing, so she left her alone on the couch. Not sure what to do with herself, she started pacing around the apartment. After a few minutes, she looked up to find Alyshia giving her feet a pointed look. Her pacing was irritating Alyshia. Taking the hint, April sat back down on the opposite end of the couch.

"Are you hungry?"

Alyshia nodded yes.

"Pizza or Chinese?"

Alyshia held up one finger.

"Pizza?"

Alyshia nodded yes and April went in search of her collection of menus. She found one for a pizza shop that was quickly becoming her favorite place, and held the menu out to Alyshia. Taking a pen, Alyshia scanned the menu and then circled what she wanted. April found her phone and placed the order. Hovering near the door, she studied the woman sitting on her couch. She looked really young. April didn't think she was much more than 20, tops. She had an angular face with high cheekbones and full, blood red lips. Her straight blonde hair fell just a little bit past her shoulders and was cut in a layered, staggered style. Actually, Alyshia had a very exotic look about her, which April found very sexy. She quickly shook that thought off. She had enough problems in the romance department, and now wasn't the best time to create new ones.

The pizza arrived and they both dug in. After dinner, April let Alyshia go back to work. She decided to camp out with her laptop on the bed, and started reviewing her notes, trying to fill in the blanks. Privately, she was praying she hadn't spooked Jade the other night at the club, if that was indeed Jade, which she thought it was. Ultimately, Jade had a very large head start on her and, if she took off again, by the time she found out, Jade would be that much further beyond her. Her other problem was, once she did find Jade, how was she going to get her home. Jade wasn't some little kid she could throw over her shoulder and drag back to New Orleans. And if the sisters had been fighting as badly as April was with Jasmine...well, she couldn't blame Jade for not wanting to return for more of the same. She needed to be sure that Jasmine wasn't going to do anything to chase Jade off again, and she had no idea how to do that. Jasmine's temper was volatile, at best, and she and Jasmine weren't on the best of terms right now.

Frustrated, April leaned back against the headboard, rubbing her hands over her face. Noticing how dark it was outside, April glanced at the clock. It was almost midnight. Alyshia was still working away. April got up and walked over to sit beside her. She gently laid a hand on Alyshia's arm. When Alyshia looked up, April pointed to the windows, indicating how late it was.

"Do you have a hotel room booked?"

Alyshia shook her head no.

"You're welcomed to stay here, if you want. You can crash on the couch, or share the bed with me."

Alyshia looked back at the bed, and then returned her gaze to April. April could tell Alyshia wasn't sure about sharing the bed. "I swear, I don't bite," April said, hoping she sounded reassuring.

Alyshia opened another Word document and typed, "I don't know about that. You look like you might."

Surprised, April's eyes flew to Alyshia's face and found her grinning back at her. April started to laugh. 

"Ok, I don't bite unless you want me to," April teased back. Her smile faded a little as she caught the look of interest Alyshia was giving her. She felt the beginning of that familiar sweet tension deep in the pit of her stomach. "Get a grip," she ordered herself. 

April decided it was best to just pretend she hadn't noticed the look on Alyshia's face. Playing dumb, April gestured towards the bed.

"Which side do you want?" Alyshia looked a little crest fallen and April started mentally kicking herself. Alyshia took her response as a rejection and April felt like a heel. The little blonde seemed really sweet and April didn't want to hurt her feelings.

"Hey, I'm sorry." April automatically reached out and laid her hand on Alyshia's knee. "It's been a rough couple of days, that's all. I guess I'm a little punchy. I didn't mean to take it out on you. Besides, I bet you're pretty tired; you're flight and all. Let's just try and get some sleep. Ok?"

"I'm not that tired," Alyshia typed.

Oh man! April could feel herself sinking deeper into trouble here. Then again, what was the problem? Jasmine had essentially cut her off at the knees yesterday, so there was nothing going on there. She had this really sexy woman flirting with her. Why shouldn't she flirt back? Throwing caution to the wind, April looked Alyshia straight in the eye.

"Truth be told, I'm not that tired either," April said with a smile. Alyshia's eyes lit up and she reached out to shut the lid on her laptop, scooting a little closer to April as she did so. April groaned. "Here we go again," she thought. She leaned down and just brushed her lips over Alyshia's. To her surprise, Alyshia grabbed her by the back of her head and roughly recaptured her mouth, wasting no time in delving her tongue inside April's mouth. 

Alyshia had been quietly watching April all day. When she made April stop pacing earlier, it wasn't because it was interrupting her work; it was because watching April's lean, lithe body prowl around the apartment was getting her all stirred up. April reminded her of a panther who was just about to pounce, and Alyshia found it incredibly sexy. Plus, April's well-worn jeans hugged every curve, and just made the room feel that much hotter. Alyshia pulled out of the kiss, before she lost all control. 

April watched, a little stunned, as Alyshia reopened her computer and started typing.

"I don't mind it if you bite," she typed.

"What else do you like?"

Grinning, Alyshia began clicking away on her laptop. April slid in behind Alyshia on the couch so they were both sitting in front of Alyshia's laptop, Alyshia sitting between April's legs. April began reading over Alyshia's shoulder.

"I don't mind if you get a little rough. In fact, I'd love it if you tied me up and swallowed me whole. I'll be your midnight snack. ;)" Alyshia typed. She heard April growl, felt her hands tighten their hold on her hips, and a mixture of nervousness and excitement rolled through her. Alyshia had only had a few lovers and didn't consider herself very experienced. April, she thought, was another story. Alyshia just hoped she wasn't biting off more than she could chew, but all day she had sat here wondering what it would be like to just let April take her and do whatever she wanted. 

April felt Alyshia's body quiver, and she scooted closer, pressing herself into Alyshia's back. 

"How old are you?" she whispered.

"18," Alyshia typed.

"Thank God! At least she's legal," April thought. Alyshia looked so young, she hadn't been entirely sure. Getting into the spirit of things, April rubbed her hands over the top of Alyshia's legs, leaving her hands to rest on the top of Alyshia's thighs. Alyshia trembled again, and April nipped at her neck.

"So, that's your fantasy? Having someone tie you up in bed?"

"No. My fantasy is to have you tie me up in bed."

April smiled against Alyshia's neck. "Have you ever been tied up before?"

Alyshia shook her head no, then quickly typed the word.

Alyshia just confirmed what April suspected. While she was certainly daring, she wasn't very experienced, and April knew she should tread carefully. "I've been. Tied up in bed that is. Would you like to do that to me?"

Alyshia sucked in a breath and, with shaky fingers, typed, "Yes."

"And what would you do to me?"

"Eat you out."

April laughed. "Is that all? Baby, you'll have to get me wet first. Tell me how you'd do that." April slipped a hand up to cup one of Alyshia's small, but perky breasts. She felt Alyshia's body jerk and kept still, just holding her breast in her hand. When Alyshia leaned over to type, she inadvertently pushed her breast further into April's hand, flattening her nipple against it, and decided she really liked the way that felt.

"I'd kiss you all over and suck on your breasts."

"Show me," April whispered, her lips right against Alyshia's ear, her hand gently rubbing Alyshia's breast through her clothes.

Alyshia didn't need any more encouragement, and she quickly twisted around, shifting so she was straddling April on the couch. She grabbed the hem of April's shirt and whipped it off, April laughing as she did so.

"You're an eager one, aren't you, Alyshia?"

Alyshia vigorously nodded her head yes as she undid April's front hooked bra. April leaned forward so Alyshia could get the bra completely off, and then sighed as Alyshia's mouth claimed one breast, lathering it with her tongue. While Alyshia worshipped her breasts, April slipped one hand underneath Alyshia's shirt, gently stroking her back. She thought she heard Alyshia moan. Encouraged, she slipped her other hand into the back pocket of Alyshia's jeans. She couldn't help but smirk a little when she felt Alyshia's body jump.

She squeezed Alyshia's ass through the jeans, still stroking her back, and felt Alyshia heap even more attention on her breasts. "Oh man," April thought, "I could stay like this all night." She always loved having her breasts sucked and teased, and Alyshia appeared to be very talented in that department. She let her head fall back against the couch, giving Alyshia free rein. 

Alyshia could hear April purr, felt the vibrations. Hearing how much April was enjoying what she was doing to her breasts, added to Alyshia's excitement. She could feel how wet she was and briefly hoped she wasn't soaked through to the front of her jeans, as well. Using her body weight, she guided April onto her back so they were both stretched out on the couch.

A few minutes later, Alyshia urged her to roll over so she was lying on her stomach. April felt Alyshia grab her wrists and gently pull her arms back. She could feel Alyshia straddling her ass and she pushed back a little, bumping against Alyshia's crotch. Suddenly, she felt something cold and hard circling here wrists. Seconds later she heard clicking, then realized Alyshia had just handcuffed her with a real pair of cuffs. 

"Oh, baby. You came prepared," April moaned. She felt Alyshia leave the couch and twisted her head around. She was just able to look over her shoulder in time to watch Alyshia strip naked. Alyshia returned to the couch and started trailing soft kisses all along the length of April's spine.

April trembled, moaning a little. Then she felt Alyshia's teeth nip her shoulder. "Now who bites," she chuckled. She went silent, though, as she felt Alyshia's hands on her stomach, then slide down to unfasten her jeans. Moments later, she was naked, face down on the couch with her hands cuffed behind her.

Alyshia tossed April's jeans and panties aside and stopped to admire the view. Reaching out a hand, she traced April's phoenix tattoo, then leaned down to plant a kiss at the heart shape the vines formed at the small of her back. Alyshia marveled at how much of a rush it was to have a strong woman like April, tied up and completely at her mercy. She straddled April's ass and leaned down so her chest was pressing into April's back.




Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 02



April could tell her hands were pinned just above Alyshia's mound. Stretching out her arms, she was just able to flick the top of Alyshia's slit. Alyshia grunted, then slid up April's body to give her fingers better access to her pussy. April blindly reached out with her fingers and, after a little probing, found Alyshia's clit, and she began flicking her fingers over it the best she could. She could feel Alyshia's face pressed against her back, felt her rubbing her body against her, trying to help April's fingers stroke her clit. April could feel Alyshia's girl honey leaking out over her ass and lower back, and felt a thrill race through her. God, this woman was hot!

Minutes later, Alyshia pushed up and settled down over April's ass. April could feel her shifting around and knew Alyshia was getting herself into position to ride her butt. She felt some of Alyshia's juices drip against her, then spill down in between her butt cheeks and she wiggled against Alyshia, moaning.

Alyshia could feel herself dripping all over April. Something about it seemed so erotic, and when she heard April moaning with pleasure, she felt her pussy quiver. Finally, she found the spot she wanted and pushed a hand between her legs, spreading her lips open so her clit and entrance were tight against April's beautifully rounded ass. Happy with her new position, she slowly started to rock against April.

April felt Alyshia riding her, and felt her own juices sliding out to wet the couch. She bucked back against Alyshia, helping her along. Alyshia grabbed the chain connecting the cuffs and started using it like reins on a horse, holding on to it for leverage as her body bowed back, pushing her tighter against April as she picked up speed. She could feel April bucking against her and, feeling her orgasm building, started bouncing up and down on April's ass, loving the sound of their skin slapping together. Seconds later, she clamped her thighs against April as tight as she could and rode her ass as her orgasm crashed through her.

Underneath her, April was going nuts. She was dripping wet and every time she bucked against Alyshia, trying to help, when she fell back down against the couch, it put this teasing pressure against her mound. At this point, she was so horny, she was ready to fling a leg over the side of the couch and ride the edge. 

The last few waves of her orgasm pulsed through her and Alyshia started to clam down a little. She finally noticed April jerking and twisting under her, and knew she was close to cumming. Grabbing her legs, she helped April turn over to lie on her back. Alyshia looked down on April's face, now contorted from the growing tension in her body. Alyshia pushed April's legs up and back, then lowered her face to April's pussy, breathing in the musky scent. She would have liked to lick and tease April a bit, but didn't think she could take it, so she pushed two fingers inside her tunnel and started pumping them in and out as fast as she could while she leaned over to suck April's clit into her mouth.

"Alyshiaaaaa. Oh God, baby! That's it! That's it! Faster, please faster. Fuck meeeeeee," April was pumping her mound against Alyshia as fast as she could as she felt her orgasm break. She came, her juices flooding out, and felt Alyshia's tongue busily licking her clean. This stretched out the last few waves of pleasure and April trembled, and then sank down into the couch, gasping for air. Alyshia glided up, over her body, and April licked her juices from Alyshia's face. Alyshia kissed her, letting April get a good taste of herself on her tongue.

April let her head fall back and saw Alyshia looking down at her, grinning. She leaned up and gave her a quick kiss. "As soon as I get my breath back, it's your turn for the cuffs," April gasped. 



Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 03



It had been almost a week since April had picked Alyshia up at the airport. Alyshia had made some progress; she'd found Jade's new address, which had enabled April to get a copy of the lease agreement. Funny thing was, Jade hadn't signed the lease, neither as Jade Dupree or Lee Anne St. Clair. The signature on the lease wasn't even in Jade's handwriting. There was another woman's signature on the lease, a Lonna Tassin, and she'd done an excellent job of burying her information. 

Actually, April figured Alyshia would have been done several days ago, but they kept getting distracted. In fact, April was stretched out on the bed thinking about distracting Alyshia for the third time that day, while she sat on hold on the phone. Alyshia had found Jade's address three days ago and April had a copy of the lease by nightfall that same day. Since then, the two of them had been picking away at the mysterious Lonna, but details were scarce. Alyshia seemed to think that Ms. Tassin had hired a pro to bury her information. If it had been your average person, Alyshia had told April, she'd have mountains of information by now, but this woman's was too well buried. Finally, John's secretary Linda came on the line.

"I'm so sorry, April. Mr. Dupree is in the middle of a contract negotiation with a company we're trying to acquire, and my phone's been lit up like a Christmas tree all morning," Linda said with a laugh.

"That's ok, Linda. I know John's a busy man, but I'm calling in the hopes that he might be able to squeeze me in for a few minutes today. Any chance of that?"

"From the looks of his appointment book, I'd say no, but let me buzz him and see what he wants to do. I know he has you looking for Jade, so this is pretty important. Would you mind holding a few more minutes?"

"Not at all. I appreciate it, Linda." Once again, April found herself listening to Muszac, and considered suggesting to John, next time they talked, that he find something that wouldn't put his callers to sleep while they sat on hold. Thankfully, Linda was true to her word and quickly returned to the phone.

"If you can get here within the next twenty minutes, he can give you about half an hour. Will that work for you?"

"Perfect. I'll be right there." April hung up the phone and leaped from the bed in the direction of her dresser. She was only wearing panties and an old t-shirt. She discovered a good pair of jeans and a nice button down shirt to wear and quickly dressed. Heading for the door, she told Alyshia where she was heading, and scooped up her keys and wallet on her way out.

Soon, she was riding the elevator to John's office, right on time. The doors opened on John's floor and April jumped out, running right into Jasmine who was on her way out of her uncle's office.

"Shit," was all April could think as she felt butterflies in her stomach. She and Jasmine hadn't seen each other since that day at Trish's when Jasmine had coldly walked out on her. Suddenly, she felt irritated that this woman still had any affect on her, and her face turned hard.

Jasmine came to an abrupt halt as she almost bumped into someone on her rush back to her own office. Looking up, she saw April and felt her heart rate speed up. This last week, she'd done little but replay that morning at Trish's apartment through her mind. She wanted to give April a taste of her own medicine that morning, wanted to show her how it felt to be left behind without a second glance. She thought April would eventually call her, or show up at her house in a temper, but nothing happened, and now she regretted what she'd done. She saw April's face turn cold and felt her heart sink. Mustering up some courage, she tried to be as nice as possible.

"Hi, April. How are you today?" Jasmine cheerfully asked.

"Late," came April's flat response, and she pushed past Jasmine, hurrying into John's outer office.

Jasmine heard the door close behind her with a dull thud and she hung her head to stare at the floor. She'd really done it this time and she had no one to blame but herself. She knew April had to be here because of Jade, who was her sister, after all, and considered marching back in and demanding to be included, but she was afraid that would only anger April all the more. Now might be a good time to back off a little, maybe try a different tactic. A new idea beginning to take shape, Jasmine started walking towards her office, wheels spinning.

As Linda escorted April into John's office, April tried to get herself under control. Oh, she knew no one looking at her right now would suspect anything was wrong, but she was a wreck on the inside. Seeing Jasmine had stirred up so much. And where did she get off pretending to be so pleasant, when they both knew Jasmine thought she was the biggest jerk on the planet. April shook John's outstretched hand and pushed all thoughts of Jasmine aside. She had business to attend to.

April sat in one of the two chairs positioned in front of John's desk and updated him. Now, she had a few questions for him. Ever since she'd seen another woman's name on Jade's lease, she'd had a few scenarios stewing in the back of her mind, but she needed more information before she decided just how plausible they were.

"The woman who signed Jade's lease, this Lonna Tassin, does that name sound at all familiar to you, John?"

"I'm afraid it does." John had been reclining in his chair while April outlined the new information she had. Now, he leaned forward to rest his forearms on top of his desk. "You see, at the time the girls' parents died, I was engaged to a woman by that name."

When John didn't elaborate, April pressed on. "What happened?"

"I took custody of my nieces, since I was listed in their parents' will as legal guardian, should anything happen to them, and Lonna didn't approve. Well, it's not that she didn't approve of me taking the girls in, she just didn't like the idea of becoming an instant mother to two girls she barely knew."

"And why didn't she know them?"

"I guess Lonna was never much into kids. Most of the time I went to my brother's house to visit Jade and Jasmine, Lonna stayed behind, begged off for whatever reason. She'd only go with me on special occasions. You know, birthday parties and Christmas, events like that. When their parents died, I took custody of my nieces that very night. I had an awful time trying to get them to go asleep, they were so upset, and then, in the middle of the night, Jasmine woke up screaming from a nightmare and got sick. The next morning, Lonna said it was all too much for me to expect her to take on, that it wasn't fair, and she demanded that I send the girls away, or hire a nanny." John paused to take a breath and April noticed that John suddenly looked very much his age, and then some.

Taking a deep breath, John continued. "I couldn't believe she'd ask me for such a thing. I got angry and, literally, threw her out of the house. She left town a few days later and I've never heard from her, or of her, since."

April just sat for a minute while she processed everything John had just told her. She tried to choose her next words carefully. "John, do you think Lonna holds any ill will towards you for what happened?"

John gave a hearty sigh and sank back into his chair. "Probably. She was livid when I tossed her out. I heard through the grape vine that she left town because I had humiliated her, so yes, I'm sure I'm her least favorite person. Why? What are you thinking?"

"Well, it's just that, the day Jade made her confession to you about the embezzlement, you seemed truly shocked. In all these years, you never suspected Jade held any resentment towards Jasmine, did you?"

John winced, and then sighed again before answering April's question. "No, I had no idea. Jade was very good about keeping her true feelings hidden, I guess."

"Did she?"

John's eyes narrowed and he leaned forward to prop his arms on the desk again. "What, exactly, are you hinting at, April?"

"I spent a good bit of time with Jade when I was first here, and I never noticed any bad feelings either. Well, not the kind that indicated any long-term resentment. In fact, Jasmine and I didn't hit it off very well, in the beginning, and Jade went to great lengths to defend her sister to me. So, what I'm getting at John, is that I don't think Jade's embezzlement of company funds was really her idea. In fact, I always wondered how Jade managed it. She never struck me as having enough knowledge of computers to pull it off. I know she explained it all, but it never sat right with me. And now Jade's disappeared, relocating to Baton Rouge with a new identity, which isn't easy to do. I'm curious as to how she managed to recreate herself under her mother's name with all the required paper work."

"So, you think that this Lonna Tassin who signed Jade's lease is the same Lonna Tassin that I was once engaged to? What, you suspect that the embezzlement was her idea as well, that she somehow convinced Jade to go along with it as a way to get back at me, after all these years?"

April sighed and leaned forward a little. "Listen, John, I know this must all sound very far fetched to you, but it's entirely plausible, and would answer a lot of questions. Sometimes people get hurt, and they spend the rest of their lives wrapped up in that 'I was wronged' feeling. And that feeling of betrayal tends to eat at a person, warps them in some way. Besides, we both know that old adage of 'A woman scorned' and all that. So yes, to answer your question, I think this Lonna Tassin is the same woman you tossed out so many years ago."

John looked a little chagrinned. "Well, if you put it that way...Ok, I see your point."

"Good, because here's another question for you. Did Jade know Lonna well enough to recognize her, or her name, after all this time?"

John seemed thoughtful for a few minutes, while he considered April's question. "The girls saw very little of Lonna, and when they did, she kept her distance from them. Jasmine was so young at the time, I doubt she'd remember Lonna at all, or even recognize the name. I'm not sure about Jade, I mean she was twelve when their parents died and I threw Lonna out. I suspect that would be old enough to remember, especially as traumatic as those first few weeks were, after their parents died."

April frowned. If John was right, it just blew some of her theory out of the water, but there was also a small chance that Jade didn't remember her, or maybe Ms. Tassin wasn't using her real name in public. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. No, that wasn't right either, because even if Tassin was dealing with Jade under a different name, wouldn't Jade recognize her face? Then again, it was a traumatic time for the sisters, so maybe Jade had blocked out the whole thing, or just had so much going on at the time, that the quick exit of a woman who was practically a stranger to her, didn't linger in her memory. April rose out of the chair on a sigh and thanked John for his time. She started heading for the door when the sound of John's voice had her turning back around.

"Before you leave, April, I have a question for you."

"Oh. Ok. What is it?"

"What, exactly, is going on with you and my girls? Let's start with Jasmine."

April just stared at John for a minute. Actually, she really wasn't all that surprised by his question. If anything, she was surprised he hadn't asked her sooner. John struck her as an old fashioned gentleman, which is one of things she liked and respected about him. She could be old fashioned herself when it came to certain things.

"Between myself and Jasmine, nothing at all. Your niece, John, has made it pain-stakingly clear that she considers me the equivalent of pond scum." April maintained eye contact with John. If he wanted to run her out of town because she'd slept with his girls, so be it. At this point, there wasn't much reason for her to stay, anyway. But she'd be damned if she'd slink out with her tail between her legs. Yes, she'd slept with both of his girls, but there was more to it than just that. She was in love with Jasmine, God help her, and she cared very deeply for Jade. She knew she and Jade weren't in love with each other, but Jade was now an old lover who, in the course of their emails, had become a very close friend, and hell would freeze over before she apologized to anyone for that.

John sat, studying the defiant look on April's face. He liked the feisty P.I., even respected her, and God knew she was doing great work for him. Some how, instinctively he guessed, he knew his beloved nieces were safe with her, but recently he had started to suspect that something had happened between April and his girls. A few days after Jade's confession, he had sat down with Jade and Jasmine, trying to work out their family problems. April's name had inadvertently popped up during the course of conversation, and he hadn't missed the weird looks that had appeared on their faces, or the looks they gave each other. And ever since April had returned to New Orleans, at his request, Jasmine had been acting strangely, but he hadn't quite put two and two together until this conversation with April about old relationships. 

Now he studied the woman who stood in front of him, tall and proud, hands on her hips, almost spoiling for a fight. He chuckled to himself. If she was getting involved with either one of his girls, she'd need that fighting spirit, otherwise his nieces would just chew her up and spit her out. Knowing that they hadn't managed to do that to this woman, he suddenly saw her in a new light. He was careful with his next words.

"Jade and Jasmine are grown women, and more than capable of making their own decisions, very capable of taking care of themselves." John almost laughed out loud at the 'No kidding!' look that spread over April's face, but he stifled the laugh and went on. "I'll be honest here, April, and admit that I always pictured them both finding some nice young man and settling down with families of their own while they helped me run this company. When they both finally confessed to me that they just weren't interested in men, I was a little upset at first. I suppose I felt like I had done something wrong, somewhere along the line, when I was raising them." He held up a hand, as April was about to interrupt him. "No, I realize know that how I raised them wasn't the deciding factor, but I like to think it's natural for a parent to feel that way, at first. Now, I'm ok with their decisions for their personal lives. I just want them happy, and to find someone decent to spend their lives with, but because I'm old fashioned, I tend to treat their female suitors the same way I would if they were men."

April smiled at John's admission. She gave him points for making peace with his nieces' personal choices and knew, as old fashioned as he was, he was handling things the best way he knew how. In the end, he loved Jade and Jasmine just the same as he would if they were both his biological daughters, and he was looking out for them. April walked back towards the desk and retook the chair she had sat in earlier.

"Listen, John, I respect your position so I'll be honest here. Yes, I had a very personal relationship with both of your girls. When you first hired me, I was on the tail end of a very rough couple of years. I had a case blow up in my face and it landed me in the hospital. About six moths later, my parents died in a car accident and they were all the family I've ever had. I'd been drifting for quite a while, and when Jade and I got involved, I was happy for the first time in a very long time. But she and I were never truly in love with each other and we've worked that out. Now, I consider Jade a very dear, close friend, someone I care about very much. As for Jasmine, well, she was angry that I left the way I did. I did it to give her and Jade time to work things out, but she didn't see it that way. When I came back, I tried to work things out with her..." April sighed, "Well, she just didn't see things they way I did." April held her hands out, palms up, and shrugged.

John leaned a little further over his desk and looked April straight in the eye. "Are you sure about that?" he asked softly.

April looked at him in shock, for a minute, then lowered her eyes and sighed. "Yeah, unfortunately, I am." 

John just nodded and April thanked him for his time and left. John waited a few moments, giving time for April to leave his office, then buzzed his secretary. "Linda, could you ask Jasmine to come down here for a minute?"

He had a feeling that, where Jasmine was concerned, April was on the wrong track. He liked her, and suspected that his niece did as well. Loving his girls as much as he did, he thought it wouldn't hurt to give Jasmine a gentle push in the right direction. 

##

April stood around waiting for the Chinese takeout she had just ordered and mulled over her conversation with John. She had to decide if her theory about Lonna Tassin was valid enough for her to pursue, but John's parting question kept interfering with her train of thought.

Climbing into her car, she carefully placed the bag of food on the passenger seat, and then just sat there, watching the people of New Orleans shuffle home. "Was she sure?" That had been John's question. When she answered him, she had been, but now... "Oh, hell!" she thought, twisting the key in the ignition and feeling the car come to life around her. Shifting into drive, she carefully pulled into traffic and headed towards her apartment. A picture of Jasmine, smiling at her with the sun sparkling in her hair, popped into her mind, quickly followed with one of Alyshia, who was waiting for her at home. Next came Jade. God only knows what she was in to, or how much trouble she was in if April was right about Lonna using her to get revenge. A car streaked across her path and she jammed on the breaks. Swearing, she tried to clear her mind. If she didn't focus on the traffic in front of her, she won't have to worry about anything at all soon.

##

Fifteen minutes later, she strolled through her front door to find Alyshia asleep on the couch. She walked closer to the couch, the take-out bag still in her hands, and watched her sleep. She really liked Alyshia, and they were having a good time together. Maybe that was the best she was ever going to get, could ever dare to hope for. "Maybe I need to just learn to be happy with what I've got right now, instead of getting messed up over things I can't control." She decided she and Alyshia were due for another distraction, and she walked over to the kitchen to stash the Chinese food in the fridge. They could nuke it later, after April woke Alyshia up, properly. A smile on her face, she walked back towards the couch.

##

Jasmine had spent so much time talking with her uncle this afternoon; he had ended up rescheduling the rest of his appointments. She appreciated the fact that he had always put her and Jade first. As far as he was concerned, work could wait, family always came first. It had felt good to finally have someone to talk to, to help her sort out her feelings. Now she was finally sure that she was in love with April, and wanted to work things out between the two of them.

She felt a little nervous as she climbed the steps to April's apartment. She thought she heard voices and paused, halfway up the steps. Deciding it was just her imagination, she finished climbing the stairs. Reaching the screen door, she raised her hand to knock, but her hand froze in midair.

April felt Alyshia's hand slipping down towards her clit and she quickly flipped her onto her back. She was enjoying this sweet tension that was slowly building inside of her while she made love to Alyshia, and she wanted to hold on to it a little longer. Trying to distract her, April began trailing kisses down her body, but only made it as far as the valley between Alyshia's breast, when Alyshia arched her hips, trying to grind against her. She groaned as their clits hit each other perfectly, and she tried to pull away. 




Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 03



Ever since April woke her up by sucking her nipples into hardened peaks, Alyshia felt like she was on fire; she couldn't get enough sex tonight. She knew April was trying to prolong things, but she wasn't interested. Tonight, she was in the mood for hot and fast, and as many times as possible. April tried to roll off of her, but she wrapped her legs around April's waist, holding her in place as she arched against her.

Unable to get away, April felt her clit rub against Alyshia's one more time, and finally gave up fighting the inevitable. Bracing her hands on either side of Alyshia's head, she pushed up; angling herself so all of her weight was pushing her pelvis into Alyshia's, and started to grind back, the friction between their pussies quickly pushing her to the edge.

Alyshia's eyes gleamed as April arched into her, conceding defeat. She arched her back and blindly reached out. Finding a nipple, she started to pinch and roll it between her fingers. April's groan of pleasure spurred her on. Deciding this wasn't enough, she rolled April onto her back, and then changed her position so that they were facing each other on the bed, their legs scissored together. Alyshia used her arms, stretched out behind her, to give her more leverage, and she pushed even tighter into April's sopping wet pussy, as hard as she could.

This position was driving her nuts. April knew she wouldn't last much longer as their movements picked up speed. About to burst, she threw her head back and moaned Alyshia's name as her orgasm built to a fevered pitch, Alyshia right behind her. 

Jasmine watched through the screen as April and some blonde rolled around on April's bed, naked. Jasmine could hear their moans as she watched their bodies tangle the bed sheets. She felt the ground disappear from under her. Tears in her eyes, she whipped around and rushed down the steps, the sound of April climaxing almost physically pushing her away from the apartment. She climbed back into her convertible and sat there, tears blinding her vision, ears ringing. She knew she couldn't drive right then, so she just sat there, sobbing uncontrollably. 

Minutes later, she heard the passenger door open, causing her head to jerk up as she hastily wiped tears from her eyes. Her vision cleared just in time to see Mama Dubois climb into the passenger seat. Mama owned the club that was on the ground floor of the building April's apartment was in. Uncle John and Mama were old friends and the bar owner had always been like an aunt to her and Jade. 

Mama brushed a hand over Jasmine's hair. "There now, baby, take a breath." Mama watched Jasmine try to get control over her crying jag. She suspected what the problem was, but decided to let Jasmine start the conversation, rather than ambush the poor girl with a bunch of questions.

Jasmine felt the tears subside and took a jerky breath as she stared at Mama, who just sat quietly, stroking her hair, understanding and love in her eyes. "Oh Mama!" Jasmine cried and sank into Mama's arms, curling against her the best she could in bucket seats.

"Sssshhhh. It's ok, baby girl. You just cry it out. You can tell me all about it whenever you're ready."

"I screwed up," Jasmine sobbed. "I found the best woman and treated her like shit, so she left. Now she's up there fucking some blonde," Jasmine felt anger take over and it stopped the new crying jag she was on the verge of. "I lost her," Jasmine announced, staring blindly at the dashboard as Mama held her.

"I take it you're talking about that sexy P.I. I've been renting to?"

Jasmine gave a little laugh and just shook her head yes.

"You know, I can't remember the last time I saw you cry over a busted up relationship."

"I don't think it ever really mattered before."

"Hmmm. Well, you know, that little girl showed up with a whole lotta luggage."

"So?" Jasmine asked, her voice sounding pouty.

"Well, maybe it's time she repacked her bags and went on back home."

Jasmine slowly pulled away from Mama and twisted in her seat so she could face her. "What are you suggesting, Mama?" 

Mama studied Jasmine's tear streaked face, her eyes red and swollen. She'd known John Dupree since forever. When his brother went over the edge and killed himself and his wife, John had come to her desperate for help. He'd never raised a child before, knew nothing about it, and had hoped she, who had five children, could help him out. She remembered that day. John had been terrified that he was going to mess things up, make some horrific mistake that would screw the girls up for the rest of their lives. She'd had to give him several shots of bourbon before he finally clamed down. Since then, she'd given John all the help she could, and the girls had become as close to her as her own kids. She even thought of them as her nieces too, and her family had often celebrated many a holiday, or special occasion, with the Dupree's. Still did, as a matter of fact. And Lord help her, because she loved Jasmine so much, she was going to help break up some couple. She let out a long sigh, stroking a hand over Jasmine's face.

"Come on inside, baby girl. We've got a lot of work to do if we're going to convince that girl to leave town for another job."

Jasmine looked at Mama in shook. "April?!"

Mama laughed. "No, not April, silly. That blonde she's playing with."

"You'd do that for me?"

"Now, you know it's not my habit to go interfering in other people's personal lives, but any fool can see you're head over heels for that girl. And I think she might feel the same way about you, so I'm going to make an exception, just this once, mine you, and help you clear the field, so to speak."

Jasmine flung herself across the seat and gave Mama a huge hug. "Thank you."

Mama laughed and patted Jasmine on the back. "Come on now. Get yourself together girl and let's get crackin'."

Jasmine wiped her face clean with her hands and started to climb out of the car. As she followed Mama into the bar, she felt a twinge of guilt over what she was about to do, and then quickly pushed it aside. After all, 'All's fair in love and war.' This happened to be a bit of both.



Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 04



April awoke slowly, letting her eyes adjust to the morning sun that was pouring through the French doors she had left open last night. She reached out for Alyshia and only found an empty bed. Coming fully awake, she sat up a little and looked around her apartment. Finally, she found a little slip of paper, folded in half, laying on the pillow next to her with her name written on the front.

She got this feeling of foreboding, already sensing she wasn't going to like what the note said. Just the same, she propped herself up against the headboard and reached for the note, slowly opening it.

"April,

Sorry to leave like this but I got up to check my email and found a job offer I just can't pass up. They wanted me in L.A. this morning so I caught a cab to the airport. I'll try to e-mail you later. I left everything I was able to find so far in a folder on the coffee table. I had a great time.

Love,

Alyshia"

Angry, April smashed the note into a ball and sent it sailing towards the French doors. She watched, a little impressed with herself, as she watched the crumbled ball fly through the air, through the doors, over the balcony, clear the flower beds, then arch towards the ground, disappearing from sight.

Groaning, April scooted deeper into the bed and pulled the covers up over her head. Lying there, staring at the underside of the bedspread, she seriously considered just staying here the rest of the day. Any time your days starts with a Dear Jane letter, its only going to get worse from here, so why bother at all. "I'll just stay here, go back to sleep, and when I get up tomorrow, my luck will be a helluva lot better," she thought.

Contemplating the merits of never leaving the bed, she thought she heard a noise. She pulled the sheet down a little so she could hear better. Listening, she realized the noise she heard was someone knocking on her door. "Go away!" she shouted, and dived back under the covers.

Seconds later, she only heard silence and sighed with relief. There was no way she was going to answer that. They way her day started, she knew who ever was at her door was just trouble.

She heard the muffled sound of her screen door slamming shut and she bolted upright in bed, the bedspread dropping to her waist. There, standing in the middle of her hallway with her hands on her hips, was none other that Jasmine Dupree.

"Shit! Go away, Jasmine. I'm not in the mood to fight with you again." April quickly plopped down on her bed, twisting to lie on her stomach, pulling the covers back over her as she went. She laid there, buried under the covers, alert to any little sound, but all she could hear was her heart hammering in her chest.

Jasmine stood in the hallway considering the lump in the middle of the bed. This wasn't quite the welcome she was hoping for. She'd been staked out in her car since about five this morning. She parked at the opposite street corner waiting for the blonde to leave. When she'd seen the cab pick her up, then pull away, she started her car and drifted it across the street to park at the corner, at the end of April's little alleyway. She had walked as far as the bottom of the steps, then had spent the morning sitting on the bottom step. She didn't want to wake April up, or show up too soon after April's lover left, afraid April would get suspicious. When she'd heard a noise, she'd glanced over just in time to see a crumbled ball of paper hit the ground with a small plopping noise, just a foot away. Startled at first, she looked up, and then realized that April must have thrown it out the window. She picked it up, scanned it, and felt a moment of glee as she read the blonde's note. Man, she hadn't even bothered to wake April up to say good-bye, just took off in the middle of the night. The plan her and Mama had worked out yesterday was going even better than she had hoped.

She sat back down on the steps, trying to give April a few minutes, and then found she didn't have the patience to wait. Knocking at the door, she could feel the excitement bubbling inside her. April's rough order to leave, though, had taken some of the wind out of her sails. Now, watching April hide under the covers, she felt herself deflate a little more. She'd suspected April might not be entirely happy to see her, but she had pictured a slightly better greeting than this.

Feeling irritated, she stomped over to the other side of the bed and flopped down on her back, lying beside April. She folded her hands over her stomach and stared at the ceiling. Fine, she'd just wait her out.

April felt the bed shift and knew Jasmine was lying only inches away. She sucked in a breath and felt her heart pick up speed. It was torture to be this close, but not able to touch her. For all she knew, Jasmine was just here to ask about Jade. Or maybe Jasmine had gotten board and decided she'd come around for another battle royal. God, she was getting sick of this. One minute they were fucking each other blind, and the next they were tearing each other to shreds. She couldn't take much more.

Frustrated and mad, April stuck her head out. "Are you deaf?! I said go away, Jasmine. I'm not in the mood for you right now." That said, she dived back under the covers, securing them tightly over her head.

Jasmine couldn't help but smirk. Normally, April came across as cool, bordering on flat out hard cold. It was kind of fun to see her get all pissed off, even more fun knowing she seemed to have a natural talent for pushing April's buttons. Then again, that went both ways. That thought wiped the smirk off of her face. Deciding they weren't going to get any where like this. Jasmine shifted around, pulled the sheets up on her side, and dived under them.

Next thing April knew, she was lying on her back with Jasmine on top of her. Man, she hated it when Jasmine got one over on her. She kept forgetting how quick Jasmine could move when she wanted to.

"Morning sunshine," Jasmine purred. All she got in return was an angry look, and she could feel April's body tense. She didn't want this to spiral out of control into another fight so, instead of goading her; Jasmine just laid her cheek on April's chest and curled her hands over the top of April's shoulders. She'd just wait her out from here.

Every nerve ending in her body had sprung to life the instant Jasmine's body touched hers, and April cursed her body for a traitor. She always fell apart around Jasmine. Her pussy would just go wet the minute Jasmine walked into the same room. No matter how angry she was, Jasmine would get close enough to touch and she'd just snap. Well, not today. Today she needed to hold on to what little pride she had left. If she gave her the chance, Jasmine would snap what was left of her heart right in half. She couldn't go there.

Jasmine lay there, listening to April's pounding heart. She knew what effect she had on April, but today it didn't seem to be working to her advantage. Frustrated, she pushed herself up, ready to pick a fight, then stopped at the weary look on April's face. Jasmine lowered her head, which gave her an excellent view of April's breasts. Knowing that wouldn't help, she jumped off April, pushing the sheets out of her way, and sat at the edge of the bed, her back to April.

April grabbed the sheets and tucked them back around her, thankful and sorry, at the same time, that Jasmine had pulled away. Confused and frustrated, she wiggled on to her side, giving Jasmine her back and stared at her apartment.

Jasmine looked over her shoulder when she felt the bed shift, just in time to see April turn over and give her, her back. April had the sheets tucked under her arm, exposing most of her phoenix tattoo. She felt a little tug on her heart and knew she couldn't leave things like this.

April tensed up when she felt Jasmine snuggle against her back, Jasmine's arm snaking around to wrap itself around her waist. She stared at her kitchen, suddenly finding it incredibly interesting. "What do you want, Jasmine?" she snapped.

Jasmine pressed a kiss to April's back, then snuggled her nose against April's neck. "I want to talk, cher," she whispered in April's ear. "But right now isn't the time. You're mad at me, which you have a right to be. Plus, you're not a morning person, which is just adding to your irritation. Go back to sleep and we'll talk when you wake up."

"You gonna leave?"

"I don't want to. Please, April, let me stay. I just want to hold you for a little while, if that's ok?"

April didn't respond. Maybe if she went back to sleep, she'd wake up feeling better able to talk to Jasmine without starting a fight. She closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep. Feeling worn out, it was easier than she thought it would be, to slide back into sleep.

Jasmine let out a sigh of relief when she felt April relax in her arms. She listened as April's breathing evened out, turned shallow, and she knew she was finally asleep. She rested her forehead against April's back and tired to figure out what to do once April woke up.

##

Gradually, she felt her eyes opening. She wasn't sure how long she'd been out. She twisted around to face Jasmine and only found an empty bed. Coming more fully awake, she looked around her apartment and, discovering it empty, disappointment stabbed through her. Jasmine had promised they would talk when she woke up and now, finding Jasmine gone, she realized just how much she had wanted that. Wanted to talk things out.

Finally, her eyes landed on a piece of paper, folded, and taped to her lampshade. Her name was written on the front in familiar handwriting. She ripped it off the lamp and unfolded it. Today seemed to be a day for notes.

"If you can find me, you can have me. 

If you can find me, you can do anything you want to me. 

But find me fast, love, because I'm dripping wet and won't be able to wait for you much longer. 

Love, Jasmine."

April jerked upright, scooting to sit on the side of the bed, and reread the letter. Her eyes lingered on the way Jasmine had signed it, and she felt hope spread through her. Was this Jasmine's way of getting back together? She knew now she wanted that, very much.

She read the letter a third time and felt her body heat up. Jumping out of bed, she took a quick shower, dressed, and rushed out of the apartment. The letter hadn't said where Jasmine was, but she assumed it was her house. Pulling out into traffic, she pushed hard on the gas pedal, visions of Jasmine naked and wet spurring her on.

Twenty minutes later, April skidded to a halt in front of Jasmine's front door and leaped out of the car. Racing for it, she took the front steps in one long stride, and then skidded to a stop as she spotted an envelope taped to the door. She ripped this one off too, briefly hoping she hadn't damaged the paint job, and then tore it open, finding two pieces of paper inside. Yanking them out, she noticed one was a map. She opened the other piece and found another letter.

"You're getting closer, cher, and so am I. Hurry up. Jasmine."

Taking the hint, April rushed back to her car. She took things slow this time, having to give the map all of her attention, but as she took the last turn onto a dirt road surrounded by trees, she pushed down on the accelerator. Suddenly, she burst out of the trees into a clearing, saw Jasmine's car just a few feet away and, jerking the steering wheel to the right while hitting the brake, skidded to a stop beside the mustang. Leaping out of the car, she quickly looked around, searching for signs of Jasmine. She noticed they were in a little meadow at the top of a small cliff, a river running by at the base, leaving a small beach between it and the cliff. Turning around, she stopped dead in her tracks, having found Jasmine. She was about 50 feet away, lying on a blanket underneath this huge oak tree, buck-naked. April slowly walked over to her, her heart pounding.

Jasmine felt like she'd been waiting here forever, sitting on the blanket in nothing but a robe. When she heard a car churning up the road, she knew it was April, and quickly undressed, lying down on the blanket. Her head had jerked up when she heard the car burst out of the woods, and watched in amazement as April skidded to a stop, driving like a NASCAR driver, stopping just inches from her own beloved convertible.

Now she lay there staring at the sky, listening to April's footsteps, her heart beating faster and faster with every step. A shadow fell over her and she looked down towards her feet to find April standing at the edge of the blanket. She waited, but April never said a word, she just stood there staring at her. She still had her sunglasses on, so Jasmine couldn't read her reaction. Slowly, she bent her knees, her feet flat against the blanket, and spread her legs open.

April was rooted to the spot. Jasmine was lying there, gorgeous and naked, her long, curly red hair spilling out around her. It felt like a dream come true and April briefly wondered if she should pinch herself. Then Jasmine spread her legs open, giving her a wicked grin. She felt her body shake. The drive over here had only served to wind her up like a top, all that time thinking of what she would do to Jasmine once she found her. She whipped off her sunglasses, tossed them aside, and watched in awe as Jasmine slowly trailed her fingers down her body, then slid a finger between her pussy lips. Staring, she watched as Jasmine brought that finger to her mouth, licking it clean.

"I'm so wet for you, cher. Are you gonna stand there all day, or do something about it?" 

Jasmine's voice was soft and husky, and she ran out of patience. Sinking to her knees, she swooped down between Jasmine's legs and shoved her tongue between her lips and began to tongue fuck her in earnest.

Jasmine squealed at the sudden invasion. Watching the heat rise in April's eyes, she knew she was about to pounce, but she hadn't quite expected this instant fucking. Her hips jerked and she reached out, burying her hands in April's hair, pressing her face closer to her aching mound.

April felt herself go wild. She couldn't get enough of Jasmine; drink enough of her sweet honey. Still pounding Jasmine's love box with her tongue, she reached up and started flicking her clit with her finger. Jasmine's fingers dug deeper into her hair so, encouraged, she pinched the hot button between her thumb and finger and started to twist and tug. She could hear Jasmine's breathy whimpers turn to squeals of pleasure, then shrieks, as April's tongue found her G-spot. Soon Jasmine had her hands behind her on the blanket and, leaning on them for support, started bucking and slamming herself against April's face. April tighten her grip on Jasmine's ass, her fingers sinking into the soft flesh, squeezing. Suddenly, Jasmine screamed her name and fell back against the ground, her hands clenching the blanket in her fists, and April could feel Jasmine's body twitch and convulse as her orgasm overtook her.

April sank down beside Jasmine, her body shaking with need, but she tried to keep herself under control, giving Jasmine time to recover. Slowly, Jasmine felt her body calm and she turned her head, locking eyes with April. She sensed her trembling and, giving her a slow smile, started to undress her. Jasmine moved quickly, knowing April was right at the edge. Once she had her naked, she fell back beside her, capturing her mouth while she let her hand glide down and slip a finger between her legs. Feeling how wet April was, Jasmine quickly added two more fingers and slowly worked them in and out, as their tongues warred inside April's mouth. April sank her hands in Jasmine's hair, pulling her tight against her, and Jasmine quicken the pace of her fingers, pumping them in and out. She felt April's groan vibrate through her, and soon April was bucking and whimpering against her. Jasmine felt April's juices spilling out over her hand as she came.

Slowly, April sank back against the blanket, not letting go of Jasmine's head. She stared into the greenest eyes she'd ever seen and knew that, if Jasmine walked away from her this time, it would break her.

Jasmine saw the uncertainty in April's eyes and felt a moment of guilt. Then she gave April a light, reassuring kiss, telling her without words that she wasn't going anywhere. The kiss ended and April released a shaky breath.

"God, Jasmine, we have to quite doing this to each other. One of these days we may end up fucking each other to death," she said on a laugh.

"There's worse ways to go," Jasmine purred, smiling down at April. She bent down for another kiss, keeping it gentle and sweet. It didn't take long, though, before she could feel the heat building between them again, but it wasn't as urgent this time. She rolled to her side, pulling April with her, not breaking the kiss. 

They took their time now, kissing and caressing each other, gently exploring each other's bodies with their hands. April let her hand glide down Jasmine's back and cupped one small globe in her hand, gently squeezing and kneading the soft skin. Jasmine squirmed against her. April grabbed the back of Jasmine's knee and pulled it up over her hip, so that Jasmine's leg was stretched out straight. She let her hand glide back to her ass, her fingers skimming the underside of Jasmine's leg as she went. Reaching her slit, she took her time tracing it with her fingers and felt Jasmine squirm a little more, pressing against her. April eased a finger between Jasmine's cheeks and quickly found her rosebud, gently pressing against it with the tip of her finger while she pressed her thigh tighter against Jasmine's mound.

Jasmine groaned into April's mouth at the slight pressure against her ring. Knowing what April was about to do, she pushed a hand between their bodies, cupping April's mound. April felt a tingle between her legs from the slight pressure of Jasmine's hand. She teased her finger around Jasmine's ring and, deciding she was wet enough, slowly worked her finger in. 

Jasmine tensed a little at the intrusion then, willing herself to relax, started pushing back against April's finger, helping her ease it in. At the same time, she slipped a finger inside April's love box, twirling it around. She could feel April jerk a little every time her finger skimmed over her G-spot, and smiled against her lips. April pushed her finger in deeper, capturing Jasmine's mouth with hers and pushed her tongue inside. Soon, she started working both her tongue and finger in and out of Jasmine's body, carefully matching the pace of her tongue and finger.

Jasmine groaned and slid another finger between April's neither lips, trying to match the pace April was setting. Before long, they had both quicken their movements and were rocking against each other as they both felt another orgasm slowly build. Inch by sweet inch, the pressure increased, teasing them both with the promise of release. Jasmine thought she'd died and went to heaven, then jerked her head away as she cried out, her orgasm coursing through her body. April was right behind her, jerking and pressing against Jasmine's hand. She felt April's muscles clench tightly around her fingers just before they both came, hard, soaking each other with their juices.

April eased her finger out of Jasmine, and then rolled her onto her back, falling on top of her as they went. Sliding both her legs in between Jasmine's, she sank against her, letting her head rest on Jasmine's shoulder.

Jasmine couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this relaxed, her bones like liquid. Happy and content, she pressed a kiss to the top of April's head, letting her hands lazily stroke up and down April's back. April purred against Jasmine's neck and the two of them feel asleep in each other's arms.

##

A little later, Jasmine woke up, finding that April had slid off to lie against her side. Her cheek rested on Jasmine's shoulder and her arm was stretched out over her stomach, her hand resting lightly on Jasmine's hip. Jasmine pressed a soft kiss to April's forehead, knowing now that this was the woman she had fallen in love with. She smiled as she felt April's body stir, watched as her eyes tried to work themselves open. 




Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 04



April yawned, stretched, and found Jasmine looking down on her, smiling. April returned the smile and felt her heart swell a little. Everything was ok now and she felt warmth spread through her at the thought that she and Jasmine would finally be together. She glanced around at their surroundings, watching the trees sway in the breeze. She marveled at how warm it still was, even though it was late October, Halloween about a week away.

"I do hope this is a nice, secluded spot, angel. I'd hate for anybody to stumble upon us, just now."

Jasmine moved her arm over April's head and wrapped it around her shoulders, pulling her against her. "Not to worry. We won't be interrupted. I promise." Jasmine stretched a bit herself, felt that sweet achy feeling you get from being well loved and spent. She twisted around so she was lying on her side, facing April, and let her fingers skim down the side of her face. 

"I'm sorry, April. Sorry for hurting you the way I did at Trish's, for letting my temper get the best of me and not hearing you out when you tried to call me. I wasted precious time, I know, but that's over now." Jasmine took a breath, gathering up her courage. Looking April in the eye, she continued. "I'm in love with you, cher, and if you don't completely hate me for the hard time I've given you, I'd like to give us a chance." Jasmine held her breath, waiting for April's answer.

April felt the grin spread across her face, Jasmine's words like an answered prayer. "I don't hate you, Jasmine. I couldn't, even if I wanted to." She skimmed a hand down Jasmine's side, watching it as it glided over soft, smooth, porcelain skin. "It scares me a little, knowing how easily you claimed my heart, without me even knowing it. I don't think I really understood my own feelings for you until I was back in Pittsburgh, alone, praying for the phone to ring."

April watched Jasmine wince at her words and quickly gave her a soft kiss. "It's ok. You were right. I shouldn't have left the way I did, and if it's any consolation, it hurt like hell getting on that plane."

Jasmine rested her forehead against April's, pulling her in close. "Let's start over, April. Let's forget all the garbage that's happened between us, and just start over."

April smiled, gazing into Jasmine's eyes. "I don't want to start over. If we start over, then this wonderful afternoon would never have happened and today, angel, is probably the best day of my life." She watched as tears started to well up in Jasmine's eyes. She kissed them away, then jumped up, eager to lighten the mood a little.

She pulled Jasmine up to stand beside her and looked meaningfully between the river and Jasmine. Jasmine, realizing what April intended, tried to jump back, but April grabbed her hand and started running towards the river, dragging Jasmine along behind her. Reaching the edge, she spun around, grabbed Jasmine and tossed her in. She burst out laughing as Jasmine hit the water, then came up sputtering.

"You bitch! Do you know how cold it is in here?"

"No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me."

Jasmine came rushing at her and April danced out of the way, laughing. She briefly wondered what kind of picture the two of them made, stark naked and jumping around the riverbank, then forgot all about it as Jasmine lunged again, grabbed her around the waist, lost her balance, and they both fell with a loud splash into the river.

April gasped as the shock of the cold water, against her hot skin, hit her like a punch. Laughing, Jasmine threw a handful of water in her face, and then made a run for the small beach. Wanting revenge, April grabbed her from behind and tossed her back into the water. Standing at the edge, the water lapping around her ankles, she watched Jasmine try to spring up, slip in the loose dirt of the riverbed, and fall back down, landing on her butt with a big splash. Jasmine's hair was soaked and lay plastered all over her face. As Jasmine tried to push her hair out of her eyes, April watched, captivated, as drops of water slid down over Jasmine's body.

Jasmine looked up just in time to catch April licking her lips, staring at her like she was lunch. Slowly, she worked herself into a crouching position in the water and waited. Just when April took a step towards her, she bolted up and to the left, running up the small hill towards the blanket, for all she was worth. She could feel the cool autumn air brushing over her wet skin, goose bumps forming all over her body. Racing up to the blanket, she snatched it up off the ground, gave it a quick shake, and then wrapped it around her chilled body. She turned in time to see April clear the top of the hill and stood admiring her lovers' long, lean body, taking in the tattoos while she watched April's skin ripple as her muscles worked. She was enjoying the scene so much, she didn't notice April quickly advancing, not showing any signs of stopping. Next thing she knew, she was flat on her back on the ground with April straddling her, laughing, as she looked down at her. Jasmine felt the water drip down off her body and splatter against her face.

Jasmine tried to push her off. "Get off me, cher! You're soaking the blanket."

April didn't budge, using her body to keep Jasmine pinned to the ground. "No, Jasmine, you're soaking the blanket. You better take it off and share before it's too wet to do me any good." With that, she reached out and started yanking the blanket off.

Jasmine grabbed the top of it, trying to keep it in place. Fighting for the blanket, she rolled, knocking April off balance. Soon, they were rolling around in the grass, laughing and wrestling. Finally, April admitted defeat and stood up. Jasmine started to roll with laughter at all the grass and dirt that was stuck to April's wet skin. She looked like some kind of forest creature, something out of an old children's story.

April looked down at herself, frowning as she found she was quite a mess. Jasmine's laughter was contagious, though, and she soon joined in. Giving Jasmine a shrug, she ran back down to the river and jumped in, trying to clean herself off. Standing back up, she found Jasmine on the beach, staring at her. She slowly walked out of the water towards Jasmine and felt herself shiver as she watched Jasmine's tongue dart out, curling up to touch her top lip.

Jasmine felt herself growing hungry again as she watched the water spill down April's body. As she felt April draw near, though, she jumped back a little and threw the towel at her. April caught it, then just stared at it, before looking back at her.

"It's a hand towel, Jasmine. This isn't going to do me a whole lotta good."

"That's your problem, cher, because it's doing wonders for me." Jasmine heard the huskiness of her own voice as she watched April try to dry off with the little towel. She caught April giving her a meaningful look and she raced back up the hill towards her clothes, running the best she could, her movements hampered by the blanket.

April threw her head back and groaned. They could play like this all day and it would be dark soon. Besides, she was starting to get hungry, for food, and for another go at Jasmine's lush body. But she didn't want to do that here. She was hoping she could get Jasmine home so they could spend the rest of the day rolling around naked in bed. She started up the hill, swiping at her wet skin with the towel as she walked.

She reached the tree just in time to watch Jasmine, already in her underwear, trying to wiggle her wet body back into her jeans. Jasmine looked up, caught April watching her, and doubled her efforts. They had to get home. Now.

April seemed to have the same idea, because Jasmine noticed that she bent down for her clothes instead of making a grab for her. She quickly finished getting dressed and waited for April to do the same.

It took a few minutes because her skin was so soaked, but April finally got her clothes back on. "Well, Jasmine, what do you say we head home?"

"My house, cher. You can follow me in your car," and Jasmine turned and walked towards her old Ford.

April watched Jasmine sashay back to her car and couldn't resist running up and giving her ass a little smack from behind as she passed by on the way to her rental car.

The ride home was eventful, to say the least. Jasmine was smiling the whole way, laughing as they would come to a stop sign, or traffic light, and hear April behind her, gunning her engine. About a mile from her house was a little one-lane bridge. Halfway across it, Jasmine stopped the car, wiggled her bra off from under her shirt and then started back across, holding the bra up in the air, the wind from the car making it act like a windsock. Looking in her rearview mirror, she could see April behind the wheel of her own car, laughing. Jasmine let go and watched the bra splatter across April's windshield. She started laughing even harder as she watched April slow down to a crawl and shimmy out the driver's side window far enough for her to grab the bra and pluck it off her windshield. Once April was back in her seat, Jasmine hit the gas and flew the rest of the way home.

She had an ear-to-ear grin on her face as she drove through the gates of her house. Jasmine sped up the driveway and skidded to a halt in front of her house. She was halfway over the side of the car when April suddenly appeared, wrapping her arms around her waist, and hauling her against her, kissing the daylights out of her.

Jasmine squealed as she felt April lift her the rest of the way over the car door, and when her feet hit the ground, April started waltzing her around the driveway, both of them slipping a little on the lose gravel. Now peeling with laughter, Jasmine grabbed April's hand and dragged her into the house.



Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 05



April's growling stomach woke Jasmine from a deep, contented sleep. She was lying on her side facing the French doors that stood on the opposite end of her room, and opened out onto a large balcony that had it's own set of steps leading down to the side yard. She smiled as she felt April spooned against her back, her arms draped over Jasmine's waist. She felt good, happy, and knew that she and April were finally on their way to having a future together. A very long one, she hoped. 

Looking around her room, she studied the big, brown leather couch that faced the fireplace that was built into the wall facing the bed. Her room was done in rich, dark tones, browns and hunter greens that were more suited for a man's room. Actually, the room had been her father's. He'd slept here whenever he and her mother were having a row, and had decorated the room himself. Staying here always made her feel closer to him. She always felt saddened at the memory of that day in the kitchen, when her world exploded apart. It had taken a very long time before she had finally understood what had driven him to destruction that day. Love, passion, could be a powerful, all consuming thing; a creature that drove all rational thought away. She snuggled against April and knew that she finally understood what that felt like, being so involved with someone that the rightness of your world depended on them. It was a scary feeling sometimes, but could also fill a person's heart with so much happiness; you felt like you were floating through air, your feet never touching the ground.

She felt April stir against her and smiled. Their tempers, and mountains of pride, sometimes caused the two of them to fight something awful, but Jasmine knew April loved her as much as she loved April, and knew that April would never lift a finger against her. Maybe that's where her parents had gone wrong. They had a fierce passion, but not enough trust, enough love. Staring into the darkness, she wasn't afraid of her and April falling into the same trap. They may fight and scream, even throw things at each other at times, but they'd never cause each other physical harm. Instinctively she knew they would both draw the line there. 

She remembered the day she and Jade had moved back into this house, as adults. Jade had been concerned when she had chosen this room for herself. A picture of Jade's face that day, frowning, concern in her eyes, formed in her mind and she suddenly missed her sister something awful. Again, her temper had gotten the better of her and she'd been to busy yelling instead of listening. Well, she'd fixed things with April, now it was time to patch up her relationship with her sister, if she could find her. Jasmine twisted around to face April. Watching her sleep, she wondered how much progress April had made on her sister's case. John had told her a little bit, but they'd quickly moved on to discuss her feelings for April, so she hadn't gotten full disclosure concerning the meeting between April and her uncle. April's stomach growled again and Jasmine smothered a laugh. If she could get April to wake up, maybe she would fill her in on what she'd found, while they raided the kitchen for a midnight snack.

Jasmine gave April's shoulder a gentle push. When that didn't work, she shook a little harder. Finally, she watched as April pried her eyes open, saw blurry eyes stare at her for a minute, then watched a sleepy smile spread across April's face as she realized were she was and who she was with.

"You real?" April muttered.

"Very much so," Jasmine replied with a chuckle. April was so cute when she was half asleep.

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart, hope to die." Jasmine pressed her lips to April's and felt April tug her closer.

"Mmmm. That's nice." April's voice was still thick with sleep and Jasmine decided she liked the sound of it.

April's stomach growled again and this time Jasmine couldn't stop herself from laughing. April gave her a sheepish grin and eased herself into a sitting position, wiping the sleep dust from her eyes. Jasmine rested her head against April's stomach and kissed the hummingbird that sat low on April's abdomen, just above her mound.

April groaned as she felt a spark of excitement spread through her. "Mercy, angel, show mercy. I want you, but I think I'm too sore to do very much," she said, laughing.

Jasmine knew there was an evil grin spreading over her face as she remembered the day's events. Once they got home, they'd gone straight to her room and had spent the rest of the day making love, over and over. Sometimes they'd been rough with each other, desperate with passion. Other times they'd just gone slow, exploring and enjoying each other. Jasmine wondered if there'd ever come a time when they didn't feel the need to jump each other's bones at every available moment. Lord, she hoped not. 

With another quick kiss, she climbed out of bed and went in search of a robe. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw April sitting naked on the edge of the bed, yawning and still trying to wipe the sleep from her eyes. She felt a little spark ignite low in her belly and briefly considered going another round, then remembered how sore April said she was. Thinking it best to give her lover time to regroup, she fished a second robe out of her closet and tossed it at April.

April had her eyes half closed, willing them to focus, when she got a face full of silk. The rope dropped in her lap and she looked up to find Jasmine shrugging into her own robe. She watched the silk skim over Jasmine's body, groaned, and felt a brief moment of sadness as Jasmine's naked body disappeared from view as she tied the belt around her waist. She climbed off the bed onto unsteady legs and almost fell backwards onto the bed as she found her legs too weak to hold her. She heard Jasmine's smug laugh and shot her a nasty look. It took her a few minutes, but she finally managed to get the robe on and knotted the belt into place. She looked up to fine Jasmine watching her, and saw the gleam in her eye, even in the darkened room.

"Later, angel," she muttered and stumbled towards the short hallway that led to Jasmine's private bathroom.

"Need any help?" 

The sexy sound of Jasmine's exaggerated southern drawl had heat coursing through April's body. Damn if she wasn't half tempted to turn around and jump Jasmine right there on the floor. Grabbing the bathroom doorway for support, she shot Jasmine a withering look over her shoulder.

"Maybe later."

Jasmine grinned like the Cheshire cat as April shoved the door shut, cutting off her view. She heard the lock click into place, then thought about the key to the bathroom that was tucked away in a little box on top of her dresser. Sweet Jesus! April was right; at this rate, they would end up fucking each other to death. Thinking that would be a fun way to go, she sat down on the bed and waited for April. She should probably just head for the kitchen, get herself out of a room filled with temptation, but was afraid April would kill herself trying to fine the kitchen in this big old house, in the dark.

Minutes later, April staggered back into the bedroom and Jasmine grabbed her hand, dragging her towards the door. "Food?" Jasmine laughed at the hopeful sound in April's voice, then laughed even harder when April's stomach growled again, right on cue.

Holding onto her hand, Jasmine led April down a set of back steps that went from the second floor and ended at the back of the kitchen. It was built over a hundred years ago to allow the servants to move from the kitchen to rest of the house without begin seen on the main staircase. It was very close to Jasmine's room and she always found it very useful, especially if she was trying to sneak to the kitchen, undetected. 

As the kitchen came into view, April spotted the counter and immediately thought back to that night she'd done a body shot here with Jasmine. She groaned at the memory and saw Jasmine give her a questioning look over her shoulder. Desperate to get her mind on something else, she pushed past Jasmine and made a beeline for the refrigerator. "Food," she muttered at Jasmine as she passed.

Jasmine shook her head, smiling, and went over to help April raid the kitchen. Ten minutes later, they had a wide assortment of food spread over the kitchen table. Jasmine sat in April's lap, feeding her crackers, laughing as April jerked the food out of her hand, too hungry to have any patience for being feed.

Twenty minutes later, April leaned back in her chair and wrapped both arms around Jasmine's waist. "Oh God, I feel stuffed!"

"It's about time," came Jasmine's sarcastic reply. "I think there's a piece of the table you forgot to wolf down, cher."

"Ha, ha," April shot back. "I haven't eaten anything in almost 24 hours. It's a miracle I didn't pass out today, from all that exercise on an empty stomach."

Jasmine winced at the reminder that, 24 hours ago, April was making love to Alyshia instead of her. But she was with her now, so Jasmine pushed the thought aside and got down to business. "Uncle John mentioned that you found Jade, but there's some kind of problem."

April nodded, then filled Jasmine in on recent events. Once she finished, she watched Jasmine's reaction. She saw Jasmine's eyes fill with concern. Well, that answered that question. April hadn't been sure if Jasmine was all that interested in finding Jade and bringing her home, but now April could tell that Jasmine was really worried about her sister. Now that she knew both of them wanted the same thing, to find Jade, she tried to enlist Jasmine's help.

"Jasmine, do you remember Lonna Tassin at all?"

Jasmine frowned, trying to recall Uncle John's ex-fiancé. Unable to do so, she shrugged and gave April a sad smile. "I'm sorry, cher. I don't remember her at all and I have no idea if Jade does. I can tell you I don't remember Jade ever mentioning her."

April sighed. She was back at square one. Again.

Jasmine watched as April became silent, deep in thought, and felt as if she had physically left the room. She didn't like it one bit. Jasmine knew that this was April's job, and a big part of her life, and she realized that she didn't like knowing there was a part of April's life she wasn't included in. But maybe she could change that. Jasmine wasn't fool enough to consider quitting her job and working with April, nothing like that, but she wanted April to feel comfortable discussing things with her; to know that, at the very least, she could always bounce ideas off of her. And she had ever right to stick her nose into this case, even a responsibility to her sister to do so. 

"April?" 

Jasmine's softly spoken inquiry brought her back to reality. April looked up at Jasmine, about to apologize for drifting off, then stopped herself. Jasmine had a weird look on her face and April felt herself suddenly getting nervous.

Jasmine caught the anxious look on April's face and rubbed her hand up and down April's arm. "Relax, honey. There's nothing for you to worry about. It's just that...well, I was just wondering...do you mind if I help you? Find Jade, that is."

She was surprised at first, at Jasmine's request, then felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as a feeling of warmth started in her heart. It was probably just concern for her sister, but April was happy that Jasmine seemed to be taking an interest in her work, and she didn't waste time answering Jasmine's question.

"Yeah. Sure. That'd be great," she responded, giving Jasmine a big, genuine smile. Jasmine's sigh of relief wasn't lost on her and that warm, glowing feeling got a little stronger. Then that warmth dropped a little lower, and she felt a familiar tingle between her legs. Her strength renewed, she gave Jasmine a wicked grin, used one arm to shove all the food to the far side of the table, then scooped Jasmine up and sat her on the edge of the table. Standing, she snuck in between Jasmine's legs and swooped down to steal a loving kiss.

Jasmine sucked in a breath, caught off guard by April's sudden mood change. Not that she wasn't enjoying their bonding moment, but this quick shift to the physical had surprised her. Then the kiss deepened, becoming more passionate and urgent, and thought fled as she focused on the feel of April's touch as her robe sprang open.

"We'll get started in the morning, but first..." April muttered against Jasmine's lips. Her hands slid inside Jasmine's robe, both hands cupping Jasmine's ass, and pulled her in close. Jasmine's lips parted and April slipped her tongue inside to play with Jasmine's, the heat between them building. Jasmine pulled away, gasping for air.

"April, please, take off the robe. I want to feel your skin on mine."

Complying, April took a step back, slowly untied the belt, her eyes locked with Jasmine's. She eased the robe off of her shoulders then let go, the robe skimming down her body on its way to land on the floor in a pool of silk. She stepped back to Jasmine and their mouths locked together, tongues warring. Silently, she urged Jasmine to lie back on the table.

Jasmine eased herself down to lie flat on the table, her legs dangling over the edge. She could feel April's lips skim down her body as she leaned back, and moaned at the electric touch. 

Hearing Jasmine's response, April felt her hunger increase, but it was also mixed with love. When she reached the top of Jasmine's mound, she detoured around and skimmed down Jasmine's leg until she reached the inside of her thigh. There, she placed a wet, open mouthed kiss on the smooth, sensitive skin, and used her tongue to trace circles all around the inside of Jasmine's thigh. Then she switched to the other leg and did the same. After a few moments, she felt Jasmine's fingers sink into her hair, tugging her towards her pussy.

April glanced over and could see Jasmine's juices glistening on her lips. Slowly, she gently licked up one side, stopped just short of touching Jasmine's clit, and then repeated this on the other side. She stopped, her mouth hovering just over Jasmine's clit, and looked up at her lover.

Jasmine took a large gulp of air, and then held it as her eyes met April's. She saw passion, hunger, and love. Smiling, her eyes on April's, she eased her legs apart, opening herself wide. 

April felt her heart swell, tenderness battling with her lust. She began to lower her mouth to the little nub that was begging for attention, and then stopped. Standing up, she looked Jasmine in the eye, smiling at her questioning look. Then she held out a hand.

"This isn't the place for this, angel. Upstairs. In bed. So I can show you proper attention." Her heart felt like it was being squeezed and she had to choke out the words, but it was a sweet ache.

Jasmine saw everything she would every need to see in April's eyes right then. Suddenly feeling like she just won the lottery, she leaped off the table and into April's arms, claiming her mouth, her tongue slipped inside and she kissed April as deeply as possible.

Their arms wrapped around each other, mouths locked together, they seemed to waltz towards the back staircase, then stumbled up them. Kissing fervently, they spun each other in circles, using the wall to help guide them back to Jasmine's bedroom.

Finding the door, they stumbled in and April pulled her mouth free, her chest heaving as she fought for air. She watched as Jasmine struggled free of her robe, then threw it across the room. Seconds later, Jasmine was back in her arms and she lifted her up, tossing her onto the bed. As she climbed up to join her, Jasmine reeled upward, trying to reclaim her mouth. Laughing, she pushed her back and snuggled between her legs and quickly found Jasmine's clit.

"Aahhhh," Jasmine moaned as she felt the wet heat of April's mouth capture her clit, her tongue flicking against it, and Jasmine arched her back, pushing her pussy tighter against April's mouth.

April tortured Jasmine's clit until she felt her orgasm break. Before it was over, April pulled herself across the bed and sunk her fingers into Jasmine's hair. Holding the back of her head in her hand, she leaned down and let her tongue delve inside Jasmine's mouth. With her other hand, she quickly pushed two fingers inside Jasmine's soaked pussy and laid her thumb over her clit. Without breaking the kiss, she pounded her fingers in and out of Jasmine's love box, pressing her thumb into Jasmine's clit as she rubbed her thumb over it in a circular motion.

Jasmine felt another orgasm quickly build, could feel her heart hammering in her chest. Rolling to her side, forcing April to roll with her, she mimicked April and buried one hand in April's hair and the other between her legs.

Feeling the sudden invasion of Jasmine's fingers inside her pussy, her thumb on her clit, April tried to pull her mouth away to gasp for air, but Jasmine tighten her grip on the back of her head and wouldn't let her pull away. Their hips began to buck wildly against each other's hands. April was so desperate for air, she was afraid her lungs were about to burst, but Jasmine held fast, their hips picking up speed. As her orgasm began to break, April felt her entire body spasm and she ripped her mouth away, screaming Jasmine's name.

Jasmine felt her own body explode and her head fell back as her scream joined April's. Their bodies arched, pushing their pelvises together, then they just collapsed, bodies shaking.

It felt like forever before her body started to calm. April opened her eyes and found she and Jasmine were both lying on their sides, facing each other. She could feel Jasmine's pussy still quivering around her fingers. Pulling her hand free, she laid her fingers against Jasmine's lips and watched her lick them clean. Jasmine did the same, and April kept her eyes on Jasmine's, as she tasted herself on Jasmine's fingers. When they had licked each other clean, April leaned in and kissed Jasmine, trying to pour all her emotions into that one kiss.

"Don't ever leave me," she whispered against Jasmine's lips.

"I won't."

"Promise me."

Jasmine framed April's face in her hands and pulled back just far enough to allow her to look April in the eye. "I swear to you, on my very soul, I'll never walk away from you, April. Not ever." Leaning back in, she sealed her promise with a kiss.

##

Jasmine blinked, the sunlight pouring in through the French doors almost blinding her. As her eyes slowly adjusted, she realized she and April remained in the same positions they fell asleep in, both of them lying on their sides, facing each other in the middle of the King sized bed. April was so close, their foreheads rested against each other.

Jasmine gave each eyelid a soft kiss, smiling as she watched April stir at her touch. She brushed her fingers down the side of April's face and April nestled a little closer, still asleep. Feeling mischievous, she tickled April's nose with the tip of her finger, then stopped as April twitched and twisted, but she didn't wake up. Jasmine tickled her again, but still she didn't wake. Impatient, she pinched her nose shut, laughing as April's eyes flew open and she sputtered and gasped for air.

"You little witch!"

"Morning, cher. Sleep well, did you?" Jasmine lay there giving April a wicked smirk.

April just glared at her while she rubbed her nose, then she twisted around, throwing her legs over the side of the bed. Her hands slightly behind her, flat on the mattress, she started to push herself up, but Jasmine reached out, her hand closing around one of April's wrists, and pulled her arm out from under her.

Swearing, April lost her balance just as she was standing up, and fell to the floor in a heap. Feeling really irritated, she wasn't the nicest person in the world when she first woke up anyway, and she scooted forward and turned around so she was sitting on the floor, facing the bed. She only got more irritated as she saw Jasmine stretched out on her side along the edge of the bed, smiling down on her with a twinkle in her eye.




Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 05



"Please tell me this isn't going to be a regular thing?"

"What thing is that?"

"You waking me up every morning with juvenile pranks," April growled.

"My, someone's grumpy this morning." Jasmine was still grinning at her like the Cheshire cat.

Glaring, and giving Jasmine another growl, April stood up and headed for the bathroom. She really needed to pee. She heard Jasmine laughing behind her and she couldn't help but smile a little as she shut the bathroom door behind her.

A few minutes later, she padded back down the little hall towards the bed, noting how silent the room was. If Jasmine had fallen back asleep, she was definitely going to get some revenge. 

Clearing the hall, the bed came back into view, and she saw Jasmine lying on her back on the bed, her head turning towards her as she felt April's presence. She stood there a minute, her eyes traveling down Jasmine's body, then back up, and studied her face for a bit. Seeing those emerald green eyes staring back at her, April smiled. Ok, she could get use to this. She walked over and sat on the edge of the bed beside Jasmine.

"What time is it?"

"Ten." Jasmine was still smiling at her.

April rubbed her hands over her face, trying to clear some of the morning fog from her mind.

"So. What's the plan for today?"

"Plan?" April didn't think she liked the look in Jasmine's eyes. She could tell trouble was on the way.

"Yes, plan. You have my sister's address right? It's Saturday, so lets go back to Baton Rouge and see her."

"Whoa! Hold on a second, Jasmine. It's not quite that easy."

Jasmine frowned. "Why not? We go up there, tell Jade to get her ass in the car, and bring her home."

"We? You got a mouse in your pocket, or something?"

"I don't have any pockets at the moment, cher." Jasmine gave her a wicked grin and April watched her trail a hand down her body and dip down in between her legs. "Unless, of course, you're counting this one."

"Christ, you never quit, do you?" April's voice was a mix of disgust and amazement, and she shook her head in wonder that Jasmine could be so sharp after they'd spent almost an entire day making love and had only gotten about six hours sleep.

"I question the 'we' part, angel, because I'd like to know how it is that you're so sure that Jade doesn't make a run for it the minute she sees you? The two of you didn't exactly part on the best of terms." She watched Jasmine's face fall and silently cursed herself. Reaching out, she rubbed her hand up and down Jasmine's arm in an act of comfort.

"Jasmine, I'm sorry. It's just that, well, part of the reason Jade left was because you two weren't getting along any more. I'm afraid that, if she sees you on her doorstep, she'll take off again."

Jasmine remained silent. Sighing, April shifted to lie on her side beside Jasmine, facing her. She reached out and caught Jasmine's chin in her hand and turned her head to face her.

"There'll be a time for you to face your sister and work things out. I just don't think the two of us driving up to Baton Rouge and confronting your sister is the best thing to do right now. Besides, this Lonna Tassin is still an unknown. I'm not taking you anywhere with me when I don't know what we'll be walking into. I won't put you at risk, Jasmine. I just won't do it, so don't even ask me to."

Jasmine lowered her eyes, suddenly finding the sheets incredibly interesting. On a grunt, April release Jasmine's chin and lay down on her back, staring at the ceiling. They were both quiet for a time, lost in their own thoughts.

Suddenly, April slapped her hands against the mattress and climbed out of bed, heading for the bathroom again.

"Where are you going?"

"To take a shower. Then I'm going to get dressed and drive up to Baton Rouge. If I hustle, maybe I can talk to Jade and be back here in time for dinner."

Jasmine leaped off the bed and followed April down the short hallway. "Wait a minute! Where the hell do you get off going up there without me?"

April stepped back to lean against the wall, facing Jasmine. "I just told you why I'm not taking you with me." She rubbed her hands over her face again, in what Jasmine was quickly noticing to be a habit born of frustration, or tiredness. "Damn it, Jasmine, I don't want to fight with you," April admitted as she dropped her hands to her sides.

Jasmine leaned against the opposite wall, silently considering her options while she studied the carpet. After a few minutes, April caught herself paying way too much attention to Jasmine's well-built body. After all of yesterday's activity, she couldn't believe she was standing her considering jumping Jasmine's bones again!

Reaching a decision, Jasmine looked up to catch April's heated look, and felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Ok, so maybe I shouldn't worry that April wants to see Jade by herself because she wanted her instead of me," she thought. Apparently, April was still very interested in her. She had to start trusting April sometime, she thought, or they'd never last together.

"Oh, all right! Go see Jade then, but you damn well better be back by dinner, or I'll come looking for you."

Hearing Jasmine's words, seeing the look on her face, April finally figured out why Jasmine was so reluctant for her to go looking for Jade without her. She crossed to Jasmine and framed her face in her hands.

"Jade and I are just friends now, Jasmine. Just friends. You're the one I'm in love with. Totally and completely in love, and I'll never do anything stupid and risk losing you. I just need some time to see if I can talk to Jade and find out, exactly, what's going on. That's all."

Jasmine nodded and April pressed a kiss to her forehead. "What to help me with that shower?" April asked with a knowing grin.

Jasmine reached out and slapped April on the ass. Yelping, April sprinted for the bathroom, Jasmine right on her heels.

##

Hours later, April drove into Baton Rouge and reached for the notes she had laying on the passenger seat, double checking Jade's address. It took her another half an hour to fine the apartment building. Climbing out of the car, she stretched, and then turned around to stare at the building, her arms resting on the roof of the car as she studied it.

It was a yellow brick building six stories tall. Jade's apartment number was 415. She noticed the building had a security entrance. Should she just buzz Jade's apartment? Would Jade let her in if she did?

Walking towards the sidewalk, she strode over to the alley that ran along side the building and noticed a fire escape. That was a possibility, but she had no way of knowing if it would take her to Jade's apartment. She walked back towards the front door, and was walking up the steps when a boy of about ten walked out. Running up the last few steps, April reached out and grabbed the door before it could swing shut. As she stepped around the boy to walk inside, she stopped halfway through as she noticed the kid giving her a weird look. Taking a gamble, she pulled out the key in her pocket and held it up.

"My friend asked me to run over and get something from her apartment."

The boy's eyes narrowed on her. "Oh yeah? Who's your friend?"

April chuckled. "Lee Anne St. Clair in 415."

The boy's eyes widened. "Oh. Sorry."

"That's ok. You're smart to check."

The kid got a slightly smug look on his face and his chest seemed to puff out a little at the compliment. "Yeah. You can never be too sure, you know?"

"Right. You just never know." April was smiling as she watched him walk away. "Cute kid," she thought. Inside, she debated between the steps and the elevator. Opting for the elevator, she hit the button and waited for the doors to slide open. Moments later, she walked through the doors onto the forth floor and started scanning the numbers on the nearby doors. Judging how the numbers ran, she turned right and headed down the hall, scanning doors as she walked. About a third of the way down she found 415. Looking around, she found the hallway deserted, so she felt safe stepping up and laying her ear against the door. She could hear movement, but no voices. Well, it was now, or never. Taking a deep breath, she knocked.

"Be right there." It was definitely Jade's voice, but that didn't calm April's nerves. She still wasn't sure if Jade was alone or not. She mentally crossed her fingers. Now wasn't the time to come face to face with Lonna. She wanted some answers from Jade first.

Seconds later, the door opened. She and Jade stared at each other for what felt like twenty minutes, but was only seconds. Watching Jade's eyes, she knew the instant her presence registered in Jade's brain and managed to shove her foot in the doorway just in time to stop it from slamming shut in her face.

Pushing it open, she walked inside as Jade darted for the phone that sat on the table in the middle of the living room. April bolted after her and grabbed Jade from behind, wrapping her arms around Jade's middle, trapping her arms at her sides.

"Get off me!" Jade tried to wiggle loose, but April held tight.

"Calm down! I just want to talk to you, Jade!" But Jade continued to try and pull herself free. "Damn it, Jade!" They struggled a little longer before April twirled her around and pushed her towards the couch. Jade hit the couch and immediately sprung back up. Anticipating this, April was ready and quickly wrapped a hand around Jade's arm and tugged her back towards the couch.

Sitting down, she pulled Jade down with her and made her sit down beside her. "I just want to talk, Jade. That's it." Slowly, she let go of Jade's arms and held both hands up in front of her signaling surrender. The minute she let go, Jade slid down to sit on the opposite side of the couch, but didn't try to run again. 

"What do you want?" Jade snapped.

Figuring she might not get a lot of time to talk to her, April decided to cut to the chase. "Who's Lonna Tassin and why is she paying for your apartment?"

April held her breath, watching Jade's face, half expecting her to bolt again. She saw Jade's eyes widen at her question, then they started to flick over the room. Jade seemed skittish and it was making April really nervous.

"Jade, what's wrong?" April was careful, this time, to keep her voice soft and calm. When she didn't get an answer, she tried again. 

"Are you in some kind of trouble?" Still no response, and Jade was looking everywhere but at her.

"Jade, baby, what's wrong? Please talk to me. All I want to do is help you, Jade." Refusing to budge, April just sat there, but didn't say anything else, just waited Jade out. In the silence that followed, she studied Jade. She seemed unusually pale, as if she'd been sick recently. April noticed Jade's eyes had lost some of their normal spark and she had circles under her eyes. Jade seemed worn out, beaten, and April realized that it hurt to see Jade this way. She had a strong suspicion that this was Lonna's doing, and April vowed to punch her lights out, first chance she got.

Time seemed to stretch out for hours as April and Jade sat on the couch, April watching Jade, Jade refusing to look at her. Running out of patience, April slowly sank down to kneel on the floor in front of Jade, gently resting her hands on Jade's thighs.

"I'll protect you, Jade, you know that. We're friends. You can tell me anything." Jade didn't answer and she still wouldn't look at her. Sighing, she bent her head, resting her forehead on Jade's knees. Closing her eyes, she rattled her brain trying to figure out what to do next. 

April had no idea how long they two of them sat like that, but finally she felt Jade's fingers brush over her hair. She stayed still, afraid that any sudden movement would scare Jade away. More minutes might have passed before she felt Jade's fingers sink into her hair, Jade's hand resting on her head. 

"You...you have to go, April. She can't find you here and I'm not sure when she'll be back."

April finally looked up and looked Jade in the eye. "Why can't she find me here, Jade? Will she get jealous? Angry? God, tell me she doesn't hit you." April practically growled the last sentence; visions of someone beating Jade made her eyes darken in anger.

It wasn't lost on Jade. Seeing the concern, the anger on her behalf in April's eyes, made her feel wistful, and a little sad. If only she'd told April everything from the beginning. If only she'd gone to Pittsburgh, looking for April. But those weren't options any more. Upset, she pushed April away from her and jumped up from the couch, walking behind it towards her bedroom, which was separated from the living room by pocket doors, which now stood open.

April stood up. She couldn't remember ever seeing Jade this sad, this upset, and she followed her into the bedroom. She stopped in the doorway as Jade sat down on the side of the bed, staring blindly out the window. She knew Jade wanted her to leave, but it wasn't going to happen. She wasn't leaving Jade like this; not in the shape she was in now.

"Talk to me," April pleaded. Seconds ticked by in silence.

"She has something on you, doesn't she?" Jade didn't respond, but April watched as she hung her head. 

The silence continued to stretch on and April remained in the doorway, wheels spinning.

"Lonna tricked you into embezzling funds." April stated it like a known fact, stepping into the room and to the left so she could see Jade's reaction. When Jade's head whipped up, her eyes wide, she got the answer she was looking for. Sighing, she slowly walked over and sat down beside Jade, Jade's eyes following her every move.

"How did you know?"

"I didn't. Lucky guess," April said with a shrug. Jade burst out laughing, but it sounded hollow to April, without any heart in it. She waited in silence, hoping Jade would elaborate.

Jade went back to staring blindly out the window, debating her next move. She wanted out of here, away from Lonna, but thought she was in too deep. But April was here now, sitting right beside her, and she seemed to have figured everything out anyway. If anyone could get her out of this mess, it was April, but a part of her was very afraid of what would happen if she went against Lonna. Jade was so lost in thought, she jumped when she heard April's voice.

"Did you know Lonna was your uncle's ex-fiancé?"

Jade nodded. Feeling ashamed at being duped, she couldn't seem to find her voice. Then she felt April wrap an arm around her shoulders, tugging her against her, and Jade felt the dam inside her break open. Her head on April's shoulder, the tears spilled out in waves.

April laid her other hand against Jade's head and held Jade against her, giving her time to cry it out. She pressed a kiss to the back of Jade's head and gently rocked her. It took some time, but she heard Jade's jerky breathing and could tell that her tears were starting to subside.

April turned towards Jade on the bed, pulling one leg further up, and pulled Jade against her so she was sitting between her legs, leaning against April's chest. She kept her arms wrapped around Jade and laid her cheek against the top of Jade's head.

"Just tell me what happened, Jade, so I can figure out how to get you out of here and someplace safe."

Jade snuggled closer and took a deep breath. "Jasmine and I couldn't go two seconds without fighting, and I couldn't even make myself look Uncle John in the eye, I was just so ashamed of myself. And I knew Jasmine was hurt because you were gone, that she partly blamed me for it, and I blamed myself too." Sitting up a little, Jade looked at April and gave her a weak smile. "To be honest, I missed you too. I...I think that's why I started sending you e-mail. I needed someone to still like me."

"Oh, Jade! I always liked you. I never stopped. I left because," but Jade laid her fingers against April's lips, stopping her.

"I know why you left. It wasn't your fault, April. I'm the one who made a mess of it all."

"You didn't do it alone, Jade. I dug my own hole. Just forget about that for now, though, and finish telling me what happened."

Jade leaned back against April and went on with her story. "I need to get away, just for a little while. I told Lonna that, and she suggested I come up here and stay with her for a while, so I took out some money, packed my things, and drove up here intending to stay for a few months, or so. I just wanted some time to get my head straight, but when I got here, told Lonna it was just for a little while, she turned on me. She starting laughing, really mean like, and told me my place was with her now; that I belonged to her. She said if I tried to leave, she'd give the police all the evidence she has against me."

Jade laid a hand on April's chest and pushed herself away. "I bumped into her almost a year ago at a restaurant back home. I recognized her and we started talking. We ended up lovers. After a while, we started talking about my family and what happened to my parents. She started talking about what happened to me afterwards, starting filling my head with all this stuff about how unfair Uncle John had treated me, about how I always ended up in Jasmine's shadow. I was falling in love with her and, like a fool, hung on every damn word; even started to believe her. Finally, she started talking about how I needed to put Jasmine and my uncle in their place, and she had this whole plan all worked out."

Jade sat upright on the bed and hung her head. "I bought into it, lock, stock, and barrel." She gave a humorless laugh, and then continued. "Lonna laid out the plan for me to embezzle company funds. 'You wont really steal it, just hide it for a bit.' That's how she explained it to me. She had this computer whiz available to help me do all of it. What I didn't find out, until I got here, was that this computer geek was able to make it look like it was all me, that I did it without help, and he had copies of everything, which he gave to Lonna. She has enough evidence against me that, if the D.A.'s office saw it, they'd press charges in a heartbeat. The case would be a slam dunk for them."

April sucked in a deep breath. If Jade was right, if what Lonna told her was true, Jade would be in jail in a nanosecond. It wouldn't matter if John chooses not to press charges. In the case of a felony, the D.A.'s office could press charges themselves. If they had enough clear-cut evidence, it wouldn't even matter that John would be testifying as a hostile witness. Hell, with enough proof, they probably wouldn't even need John's testimony.

"Did you see this so called proof?"

Jade nodded yes and April swore under her breath. Now that she had started telling April everything, Jade desperately needed to finish, so she pressed on. "When Lonna saw that I knew I was trapped, she tossed me keys to this apartment and papers giving me a new identity. She told me it was all taken care of, that she was even saving me a job at her club. All I have to do to stay free, is work at her club and be available when she wants me."

Jade's last few words had April's fist clenching in anger, her gut knotting up. She knew exactly what 'available when she wants me' meant. If Lonna walked into this apartment right now, April knew she'd probably beat her to death, she was that angry. Standing up, she grabbed Jade's hand and started for the door.

"What are you doing?" Jade asked, her voice panicky.

"I'm getting you the hell out of here! Hell'll freeze over before that bitch touches so much as a hair on your head, every again." April's eyes were locked on the front door and she didn't immediately notice that Jade was trying to pull away from her. When it finally registered, she let go of Jade's hand and spun around, fire in her eyes.

"Don't tell me you want to stay!"

Jade bristled. "I don't want to go to jail! That's exactly what'll happen if Lonna finds out I skipped town. The minutes she shows up here and finds me gone, she'll call the police and hand them everything she's got against me." Jade took a few steps back, afraid April would try and bodily drag her out the door.




Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 05



She knew Jade was right, but hated the thought of leaving her here. "Ah!" she screamed in frustration, beginning to pace around the little apartment.

Jade stood in the middle of the living room, nervously watching April prowl back and forth. "I have to stay," she whispered.

"Shit!" April whirled around to stare at Jade, feeling torn in two. Jade was right, but she didn't think she could leave her behind.

Jade saw it in April's eyes and walked over to her, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. "I don't think I can watch you leave anymore than you can walk away and leave me here, but there's no other way."

April couldn't bring herself to hug Jade back; she just stood there feeling like complete scum. Jade stepped back. 

"Tell Jasmine I'm sorry," Jade whispered. "That is, if she's speaking to you?" She forced herself to grin at April, trying to lighten things up.

April pulled the key out of her pocket and held it up for Jade to see. Jade gave her a quizzical look. 

"It's the key to your front door, so yeah, she's talking to me," April explained, grinning back.

Jade felt her heart lift a little. At least something was going right. "Good. Good. You two are good together. At least I'll know she'll be ok. You'll take care of her."

April felt her smile disappear. Jade was talking as if she would never go home again.

"I'll take care of you too, Jade. I know I have to leave now, but I'll be back for you, and soon. I'm not leaving you with that bitch a moment longer than absolutely necessary."

She could tell by April's voice that she meant it, and took heart. If anyone could get her out of this mess, it was April. She trusted her completely. Giving April the best smile she could manage, she pushed her towards the door. 

"I'm going to hold you to that. Now go." She pushed a reluctant April out into the hallway and slowly shut the door. Once it was closed, Jade sank against it and slid to the floor, fighting tears. She hoped April came back for her soon, because she wasn't sure how much longer she could live like this.



Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 06



It took everything she had to make herself leave Jade and drive back to New Orleans. She grew more and more angry with each passing mile, vowing to not only get Jade home, but also annihilate Lonna Tassin in the process. Pulling up in front of Jasmine's house, their house now, she slammed out of the car and shoved her way into the house.

Hearing the front door slam shut, Jasmine ran out of the kitchen into the hall, all smiles, to greet April. Her good mood quickly deteriorated when she saw the look on April's face, and it was quickly replaced with fear.

"Did you fine Jade? Is she ok?" Jasmine reached out and to grab April's arm, but she pushed passed her. Ignoring Jasmine, April marched into the parlor and went straight for the liquor cabinet. Pouring herself a glass of bourbon, filling it almost to the top, she tried to calm down enough to tell Jasmine what happened. She tossed back almost half of it, and then slammed it down on the bar, liquid spilling onto her hand as it sloshed over the top. 

Jasmine felt ice cold; fear like a dead weight in the pit of her stomach. Clearly, April's trip hadn't gone well and she was afraid to hear about it. Suspecting the worst, she started picturing Jade in the hospital, or worse, and couldn't stop the tears quietly spilling down her face.

April heard a soft sob and spun around to find Jasmine in tears. Rushing over, she wrapped her arms around Jasmine and held her close.

"Jade's alive and healthy. Don't worry."

Jasmine pulled away, brushing the tears from her eyes. "But not happy. You didn't say happy, or safe."

How did Jasmine get to know her so well in such a short time? Frowning, mad at herself for scaring Jasmine, she grabbed her hand and pulled her into the living room so they could sit down on the couch. She pulled Jasmine against her and told her everything.

When she finished, Jasmine leaped off the couch and tore out of the room. April rushed after her.

"Where are you going, Jasmine?" She followed her into the kitchen and saw her reach for the wall phone.

"Who are you calling?"

"The police. I want this bitch in handcuffs within the hour."

April yanked the phone out of Jasmine's hands. "If you call the police, Jade will be the bitch in handcuffs, not Tassin. Please, Jasmine, let's sit down and try to talk this over. Better yet, I'm calling your uncle and asking him to come over." April dialed as she spoke. As she listened to the phone ring, she faced Jasmine and held out a hand. Jasmine accepted it and she pulled her against her side, hugging her tight.

John answered on the fourth ring and April gave him a quick summary of her trip to Baton Rouge. John hung up, promising to be there within the next ten minutes. Keeping her arm around Jasmine, she walked them both back to the living room and sat down to wait for John. She and Jasmine didn't speak; Jasmine just sat, leaning against April while April kept her arms around her.

It wasn't long before she heard a car outside. She started to unravel herself from Jasmine to go answer the door, but barely made it up off the couch before John came striding into the room.

He sank into the nearest chair and April retook her place beside Jasmine, pulling her back into her arms. The three of them just stared at each other, lost in their own thoughts, none of them sure as to where to start.

John was the first to break the silence. "The ball's next week. It was always her favorite event of the year."

Jasmine jumped up. "She's not dead, damn it! She's an hour and a half away with that...that..." but she couldn't seem to finish. April reached up and tried to pull Jasmine back onto the couch, but Jasmine brushed her off and started pacing around the room, glaring at her uncle.

Watching, April decided she felt a little better seeing Jasmine mad, rather than tears. Jasmine fired up was a lot closer to normal than seeing her cry. She watched her pace for a while, John staring at the floor, and her mine raced, trying to find a solution to Jade's problem.

"What ball is that, John?" At this point, April was just trying to break some of the tension that seemed to be squeezing all the air out of the room.

"The Halloween costume ball at the social club. The club is one of the oldest in the country. Most of the prominent families of this city have belonged to it since before the Civil War. Every year, at Halloween, they throw a party that's kind of a cross between a costume party and the old fashioned ball's they used to have back in the nineteenth and early twentieth century."

"You mean women wearing dresses with corsets and guys in bad white wigs?"

John laughed. "Yes, something like that."

"How big of a social event is this ball?"

"Well, it's one of the most popular events in the city every year, and you can always count on the fact that the who's who of the city will attend. These days, the club sells tickets as a community fund raiser, and all the proceeds go to several select charities."

Jasmine was getting angry. What the hell was April doing making small talk about some stupid party?

"So, really, every important person in town attends, right? Politicians, the D.A., members of the city's wealthiest families, people like that?"

"Yes." John studied April's face and would swear he could see the wheels starting to turn. He remained silent, though, letting her work through her thoughts. He glanced over at Jasmine, who was staring at April looking as if she was ready to spit nails. He saw Jasmine start to cross the room, so he held out a hand, silently asking her to stop. Jasmine turned her glare on him, instead, but he held a finger to his lips and pointed at April. He saw Jasmine look back at April, noticed that she had caught on, and let out a quiet sigh, settling back in his chair. 

The trick would be proving that Lonna had set Jade up. April had known people like Lonna her whole life. They were arrogant and self centered, more in love with themselves than anyone, or anything else, on the planet. Eventually, it made them stupid. Give a fool enough rope and sooner or later, he ends up hanging himself, or herself, as the case may be.

"I've got an idea," she announced.

##

That night she and Jasmine lay in bed, Jasmine asleep in her arms. She'd tried to get something started, thinking that making love might help Jasmine burn off some of her tension, but she just wasn't interested. She felt relieved when Jasmine had at least let her hold her. She was afraid Jasmine might have been too angry to let her, but that hadn't been the case, thank God.

She went over her plan again in her head. The three of them had stayed up late into the night, working out the kinks. So late, that John was spending the night in one of the many rooms. Jasmine had offered him one near their own room, but John had given her a knowing smile and headed for the other side of the house.

John seemed ok with the fact that she and Jasmine were a couple now, even happy about it, and that had been a relief too. Everything would change, though, if her plan failed. If she didn't get Jade home, safe, keep her out of prison, then April had no doubt that John's opinion of her would completely dissolve. She was afraid her and Jasmine wouldn't survive it either. That terrified her as much as thinking that she wouldn't be able to protect Jade, to get her away from Lonna.

Restless, she slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Jasmine. Tip toeing out of the room, she went back downstairs and poured herself another drink. She walked through the doors that opened out onto the wrap around porch and plunked down on the porch swing. Pushing with her foot, she slowly rocked back and forth, sipping on her glass of Jack and staring out across the expansive yard. 

Jasmine woke up and instantly knew, without rolling over, that April was gone. A little panicky, she jumped out of bed and went down to the kitchen. Finding it empty, her sense of panic increased, afraid that April had left. Walking though the house, she saw the open French doors that led to the side porch. Getting closer to the doorway, she could hear the creak of the porch swing. Taking a hesitant step outside, she almost sighed with relief as she saw April on the swing.

Feeling someone approach, April looked up, yanking herself out of her trance, and smiled as she spotted Jasmine standing nervously at the edge of the swing. She patted the empty space beside her and Jasmine quickly took it, pulling her legs up under her and curling against her side. She wrapped her arm around Jasmine's shoulders and pulled her in close. The fact that Jasmine had come looking for her made her insanely happy, for some reason.

"I'm sorry," Jasmine whispered.

"For what?"

"For not being in the mood earlier."

She laughed. She couldn't help it. "Oh, angel, don't ever apologize to me for that. There's no need for it. Besides, if you feel like you have to, then we have a problem."

April looked down into Jasmine's face and those beautiful green eyes that she'd swear she could see sparkle, even here in the dark. Leaning over, she brushed her lips over Jasmine's.

"I should be apologizing. I screwed up today."

"How so?"

"By not throwing Jade over my shoulder and bringing her home."

"No! You did the right thing, the best thing. Jade was right. If you had brought her home, she would have been met by the police and dragged off to jail. Lonna wouldn't have wasted any time turning her in. No, you did the right thing, walking away. Now Lonna doesn't know that we know the whole truth, and we have room to take the proper steps, and do it right, not rushed."

April sucked in a breath, fighting back tears. Jasmine had no idea how much it helped to hear her say what she said. She felt Jasmine lay her arm over her stomach and pull her a little closer.

Jasmine could feel all the tension in April and knew there was something else wrong. "What is it?" she asked, tugging on April's body as she asked.

"I don't even know what this bitch looks like, yet I can't get the image out of my head of her with Jade. Of her..." April couldn't make herself finish.

Sitting up, Jasmine pulled the glass out of April's hand and set in on the porch. She wrapped both her arms around April and pulled her down against her, guiding April's head to rest on her chest as she stretched both of them out, so they were lying across the seat of the swing. She kissed the top of April's head.

"I know, cher, I know. I can't help but think the same things, but you're not to blame. No one's to blame except that...that...bitch, Lonna Tassin. And you and I, love, are going to see to it that she pays for it. With everything she's got and then some."

April heard the steel conviction in Jasmine's voice and felt reassured. Sinking into Jasmine, she closed her eyes. She tried to remember the last time somebody held her and promised her everything would be all right, and came up blank.

"Don't let go, Jasmine. Not tonight."

"I won't, I promise. Not ever." She held April in her arms and they both fell asleep in the porch swing.

##

It was Devil's Night. Tomorrow was the Halloween Ball and, quite possibly, their one and only chance to get Jade out of trouble and back home. April was stretched out on the leather sofa in Jasmine's room. She'd started a fire in the hearth and was lying there watching the flames flicker. It was the end of October and she was amazed at how warm it still was. There was just a little dampness in the air tonight, just enough of a slight chill to warrant a small fire, but nowhere near as cold as it could be back home. She could remember Halloween's when it had snowed.

Staring into the fire, she listened to Jasmine bustling around the room. She was getting their costumes together for tomorrow night and had already modeled one of the ones she was thinking of wearing.

April grabbed the back of the sofa and pulled herself up a little, curious as to what Jasmine was doing, as she'd been listing to the rustling of clothes for the last five minutes. Peeking over the top, she saw Jasmine standing in the doorway of her closet, fusing with two sets of costumes. She was wearing a half-slip in an eggshell color and a matching pair of silk French cut panties. That's why April had retreated to the sofa, in an effort to keep her hands to herself.

"I thought you had already decided on a costume?"

"These are for you."

"Oh." Watching the way the silk panties moved over Jasmine's firm, round little ass, April decided it was best to lay back down.

Jasmine was watching April out of the corner of her eye and smiled as April shook her head and disappeared behind the sofa again.

"Depending on which one I choose, I might have to change my costume again."

"Which one did you choose," April's voice drifted over the couch and across the room.

"Well, since you're obviously not going to do it..." Jasmine couldn't suppress the tiny grin.

"Oh, ok. What are my options?" Again, April stayed stretched out on the couch.

"Zorro, or The Phantom of the Opera." Jasmine watched April's head pop back up over the top of the couch and tried not to laugh. It made her think of that game at the arcade where all those little groundhogs jumped up and you had to try and hit them with this big mallet.

"I thought this was some old fashioned ball. I figured I'd just wear a tux, or something."

"No, silly. It's a little more modern than that." Jasmine reached for the hangers the two outfits sat on and pulled them out of the closet. Walking about half way towards the couch, she held them up so neither one dragged on the floor, and let April have a look.

On a huff, April stood up and walked over to inspect the costumes. She was paying more attention to the masks than anything else. If she was hidden well enough, she could move around during the party with a relative amount of freedom. 

"There's hats for both of these costumes, aren't there?"

Jasmine nodded yes and gestured towards the bed where both hats sat. April stood, quietly debating, when a breeze drifted through the partially opened balcony doors, causing Jasmine's slip to ripple over her. She watched Jasmine's nipples perk up at the cool air and, even though she held a sleeve of each costume in each hand, her eyes were riveted to Jasmine's chest.

Jasmine hadn't noticed that April's attention had been diverted and gave an impatient "humph". Her arms were getting tired.

"Pick one already."

"Uh, yeah. Ok. Uh, how about Zorro?" At this point, Jasmine could have been suggesting a pig costume and April would have said yes.

"Fine." Jasmine turned around and went to hang the costumes back in the closet. She hung the Zorro outfit on the hook inside the closet door and started fussing with it.

"Actually, this works out good because I think I'd rather wear my Spanish peasant costume. It's not as bulky and cumbersome as the fancy ball gown."

Jasmine chatted away, but April had stopped listening a while ago. Walking over to the closet, she gently pulled Jasmine away and turned her around so they were facing each other. She wrapped her arms around her waist, holding her close, and started to slowly twirl them around the room.

"You know, I think tomorrow will be the first time we've ever actually danced together."

"It's our first time together in public, too," Jasmine said softly as she rested her hands on April's upper arms, just below her shoulders, and leaned back a little so she could see April's face. She and Jade had been out to the community for years, but she could never tell just how open April was about being a lesbian. Part of her was afraid that April would be uncomfortable being a couple, openly in public, and was worried that it would strain their new relationship.

"Good. I'm going to enjoy making it quite clear that Jasmine Dupree is officially off the market," April said with a grin. She felt Jasmine relax in her arms and knew she had guessed right at the cause of some of her tension. Jasmine rested her head against April's shoulder and they continued to waltz around the room.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Jasmine spoke up. "I think I'm getting dizzy, cher."

"Ah. That's all part of my devious plot to get you into bed."

Jasmine leaned back again and made April stand still. "Don't you think we have too much to do tonight to have time for another distraction?"

The two of them, plus John, had been busy all week getting organized for tomorrow night, but she and Jasmine had still found time to take a few breaks. April smiled at the memories. Sometimes it had been sweet and slow, either making love here in Jasmine's bedroom, or on the couch downstairs, or even one time one the porch swing. Other times things had been really heated; quick, hungry couplings that had taken place on the floor and other assorted pieces of furniture. April remembered one time when they'd crawled on top of the kitchen counter and had devoured each other. The thought had her smile turning into a wicked grin.

"One more distraction shouldn't hurt," and she leaned down to steal a kiss, but Jasmine pulled her head back to avoid it. She tried to pull free of April's arms, but she wouldn't let go.

"April," she chastised. "We have a lot more to do."

"You bet we do," and tried again to steal another kiss, but Jasmine wouldn't let her.

"Come on, angle, have mercy. You're driving me insane prancing around the room in this outfit."

Jasmine felt herself getting irritated. "This isn't some 'outfit', April. It's my underwear, and I'm trying to get ready for tomorrow. You should be doing the same." Again she tried to pull away, but couldn't.

"It certainly is 'some outfit', Jasmine, and it's driving me nuts." She tried to nuzzle Jasmine's neck, but was again refused. Giving an exasperated moan, she let go long enough to grab Jasmine's hand and pulled her towards the full-length mirror that sat in its own frame beside the balcony doors.

Standing a few steps back from it, April pulled Jasmine around in front of her and wrapped her arms around her waist again, so that they were both facing the mirror. April leaned forward so she could whisper, and nibble, in Jasmine's ear.

"Take a good look at yourself, Jasmine, and tell me how I'm suppose to ignore that."

Teasing Jasmine's ear with her teeth and tongue, she glanced at the mirror and watched Jasmine study herself. She couldn't help but chuckle as she watched Jasmine's face in the mirror. She looked like some kid trying to give her homework serious attention.

One of April's hands drifted down to rest on the top of Jasmine's thigh, then began to gently caress her leg, occasionally drifting towards the inside of her thigh, but not lingering for long.

"Look at how beautiful you are, angel, all slim and toned. You've got an athlete's body, and you're skins so soft." Her hand drifted over Jasmine's hip. "And you've got curves in all the best places."

That same hand came up to brush some of Jasmine's hair back, exposing her neck. April bent her head to nipple on it.

"And your hair. It's this deep, vibrant red, all soft and curly." She buried her face in it and inhaled.

"Mmmm. It smells so good, too. Like gardenias, and something else."

"Lilacs," Jasmine whispered.

"Ummm. Lilacs. Well, that explains the other day."

"What?"

April smiled against Jasmine's curls. She had her undivided attention now. "Well, the other day I was in the yard, and walked past one of your lilac bushes. I got incredibly horny, for some reason. Now I know why." Jasmine chuckled and April enjoyed the feel of Jasmine's body gently vibrating against her.

She went back to nibbling on Jasmine's ear, her eyes meeting Jasmine's in the mirror. "And your eyes. They're so green. They sparkle like emeralds. I love watching them turn all dark when you get fired up, or watch them turn smoky when you're turned on. I could lose entire days, in those eyes, and never even notice."




Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 06



She drift back and forth between teasing Jasmine's earlobe with her tongue, and nibbling on her neck. She kept both arms wrapped around Jasmine's waist, holding her tight. She watched in the mirror as Jasmine laid her hands on her arms, slowly stroking them, and laid her head back against April's shoulder.

Jasmine was melting in her arms and she felt like shouting for joy. This week had been so fantastic, the two of them sleeping together, cooking and eating together, just sharing everything, and she knew she never wanted it to end.

Jasmine was purring in her arms and April felt the temperature in the room kick up a few more notches, but she wanted to keep it slow. She realized she was actually seducing Jasmine, and didn't want to spoil the sensual mood.

Still kissing Jasmine's neck, she unwrapped her arms and let them slide up and down Jasmine's sides. Taking her time, she grabbed the bottom of Jasmine's slip and eased it up, over Jasmine's head. Jasmine slowly raised her arms and let April remove it. 

April wrapped one arm around Jasmine's waist, her other hand holding Jasmine's slip out in front of them, and to the side. She saw, through the mirror, Jasmine staring at it, and she slowly unfurled her hand. They both watched the slip slide from her fingers and drift to the floor.

She shifted so she could kiss and nibble the other side of Jasmine's neck. One hand caressed Jasmine's thigh as the other hand drifted upwards to cup a breast. Slowly, she traced lazy circles around Jasmine's breast, starting at the widest part and taking her time to reach her nipple. Once there, she cupped Jasmine's breast in her hand, holding it so that her fingers were free to occasionally flick and squeeze the nipple while she stroked the breast with her palm.

While she played with the breast, her hand drifted to the inside of Jasmine's thigh and gently stroked the soft, tender skin. That's all she did for the longest time, one hand teasing a breast, the other stroking the soft skin inside her thigh, while she teased the skin at Jasmine's neck, tracing lazy circles with her tongue, kissing and nibbling.

Jasmine was losing all sense of reality. All she knew was this sensual haze, this fog she was in. She spent some time watching April's hands on her through the mirror. After a while, she just closed her eyes, let her head drift back against April's shoulder, and just concentrated on the slow, sweet ache that was building inside her body, between her legs. It was like watching a house get built, brick-by-brick, but she could feel it too, as April built each new layer.

Jasmine started to squirm against her, her perfect ass gently grinding into her pelvis, against her mound, and she could feel the tension building in her own body. She let the hand she had on the inside of Jasmine's thigh drift up and cup her mound. She lightly squeezed and pressed into her, the palm of her hand over the spot where Jasmine's clit lay hidden, and every once in a while, let a finger trace Jasmine's slit through the silk panties. She kept it to a feathery touch, just barely tracing the natural line with her fingertip.

She felt Jasmine wiggle a little more, smiling against her neck when she felt Jasmine's hips buck, just once, against her hand. Knowing Jasmine was close, she knelt down behind Jasmine, guiding her panties down her legs and easing them off. Standing back up, she tossed them aside and her eyes meet Jasmine's in the mirror as she wrapped her arms around Jasmine's waist again, pulling her tight against her.

"Ready?"

Jasmine nodded at her in the mirror.

"Watch my hands, Jasmine. I want you to watch me please you." 

Again, Jasmine nodded. She was afraid to speak, for fear of breaking the spell. When April released her to remove her panties, she'd almost cried from the lose of heat when April's body disappeared from against her back. Jasmine felt like she was wrapped up in a cloud, her body was so relaxed, like liquid, but there was just enough tension in her body to keep her on her feet.

She watched in the mirror as April's hands resumed their positions, one on her breast, and the other at her mound. She felt the palm of April's hand cup her, but didn't move, just pressed down, ever so slightly. If she weren't seeing it in the mirror, she'd wonder if her hand was really there at all. Just then, April pinched her nipple; not painfully, but enough to sharply increase the ache between her legs. On reflex, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back.

"No. Keep them open, angel. I want you to see yourself cum." With that, April increased the pressure of her hand, causing Jasmine's lips to slightly part. It was just enough to make Jasmine gasp as she felt April's palm directly against her highly aroused clit, feel one finger push inside her tunnel, which was thoroughly wet.

Very, very slowly, April worked her finger in and out, her palm pulling away, then coming back to push against Jasmine's clit. Jasmine could feel the little pocket of air April's hand created, pushing against her, and it added something incredible to the mix, something she couldn't quite describe. April's other hand was gently, slowly, playing with first one breast, then the other, then returning to the first one. Jasmine felt the soft skin of April's fingers as they brushed over her skin, flick and pinch her nipples, trace lazy circles around her breasts, her areoles. All the while, she felt April's mouth on her neck, her earlobe. At one point, her eyes met April's in the mirrors and it took her breath away.

She could see her own eyes, dark and smoky, but she could also see April's, as black as midnight, she was so aroused. Jasmine inhaled, but wasn't sure if the scent was hers, April's, or a combination of the two. She knew without a doubt that April was soak and wet. Jasmine could feel the wet spot hitting her butt, April's wetness soaking through her jeans.

She felt April's hand pick up speed. She felt another finger push inside her and she gasped, her hands reaching for April's arms in an effort to brace herself.

"Just lean into me, angle. I've got you. You won't fall, I promise."

Jasmine felt April's hand move a little faster, a third finger making its way inside her pussy. She stared into the mirror, transfixed, as she watched April's hands, her fingers, suddenly appear in the mirror, and then just as quickly, disappear between her legs. She groaned and closed her eyes, her legs spreading wider to give April plenty of room.

"No, Jasmine. Please, open your eyes. I need you to see yourself cum, see what it does to me," April whispered in her ear, pleading.

Jasmine did as she asked. April's hand was going faster and faster, a fourth finger now inside her, and Jasmine tighten her grip on April's arms. She was so close to exploding, could feel that massive urge to pee, that came just before a major orgasm, and briefly hoped that April didn't let go. Jasmine knew that, when she came, she'd hit the floor hard, if April didn't keep her upright. Then all thought disappeared as she watched April's hand start to pummel her, felt her hands urgent on her breasts, squeezing and tugging on her nipples.

April could hear Jasmine's little gasps coming out quicker and quicker, closer together, and getting increasingly louder. She could feel Jasmine vibrating against her and knew she was seconds away. She hoped it was soon, because Jasmine's bucking was making her ass beat against April's pelvis, her mound, and the sensations were pushing her almost as close to the edge as Jasmine was. She was afraid she wouldn't last much longer, the front of her jeans were really wet.

"Ah! Ah! Aaaaahhhhhh!" Jasmine screamed, her orgasm exploding inside her. Their eyes meet in the mirror for the briefest second, just before Jasmine's eyes closed and her head crashed back against April's shoulder's as she continued to scream, gasping for air as wave after wave rolled through her.

April's hand didn't stop, but slowed down in tiny little increments, causing multiple orgasms to burst inside Jasmine. She'd never know just how many she had, for certain, but it felt like she came for hours. Jasmine could feel her juices flooding out of her, coating the inside of the thighs, dripping down her legs.

Finally, her body started to calm down, the orgasms now tiny little waves, mostly aftershocks. April's hands stayed where they were, now still, and they gripped Jasmine tightly as she felt April easing both of them down to sit on the floor.

Resting her back against the edge of a nearby chair, April held tightly to Jasmine. They were still facing the mirror and she could watch Jasmine's chest rapidly moving up and down as she gasped for air, trying to catch her breath. Jasmine's eyes were cloudy, out of focus, and her head seemed to loll around on her neck, so loose it was as if the joints had melted.

April's hand released Jasmine's breast, gripped her chin, and she gently eased Jasmine's head back until it rested against her chest. She then stretched that arm across the front of Jasmine's shoulders, and held her tight.

It took forever, but Jasmine finally opened her eyes, could see drops of sweat all over her body, on April's face. She could feel April gasping for air. The thought leaped into her mind that April had to be right on the edge, and she tried to twist around, but April held her still.

"Jasmine, it's ok. Forget it. I already came. Didn't you feel me bucking against you?"

Jasmine shook her head. "No. I never noticed," she confessed with a small smile.

"Yeah. Well, your ass pounding against me pretty much did me in." April returned Jasmine's smile in the mirror.

Jasmine noticed, and felt, April's hand still between her legs, her fingers buried inside her. She reached down and pulled her hand free, then brought it to her lips. Their eyes locked together in the mirror; she took her time licking April's hand clean of her own girl honey.

April watch, transfixed, as Jasmine's tongue darted in and out; watched the soft pink of it as it glided over her fingers, and felt herself getting turned on. She groaned and sank her head back against the chair.

Jasmine knew what effect she was having on April. When she felt April's grip loosen, she twisted around, pulling April down so they were both laying flat on the floor, Jasmine on top. Grinning, she took her time removing April's clothes. Once she was naked, Jasmine slid down between her legs and buried her face in April's pussy. 

Wasting no time, she buried her tongue inside the hot, wet pussy, with her nose hitting April's clit, and she ate her pussy until she came again, then Jasmine licked her clean. Sliding to the side, she toppled against April, their arms wrapped around each other.



Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 07



The alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. and Jasmine's eyes slowly fluttered open as she stumbled for the snooze button. Successful, she rolled onto her back and stretched, flinging out an arm as she reached for April. Finding the bed empty, she propped herself up on her forearms and looked around the room. She spotted April sitting in the couch, fully dressed, in front of a low burning fire; just enough to take the chill out of the room.

April stared blindly into the fire, lost in thought. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jasmine walk around the end of the couch. She watched her as she sank down beside her on the couch, curling her legs under her. Jasmine snuggled into the crock of April's arm and tilted her head back, nervousness creeping in when the serious expression on April's face didn't change.

"Penny for your thoughts, cher."

April sighed and rested her forehead against Jasmine's, just enjoying the feel of her in her arms, saying nothing.

"Are you worried about tonight?"

"Um hum."

Jasmine leaned back so she could see April's face. "What's the matter, April? I thought we had everything planned out."

"Um hum." April wanted to just treasure this moment, sitting here holding Jasmine in her arms; wanted to hold on just a little longer.

They sat in silence for a few moments before Jasmine's impatience, and worry, won out.

"April, talk to me," Jasmine pleaded.

April pulled her head back. It was now or never. "Angel, please don't be mad at me, but we can't go as a couple tonight. In fact, you can't even acknowledge that you know me at all."

Jasmine just stared at her for a few minutes, eyes blinking, before she found her voice. "What? Why? Honey, I don't understand."

April sucked in a breath. "I've been up all night thinking."

"Didn't you go to bed last night?"

"No. Now hold on, angel, hear me out. I've been thinking. I'm afraid Lonna won't take the bait tonight, at least not from John, like we originally planned. I think Lonna's too sharp for that. I've got a backup plan that I've been thinking through all night, but it won't work if I walk in there tonight with you. The minute I do, the whole room will know exactly who I am."

"April, they already do."

"No, they don't. They know of me, but nobody's met me yet. They're going to be looking for whomever you walk in with, and I want you to walk in with your uncle and Mama, and stick to them like glue tonight. No matter what you see, what you hear, do NOT acknowledge me. Just act like I'm just another face in the crowd." April gave Jasmine a long look. "Can you do that for me, angel?"

Jasmine nodded.

April planted a kiss to her forehead. "Just trust me, Jasmine. I know you're confused; that none of this makes sense to you, but it's our only chance. If Jade doesn't walk out of there with us tonight, we might never get her back, and I, for one, can't live with that."

"April..."

She laid a finger to Jasmine's lips. "Shush baby. I know, I know." She forced herself to pry herself away from Jasmine and stood up. "Now, you have to go to work, and I've got some errands to run. We won't see each other again until the party." April walked around the back of the couch, heading for the closet to get her costume for tonight. She hesitated for a minute, a few feet away from the couch, then turned around and walked back. Leaning over the back of the couch, she buried a hand in Jasmine's hair, angling her head up, and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. "After tonight, angel, it'll be you and me, together forever. We'll be a family, with Jade and John right beside us. Whatever happens tonight, remember that." April sauntered off to the closet, grabbed her Zorro costume, and strode out the bedroom door; she had too many appointments and not enough time.

##

At 8:00 p.m., Halloween night, a black stretch limo pulled up in front of The Magnolia, one of New Orleans oldest, most prestigious, country clubs. The driver parked, leapt out, and opened the back door. Two women emerged; the first was dressed in a pin stripe suit complete with vest, a black pair of men's dress shoes, a red handkerchief tucked into the front breast pocket of the suite, and a black fedora. Stepping out, she turned back towards the limo and reached out a hand. Those standing nearby only saw one slim, bronze hand as it accepted the first woman's. 

Slowly, a slim, gorgeous, raven-haired beauty emerged from the limo. People stared as multiple layers of tiered fringe, which made up the red flapper's dress, swayed with the woman's movements while the dressed hugged every curve. It was held up by the thinnest pair of spaghetti straps and she wore matching red gloves which ran up her arms, past her elbows, and ended halfway up her upper arms. The headpiece was just a thin red band that encircled her head, stretching across her forehead, and a little red feather stuck up on one side, her hair hung straight and long down her back. Her mascara was dark and thick, her lips ruby red, and the whole costume was set off with a pair of red pumps with stiletto heels, adding at least three inches to an already tall body. 

The woman dressed as a 1920's gangster, went to great pains to make sure everyone saw her and the incredible woman accompanying her. She barely contained her smirk as she saw men staring, their eyes bulging out of their heads, as they walked past them down the red carpet that snaked it's way into the grand ballroom. 

Inside, Lonna made a show of pulling out a chair for Jade. As she pushed it in, she leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"Oh look, darling! Your family is sitting at the very next table. How convenient."

Jade tried not to wince, Lonna's voice both smug and condescending. She'd already been given strict orders not to attempt to talk to her family; in fact, Lonna wanted her to make a show of snubbing them. She'd threatened retribution, once they got home tonight, if she didn't do exactly what she was told, but it was killing her, sitting only a few feet away from Jasmine, who looked amazing dressed as a Spanish Countess. Jade could see her out of the corner of her eye, knew Lonna had seated her here just for that purpose, and she wanted to cry as she fought the urge to run over and hug her sister.

Their uncle sat to Jasmine's left, going the safe route with an old fashioned Dracula costume, the same one he wore every year. Mama Dubois sat on the other side of Jasmine. She wasn't really wearing a costume, just decked out as if she was going to some swank jazz club. Jade continued to scan the table, without actually looking at it, searching for April. No one else at the table even remotely resembled her, and Jade felt a moment of panic thinking April wasn't here, and wasn't coming. She had just been so sure that April would use tonight's event to her advantage.

Lonna sat down beside her and gave the Dupree's table her most sincere smile. Jade wondered if she realized how smug she looked. Knowing Lonna, she did, and had done it on purpose. Jade had come to know Lonna well enough to realize the woman's every move was thoroughly calculated; to her advantage.

It was too painful to see her family and not be able to talk to them, so she twisted a little in her chair, towards Lonna. This gave her back to her family, which Lonna took as a public snub and grinned her approval, but Jade had done it out of a sense of self-preservation. She had to survive tonight's party, and silently prayed that April really would rescue her. She just couldn't take living with Lonna, practically in captivity, much longer.

Jasmine's eyes darted from Lonna's smarmy face to the back of her sister's head. When Jade had walked in, it took everything she had not to jump up and run over to her, but April's words from this morning kept ringing in her head, 'We'll be a family'. After tonight, they'll all be together, she just had to keep calm and play along, just for this one night.

She felt Mama lay a reassuring hand on her arm. Jasmine covered it with her own and turned towards her, returning the smile. On her other side, she could hear Uncle John grinding his teeth together, the one sure sign that told her that he was barely able to keep his temper in check. For some reason, she found it more reassuring than Mama's efforts, and felt her insides calm down a little. She started scanning the room for Zorro's. To her dismay, there were quite a few of them tonight, more so than any other past party, that she could remember. Jasmine shook her head at the odd though. Lord, she was so nervous she had resorted to counting costumes!

Across the room, two particular Zorro's were whispering back and forth to each other while they drifted around the buffet, trying to pretend they didn't already know each other. A third stood somewhere in between, smiling into her cup of punch as she listen to the other two trying to play super spy. Bowing her head to take a sip, she whispered into the minuscule microphone clipped inside the neck of her cape.

"Sit tight a little longer, John, maybe another half hour, twenty minutes, then go over. I can see the bitch's smug smile clear over here, so she's really enjoying the show at the moment. Let her eat it up a little longer before you strike up a conversation."

April heard John's whispered, "Ok," in her earpiece. Taking her time, she turned away from the buffet table and started to meander towards the two tables. "Pipe down," she ordered Trina and Sam as she walked past. The two lovers' conversation was starting to increase in volume, and she was afraid someone would soon notice their bickering and realize they were together.

They instantly shut up at her command and she shook her head, chuckling. Nearing the tables where Lonna, Jade, and the rest of the Duprees sat, she quickly grew serious as she concentrated on the business at hand. She stopped at the table in front of Lonna and Jade's, at the farthest end away from them, and struck up a conversation with the middle aged couple occupying the chairs closet to her. She had no idea who they were, but it didn't matter. This was the kind of event that was chocked full of the upperly mobile types, who would rather die before they ignored a stranger, just incase it was someone really important.

The wife was something of a chatterbox, which suited April's needs just fine. This way, she could watch the tables she needed, without having to put too much concentration into the conversation, just nod her head and agree at all the key points. Minutes later, she watched John get up from the table and walk towards Lonna. Glancing at her watch she noted that it was exactly twenty minutes from when she last spoke to him. He must have sat there and timed it.

As he came around the edge of the table, farthest from Jade and closer to her, she watched Lonna stand up and intercept him. She was being careful not to let John get too close to Jade, but thankfully they stood off to the side just enough to not block her view of Jade. She glanced briefly at Jasmine, watched for a moment, then tried not to smile when she realized Jasmine was scrutinizing every person in the room dressed as Zorro. The fact that Jasmine was looking for her gave her a warm feeling. Yeah, she was really getting used to this partners thing.

She and John were wired with the same equipment, so she could easily hear his conversation with Lonna. John was trying to play it casual, "Oh, Lonna, nice to see you again. It's been so long. How are you?" He was doing a good job of it. April almost couldn't tell that he was fighting the urge to knock Lonna on her ass, and she knew John to be the last man on the planet to ever hit a woman. Well, she was hoping one of them would get that treat later tonight.

April nodded at the woman she was chatting with, noting that Lonna was playing right along with John, but she could tell Lonna wasn't buying any of it, not for a minute. This was what she had been afraid of. Lonna was too sharp to fall for something so simple, but April hadn't realized it until after the party invitation had already been mailed out. It was ok though; this would work in their favor because now, Lonna would think this was it. The Dupree's had played their hand, they failed, and she'd spend the rest of the night smug and happy in the fact that they hadn't been able to trick her into confessing anything. Actually, everything was working amazingly well for such a last ditch, spur of the moment plan.

She heard John turning the conversation towards her relationship with Jade and was now actively trying to trip Lonna up, trying to get her to admit that she was blackmailing Jade and had set this whole thing up from day one. April had to give him an A for effort, but could tell it wasn't working. Lonna was easily deflecting his attempts, steering the conversation away, onto other topics. April took that as her cue.

Saying goodbye to the couple she was chatting with, she walked past Lonna and John to one of several mini bars that were scattered around the room. She ordered a Jack with ginger ale for herself, and tequila with orange juice. Staying close to the wall, she walked back towards Jade's table; careful to make sure she was behind Lonna, who was facing John and the rest of the ballroom. Lonna was too busy enjoying her little war of words with John, to notice her as she slid into the chair beside Jade.

Jade glanced up as she felt someone beside her. She looked up just as a woman in a Zorro outfit placed a mixed drink in front of her and slid into the chair.

"You're way too beautiful to be sitting her all alone." April gave Jade her best smile and she saw her eyes widen in recognition at the sound of her voice.

"You've never seen me before," April whispered under her breath. Jade gave her a small nod, moving her head just enough to acknowledge she heard her, but not enough for anyone else to really notice.

"Thank you, for the drink. What is it?"

"Tequila and orange juice. You know, if you drink enough of those, they start to taste like Tootsie Rolls."

Jade laughed and April smiled, putting on the charm, which really wasn't all that hard. If Jasmine really hadn't been interested in her, she probably would have stayed with Jade. The two of them had always found it so easy, and fun, to flirt with each other, so this would be cake.

Jade sipped her drink and studied April, looking her over as if she was a new, interesting prospect. "Mmmm. This is really good." Jade took another sip. "I have to tell you, I'm not here alone."

April made a show of looking around at all the empty seats at the table, then turned back to Jade and then arched a brow. "Who are you with? The Invisible Man?" she quipped.

Jade laughed and waved a hand towards Lonna. "No. And I'm with a woman."

"Well," April drawled, "that answers that question."

"Which was?"

"Wither or not you're into women. Walking over here, I was praying pretty hard, hoping you wouldn't turn out to be straight."

"What if I was?"

April gave her a wicked grin. "I'd work it like a tent evangelist and try like hell to cure you."

Jade's burst of laughter had Lonna whipping around. "Who the hell are you?" she snapped.

"The woman taking your neglected date for a dance." April stared Lonna down as she grabbed Jade's hand and lead her towards the dance floor, mentally taking a snap shot of Lonna's shocked face as she took off with her date. That would be a Kodak moment to treasure.

They reached the dance floor just as the band struck up a nice slow song. She turned around to face Jade and pulled her into her arms. The two of them glided around the floor in silence.

"Lonna's madder than a wet hen," Jade whispered in her ear. "You better damn well know what you're doing, April, or I'm going to pay for it later."

April tighten her hold on Jade, the thought of Lonna hurting her making her stomach clench. "Just play along, act like you're enjoying all of the attention, and I promise, you're walking out of here with me before the night's over."

The conviction in April's voice strengthened her own resolve, and Jade let herself enjoy the feel of being in the arms of someone who cared for her. Seconds later, she felt April's hand slide down, dangerously close to cupping her ass. She glanced back at Lonna as they turned, saw the rage on her face, and sent up a silent prayer.

The song ended a few minutes later and Jade started to step away, but April pulled her right back into her arms for another dance, the band switching to some Latin music. Expertly, she spun Jade around the floor, people stepping back out of their way. An audience was gathering to watch them and April was trying hard not to check for Lonna's reaction. This worked only if Lonna thought she wasn't paying her any mind, acted as if she didn't even exist.

The song ended and the crowd began to applaud as April dipped Jade one last time. Swinging Jade back up, onto her feet, she bowed to the crowd, and then led Jade to the mini-bar farthest from Lonna. She ordered two drinks and turned her attention to Jade. 

"Ready?"

Jade narrowed her eyes. "For what?"

"Well, darling, the show, of course," April answered with a smile.

It was the wicked gleam in April's eyes that was making Jade nervous, or excited, she wasn't sure which. The thought of getting away from Lonna, for good, was a joyous thought, but the consequences if April's plan, whatever it was, failed, was something she didn't want to linger on. Her smile faded and she grew solemn as she stared down at her drink. 

"April..."

April cut her off. "No, Jade, there's only one way this will end. You, Jasmine, and I are walking out of here together. Then we'll go home, sit on the porch and have a few shots of tequila. From now on, we're family, and we stay together." Jade's fear wasn't lost on her, and she could tell her words didn't go far in the way of reassuring her. Leaning over, she pressed a kiss to her temple and, grabbing her hand, walked with her towards a deserted table.

"Now, we're going to sit here and talk, share a few laughs, just relax. When I think Lonna's good and mad, we'll go back over and finish this." April laid a hand against Jade's cheek, cupping her face and guiding her head up so she could look her in the eye.

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes," Jade whispered.

"Do you want to go home?"

"Yes," Jade answered vehemently.

"Then stop worrying and ride with it, baby. I know you know how to do that." April's grin was wicked and she felt relief flood through her when Jade returned the grin with a sheepish one of her own.

"Jasmine's not too happy." Jade nodded towards Jasmine's table. Following her gaze, April's eyes quickly found Jasmine and could tell she was fighting to control her temper and tried not to stare at the two of them, sitting cozily at a corner table. Jasmine's gaze flicked to them and their eyes locked for a split second. It was just enough for April to hear her own breath quicken, feel her heart speed up. She cared for Jade, a great deal, but there was only one woman who made her go from 0 to 60 with just a look. 

"Jasmine will make me pay for this later," she thought, and then smiled as memories of their lovemaking played through her mind.

"Penny for your thoughts, cher," Jade quietly asked. April looked over to find deep blue eyes watching her every move. Jade was so beautiful, it was hard to imagine that she'd been so lonely that she'd fallen in with a viper like Lonna.

"What in heaven's name where you doing with this bitch in the first place? Don't tell me women weren't lined up at your door to go out with you?"

Jade smiled weakly and went back to staring into her glass, "sad and lonely" written all over her face. "They weren't, lined up at my door, that is. Jasmine and I, our family, have quite a reputation in this town, and a scandalous past that every single soul knows about. Women are either afraid that we're both a mental and emotional mess, because of our parents, and don't want to get tangled up in all that, or their afraid of our money, or interested in us just because of it."




Missing You, Missing Me Ch. 07



Jade inhaled deeply, slowly exhaled, and then looked up to face April. "I guess that's why we fought over you. For the first time, there was this beautiful woman who wasn't afraid of us, or interested in cashing in on the Dupree name. Yes, I seduced you when you first came here. I thought it would be a fun, and convenient, way to keep tabs on you and the progress of your investigation. I was so use to all of my relationships being just about sex; I didn't expect..." her voice trailed off. April waited a few moments, but she didn't continue.

She chuckled. "I sure as hell didn't expect you and your sister, either, but here we are. And I think the real reason there isn't a line at your door is because you and Jasmine are intimidating as hell. Both wild, fiercely independent, and tempers that should require you both to wear warning labels." April laughed at her own comment, saw Jade's face transform into a genuine smile, and continued. "I mean, face it Jade, you two are a hell of a hand full. I think most women around here just didn't think they could hold on for the ride. They were probably afraid you'd trample them, and you would have, both of you would have, have even, I'll bet."

April leaned towards Jade. Anyone watching would probably think she was asking about to whisper sweet nothings in her ear. "I'll let you in on a little secret, my friend," she patted Jade on the knee under the table, "I'm not that strong. Matter of fact, you and your sister scare the hell out of me, every single day." She sat back in her chair. "No, honey, I'm with you two because I'm too crazy, or maybe too stupid, there's a thin line between the two, to know when to run like hell."

Jade burst out laughing and several heads swiveled their way, but neither one of them noticed. They talked a little longer and April soaked up every minute. She started envisioning what it would be like, once Jade was back home, the three of them hanging out, shopping together, sharing their lives together, and it made her smile. For the first time in a very long time, she had a family again. 

She glanced over at Lonna's table and decided it was time to wrap things up. Tucking her Hallmark images into the back of her mind, she stood up and offered Jade her hand.

"Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"

Jade looked up into April's dark brown eyes, her smiling face, and felt momentarily jealous of her sister's good luck. Then again, maybe she was lucky too, in a different kind of way. Returning April's smile, she accepted her hand and stood, then let April guide her back to the table she was sharing earlier with Lonna.

As they neared the table, April could tell Lonna was spoiling for a fight. They were inches from the table when Lonna stood up, grabbed Jade's arm and pushed her into a chair, then turned on April.

"I hope you enjoyed yourself," she snarled, "because it's over. If we weren't in public, I'd stomp you into the ground."

April just smiled and casually reached out to smooth the lapels of Lonna's suite. "Relax, lady. No need to get your panties in a bunch." She considered Lonna for a minute. "Well, maybe there is, because the lady is leaving with me. You obviously are too stupid to know what to do with her, or she wouldn't have been so eager for my attention."

It was really satisfying to watch Lonna's face turn beet red as she glowered at her. "Why you little shit! Do you know whom you're dealing with? I can ruin you with the snap of my fingers! Who the hell are you, anyway?"

"Ruin me, huh? I find that extremely doubtful," April answered with a cocky grin. She could tell Lonna wasn't use to anyone being insolent with her, amused even, and April happily listened as Lonna started to sputter.

"You...You..."

"Bitch?" April helpfully offered. "Yeah, I get that a lot. So much so, it's probably true. Looks like you met your match, sugar."

Lonna's eyes were beginning to go red with rage. If they weren't in the middle of a party, she'd probably attack her. 

April folded her arms across her chest, bent one arm at the elbow and rested her chin in the palm so she could tap a finger against her lips. "I'm curious though, who exactly YOU think you are, that you've got the power to ruin me. Wait, let me guess, you're the DA's wife, right?"

She made a show of looking around the ballroom, found the DA and his wife seated several tables away, and then she pointed to them. "No, that's not right, because she's right there with her husband."

At this point, Lonna was vibrating with anger. "I'm the woman who can crush Dupree Enterprises with a single phone call."

"Ewwwww. That's impressive, but I don't think there's anyone to answer that call."

"What? You think I'm bluffing?"

"As a matter of fact..."

Lonna was now standing toe to toe with April, literally nose to nose. "One phone call, and this little bitch you're so hot for, goes straight to jail for embezzlement, and when they investigate, they'll find Dupree Enterprises is wiped out; completely bankrupt."

Jasmine had been keenly watching the argument, listening in. When she heard Lonna's last comment, though, her head snapped towards her uncle, but he looked as surprised as she was.

April noticed Jasmine and John's reaction, which spoke volumes, and decided she needed to bait Lonna a little longer. "Completely bankrupt?"

Lonna became smug, nodded in the affirmative. "You see, while Jade was sitting here, leading you on, she had a hacker sneak into the company's system and transfer their funds to her Swiss bank account."

"Hmmm. Well, seeing that you know so much about it, wouldn't that makes you an accomplice?"

"Oh no. I'm the poor, duped girlfriend who just happened to stumble onto Jade's scheme." Lonna laid a hand against her chest. "And as an upstanding citizen, I quickly reported it to the authorities. Jade will be arrested within the hour. In fact, they might mistake YOU for an accomplice."

"Bingo!" was all April could think. She raised her hand into the air and seemed to wave someone over. All heads turned to face the same direction she was looking in. Three men emerged from the kitchen area, two of them in dark suits flanking a third man dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, his face sullen, hands cuffed in front of him.

As they approached, April watched all color drain from Lonna's face. She turned to bolt, but April grabbed her arm and kicked a knee out from under her. Lonna would have fell, but April yanked her back onto her feet and, with a tight hold on one of Lonna's hands, pulled her to stand in front of her while she twisted Lonna's arm behind her back, effectively holding her in place.

The three men stepped up to them. "Lonna, I'd like you to meet Special Agent Tom Lucas of the FBI. I'm not sure who his friend is, the other suite, but I know I don't have to introduce you to Ralph here." April nodded towards the man in handcuffs.

"In fact, I believe you two are old friends, of sorts. Well, you were, anyway. I suppose that's all over now." April pressed up against Lonna's back and spoke into her ear. "You see, Ralph and I spent the morning together, discussing his outstanding warrants. Deep down, he's a really swell guy, so I helped him out and hooked him up with Agent Lucas. See, Tom and I go back a ways, and since he owed me a favor," April shot Tom a smile, which he returned, "he was happy to drive down to Baton Rouge and listen to Ralph's story."

"It's pretty sad, actually. It seems he got seduced by this older woman, who promised him the sun and moon, if he just did a few favors for her, like siphon some funds from Dupree Enterprises and make it look like Jade did the whole thing. Ralph's really, really good with computers, so it wasn't all that hard, but he was really upset this morning when I told him you really hate guys and planned on taking off with another woman, that you've been fucking another woman this whole time, while you told him he had to wait for it."

"Tusk, tusk, Lonna. Don't you know guys hate to be dumped for another woman? Anyway, once I explained the situation, showed him photos of you banging one of your waitresses behind the club the other night, he got kind of vengeful. Of course, I was more than happy to help him with that and, as a bonus, get him immunity for spilling his guts about your plan."

Jasmine rounded the table, fire in her eyes directed at April. "Why the hell did you wait this long? We could have had this bitch arrested the minute she got here."

April met Jasmine's glare. "Because. This way, we get a confession, of sorts, and a guarantee that Lonna Tassin will never darken the Dupree's doorstep ever again."

Agent Lucas pulled a small tape recorder out of his pocket and played back the last few minutes of April and Lonna's conversation. "I think," he said, "that the jury will be pretty interested in hearing Ms. Tassin explain how she knew all about the depletion of Dupree Enterprise's funds. Which, by the way, never actually occurred, since our friend here," Tom gave Ralph's arm a little tug, "decided to come forward this morning."

April looked at Tom, who was standing directly in front of Lonna. "Want to take this one off my hands too?"

"With pleasure." Tom stepped forwarded, walked behind Lonna, and promptly cuffed her. He pushed her forward and all four of them, Tom with Lonna and the other agent holding Ralph, began to walk away. Tom stopped and looked back.

"Pleasure doing business with you, April, as always."

April smiled and waved as the FBI agent marched a very disgruntled Lonna out the front door. She turned towards Jasmine, who was staring at her sister. Jade was staring back, a death grip on the back of the chair she was sitting in. Neither of them spoke, and John and Mama seemed reluctant to step between them, or break the silence.

"Kiss and make up already," April said, her voice a mix of impatience and amusement.

Suddenly, Jade launched herself out of the chair and straight into Jasmine's open arms. The two sisters held on tight to each other, crying. John rushed over and wrapped his arms around both of them. Mama stood beside the table, wiping tears from her eyes with a linen napkin.

April stood back and watched, happy to see the Dupree family reunited. Jasmine jerked away from her family and turned towards April.

"Don't you dare!"

"What?"

"The last time the three of us got caught up in a family moment, you disappeared."

April walked towards Jasmine, pulling her hat and mask off as she went. Once she was standing directly in front of Jasmine, she framed her face with her hands and pulled her in for a deep kiss. Long minutes passed as she dipped her tongue between Jasmine's soft lips, their tongues tangling together. Finally, April pulled her head back and stared in Jasmine's eyes.

"No such luck, this time. You're stuck with me, angel."

Jasmine threw her arms around April and hugged her for all she was worth. April glanced up to see John and Jade grinning at them, arms wrapped behind each other's backs.

"What?"

John spoke first. "Come on you two. Let's go home and celebrate." He started to guide Jade away, but April untangled herself from Jasmine, yet kept hold of one hand. She wrapped the other hand around Jade's arm and gently pried her away from John.

"Sorry, John, but I made these two a promise." She captured Jade's hand in hers and stood there, holding on to both sisters. She raised their hands to her lips and kissed each one.

"I think I said something about the three of us walking out together."

Jade and Jasmine looked at each other, smiled, then they stepped forward and, one standing on each side of April, wrapped an arm across her back. April reached out both arms to encircle their waists and pull them close against her.

"And you always keep your promises, don't you?" Jasmine asked, beaming at her.

"You bet your Cajun ass I do." She smirked at Jasmine as she heard Jade burst out laughing beside her, and felt her heart warm. She'd done it. She fixed everything, and now she had her family back; a new family in a new town, but it was all hers.