Chapter 37

A few minutes later Tanner walked in and poured herself a cup of coffee.

"I hope you don't mind I was searching through your fridge." Casey said.

"Nope, what are you making?"

"Omelets sound good to you?"

"Sounds great." Tanner set out a couple of plates on the counter next to Casey. Leaning back against the sink, she sipped her coffee while watching the curvy back side contained within her fuzzy fleece pants. It's bad of me to just stare. She thought to herself. Well it's not like this is worse than her having her hand down my pants. Mmm that was nice. Really though, I shouldn't just stare. Clearing her throat, she asked, "How's it coming along?"

"It's okay, though I think I may have made the omelet too big." The fine hairs on the back of her neck suddenly prickled, and she knew Tanner was very close behind her. She swallowed audibly as the nervousness crept up her spine. "I...uhhh....umm having trouble turning it over. It's thick so I'll have to cook the other side."

"If you'd like, I can show you how to flip it," Tanner softly said near her ear as she looked over Casey's shoulder.

"Alright," Casey answered wondering how this was going to work.

Tanner leaned forward, pressing her body against Casey's backside. Placing a hand gently yet firmly over Casey's hand holding the spatula, she whispered, "Now let yourself relax, and let me guide you." Tanner felt the body give way as Casey let out a deep breath. "That's it." Her warm breath brushed across the peach fuzz around the blonde's ear, and Tanner felt the body slightly quiver. "Now just let me use your hands," Tanner continued.

Casey watched, mesmerized as Tanner guided the one hand on the black rubber handle of the pan to tilt it slightly as the other hand with the spatula lifted one end of the omelet part way. She watched the remainder of the runny eggs that wasn't cooked, slide down to that end of the pan. "We'll just let that solidify for a moment," Tanner commented as she very slowly and lightly brushed the tip of her nose along the edge of Casey's ear. She felt the shorter woman slightly tremble within her arms, and she couldn't help but smile evilly. They then dipped the spatula under the now ready eggs and with ease flipped it over without it falling apart. "There, now we're ready to add stuff." Tanner kept contact as they worked together adding the scallions, shredded cheese, and the already sautéed mushrooms. Folding it in half, they slid the thick fluffy concoction onto a plate.

The familiar ring of a cell phone jerked them out of the moment. "Excuse me," Casey commented as she reached across the counter for her phone. "Hey," she greeted. "Why are you calling me? Oh you're back already?" She looked at the clock on the wall. "No, I didn't realize what time it was. I just woke up recently. What?! No!" She stepped around to the other side of the breakfast bar towards the sliding glass doors.

Tanner smirked as she went about toasting a few slices of bread for them. She could hear Mouse at the other end of the line giving her sister hell and wanting to know if she's had sex and that's why she wasn't home.

"Yeah, I'll be over in a bit. By the way, I locked the keys in the Jeep. I couldn't get in last night because you failed to return the spare key to its designated location. Yeah, talk to you later." She sighed as she took a seat at one of the stools.

"Everything okay?" Tanner politely asked even though she overheard their conversation.

"Yeah, Mouse is back." Casey began buttering her toast, and then continued, "Thanks for the lesson with the omelet."

As they continued eating, Tanner said, "Have dinner with me tonight."

Casey smiled. "Okay."

"Dress nice. I'll pick you up at 6pm."

A sandy colored eyebrow slid up. "How nice?"

Tanner's answer was plain and to the point. "Nice." She did not want to reveal any part of her plan which had been brewing in her mind the past couple of days.

Casey just shook her head and chuckled.

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At precisely 6pm, the doorbell rang. Nervous, the young woman let out a huge sigh just before opening the door. Sea green eyes locked on to ocean blue. Each of them was momentarily stunned by the beauty of the other. Tanner sported black pants, black boots, a royal blue collared shirt, and a black suit jacket. "Wow, you look dashing." Casey commented.

"And you look absolutely radiant. I most definitely like it." Tanner said with a huge smile as she drunk in the sight before her. Casey wore a dark brown accordion pleated skirt that fell just to her knees with mid-calf brown heeled boots, and a hunter green button blouse.

"Thanks. Come on in."

As Tanner stepped in, she pulled from behind her back, a mixed bouquet of pink carnation and irises with one red rose, one pink, and one white in the middle. "These are for you."

"Oh my...they're beautiful." She took them and deeply inhaled the sweet fragrance. "Thank you."

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"You had mentioned that you like sushi," Tanner commented as the hostess walked away from their table.

"Yes, very much. I've been to this place only once though, and the food was divine." It's also rather expensive which is why I only came once. Okay calm down Casey. You're on a date. With a gorgeous woman who obviously wants to get to know you. "So have you been here before?" she casually asked.

"Just a few times for lunch; and I agree, the food was divine," she answered with a smile. "I really like how these half circle booths on this side of the restaurant afford some privacy with the partitions between each table and the partial folding screen in front.

"Yes it is very nice." In a way that she didn't want to admit, Casey knew the tall raven haired beauty was quickly unveiling the layers that enclosed her heart. A part of her was afraid of revealing her emotions and giving into to Tanner's gentle advancements earlier. Not that she didn't want any of it to happen ----- it's just that she wasn't sure if she could give her heart again to anyone. All in all, she had enjoyed the playful and sensual exchanges between them. Something about the tall woman just brought this side out of her.

The waitress came with a bottle of plum wine and a bowl of edamame. "Are you ready to order?" she asked with a smile.

Tanner looked over at the strawberry-blonde who was still engrossed in the menu. Leaning in, she softly said, "I'll order for us ----- if you trust me."

Casey quizzically eyed her, and to her own surprise, gave up the menu. "Okay." She listened to Tanner request various rolls, a couple she knew and others she didn't. Looking at the short glass holding the chilled golden liquid, a mischievous idea came to mind. As the waitress left, she dipped two fingers into the wine, and then brought them up to Tanner's lips.

The feel of the wet digits brushing across her top and bottom lips made Tanner's stomach clench with desire. She couldn't resist taking the fingers in her mouth, and gently sucking on them. She heard the whimper that escaped Casey's throat, making her smile. Upon letting them go, she said, "Mmm, that was delicious."

Casey had not expected Tanner to turn the situation around, but didn't regret it playing out that way.

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