Disclaimer: I guess you can read the disclaimer's from Part 1 - 7

Author's Comments: Sorry about how long it's taken me to get this update posted.  Since my last post I had to track down my laptop, I bought a house, and every time I take a minute to breathe at work, they send down another deadline.

I want to thank everyone that's read this story up until this point. Your emails and feedback always bring a smile to my face when I read them. It's good to know that someone out there supports my feeble attempt at writing. The characters Leigh and Erin have been a true joy to write!

Now having said all that... let's get right to the story! I mean I have had you guys waiting a long time. I hope you enjoy and as always your feedback is welcome...hell I look forward to it (*smile*)

PS. I'm a grammatically challenged ...will some one help me!!!!!

"Wake up sleepy head." Erin heard through a dreamy haze and she felt a gentle tap on her nose.

Leigh watched with a smile on her face, while Erin stretched like a feline. Leigh placed a hand behind her head and leaned back against the couch and just enjoyed the show. Leigh what are you doing. Taking the woman who could send you to jail on holiday. Unable to fight back the urge any longer, Leigh ran her fingers through tousled blond hair that had fallen over Erin's closed eyes. Yeap, you are definitely in trouble here. Although she had enjoyed having Erin snuggle up to her as she slept, it had kind of blocked easy access to her laptop. So Leigh had found a pillow and leaned a sleeping Erin Bradshaw against the other end of the couch.

Erin continued to stir and then she opened her sleepy green eyes. "Good Morning" She mumbled before yawning.

"Mornin'" Leigh said back. She had half expected, for Erin to jump to her feet and start talking about them being unprofessional. She's done it so many times before. I wouldn't be surprised if she asked the pilot to turn the plane around. Leigh braced herself inwardly, for the expected reaction.

Then Erin pouted like a little girl "Are we finally there yet?" Another yawn followed.

She is just too adorable. Leigh thought. "Yeap, we landed a few minutes ago"

Erin sat up straight. "Do I have bed hair?" She asked sheepishly.

"Umm just a little bit." Leigh said with a grin.

"Great." She quickly started messing with her hair, and at the same time trying to hide how scared she was. She was just a second from bolting towards the door. Like before she was still attempting to remain in control of a situation that had long ago taken on a life of its own. Erin you have once again crossed the line with this woman, hell you've crossed the border into another country. All I can say at this point is watch your step. Her inner self screamed at her. But when she looked at how Leigh was looking at her just then, her inner voice got quieter by the second.

Erin spotted the laptop still in front of Leigh. "Did you do work this whole time?"

"I'm afraid so. You know you're a hard sleeper. I just had to lay out a guy in London, Singapore, and some chick from Holland. And it was not pretty."

Leigh shut the laptop off, and got up and stretched, Erin's eyes were glued to her. The CEO's gray T-shirt, was half tucked in the waistband of her blue jeans. And she had long along discarded her shoes. For the first time, Erin noticed that Leigh's long legs were slightly bowed. Interesting... Her eyes traveled from the jean-clad calves, up the length of Leigh's body. Erin thought she looked absolutely...

"Hey before we get off the plane I want to give you something." Leigh interrupted, Erin's perusal of her body. Erin blinked and looked up at Leigh. "Huh?" She managed to say.

"Wake up will ya?" Leigh chuckled thinking that the insurance investigator's behavior was due to the fact that she hadn't fully awaken yet. "I said I have something for ya."

"Really?" Erin squinted and smirked playfully. "It's not a free trip to go sleep with the fishes is it. Remember I know about your mob connections Leigh Sinclaire, and if I never make it back to the states, you'll be in so much trouble...."

"As opposed to the trouble I'm in now." Leigh laughed. "Highly unlikely." She walked across the cabin and picked up a box, that Erin had failed to see when she had first boarded the plane. "Here." She placed the box in Erin's lap.

"What is it?"

"It's a gift and..." Leigh stopped Erin from speaking. "It's not that damn ruby ...so please don't ask, just open it." Leigh folded arms and waited for Erin to go to work opening the box.

Curiosity had gotten the best of Erin, and she literally attacked the box. When she finally saw what was inside she half laughed. "A cowboy hat..." She held the tan colored hat up and ran a finger across the smooth dark brown leather band that ran around the hat.

Erin was no expert on hats, but she could definitely tell that it was the top of the line as far as cowboy hats were concerned. And why wouldn't, the gift was coming from one of the world's riches women.

"Well yeah, no self-respecting girl should be without one. Even those born in the land of corn." Leigh chuckled and then reached for the hat. She loosened the tie on it and placed it on Erin's head, purposely pushing it down so far that you could no longer see the blonde's eyes. "Perfect."

"Really." Erin said sarcastically. And wondered if you looked half has good in this hat, as Leigh looked in hers.

"Absolutely. Just promise me when you wear this here thinking hat..." Leigh pushed the hat up a little until she saw green eyes." ...that you'll at least think of me sometimes." Leigh winked.

Well I don't need a hat for that; you've got a permanent spot in my thoughts. Erin said to herself. "That doesn't sound like a hard promise to keep."

"Hope not." Leigh responded and then stretched her hand out Erin. "Come on, Puerto Rico is waiting for a little hell raising, and I believe we're just the two women for the job."

Without a second thought, Erin placed her hand in Leigh's and was pulled towards an adventure instead of a major mistake.

Half an hour later, a very happy Erin Bradshaw with an arm load of purchases came walking out of the small clothing shop in the middle of the small town San Pueblo de Sol. Instantly her green eyes went in search of Leigh's tall and lanky frame amongst the crowded street. But to her disappointment, she didn't see her.

Two hours before, much to her surprise, when they had landed, Leigh had arranged a small band playing guitars to meet them there. They played "Su Cumpleanos", for Erin the birthday girl. Then a little while later, Leigh and Erin had left the small airport in a red Wrangler jeep. They had literally left in the middle of the night, and hadn't packed a thing. All Leigh had was her laptop case bag, and Erin nothing but the cowboy hat she had been given. Leigh suggested they stop at tiny shop to do a bit of shopping, and Erin had quickly agreed.

Leigh had simply gone in, and picked things up at random and had been done in fifteen minutes. Erin on the other hand, had taken longer. She had fallen simply in love with the fabrics and colors that represented the world they had stepped into. After about an hour, she saw Leigh waiting impatiently at by the door and looking at her watch. "Come on Kansas, it can't be that hard." She said as she rolled her eyes.

When Erin smiled, and pretended she hadn't heard and continued shopping. The next thing she knew, she felt someone behind her. "I'm going to wait outside, make it snappy will ya." Leigh whispered in her ear, and then caused Erin to jump with surprise when she gave her a quick playful tap on the behind. Before Erin had a chance to comment, she looked up to see Leigh sauntering out of the shop into the crowded streets.

Erin looked around nervously, and saw the shopkeeper looking at her knowingly. They smiled at each other, with Erin's smile teetering between embarrassment and pure panic. When the shopkeeper finally looked away, Erin continued shopping. Her mind couldn't seem to concentrate on shopping anymore. Then as if on autopilot, Erin picked up a few more items and went to purchase them.

But now, she stood outside looking for Leigh. She scanned the crowd, until finally her eyes landed on a familiar dark-haired form leaning against edge of a small building next to an alley. Erin smiled and took a step forward, only to stop abruptly. Leigh wasn't alone. There beside her was a man, who looked like a local, dressed in a dark shirt and tan colored pants. He looked around nervously as she saw Leigh hand him a small package.

Immediately, Erin's mind began to assess the situation and she did not like the conclusion she was coming to. The area where Leigh and the man were standing was away from the crowd; a little secluded ...in essence the perfect spot to make a trade off.

"You've got to be kidding me." Erin said angrily as she continued to watch Leigh from a distance.

"I can't believe this!" Leigh heard a very angry voice say, and she whipped around to see that it was Erin Bradshaw standing behind her. And from the looks up it, Leigh was the reason why she was so angry. As if on instinct Leigh held up her hand.

"Whoa now ...what's the problem?" Leigh asked.

"What's the problem?" Erin smiled, but it was anything but friendly. "The problem is that I believed you! I believe all that bullshit about you wanting to be friends ...about you wanting to spend time with me. The whole time you were lying through your perfect white teeth ...so that you could pull one over on my eyes. So you could do this... " Erin threw her bags at Leigh and then pointed at the man beside Leigh.

Leigh turned to look at the man as well and then back at Erin. What the hell is this about ...I mean I was just talking to the guy ...what is Kansas's problem?

"You two want to be left alone?" The man Leigh had been talking to asked as he started to inch his way away from what looked like the beginnings of a catfight.

"Oh no ...you're not going anywhere!" Erin snapped. "No where except to see the police along with your little accomplice here." She pointed at Leigh again.

"What. La policia ...oh no... no policia." The man shook his head vigorously.

"Police?" Leigh asked. "Kansas what the hell is this about..."

"This about you really coming down here to fence that damn ruby."

"What?" Leigh laughed as everything finally became cleared to her. "You think I'm trying to sell a fifty million dollar ruby to this guy." Leigh pointed her thumb at the guy that was now running away from them.

"Hey!" Erin shouted after him and she was about to run after him, when Leigh grabbed her arm.

"Let him go..." Leigh said still laughing.

"You'd like that wouldn't you" Erin snapped back as she tried to yank free of Leigh's hold.

"Yeah ...actually I would."

"But the ruby..."

"He doesn't have the ruby Kansas..." Leigh laughed again.

"Would you stop laughing ...this isn't funny."

"Sure it is. I mean you come over here ranting and raving about how I've betrayed you like some jealous and neglected housewife on Jerry Springer. And then you ran that poor guy off by threatening to take him to jail. To me that's pretty funny."

"Its no laughing matter that you tricked me into coming down here so that you sell that ruby right under my nose..."

"No that wouldn't be funny I suppose." Leigh tried to keep a straight face, but little by little her trademark grin kept creeping into her features. "No what's funny, is that you're wrong ...dead wrong."

"What?" Erin was not only irritated, but confused as well.

"I wasn't trying to sell anything to him...but he was trying to sell something to me... So maybe I should give you points for being half right."

"But I saw you give him a package."

"Sure I did, but what you didn't see was that he gave me the package first ...and I didn't want it"

"Really..." Erin said skeptically. "So there was nothing illegal going on there."

"Now I didn't say that. Seems like whatever he was trying to sell me was not gathered through legal sanctions if you know what I mean. That's probably why he ran like he was scared shitless. Though I believe your little tantrum had a lot to do with that."

"And I'm suppose to believe all this?" Green eyes narrowed while Erin shook her head.

"Yes. Kansas this isn't me trying spin gold around you out of some bullshit lie." Leigh sighed. This time anyway... "Also if I did sell him that ruby, shouldn't I have a suitcase full of unmarked bills ...I mean that thing is worth a hell of a lot of money you know."

"Believe me I know..." I've seen more paper work about that damn thing than I care to remember. Erin eyed Leigh suspiciously and then gave the woman's body a long once over.

"What?" Leigh asked and half wondered if Erin liked what she saw, though she knew must look a mess. It was hot as hell and she was sweating. Her clothes clung to her body, and her dark hair was damp with perspiration.

"I'm just wandering if I should search you." Erin muttered, though looking for a ruby on Leigh's body wasn't the only reason she was looking. Who knew a worn T-shirt could look so good on someone.

Leigh smiled and put her hands on her hips. "Now Kansas was that whole scene just now, merely your attempt at getting under my clothes." She teased. "I mean you could have just asked." Hey just because we're out of the country doesn't mean that I'm still not going to flirt with her. The urge is just too totally irresistible. Anyway I think I'm getting pretty good with this girl on girl flirtation. I didn't even need to read "How to Flirt Lesbian Style for Dummies".

Green eyes narrowed and Erin took a deep breath. "To hell with it OK. It's too damn hot, and these jogging pants are weighing me down." She muttered as she reached down to start picking up her discarded bags. "I suppose I'll have to take your word for it ...at least for right now anyway."

"Are you sure?" Leigh took a step forward and held out her arms. "Because I'm all yours if you want to search me." She declared.

"Because you have nothing to hide." She said sarcastically. And once again she mimicked Leigh's accent, and this caused the CEO to frown.

"Now if you keep doing that, I going to have to start thinking that you're picking on me." She pouted playfully. Erin simply rolled her eyes. "Well if you're through playing Sherlock Wrong " Leigh winked. "We can go have some fun!" She turned for the jeep reached out her hand to pull Erin along.

"Leigh this place is great!" Erin said as she stepped out of the jeep and gazed at what looked like one of the most lavishly built tree houses she had ever seen. Though it was not in a tree, but stretched out along what looked like a small jungle. Erin could hear the ocean lapping against the shore only a few hundred yards away.

When they had first left the town of Santa de Sol, they passed a huge resort, that Erin assumed they would be staying at, but to her surprise Leigh had continued driving passed it .... up a long winding road that seemed like it wasn't going to lead anywhere.

Then her eyes finally fell upon their destination ...A huge wood-colored bungalow.

Leigh stepped behind her and gazed at her favorite hide away. "Yeah ...my home away from home... away from home." Erin turned to look at her and Leigh hunched. "Well I have a lot homes."

Erin laughed. "I bet."

"Now don't get me wrong, its no fancy ranch in Kansas like someone I know owns ...but it'll have to do." Leigh chuckled and hoisted her laptop bag over her shoulder and grabbed her shopping bag before heading towards the house.

"Hey." Erin called after her and Leigh turned around. "You're not going to help me with my bags."

"Nope." Leigh said casually. "I mean no one asked you buy the whole damn store." She grinned devilishly. "Besides carrying all that stuff is fitting punishment for trying to put a sweet girl like me in jail."

"Sweet girl my ass." Erin growled as she tried to balance all her new belongings before following the CEO up to the front porch.

Just as Leigh reached the first step, the front door swung open and a handsome dark-haired man with a mustache walked out with his arms open. "There's my beautiful Senorita." He said with a huge smile. "Come and give this old man a hug."

And Leigh did just that. Her long legs seemed to climb the three steps in one easy glide.

"Carlos it is so good to see you." She said before wrapping her arms around her greeter.

He pulled back to look in her face." And it is good to be seen. Especially by such pretty eyes. Not even the color of the sky or the ocean could rival them." He declared with a grin and then kissed her on both cheeks. "I've missed you."

"And I've missed you too." She said back easily.

Erin stood at the bottom of the steps and just stared at the two people before her. She could tell from the affection in their voices and body language that Leigh and the man were close. A past boyfriend perhaps... Then suddenly she felt like frowning. Maybe he's not so in the past. Though he looked slightly older than Leigh, the man was handsome and looked quite fit in his red button down shirt and white pants. He and Leigh were about the same height.

The man looked over Leigh's shoulder towards Erin. "Ah and this little one, must be the birthday girl. Feliz Cupleanos!"

"Thank you." Erin replied rather shyly.

Leigh turned around and smiled at Erin. "Hey Kansas ...I want you to meet Carlos Diego."

"Hi." Erin said back and then held up her bags. "I would shake your hand, but as you can see I've got quite the load here."

Carlos frowned. "Ah let me help you with that." He rushed to her side and quickly took some of the bags from her.

"Thank you." Erin said and then glanced at Leigh. "It's nice to see that some people know how to treat a lady around here."

"A lady huh?" Leigh shook her head.

"That's right and don't you forget." Erin retorted with her chin in the air and free hand on her hip.

"Like that will ever happen." Leigh said and winked.

"I agree with my leggy friend here..." Carlos's smile widened. "There is no way anyone could ever forget that you are a beautiful woman."

"Well thank you." Erin blushed.

"Beware Carlos ...she may look all sweet and innocence, but she's a feisty gal." Leigh said and good-naturedly slapped him on the shoulder.

"I like feisty." He retorted. "But for an old hombre like me ...I probably couldn't take it."

With bags in tow, he gallantly bowed for Erin. "However you are still a beautiful young woman, and who ever captures your heart will be very lucky indeed."

"I agree." Leigh added easily. And then she and Erin made eye contact. "Very lucky indeed."

Carlos looked between the two women, and for a moment he wondered if he stood on her head and started singing Livin' La Vida Loca backwards, would they even notice. After another second of observation, he gathered that they wouldn't. Dark eyes narrowed slightly and suddenly he felt like smiling, but instead he headed towards the house and called over his shoulder. "I guess we should go inside." He called over his shoulder.

This comment snapped each woman out of whatever spell they had cast over each other by merely making eye contact. Leigh scratched her head and chuckled a bit nervously. "Yeah ...umm lets go inside."

"Inside ...oh yeah." Was Erin's response.

"I've got the place all ready for you. Which was no easy task Leigh. That must have been some fiesta you threw the last time you were here."

Leigh chuckled. "Yes it was my friend."

He reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of yellow material. He held it up and Erin saw that it was a bikini top. "I believe this belongs to you, no?" Carlos said with a smile. "I found it handing from the ceiling fan in the living room."

A bit embarrassed, Leigh glanced at Erin before snatching the garment from Carlos' hand and inspecting it. "I've been looking for this..."

Erin walked closer. "Why do I get the feeling that you've been looking for the bottom as well." She said knowingly. An image of Leigh's sleek frame in a yellow bikini was brought forth before her eyes. She quickly blinked and it disappeared.

Leigh shrugged and stuffed the top in her own pocket. "Well like Carlos said that was one hell of a fiesta."

"I would have to agree." A male voice said from behind the three of them. They all turned around to find a tall man leaning against the doorframe of the front door. He had on a light blue T-shirt and khaki shorts. His long brown legs were crossed at the ankles and he ran a hand through his unruly dark hair that hung to his shoulders.

"Raul." Leigh said flatly.

"Leigh." The man's tone was just as monotone as the one Leigh had used.

Oh great ...yet another person she knows ...I wonder what their story is. Erin thought as she placed her bags down on the floor.

"You look good." Raul said as if he hated to admit it and his dark eyes narrowed.

Leigh nodded. "So do you. What's with the long hair though? I though you liked it short."

Casually he pushed himself away from the doorframe. "Things change Leigh. You should know that better than anyone. No?" He smiled, but Erin noticed it didn't touch his eyes even slightly. It reminded her of a hunter narrowing in for the kill. She didn't like it.

"But it's nice to see that some things don't." Leigh retorted coolly. Clearly she was referring to the other man's attitude. It didn't take a genius to see that the two didn't like each other. Erin looked between them and wondered what could have caused such hard feelings. Two theories came to mind ...a bad relationship or a bad business deal.

Raul laughed flatly. "So are you still batting your eyes, smiling, and swiveling those hips to get to the top of the business world?"

Erin felt Leigh go rigid beside her and watched her walk towards Raul. "Nope. I'm already at the top, the rest is just for fun." Erin thought Leigh's answer sounded a bit arrogant, but given the circumstances ...it seemed a fitting come back. Inwardly even she smiled at the other woman's words.

Raul didn't however. "Still cocky..."

"And you're still carrying a chip on your shoulder."

Raul's eyes shifted from Leigh to Erin. "And who is this? Another groupie to help you stay up on that pedestal you've built for yourself. You seem to collect them so easily."

Carlos found that moment to interrupt before Erin or Leigh could respond. "Raul please do not be so rude. This lovely woman is Erin Bradshaw." He said a bit uncomfortably before turning to Erin. "And this is my cousin Raul Diego. I do apologize for this behavior."

"Don't apologize for me Carlos."

"That's right Carlos. Raul is a big boy. If he wants to act like a horse's ass ...let him." Leigh said before turning towards Erin as well.. "Don't pay him any attention. I know I don't."

Erin was about speak again before Raul spoke. "Ms. Bradshaw my cousin is right, you are a beautiful woman." He smiled. "And I do apologize I should not judge you by the company you keep." He said sincerely but Erin didn't believe one word.

"Ok..." Was all Erin could think to say or have to time to say before Raul was openly glaring at Leigh again.

"Well Carlos we do have other people to attend to at the hotel. I think we've catered to the boss long enough don't you think? I'll met you at the car." Then without another word, he walked out the door.

Carlos looked over at Leigh apologetically but Leigh spoke first. "Hey Carlos if he would have acted any other way ...then I would have been totally surprised." Leigh offered with a slight chuckle. "Its OK my friend"

Carlos sighed. "My cousin just doesn't know when..." He stopped and glanced at Erin.

"I do apologize for his rude behavior."

"No need Carlos." Erin said with a smile. "It's a change of pace to finally meet someone that doesn't absolutely adore her." She playfully hit Leigh.

"Ouch!" Leigh said.

Carlos laughed. "There are not many that feel that way."

"So I've noticed." Erin answered sarcastically.

"You two are crazy ...there are plenty of folks that hate my guts. I can think of about 20 people off the top of my head right now."

"Doesn't matter ...I bet they secretly have a crush on you..." Erin started

"Or they secretly admire you." Carlos finished.

"Like I said you two are crazy." Leigh shook her head and smiled.

"Well my cousin was right about at least one thing....the hotel does need our attention, so I will leave you two senoritas on your own. He lifted Erin's hand to his lips. "It was truly a pleasure to meet you." He kissed her hand.

Erin blushed. "For me as well Carlos."

Leigh cleared her throat. "And what about me...."

"Ah yes..." Carlos laughed. He walked up to Leigh and pulled her in his arms. Before she knew it, Leigh was being hoisted into the air and twirled around. "And always ...It has been a honor."

"Carlos put me down!" Leigh giggled as the man slowly brought their spin to a stop.

"As you wish senorita." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before releasing her."See you tonight."

"Yes, we'll be there." Leigh responded as she and Erin both watched Carlos leave.

"Tonight?" Erin asked.

Leigh shut the front door. "Oh yeah, well what good is a birthday without a party?"

"You're throwing me a party as well?"

"Yeah sure."

"Ok, who am I to turn down a party in my honor." Erin said happily. "So you own the hotel we passed?"

"Something like that."

"And Raul?" Erin finally asked the question she cared most about.

Leigh frowned slightly. "Sorry about that."

"Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning..." Erin mumbled.

"I suppose that's my fault." Leigh offered.

"Why? What did you do?"

"Nothing much except I made the mistake of sleeping with him once." Leigh shook her head. "Well that's not true ...it was a couple of times ...but I think is still counts as one big mistake." She chuckled a bit. "See, Raul was always a little too brooding for my taste."

"But you tasted him anyway." Erin deadpanned.

"Yeah ...but you honestly can't say you don't like something until you've tried it..."

"Ah yes, I forgot. Leigh Sinclaire leaves no stone unturned." Erin offered sarcastically.  Or not stolen for that matter...

"That's right Kansas, you can make the most amazing discoveries in the most unlikely places." And you are certainly proof of that. Leigh's cell phone rang and she shrugged. "Well you can take the girl from work..." She said with smile before she turned her full attention to her phone call.

Erin took the opportunity to continue looking around the bungalow, while Leigh plopped down on the couch to continue her phone call.

Like Leigh's home in Miami, it totally screamed that the dark-haired woman owned it. It was decorated with an exotic flare that screamed vacation get-away. Erin walked from room to room discovering the cute kitchen and an up to date office suitable for head of a software company. Erin could tell Leigh had conducted numerous business activities from the room. She saw what seemed to be Leigh's activity room ...filled with surf boards, fishing pools, mountain bikes, and other gear needed to fully enjoy one's self in paradise. She came across another room that looked as if it could have been the guest bedroom ...but there was no bed. As a matter of fact, Erin hadn't seen a bed as of yet.

She made her way back past the kitchen, and glanced over at a still busy Leigh sprawled out on the couch. She could tell the conversation was getting heated from the tone in Leigh's Texas drawl. Erin continued on her way to find another door. She opened it. Her eyes finally rested on a bed. And what a bed. It was huge covered in white sheets, with a mosquito net decoratively hanging above it.

"Don't worry ...there's plenty of room for two you know." Leigh said smoothly as she entered the room. Erin abruptly turned around and Leigh could tell she was blushing. This caused the CEO to laugh. "There you go getting all shy on me again. Come on Kansas we've shared a bed before..."

"Did I say anything?" Erin countered.

"With words ...no" Leigh shook her head and walked closer. "But the expression on your face ...made it seem like you were ready to head for the hills. Just relax OK."

"I am relaxed." Erin said to try to convince Leigh as well as herself. She failed....

"Really?" Leigh walked closer until she was standing right in front of Erin. "Then why are you trembling."? She asked in a low voice as blue eyes locked with green. "I mean do I make you nervous or something."

"Something like that I suppose." Erin answered honestly and tried to keep her wits about her. She's standing way to close...

Leigh stepped even closer. "Hmmm." Leigh said with a wicked grin and licked her lips. "I'm thinking I should use this little tidbit of information to my advantage."

"So is that how you play, using people's weaknesses against them?" Erin said and took a step back.

"So I'm your weakness now, huh?" Leigh asked and then nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting, because Kansas I'm beginning to think the same thing about you." Then without another word, Leigh turned around and pulled her T-shirt over her head and threw the sweaty garment over her shoulder at Erin. "Well I guess that means we're even."

And with more intensity than she wanted, Erin eyes stayed glued to Leigh has she walked into the bathroom. The hypnotic trance wasn't broken until; the sound of the running water broke into her thoughts. Erin's knees began to buckle, and with a sigh she fell back on the bed. "Bradshaw, you do realize you are heading for trouble." She said to the now empty room. Then she realized she was clutching Leigh's T-shirt to her chest like it was a souvenir from a rock concert. "Yeap ...big time trouble."

"What the hell do you mean you're in Puerto Rico!!!!" McNeil said in a very loud voice over the phone. So loud that Erin had to pull her cell phone away from her ear because she was afraid her eardrum was going to shatter.

"Damn it McNeil could you possible speak any louder." She shot back sarcastically. After a string of phone calls from family and friends, Erin knew she would eventually be hearing from McNeil. And of course it had nothing to do with her birthday.

"What's all that noise anyway?"

"Oh ...the helicopter." Erin answered.

"A helicopter?" He asked a bit perplexed. "You know what I don't want to know."

They had just landed on a near island. After showering and changing clothes, Leigh had insisted on showing Erin the island in style. In style meant a helicopter ride with Leigh as the pilot. The view from thousands of feet up and been wonder.

Just then the propeller stopped and there was relative quietness again.

"But why are you in Puerto Rico?" McNeil demanded.

"What was I suppose to do McNeil let her run out of the country and not do anything about it?" Erin asked.

"Of course not, but a simple phone call would have been nice. Remember Bradshaw this is my investigation..." He grumbled.

"How could I forget?" Erin remarked sarcastically.

"So has she done anything suspicious so far?" Erin again looked over at Leigh. And couldn't help but notice how short the jean cut-offs were that barely covered the top of tanned muscular thighs. If those shorts aren't illegal, I don't know what is. But I don't think that' was the type of criminal activity that McNeil was referring to.

"Well not so far, but I'm keeping an eye on her." You have no idea...

Leigh looked over at her and smiled. Erin returned it shyly. She was a little relieved the CEO had been wearing shades. Those eyes and smile were a deadly combination. And right then Erin's defenses were running a little low. Leigh nodded to her right to signal that she was getting off. Erin nodded back.

"Does she know that you're following her?"

"Yes."

"Are you with her now."

"Yes."

"I don't get you two Bradshaw. She's letting you hang out with her."

"Yes. McNeil please, I'm starting to feel like I'm the person under investigation with all these questions"

"Well maybe you should be. I'm beginning to think you're in cahoots with the woman."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"I know I know ...maybe I'm just jealous because I'm stuck here at the police station while you're in paradise with one of the hottest chicks I have ever laid eyes one." He chuckled. "So does she have on a bathing suit right now."

"McNeil I am so not going to have this conversation with you right now."

"Ah come on ...that's the least you could do for me."

"I'm hanging up now McNeil." Erin started laughing.

"OK ...hold on."

"Yes?"

"On a serious note Erin, watch your back while you're down there." Erin stopped smiling and glanced again at Leigh who was talking to one of the locals. "She may seem like the best gal pal a girl could ask for ...but we both know she's guilty of a major crime."

"Don't worry McNeil I'm going to beat her at her own game."

"I'm sure you want to. But remember it's her game and just make sure you're aware of all the rules. She's a tricky one Erin, just don't lose sight of that."

"I won't McNeil, I have everything under control."

"I hope so." Then McNeil paused. "Now tell me what kind of bathing suit does she have on. Please tell me it's a bikini..." He pleaded.

Erin smirked and again rolled her eyes. "Good-bye McNeil." And without another word she hung up the phone and saw that Leigh was walking towards her.

"Interesting phone call?" She asked with a slight smile.

For a second all Erin could think about was McNeil's advice. Though she knew his words had merit, she didn't want to listen to them right now.

She wanted to believe that Leigh was truly interested in her friendship.

She had let her guard down around the CEO, but not all the way. Although she was aware that Leigh was trying to save her own ass and cover up her tracks, Erin knew that the time they were spending together was more than the case. "Maybe."

"Detective McNeil isn't going to send the Navy after me or anything is he?"

"Nope. For now you just have me to worry about."

Leigh arched a brow and folded her arms. "Well from what I learned you are quite a hand full ...should I be concerned?"

"Oh yeah ...you should be concerned." Erin smiled devilishly.

"So maybe now I should be worried about whether or not I return from this trip."

"Hurt you? No way. I want to win fair and square. I don't want any excuses from you when you go down in flames."

"Is that your creative way of telling me to go to hell." Leigh chuckled.

"Nope, I would have told you that straight out."

"And you have..." Leigh interjected with a grin.

"Just my way of saying there can only be one winner and Sinclaire I am determined to be just that."

"Determination. You just gotta love that in a person." Among other things I see in you.

"But enough about this Rhine Ruby business. Let's have some fun."

"For once I totally agree."

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to say that." Leigh suddenly grabbed Erin to her and held her fiercely. "Thank ya! This child has finally seen the light!" She said in her best southern Baptist minister voice. "Thank ya! My work here is done..."

Both women burst out laughing and as if it was the most natural thing in the world, Erin wrapped her arms around Leigh's waist. She found herself returning the hearty hug and closing her eyes because of how good it felt. Slowly the laughter subsided, but they continued to hold each other for a few seconds. A few more seconds too long.

These awkward moments are coming more and more frequent. Thought Leigh as she broke the hug first. "We ah ...better get going. We have a full day ahead of us."

Erin felt the awkwardness as well and tried to down play it. "Yeah ...right. Just remember if anything happens to me...." She half joked as she placed her backpack on her back.

"Are you sure you're not trying to kill me?" Erin questioned as the insurance investigator tried to keep up with Leigh Sinclaire as they trekked through the lush jungle atmosphere.

Leigh turned around and tipped her black hat up slightly on her head. "What's the matter Kansas? You can't keep up?" She smiled as she looked at the blonde leaning against a tree and fanning herself with the cowboy hat Leigh had given her.

Hell no I'm about to pass out! She screamed in her head. "Of course I can keep up." She lied. "It just seems that your itinerary today is rather aggressive."

"Really?" Leigh cocked her head to the side with an arched brow.

Erin straightened up a bit, but still leaning against the tree. "Well kinda." Since that morning the women had gone horseback riding, snorkeling, jet skiing, and then an intense rope course that still had Erin's arms trembling. They'd enjoyed lunch amongst locals in the small village. Then just when Erin thought they were heading back to the bungalow, Leigh suggested a hike on the other side of the island. To Erin the hike had turned into an expedition. It seemed like they had been walking up hill for the last twenty minutes. Along the way Leigh had become a tour guide pointing out plants, insects, and birds that were unique to the region. Erin had not been surprised by the CEO's vast knowledge of their surroundings, but was still impressed. There had even a moment when Leigh had caught a butterfly and gently placed it in Erin's own hand.

"Well since we really only have today, I wanted to pack as much fun in as I can." Leigh pulled a bottle of water out of her backpack and took a long swig. She offered it to Erin, who didn't hesitate at all to take a drink as well.

To Erin, the water tasted better than an ice cream sundae. She looked up at Leigh who seemed to be looking at the path ahead of them and inwardly smirked. Here I am about to pass out, and she looks like she could go on for miles without taking a second wind.

As if knowing Erin was looking at her, Leigh glanced down at her. She reached out and ran her fingers through Erin's damp tresses playfully. "You might want to put that hat back on, before you get a sun stroke. I don't want Detective McNeil to trying to kick my ass for attempted murder or anything." Well she's lasted all day ...I guess I shouldn't be surprised. She's been able to keep up with me about that damn ruby. Why should this trip be any different.

"Right." Erin put back on the hat and pushed herself off the tree.

Leigh frowned slightly. "You are alright aren't you? If this is too much for you or its too hot out here ...we can leave now."

Erin took another swing of water before handing it back to Leigh. There was genuine concern in Leigh's voice and Erin was touched. "Nope ...I'm fine. A little worn out, but fine. Lead the way."

Leigh grinned. "I was hoping you were going to say that. Come on, the place I want to show you is just a little ways ahead." She grabbed Erin's hand and walked up a path that had been overcome with vines and trees.

"Too bad I left my machete at home." Erin deadpanned as she ducked the branches that swung towards her after Leigh swatted them out of her way.

"Yeah, I should have borrowed Carlos' ...things have gotten kinda out of control since I was last here." Leigh called over her shoulder.

"And when was the last time you dragged someone else on an adventure like this. I'm sure they must have almost had a heart attack."

Leigh chuckled. "Well actually, I've never brought anyone else here." When she didn't hear Erin's footsteps behind her anymore, she stopped and turned around to find Erin staring at her. "What?"

"You've never brought anyone else up here?"

Leigh shrugged and took off her hat to wipe to the sweat off her forehead. "Nope." She placed her hat back on.

"Why?"

"I don't know. I guess I never thought about bringing anyone until..."

"Me." Erin answered for her with a question in her eyes that Leigh was already asking herself.

Leigh nodded. "I suppose so." She conceded and realized that she had indeed brought the blonde to a place she had never shared with anyone else. Leigh had always hiked the trail alone and took the time to relish in a place that had none of the distractions that her everyday life seemed to be overflowing with. So why would I now bring her here. She's trying to put me in jail ...I call that a major distraction. This has got to mean something...

Before Erin could question Leigh further, she heard a roaring sound. "What's that?"

The question pulled Leigh out of her own inner thoughts. She smiled when she recognized the sound. "That Kansas... is what I wanted to show you." She motioned for Erin to follow her and soon they were walking through clearings that lead to a waterfall.

Erin gasped slightly as she looked upon the beautiful scenery. She took a step forward and saw that she could see the island for what seemed like miles. She had no idea that she and Leigh had hiked that far in land.

"This is beautiful."

"I thought you might feel this way." Leigh said with obvious pleasure.

"I see why you like this place so much."

"Not to sound like the dahlia lama or anything, but I find peace here."

Erin wasn't looking at Leigh but she could hear the smile in the other woman's voice.

"How so?" She turned around.

"I don't know. " Leigh was a bit embarrassed at her declaration. "Its just well...let me show you." Leigh placed her hands on Erin's shoulders and gently turned her around until her back was to her. "Now close your eyes." She whispered in her ear.

"What?"

"Trust me?"

"I don't know ...that sounds like a pretty tall order coming from a jewel thief." Erin said with a slight chuckle.

"Alleged jewel thief, and come one and just humor me. Close your eyes."

With a playful frown, Erin gave in and closed her eyes.

"Just listen and tell me what you hear?"

For a moment, Erin did as Leigh asked. She simply listened to her surroundings. She heard the many sounds of the jungle, the roaring waterfall, and another very distinct sound that suddenly seemed to drown out everything else around her. "I hear your heart beating..." Erin said softly. "And it's beating so fast and so hard..." The words were barely above a whisper.

"Just like yours" Leigh commented back as her hands began to slowly move up and down Erin's arms. Without even knowing, Erin had moved back until her back was pressing again Leigh's chest. Her head was leaning back against the hollow of Leigh's neck. Even after hours or climbing and sweating in the scorching sun, the perfume she had come to love still clanged to the other woman. She turned gently to the side, and the tip her nose caressed the side of Leigh's neck. There was a sudden in take of air from Leigh that caused Erin's eyes to open.

"Umm I'm sorry." Erin stammered and moved away from Leigh and turned around.

"Why are you apologizing?" Leigh groaned as if this was the millionth time this had happened.

"Because..." Erin started.

Go on say it ...at least one of us should. Leigh thought as she closed the distance between them that Erin had put.

And Erin chickened out. "Nothing, the sun is just getting to me is all."

"You need to cool down huh?" Leigh said with a laugh that was slow and easy.

You have no idea. Erin ran her fingers through sweat drenched blonde hair and smirked. "You could say that?"

"Well can you swim?"

"Sure."

"Ever jumped off a diving board?"

"Plenty of times."

"Good." Then without a word, Leigh grabbed Erin by the hand and took off running towards the end of the cliff. "Hang on!" Was the last thing Erin Bradshaw heard, as she seemed to be pulled into the sky, and the world dropped beneath her. Though scared out of her mind, she knew she would be fine as long as she was holding Leigh's hand.

I'll be out in a sec, I have to find my T-Shirt. It's floating around here somewhere." Leigh said before diving back under the water.

After their impromptu bungee jump down the waterfall, the women had engaged in vigorous horseplay in the water. So much so, they both discarded their backpacks and stripped down to the bathing suits they were wearing under their clothes. Once they had played and laughed until they grew tired, they decided to swim back in.

Erin swam towards the shore and plopped down in a comfortable patch of grass. She closed her eyes and leaned back to rest on her elbows. The sunrays felt wonderful, which caused her to smile a little and wiggle her toes. I am really having a good time. I was in desperate need of a vacation. Who would have thought that a jewel thief would whisk me away on an island get-away? I'm starting to think that any case I work after this one ...won't be as interesting.

The sound of splashing caught Erin's attention, so she opened her eyes and looked towards the water. Suddenly everything was in slow motion. Everything one of Leigh moments caught Erin's attention ...her drenched dark hair, glistening tanned skin, the natural sway of her hips, easiness in her walk, and black bikini. Either I'm watching a shampoo commercial or...

"Is something wrong?" Leigh asked.

"Ummm no. Nothing at all." She stammered. "I was just thinking how we didn't bring any towels."

"Oh ...the sun will dry us off." Leigh sat down beside Erin and stretched out her long legs before laying back. She placed her hands beneath her head as a pillow. "But until then I'm going to enjoy the rays." She closed her eyes and take a deep breathe.

Erin watched Leigh's chest rise and fall, felt her own breathing increase. This is ridiculous; I'm acting like a schoolgirl with a crush. Hold it together Bradshaw... "So what did I do to deserve the honor of being the first to be brought to this small paradise?"

Leigh lazily opened her eyes and smiled. "I don't know ...I just felt like sharing it ...I guess." Truth is I really wanted to show it to you. "Oops ...looks like you've got a bit of sun burn." Leigh nodded towards Erin's left shoulder.

Erin reached up and found that her shoulder was indeed tender and winced slightly from

the small stinging sensation. "Yeah ...I see."

"Turn around" Leigh said. "I'll put some more sun tan lotion on your back. I didn't know your skin was going to be so sensitive."

"I thought it was just on my shoulder."

"Better safe than sorry." Leigh said before reaching in her now very wet backpack. Next time you decided to jump off a waterfall, Leigh remember to take off your backpack first. She pulled a tube of sunburn cream and placed some on her fingertip. Instead of waiting Erin had comply with her earlier request and turned her back to her. Without asking, Leigh pulled the left strap down on Erin's bathing suite.

It took all the will power Erin had not to bolt to her feet. Danger ...going towards stormy waters... She warned herself in her head.

"This may sting a bit." Leigh said as she placed the scream over the slight sunburn. "I'll be as gentle as I can." And as controlled as I can. It not everyday that I get excited about having my hands on another woman's back.

Using her hand, Leigh rubbed in the crème. Erin needed something else to concentrate on rather than what Leigh was doing. All she seemed to have at her disposal was conversation.

"So is that why you've never brought anyone here before?"

"Still thinking about that huh?" She asked with a slight chuckle. When this woman gets a question in her head, she won't rest until she gets an answer. I hope that doesn't end up being my downfall. Leigh contemplated the comment and simply hunched. "I guess that's one way of looking at it. I try to leave all my problems somewhere else."  Except that whole damn issue with Raul ...it started here ...and I guess it shall remain here.

"But you brought me...aren't I problem?"

Yeap, about 10 years with possibility of parole type of problem. Leigh laughed. "One of the biggest splinters I've had in my paw but...".

"But what?"

"Well Kansas it's just that..." Leigh just shook her head and smiled. "Well you're like junk food..."

"Are you calling me fat?"

"Nope..." Blue eyes did a quick sweep over Erin's body. "Nope, no one could ever accuse you of that."

Erin swallowed hard to lessen the sensation that Leigh's perusal had just caused. Watch your step... It seemed like it was starting to become natural. The way they interacted with each other ...the way they looked at each other ...the way they touched each other. And it wasn't only the flirtatious undertones that were becoming bolder and bolder. Though that was scaring the hell out of Erin, but so was something else. Erin had only known the woman a little over two weeks ...but it seemed like longer. They had a connection. "Then what do you mean?"

"Well see junk food can be bad for you right?"

I think you mean the other way around. Leigh Sinclaire you are so bad for me in so many ways... "I'm bad for you?"

"Yeap..."Leigh said with a grin. So bad indeed... "Well at first glance anyway." She added quickly. "But what I'm saying is that while junk food is bad for you health wise ...you try to not to think about that while you're enjoying it. Right? And Kansas I so intend to enjoy you while I have the chance."

The perhaps unintentional innuendo in Leigh's words and voice couldn't be missed. "And just think about the possible side effects later..."

"Exactly."

"That could be prove to be very dangerous."

"I suppose ...but it could be a lot of other things as well." I've been toying around with possibilities in my head all day long ...What the hell am I doing ...I'm driving myself nuts here... Leigh leaned in. "Don't you agree?" She whispered with a sly grin.

"Well I..." Erin stammered "Umm I agree that something is ahh well umm unfolding here."

She blushes so easily ...She must feel it too ...she has to. Leigh rationalized. I wonder if it scares the hell out her too? She wondered as she felt herself moving even closer to the blonde. "Something indeed." Oh Shit... I think I'm going to kiss her.

They were just inches apart with their shoulders brushing each other. Oh shit, I think she's going to kiss me. Erin realized when she saw light blue eyes suddenly darkening.

Leigh reached up and touched Erin's cheek gently. "You have an eyelash on your cheek."

"Really?" Erin struggled to say. Just being this near to Leigh and being on the edge like this was slowly taking her breath and train of thought away.

"Yeah." With the tip of her thumb Leigh managed to swoop the stray eyelash up. She smiled. "Well Kansas I guess you get to make a wish ...so close your eyes and just ask for what you really want."

What I really want huh... "Lucky me." Erin chuckled nervously before closing her eyes. In that second, Erin made a decision about what she wanted...about what she was craving. She couldn't have conjured up a more perfect moment to explore something that had been dominating her thoughts for what seemed like forever. She made a wish.

"So do you think it will come true?" Leigh asked as she watched green eyes open. She sifted her fingers through blonde hair before stroking her cheek with her thumb, then dragging it across her lower lip.

"Oh I hope so." Erin said softly and waited for what she had wished for.

"Beep... Beep... Beep" Was the sound that interrupted the moment. Leigh sighed irritably and looked at her watch. But she was going to ignore what it meant if at the same time Erin hadn't jumped to her feet.

"It's time to head back right?" Erin asked knowing the moment had been spoiled. I don't know whether to scream because I'm disappointed or to laugh because I'm a little relieved. She pulled her bathing suit strap back up.

"Yeap...or we'll be late." Which is fine with me.

Or we'll be late. It sounded as if Leigh was giving her an option. "Then we should go then." I'm chickening out once again...

Leigh nodded thoughtfully. "Sure ...I guess we're finished here anyway." For now anyway.

Erin was just putting her earrings in when Leigh walked into the bedroom

She came walking in the room wrapped in a towel. She stopped short, when she saw Erin. She had chosen a dark green sleeveless sundress that went lovely with her sun-streaked golden hair and newly tanned skin. "You look great." Leigh said with a smile. "You clean up real well. "

"Same could be said of you." Erin responded and noted that the towel barely covered Leigh's tanned thighs.

Leigh merely smirked at the comment, because she wasn't fully dressed. "Just give me a few minutes to blow dry my hair and slap on something to wear to this shin-dig.

"Ok." Erin said and as always her eyes were glued to Leigh as she walked over to the closet and quickly picked out something to wear and threw it on the bed. Then she went back in the bathroom, and shortly after a towel was thrown back out. Erin's eyes grew large and followed the beige colored material as it fell to the floor. Next was the sound of the blow dryer.

Erin took a step forward, found it almost impossible not to look through the open doorway to see Leigh naked doing her hair. But she irresistible, so much so that she almost literally ran out of the bedroom. Control yourself, Control yourself... She chanted over and over in head.

She went out to the living room and opened the double doors that lead to the beach. She wrapped her arms around herself, and leaned against the doorframe. Erin didn't know how long she stood there staring into the night and listening to the crashing waves. Her mind was elsewhere. And elsewhere was on Leigh Sinclaire.

"Could you really be falling for her?" She asked quietly to the night.

"Did I leave you alone so long, that you have to talk to yourself?" Leigh said with a slight chuckle.

Erin jumped and turned around. "Must you always sneak..." But her sentence fell short when she saw Leigh standing there and looking absolutely gorgeous. Her chosen outfit was red ...it was definitely her color. The two piece assemble consisted of a spaghetti strap top that stopped right below where her ribcage began and then a long skirt with double splits that seemed to stop at Leigh's hip. Her dark hair was pinned up, with tendrils randomly falling in all the right places. Of course on her ears, were her trademark gold hoop earrings.

Leigh looked down at herself and then back up at Erin. "Is something wrong? You're looking at me like I forgot to put on a shirt or something." Then she playfully felt her chest. "But as far as I can tell I'm wearing one." She laughed.

"No..." Erin stammered. You know people use to say I was very well spoken ...and then I met Leigh Sinclaire. "Ummm I was going to say you look really nice."

"Nice..." Leigh said will a raised brow. "Well I was going for knock'em dead and sexy ...but I guess nice will do. So thank you Kansas." Leigh laughed and then motioned with her finger for Erin to come back inside the living room. "Come here...".

Erin smiled. "I don't know. Every time you tell me to come somewhere I get in trouble."

"Maybe ...but don't tell me you don't have fun while doing it. So come here."

It was something about the combination of Leigh smiling and saying Come here...that caused butterflies in Erin's stomach and made obliging the dark haired woman's request totally impossible. Erin pushed her way against the doorframe and walked closer to a still smiling Leigh. "Ok ...what's up."

"Well I have another birthday gift for you."

"Let's see so far, you've given me a late night phone call, a parade of balloons, a trip to Puerto Rico, a awesome cowboy hat, and now what." Erin said with huge grin on her face. "What could you possibly to do to top all that?"

"I don't know ...but here." Leigh pulled from behind her back a small box covered in black velvet.

Erin eyed the box carefully. "Well the box is too flat to hold what I really want from you." Leigh asked a question with a smirk and a raised brow that made Erin giggle nervously. "I mean it's not the ruby..." Why did you feel the need to clarify? Maybe because of the way she was looking at me...

"Kansas you have such a one track mind. Its your birthday damn it, just open the box." Leigh groaned as she shoved the box in Erin's hand, before placing her own hands on her hips.

After casting a playful glare at Leigh, Erin opened the box. Inside was a gold chain with a pendant at the end. It was a small charm that resembled a scroll. "Oh Leigh..." Erin placed. "You shouldn't have." She said softly as she picked up the gift and let it dangle before her eyes.

"Probably not, I don't want this to wind up in some report saying that I was trying to bribe you or anything. But Kansas I just couldn't resist, when I saw it. It ...well it made me think of you." Leigh said honestly. It's true, though there isn't too much these days that doesn't make me think about her. Man, I am so in trouble here.

"This is too much." Erin said still admiring the necklace.

"No, if anything its not enough." Leigh found herself saying. "What I mean is that I know you would rather be spending your birthday with friends and family, and here you are working a case and watching me. I wanted to make up for it."

Erin cocked her head to the side. "Leigh I'm here because I want to be. I thought you knew that."

"But..."

"But nothing." Erin stopped and laid a hand on Leigh arm. "True I'm investigating a case, but come on ...like you've said, its more than that right. In another time and place we could have been friends. So I in the spirit of what could have been or could be ...I accept this gift Leigh Sinclaire." She said with a certain gust of pride.

Leigh smiled and nodded. She reached for the necklace. "Well then let me put in on you them." Erin turned around, and faced the mirror and saw their reflection. Leigh unhooked the necklace and placed it around Erin's neck.

"Its beautiful Leigh."

"So are you." Leigh whispered so close to Erin's ear that she and the blonde both shivered slightly. Their eyes met in the mirror and held longer than either had intended.

Leigh spoke first. "We have a party to attend." But if you want to stay here, I totally understand. Leigh wanted to add, suddenly not to thrilled about sharing Erin with the rest of the world. Their gazes still held in the mirror, and Erin smiled nervously.

"I do believe you're right." Then an image, of she and Leigh sprawled out on the couch watching a movie, seemed more appealing. Just to be with her somehow seems enough. She thought and almost suggested the idea, when there was at knock at the door.

"Well I guess our ride is here." Leigh said. "So birthday girl, let's go show you off."

Erin thought the party was absolutely wonderful. Though she didn't really know anyone other than Leigh, Carlos, and Raul, she still managed to enjoy herself. The night was filled with music, dancing, good food, and margaritas.

Erin was grateful that she was somewhat fluent in Spanish because she had engaged in many conversations with the partygoers. Though it had been a little tricky to pick the perfect words to explain her connection to Leigh. Her answer was always that they were good friends. Was she lying? I didn't feel like it. But lately Erin couldn't trust her feelings. Especially when it came to Leigh. She had spent half the party watching the other woman has she glided from person to person smiling that beautiful smile of hers.

Erin would feel butterflies in her stomach whenever she would occasionally glance away from her conversation partner and make eye contact with Leigh. They both would simply smile like they were sharing some kind of private joke.

"I'll say it once again ...you're acting like a crazy teenager." She chastised herself.

"A teenager? Well I've heard a trip to Puerto Rico can indeed take years off of your life." Leigh said over Erin's shoulder. "I'm glad to see its working"

Erin turned around quickly. "Even in a crowded area you still manage to sneak up on me."

"What can I say ...I move like a ninja." She arched a brow and grinned.

"Or a well skilled cat burglar?" Erin added slyly.

"That too I suppose." She conceded with a thoughtful nod. "Do you want to take a walk?" Leigh asked.

"During your own party?" Erin looked around at all the guests, but she knew that Leigh was the only one she cared about.

"Well actually it's your party birthday girl, and yeah I feel like taking a walk."

"And will I be coming back from this walk..."

Leigh held up her hands and laughed. "Yes, I promise on my honor as a ninja." They both laughed. "I'm not trying to kidnap you OK. I just well..." Want to be alone with you ...Leigh finished the sentence in her head. But aloud she said... "wanna take a walk."

The walk started off in silence as they headed for the beach. Erin smiled when she saw Leigh stop to take off her sandals.

"I wonder what Bernie is up to right about now." Leigh said out loud.

"Probably getting a much needed vacation as well. With a owner like you ...I'm sure Bernie could use the rest"

Leigh chuckled at the comment. "I suppose. I mean I can run a person pretty ragged."

"Don't I know it."

"Well I would have brought him, had his passport not expired. I told him to renew it but ...no, He didn't want to take another photo because he was having a bad hair day."

Erin laughed. "You and that damn dog have absolutely too much fun together. You know that."

"There is no such thing as too much fun. Besides Bernie is my best pal. A loyal dog is a girl's best friend." Leigh stopped walking which caused Erin to turn around.

"What's wrong?"

"Well I was just thinking...." They were near the water now. Leigh took a seat on the sand and placed her sandals beside her. "You do realize that if you ever do somehow prove that I am indeed a jewel thief ...this will all be over."

"This?" Erin asked.

"Yeah Kansas. You and me. Our relationship ...friendship."

"Friends?" Erin smiled and wrinkled her noise in a way that Leigh had become all too familiar with.

"Yeah." Leigh said softly. "As you may know I'm not the easiest person to be friends with ...but the last two weeks have been fun you know." Leigh picked up some sand and let it fall gently through her fingers. "I guess what I'm saying is if I would have had a best gal pal growing up ...Kansas you would have been it." Great going Leigh that sounded mushy as hell.

Erin sat down beside her and looped her arm through Leigh's. "I guess I feel the same way."

"Really." Leigh smiled shyly, which made Erin laugh. "What?" Leigh asked

"I mean you looked like a little girl just then." She wondered how Leigh would have reacted if she'd answered a different way.

"Haven't been told that in a while. I think even when I was eight, I looked eighteen"

"Because you were so tall..."

"Among other things" She grinned mischievously, and Erin's eyes looked at Leigh's chest.

"An ample bosom to be sure." She said sarcastically.

"Jealousy will get you no where." Leigh playfully pushed her.

"I'm not jealous ...I mean so what if I don't have legs that go on forever, and eyes to die for." Erin was recalling a description she'd read in a magazine about Leigh.

Leigh raised an eyebrow. "Because you're cute ...right?"

"Cute ...is that what you think I am ...like a damn teddy bear or something?"

"Whoa partner." Leigh held her hands up in front of her. "I mean of course you're a beautiful woman ...but you have so many cute ways ...like the way your nose wrinkles a little when you're teasing me. I don't have anything like that going on." Leigh said matter of factly.

"Really?"

"Yes really, there is nothing cute about Leigh Sinclaire."

"Oh yes there is." Erin stood up.

"And what exactly would that be?"

"Your accent."

"My accent?"

"Yeah ...when you normally talk, it has a subtle hint of a Texas drawl." Which was sexy as hell, but that wasn't Erin's main point. "But Leigh when you get upset or really excited it's like watching an episode of Dallas and listening to JR." Erin could tell she had shocked her a little, when she saw her that her blue eyes were wide and her mouth gaped open a little.

"I've been told that my Texas accent can be very intimidating." Leigh replied evenly as her blue eyes narrowed.

"Yeah ...when you're screaming at someone, but not when you're around someone you're comfortable with, or when you're having a really good time. I think its cute, funny, adorable even." She added teasingly.

"Adorable?"

"Yeap."

Leigh stood up and towered over Erin. "Take it back."

"No." Erin answered.

"No I mean it Kansas take it back ...adorable does not fit in with my image."

"Maybe not, but that doesn't change that I think you have quite a few adorable ways..." Erin got up and knocked some sand off of her skirt.

"A few ...now wait a minute..."

"And you know what I'm going to tell everyone."

"You wouldn't..."

There was a devilish glint in the blonde's green eyes as she slowly backed away from Leigh. "I can just see the headlines now ...The Tech World's Adorable Girl. " Erin put her hands up like she was aiming a camera and squinted slightly. "Yeah I can see that, you standing with a teddy bear in your arms..."

Leigh couldn't take it anymore and playfully lunged toward Erin, who tried to turn and run away. But Leigh grabbed her from behind. "A teddy bear huh?"

"You got it." Erin said as laughter erupted from her chest. "And I'm not going to take it back."

"We'll see about that." Leigh said in a menacing tone, as her hold on the blonder grew tighter. Then she was hit with an idea. "I want to suck your blood." Leigh said in her best Transylvanian accent and then she playfully bit Erin on the neck. What started out as innocent horse play quickly turned into something else, when Leigh's tongue made contact with Erin's skin. As if struck by lightening, both women felt a surge shoot through their bodies before rendering them paralyzed.

Erin's heart beat loudly in her ears. The music from the party seemed like it was miles away. The low tide rode up on the shore just far enough to wet their feet. Her neck still tingled from Leigh's "bite" and she could feel the other woman's breath as it continued to caress just below her ear. Erin closed her eyes and her next words came out more like a moan.

"Leigh don't..." Erin pleaded knowing that the fine line she had been walking was coming to an end.

"Turn around." Leigh asked barely above a whisper.

"Don't..." Erin pleaded again and closed her eyes. Is this really happening?

"Turn around." Leigh whispered again in her ear. "Please ....Erin ...turn around."

The use of her first name seemed to act as some hypnotic trance. It personalized the request and Erin had to oblige. Slowly she turned around to face Leigh.

She was still being held by Leigh and their faces were just inches apart. Leigh hesitated for several heartbeats, and then settled her lips against the other woman's. It was soft and gentle. Leigh tested the angle before readjusting and deepening the kiss. She was moderately controlled until she heard a small whimper from Erin. She backed off, looked into green eyes, and recognized something she had been waiting to see ...a desire that equaled her own.

With this knowledge control was abandoned. Leigh began to cover her face with wild, random, artless kisses, as Erin began doing the same to her. Their mouths melded and tongues touched, and they kissed with carnal greed.

Eventually Leigh pulled back for air, to see Erin gazing at her with her mouth sensually parted and newly bruised from Leigh's kisses. To Leigh it made too sexy of an image to resist. She kissed her again. Her tongue stroked Erin's lower lip and raked it gently between her teeth. She laid light kisses at the corners of Erin's lips before pressing her tongue into the other woman's mouth.

Erin angled her head to one side and then another, but never breaking contact. Soon her tongue was actively participating in the dance their hungry mouths had created. Leigh moaned slightly as Erin's reached up to gather a handful of dark hair to draw Leigh's head and lips closer to her own if possible. When they finally broke the kiss, their lips remained against each other and their foreheads touching.

"That was..." Erin started.

"Something..." Leigh finished for her. "Wanna try..."

"Ah huh..." Erin mumbled before their mouths were already crashing into each other again. If possible, they began to kiss with more gusto. It was like instant combustion. Erin could still taste the liquor from Leigh's fruity margarita. Leigh hands moved down to Erin's hips and pulled her closer. They kissed long and deep and as if by instinct their bodies began a slow grinding motion against each other.

Then suddenly time almost became endless and they were suspended in the moment. Their newly created world consisted of the night, the stars, the crashing waves of the ocean and each other.

"Leigh." A voice called out. And abruptly Leigh pulled away and turned around. Erin took a step backwards and held her hand to her mouth.

Leigh ran a shaky hand through her hair as Carlos came running around the corner.

"There you guys are. They are about to bring out the birthday cake. I did not want you senoritas to miss it." He looked at the two women curiously. "Are you OK?"

"Yeah sure ...we'll be right there." Leigh managed to say as she glanced at Erin who was looking at the ground.

Carlos moved away slowly. "OK, but don't be long." And on that note Carlos went running back up the beach.

When Leigh was certain he was gone, she finally spoke. "Look Kansas."

"Don't say anything." Erin said quickly. "It never happened."

"But..."

"But nothing Leigh. We're a little drunk and we were clowning around." Erin finally got the nerve to look into Leigh's eyes. "And what happened next was..."

Leigh stepped closer and lowered her voice. "Was what?"

Blue eyes locked with green eyes as Erin realized that she didn't have a description for what had just happened ...for what was still happening.

Leigh looked at Erin, and realized that not once did she ever think she would she the image before her. A woman out of breath, lips swollen from her kisses, and Leigh wanting her so bad that it almost ached. Always a damn over achiever, huh Leigh...

"I think we better get back to the party." Erin said softly before walking past Leigh.

"Now wait..." Leigh called after her.

"I have to cut my cake." Erin called over her shoulder. And if Leigh hadn't been mistaken it had sounded like the other woman was crying. She didn't call after her again; Leigh simply watched her walk back to the party, and hopefully not away from her.