Hook Me Up - Ladies In Love Pt. 02

Hook Me Up

A Ladies In Love Romance

By Magda McKune

Part Two

Chapter 5

The next morning, Lucy was running a few minutes later than usual. She stopped at a coffee shop to pick up a double mocha espresso for Sparky. Lucy knew it was her friend's favorite, and she wanted to do something extra special to show her appreciation for last night.

Lucy found Sparks in the service bay, dressed in her usual green overalls leaning over something she was working on at the workbench. "Hey, sweetie!" Lucy lilted happily. "I brought you coffee!"

Sparky glanced over her shoulder at her boss and smiled. "You are such a doll." She picked up a small assembly and turned to show it to her friend. "I soaked the carburetor from that Ford Mustang in degreaser overnight and it seems to have loosened up. Hopefully I can get it tuned up and out the door by the end of the week."

"That's great." Lucy set the coffee on the bench and draped her arm across Sparky's shoulders. She leaned in and gave the girl a smooch on the cheek.

Sparks gave her friend a puzzled look. "What was that for?"

"For last night," Lucy beamed brightly. "And for being an all-around wonderful great gal pal."

The girl frowned and shook her head as she turned back to the bench. "We should probably keep our public displays of affection to a minimum when we're at the shop."

"Why?"

"Two reasons; hugging and kissing employees may accidentally be observed by others and misconstrued as sexual harassment. Secondly, you're bound to get me aroused and I wouldn't want to get my greasy fingers all over that sexy body of yours."

Lucy laughed and stepped back. "You're right on both counts." She smiled and rested her hands on her hips. "So what am I to do with myself, now that you've made me a shameless, wanton woman?"

Sparky spoke to the bench as she cleaned the gizmo with a rag. "Curb your enthusiasm until after working hours."

"And then what?"

"Come to my place and we can let our inhibitions run amok."

Lucy grinned. "Are you inviting me to dinner again?"

"Perhaps not right away. We can order a pizza and then we can ravish each other in the bedroom while we're waiting for delivery."

"Oh my!" Lucy giggled gleefully. "Sounds deliciously naughty!"

"I particularly like the ravishing part, myself."

Lucy rested her hand on Sparky's shoulder. "You don't think we're moving the physical aspect of our relationship ahead too fast?"

"Nah. However, if I was a man, a gal not having sex with her partner on a regular basis might earn her the reputation of being a tease."

Lucy leaned closer and lightly brushed her lips against Sparky's ear. "You think I'm a tease?"

"Most definitely." Sparky turned her head and grinned at her friend. "A very sexy, desirable tease."

Lucy chuckled and gave the girl a quick peck on the lips. "Then it's a date." Lucy turned and headed to the front office. "Oh, I just remembered," Lucy added, stopping and turning to her friend. "I have an appointment with our accountant Wendy McBride at eleven. I'll grab something for myself afterward, but you're going to have to fend for yourself for lunch today."

"That's all right. I'll call a sandwich shop that delivers so I don't have to stop what I'm doing and get cleaned up."

"You're so practical." Lucy continued to her office and stopped again. "By the way," she mused, "I was wondering... how did you get the name Sparky anyway?"

Sparky looked up from her work and grinned. "You don't remember?"

"Not really. I think my dad named you that, but I forgot why."

"He once told me I was 'skinny as a spark plug and just as wired'. I think he meant it as a compliment. Anyway, ever since then, he called me 'Suzie Spark Plug' or 'Sparky' for short, and the name stuck. Personally, I kind of like it. Makes me feel like one of those Air Force mechanics back in World War II who could fix anything with a pair of pliers and a roll of duct tape."

Lucy paused with a hand on her hip and smiled at her friend. "Well, I don't know about fixing airplanes, but you are the best auto mechanic I've ever encountered."

"You're sweet." She blew her friend a kiss with her lips. "Mwah! Love you babe!"

Lucy turned for the office and called without looking back, "Love you more!"

Wendy McBride had a small office at the end of a strip mall. She was a heavyset woman in her early forties with a plump round face and short light brown hair with streaks of highlights. "So how are things going at Fast Lanes?" Wendy asked pleasantly.

Lucy casually shrugged a shoulder. "All right, I guess. We're managing to survive. It's been pretty rough this last year."

Wendy nodded with understanding. "Ever since your father passed away and left you the business. I'm sure it hasn't been easy with you and that mechanic girl."

"Sparks."

"Is that her name?"

"No," Lucy chuckled. "Her real name is Suzie Commons. She and I practically grew up in my dad's garage. The girl has a real knack for fixing automobiles. She can gap spark plugs perfectly for any vehicle simply by intuition, or eyesight, ESP, or whatever it is she uses. She told me my dad called her 'Suzie Spark Plug' and the name stuck. Sparky and I have been best friends forever."

"I'm glad." Wendy's face took on a thoughtful expression. "Are you happy, Lucy?"

Lucy furrowed her brow with a puzzled expression wondering about the strange inquiry. "I guess so. Why?"

"No particular reason. It's just that you are in your mid-twenties and not seeing anyone. Now you also have a business to run. I can imagine such a commitment can severely cut into your social life. I've seen how people can immerse themselves in their jobs to the exclusion of all else. All work and no play, as the saying goes. I don't want your entire world to revolve around that garage of yours."

Lucy allowed a wry smile. "Playing matchmaker for me now, are we?"

"Perhaps. I've known you and your father ever since I started my accounting firm 11 years ago. I've seen you grow up to be a beautiful young woman. I care about you, Lucy. You're like a daughter to me. I worry you may be spending too much time under greasy cars and running that business all by yourself. It can take a toll on you, believe me. You need to get out and have a social life. Meet some people and have some fun while you're still young." Wendy paused and looked pensive. "I don't mean to sound like a Yenta, but I don't want you to spend the best years of your life fighting to keep the family business afloat. I want to see you happy."

Lucy nodded her head in understanding. "It isn't easy running your own business single-handedly. I'm only 26 years old and I'm the boss of my own company. That's a lot for one woman to handle. Plus, I'll be 27 soon. More than a quarter of a century old and I never made the time to have a real relationship with anybody. To be honest, I never even considered getting into any kind of serious relationship until recently. I guess it's the realization that I'm not getting any younger, you know? Maybe it's time I thought about having something else in my life besides work."

"Have you thought about an online dating service?"

Lucy laughed. "I've tried every option I could think of, from online dating to speed dating, to going out on a few blind dates that friends hooked me up with."

Wendy smiled knowingly. "Well, if you're not too averse to the blind date option, I might know a man who might be just right for you."

Lucy allowed an amused grin. "I had a sneaking suspicion that you might."

"He's a friend of mine named Dan Pruitt. He's 29 and never been married. Tall, good looking, dark hair, great body. Very intelligent with a pleasant personality and good sense of humor. I think you will like him."

Lucy's eyebrows went up. "So what does Mister Wonderful do for a living?"

"He's an attorney."

"A lawyer!" Lucy guffawed.

"He specializes in corporate law. You know -- contracts, mergers, settlements -- that sort of thing. Very respectable clientele."

"At least he's not an ambulance chaser." Lucy crossed her arms over her chest and regarded her friend skeptically. "If he's such a great catch, why does he have to have women fix him up with blind dates?"

Wendy leaned back in her chair, knowing she had piqued her client's interest. "Dan had been going with the same girl all through college. He studied law and she went into medicine. After they graduated, the girl landed a job in Africa helping villages with the AIDS problem. Dan didn't see having much opportunity practicing corporate law in Zimbabwe or Rwanda, so they broke it off. Dan drifted around for a while, checking out the bar scene and singles clubs but without much success. He was about to try the online dating scenario when I mentioned you might be available."

"Gee, thanks." Lucy narrowed her eyes at the woman. "How is it you come to know so much about this guy?"

"We bumped into each other at a Chamber of Commerce after-hours mixer. Those things are mostly just an excuse for business networking anyway. Pick up a few clients here and there. Dan and I went out for a drink afterward and he ended up telling me his whole life story."

"Hmmm," Lucy pondered. There probably wouldn't be any harm in going out with the man. It wasn't like she had never been on a blind date before. Lucy suddenly remembered her evening with Sparky and what a terrific time they had. It was great kissing and groping with her friend, but Lucy didn't want to entirely shut the door on men just yet. Then again, she didn't want to hurt Sparky's feelings either. "I don't know," she hedged reservedly. "I haven't had much luck going out with strange men lately."

Wendy eyed Lucy with a thoughtful gaze. "Go out with the guy, Lucy. Hell, it's only a date. You'll have some dinner, a couple drinks, a few laughs. Maybe you'll hit it off. The worse that'll happen is you'll have a nice pleasant dinner with a nice pleasant man. What's the big deal?"

Lucy pondered the notion for a few moments. At last, she nodded her head in acceptance. "All right. I'll give it a try."

"Good girl." Wendy picked up a business card from her desk and handed it to Lucy. "Here is Dan's number. Give him a call. It may not lead anywhere, but at least it will be a nice break from your usual work routine."

Lucy studied the card and thought about it a moment. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go out with the man." She smiled at Wendy and asked, "So, beside my social life, is there anything else weighing heavily on your mind?"

A serious expression passed over Wendy's face. "Actually, the main reason I wanted to meet with you this morning, Lucy, was to discuss a particularly unpleasant subject with you."

Lucy furrowed brow with concern. "What is it?"

"It's a matter concerning the real estate taxes of the shop. As you know, when you father was taken ill, he transferred all financial responsibilities of the business to me. He put me in charge of paying taxes and filing the necessary fiscal reports with the IRS. I've done the best I could with the resources available to me. But some things I had to put off paying as long as I possibly could." She leaned forward and clasped her hands together on her desk blotter. "We both know that revenue from the shop has been going down for a long time, even before your father passed away. Frankly, it doesn't look like things will pick up anytime soon either."

"I know," Lucy sighed woefully. "I'm trying to keep us afloat, and even with only one employee and myself, we barely manage to keep our heads above water."

Wendy nodded soberly. "You may not be aware that your father mortgaged the shop to the hilt. All the assets are owned by the bank. Next month the bank note is due, and at the same time we have to come up with the tax payment. Unfortunately, we can't afford both."

Lucy stared evenly at her friend. "What does that mean?"

"It means we're stuck between a rock and a hard place. If we don't pay the taxes, the government can close your doors until the debt is paid. If we default on the bank, they can seize all your assets. We have to pay at least a partial amount to both entities to keep the wolves at bay."

"How much are we talking about?"

Wendy picked up and studied a piece of paper from her desk. "About five thousand dollars should cover it."

"Five thousand!"

"More or less."

"I don't have that kind of money."

"I know. I've finagled every account I can find and that's the very best I can do. Either we come up with the cash in the next 30 days, or you're out of business."

The news came as a sledgehammer blow to Lucy's chest. She knew the business had been suffering, but until now she simply thought it was a temporary slump. She had no idea the severity of the situation. "What can we do? I don't think I can raise that amount of cash in a month."

"I hate to admit it, but there are only a few options left available to us."

Lucy grasped at the thin thread that Wendy dangled in front of her. "A few options?" she asked eagerly. "Such as?"

Wendy winced slightly. "You're not going to like it."

"Tell me."

"It was because I mentioned Dan Pruitt's name earlier... not only as a possible date for you, but also as a potential resource as well."

Lucy returned a questioning glance. "What do you mean?"

"Word around town is that Dan Pruitt is very wealthy. It might come in handy to have someone with liquid assets on your side should the time come when you need a favor."

An expression of understanding gradually spread across Lucy's face. "Wait a minute! This date with Dan Pruitt was a setup from the very beginning! You want me to go out with a complete stranger and beg him for money?"

Wendy gave an apologetic shrug. "Beg is such a strong word."

Lucy scowled angrily. "I can think of a few other strong words of my own at this moment!"

Wendy sternly eyed her friend. "Look, I didn't say you had to have sex with the man, unless of course you want to. Go out on a date with him. Get to know him a little. Then turn on the charm and ask for the money. How can a man resist a fair damsel in distress?"

Lucy narrowed her eyes in a scowl. "A damsel in financial distress, you mean."

Wendy leaned back in her chair and spread her hands. "All I'm saying is; don't discount the possibility of asking a man for help when you need it."

"In return for what?" Lucy huffed. "Sex? You want me to prostitute myself in order to save the family business?"

"You told me yourself your personal life was in a slump. Go out on a date with the man. You two may hit it off. If you do, it could be the answer to all of your problems; financial and personal."

Lucy frowned at the proposal. "The man is a lawyer. He'll see through this sham in an New York minute. If he likes me, the guy will be insulted if I ask him for a cash advance. He'll think I was only interested in him for his money, which wouldn't be too far from the truth. And what if he does lend me the money? With him being an attorney, he'll undoubtedly want something in return. I may have a nice face and body, but I seriously doubt having sex with me would be worth five grand to any man. He'd no doubt want something concrete as collateral. I'd like to explore every option available to me before I sign over part of my business to a complete stranger."

Wendy casually shrugged a shoulder. "At least meet with the man. Dan is a decent guy and you two might hit it off. Call him up and set up a date with him. Even if you are intent on not asking him for the cash, the worst-case scenario is you'll have a nice dinner with a handsome and charming fellow."

Lucy stared at the card in her palm. Much as she hated to admit it, Wendy was right. None of the dates Lucy had been on panned out to anything. This guy deserved as much of a chance as those other men she went out with. It just riled her that she might also need to find someone with an ample supply of cash on hand to bail her out of a tight jam.

"I suppose you're right," Lucy reluctantly agreed. "I mean, what's the harm in going out with him? It isn't like I haven't been on a blind date before."

Wendy smiled warmly. "That's my girl!"

Lucy stepped out of the building into the bright sunshine. She stood on the sidewalk, dazed by the harsh reality of her circumstances that had slapped her in the face. Lucy had to date a strange man, to prostitute herself to save the shop. What made matters worse is that she and Sparky had recently, though unofficially, become an item. Lucy suspected Sparks would take her stepping back into the dating arena as a personal insult to her womanhood and their friendship.

Lucy groaned and leaned her back against the hard concrete façade of the building. Begging a strange man for money with the fate of the garage hanging in the balance. Plus the very real possibility of hurting her dear friend's feelings. Lucy saw no upside to this whole terrible scenario.

Lucy returned to the shop. Her mind was elsewhere as she walked into the service area.

Sparky was seated at the workbench cleaning a greasy manifold cover. She glanced up at her friend and smiled. "Hi, sweetie!" she chirped brightly. "How did it go?"

Lucy snapped her mind out her reverie and turned to the girl. "Hmm?"

"How did it go with the accountant?"

"Not good." Lucy sat on a stool by the work bench. "Wendy gave me some bad news."

Sparky put down the rag and stared at her. "How bad?"

"Really bad. Armageddon bad."

"What is it?"

Lucy drew in and slowly released her breath. "It seems we have less than a month to come up with five thousand dollars or we might lose the business."

Sparky gasped in shock. "What!"

"Apparently my father hocked everything he could to keep the shop going, but it wasn't enough. We have to come up with some big bucks pronto, or Fast Lanes Auto Service is history."

"Holy crap!"

"Yep," Lucy sighed dejectedly.

"What about applying for a loan from the bank?"

"Wendy already tried that. She contacted every financial institution in town but came up empty."

"I would help you out if I could," Sparks offered. "But I don't have that kind of money. All I have is ninety dollars in a checking account and about eight hundred squirreled away in savings. You're welcome to it if you think it'll help."

Lucy rested her hand on Sparky's arm and smiled. "That's very sweet of you to offer, but you better hold onto it. You may need it to tide you over if you have to go looking for another job."

Sparky slumped her body in misery. "There has to be some way we could raise the money."

"Well, there may be one way," Lucy hedged reservedly. She rose to her feet and began to pace the floor. "But I'm pretty sure you're not going to like it."

Sparky furrowed her brow with a puzzled expression. "Why am I not going to like it?"

Lucy winced and nervously rubbed her hands. "Well... you see... Wendy suggested I meet with a friend of hers and ask him for the money."

"Him? Who is him?"

"A friend of hers. More like an acquaintance, really. Wendy said he's single and good looking. And he wants to go out with me... on a date."

Sparky's face contorted in anger and she sprang to her feet. "You're going to fuck a guy for money!"

Lucy recoiled from the unexpected hostility from her friend. "That's an awful thing to say!"

Sparky crossed her arms over her chest and stared hotly at her boss. "Tell me it isn't true."

Lucy hedged. "Well... we don't exactly have to have sex."

"Oh, and you think that if you smile and bat your long pretty eyelashes at the man, he's going to roll over and hand you five grand, just like that."

"He might."

"In a pig's eye!" Sparks spat. "The very least he'll want is sex, to seal the deal, so to speak. That is, if he only settles for that. My guess is he will want something solid in return, like a chunk of the business."

Lucy rallied her nerve and scowled at the girl. "It seems like I don't have a whole lot of options available to me at the moment."

"Whoring yourself out to the first man who comes up with five thousand bucks is not what I would call a viable option."

"I am not whoring myself!" Lucy barked angrily.

"Aren't you? Sleeping with some stranger in exchange for a wad of dough. Sounds like whoring to me."

"I didn't say I would sleep with him. Besides, it isn't like I have a whole lot of other avenues left open to me."

Sparky glared at her redheaded boss. "If you have to hop into bed with a strange man and fuck for money in order to save the shop, you may as well accept my resignation right now. I could never work for a woman who would stoop to debasing herself to save a stupid old building and a struggling business that her father left to her. I refuse to be a party to this insipid plan."

"I'm not asking you for your permission, Sparks!"

"Good! Because you're not getting it!"

"This is my business and my problem, not yours!"

"You forget that this is my life too!" Sparks snapped in return. She dropped her arms to her sides, her hands clenched in tight fists. "My God! Lucy Lanes, if I didn't love you so damn much, I'd slap some sense into that pretty little head of yours!"

Lucy stared at Sparky for a long time. Her shoulders began to droop as she felt the hostility ebbing from her body. "You are right," she admitted meekly. "I love this old place. I hate to give it up, but the price to keep it may be too high."

Sparky softened and allowed a small smile. "I'm the one who was wrong. This is your business, Luce. The decision on how to keep it from going under is on your shoulders. I can be here for you, to love and support you, but the ultimate decision is up to you. I can't begin to understand what you're feeling or what you're going through right now. But no matter what, I will respect your decision and not judge you, whatever you decide to do."

"Thanks, Sparks." Lucy removed the business card from her jeans pocket. "I suppose I should make a phone call," she sighed ruefully. "Before I change my mind or talk myself out of it."

"Probably a good idea."

She looked at Sparky. "I suppose our dinner date tonight will have to wait."

"We can have dinner anytime. This is more important."

"Maybe. Then again, it's only a harmless date."

Sparky pointed a warning finger at Lucy's nose. "You better keep it harmless, or else!"

Lucy grinned and stepped over to her friend. "My! You can be so feisty at times." She slipped her arms around Sparky's waist and smiled coyly. "I hear that makeup sex after a fight can be pretty great."

"Makeup sex?"

"Yeah."

"I understand that can take a very long time," Sparky conceded. "Perhaps even all night."

"Maybe so."

"So. how about later on tonight?" Sparky smiled, wrapping her arms around Lucy's back. "You're probably going to be awfully horny after fighting off that man's sexual advances all evening. You'll need a nice warm body in your bed to help work off all that pent-up frustration."

"Sounds wonderful," Lucy cooed lovingly. She met Sparky's mouth in a long passionate embrace. She felt her body melt into her lover and instinctively knew that somehow everything was going to work out.

Lucy leaned back and stared intently into her friend's eyes. "You know I love you, don't you, Sparks?"

"Of course you do. We're BFF's." Sparky smiled warmly and kissed Lucy lightly on the lips. "No man with a healthy bank account will ever come between us. No matter how good looking he is."

"Wendy McBride said the man is gorgeous."

"You better shut up now."

"Yes, dear." She sighed happily and said, "I am so lucky to have you."

"Yes, you are." Sparky slid her hands down Lucy's arms and took Lucy's hands in hers. "We're pretty darn lucky to have each other."

Lucy walked to the front office. She sat at her desk and dialed the number. After two rings, a man answered the phone. "Dan Pruitt."

Lucy forced cheerfulness into her voice. "Hello, Dan? This is Lucy Lanes. Wendy McBride gave me your number and suggested that I give you a call." She permitted a little laugh at his response. "No, this is strictly a personal call. Wendy said she told you about me and maybe you might want to get together for a drink or dinner or something." She laughed. "Yes, the pretty redhead, that's me." She had to smile. The man had a soft voice and a charming manner. "Whenever you want to meet. I'm sure your calendar is busier than mine." She winced at the comment. It made her sound like she had no social life whatsoever. "Tonight?" Lucy paused for a few moments for effect. She didn't want to come across as sounding too eager. "Tonight works fine for me. Sure. That sounds great. Seven o'clock is perfect. No, I can meet you there. See you tonight. Bye."

She hung up and stared at the wall. Dan offered to pick her up in his car, but that might prove to be a bit awkward if she wanted the date to end early. Lucy learned through several blind dates that it was better to meet up at a bar or restaurant. That way if things weren't working out, she could quickly skip out.

Lucy stared at the man's business card and wondered what Dan Pruitt looked like. Wendy said he was handsome. He had a nice voice and pleasant disposition on the phone. Dan invited her to an upscale restaurant downtown. Lucy had never been there, not because it was outside her price range, but she felt that place was more for a special occasion. She suspected a successful lawyer like Dan Pruitt brought clients there all the time. Would he expect her to pick up half of the check? Surely not. Wendy alluded to the fact the man was financially well off. A classy attorney would not ask a girl out on a date intending the meal to be Dutch treat.

She allowed herself a small smile. Maybe Wendy was right; it would be a pleasant evening with a handsome man to help her forget about the concerns of the garage for a while.

Chapter 6

Lucy was a bit apprehensive about what to wear to her date that evening. She had been on a lot of dates over the past few months and usually dressed in casual attire like slacks and a sweater or a nice skirt and blouse. This night was different. She was going to a high-class restaurant with an upscale professional. Lucy wanted to look her best, not only to make a good impression, but to not embarrass herself and her date at the swanky restaurant by not dressing appropriately and looking out of place.

Lucy perused her closet, scowling at her minimal assortment of fancy frocks. That was one of the drawbacks of being a female auto mechanic with limited social interaction; you never have a proper dress when you needed one.

She selected a stylish cobalt blue wraparound garment that belted at the waist and fell a few inches above the knees. The dress offered plenty of cleavage and went well with her blood red hair. Lucy frowned as she modeled her outfit in front of the full-length mirror. She hoped displaying her prominent bust wouldn't give the man the wrong idea. This was supposed to be nothing more than a "get to know you" kind of date. She didn't want Mister Pruitt to think she was easy and willing to go to bed with him on the first date.

Then again, she mused, she wanted to lure him in and set the hook in case she needed to hit the man up for a personal loan. Lucy huffed in disgust at herself for even bringing the subject up. This was simply a date, not a plea for money. She wished Wendy McBride had never suggested that option. All Lucy wanted to do was have a pleasant dinner with a nice fellow and forget all about her world and her troubles for a few hours.

She applied some makeup -- not too much -- and added a little curl to her hair with a curling iron. She checked the final result in the mirror. Fabulous! Lucy smiled, thinking it had been a while since she had gotten herself all dolled up for a night on the town. Lately her idea of a good time was takeout pizza and a sappy romantic movie on television.

Lucy checked her wristwatch. Twenty-five minutes past six. She estimated it was only a fifteen-minute drive to the restaurant, so she needed to leave about a quarter to seven. It wouldn't do for her to arrive too early. She wouldn't want the man to get the idea that she was eager to meet him.

Traffic was light and Lucy arrived about seven minutes before the hour. With parking her car and walking to the lobby, she'd be there about five minutes early. Perfect timing, in case her date was already waiting for her. Not too soon, which might give the impression she had nothing better to do than hurry to meet a strange man for dinner, or worse, that she was desperate for a date.

Being late would also be bad, she thought. I might make the man think she didn't care enough about their meeting to make it a priority. Lucy always considered being late as just plain rude.

Lucy realized as she walked to the restaurant that she was actually trembling. Was it nervousness or fear? Was she excited about meeting this man, or terrified that the evening might turn out to be a disaster? Lucy had been on enough blind dates to not be anxious about having dinner with a stranger. For some reason, this evening was different. Her legs felt weak, there was a quiver in her chest, and her pulse was racing.

She entered the lobby and spotted a tall slender man wearing a dark gray suit standing by the maître d's desk. He turned and smiled at her. Lucy drew in a short breath and beamed brightly. My God, he's so handsome, she thought.

The fellow crossed to her and said, "Good evening. I'm Dan Pruitt."

"Lucy Lanes."

Dan took her hand in his and smiled. "You look absolutely stunning."

Lucy giggled and reddened slightly. She had been told how attractive she looked many times, but the sheer sincerity on the man's face made the remark all the more charming. "You look mighty fine yourself," she grinned. Lucy tilted her head with a playful grin. "However," she said, "two people cannot base a lasting relationship on physical attraction alone."

Pruitt allowed a wry smile. "But it's a very good start." He gestured to the dining area. "Shall we?"

Lucy laughed and nodded. "We shall!"

The hostess seated them at a quiet booth near the back of the restaurant and took their drink order.

"Wendy tells me you are the owner of an auto repair garage," he remarked. "I find that rather -- "

"Surprising?" she injected.

"Commendable," he continued. "A young woman operating a business that is typically in a man's realm of expertise." His eyes betrayed a playful twinkle. "Particularly when a woman is as gorgeous as you are. I would have expected you to be in a career more along the lines of the fashion industry."

Lucy smiled. "A lot of guys mentioned that to me. They think that since I have a nice face and decent figure, I should capitalize on those assets."

"I implied nothing of the kind," Dan responded with a wry smile. "I believe that every person should pursue whatever vocation calls to their heart, regardless of whether they are a man or a woman." The waitress brought their drink order and he raised his glass to her in a mock toast. "Or if she happens to be breathtakingly beautiful."

Lucy laughed. "You sure are generous with your compliments, Mister Pruitt." She took a sip of her drink. "I must admit, some men are put off when they discover a lady operating an auto shop. I think they feel threatened somehow, that the female gender is encroaching on their masculine territory." She sipped her drink and regarded the man over the rim. "The truth of the matter is; the garage belonged to my father. He left the business to me when he passed away a few months ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thank you," she sighed. "I suppose I could have gone into some other career more suited to a lady with my... shall we say, certain qualities. Sales perhaps. But rebuilding cars somehow gets into your blood. Tearing apart engines and transmissions, putting all the pieces together and hearing that satisfying purr when all the parts are working together. It makes you feel like you've accomplished something worthwhile. You're actually building something with your bare hands that will last."

"There's nothing wrong with being a lady grease monkey," he smiled. "Though you can't begrudge a few raised eyebrows when that grease monkey is as pretty as you are."

Lucy grinned with genuine humor. "I suppose you're right." Her face turned thoughtful as she studied the man for a few moments. Dan Pruitt really was a great guy. There was no pretense about him, no putting on airs to puff himself up to appear better than he was. Many times, guys would inflate their importance in order to impress a girl on a first date. Not this man. Dan came across as totally unassuming and utterly sincere. Lucy found that pleasantly refreshing in a man. She smiled when she thought of how Wendy had practically forced her to make a date with the fellow.

Lucy's smile quickly faded when she remembered her underlying reason for meeting with Dan Pruitt. She was to wine and dine the man, then hit him up for a loan to save her business. The thought made her ashamed with herself. She felt deceitful and dishonest.

Lucy quickly reminded herself that money was only part of the reason for seeing Dan. Even though she and Sparky had begun seeing each other socially, neither had placed conditions on their relationship as being exclusive. She and Sparky were free to date whomever they liked. If Lucy was indeed in the market to find an eligible bachelor, this man filled all the necessary requirements exceedingly well.

"Is there something wrong?" Dan asked with concern in his voice.

"What?"

"You seem to be somewhere else."

"Oh... sorry." Lucy snapped herself back to the present. "I was just thinking about a certain business issue I've been wrestling with."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Lucy stared stunned at the man. He had just opened the door and was inviting her in. She didn't need to broach the subject of money after all. Dan had created the opportunity for her. All Lucy had to say was, "Can you lend me $5000?" Simple as that. The issue would be dealt with and all her problems would be over.

But Lucy still didn't feel right about it. This was their first date, after all. There was plenty of time to hook up with Dan, score the money, and make the deadline to save her business. For now, she would simply enjoy his company and have a pleasant evening with a handsome, charming man.

"Be careful when you offer assistance to a woman without first finding out the particulars," Lucy remarked with a playful twinkle in her eyes. "You may take on more than you bargained for."

Dan grinned. "If it's moving furniture or fixing a leaking faucet, I'm your man," he laughed. "Also, I happen to be a lawyer, in case you need legal help."

She nodded sagely and took a sip of her drink. "Good to know."

"In any case," he continued, "I am at your service." He took a drink and eyed her over the rim of his glass. "Day or night."

Lucy didn't know what to make of that last statement, and the possibility of a hidden innuendo. She decided to let it go. Lucy raised her drink and smiled warmly over the rim of her glass at him. "Believe me, if I can think of anything you can do to help," she said coyly, "I will definitely let you know."

Lucy was pleasantly surprised that she had a wonderful dinner with Dan Pruitt. The man rarely spoke about his work, which was unusual. Typically, people tended to brag about their jobs, or at the very least, mention things about their profession or co-workers that they disliked. Dan deftly sidestepped the issue of employment each time it came up in conversation. Lucy came to accept that the focus of this evening was to be on them -- their activities, their interests, and the things they had in common -- rather than talk about work all through dinner. Lucy liked that a lot.

After what seemed like only a short time, Dan glanced at his watch and said, "I suppose we ought to be leaving soon."

"Why? What time is it?"

"Nearly eleven."

"Oh my gosh!" Lucy gasped. "Have we been talking for almost four hours?"

"It seems so."

"Wow! Time really does fly when you're having fun."

Dan signaled the waitress for the check. "Did you have fun, Miss Lanes?"

"I most certainly did, Mister Pruitt."

"I'm glad."

Dan paid the bill without asking Lucy to contribute, which was nice. After all, he was the one who invited her out. Or did she? Lucy recalled her phone conversation earlier where she asked Dan to go out with her.

"I'm sorry," she said, resting her hand on his sleeve. "I remembered I was the one who asked you out tonight, and here you are paying our tab."

"It's my pleasure," he smiled without the slightest hint of hesitation. "A pleasant evening, a fabulous meal, and a gorgeous woman as my dinner companion. It was definitely worth it."

"Well, allow me to pick up the tab the next time we go out."

Dan tilted his head and allowed a small smile at the corner of his mouth. "Does that mean you want to go out with me again?"

Lucy thought about the main reason she wanted to meet with Dan in the first place -- to explore the possibility of him giving her financial assistance. She would undoubtedly have to go out with him again if she wanted to keep that avenue open for her.

She also thought about Sparky and how incensed she was at her going on a date with a strange man. Sparky was angry at Lucy for not only begging the man for money, and the possibly of sleeping with him as well. But Lucy sensed an element of jealousy on her part. Sparky felt protective of Lucy -- maybe even possessive of her -- and was hurt when Lucy accepted a date with him. Lucy knew there was no way she was going to sleep with the fellow, no matter how desperately she needed the money. She cared for Sparky too much to hurt her that way, and no amount of cash was worth destroying their friendship.

Lucy offered Dan a warm smile and said, "I'd like to see you again, Dan. Only next time, let's make it a little less formal."

"You got it."

Dan walked Lucy to her car in the parking lot. "I had a very pleasant evening," he stated honestly. "May I call on you to meet again?"

Lucy smiled warmly. "Not if I call you first." Her smile faded for an instant as she recalled her need for financial support. If she called him too soon, Dan might get the idea that the whole reason for seeing him was to get at his money. Lucy liked the man very much and didn't want to sully their relationship by asking for a loan. Lucy forced the smile back on her face and said, "I really enjoyed myself. I'd like to get together again."

"Me too." Dan offered his hand to shake. "Goodbye, Miss Lanes."

Lucy was slightly taken aback that the man didn't try to kiss her good night. She liked that her date didn't assume they were too familiar after one dinner together. Dan Pruitt was a true gentleman. Lucy grinned and shook his hand. "It has been a real pleasure, Mister Pruitt."

Lucy knocked on Sparky's apartment door and waited. A half minute later, Sparks opened the door wearing a knee-length pink cotton robe. The girl crossed her arms over her chest and rested her shoulder on the open door frame. "How did it go?" she asked without emotion.

"I didn't ask him for the money and I didn't sleep with him."

Sparky stared evenly at her friend. "I can't say I'm disappointed with either of those statements."

"May I come in?"

"Of course." She stepped aside and opened the door wider for the woman to enter.

"God, I could use a drink," Lucy groaned.

Sparky closed the door and turned to her friend. "I think I have something better." She took the girl's hand and led her toward the bedroom.

Lucy realized what the girl had in mind. "Are we going to cuddle?"

"For a while," Sparks said. "Then we can have some hot sex, if you are up for it."

"Quite frankly, I think I'd prefer to do a bit more than just cuddle tonight."

"Why is that?"

They stopped beside the bed and Lucy turned to her, still holding Sparky's hand. "I was tempted to kiss him goodnight," Lucy confessed. "But I felt like I would be cheating on you." She touched her free hand to the side of Sparky's face. "You are the only one I ever want to kiss." She leaned closer and touched her lips to hers. The girl's mouth was soft and warm and Lucy sighed with contentment. She had always told herself that when it was right, you would know it. Being with Sparky felt so right.

Lucy slid her hand down the front of her friend's robe and pulled open the belt. She slipped her hands inside and found the girl was naked underneath. Lucy panted with desire as she hungrily kissed her friend. Sparky released Lucy's hand and began unfastening the buttons along the hip of Lucy's dress. A gasp caught in Sparky's throat as Lucy's fingers stroked the sensitive tips of the girl's petite breast beneath the robe.

Sparky leaned back and stared deeply into Lucy's eyes as her fingers eased Lucy's dress off her shoulders. "I want to make love to you," she said softly.

"I want to make love to you too."

Sparky dropped Lucy's dress to the floor and cupped the girl's face in her palms. She kissed the woman with mounting passion. Lucy caressed the girl's bare breasts inside the cotton robe. "Oh god, yes," Sparky panted into Lucy's mouth. "You make me so hot."

"Undress me."

Sparky leaned back and looked quizzically at her partner's face. "What?"

"I want you to take my clothes off."

Sparks grinned lustfully and slid her hands down Lucy's neck to her shoulders. "You are so sensuous and erotic." Lucy lowered her arms to her sides. Sparky slipped her arms around Lucy's body and unfastened her brassiere. She slid the bra down and off Lucy's arms. "Oh yes," Sparky growled lustfully. "You have such an amazing body." She turned Lucy around and eased her to sit on the edge of the bed. She cupped Lucy's breasts in her palms and crushed her mouth to Lucy's.

Sparky tangled her tongue inside Lucy's mouth as she leaned her partner to lie back across the mattress with her legs hanging over the side. She kissed along Lucy's jaw and down her neck as her hands groped the woman's bare breasts.

"Oh Sparks," Lucy moaned lustfully. "You are so hot."

"Hot for you," the girl growled. She kissed and licked over her partner's shoulders and inched down her chest. "Let me ravish you."

Lucy sighed dreamily and caressed Sparky's bare flesh inside the loose robe. "Please, be my guest." Her flesh tingled as Sparky's lips touched her hard erect nipples. "Oh baby," Lucy panted breathlessly. "You are so good." She eased her partner's robe off her shoulders as her partner moved her mouth from one breast to the other. Sparky shed her robe to the floor and sprawled naked atop her partner. Lucy lightly raked her fingernails over her lover's back. Lucy began to writhe with arousal under Sparky's body. "Oh yeah," Lucy breathed with lust. "Make love to me, honey."

Sparks rose up onto all fours above her partner and smiled down at her. "You are one sexy lady."

Lucy grinned and groped Sparky's petite breasts. "You are the sexy one."

Sparky moved off the bed between Lucy's legs. "Let me taste you." She pulled the crotch of Lucy's panties aside and thrust her tongue deep into Lucy's vagina.

Lucy gasped and gripped the sides of Sparky's head, pulling her tighter to her pussy. Lucy expelled her lungs in a deep rush of air. "Oh shit, yes," she breathed. "You got me so hot!"

"And wet," Sparks growled into her lover's cunt. She held Lucy's panties aside for her probing tongue and poked a finger of her other hand under her chin into the girl's pussy.

Lucy lifted her feet from the floor and rested her legs on Sparky's back. Sparks licked and lapped her lover's cunt with her tongue as her finger sawed in and out of the woman's seeping snatch. Lucy's mind reeled with lust. She had never been so stimulated and aroused before. "Let me lick you, Sparky," Lucy whimpered. "Climb up here so I can lick you at the same time."

Sparky grinned up from between her lover's legs and giggled. "Who is being the sexy one now?" Sparks quickly peeled Lucy's panties down her legs and cast them aside. She crawled up onto the bed on all fours and positioned herself above Lucy with her crotch over the girl's face. Lucy hooked her hands onto Sparky's hips and pulled her partner's cunt down onto her mouth.

"Yeah, girl!" Sparky giggled with glee. "Eat that hot wet pussy!"

"I love it when you talk dirty," Lucy murmured as she probed her tongue in and around her lover's vagina. Sparky straddled over Lucy's body and lowered her head between Lucy's legs. She pressed her mouth to the girl's pussy and resumed lapping and licking her partner's cunt.

Lucy's head swam with lust and carnal stimulation. It felt so weird and erotic, like she was licking herself. Lucy shoved her tongue in deeper, straining to reach the furthest recesses of her lover's womb. Sparky increased her licking as well and Lucy felt herself rising to a fever pitch. She knew it wouldn't be too long before she climaxed. She wanted her partner to come at the same time. Lucy slipped one hand under Sparky's belly and tickled the sensitive nub of her clitoris with her fingers. Sparks growled with lust and plunged her tongue deeper inside Lucy's snatch. Lucy licked faster and deeper, sliding her other hand up and over the girl's bare rear. Sparky began bucking and writhing above her, signaling she was getting close.

Sparks slipped her hands under Lucy's buttocks and spread Lucy's vaginal lips from underneath. She licked and swirled her tongue around the delicate folds, inching the woman ever nearer a climax. Lucy's body began to quiver and she knew she was getting close. She smoothed her hand over Sparky's ass and touched a finger to the puckered opening of her ass hole.

Sparky shuddered and grunted and suddenly exploded into Lucy's mouth. The taste of her partner's cum was so delicious Lucy eagerly lapped every drop. Sparky lowered her body and ground her naked breasts against Lucy's tummy. The feeling of Sparky's warm lithe frame atop her chest was the final stimulus Lucy needed to reach a climax. Lucy jerked and spasmed as her cunt erupted in a gush of jizz into her lover's mouth. She shook and trembled atop the bed as wave after wave of nookie juice surged from her sated slit. She poked her fingertip into Sparky's rectum and the girl shoved her tongue to the deepest recesses of Lucy's womanhood. Lucy jerked once more and released another flow of cunt cream onto Sparky's tongue. At last she gave one final spasm and flopped her arms limply to the mattress, utterly spent. Sparky collapsed on top of her body, quivering with release.

"Holy moley," Sparks croaked weakly. "That was intense."

"No shit," Lucy gasped.

Sparky rose up onto all fours and crawled around on the mattress, plopping her body down next to Lucy. "You are one amazing lover," she sighed with contentment.

"I was just thinking the very same thing about you." Lucy slid her arm under Sparky's body and eased the girl to lie on top of her chest. She wrapped her arms around the girl's naked back and kissed her mouth hungrily. "You certainly know how to satisfy this woman."

Sparky grinned happily down at her partner. "I was just thinking the very same thing about you." She kissed Lucy and smiled. "Let me fix us some drinks and we can cuddle in bed for a while."

Lucy smiled dreamily and caressed her hands over Sparky's bare back. "Yes to the drinks," she mused thoughtfully, "but I think I'd like to have sex again before we cuddle."

Sparky laughed. "It's a deal!"

They sat up naked in bed, partially covered by the sheet drinking rum and cokes from red plastic cups. "So," Sparky mused quietly, "tell me about your date with that lawyer dude."

Lucy shrugged a bare shoulder and sipped her drink. "Dan was okay, I guess. He was tall and good looking -- "

"Good looking?" Sparks asked, her eyebrows raised. "How good looking?"

"Really, really," Lucy grinned playfully. "The man was heart-stoppingly handsome."

"And you gave that up for me?" Sparky smiled brightly. "You must really love me or something."

Lucy laughed. "Yes. I suppose I must."

"So I take it, you didn't ask him about the money?"

"No," Lucy sighed ruefully. "We were having such a nice time and I didn't want our dinner date to turn into a sales pitch."

"Do you think he would lend us the money if we needed it?"

"Sure," Lucy shrugged noncommittally as she sipped her drink. "He'd probably write a check for any amount if I asked him to."

"Wow," Sparky chortled. "You must really have the man wrapped around your finger."

Lucy gave her friend a sideways grin. "This gal is not without her talents."

Sparky tapped her cup to the rim of Lucy's. "I'll attest to that!"

Lucy's smile faded into a thoughtful expression. "Of course, Dan would probably expect something in return."

"No doubt."

"Either me or the business or both."

"The man's a lawyer," Sparky stated unemotionally. "He wouldn't be successful if he made stupid deals and bad decisions."

"You're probably right."

"The question is; how far are you willing to go to save the shop?"

"I don't know." Lucy turned to her friend with a pained expression. "I'm not sure I could give myself to him, now that you and I are a couple."

Sparky allowed a knowing smile. "You and I are a couple?"

"I'd like to think so," Lucy grinned demurely. "I don't plan on seeing anyone but you for a while."

"For a while?"

Lucy nodded and laughed. "For a long while."

"In that case," Sparky said, taking both their cups and setting them on the night stand. "I think it would behoove us to seal this deal with a kiss."

Lucy beamed happily and extended her arms as Sparky shifted over to press her naked body to Lucy's chest. "Good! I like it when you kiss me."

Sparky eased her body to lie on top of Lucy. She lightly touched her lips to Lucy's and murmured, "However, on your sensuous lips isn't the only place I intend to kiss you."

Lucy lay naked on her back under the sheets. Sparky snuggled into her side with her head resting on Lucy's shoulder, their legs intertwined. Lucy lightly caressed her hand over her lover's back and along her spine. "This is nice," she murmured softly.

"Yes, it is."

Lucy expelled her breath in a long quiet sigh. "It's weird how some things work out much better than you can imagine, while others don't go as well as you planned."

Sparky nuzzled her face into Lucy's neck and absently drew her fingers over and around the mound of Lucy's breast. "What do you mean?"

"I mean with the shop. When my dad was working along with us, things were nice. You and I could tinker on automobiles all day long while he was busy with the paperwork. Then Dad died and everything changed."

"Yeah," Sparky mused quietly. "I'm so sorry."

"Me too. All at once I shifted from auto mechanic to business owner in one fell swoop. I never asked to be the boss."

"I happen to think you are a mighty fine boss."

"Thank you. I wanted to be even better. I wanted to give you a raise right away for being so loyal and so good at what you do, but the money just wasn't there. I didn't realize how much in debt the business was. Dad mortgaged everything to the hilt just to make ends meet. We're barely keeping our heads above water as it is. It scares me to think I might lose everything my father worked so hard for."

Sparky tilted her head and nudged her nose under Lucy's ear. "The only thing that scares me is losing you."

Lucy smiled and slid her hand lower to caress Sparky's rear. "You would never lose me, Sparks. Never in a million years."

"I'm glad." Sparky drew in a breath and let out a deep sigh. Her finger traced a circle around Lucy's nipple. "I wish there was some way I could help get the business back in the black. I mean, it would suck if we had to close our doors. Not so much for you, Luce. You could get a job anywhere in a second. Office manager, accounting, receptionist -- hell, you could be a professional model if you wanted. Me? The only thing I know how to do is fix cars. Female mechanics are not in high demand these days. First of all, shops don't like having gals show up their male employees by being better than they are. Secondly, I'm not sure I'd like working in a garage with a lot of other guys. They might treat me as inferior, or make fun of me. Personally, I like being the top banana in my own shop. You may have discovered I'm not much for taking orders."

Lucy chuckled quietly. "So I've noticed."

"The thing that would hurt the most would be breaking us up. I think that part might just about kill me."

Lucy turned her head and looked quizzically at the girl. "Why?"

Sparky shifted up onto one elbow and gazed down at her friend. "You know why I always come in early and get coffee going for you? Why I never take vacations? Why I spend every moment I can get at the shop? It's because I love being with you. Ever since we've been kids, I wanted to spend all my time with you. You are a wonderful person, Luce, so fun and intelligent and adventurous. But lately it's become much more than that. I realized some time ago that I have feelings for you, Lucy. Real feelings. At first, I couldn't understand why my attraction to you had grown stronger. Maybe it was because you blossomed into an incredible, gorgeous, sexy supermodel. You are so beautiful, sometimes it makes my head spin and I have to catch myself whenever I find myself staring at you like some lustful prepubescent teenager." Sparky stared down into Lucy's face and brushed a strand of hair from her brow with her finger. "The truth of the matter is; I love you, Lucy Lanes. You're more to me than my best friend and have been for a very long time."

Lucy smiled up at her friend. She raised her hand to smooth along Sparky's hip to her chest and rubbed her thumb over her nipple. "I love you too, Sparks." She dropped her other hand behind Sparky's back and groped the girl's rear. "Kiss me."

Sparky stared at Lucy without expression. She gradually lowered her head to touch her lips to Lucy's mouth. It was all so tender and affectionate that Lucy's chest swelled with adoration for her dear friend. All at once, the worry and concern she kept bottled inside her over the losing of her father's business instantly melted away. She felt all anxiety evaporate as she held this warm, loving woman in her arms. Lucy gently pulled Sparky over to lay on top of her as their kiss grew in intensity. Lucy knew in that single moment that everything was going to turn out all right.

Chapter 7

Lucy spent the night in Sparky's bed. She found it surprisingly nice to discover how much she liked having a warm body lying next to her, the two women cuddling together and finally falling asleep in each other's arms.

Lucy awoke early and crawled quietly out of bed, careful not to wake her slumbering companion. The poor girl was completely worn out from their numerous lovemaking sessions. Sparky looked so peaceful in her sleep, and so sensuously desirable tangled naked in the rumpled bed sheets. Lucy was tempted to rouse the girl awake for some early morning gratification.

She started a pot of coffee in the coffee maker and left a note on the countertop saying she would see Sparky at the garage after she went home to change. Lucy signed the note with lots f X's and O's. She couldn't resist giving her sleeping companion a tender smooch on the forehead before leaving the apartment.

Lucy went home to shower and change. She put on a light pastel blue sleeveless top ever a white cotton brassiere, cutoff denim shorts and sandals. She strolled into the lobby of the garage at ten minutes after eight to find Suzie at the coffee pot pouring herself a cup.

"What's new, pussycat?" Lucy lilted brightly.

Sparky waggled her eyebrows lecherously and growled, "Meow!"

Lucy came around the counter and set her purse on her desk. "Can I have a cup?"

The girl still held the pot as she picked up a ceramic mug in her free hand. "It'll cost you."

"Oh?" Lucy grinned knowingly as she moved closer to the girl and gave her a soft kiss on the mouth.

Sparky smiled happily and handed the steaming cup to her boss. "Payment received."

Lucy took a sip and rested her rear against the edge of the desk. "I really enjoyed last night."

"Me too. Except for the waking up alone part."

"Sorry about that. Maybe I should keep a change of clothes at your place just in case, so I won't have to rush out in the morning."

"Perhaps you should." Sparky tilted her head and eyed her friend thoughtfully. "Tomorrow is your birthday. Any plans?"

"No," Lucy winced. "And don't go making a big fuss about it either. I feel old enough already without a bouquet of black balloons and two dozen plus candles on a cake to remind me."

"Fair enough. How about a quiet dinner? Just the two of us?"

Lucy smiled warmly. "That sounds perfect."

"Then it's a plan." Sparky turned to leave the office, but paused to give her boss a peck on the cheek. "Got to get to work. My boss is a real slave driver."

"She wouldn't have to be," Lucy chuckled, patting the girl on the tush as she passed by. "If you didn't spend so much time fraternizing with the other employees."

"Touché."

Later that morning, Sparky turned her head from checking a stock number on a gasket as Lucy entered the parts room. "Hey, you," the mechanic responded unemotionally, turning back to studying the label. "What's up?"

"Just wanted to have a little business meeting," Lucy replied casually. She closed the door and turned the lock. Sparky gave her boss a questioning look. Lucy smiled seductively and sauntered over to the girl. "I wanted a little privacy for our meeting."

"I can see that," Sparky said. "Why all the secrecy?"

"I don't want us to be interrupted." Lucy moved closer to her friend and hooked her hand around Sparky's neck, pulling her mouth to hers in a long fiery kiss.

After a long while she let the girl up for air. Sparky grinned with amusement and asked, "What was that all about?"

"I was thinking about starting an employee appreciation program."

"I'm your only employee," Sparky chuckled.

"Lucky you." Lucy tugged the zipper down the front of Sparky's coveralls to her navel. "Let me show you some of my appreciation right now." Lucy lifted Sparky's white tee shirt under the coveralls to her neck and leaned down to suck one of her petite breasts into her mouth.

"Oh yes!" Sparks giggled with glee. "I'm liking this new policy a whole lot!"

Lucy slipped her hand into the opening of her coveralls and snaked her fingers into Sparky's panties. She probed her fingers into the girl's vagina as she licked and sucked a nipple with her lips.

Sparky set the gasket aside and raked her fingers through Lucy's long red tresses. "I don't know what I did to deserve this amorous attention," Sparks said, "but whatever it was, I need to do it more often."

Lucy raised her head and kissed Sparky passionately on the mouth. "I was missing you terribly, that's all."

"But we just had sex last night."

"True," Lucy rasped lustfully. "But that was last night." She fingered the girl's pussy and groped Sparky's small breasts with her other hand. "You want me to make you cum right here in the parts room?"

"You keep that up, and you most certainly will."

Lucy kissed her friend hungrily, her finger pumping in and out, deeper and harder into her lover's cunt. The girl began to quiver and Lucy knew it wouldn't be too long before she would reach a climax. Lucy bent down and licked a nipple, her free hand massaging the other breast. Sparky gripped the shelving behind her with both hands and shuddered as a flow of pussy juice seeped onto Lucy's delving fingers. She quivered and trembled with release, then slowly relaxed.

Lucy straightened and removed her hand from the girl's panties. She grinned seductively and licked the stickiness from her fingers. "I'm glad we could have this little chat," she remarked casually.

"Me too," Sparky responded weakly. "Any time."

Lucy moved to the door and unlocked it. She turned with a smile and said, "It's very important to keep employee morale up if you want to maintain a good working relationship."

Sparky nodded in agreement. "I wholeheartedly concur."

Lucy gave a playful wink and stepped out the door. The girl stood with her hands on the rack for support, her coveralls open and her undershirt askew. She murmured under her breath, "Something tells me we are going to need to make room for a cot in here."

Lucy was at her desk entering figures into the computer on an invoice for a Toyota Camry exhaust job when the telephone rang. Lucy picked up the receiver and chirped cheerfully, "Fast Lanes Automotive."

A man's voice said, "May I speak to Lucy Lanes, please?"

"You got her."

"Lucy? It's Dan Pruitt."

Lucy grinned and leaned back in her chair. "Dan! It's so nice to hear from you! How are you doing?"

"I'm doing great! As a matter of fact, I was wondering if I might be able to invite you out to lunch. That is, if it isn't too short of notice."

Lucy glanced up at the clock on the wall. 11:03. "Lunch would be fine. However, I'm not dressed for going out to a fancy restaurant."

"That's okay. I don't go to fancy places myself very often. I only did that the other night to impress you."

"Well, it worked. This gal was properly impressed."

"I'm glad. To be honest, I was arguing a case today when the judge called a recess for lunch. I seem to have found myself with a couple hours free and I thought of you."

"That's so sweet!"

"Listen; there's a quaint sidewalk café on 8th street called Manny's. Should be just the place for a lawyer in a business suit to meet a lady mechanic in bib overalls."

Lucy laughed and said, "That's my other mechanic, Sparky. She's the one who usually wears coveralls. I'm wearing a tee shirt and cutoffs today."

"Another lady mechanic," Dan chuckled. "Named Sparky, no less. This I have to hear about. Meet me in twenty minutes?"

Lucy grinned and nodded. "It's a date! See you there! Bye!" As Lucy hung up the receiver, her mind wandered back to her financial dilemma. She hadn't wanted to broach the subject of asking for financial assistance on the first date, even though the man was nice enough to offer to help in any way he could. But now that they knew each other better, Lucy felt Dan was less a stranger and more like a friend. It was okay to borrow money from friends.

Lucy strolled into the service area to find Sparky searching for a socket wrench in the tall red multi-drawer tool cabinet. "I have to leave for a lunch appointment," she announced without emotion.

Sparks didn't look up. "Oh? With whom?"

"Dan Pruitt."

The girl stopped and turned her head to her friend. "A business appointment?"

"More like an impromptu lunch date."

"I see." She straightened rested her elbow on the tool box. "An impromptu lunch date with your handsome lawyer stud."

Lucy paused with her hands on her hips. "First of all, he isn't my handsome lawyer. And secondly, Dan is not a stud."

Sparky gave a knowing grin. "Really? Are you saying you wouldn't be attracted to him if we were not together?"

"Well... maybe." Lucy straightened her spine in defiance. "Of course not."

"So what you're saying is, after all your effort of finding the right man through a myriad of dating experiences, here drops a successful, good looking guy into your lap and you're not the least bit interested."

"Certainly not."

Sparky returned to her search in the tool box for the elusive wrench. "Then I guess a little afternoon delight with your handsome lawyer stud is out of the question."

Lucy decided to play Sparky's game. "No chance of midday nookie either, I'm afraid," she snorted irritably. "Dan only has a couple hours free."

Sparky wouldn't bite. "You'd better make it a quickie, then. Wham, bam, thank you, ma'am."

Lucy chuckled and moved closer to her friend. "Not going to happen." She wrapped her arms around Sparky's narrow waist and rested her cheek on the girl's shoulder. "You are the only one I want to have delight with -- afternoon, morning and night."

"You're sweet." The girl straightened and turned in Lucy's arms to give her a soft kiss on the mouth. "So why the lunch date?"

"Dan had a recess from court and wanted to meet at a café on 8th street."

"Are you going to broach the subject of financial assistance this time?"

Lucy broke their embrace and rested her hip against the tool cabinet. "I don't know. I don't want to if I don't have to. I should at least feel him out to see if it is a possibility."

Sparky smirked and returned her attention to the drawer of socket wrenches. "Have a nice time feeling each other out."

Lucy grinned and gave a playful spank on the mechanic's butt. "Such a dirty mind you have, Miss Commons."

"I just call 'em as I see 'em." She plucked a tool out of the drawer and held it up in victory. "Aha! You little 11-millimeter devil! Now I can finish that BMW job I'm working on.

"I'll leave you to it." She turned to leave. "I have a handsome lawyer stud waiting for me to feel him up."

"Feel him out," Sparky corrected.

"That too. Ta ta!"

Lucy arrived at Manny's precisely 17 minutes later. Dan Pruitt was already there waiting. Lucy liked punctuality in a man. Dan Pruitt was not a fellow to keep his date waiting.

"Holy Hannah," the lawyer exhaled reverently at the sight of the lovely redhead strolling up to meet him. "I didn't think it was possible, but you look even more beautiful in casual wear than in a formal gown."

Lucy giggled and moved closer to the man and gave him a smooch on the cheek. "You, on the other hand, look pretty much the same."

"Ouch!"

"I meant that as a compliment! You look very dashing in your lawyer attire."

Dan nodded in acceptance. "A fairly decent job of back-pedaling, Miss Lanes."

Lucy grinned and spread her arms, gesturing to her informal outfit of cutoffs and tee shirt. "We must be a sight! I look like a poor country cousin compared to you."

"I think you look great." Dan moved to a wrought iron table with two chairs and pulled one back. "Is this okay with you?"

Lucy glanced around. Manny's was a quaint old restaurant with a scatting of round metal tables and chairs along the sidewalk. It was a perfect sunny day, just right for having lunch al fresco. "This is great!" Lucy accepted the seat and Dan scooted the chair closer to the table. "I'm so glad you invited me out. I never did get a grasp of the proper protocol of who is supposed to call whom after the first date."

Dan sat across from her. "I believe the man is supposed to call the lady two days later. One day means he's desperate, and three days means he's not really interested in her."

A waitress appeared and handed them each a paper menu and took their drink order. They both ordered iced tea. "Sounds rather sexist," Lucy smiled as the waitress headed into the restaurant. "A girl is supposed to put her life on hold waiting for the man to call. What if she wants to call him?"

"Did you?"

"Did I what?"

"Want to call me?"

Lucy looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, "I was the one who called you for our first date. This time it was your turn."

Dan smiled and nodded. "You are perfectly correct. Did I wait the appropriate length of time?"

"Yes." She grinned at her date as the waitress delivered their drinks. "You did it just right."

Dan ordered a Philly sandwich and Lucy opted for a chef's salad. The two talked amiable over lunch, discussing the weather and local politics. Lucy enquired about Dan's legal practice -- since this was their second date, discussing work was acceptable -- and Dan learned about how Lucy acquired the automotive business after her father passed away. Lucy discovered she felt completely relaxed around the man. She didn't feel any of the pressure she had experienced when she was exploring the dating scene. She and Dan Pruitt were simply good friends sharing a meal together.

Dan glanced at his watch and grimaced. "I have to run," he apologized. "Hopefully we can do this again sometime."

Lucy smiled and nodded. "I would like that." She suddenly realized she had not mentioned the possibility of him helping her out financially. No matter. There was still time to discuss the issue later.

Pruitt reached for his wallet to pay the bill. Lucy stopped him with her hand on his sleeve and said, "As I recall, this is my turn to treat."

"Oh... that's right." Dan grinned playfully. "If I had known, I would have ordered the onion rings too."

Lucy laughed. "You missed your chance!"

He held her chair for her to stand like a true gentleman. Lucy turned to him and smiled. "I had a really nice time. Thank you for inviting me."

"It was my pleasure."

Lucy gave him a kiss on the cheek and patted his arm. "See you around, counselor."

Dan grinned and nodded. "I certainly hope so, Miss Lanes."

I was a few minutes after five pm when Lucy walked from the front office to the service area and called, "Hey, girl! It's time to call it a day!"

Sparky rolled out on a dolly from under a blue Chevy sedan. "Just as well. I'm at a stopping point anyway."

Lucy leaned her rear against the back panel of the car. "If you have nothing going on tonight, maybe you might want to come over to my place later. I can make some popcorn and we can cuddle on the couch and watch an old sappy movie on TV."

Sparky stood and grinned. "A birthday party for two?"

"No party," Lucy scowled. "I feel old enough already without the pleasure of being reminded of the fact." She pointed an accusing finger at her friend's chest. "And no presents either."

"All right, all right," Sparky huffed. She pulled a rag out of the back pocket of her coveralls. "You know, I haven't been to your house since before your father died," Sparky said.

"Yeah," Lucy nodded soberly. "Maybe that's why I prefer to meet at your place after work. The house seems so cold and empty since he passed away. It's like it isn't the same house anymore."

"You really miss him, don't you?"

"Yes," Lucy sighed sadly. "Terribly. Dad was a great guy. After mom died, it was just him and me."

"And me," Sparks added.

Lucy chuckled. "Yes, and you too. Daddy added a lot of love and laughter to that house. Now, with him gone, that house is a constant reminder of all the good times we had together."

"That's not a bad thing," Sparks said gently. "Sometimes it's nice to have reminders of the people we have loved and the times we shared together."

"You're right. I guess that's why I'm hanging onto that old building, just like I'm clinging to this dusty, dirty old garage. It reminds me of those good times." Lucy snapped herself out of her gloomy reverie. "So, are you up for coming over tonight?"

"Let me check my social calendar." Sparky stared thoughtfully at the ceiling as she wiped her hands on the rag. She looked back at Lucy and nodded. "My calendar is all clear. What time do you want me?"

"Eight o'clock okay?"

"Sounds perfect. I'll see you then."

Sparks turned to leave and Lucy caught her by hooking two fingers in her back pocket. "Whoa, there, girl," Lucy scowled playfully. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

Sparky glanced at her with a quizzical expression. "What?"

Lucy tilted her head to indicate the clock on the wall. "It's after hours. We're on our own time now."

The mechanic grinned and moved toward her boss. "So it is! How silly of me to forget." She leaned closer to Lucy and met her lips with a gentle tender kiss. "See you later, honey."

Lucy grinned and nodded. "I'll look forward to it."

Sparky chuckled and shook her head as she started for the door. "You are definitely the best boss ever."

A few minutes before eight, Lucy turned to a knock on her front door. She opened it to find Sparky on the step wearing a pleated black skirt falling just above the knee, black low-heel shoes, and a navy-blue sleeveless top. The girl held a cardboard box in her hands. "Hi there, honey!" Sparks chirped merrily as she gave Lucy a quick peck on the cheek.

Lucy stepped aside and held the door wider for her guest to enter. "My, don't you look in the festive and in a party mood," Lucy observed.

"This is a special occasion, after all," Sparky replied. "I see you changed as well."

Lucy spread her arms and performed a short curtsy showing off her red mini skirt and pink ruffled blouse. "I am the hostess of this soiree after all." Lucy glanced at the package in Sparky's hands. "If there's a pizza in that box, it's got to be the weirdest shaped pizza I've ever seen."

Her friend giggled and set the box on the side table. "It's not a pizza." She turned and spread her arms to her friend. "Though I did bring something else that's hot for you."

Lucy laughed and moved into her embrace. "Hot and spicy!" The two hugged and kissed each other hello. Lucy leaned back and smiled warmly at her friend. "So what's in the box?"

"It's a present for both of us."

"A present?" Lucy frowned with skepticism.

Sparky nodded and broke away. "For both of us," she called over her shoulder as she headed to the kitchen. "I assume you have some diet coke or something to go with the popcorn?"

"Of course, I do," Lucy replied as she hurried after her friend. "And you are deliberately changing the subject."

"I merely want it to be a surprise for later."

"You are a very cruel woman."

Sparky stopped and turned to her host with a hand resting on her hip. "Do you really want to know?"

"Hell yes! You got me curious."

Her guest belied a small smile. "Well, I did some shopping on the internet a couple of days ago and found something we both might enjoy playing with. It just came in today."

Lucy waited three heartbeats before asking, "Which is...?"

Sparky winced and flushed slightly. "What you might call a 'girl toy'."

Lucy furrowed her brow with confusion. "A girl toy?"

Sparks rolled her eyes and expelled her breath in an exasperated huff. "I suppose I better show you." She crossed to fetch the package and opened it for Lucy to see.

Lucy glanced into the box. It contained a long purple rubber tube about a foot and a half long with ribs all along the shaft. "What the hell is that?" she murmured curiously.

"It's what they call a double dildo."

Lucy looked at the girl without comprehending. "A double what?"

"A double dildo." Sparky removed it from the box and held it up. The rubber rod wiggled like a big thick worm. "To put it crudely, one end goes in me, the other into you."

Lucy wrinkled her forehead with confusion, still not grasping the purpose of the strange object. "One end in me where?" Her face suddenly went blank with incredulity. "Whoa! Wait! You have got to be kidding!"

Sparky laughed at her friend's shocked expression. "It's no big deal. It's just a toy. Haven't you ever heard of girls using toys in the bedroom to satisfy themselves?"

"Yes, but..." Lucy was still skeptical. "It's so... huge."

Sparks looked at the rubber tool and shrugged. "They claimed on the website that one size fits all." She put the dildo back in the box. "I bought some lubricant too, just in case."

Lucy rolled her eyes and turned for the kitchen. "To hell with diet coke. I have to have a lot of alcohol in me before I let you probe me with that latex boa constrictor."

Sparky laughed and followed her friend to the refrigerator. "I love the fact that you are so fun and adventurous!"

"Crazy is more like it." She pulled a chilled bottle of chardonnay from the fridge. "I swear, the things I let you talk me into. Hugging, kissing, fondling... and now this."

Sparky leaned closer and met her lips with a soft kiss. "You must love me or something."

Lucy nodded her head in acceptance and sighed. "That must be it."

"So what are we having for dinner?" Sparky asked.

"Lasagna."

"Wow! That's pretty fancy."

"Nothing to it," Lucy shrugged casually as she filled two glasses with wine. "You pick it up frozen from the store, pop it in the oven with some French bread, and toss a salad. It isn't rocket science."

Sparky laughed. "Touché."

Chapter 8

The pair had a very pleasant meal with lively conversation, discussing Hollywood stars, their favorite songs and performers, and recent trends in ladies' fashion. Afterward, they retired to the couch, each with a glass of white wine. Sparky sat on the couch close to the arm with Lucy snuggled to her side. "Sorry for being overly-friendly," Lucy apologized with a smile. "I just happen to like cuddling with you."

"You'll not hear any complaints from me."

Lucy pressed her chest against Sparky's arm and leaned in to give her a smooch on the lips. "It must be the wine," she purred demurely. "All of a sudden it feels a bit warm in here."

"You're not warm," Sparks grinned. "You are hot... as in totally hot!"

Lucy giggled with amusement. "You're so cute."

Sparky stared deeply into her partner's eyes. "I swear, Luce, you get more and more beautiful every day."

"You are so sweet." Lucy set her drink aside and cupped Sparky's face in her palms. "And you get more desirable every day." She crushed her mouth to her lover's lips in a fiery, passionate kiss.

Sparky raised her free hand and caressed Lucy's breast as their tongues tangled in a hungry French kiss.

After a long while, Lucy let her partner up for air and stared at her lustfully. "Enough of this kissing and cuddling," Lucy growled. "Let's check out that new toy of yours."

Her guest grinned widely. "You really want to?"

"Why the hell not? You said I was adventurous. Plus, I think I've got enough wine in me."

Sparks hopped off the couch and hurried to the kitchen. She returned a moment later with the open box. "Take off your panties." Lucy reached under her red mini skirt and pulled her pink silk panties down and off her legs as Sparky sat next to her and removed the rubber dildo from the box. "First we have to get you ready. Lay back." Lucy leaned back across the cushions with her shoulder blades resting on the arm of the sofa. Sparky leaned over and lifted Lucy's skirt with the fingers of her free hand. "What a beautiful pussy you have!"

Lucy giggled. "I'm glad you think so!"

"Good enough to eat." Sparks leaned closer and dragged her tongue over Lucy's vagina.

Lucy quivered with arousal. "Oh God, girl! What you do to me!"

Sparky licked in and around the soft delicate folds. Soon Lucy was squirming and writhing from sensual stimulation. "You're getting wet," Sparks breathed into Lucy's vagina as her lips and tongue continued to bring the girl to a frenzied peak.

"You're getting me wet," Lucy panted lustfully.

Sparky straightened and brought the dildo under Lucy's skirt. She rubbed the rubber head along Lucy's moist pussy lips. "How's that feel?"

"It feels weird."

Sparky continued to rub Lucy's vagina as she reached for the bottle of lubricant. "We may need a little lube for you."

Lucy closed her eyes and savored the sensual sensations. "You're the boss. Do with me what you will."

Sparks giggled with glee. "I like it when I get to be in charge!" She dripped a little lubricant onto Lucy's pussy and smeared it around with the head of the rubber dick.

"Oh hell yeah," Lucy moaned. She groped her breasts in her blouse and lolled her head from side to side. "That feels great."

"It gets better." Sparky inserted the tip of the dildo into Lucy's pussy. Lucy exhaled her breath in a lustful gasp. Her lover pumped an inch of the head in and out of the wet opening. "How about now?" Sparks asked.

"Don't fucking stop," Lucy rasped breathlessly. "That feels so good."

"Damn, you are one hot and sexy woman." Sparks eased more and more of the rubber tube into her friend. Lucy was now writhing in carnal ecstasy. "Here -- you take over. I want to join you."

Lucy opened her eyes and stared at her partner. "What?"

"Take hold of the toy and continue to stroke it in and out while I get undressed."

"Okay." Lucy lowered her hands to her crotch and took the tool in both hands. She began pumping in and out of her wet vent. "Wow!" she gasped. "This is so wild!"

Sparky hopped off the couch and quickly peeled off her skirt and panties. "You are incredibly hot!" She grabbed the lubricant and poured a portion into her palm. She took the loose end of the rubber pole and greased her fingers along the tip.

Lucy watched her friend and never slowed her stroke. "What are you going to do?"

"The toy has two ends. I'm going to use one."

Lucy grinned with lust. "This I've got to see."

Sparky rubbed the lubricant in her palm over her vagina as she moved on her knees between Lucy's legs. "This may take a bit of creative contortion." She kneeled close to Lucy's crotch and took the loose end of the rubber phallus and poked the head into her cunt. "Holy shit! That feels weird!"

"It gets better," Lucy laughed.

Sparks pressed an inch inside and matched Lucy's stroke. Soon they were see-sawing the toy in and out of both of them at once. "Shit yeah!" Sparky squealed with delight. "This is nuts!"

Lucy rubbed her chest and pumped the tool with the other. She stared down along her body at Sparky kneeling between her legs. The girl's petite boobs jiggled under the thin material of her top. "Show me your tits." Sparky released her hold on the rubber dick and quickly peeled her sleeveless top over her head and flung it aside. The girl wore no brassiere underneath. She gripped the dick and resumed pumping her cunt. Lucy grinned with lust at her friend. "Damn! That is the sexiest thing I have ever seen in my life!"

Sparky beamed brightly down at her lover as she pumped the toy inside her. "You think I'm sexy?"

"Fuck yeah! Hell, just watching those pretty little titties of yours jiggling around is going to make me have a fucking orgasm!"

Sparky grinned and leaned closer. "Let me assist you with that." She put her free hand on Lucy's crotch and rubbed her thumb over the nub of her clitoris.

"Oh Fuck!" Lucy gasped. She arched her back off the couch and shuddered as she climaxed. Her body jerked and jolted with release. It was much more powerful than Lucy had expected. She held the tube inside her and quivered as her pussy tingled and throbbed. "Damn, that was good," she finally sighed with contentment.

"You are so hot!" Sparky grinned as she continued to service herself.

Lucy pushed herself up to sit and hooked her arm around Sparky's neck. She pulled the girl's mouth to hers in a long passionate kiss. Sparky groped Lucy's breast with one hand as she pumped the rubber cock in and out of her with the other. Lucy tangled her tongue in her lover's mouth as her free hand caressed the girl's chest. "Let me take care of you," Lucy panted into Sparky's mouth.

"Okay."

Lucy eased her partner back to lay atop the cushions. She gripped the rubber tool with both hands and began reaming in and out of Sparky's seeping vent. "Oh yeah," Sparks sighed with contentment. "You are the best."

Lucy leaned down and sucked one nipple into her mouth. Sparky quivered below her with arousal. Lucy pumped the rod in and out with one hand and shifted the other to the girl's pubic mound. Lucy's thumb rubbed the sensitive button of her partner's clitoris. Sparky moaned in ecstasy and undulated her body atop the couch. Lucy moved her mouth from one nipple to the other, her fingers bringing the girl to the brink of release. "Oh fuck, girl," Sparks rasped. "You keep that up you're going to make me cum."

Lucy smiled down at her lover and said, "Let me assist you with that." She shifted her body down the couch until her head was over Sparky's waist. She lowered her mouth to lick the girl's clit as she pumped the rubber tool in and out of her oozing vent. Sparky's body bucked and thrashed below her. "God, Lucy! You are so good! I feel like I'm on fire!"

Lucy pulled the rubber toy out of her lover's cunt and tossed it on the floor. She slipped her hands between the girl's legs and clamped them on Sparky's butt. Lucy gripped the girl's rear and raise her off the couch, her mouth pressed hard onto Sparky's vagina and her tongue driving deep inside. "Oh fuck!" Sparks exclaimed. She grabbed onto Lucy's head with both hands and pulled her face tighter to her cunt. Lucy drove her tongue in deeper, straining to reach the furthest recesses of the girl's womanhood. Sparky bucked wildly below her like a woman possessed. Lucy squeezed Sparky's butt cheeks harder and swiped her tongue around the walls of her lover's womb. Lucy knew she was overcome with lust and was drunk from the wine, but something about the taste of her lover's juices on her tongue drove her absolutely wild. She couldn't get enough of it. She wanted Sparky to cum so she could drink in all the delicious sweet nectar that her partner's pussy could provide.

Lucy rubbed her face up and down Sparky's cunt as her tongue probed deep inside. She practically willed the girl to orgasm on her face. Lucy rubbed her nose back and forth against Sparky's clit to add extra stimulation. Her lover was practically comatose from erotic euphoria. Sparks lolled her head from side to side in a daze and moaned. "Oh fuck."

Lucy wanted her friend to cum. She was licking and sucking the girl for all she was worth, but she knew she couldn't keep that pace up forever. Lucy moved one hand on Sparky's ass and poked her thumb into the girl's tight butt hole. Sparky jerked and spasmed and instantly released a flow of pussy juice onto Lucy's tongue. Lucy lapped up every delicious drop, savoring the taste and craving more. Now she knew the secret to getting her partner to climax. Lucy moved one hand between Sparky's legs and shoved her index finger all the way into her anus. Sparks jerked like she was jabbed with a cattle prod and climaxed once again. Lucy licked her friend dry. Sparky collapsed utterly spent, her arms limp at her sides.

Lucy lowered her lover's rear to the sofa and moved above her friend. "Are you okay?"

The girl smiled dreamily as if she was nearly asleep. "Honey, I passed okay a long time ago." She cracked open her eyes and gave a weak smile. "Kiss me. I can't move."

Lucy chuckled and lowered her lips to meet Sparky's mouth in a tender kiss. "Remind me to have you do my Christmas shopping for me," she murmured. "You definitely know how to buy the perfect gift."

Sparky giggled softly. "Have I told you lately how much I love you?"

"Not lately." Lucy shifted her body to lay upon her lover. "But you can tell me later in bed."

Sparks furrowed one brow and asked, "You want me to sleep over?"

"I doubt there will be much sleeping involved," Lucy cooed demurely. "But I want you to share my bed tonight. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms."

Sparky raised her arms and caressed her hands over Lucy's back. "I would like that very much."

A single candle flickered atop the tall bedroom dresser as the ladies lay naked under the bed sheet. Their bodies were pressed together, arms and legs entwined, lips kissing and licking each other's mouth. Lucy had one hand wedged between their tummies holding onto the rubber dildo as she pressed it in and out of their pussies.

"You are so erotic," Sparky cooed dreamily. "It feels like we're fucking each other."

"We are fucking each other," Lucy murmured softly. "This is exactly what it feels like."

"I like it."

"Me too."

"I like feeling your warm sexy body close to mine."

"Me too." Lucy eased the tube in and out, sawing the tool into both of them, alternating between their damp seeping vaginas. "I like our toy too," Lucy smiled demurely. "Maybe there are other things we can try sometime."

Sparky giggled. "Feeling adventurous, are we?"

"Maybe." She kissed her friend and smiled. "We could have a costume night and dress up. Fantasy role-playing could be fun."

"Or put a plastic sheet down and have naked baby oil night."

Lucy laughed. "You do have a vivid imagination!"

"I told you I read a lot of romance novels." Sparky slowly eased her body closer and shifted to lie on top of Lucy's chest. "Allow me to take over." She reached both hands down to her groin and gripped the rubber phallus between them. "I say it's time to get this pair of ladies off."

"Fine with me." Lucy let go of the dildo and clamped her hands onto Sparky's rear. "That will leave me free to grope your nice tight butt."

Sparks giggled as Lucy's palms and fingers kneaded her derriere. "You like my butt?"

"You have a magnificent ass."

Sparky pumped the tube harder and deeper inside them. "You have a magnificent everything."

"Thank you for saying so."

"I definitely say so." She sawed the tool in and out, their vaginas seeping with jizz. "I am definitely going to cum soon."

"Me too." Lucy groped Sparky's rear and arched her spine off the bed to press her breasts to her lover's chest. Sparky grinned down at her. "I love it when you rub your tits against mine."

"You have very pretty titties, Sparks."

"Thank you for saying so." Their bodies began to shudder and shake, signaling they were getting close. "Oh yes," Sparky panted with lust. "You got this lady cumming."

"Same here." Lucy bucked wildly beneath her lover. "God yes, Sparks! Make me cum!"

Sparky kept up her assault on their pussies with the latex toy until they both spasmed and jerked in a mutual climax. Sparky shuddered atop Lucy's body, then collapsed spent upon her chest. "Ho yeah," the girl exhaled weakly. "That was nice."

"Very nice," Lucy panted breathlessly. "You are one sexy satisfying lover."

Sparky lifted her head and smiled down at her partner. "You say the nicest things." She kissed Lucy tenderly on the lips. "I think I'm ready for some cuddling now."

"Me too."

Sparky eased the rubber tool out of their sated slits and set it aside. She shifted to lie on the bed at Lucy's side and draped her arm over her tummy. "Just think," she mused softly. "If we hadn't kissed outside that bar, we may not be having sex right now."

"Maybe one of us might not have," Lucy grinned playfully. "Remember, I have a hunky lawyer friend who has the hots for me."

"He's not the only one who has the hots for you," Sparky chuckled. She caressed her fingers over Lucy's bare breast under the sheet. "Fortunately, I was the first one to make a move and got to you first."

"Like they say; you snooze, you lose," Lucy sighed dreamily. "No guts, no glory."

Sparky tilted her head up and kissed Lucy's jaw beside her ear. "Go for what you want and get it."

Lucy turned her head and met Sparky's mouth in a soft kiss. "You got me, girl."

"Lucky me."

Lucy rolled over on top of her lover, her long red tresses draped like a curtain around her face. She lowered her mouth to Sparky's in a long hungry kiss and murmured, "Lucky us."

It was late at night. The candle on the dresser had burned down, casting the room into near total darkness. "Life is kind of funny sometimes," Lucy mused thoughtfully. She lay on her back with Sparky tucked close to her side, the girl's head resting on her shoulder.

Sparks traced a finger around the valley surrounding Lucy's navel. "How so?"

"I was thinking about when we were kids growing up. Riding our bikes, climbing trees, jumping and crawling around those sawdust piles out behind the limber mill."

"I remember that," Sparky giggled. "We were a couple of wild and crazy kids back then."

Lucy nodded. "Tearing apart our first transmission together..."

"And having a few extra parts left over."

"Yeah." Lucy absently drew her finger along Sparky's spine to the small of her back. "Who would have thought we'd end up being lovers?"

Sparky lightly kissed Lucy on the forehead and murmured quietly, "I am very glad we are. I can't think of anyone I'd rather roll naked in the sheets with than you, Luce."

"Same here."

Sparks said, "You've always been fun and adventurous. That's one of the things that I love so much about you." She drew in and released a quiet sigh. "Remember when we were like 12 years old and we built that go cart together?"

Lucy laughed and put her hand to her forehead. "Oh, God! How can I forget that! We built it out of packing crates and wheels from a broken old wagon."

"I thought it was pretty ingenious, if I must say," Sparky nodded in approval. "Ropes for steering attached to a swiveling two by four as the front axle. Not bad for a couple of young girls."

Lucy grinned and nodded. "Remember when we took it to the top of the hill on Ranger Road?"

Sparky laughed. "We must have been out of our minds! That road is like a forty-five-degree angle for about a half mile. Crazy."

"No. The crazy part was our one serious design flaw."

The two blurted out in unison, "Brakes!"

Sparky laughed and rocked her head on Lucy's shoulder. "Definitely an oversight."

Lucy smiled and stroked her fingers along Sparky's side. "There we were, at the top of the hill. You were inside the front like a drag strip race car driver and I was hanging on behind pushing."

"That's because you had more muscles than me. I was the gangly one even then."

"But daring. You didn't have a crash helmet on."

Sparky nodded and gently raked her fingernails over Lucy's pubic patch. "Another serious oversight."

"I started running behind and pushing, getting you up to maximum speed."

"God, we must have been insane."

"Then I jumped on the back and squatted down behind you like some two-person bobsledding team. It was wild."

"Until that garbage truck pulled out in front of us and we nearly got ourselves killed."

"Yeah. I think I peed myself when that happened."

"I think I almost threw up."

"You steered around it like a real pro." Lucy caressed her lover's bare back. "You always were an excellent driver. And when we came to the line of trees at the bottom of the hill, you turned into a sideways skid and kept us from crashing into them. Made it out without a scratch."

"I remember you didn't jump to safety when you had the chance. You stayed right with me."

Lucy smiled and traced her fingers along Sparky's spine. "I couldn't jump off and watch you get smashed up. We're a team, remember?"

Sparky smiled warmly and snuggled closer to Lucy's side. "Always have been. Always will be." Her fingers swirled around Lucy's pubic hairs and inched lower to her vagina.

"Are you getting frisky again?" Lucy whispered.

"I can't help it," Sparky murmured quietly. "For years I've been reading those steamy romance novels, fantasizing about the perfect lover. Now that I found one, I want to get all the nookie I can. Make up for lost time, before you find someone else of your own and move on."

"I'm right here with you now, honey. I'm not going anywhere." Lucy shifted onto her side to face her partner. She lifted her leg to give the girl better access to her vagina. "Put your fingers inside me," Lucy whispered.

Sparky inserted one finger, then two inside her lover. Her eyes strained against the darkness to see the outline of Lucy's face. "Feel my tits."

Lucy brought her hands between them and gently massaged her partner's petite breasts. "I like being in bed with you," Lucy murmured. "We should do this more often."

Sparky smiled to the darkness and rubbed her fingers in and out of Lucy's slit, her thumb tickling the nub of her clit. "You mean we should do this more often?"

"Absolutely." Lucy leaned closer and met her lover's lips in a tender kiss. "Sleeping together, and making love together."

"I'm all for that," Sparky cooed.

The two women lay together in bed on their sides in the spoons position. Sparky's back was pressed against Lucy's chest and her rear was wedged against the girl's groin. Lucy nuzzled her face in Sparky's neck. Her arm lay draped over the slender girl's side, Lucy's hand cupping and gently fondling her lover's small breast. "I never believed I could be so happy," she murmured softly into Sparky's ear.

"Me too." Sparky stroked her fingers along Lucy's arm to her breast. "I think if I'm going to be staying overnight here on occasion, I need to have some pajamas."

Lucy giggled quietly into her friend's ear. "Honey, when you stay overnight, you definitely won't be needing pajamas."

Sparky chuckled. "I meant for in the morning. I'll need to put something on when I get up to make coffee. I certainly can't traipse around your place in the buff."

"It won't bother me. Besides, I'll be the only one who will see you."

"True. Romping around under the covers is one thing. Parading around in the buff is another. I'm not that much of an exhibitionist."

"Very well. In the bottom dresser drawer is a flannel shirt that was my dad's. I sometimes wear it when it's chilly in bed. But now I have you to keep me warm at night."

"That will do fine. This body doesn't exactly lend itself to slinky lingerie and revealing nightgowns."

Lucy lightly pinched Sparky's nipple between two fingers. "I happen to think you have a very nice body."

"Thank you." Sparky reached her arm behind her and caressed her hand along Lucy's side. "I've been thinking about when we built that go cart years ago."

Lucy laughed. "Don't tell me you want to build one of those again! We're a little too long in the tooth to be playing the Little Rascals."

Sparky giggled. "No. Not that. I think I may have a way to put the business back in the black. Well, maybe part of it, at least."

"What, with a go cart race?"

"No. A stock car race. I read there's one coming up in two weeks. We can enter your dad's Mustang that you keep covered in the back of the garage. We can win that race and use the money to pay the back taxes."

"So that's your solution? Win the race and save the day. Nothing to it."

"Don't you think I can win?"

"Of course you can win. But there's the entry fee we have to come up with. And there's a chance that my dad's precious 1964 Mustang might get damaged."

"The fee is $500. I know it's a gamble, but the payoff is eight grand. It's a lot of money to risk, but if we don't try, you'll lose that money anyway. And the shop as well."

Lucy was silent for a long time. Her hand caressed Sparky's breast and smoothed its way down to her tummy. "It's not so much about the money. It's you I'm worried about. Now that I found my soul mate and my lady lover, I don't want to have her get all banged up in a car wreck."

"I'll be careful."

"You better be."

"Does this mean I'm in the race?"

"We don't seem to have a whole lot of other options in that regard."

"Yay!" Sparky put her hand on Lucy's wrist and guided her friend's fingers down her tummy to her pubic area.

Lucy rubbed her fingers along Sparky's vaginal lips. "My God, girl! Are you getting frisky again?"

"I can't help it." The girl parted her legs to allow better access for Lucy's hand. "Sex with you is so incredible. I'm afraid I'll wake up and find this has all been a sweet, wonderful dream."

Lucy kissed along Sparky's neck and probed her fingers in deeper. "It's a dream, all right," she murmured seductively as she kissed under her lover's jaw. "One that we're both sharing."

Sparky crawled out of bed and walked through the darkness to the bathroom. Lucy glanced at the clock beside the bed. 3:12. They had been making love on and off all night. Lucy smiled and snuggled into the cozy blankets, savoring the warm glow of great sex with a willing imaginative partner. Sparky had become more than Lucy's best friend; she was someone who could satisfy her every need. Lucy grinned to the darkened room. She loved knowing that she could satisfy Sparky as well.

Sparky returned to bed and slipped under the covers. Lucy draped the blanket over the girl and pulled her lithe slender body close to hers. "I missed you," Lucy cooed.

"I was only gone two minutes."

"Two minutes is much too long."

Sparky giggled and snuggled closer to Lucy's warm body. "You're silly." The girl expelled a contented sigh to Lucy's bare chest. "I don't think it was such a good idea for us to sleep together," Sparky murmured quietly.

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Because now I want to do it all the time." Sparky tilted her head up to face her friend. "I love holding you and cuddling with you. I'm not sure I can go back to sleeping alone after sharing a bed with you."

"You can stay here with me if you like."

"I have an apartment of my own."

"We can trade off. One night at your place, one night at mine."

Sparks giggled. "You're silly." She craned her lips up to meet Lucy's mouth. "I love sharing a bed with you, Luce."

"The feeling is mutual." Lucy shifted her body closer and draped her leg over Sparky's. Her palm smoothed over the girl's chest. Lucy lowered her mouth to her friend's lips. Their kiss was long and tender. "One more time," she whispered softly. "One more time making love and then we can fall asleep in each other's arms."

Sparky kissed Lucy's lips and murmured, "If this is what a sleepover with you is going to be like, I don't think I'll have the stamina."

"Like you said earlier, I'm making up for lost time."

"Okay, but do we have to make it all up at once?"

"Of course not." Lucy caressed her hands over Sparky's naked body. "We can make multiple installments."

Sparks giggled. "Over a long period of time."

"Exactly."

Sparky pressed her body to Lucy's and kissed her hungrily. "Sounds like a wonderful plan."

Rays of morning sunshine peeked through the curtains at the window. Lucy gradually stirred awake to find herself alone in bed. Her heart instantly sank with at thought that her friend had left her. Sparky was right; it would be hard to go back to sleeping alone after spending the night together.

Lucy tilted her head and sniffed the air. She detected the distinct aroma of fresh coffee brewing. Lucy climbed out of bed and wrapped a robe around her naked body. Perhaps Sparky had set a pot to brew before she let herself out.

Lucy emerged from the bedroom and stopped up short in the hallway at the sight of her partner in the kitchen. Sparky wore only the red flannel shirt as a pajama top, her long and slender legs bare below the hem. The girl stood facing the sink with her back to Lucy, humming softly to herself as she puttered with something in the sink.

"My dear God in heaven," Lucy exhaled reverently. "That is without a doubt the sexiest thing I have ever seen in my life."

Sparky turned her face to her friend and smiled sweetly. "You're up."

"My pulse and respiration are also up." Lucy crossed to her lover and slipped her arms around the girl's waist. "If ever you had any doubts of being incredibly sexy, forget about it. You are absolutely breathtaking."

Sparky beamed brightly and draped her arms around Lucy's neck. "Exactly the thing a gal wants to hear in the morning." She pressed her mouth to Lucy's lips in a long passionate kiss.

Lucy exhaled her lungs in a deep satisfied sigh into her partner's mouth. Her hands slid lower to grope the girl's butt under the hem of the flannel top. "Oh baby," she murmured. "I missed you terribly."

Sparky leaned back and giggled with amusement. "I was only gone for a few minutes."

"That was too long." Lucy met Sparky's mouth in a hungry, passionate kiss. "Come back to bed so I can ravish you."

"We'll be late for work."

"I'm the boss. I can be late."

"Well, I'm the employee and I can't." Sparky smiled and smoothed her hands down the front of Lucy's robe and caressed the woman's breasts. "What do you say we take a quick shower together? We can make out and get clean at the same time."

Lucy leered seductively at her partner. "What if I want to warm you up first?" Lucy dropped to her knees and lifted the front of the girl's top. She leaned closer and pressed her mouth to her lover's naked vagina.

Sparky squealed with delight and raked her fingers through Lucy's hair. "What a wild woman you are!"

"I blame you," Lucy growled lustfully as she lapped the girl's pussy. "I never felt passion like this before we had sex. Now I crave it all the time. You made me a wanton woman!"

Sparky laughed and pulled Lucy's face tighter to her cunt. "You're not the only one who's wanton. I'm wantin' some for myself right now!"

Lucy probed her tongue in and around the soft fleshy folds of her lover's vagina. She found the taste of the woman's juices to be absolutely delicious and savored the flavor on her tongue and lips. Lucy wanted to make her partner come again, not only to satisfy her, but to lick the sweet salty nectar from her womanhood. Lucy realized in that single marvelous instant that she could never be content in a heterosexual relationship ever again. She craved the taste of female cum too much.

Lucy hooked her hands under Sparky's rear and hoisted the girl up onto the countertop, surprised at how light the girl was. Sparky squealed with delight. She leaned back and spread her legs wider for Lucy to continue licking her vagina. "Yeah, baby!" she giggled with glee. "You sure know how to get a gal going in the morning!"

Lucy leered up from Sparky's crotch and inserted two fingers into her seeping vent. "Get you going?" she grinned. "Or coming?"

"Both!" Lucy sawed her fingers in and out of Sparky's pussy, faster and faster without mercy. She wanted the girl to cum so she could lick up every delightful drop. "Oh, shit, yes," Suzie panted as she drew nearer a climax. "You are going to make me cum!"

"Cum on my face!" Lucy demanded, shifting onto her knees on the floor below her friend. She slammed her fingers in and out of Sparky's cunt like a red-hot steam piston. "Cum all over my face, baby!"

"Oh God," Sparky moaned. "You're doing it!"

Lucy moved her face closer and licked her tongue along the inside of the girl's thighs. Sparky wrapped her legs behind Lucy's back and hooked her ankles together. She pulled her friend tighter to her cunt and dug her fingernails into Lucy's hair. "Oh fuck!" she panted breathlessly. "Make me cum, Luce! Oh God, YES! Make me cum!"

Lucy sawed her fingers in and out and licked the girl's seeping vagina. Suddenly Sparky jerked and a flow of cunt juice ebbed from her sated slit. Lucy quickly withdrew her fingers and put her hands on Sparky's knees, spreading her legs far apart. She pressed her face to the girl's cunt and shoved her tongue inside as deep as it would go. Sparky shuddered and spasmed as a gush of nectar exploded from her pussy. She gripped Lucy's hair tight in her fingers and pulled the girl's face tight to her crotch. Lucy slid her hands under Sparky's rear and clenched the girl's butt cheeks in her palms. Sparks spasmed once again and released another flow of juice into Lucy's mouth. The girl quivered and trembled atop the kitchen counter for a few moments, then gradually relaxed.

"Holy fuck," Sparky sighed with contentment. "You are absolutely incredible."

Lucy slowly rose to stand. "You were pretty magnificent yourself." She kissed her lover hungrily on the mouth.

Sparky licked and kissed all around Lucy's face. "I can taste myself on your lips," she breathed lustfully. "That is so sexy."

"You are sexy."

Sparky leaned back and gazed questioningly into Lucy's eyes. "Am I really?" she begged pleadingly. "Am I really sexy?"

Lucy smiled warmly at her friend. "Sexiness is a state of mind," she explained quietly. "And honey, you have got plenty of it and then some."

Sparky offered a shy smile. "That's nice of you to say."

Lucy leaned closer and met her friend's lips in a tender kiss. "If you don't believe me," she murmured, "we can take a shower together and I can try to convince you further."

Sparky giggled. "If we take a shower together, I'll be late for work."

Lucy grinned knowingly. "Don't worry. I'll straighten it out with your boss later."

Sparky's face grew thoughtful as she lathered Lucy's chest. "You have such a beautiful body," she sighed reverently.

Lucy smiled and swabbed her partner's shoulders with a sponge as the warm shower spray pelted her back. "I happen to think you have a beautiful body too."

Sparky glanced down at her petite boobs. "I guess I never thought of me that way before. I never believed I could be pretty or sexy or attractive to anyone. Maybe that's why I kept my head under the hood of cars my whole life. If I never let anyone into my life, I'd never hear them tell me that I wasn't pretty." She tenderly lathered through Lucy's cleavage and around her breasts. "I didn't want to hear that I wasn't as good as other girls."

"You're not like other girls," Lucy stated evenly. "You're better. You're much better. In fact, you're pretty fantastic."

Sparky stared deeply into Lucy's eyes for a few moments. She leaned closer and met her friend's lips in a tender kiss. "You are pretty fantastic too."

They helped dry each other off. "I can't believe we never did this before," Sparky observed.

Lucy frowned and said, "I'm pretty sure we took a shower together in gym class in school."

Sparky laughed. "Not like this we didn't!"

Lucy giggled and nodded in agreement. "You're right about that!"

"I mean the whole 'being together' thing," Sparks continued. "Kissing... hugging... making love. You know... being together in a relationship sort of way."

"We've been best friends a long time," Lucy shrugged casually. "I suppose I never thought about us being together before now. You being my sexual partner, I mean. I was raised to think that there was only one acceptable option available for a proper lady and that was to be wooed by a proper man."

Sparky grinned and wiped her butt with the towel. "Is that what I am doing? Wooing you?"

Lucy smiled playfully. "I should certainly hope so!"

Sparky giggled and moved closer to kiss Lucy on the lips. "Then consider yourself properly wooed."