Original Fic - First Impressions 1/?
Another original piece that is only partially written. What happens when your first impressions are all wrong? What if the woman you ignored is the woman you want?
Shane Donovan parked her bike in its usual spot and kicked the stand down; drawing one long leg over the side to stand next to the massive Harley. She loved this machine; it was strong and powerful with a responsive motor that roared to life at the slightest touch of the throttle. Some might accuse her of loving the machine more than she cared for anything or anyone else in her life and if they did...they would be right. More than just a collection of metal parts and gears; it reminded her of someone special. But she’d lost him years ago and this bike was her last link to her grandfather.
Looking towards her apartment she noticed a mover's van parked in front; men hustling in and out of the apartment with boxes, furniture and the other necessities of life. She'd known the unit next to hers had been sold and was glad to see the previous tenant go. Sleeping with her neighbor was on the definite list of things not to do; especially when the woman hadn't been able to comprehend what it meant to have a one time thing. Possessive and clingy didn't begin to describe Stacey; the woman nearly stalked her. Her first sight of who she supposed was the new tenant could be described perfectly with one word...frumpy. If this was her new neighbor, at least she didn't need to worry about any possible attraction; the woman's hair was falling out of a barely managed pony tail, and the baggy out of style jeans paired with an over-sized flannel button down shirt did absolutely nothing for either of them. She looks like a bookworm with no social life, she thought to herself. Well, that was ok too; it simply meant the apartment next door and its new occupant was unlikely to bother her in ANY way. The appearance of several large expensive flat screen monitors caught the woman's attention and the way she cautioned a burly man to treat them with care completed the picture; her new neighbor was boring; excessively so.
Sighing, Shane made her way towards the front door; ignoring the stranger as she rushed inside to avoid any polite chit chat. She, Shane Donovan, did not do chit chat. If she was talking to a woman it had one purpose and she knew THAT wouldn't be happening with the frumpy blond.
The appearance and very rapid departure of a tall lean dark haired woman hinted to Shaye that she’d just gotten her first glimpse of her rather infamous neighbor. The woman selling the condo had shared countless tales of her wild ways and though she wasn't worried about getting caught in her new neighbor's web of seductions, she had at least paid attention to which bedroom shared a wall with the unit next to hers. That bedroom conveniently was not the master suite and Shaye silently praised the developers who had wisely planned the complex so that no units' master bedroom shared a wall with another's. Instead, her office was being set up in the spare bedroom and she hoped the Lothario living next door kept her exploits mostly to evening hours.
The dark haired stranger didn't bother to make eye contact as she slipped by; the dismissal made it obvious there was NO interest on her part. Looking down at herself, Shaye nearly groaned out loud. She was looking rather plain and the clothes she wore weren't even hers; they didn't fit her frame and in truth she could admit to herself that she looked horrible. Still, not even a hello....that was just rude. Her current outfit was the result of an unfortunate chain of events that under any other circumstances would never have been tolerated. The clothes she'd been in when a small town waitress dumped a tray full of food onto her were laying in the back of her car; still sticky with syrup and other things she hadn't quite figured out. Since the drive was only supposed to be 8 hours she hadn't packed an extra set of clothes in her car; the rest were in boxes in the Semi moving her things and the monstrosity of an outfit she sported now was the results of the waitresses' guilty conscience. Trailing the last load of boxes into her new apartment she thanked the movers as they filed out and dropped onto her couch; exhausted she fell asleep to the ever present questions that seemed to follow her everywhere. But she was in California now...she didn't know a soul in the entire state and a fresh start seemed guaranteed.
'Hello to you too', Shaye grumbled as she woke to her neighbor's loud obnoxious laughter. At least she expected it was her neighbor since another woman's voice chimed in. The distinctive sound of a door closing muted the sounds and for awhile there was silence. Forcing herself off the couch she looked around her new home; boxes had at least made it to the right places. Moving into what would become her office she squeezed her eyes shut in frustration; the walls weren't thick enough to mute the moans of pleasure coming from her neighbor's apartment. She tried to ignore it but the intensity and volume increased until one of the two was screaming obscenities in pleasure. 'Ok...that should be it...' She picked up a box to begin unpacking but a few minutes later the same woman was apparently in the throes of passion again and the noise was too much. She stalked to her bedroom; she could start unpacking in that room. An hour later with 3 of her 8 boxes put away and her swimsuit staring up at her from the bottom of the fourth she looked out her balcony door. The condos shared an inner courtyard that boasted a pool. For the small number of tenants the pool was surprisingly large and seemed well maintained with two lights illuminating the sparkling surface and surrounding area; more light cast by the submerged lights inside the pool.
A swim would feel heavenly right now; the only thing holding her back was how late and dark it had gotten. Still, she reasoned it must be safe with the code required just to get in the front door of the building and the well lit area. Her mind made up she changed into her swim suit and pulled shorts and a shirt on; grabbing a towel she was out the door and headed towards something that always soothed her soul.
Shane frowned unhappily; she hated it when they fell asleep in her bed. This one had been a real screamer and part of her couldn't help but laugh; she was sure her new neighbor was home and that the noise would have been impossible to miss. Sliding out of bed she walked out onto her balcony; her eyes immediately drawn to the long slender figure swimming laps in the pool. Arms cut through the water in an effortless stroke before she disappeared under water to execute a perfect turn; beginning the return journey. Her chest ached with the beauty of the woman's form; she was a good swimmer and Shane watched her for another 30 minutes before the stranger exited the pool. Who was she? The pool was rarely used by any of the 16 or so residents that lived in the complex but she supposed someone might have a guest. Her mind automatically discounted the new tenant; there was no way the goddess walking through shadows towards the Jacuzzi was her new neighbor. Straining her eyes in the dark she tried to get a good look at the woman's face but she sat down in the hot tub; facing away from Shane's apartment. And though it was dark there was no way to miss what she considered a perfect mix of curves and long lean muscles. 'I think I'm in the mood for a swim', she whispered and smiled to herself. Her companion for the evening was probably passed out drunk; she'd doubtfully be aware Shane had left.
Any other night, she wouldn't have complained when hands wrapped around her waist from behind and slid down to stroke sensitive flesh between her legs. But right now she was definitely more interested in the beauty below; having already become bored with the woman she’d brought home. Still, when the woman crouched and licked between her legs she couldn’t stop the moan and rush of desire that followed. At least tonight’s conquest was exceptionally good with her mouth. Her mind turned hazy as an expert tongue caressed her sex and before long her grunt of pleasure and jerk of hips drew the mystery woman’s attention but shadows obscured her view and a few moments later she was gone.
'Have you met your new neighbor?' Melanie chomped loudly on her gum as she flipped through her favorite fashion magazine. Shane often thought for someone with such good breeding Melanie was as tacky as they came. Unfortunately, they were old friends and though she had half heartedly tried; she simply couldn't shake her.
'I caught a glimpse of her when she was moving in.' Shane shrugged and laid down on the floor; starting her crunches.
'Ooh', Melanie cooed. 'You have a new hottie in the building? Have you worked your magic yet?'
Shane snorted, 'Uh, not even going there Mel. She's not my type.'
'Is that because she's not cute or she's too straight even for your skills?'
Cocking an eyebrow at her friend Shane looked up. 'I haven't lost a bet so far. It doesn't matter how straight they are; you know I can always get them into bed.'
Melanie gave her an annoyed look; she’d lost far too many bets and she wasn't sure there was a woman who could resist Shane's advances. 'So, she didn't turn your head?'
'Oh, she did...only the other way.' Shane resumed her crunches. 'Damn, you should have seen her. 80's throwback PLEATED jeans with a flannel button down. NOT tempting in ANY way. She nearly had a coronary when one of the movers didn't hold her computer monitor the right way.'
Melanie laughed, 'at least you won't have another Stacey stalker.'
'Yup, NO risk next door.' Shane concentrated on the rest of her abdominal workout set as her friend rambled on about some new fashion that was going to be ALL the rage. Over the years she'd developed the fine art of tuning her out and suspected Melanie knew she wasn't listening but the woman loved to hear the sound of her own voice. Finishing her crunches she flipped over and began push ups. She may not be swimming competitively anymore but staying in shape allowed her the belief that if she wanted to go back....she could. And although she would never admit that desire to anyone, part of her still yearned for the rush of adrenalin from races and swim meets. Her mind drifted to the woman she'd seen the other night in the pool; Shane had watched every night for the last week but hadn't seen her again. The stranger was probably visiting another tenant and she knew it was pointless to continue checking but she couldn't help herself.
'I want to go to Velvet's tonight. Are you game?' Melanie admired her friend's sleek powerful body and though she'd tried more than once to convince Shane a fling would be ok; her friend refused.
Shane grunted as she finished her last push up and moved to her free weight's bench; working the muscles in her shoulders and back. 'I was thinking there or Jodi's.'
'Not sure if you want leather or lace tonight?' Melanie smirked when Shane rolled her eyes. 'Come on....Jodi's is no good for me. You can do that place any night...if there IS anyone left TO do. You're going to have to break your rule soon if you keep going through them so fast.'
'Don't be ridiculous', Shane grinned cockily. 'This is San Francisco...there's always fresh meat.'
Melanie merely shook her head in response. 'Sometime soon you're going to run out of new bodies and you'll have to start recycling through the scene.'
Shane snorted, 'I'll move first. More than once and they start getting ideas about a relationship. NO thanks.' The burn in her muscles felt good as she started a new set of repetitions.
Melanie could sit and watch Shane workout for hours; it was enjoyable but also frustrating. Instead she stood and walked to a window facing the courtyard. 'Wow.' A beautiful blond was slowly getting out of the pool; her bikini was obviously not just for looks but for serious swimming. 'She's a new face and holy hell she has a nice body.'
Shane dropped the free weight and joined Melanie at the window. 'Damn it', the woman's back was to her as she slung a towel around her waist. 4 more steps and she was through the courtyard door and out of their sight. Looking at her watch she wondered what kind of schedule this woman kept; it was 2pm on a Friday which was still well within most normal jobs' working hours. Although, this was San Francisco and normal didn't apply to anything; especially to her own life.
Melanie looked curiously at Shane. 'I take it you haven't met her yet?' She hadn't seen this strong of a reaction in her friend since....no, she wasn't sure she ever had.
Shane silently cursed; if Melanie weren't there she would have left her apartment and attempted to accidentally run into the stranger. Even though she'd only seen her retreating form for a few moments, the light of day confirmed her earlier suspicions; the woman was in tremendous shape. Hazel eyes bore into her and she shrugged; feigning indifference. 'no.' Returning to her weights, she picked them up and started where she'd left off; hoping the topic would be dropped. She didn't do eager and she didn't pine after strangers. She was merely curious; the woman was a fellow athlete and yes she happened to have a great body but it was nothing more than that.
'So...she's new in the building or....' Melanie left her question hanging; hoping to pull information out of Shane.
'Dunno', Shane flexed and grunted. 'Only seen her once but she's got a really good freestyle form. I was impressed.' Come on Mel, drop it.
'Oh, so your interest is merely as one fish to another?' Melanie smirked; not that long ago there wasn't much time Shane spent out of the pool. She lived to swim but 3 years ago that had changed abruptly and Shane had changed too.
'I don't swim anymore Mel...' Shane ground out in a warning tone. 'She does have a hot body though.'
Melanie allowed the subtle redirection of their conversation. 'So, how are you going to meet her if you don't know where she lives?'
'I'm sure I'll run into her sometime....' Shane shrugged and repositioned part of the bench to work on her legs. 'So...Velvet's at 10?'
'Ok but try to wait at least 30 minutes before you disappear with your prize.' Melanie smirked and let herself out.
Shane Donovan parked her bike in its usual spot and kicked the stand down; drawing one long leg over the side to stand next to the massive Harley. She loved this machine; it was strong and powerful with a responsive motor that roared to life at the slightest touch of the throttle. Some might accuse her of loving the machine more than she cared for anything or anyone else in her life and if they did...they would be right. More than just a collection of metal parts and gears; it reminded her of someone special. But she’d lost him years ago and this bike was her last link to her grandfather.
Looking towards her apartment she noticed a mover's van parked in front; men hustling in and out of the apartment with boxes, furniture and the other necessities of life. She'd known the unit next to hers had been sold and was glad to see the previous tenant go. Sleeping with her neighbor was on the definite list of things not to do; especially when the woman hadn't been able to comprehend what it meant to have a one time thing. Possessive and clingy didn't begin to describe Stacey; the woman nearly stalked her. Her first sight of who she supposed was the new tenant could be described perfectly with one word...frumpy. If this was her new neighbor, at least she didn't need to worry about any possible attraction; the woman's hair was falling out of a barely managed pony tail, and the baggy out of style jeans paired with an over-sized flannel button down shirt did absolutely nothing for either of them. She looks like a bookworm with no social life, she thought to herself. Well, that was ok too; it simply meant the apartment next door and its new occupant was unlikely to bother her in ANY way. The appearance of several large expensive flat screen monitors caught the woman's attention and the way she cautioned a burly man to treat them with care completed the picture; her new neighbor was boring; excessively so.
Sighing, Shane made her way towards the front door; ignoring the stranger as she rushed inside to avoid any polite chit chat. She, Shane Donovan, did not do chit chat. If she was talking to a woman it had one purpose and she knew THAT wouldn't be happening with the frumpy blond.
The appearance and very rapid departure of a tall lean dark haired woman hinted to Shaye that she’d just gotten her first glimpse of her rather infamous neighbor. The woman selling the condo had shared countless tales of her wild ways and though she wasn't worried about getting caught in her new neighbor's web of seductions, she had at least paid attention to which bedroom shared a wall with the unit next to hers. That bedroom conveniently was not the master suite and Shaye silently praised the developers who had wisely planned the complex so that no units' master bedroom shared a wall with another's. Instead, her office was being set up in the spare bedroom and she hoped the Lothario living next door kept her exploits mostly to evening hours.
The dark haired stranger didn't bother to make eye contact as she slipped by; the dismissal made it obvious there was NO interest on her part. Looking down at herself, Shaye nearly groaned out loud. She was looking rather plain and the clothes she wore weren't even hers; they didn't fit her frame and in truth she could admit to herself that she looked horrible. Still, not even a hello....that was just rude. Her current outfit was the result of an unfortunate chain of events that under any other circumstances would never have been tolerated. The clothes she'd been in when a small town waitress dumped a tray full of food onto her were laying in the back of her car; still sticky with syrup and other things she hadn't quite figured out. Since the drive was only supposed to be 8 hours she hadn't packed an extra set of clothes in her car; the rest were in boxes in the Semi moving her things and the monstrosity of an outfit she sported now was the results of the waitresses' guilty conscience. Trailing the last load of boxes into her new apartment she thanked the movers as they filed out and dropped onto her couch; exhausted she fell asleep to the ever present questions that seemed to follow her everywhere. But she was in California now...she didn't know a soul in the entire state and a fresh start seemed guaranteed.
'Hello to you too', Shaye grumbled as she woke to her neighbor's loud obnoxious laughter. At least she expected it was her neighbor since another woman's voice chimed in. The distinctive sound of a door closing muted the sounds and for awhile there was silence. Forcing herself off the couch she looked around her new home; boxes had at least made it to the right places. Moving into what would become her office she squeezed her eyes shut in frustration; the walls weren't thick enough to mute the moans of pleasure coming from her neighbor's apartment. She tried to ignore it but the intensity and volume increased until one of the two was screaming obscenities in pleasure. 'Ok...that should be it...' She picked up a box to begin unpacking but a few minutes later the same woman was apparently in the throes of passion again and the noise was too much. She stalked to her bedroom; she could start unpacking in that room. An hour later with 3 of her 8 boxes put away and her swimsuit staring up at her from the bottom of the fourth she looked out her balcony door. The condos shared an inner courtyard that boasted a pool. For the small number of tenants the pool was surprisingly large and seemed well maintained with two lights illuminating the sparkling surface and surrounding area; more light cast by the submerged lights inside the pool.
A swim would feel heavenly right now; the only thing holding her back was how late and dark it had gotten. Still, she reasoned it must be safe with the code required just to get in the front door of the building and the well lit area. Her mind made up she changed into her swim suit and pulled shorts and a shirt on; grabbing a towel she was out the door and headed towards something that always soothed her soul.
Shane frowned unhappily; she hated it when they fell asleep in her bed. This one had been a real screamer and part of her couldn't help but laugh; she was sure her new neighbor was home and that the noise would have been impossible to miss. Sliding out of bed she walked out onto her balcony; her eyes immediately drawn to the long slender figure swimming laps in the pool. Arms cut through the water in an effortless stroke before she disappeared under water to execute a perfect turn; beginning the return journey. Her chest ached with the beauty of the woman's form; she was a good swimmer and Shane watched her for another 30 minutes before the stranger exited the pool. Who was she? The pool was rarely used by any of the 16 or so residents that lived in the complex but she supposed someone might have a guest. Her mind automatically discounted the new tenant; there was no way the goddess walking through shadows towards the Jacuzzi was her new neighbor. Straining her eyes in the dark she tried to get a good look at the woman's face but she sat down in the hot tub; facing away from Shane's apartment. And though it was dark there was no way to miss what she considered a perfect mix of curves and long lean muscles. 'I think I'm in the mood for a swim', she whispered and smiled to herself. Her companion for the evening was probably passed out drunk; she'd doubtfully be aware Shane had left.
Any other night, she wouldn't have complained when hands wrapped around her waist from behind and slid down to stroke sensitive flesh between her legs. But right now she was definitely more interested in the beauty below; having already become bored with the woman she’d brought home. Still, when the woman crouched and licked between her legs she couldn’t stop the moan and rush of desire that followed. At least tonight’s conquest was exceptionally good with her mouth. Her mind turned hazy as an expert tongue caressed her sex and before long her grunt of pleasure and jerk of hips drew the mystery woman’s attention but shadows obscured her view and a few moments later she was gone.
'Have you met your new neighbor?' Melanie chomped loudly on her gum as she flipped through her favorite fashion magazine. Shane often thought for someone with such good breeding Melanie was as tacky as they came. Unfortunately, they were old friends and though she had half heartedly tried; she simply couldn't shake her.
'I caught a glimpse of her when she was moving in.' Shane shrugged and laid down on the floor; starting her crunches.
'Ooh', Melanie cooed. 'You have a new hottie in the building? Have you worked your magic yet?'
Shane snorted, 'Uh, not even going there Mel. She's not my type.'
'Is that because she's not cute or she's too straight even for your skills?'
Cocking an eyebrow at her friend Shane looked up. 'I haven't lost a bet so far. It doesn't matter how straight they are; you know I can always get them into bed.'
Melanie gave her an annoyed look; she’d lost far too many bets and she wasn't sure there was a woman who could resist Shane's advances. 'So, she didn't turn your head?'
'Oh, she did...only the other way.' Shane resumed her crunches. 'Damn, you should have seen her. 80's throwback PLEATED jeans with a flannel button down. NOT tempting in ANY way. She nearly had a coronary when one of the movers didn't hold her computer monitor the right way.'
Melanie laughed, 'at least you won't have another Stacey stalker.'
'Yup, NO risk next door.' Shane concentrated on the rest of her abdominal workout set as her friend rambled on about some new fashion that was going to be ALL the rage. Over the years she'd developed the fine art of tuning her out and suspected Melanie knew she wasn't listening but the woman loved to hear the sound of her own voice. Finishing her crunches she flipped over and began push ups. She may not be swimming competitively anymore but staying in shape allowed her the belief that if she wanted to go back....she could. And although she would never admit that desire to anyone, part of her still yearned for the rush of adrenalin from races and swim meets. Her mind drifted to the woman she'd seen the other night in the pool; Shane had watched every night for the last week but hadn't seen her again. The stranger was probably visiting another tenant and she knew it was pointless to continue checking but she couldn't help herself.
'I want to go to Velvet's tonight. Are you game?' Melanie admired her friend's sleek powerful body and though she'd tried more than once to convince Shane a fling would be ok; her friend refused.
Shane grunted as she finished her last push up and moved to her free weight's bench; working the muscles in her shoulders and back. 'I was thinking there or Jodi's.'
'Not sure if you want leather or lace tonight?' Melanie smirked when Shane rolled her eyes. 'Come on....Jodi's is no good for me. You can do that place any night...if there IS anyone left TO do. You're going to have to break your rule soon if you keep going through them so fast.'
'Don't be ridiculous', Shane grinned cockily. 'This is San Francisco...there's always fresh meat.'
Melanie merely shook her head in response. 'Sometime soon you're going to run out of new bodies and you'll have to start recycling through the scene.'
Shane snorted, 'I'll move first. More than once and they start getting ideas about a relationship. NO thanks.' The burn in her muscles felt good as she started a new set of repetitions.
Melanie could sit and watch Shane workout for hours; it was enjoyable but also frustrating. Instead she stood and walked to a window facing the courtyard. 'Wow.' A beautiful blond was slowly getting out of the pool; her bikini was obviously not just for looks but for serious swimming. 'She's a new face and holy hell she has a nice body.'
Shane dropped the free weight and joined Melanie at the window. 'Damn it', the woman's back was to her as she slung a towel around her waist. 4 more steps and she was through the courtyard door and out of their sight. Looking at her watch she wondered what kind of schedule this woman kept; it was 2pm on a Friday which was still well within most normal jobs' working hours. Although, this was San Francisco and normal didn't apply to anything; especially to her own life.
Melanie looked curiously at Shane. 'I take it you haven't met her yet?' She hadn't seen this strong of a reaction in her friend since....no, she wasn't sure she ever had.
Shane silently cursed; if Melanie weren't there she would have left her apartment and attempted to accidentally run into the stranger. Even though she'd only seen her retreating form for a few moments, the light of day confirmed her earlier suspicions; the woman was in tremendous shape. Hazel eyes bore into her and she shrugged; feigning indifference. 'no.' Returning to her weights, she picked them up and started where she'd left off; hoping the topic would be dropped. She didn't do eager and she didn't pine after strangers. She was merely curious; the woman was a fellow athlete and yes she happened to have a great body but it was nothing more than that.
'So...she's new in the building or....' Melanie left her question hanging; hoping to pull information out of Shane.
'Dunno', Shane flexed and grunted. 'Only seen her once but she's got a really good freestyle form. I was impressed.' Come on Mel, drop it.
'Oh, so your interest is merely as one fish to another?' Melanie smirked; not that long ago there wasn't much time Shane spent out of the pool. She lived to swim but 3 years ago that had changed abruptly and Shane had changed too.
'I don't swim anymore Mel...' Shane ground out in a warning tone. 'She does have a hot body though.'
Melanie allowed the subtle redirection of their conversation. 'So, how are you going to meet her if you don't know where she lives?'
'I'm sure I'll run into her sometime....' Shane shrugged and repositioned part of the bench to work on her legs. 'So...Velvet's at 10?'
'Ok but try to wait at least 30 minutes before you disappear with your prize.' Melanie smirked and let herself out.