A Kiss is Just a Kiss Sequel - Chapter 1 Kissing Marshall
Title: A Kiss is Just a Kiss Sequel
Author: tilley_girl
Characters/Pairing: Mary/Marshall
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Sequel to A Kiss is Just a Kiss. The continuing journey of Mary and Marshall's discovery of each other.
Warning: Will be heading into R rated territory.
Author’s Note: I had a number of requests for a sequel to my A Kiss is Just a Kiss story, so here it is. The continuing journey of discovery for Mary and Marshall. Let's just say this is going to get a bit spicier. Many thanks to Bujyo for her thoughts and comments.
Chapter 1 - Kissing Marshall
Mary followed Marshall and Danny through the the rows of bookshelves, trailing after them with a scowl on her face. She had stopped trying to follow their conversation regarding philosophers some time ago. Danny had developed an interest in philosophy that Mary couldn't begin to understand. Marshall was disgustingly happy to have someone with whom he could discourse on the subject.
They stopped in front of yet another section of books that held no interest for Mary. She crossed her arms and waited impatiently, blocking out the words, but keeping tuned to the tone of the conversation. She enjoyed just listening to the sound of Marshall's voice, regardless of what he was saying. The timbre of it, the deep rumble, the calming tones; all of it came together to impart of sense of comfort to her. And of late, there was a special voice he used just with her, only when they were alone, usually preceding a gentle affectionate kiss. Mary found herself eagerly waiting to hear that voice.
Marshall finally found the book he had been looking for and handed it to Danny. Danny looked at it the way Mary may contemplate a piece of double chocolate cake. The young student turned his gaze onto Marshall with an expression of worship. Mary allowed a small smile. It was the same expression that was beginning to cross her face from time to time when she looked at Marshall. He was awesome in so many different ways. Her smile broadened. And he belonged to her.
They finally moved to the register and departed the bookstore, parting ways at University Blvd. As Marshall and Mary moved down the street, Marshall intertwined his fingers with hers.
He was taking a joy in the slow development of their relationship that he had never expected to experience. Mary's unexpected surrender to Marshall, allowing him to drive their physical relationship was frustrating to her, he knew. His sultry partner would have bedded him that night by the pool if she had had her way.
Marshall had an understanding of her that extended down to her very bone marrow. He knew to the very core of his being that it was crucial he differentiate himself from all those other men; that he be able to show her what he felt for her was so much more than just physical; that his love was not dependent on getting in her pants.
Marshall glanced over at her, the half-smile playing on her lips, the wind lifting her hair back from her face. He didn't know what that smile meant, but experience told him she was planning something. Life was certainly never dull around her.
Mary waved her fork in the air, emphasizing her point. "Scumbag, he's nothing but scum." Her eyes were flashing, the fork jabbing towards Marshall's chest.
Marshall eyed her, warily tracking the traveling fork. "That is your witness you're talking about." He propped his elbows on the table on either side of his empty plate.
"So, doesn't make it any less true," she grumbled, dropping her fork in the remains of her pasta. One more bone headed stunt like he pulled today and the witness would be out of the program, only the second time Mary would have lost a witness to sheer stupidity.
Marshall shook his head and stood up, reaching over to remove her plate, stacking it on his and moving over to the sink. It had been a long day and supper was very late. He glanced at the clock as he rinsed the dishes. Mary saw the time check and walked up behind him, lightly wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head on his back. He covered her hands with his damp one.
"You can stay you know," she said, unable to keep the note of hope out of her voice.
So far he had resisted her invitations, repeating his mantra of taking it slow. They were making out like teenagers on a regular basis. Marshall's gentle explorations were stoking a slow smoldering burn in Mary's belly. She wanted him. She wanted him.
To her unending frustration though, Marshall put a halt to every attempt to let her hands wander south. All in good time. Hot breath exhaled over the delicate shell of her ear. The low words were arousing, the anticipation building with each murmured utterance.
He turned to face her, his palms resting lightly on her shoulders. He wanted to stay, but Mary was so very tempting and while keeping her promise to let Marshall set the timing of things, she was becoming more aggressive in her promptings, in her invitations. "You promise to be good?"
Mary felt a grin spread across her face. "Oh, I'll be very good."
Marshall wasn't entirely sure she was referring to her behavior.
Mary emerged from her bathroom, face scrubbed and teeth brushed, eying Marshall standing awkwardly by her bed, his fingers trailing over the dust jacket on the book resting on her nightstand. A history of Santa Fe. His eyebrows quirked upwards.
"All yours," she said, nodding towards the bathroom. Marshall stilled, then turned to pick up his go bag from the floor, and brushed past Mary, the slight contact sending a shiver through her.
When he reentered the bedroom and dropped his bag at the foot of the bed, Mary turned to face him from her perch on the edge of the mattress.
"Which side do you sleep on?" He gestured towards where she was sitting and Mary swung her legs over to to the other side of the bed, pulling down the covers. Sliding under the sheets, she held his side up, waiting expectantly for him to get in. Marshall hesitantly sat down, uncertain now that he was here, if this was a good idea.
Heaven knew, he had wanted to sleep next to her ever since that night out by the pool, wanted to hold her in his arms, wanted to see her face when he woke. She was just so damn tempting, all soft curves and smooth skin; lavender wafting from her hair. Marshall wasn't sure how much farther his self-restraint would go. He wanted to take this slowly, and so far Mary was complying with his wishes, if a bit grumbly about it.
Sharing a bed was a step on the stroll of discovery they were taking. There was so much pleasure to be had just from lying next to someone, someone that was loved. He didn't want to have to reject his partner in her own bed. If she pushed, he would have to, it was too soon.
They hadn't discovered enough yet. It was too important that he show her another way, a way motivated by pure love. It was too important that they both be completely open to each other. It was too important that she know he wasn't like those others. That his desire for her wasn't rooted in physical satiation, but in the wish to show her how deep his love for her ran.
And, he thought darkly to himself, he wanted to obliterate any memory of other men who had touched her. He wanted her to think all Marshall all the time when he finally joined with her.
"Hey, doofus." Mary waved her hand in front of his face. He had gone away somewhere, like he did sometimes when lost in thought. Mary wondered about those journeys, where he went, what he was seeing. He didn't usually share, but maybe one day he would.
He jerked his head up and focused on her. Catching her hand and drawing it up to place a kiss in her palm, he slid under the covers and drew her to him, molding himself around her back and lovely derrière. His hands were firmly latched together around her waist and he snuggled his head into the dip between her neck and shoulder.
"So what did you and Danny talk about today?" The question was soft, a distraction to allow her time to settle her limbs against his, to work out exactly how she would fit with him. She was carefully stretching her legs along his, tucking her head into his shoulder.
"He wanted to know how long we had been together." Marshall's voice held a hint of amusement and something slightly darker as Mary's shifting and squirming to get comfortable was making him anything but. She finally settled and Marshall let out his breath. He had met Danny for lunch on campus today and had been so preoccupied afterwards he forgot to bring back lunch for Mary. She had not forgiven that breach.
"How did he know?" Mary's surprise was conveyed in her voice. They hadn't told anyone yet about the change in their relationship, choosing to savor the delight between just the two of them for the time being. That explained how Marshall could have forgotten her food though.
"Psychology major. I think he just made observations and took an intuitive leap."
"You were grinning like an idiot again weren't you?" The question held a tinge of exasperation.
"I may have been," he admitted, "I can't help it when I look at you, when I talk about you, when I think about you." His palm cupped her abdomen in a way that made her think of swelling bellies and baby bumps. Where in the hell did that thought come from? They hadn't talked about kids yet, but she supposed Marshall would want them. She covered his hands with hers. Carrying Marshall's child...that was something she would have to think about later.
"What did you tell him?" Mary felt strangely pleased with Marshall's admission.
"Danced around it somewhat, but told him if by 'being together' he meant 'hooking up', we hadn't. Not yet." Marshall tactfully kept to himself the conversation where he told Danny he was courting Mary more than dating her. That he emphasized the importance of not rushing the physical aspect. He really didn't think Mary would respond well to the image of courting.
"He was very happy for us." Marshall nuzzled a kiss against her neck.
"Nighty-night Mary." She settled back against him and closed her eyes, suddenly dead tired, the warm heavy weight of Marshall's arm providing a comfort that surprised her.
Mary distractedly tried to concentrate on the paperwork for her new witness that she had in front of her. Her thoughts wondered back to the previous week, the night Marshall had spent in her bed, holding her. Each time she had woken up, she had reached for him and he had been there. She had sighed and snuggled into him, reveling in the feel of his arms around her.
She looked up as Marshall swiped his card key through the reader and opened the door, standing back to allow Danny to walk in ahead of him. Mary smiled and stood up and walked over to them. Danny's face lit up and he shook her hand enthusiastically.
"What brings you in today Danny?" she asked, glancing at Marshall curiously.
"I wanted to see about the feasibility of doing a study abroad semester." Danny looked at Marshall, who had his serious face on.
"I will have to do some checking on that Danny. I don't know if it can be done or not. You know I wish that you would just let this one go. We can protect you here." His anxious face and concerned tone spoke volumes.
"It's a great opportunity for me. I don't want to pass it up if there is a way I can go." Danny was developing a backbone. Mary marveled at how much he had grown up since coming into the program. He was even pushing back against Marshall now, not in an argumentative fashion, but if he believed he was in the right, Danny was standing up for himself. It was a good thing.
Mary watched Marshall's struggle with a sympathetic smile. He was having a hard time letting go of this witness. Danny still needed a mentor, but he didn't need a substitute daddy.
Marshall heaved a sigh and went in to talk to Stan. Danny plopped down in Marshall's chair and looked across at Mary in much the same way his inspector did at times - assessing, with a touch of amusement tossed in.
"Marshall sure is lucky," he said watching her with a hint of envy. Mary gave him a sharp look, put down her pen and leaned back in her chair.
"So am I," she said steadily. Danny grinned and nodded.
"I've been lucky to have him as my inspector. I know that. It's just this is something I really want to do. I'll come back at the end of the term and continue on at UNM. Surely people are allowed to travel under the program right? You're not imprisoned in one city for the rest of your life?"
Mary nodded thoughtfully. He had a point. Marshall would have to let go.
Mary slipped her key into the front door lock of Marshall's home and let herself in, awkwardly juggling the bag of groceries she had in one arm, her overnight bag over one shoulder and the key in her other hand. Pushing the door open with her shoulder, she called out to Marshall, but was met with silence. Setting the groceries down on the kitchen counter, she noted the signs of early food preparation in the kitchen, chopped vegetables on the cutting board, lettuce and spinach mixed for a salad awaiting the dressing. An open beer bottle sat on the table. Mary opened the fridge and selected a bottle of Coors, efficiently popping the cap and set about looking for Marshall.
She glanced out the sliding door into the backyard and didn't see him there, although she noted the dishes set on the patio table. Dinner must be planned for outside tonight. Passing down the hallway to Marshall's bedroom, she pushed the partially closed door open further and stuck her head in, coming to a complete halt when she saw her partner in front of her, freshly showered and gloriously naked.
He had his back to her, bending over his open dresser drawer. As he straightened up, Mary's eye ran over the long slender line of his body, from the dark damp hair on the back of his head, down to his broad shoulders, slim waist, very nicely shaped and firm ass, long well muscled legs. Dear lord he was beautiful. She never would have guessed it. He stilled at the small noise that came involuntarily from Mary's mouth and turned his head slowly.
They looked at each other a long moment, then Mary spoke softly. "I'm a little early." She paused, then asked hesitantly, "Can I see you?" She didn't elaborate and Marshall didn't respond, other than to slowly pivot around, the boxers and t-shirt he held in his hand, dropping to the floor. He stood in front of her, eyes intently focused on her face.
She had been curious for a long time; spent more time than she liked to admit wondering what he looked like, how the planes and angles of his body would come together.
Mary's eyes darkened to deep emerald as her hungry gaze worked it's way down from his face, to the expanse of his chest covered with a light sprinkling of dark hair, over his flat abdomen, and down to the family jewels. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in his flaccid penis nestled in the soft pouch of his heavy testicles. Wasn't expecting that. But very nice, yes very nice indeed. She skirted down his legs and skimmed back up to lock her gaze with his.
"You're beautiful." Two words, echoing his earlier words to her by the pool, brutally honest, offered with all the openness she could muster.
"Thank you." He acknowledged the compliment somewhat uncertainly. Marshall had always been fairly confident in his body, worked hard to keep in shape. But this wasn't how he planned to have Mary see him for the first time. They stared at each other, then Mary broke the gaze, her lips quirking up in a smile.
"Now we're even. Get dressed and get out here and feed me." She drew the door shut behind her and ambled out to the kitchen, contemplating yet another aspect of Marshall that slow discovery was going to deliver in a big payoff.
He came out several minutes later in worn jeans, an unbuttoned flannel shirt thrown on over a blue t-shirt. He was barefoot, his hair still damp; he smelled like fresh citrus and Mary could have jumped him right there. Something of her thoughts must have shown in her face, as his mouth quirked up in a smile while he reached behind her to snag the steaks she had placed on the counter.
Pushing the butcher wrapped packages aside and caging her against the counter with his forearms placed on either side of her, he bent down for a lazy kiss, then said languidly, "You're just going to have to wait for me. We have lots of exploring to do yet."
One finger trailed idly down her side, then traveled along the waistband of her jeans to rest on the button. How did he do that? Manage to impart promise with the most mundane of gestures. Mary knew that hand wasn't going to travel any farther today. But it would one day. A curl of anticipation licked at her belly.
Mary pulled his head back down for another kiss that had a bit more spice to it and sliding her hand around his waist, splayed her palm against his ass and pulled him up sharply against her.
He responded so beautifully. Arms tightened, lips became more insistent, and she felt him against her belly, pressing against her. One corner of her mind noted that he didn't have his big belt buckle on and she could press herself directly against him without feeling the bite of cold metal against her skin. His large hands circled her waist, lifted her and shifted her slightly, his thigh nudging her legs apart just a little further. He set her ass down on the edge of the counter, stepped fully between her legs and clasped her to him. The slight shift in position made all the difference and her sharp intake of breath made him grin like the doofus he was.
But he was a doofus with a very strategically placed package and Mary wanted to hump him like a dog on a water hydrant. Her hands tightened around his neck and she tried to pull him closer, his torso crushed to hers, her legs wrapped around his waist.
"You can't get me any closer to you without something very strategic happening," he murmured in her ear, the amusement in his voice clear. His hand slipped under her shirt and trailed up her spine, sensitive fingers tracing each vertebrae.
"I'm very good at strategy," she whispered in his ear, trailing kisses down his jaw, before claiming his lips.
"Hmmm, I know you are." He looked at her with affection filled eyes, then cupped her face in his palms. "I know it's getting hard. But I promise you, it will be so good, if we wait, do this my way." He paused as a feral grin lit up his face. "If we have thoroughly explored each other first." He lightly trailed a hand down her side and cupped her breast. "If we know how to touch each other." He took her hand and drew it down, pressing it over the rigid bulge in his jeans. "I haven't touched you everywhere yet, I haven't kissed you everywhere yet. Anticipation is a strong aphrodisiac."
Mary's mouth went dry as she tingled everywhere he skimmed his fingers and she itched to explore the shape underneath her fingers. She wasn't sure how much more anticipation she could take.
"It's not that I don't want to," he spoke in her ear. "Trust me on this." He nibbled on the delicate lobe before sucking it into his mouth, closing his hand over her breast and leaning into the warmth of her palm. He smiled as Mary closed her hand over him, a string of obscenities falling out of her mouth as his tongue darted into her ear.
Headed into definite R rated territory with the next chapter. Be forwarned.
Author: tilley_girl
Characters/Pairing: Mary/Marshall
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Sequel to A Kiss is Just a Kiss. The continuing journey of Mary and Marshall's discovery of each other.
Warning: Will be heading into R rated territory.
Author’s Note: I had a number of requests for a sequel to my A Kiss is Just a Kiss story, so here it is. The continuing journey of discovery for Mary and Marshall. Let's just say this is going to get a bit spicier. Many thanks to Bujyo for her thoughts and comments.
Chapter 1 - Kissing Marshall
Mary followed Marshall and Danny through the the rows of bookshelves, trailing after them with a scowl on her face. She had stopped trying to follow their conversation regarding philosophers some time ago. Danny had developed an interest in philosophy that Mary couldn't begin to understand. Marshall was disgustingly happy to have someone with whom he could discourse on the subject.
They stopped in front of yet another section of books that held no interest for Mary. She crossed her arms and waited impatiently, blocking out the words, but keeping tuned to the tone of the conversation. She enjoyed just listening to the sound of Marshall's voice, regardless of what he was saying. The timbre of it, the deep rumble, the calming tones; all of it came together to impart of sense of comfort to her. And of late, there was a special voice he used just with her, only when they were alone, usually preceding a gentle affectionate kiss. Mary found herself eagerly waiting to hear that voice.
Marshall finally found the book he had been looking for and handed it to Danny. Danny looked at it the way Mary may contemplate a piece of double chocolate cake. The young student turned his gaze onto Marshall with an expression of worship. Mary allowed a small smile. It was the same expression that was beginning to cross her face from time to time when she looked at Marshall. He was awesome in so many different ways. Her smile broadened. And he belonged to her.
They finally moved to the register and departed the bookstore, parting ways at University Blvd. As Marshall and Mary moved down the street, Marshall intertwined his fingers with hers.
He was taking a joy in the slow development of their relationship that he had never expected to experience. Mary's unexpected surrender to Marshall, allowing him to drive their physical relationship was frustrating to her, he knew. His sultry partner would have bedded him that night by the pool if she had had her way.
Marshall had an understanding of her that extended down to her very bone marrow. He knew to the very core of his being that it was crucial he differentiate himself from all those other men; that he be able to show her what he felt for her was so much more than just physical; that his love was not dependent on getting in her pants.
Marshall glanced over at her, the half-smile playing on her lips, the wind lifting her hair back from her face. He didn't know what that smile meant, but experience told him she was planning something. Life was certainly never dull around her.
Mary waved her fork in the air, emphasizing her point. "Scumbag, he's nothing but scum." Her eyes were flashing, the fork jabbing towards Marshall's chest.
Marshall eyed her, warily tracking the traveling fork. "That is your witness you're talking about." He propped his elbows on the table on either side of his empty plate.
"So, doesn't make it any less true," she grumbled, dropping her fork in the remains of her pasta. One more bone headed stunt like he pulled today and the witness would be out of the program, only the second time Mary would have lost a witness to sheer stupidity.
Marshall shook his head and stood up, reaching over to remove her plate, stacking it on his and moving over to the sink. It had been a long day and supper was very late. He glanced at the clock as he rinsed the dishes. Mary saw the time check and walked up behind him, lightly wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head on his back. He covered her hands with his damp one.
"You can stay you know," she said, unable to keep the note of hope out of her voice.
So far he had resisted her invitations, repeating his mantra of taking it slow. They were making out like teenagers on a regular basis. Marshall's gentle explorations were stoking a slow smoldering burn in Mary's belly. She wanted him. She wanted him.
To her unending frustration though, Marshall put a halt to every attempt to let her hands wander south. All in good time. Hot breath exhaled over the delicate shell of her ear. The low words were arousing, the anticipation building with each murmured utterance.
He turned to face her, his palms resting lightly on her shoulders. He wanted to stay, but Mary was so very tempting and while keeping her promise to let Marshall set the timing of things, she was becoming more aggressive in her promptings, in her invitations. "You promise to be good?"
Mary felt a grin spread across her face. "Oh, I'll be very good."
Marshall wasn't entirely sure she was referring to her behavior.
Mary emerged from her bathroom, face scrubbed and teeth brushed, eying Marshall standing awkwardly by her bed, his fingers trailing over the dust jacket on the book resting on her nightstand. A history of Santa Fe. His eyebrows quirked upwards.
"All yours," she said, nodding towards the bathroom. Marshall stilled, then turned to pick up his go bag from the floor, and brushed past Mary, the slight contact sending a shiver through her.
When he reentered the bedroom and dropped his bag at the foot of the bed, Mary turned to face him from her perch on the edge of the mattress.
"Which side do you sleep on?" He gestured towards where she was sitting and Mary swung her legs over to to the other side of the bed, pulling down the covers. Sliding under the sheets, she held his side up, waiting expectantly for him to get in. Marshall hesitantly sat down, uncertain now that he was here, if this was a good idea.
Heaven knew, he had wanted to sleep next to her ever since that night out by the pool, wanted to hold her in his arms, wanted to see her face when he woke. She was just so damn tempting, all soft curves and smooth skin; lavender wafting from her hair. Marshall wasn't sure how much farther his self-restraint would go. He wanted to take this slowly, and so far Mary was complying with his wishes, if a bit grumbly about it.
Sharing a bed was a step on the stroll of discovery they were taking. There was so much pleasure to be had just from lying next to someone, someone that was loved. He didn't want to have to reject his partner in her own bed. If she pushed, he would have to, it was too soon.
They hadn't discovered enough yet. It was too important that he show her another way, a way motivated by pure love. It was too important that they both be completely open to each other. It was too important that she know he wasn't like those others. That his desire for her wasn't rooted in physical satiation, but in the wish to show her how deep his love for her ran.
And, he thought darkly to himself, he wanted to obliterate any memory of other men who had touched her. He wanted her to think all Marshall all the time when he finally joined with her.
"Hey, doofus." Mary waved her hand in front of his face. He had gone away somewhere, like he did sometimes when lost in thought. Mary wondered about those journeys, where he went, what he was seeing. He didn't usually share, but maybe one day he would.
He jerked his head up and focused on her. Catching her hand and drawing it up to place a kiss in her palm, he slid under the covers and drew her to him, molding himself around her back and lovely derrière. His hands were firmly latched together around her waist and he snuggled his head into the dip between her neck and shoulder.
"So what did you and Danny talk about today?" The question was soft, a distraction to allow her time to settle her limbs against his, to work out exactly how she would fit with him. She was carefully stretching her legs along his, tucking her head into his shoulder.
"He wanted to know how long we had been together." Marshall's voice held a hint of amusement and something slightly darker as Mary's shifting and squirming to get comfortable was making him anything but. She finally settled and Marshall let out his breath. He had met Danny for lunch on campus today and had been so preoccupied afterwards he forgot to bring back lunch for Mary. She had not forgiven that breach.
"How did he know?" Mary's surprise was conveyed in her voice. They hadn't told anyone yet about the change in their relationship, choosing to savor the delight between just the two of them for the time being. That explained how Marshall could have forgotten her food though.
"Psychology major. I think he just made observations and took an intuitive leap."
"You were grinning like an idiot again weren't you?" The question held a tinge of exasperation.
"I may have been," he admitted, "I can't help it when I look at you, when I talk about you, when I think about you." His palm cupped her abdomen in a way that made her think of swelling bellies and baby bumps. Where in the hell did that thought come from? They hadn't talked about kids yet, but she supposed Marshall would want them. She covered his hands with hers. Carrying Marshall's child...that was something she would have to think about later.
"What did you tell him?" Mary felt strangely pleased with Marshall's admission.
"Danced around it somewhat, but told him if by 'being together' he meant 'hooking up', we hadn't. Not yet." Marshall tactfully kept to himself the conversation where he told Danny he was courting Mary more than dating her. That he emphasized the importance of not rushing the physical aspect. He really didn't think Mary would respond well to the image of courting.
"He was very happy for us." Marshall nuzzled a kiss against her neck.
"Nighty-night Mary." She settled back against him and closed her eyes, suddenly dead tired, the warm heavy weight of Marshall's arm providing a comfort that surprised her.
Mary distractedly tried to concentrate on the paperwork for her new witness that she had in front of her. Her thoughts wondered back to the previous week, the night Marshall had spent in her bed, holding her. Each time she had woken up, she had reached for him and he had been there. She had sighed and snuggled into him, reveling in the feel of his arms around her.
She looked up as Marshall swiped his card key through the reader and opened the door, standing back to allow Danny to walk in ahead of him. Mary smiled and stood up and walked over to them. Danny's face lit up and he shook her hand enthusiastically.
"What brings you in today Danny?" she asked, glancing at Marshall curiously.
"I wanted to see about the feasibility of doing a study abroad semester." Danny looked at Marshall, who had his serious face on.
"I will have to do some checking on that Danny. I don't know if it can be done or not. You know I wish that you would just let this one go. We can protect you here." His anxious face and concerned tone spoke volumes.
"It's a great opportunity for me. I don't want to pass it up if there is a way I can go." Danny was developing a backbone. Mary marveled at how much he had grown up since coming into the program. He was even pushing back against Marshall now, not in an argumentative fashion, but if he believed he was in the right, Danny was standing up for himself. It was a good thing.
Mary watched Marshall's struggle with a sympathetic smile. He was having a hard time letting go of this witness. Danny still needed a mentor, but he didn't need a substitute daddy.
Marshall heaved a sigh and went in to talk to Stan. Danny plopped down in Marshall's chair and looked across at Mary in much the same way his inspector did at times - assessing, with a touch of amusement tossed in.
"Marshall sure is lucky," he said watching her with a hint of envy. Mary gave him a sharp look, put down her pen and leaned back in her chair.
"So am I," she said steadily. Danny grinned and nodded.
"I've been lucky to have him as my inspector. I know that. It's just this is something I really want to do. I'll come back at the end of the term and continue on at UNM. Surely people are allowed to travel under the program right? You're not imprisoned in one city for the rest of your life?"
Mary nodded thoughtfully. He had a point. Marshall would have to let go.
Mary slipped her key into the front door lock of Marshall's home and let herself in, awkwardly juggling the bag of groceries she had in one arm, her overnight bag over one shoulder and the key in her other hand. Pushing the door open with her shoulder, she called out to Marshall, but was met with silence. Setting the groceries down on the kitchen counter, she noted the signs of early food preparation in the kitchen, chopped vegetables on the cutting board, lettuce and spinach mixed for a salad awaiting the dressing. An open beer bottle sat on the table. Mary opened the fridge and selected a bottle of Coors, efficiently popping the cap and set about looking for Marshall.
She glanced out the sliding door into the backyard and didn't see him there, although she noted the dishes set on the patio table. Dinner must be planned for outside tonight. Passing down the hallway to Marshall's bedroom, she pushed the partially closed door open further and stuck her head in, coming to a complete halt when she saw her partner in front of her, freshly showered and gloriously naked.
He had his back to her, bending over his open dresser drawer. As he straightened up, Mary's eye ran over the long slender line of his body, from the dark damp hair on the back of his head, down to his broad shoulders, slim waist, very nicely shaped and firm ass, long well muscled legs. Dear lord he was beautiful. She never would have guessed it. He stilled at the small noise that came involuntarily from Mary's mouth and turned his head slowly.
They looked at each other a long moment, then Mary spoke softly. "I'm a little early." She paused, then asked hesitantly, "Can I see you?" She didn't elaborate and Marshall didn't respond, other than to slowly pivot around, the boxers and t-shirt he held in his hand, dropping to the floor. He stood in front of her, eyes intently focused on her face.
She had been curious for a long time; spent more time than she liked to admit wondering what he looked like, how the planes and angles of his body would come together.
Mary's eyes darkened to deep emerald as her hungry gaze worked it's way down from his face, to the expanse of his chest covered with a light sprinkling of dark hair, over his flat abdomen, and down to the family jewels. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in his flaccid penis nestled in the soft pouch of his heavy testicles. Wasn't expecting that. But very nice, yes very nice indeed. She skirted down his legs and skimmed back up to lock her gaze with his.
"You're beautiful." Two words, echoing his earlier words to her by the pool, brutally honest, offered with all the openness she could muster.
"Thank you." He acknowledged the compliment somewhat uncertainly. Marshall had always been fairly confident in his body, worked hard to keep in shape. But this wasn't how he planned to have Mary see him for the first time. They stared at each other, then Mary broke the gaze, her lips quirking up in a smile.
"Now we're even. Get dressed and get out here and feed me." She drew the door shut behind her and ambled out to the kitchen, contemplating yet another aspect of Marshall that slow discovery was going to deliver in a big payoff.
He came out several minutes later in worn jeans, an unbuttoned flannel shirt thrown on over a blue t-shirt. He was barefoot, his hair still damp; he smelled like fresh citrus and Mary could have jumped him right there. Something of her thoughts must have shown in her face, as his mouth quirked up in a smile while he reached behind her to snag the steaks she had placed on the counter.
Pushing the butcher wrapped packages aside and caging her against the counter with his forearms placed on either side of her, he bent down for a lazy kiss, then said languidly, "You're just going to have to wait for me. We have lots of exploring to do yet."
One finger trailed idly down her side, then traveled along the waistband of her jeans to rest on the button. How did he do that? Manage to impart promise with the most mundane of gestures. Mary knew that hand wasn't going to travel any farther today. But it would one day. A curl of anticipation licked at her belly.
Mary pulled his head back down for another kiss that had a bit more spice to it and sliding her hand around his waist, splayed her palm against his ass and pulled him up sharply against her.
He responded so beautifully. Arms tightened, lips became more insistent, and she felt him against her belly, pressing against her. One corner of her mind noted that he didn't have his big belt buckle on and she could press herself directly against him without feeling the bite of cold metal against her skin. His large hands circled her waist, lifted her and shifted her slightly, his thigh nudging her legs apart just a little further. He set her ass down on the edge of the counter, stepped fully between her legs and clasped her to him. The slight shift in position made all the difference and her sharp intake of breath made him grin like the doofus he was.
But he was a doofus with a very strategically placed package and Mary wanted to hump him like a dog on a water hydrant. Her hands tightened around his neck and she tried to pull him closer, his torso crushed to hers, her legs wrapped around his waist.
"You can't get me any closer to you without something very strategic happening," he murmured in her ear, the amusement in his voice clear. His hand slipped under her shirt and trailed up her spine, sensitive fingers tracing each vertebrae.
"I'm very good at strategy," she whispered in his ear, trailing kisses down his jaw, before claiming his lips.
"Hmmm, I know you are." He looked at her with affection filled eyes, then cupped her face in his palms. "I know it's getting hard. But I promise you, it will be so good, if we wait, do this my way." He paused as a feral grin lit up his face. "If we have thoroughly explored each other first." He lightly trailed a hand down her side and cupped her breast. "If we know how to touch each other." He took her hand and drew it down, pressing it over the rigid bulge in his jeans. "I haven't touched you everywhere yet, I haven't kissed you everywhere yet. Anticipation is a strong aphrodisiac."
Mary's mouth went dry as she tingled everywhere he skimmed his fingers and she itched to explore the shape underneath her fingers. She wasn't sure how much more anticipation she could take.
"It's not that I don't want to," he spoke in her ear. "Trust me on this." He nibbled on the delicate lobe before sucking it into his mouth, closing his hand over her breast and leaning into the warmth of her palm. He smiled as Mary closed her hand over him, a string of obscenities falling out of her mouth as his tongue darted into her ear.
Headed into definite R rated territory with the next chapter. Be forwarned.