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  "I'm fine, Alex." She said, steering the conversation away from herself again, "I did want to run something work-related by you, though."

  She explained what she had noticed when comparing the data from her unit. Devon could hardly contain the excitement in her voice as she outlined what she thought the possibilities could be for adding this information to other sources of intelligence gathered. They both knew that governmental agencies hated to share information, even though the possibilities were endless. Getting the right person to listen to them was going to be the key.

  "I really think that the information could be invaluable, Alex." Devon finished.

  Alex looked at Devon in wonder, "You always were the smart one."

  "Naa, anyway, I figured that you would know what to do with the information." Devon shrugged.

  "Can I come by your office and see an example so that I'll know better what we would be looking at?"

  "Sure, you have a top secret clearance; I'll just have to arrange a visitor's pass for you. You want to come tomorrow?"

  "Yeah, I do. How's ten thirty?"

  Devon smiled, "Perfect."

  Chapter 16

  Devon and Alex decided that they should examine the data on their own and attempt to establish validity to their proposal for adding the Intel gathered from Devon's unit to the Agency's information. It was a bit tricky for Alex not to inadvertently divulge sensitive information as they worked, but she was amazed by the correlation between what the two agencies were working on.

  After about a month of compiling data and building their case, the two women believed that they had enough to take to their respective superiors. Devon made an appointment with her Colonel and Alex with the Senior Agent in Charge of Middle Eastern Operations. Both men were impressed by the insightful work done by the Lieutenant and Special Agent, but Alex's boss at the CIA seemed reluctant to begin sharing more information with another Agency. He was of the old school mentality; loathe revealing what he had with anyone. Never mind that it was just that kind of thinking that usually prevented governmental agencies from becoming more effective.

  Colonel Brinkman, the officer in charge of the Intelligence Center, regarded Devon appreciatively as he listened to her ideas while reading over the data that she had compiled. "This kind of forward thinking could get you fast tracked for Captain, Lieutenant James." He smiled at the young woman. "What made you do all of this?"

  Blushing slightly, Devon responded, "Well, sir, I have had a great interest in Mid East affairs, ever since I was in college. When the Embassy was bombed in April, I was so angry-as everyone was-but I just started thinking about our fixes and how they might reveal things that we needed to know. After all, they are fixes of communication signals. It just seemed logical."

  She added, "I couldn't have fit it all together without Agent Sommers, though."

  Brinkman studied her closely, but he saw nothing in her face but complete sincerity. Not a hint of cockiness or arrogance. He believed the lieutenant truly wanted nothing more than to help the mission.

  The colonel appreciated the fact that she had come to him with this information, another indication of her lack of personal agenda. Already he had gotten rave reviews regarding her work ethic. Her troops seemed to love her, and sitting here with her personally, he knew that she certainly made a positive impression on him. Command material, he thought.

  "Well, you certainly have my attention, lieutenant. I would like you to keep cataloging your findings, and keep me advised. I can honestly say that I'm not sure what exactly we can do, I expect that might be up to someone above my pay grade, but I think this is outstanding work."

  "Thank you, sir."

  Devon rushed back to her office buzzing with excitement. She couldn't wait to see Alex and give her the news that her boss wanted to pursue this work. The thrill of accomplishing something that was truly worthwhile was too much to contain. Pumping her fist in the air she whispered, "Yesss!" Sharing this with Alex only made the feeling that much sweeter.

  Chapter 17

  That night, Devon took Alex out for a celebratory dinner where they toasted to their preliminary success. After all, it was huge to get bureaucrats to even think about listening to a unique idea. Alex was a bit disappointed that her boss was still resistant to their plan, but she was thrilled that Devon's chain of command was listening.

  "Dev, I'm so happy that your colonel is interested in your work." She beamed at Devon.

  "Our work," Devon corrected her, basking in Alex's support.

  "Yes, but it was your insight and forward thinking that got everything started and you should be very proud."

  "Well, nothing has changed yet, so we'll just wait and see if something real comes out of this before we get too excited."

  Devon knew all too well the improbability of anything actually coming of this, although she hoped they could make a real contribution. She smiled brightly at Alex, supremely content to be sharing this with one of the few people in her life who truly mattered to her heart. For the first time in months, she realized that she was enjoying herself. Fleetingly, she thought she might ask Alex to go out for a drink after dinner.

  "I got news this morning," Devon heard and edge in Alex's voice and she had sensed that her friend was a bit distracted this evening. She looked at her questioningly, waiting for her to explain.

  "You know that the CIA took a huge hit in the Embassy bombing back in April." Devon nodded. "I was given orders this morning. I am to be reassigned to the Middle East contingent, effective immediately. They want to get the unit back up and running ASAP."

  "Wow." Devon managed, staring at her friend. "How soon do you have to leave?"

  "I have to report to the Beirut office in two weeks, I'll be on leave until then."

  Devon felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Things were extremely volatile right now over there; a civil war was raging in Lebanon that was the reason for the international peacekeeping force on the ground there. Nobody had been brought to justice for the Embassy bombing, or several other terrorist attacks in the immediate region. U.S. personnel were on high alert status, considered potential targets in the face of credible threats. She certainly didn't like the idea of Alex being there in the midst of all of that, but, she reminded herself that was Alex's job, and she had no doubt of her capabilities.

  "Will you be going home until then?" she asked, unable to tear her eyes away from Alex's.

  "In a few days, but until then, I was hoping you and I could spend some time together." Alex returned Devon's stare, reaching across the table to link their fingers together.

  Devon's mind flashed to the night during their senior year at Penn State when their friendship had gotten a bit closer. They had been camping with a group of friends in the Poconos and it was their last night before heading back to campus. Devon and Alex stayed up talking as usual long after everyone else had gone to sleep. The campfire was dying and they finished the last of the bottle of wine that they had been sharing. Alex was fiercely making a point about politics and governmental policy. Her brown eyes riveted on Devon, she leaned close to debate her point.

  Devon had always thought that Alex was extremely cute, and suddenly the intensity in the big brown eyes pulled her in like a tractor beam. She leaned forward until their lips were nearly touching, stopping momentarily to gauge the other woman's response. Alexandra did not pull away, she stopped talking and neither one breathed. Then Devon kissed her softly, slowly relishing the sweetness for long moments as the warm summer breeze blew their hair around their faces.

  The fond memory made Devon smile, and as she looked at Alex now, as attractive as she ever was, probably more, she struggled to remember what stopped them that night. Maybe just what she was thinking now.

  "Alex," she said softly, without taking her hand away, "I don't want anything to ever hurt our friendship, and-"

 
; "No," Alex said quietly, but with a sharpness that grabbed her attention. She moved her hand to grasp Devon's more tightly, while their eyes locked and held. Devon saw that same passion that she remembered in her brown eyes. "You do not need to protect me."

  "It's not that."

  "No? Then what?" Alex fixed Devon with a fiery stare of momentary challenge before a wave of warmth washed over and softened her expression.

  With quiet intensity she finished, "I've been waiting for three years, wondering what it would be like to make love to you." Alex's eyes were like smoldering embers and the heat from the contact of her hand was fusing Devon's skin to the table. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. The tractor beam was locked on again.

  Alex saw Devon's eyes begin to glow a deeper blue as that beautiful smile lit up her face. They both drew a deep breath and laughed. Neither knew what pain the other had endured in the time since they had last seen each other, but they both sensed a wounded heart. For now they could comfort each other without fear of commitment, knowing the bond that they shared was beyond physical and knowing that they were each safe with each other.

  #

  After stopping at a women's club on P Street for a couple of drinks and dancing, Alex gave the cab driver the address to her small one bedroom apartment in the Adam's Morgan neighborhood of the capital, near Meridian Hill Park, a lively district popular with young professionals boasting eclectic artwork, colorful murals, trendy restaurants and shops. Devon took her arm as they walked up the stairs and stood close as Alex unlocked the heavy wooden door to the renovated 19th century apartment building.

  She hesitated when they stepped inside. Uncertainty shrouded her thoughts as the reality of where this evening was headed surrounded her. Devon waited for Alex to invite her fully into the apartment. Even then, she stood at the side of the couch, afraid of presuming too much. She watched Alex as she removed her jacket and shoes before putting soft music on the stereo. Alex turned around to look at Devon with a smile that only meant desire. Her eyes danced in the soft light of the moon streaming through the window. She held out her hand in silent invitation.

  Devon could not believe that she had not fully appreciated her beauty before tonight. She walked quickly across the room to cup Alex's face in her hands and place a tender kiss on her lips. Just as she had years before, she took her time, allowing her lips and tongue to linger and then slowly move to capture more of her sweetness. This time Alex did move. She returned the sensuous kiss, sliding her tongue inside to tease and taste Devon's mouth while her hips pressed into the lean muscular thighs.

  Surprised by Alex's reaction, Devon felt her own body surge with sudden arousal. Pulling Alex tightly to her, she kissed her more completely, driving her tongue further into the warmth. They clung together deepening their kisses until Devon knew she was losing the battle with reason. Alex's body trembled against hers and her own legs threatened to give out.

  She briefly broke the contact of their lips, resting her forehead on Alex's, their eyes locking as they breathed heavily. Devon could read the wanting in the brown eyes but a voice in the back of her head reminded her that this was her friend. She warned her body to slow down, until Alex whispered breathlessly against her neck, "Please, Devon, don't stop this time."

  With a low groan, Devon wrapped her arms powerfully around the tiny waist, picked her up and began walking toward the couch. Alex wrapped her legs around Devon's hips, urgently murmuring, "No, the other way, the bedroom."

  Devon shifted the smaller woman higher on her waist and carried her quickly to the bedroom across the hall, while Alex lightly kissed the side of her neck and gently traced her tongue along the edges of her ear, lighting a raging fire in Devon's center.

  As they reached the end of the bed, Alex worked the buttons free on Devon's shirt, reaching inside to stroke her breasts, feeling the nipple stiffen under her touch. A gasp escaped Devon's throat when Alex pinched the firm flesh. Devon lowered Alex onto the bed and remained between her legs, pressing her hip high inside. She felt the heat of Alex's excitement even as her own clitoris pulsed.

  Alex slid her thigh between Devon's legs and the contact nearly sent her over the edge of control. Her head was light; it seemed that every drop of her blood was flowing between her legs. Her desire was an unbelievably sweet ache and she could think of nothing except the desperate need to be released.

  Devon eased back from Alex's thigh just enough to release the pressure that was dangerously pushing her excitement too far and too fast. She quickly moved to pull Alex's shirt up and off and deftly worked the clasp on her bra, freeing the brunette's full breasts. Leaning down to capture a stiff nipple with her mouth, she lightly nipped then sucked and flicked her tongue repeatedly around the pink tip as Alex let out soft moaning sounds and writhed beneath her attempting to press her hips more tightly against Devon's.

  She unbuttoned the front of Alex's jeans and slid her hand inside, cupping her fully, then running the pad of her index finger lightly over her heated flesh as Alex jumped and cried out.

  Continuing the attention on Alex's breasts with her lips, Devon lightly stroked two fingers on either side of the soft fleshy nerve bundle, working the shaft as the tip rapidly grew and hardened. She took her time, sliding through the wetness and rubbing in a circular motion to match the driving of the practiced tongue on her nipples, threatening to drive Alex mad with pleasure.

  Alex ran her hands through the blond curls at the nape of her neck pulling Devon's mouth more forcefully onto her breast as she felt the explosion in her depths. At the first rock of Alex's pelvis into her hand, Devon drove into her fully, claiming her with certain thrusts matching the pull of strong contractions drawing her deeper into her lover. Devon cried out as a wave of orgasm began crashing through her simultaneously. She thrust her hips on Alex's thigh, both of them riding the waves of passion ever higher.

  Holding each other as the aftermath of their lovemaking slowly subsided, Devon drew a deep breath, kissing Alex lightly on top of her head, she chuckled, "Why did we wait so long to do that?"

  "You tell me, I was the shy one, remember?" she laughed, nuzzling Devon's neck.

  Devon laughed out loud, "Well you certainly have gotten over that."

  Alex began slowly caressing Devon's bare stomach, slowly drawing circles around her navel and then moving toward her chest, stopping to flick each hardening nipple with her thumb. She smiled as Devon's stomach tightened and she shuddered. Tracing her fingers down to the edge of the fabric of her jeans and sliding down inside the waistband to the wetness she knew was waiting, she watched Devon's blue eyes darken.

  "Ready to go again, are we?" Her voice was playful, her dark eyes hungry.

  "Will be…soon," A sharp gasp escaped her throat as Alex stroked her. Devon pushed her hips forward and her head back on the bed.

  "Well, let's just get a bit more comfortable," Alex unbuttoned the fly on Devon's jeans and pulled them down off of her. She removed her briefs and finally stripped her open shirt from her shoulders, baring Devon completely.

  "You too," Devon said hoarsely.

  Alex's hands on her flesh were making her head swim again. She got up on her knees as Alex removed her remaining clothing. Devon reached out to pull her into a tight embrace, painting kisses along her neck and shoulders. Alex ran her hands down Devon's back and squeezed her backside, pulling their hips together. Their mouths crushed together battling for control as they fell onto the bed in a tangle of arms and legs. The reignited passion burned relentlessly until the first gray of the dawn began to paint the sky.

  Chapter 18

  Devon woke, disoriented and she blinked looking around trying to get her bearings. Shit. What time is it? What day is it? Saturday. She remembered now that she was at Alexandra's apartment. The bed was empty beside her, checking her watch she saw it was almost noon. The delectable aroma of
brewing coffee floated pleasantly in from the other room, beckoning her to follow the scent. A search of the floor area next to the bed successfully located her discarded shirt and jeans. Devon pulled them on to venture out of the bedroom lured by the promise of the caffeine fix.

  She found Alex pouring coffee into two large mugs at the kitchen island. Sliding up behind her to place her hands lightly on her hips, Devon brushed gentle kisses on the back of her neck. "Good morning."

  Alex leaned back into Devon's body, "Morning." She purred. Stepping away, she added just a splash of cream into one of the mugs, stirred it gently, and lifted the final product toward Devon with a smile. "One cream, no sugar, right?"

  Devon shook her head, returning the smile with a slight grin of her own. She accepted the coffee gratefully, watching Alex over the cup.

  "You know me better than anyone." She acknowledged. Their eyes met and held as they sipped the rich beverage; neither one spoke for a few moments as if assessing the other's reaction to the previous night.