�Oh, Claire. I�m so sorry. I�m interrupting you. I�m so sorry, I�ll go,� Diane said, pulling her foot out of the door.

�Uh, Diane?�

�Yeah?�

�The phone. You have my number?�

�Yes, I do.�

�Next time, use it, okay?�

�Sorry.�

Diane stared at the door as it closed. Frustrated and embarrassed, she turned and retreated down the hall.

�Who was that?� the slender, dark-haired pixie said from the bed as Claire returned and stood in the doorway to admire her. Her skin was white and smooth. Her face was flushed, and she looked like she was glowing and happy. Claire felt lucky that someone so attractive, together and caring had stumbled into her life.

�No one of importance.�

�An old girlfriend?� the pixie pouted. Claire loved her slightly rough voice. She found that very alluring. And man, that girl could cook.

�No, just someone from work,� Claire crawled back onto the bed and covered her lover with the blanket she had taken as a wrap.

�Speaking of which, what about your rule? Not messing with anyone from work?�

�Well, technically, we don�t work together,� Claire responded, gently kissing her new friend on the shoulder, moving upward to her neck. �After all, we�re on two completely different floors. I�m in the detective squad, and you�re all the way up the stairs in anti-crime.�

�I�m glad you bent the rules for me.�

�Are you sure this was your first time?� Claire said, looking into her eyes for any sign of indecision or worse, experimentation that had finally been satisfied. The pixie nodded shyly.

�Any regrets?� Claire asked, gently stroking her arm.