C. Paradee - Deep Cover

"Oh, absolutely."

Shelby noticed the drops of moisture that had escaped from the sweatband Kris wore around her head and the sheen of sweat apparent on her body, and chuckled. "You sure are. Don't you believe in starting slow and easy?"

Kris bit off a chuckle, knowing her mind had gone in a totally different direction than Shelby's. "Always."

Shelby shook her head, amused. "Well your definition of slow and easy must be different than mine."

No. I don't think it is. Want to find out? Kris cut off her train of thought and issued a stern warning to herself. Don't even go there! She looked at Shelby and shrugged nonchalantly, then followed her to the workout room.

The two women steadily progressed through the various equipment designed to tone different parts of the body. Kris limited her use of the equipment to those in which she her view wasn't obscured. They were currently at a machine that worked the muscles of the abdomen and shoulders.

Kris noticed Shelby seemed to be straining as she operated the overhead bar even though she hadn't said anything. She laid her hand on Shelby's arm. "Wait a minute. The tension is too tight for you on this."

Shelby had been so intent on watching the smooth rippling of Kris' sinewy muscles each time she leaned back and then slowly sat up drawing the bar over her head, she hadn't even thought about adjusting the tension when she sat down and the feel of Kris' hand further distracted her.

Once the setting was adjusted, she easily maneuvered the overhead bar. "Thanks."

Kris smiled. "Next time, say something, okay?"

Smiling, Shelby nodded, as she positioned herself on the padded bench. Reaching up, she securely grasped the overhead bar in her hands before slowly pulling it forward, then letting it guide her back down until she had achieved a steady rhythmic motion.

Kris stood off to the side and suddenly found herself transfixed by the movement of Shelby's breasts and abdomen each time she laid back in the chair and brought the bar back over her head. Sucking in a deep breath, Kris tried to will her eyes away from the incredibly sensual movement, but couldn't find the motivation to do so.

She finally quit staring when her companion released the bar, and glanced away, sure if she didn't that Shelby would see the desire reflected in her eyes.

Shelby swung around on the bench only to find Kris gazing around the room. Disappointed that the operative hadn't been watching her work out, she said, "We've been through all the ones I normally do. Anything else you want to try?"

Kris was still uncomfortably aroused. "No. I'd rather run for a while. Stretch out my legs a bit."

"Okay." Shelby usually enjoyed a couple of nice leisurely laps jogging around the track, and was looking forward to running with the Kris.

After five laps, Shelby had had enough. She sensed Kris had kept her pace slow for her benefit, but the heavy workout had taken a toll. She slowed to a walk. "That's it for me."

Kris slowed along with Shelby, and looked at the flushed, tired face. She had to restrain herself from brushing an errant lock of hair from Shelby's face. "Okay. Let's go."

When they arrived on the ground floor, Shelby headed towards the locker room.

"Where are you going?"

"To take a shower. I have clean towels in my locker."

"It would be better if we shower at your place."

"Oh, yeah, right." Shelby couldn't believe she had actually momentarily forgot about the danger they could be in.

Noticing the sudden worry reflected in her companion's face, Kris gazed into Shelby's eyes, momentarily losing herself in the soft green pools. "Don't worry. You're safe with me."

Shelby never hesitated. "I know."

Kris looked away first. What are you doing?! "Ready?"

Shelby nodded, and they began to walk toward the entrance when two smiling men stepped into their path, intercepting them.

The taller of the two said, "Hi, ladies. I'm Bob, and this is Greg. We were going to stop next door and get a sandwich. Would you care to join us?"

Kris quickly assessed the men. Bob sported a muscular physique. Boyishly handsome, his fashionably cut blonde hair fell over his forehead. His companion was a couple of inches shorter, with brown hair and a slighter build. He lacked the thick muscles of his companion, but appeared to be very fit. She figured them for regulars at the health club, dismissing them as potential threats. "No thanks."

Bob turned his attention to Shelby. "What about you? It'd be fun."

Shelby smiled. "No thanks. We've gotta be going."

"Could I have your phone number, then?" Looking pointedly at Kris, he said, "Maybe we could get together when you don't have company."

Her eyes paling, Kris said pleasantly, "Would you mind getting out of our way? We said we weren't interested."

"How about letting your friend answer for herself."

Kris glanced at Shelby.

"I don't give my phone number to strangers."

Greg looked at his friend. "Come on. We're wasting our time."

Bob wasn't used to being turned down. Most of the women at the gym welcomed his attention. He had been intrigued by the two strangers, but was angry with the tall woman, convinced the other one would've accepted his invitation had she not stepped in. His ego damaged by the rebuff, he glared at Kris. "What are you? A couple of dykes?"

Shelby met Bob's eyes. "Is that what you say to every woman who turns you down?"

Bob's face turned red. "You little bitch..." Glaring, he took a step forward only to find his progress halted when Blue stepped between him and Shelby.

"Get out of our way, now."

Bob stepped back, intimidated by the cold eyes glaring at him.

Kris grasped Shelby's arm and began leading her around the men toward the door. "You were wasting your breath."

Bob watched the two women progress through the door, then jerked his head after them. "Come on."

Greg shook his head. "No. Just forget them."

Bob ignored him and walked outside. He stood near the door watching the women get into the car and drive away before walking back inside to join Greg.

Blue overtly kept an eye on Bob until she merged with traffic on the street. She knew his ego had been injured, but considered him no threat.

"Why was he watching us?"

"Oh, he just wanted the last word."

Shelby chuckled. "I never thought of that." She gazed at Kris, thoughtfully. "I've never been called a dyke before."

"Does that bother you?"

"That someone thinks I'm a dyke? Not really. It's not something I ever thought about much." Until lately. "Did it bother you?"

Kris chuckled. "No. I don't have a problem with lesbians or gays."

"Oh, I don't either. I just never thought of myself as one." But I am attracted to you even though I haven't associated my interest in those terms.

Nodding, Kris glanced at Shelby, an inscrutable expression her face, but remained silent.

A few minutes later, Shelby saw a Convenient Store sign. "Let's stop and pick up some lunch meat and bread."

The remainder of the ride home was quiet, with both women questioning their attraction to, and growing feelings for, the other.

Kris had seen no sign of a tail during the ride home, but as a precaution had driven down the streets immediately bordering the complex. She scanned the parking lot as she drove in, noting it was empty except for parked vehicles. Exiting the car, she moved to the passenger side and waited as Shelby got out, closing the door behind her.

"We are going to have to go grocery shopping soon. Sandwiches are fine for tonight, but I'd like a little more choice." Shelby was walking slightly in front of Kris and when the tall woman didn't respond, added pointedly, "Since we ended up leaving all our groceries at the store last night."