CHAPTER 11

Scootie Screws Up

WHERE ARE YOU? Jain wondered, worried about Solaria. If you don't call soon, I'm going to... To what? Well, I'm going to do something. I'll think of what later. Unconsciously petting the dog lying on her lap, she realized it was almost bedtime. It sure didn't take you long to settle in. Even dogs have their price, huh? Okay, time for my shower.

Coaxing the animal off her lap, she laughed when it reluctantly stood, yawned and began stretching. First the right rear leg straightened and pushed backward. Then she repeated the procedure with her left leg and ended with a bow, her rump stuck in the air with her front legs stretched out in front of her.  

"My, aren't you dainty," Jain said. "If you're finished, let's go to bed. I'm tired."

Cocking her head sideways, the dog gave Jain a toothy grin.

"Wawawoof."

"Don't wawawoof me. I'm in charge here," Jain declared.

"Rararara."

"Oh yeah, like I'm supposed to know what that means. Stay here if you want. I'm taking a shower. You can sleep on the floor or on the bed, just as long as you don't snore." Without waiting for a response, Jain headed to the bathroom.

That should show her who's boss.

Ten minutes later, she found the dog curled up on her pillow. Grimacing, Jain nudged her with her hand.

"Would you at least scoot over and give me some space?" When the dog stood and moved to the foot of the bed, Jain laughed. "Thanks. It's nice to see you don't talk back all the time."

"Pfffftttt," the dog responded, shaking her head. Curling in a small ball, she buried her nose under her right leg and closed her eyes.

*  *  *

The sheets were cool as Jain slipped between them, rolled onto her side and sighed. Within minutes she was asleep, her arms wrapped tightly around her pillow. Jain didn't know how long she had been sleeping before a noise woke her. Opening one eye, she looked blearily toward the door. The figure of a woman stood in the opening, silhouetted by the hall light. Jain had a strange sense of déjà vu.

"Solaria? Is that you?" she mumbled, blinking tiredly. "How did you get in?"

"You gave me the code, remember? I'm sorry if I woke you."

"Oh, that's okay. Are you hungry? I can —"

"No," Solaria said, walking slowly into the room. "At least not for food."

"Oh." Jain rubbed her eyes wearily. "OH!" she said again, suddenly realizing what Solaria had said.

Solaria smiled. Her teal eyes glowed brightly, giving her an almost demonic look.

"Oh, yes," she confirmed.

Jain swallowed nervously. This is a dream, she thought.

"Umm... Okay.

Solaria laughed softly.

"Do I make you nervous?"

Jain could only nod.

Solaria walked around the bed and started taking off her clothes. Jain closed her eyes, trying not to look. The temptation, though, was too great. She couldn't resist peeking through narrowed lids. The woman had a gorgeous body. As Solaria slipped under the sheet, she rolled onto her side and faced Jain, her head propped on her hand.

"This bed is quite comfortable. You know, you're very desirable, Jain. I've been waiting a long time for this."

This definitely isn't real. It's just a dream... but what a dream!

Solaria's face was now only a few inches away from Jain's. Jain's eyes widened.

"Why do I scare you so much?" Solaria asked.

"You're... You're so beautiful. I'm so plain."

"Never to me, Jain. I've always thought you were special." Sliding slightly closer, Solaria reached out to touch Jain's cheek. "Your eyes are amazing." The finger continued down Jain's neck and rested on the pulse pounding in her neck. "Your heart is racing."

"I've... I've never had someone so... so... Well, I'm just not sure what you want?"

"You!" Solaria whispered softly

"M... Me?"

"Yes, I want you. Just like you want me. You do want me, don't you?"

Jain laughed at the ridiculousness of the question. Of course she wanted Solaria. She had dreamed of having her so many times.

Not waiting for an answer, Solaria pushed up on one elbow and leaned toward Jain. Slowly she began unbuttoning the pajama top.

"I thought so. There's no reason for us to waste any more time," Solaria said and lowered her lips to Jain's breasts, kissing each one. "I love your breasts. They're so full, so soft."

Cupping one in her hand, Solaria lifted it carefully, making sure not to hurt Jain. Leaning closer, she inhaled slightly and noticed the faint scent of bath soap mixed in with something else — a musky odor, warm and pleasant.

"You smell nice."

Jain frowned. This seems so familiar. The thought dispelled some of the excitement she had started to feel.

"Does this bother you?" Solaria asked, sensing the change.

"N... No. It's just that... I feel like we've done this before."

Solaria smiled.

"Perhaps you have. You said you've dreamed of this."

Jain wasn't sure how to answer. Perhaps it was because there really wasn't a good one.

"Maybe." Jain was suddenly afraid. What if this is only a dream? She wanted so badly for it to be real. Placing her palms against Solaria's cheeks, she leaned upward, closed her eyes and pressed her lips against Solaria's. When she didn't get a response, she opened her eyes and looked at the face just inches away. A big toothy grin greeted her and then a wet tongue darted out to lick her nose.

"Damn!" Jain exclaimed, wiping it dry and sitting up. "Scootie!" she yelled, not realizing she had just named the dog. Scootie immediately jumped away, her tail wagging happily. The look on her face was clear: Gotcha!

"You brat! You're so proud of yourself, aren't you?" Grabbing the dog, Jain wrestled with her a bit before putting her to the side. "That was the best dream yet and you go and wake me up with a sloppy kiss," she chastised, shaking her finger at the dog. "Now you're just going to have to wait until I take another shower — a cold one, dammit."

"Woof!" Scootie protested by doing a quick circle on the bed, then sat down.

"Don't talk back to me. I pay the mortgage. That makes me the Alpha. Now off with you." Jain waved her hands in a shooing motion and then laughed when Scootie plopped down on the blanket and cocked her head to the side. Before Jain could say something, Scootie jumped up, licked her left hand and then bounded off the bed. Running to the bathroom door, she nuzzled it open and stepped inside.

"Woowoof!" she barked, looking expectantly at Jain.

"Well, aren't you in a hurry!" Jain said.

"Woowoof!"

"Alright, alright! I'm coming. Keep your voice down. You'll wake the neighbors." Climbing out of bed, Jain strolled into the bathroom. The slick feeling between her thighs reminded her of the dream and she sighed. I knew it was too good to be true. 

"It's all your fault," she growled, giving Scootie a stern look.

Scootie sniffed the air, shook her head vigorously and trotted out of the bathroom. Her message was quite clear: NOT!

*  *  *

"I've decided to keep you but only until your owner shows up," Jain promised Scootie the next morning. Secretly she hoped the owner never would. "We'll just have to see what happens."

Standing by the door, Scootie barked twice while Jain washed the dishes.

"After I'm done," she said, ignoring the dog. When Scootie trotted over, grabbed Jain's pant leg in her teeth and tugged, Jain sprinkled water on the dog's head. "I said when I'm done. I hate cold dishwater."

Looking up at Jain, Scootie shook off the drops. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

Uh oh! I'm not sure I like that look, Jain thought.

Scootie circled once next to Jain, lifted her leg and squirted Jain's pant leg. It was a small squirt but spoke volumes. Then she trotted to the front door and stared at it, refusing to look back. Stunned, Jain stared in shock at the wet spot.

"That's not funny," she scolded, grabbing the dishcloth and throwing it at the insolent dog. "Not funny at all," she mumbled. Still, the humor of the situation didn't escape her. Scootie had tried to tell her she wanted to go out. Bending down, she rubbed the pee spot with the washrag and then tossed it in the sink.

My favorite pair of slacks, too.

She walked to the door and knelt down next to Scootie.

"I'll make a deal with you, brat. You be a little more patient in the future, and I'll give you a special treat as a reward."

"Waawoof."

"I'll take that as a yes. Alright, let's go."

Looping the leash around Scootie's neck, Jain and her new companion headed out the door.