"Carter, are you here yet?"
She smiled wide, causing her face to light up, and the apples of her cheeks appeared. She moved her hair to the side, and tapped the earpiece in her ear, and looked around the entrance of Marwinn Towers, the luxury hotel in downtown Manhattan. She walked into the lobby passing through a sea of people who had come to attend the 21'st Annual Starling Ball, a charity event put on by the owner of the hotel chain. It was just past 8pm, and the crowd was thick.
There seemed to be hundreds of people there, all famous, all very affluent, all very high profile. They had to be, at $10,000 a plate. It was pocket change to them, really. They were there to spend money, mingle with present contacts, seek out future ones, and get their picture taken at one of the most high profile events of the year. The air was full of energy.
There was a lot of press at this event. A few people stood outside having their picture taken, interviews were going on, and she listened to the snippets of conversations around her. Dresses were being admired, lots of bright blues, high yellows, and sizzling red colours blazed for all to see. Ladies stood tall in high heels with matching handbags and clutches, and men not to be outdone, were wearing tuxes fresh from Armani. She was glad to be a part of this event, even if she had been invited at the last minute. Her 'date' for the evening had just enquired about her arrival.
Reese's voice was clear in her ear, and her smile turned a bit lecherous for a moment at the sound of it. She was used to talking to him all the time, but the ear piece provided such clarity, she couldn't deny the appeal of his low tone in her ear right now. It sounded like he was right beside her.
"Yes, I just got here. Walking in the lobby as we speak. Where are you?" she asked, and looked around for him. She stood about twenty feet from the entrance when she noticed him walking towards her on her left. She turned to face him, trying to keep her gaze cool as she took in the sight of him.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored tux and tie. It accentuated his waist, broad shoulders, and long legs perfectly. All black of course as usual, or was it deep gunmetal tonight? She couldn't tell at first, but she knew she'd never seen him look more handsome. He'd just gotten a haircut, and was freshly shaven, the usual stubble was gone. Admittedly she missed it, but she appreciated this look on him. He looked every bit the Asset Manager he was pretending to be tonight. He looked like he stepped out of the pages of GQ Magazine, she thought, and he was quite aware of how good he looked. There was an extra air of confidence in his step. If that was even possible, she mused.
She cocked her head to the side as he studied her in kind. She had had a dress tailored for her as well, with no cost to her. She had just been told where to go, and within two days her entire outfit had been ready. She assumed he paid for it, and he had good taste. It was a strapless black gown with a V neckline that plunged almost to her waist, and was secured by heavy banding. The fabric was very fluid, and the bottom of the dress flowed when she moved. The hemline fell just below her ankles, and she wore black peep toe five inch heels. Normally she wore low work shoes, but in her current foot wear, she caught John all the way past his shoulders.
"Do I pass inspection?" she asked, smiling as he held out his arm, which she took looping her own with his. His appraisal was done.
"I was about to ask you the same thing, Detective. You were staring so long; I was going to suggest you take a picture," he replied, not answering her question. He offered her a disarming smile.
"Shall we go?"
"Yes, let's go smart ass."
"Since I assume both of you are done admiring each other, let's get to the matter at hand." They both heard Finch's voice in their ears, and walked towards the entrance of the grand ballroom. Reese produced two tickets, and they gained entry to the gala.
The room was packed with a head table set up straight to the front. Hundreds of other tables were set up with crisp linen table cloths, and high centre pieces. Most of the tables were already occupied, and the party was in full swing. The host was droning on about a big sponsor of the event, while a slide show had just begun playing.
Reese and Carter made their way to a table, and he pulled out her chair for her. His hand grazed her back as they settled at the table. His light touch didn't go unnoticed, and she stared at his profile as he sat beside her.
They were seated beside two other couples; a plastic surgeon and his wife, and the owner of a real estate firm, and his wife, who was an attorney in Long Island. Carter smiled as Reese made introductions. He introduced her as his wife Camille, and she briefly thought of their tiny squabble over the name he picked.
"Do I look like my name's Camille?" she'd asked. "I have a 67 year old aunt named Camille. She walks with a limp, and she's extremely ornery, John."
"I happen to think that Camille is a very nice name," he said with amusement at the fire in her eyes.
"I'm sure you do," she retorted.
He'd rolled his eyes at her, and threatened to spend the night calling her Millie if she didn't stop complaining. It earned him a searing look from her, but he wouldn't back down, and in the end she acquiesced.
A waiter walked over to the table, pouring two glasses of champagne for them. Carter looked up and saw that their waiter was none other than Finch, and he looked rather handsome in his gray waistcoat tonight. She smiled, and said thank you, sipping on her glass as he moved to another table.
"Jack of all trades I see. He never ceases to surprise me," she said to Reese, who wore a strange smile on his face.
Reese moved his chair a little closer to hers, and he leaned in closer to her.
"The real estate guy is the mark," he whispered in her ear, and she waited a few moments before she let her eyes flicker over him for a minute. He was white, looked to be in his fifties, his hair was dark, but his beard and moustache were peppered with gray. He seemed like the most mild mannered person in the room.
"Who in the world would wanna kill him?" she asked, and turned her face in Reese's direction. His face was still close to hers, and she almost ended up planting a kiss on his lips. She was a little startled, and he put a hand over hers.
"Don't be so jumpy, Camille. It won't do for my wife to be so uncomfortable around her husband."
"I'm not uncomfortable, I just….."
"How about you drink some more of that champagne, and just relax. Look at me and smile." She did just that, and he picked that exact moment to plant a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth.
"Taking the husband and wife bit to another level are we?" she asked, as she sipped her champagne once more.
"Just acting as an affectionate husband would." He leaned back in his chair, and crossed his legs. Carter looked at him out of the corner of her eye, and told herself to focus. This wasn't the first time he'd asked her to accompany him on a case. On the contrary, she'd worked hundreds with him before. They'd been in close proximity before, cars, buildings, closets, this should be no different. But it felt like it was.
"Mr. Benedict just entered the room. He's moved over to the far left, Mr. Reese." She could hear Finch in her ear, his voice interrupting her thoughts. Reese was striking up a conversation with the plastic surgeon, who was boring him with a story about a recent procedure he'd just done on someone in this very room tonight. The details of the operation spilled out of his mouth as it was now evident he'd had entirely too much to drink. Some of the details revealed were past the point of propriety, but Reese humored him, and nodded so that Finch could see he'd heard his message. He squeezed Carter's hand just then, and pulled it close to his chest.
She spotted a tall blonde man, possibly in his early forties, that stood close to the head table. He looked around the room till his eyes met a tall dark haired woman who sat at a table opposite theirs. She nodded to him, and her eyes passed over everybody at Carter and Reese's table.
As the slide show finally ended, the ensemble that was playing struck up an upbeat song and a few people left their tables to go on the dance floor, including the plastic surgeon and his wife. There were a few fast numbers, and Carter laughed at what these people called dancing.
"John, the dark haired lady in the red opposite us….." she said.
"I see her."
"She's up to something."
"Good eye, Millie," he teased, and she glared at him. "Glad you came along."
"You mean you're glad I had nothing else to do despite the short notice you gave me?" she joked.
"Something like that."
"Her friend near the front is waiting to make his move. You take him, I'll get her."
"Glad we're on the same page."
"You two seem so happy." She heard the real estate agent's wife say watching their exchange.
"You look like you've been together forever. How long have you been married?" she asked.
Carter looked at Reese, and decided to let him answer the question, and he noted her look, happy to oblige.
"Oh we've been together for over ten years. Married for seven. Seems like just yesterday I met her, though."
"You can tell. There's something in the way you look at each other. I see a deep love there, one that's going to last a long time," she remarked, and it was then that her husband asked her to dance. The round of upbeat music was coming to a close and a slow number had just begun. Reese smiled at her comment, but said nothing in return.
Carter put a hand on Reese's shoulder, glad that their act had been convincing all evening. They'd played the part of an affectionate couple well, even their fellow dinner guests were fooled.
"Do you wanna go for a spin?" he asked, nodding his head toward the dance floor.
"Sure, why not?"
He got up, and pulled her chair out a bit, and took her hand. Carter felt a little light headed as they walked onto the dance floor, and his fingers splayed across the bare skin of her back felt good. With her body so close to his, her arms around his shoulder and his fingers twined with hers Carter became very aware of the man before her.
"I didn't answer your question earlier," he said.
"What was that?"
"Whether or not you passed inspection. You look absolutely stunning tonight, Joss."
She smiled, a blush creeping to her cheeks. "Thank you. I didn't tell you how beautiful you look tonight," she replied.
"Hard to reconcile this version of you with the uptight, by the book Detective you are the other 364 days of the year."
"You of all people should know, you never judge a book by its cover. Besides I've told you before, I got my own bag of tricks. I can be just as feminine as the next woman. Maybe even more."
"Well you've made a believer out of me, I'll tell you that."
"What happened to your other 'date'?"
"She had a business deal come through at the last minute."
"And you ended up calling on me. Anyone I know?" she wondered just who his other option was. And she was surprised that for some reason it actually mattered to her.
He seemed to hesitate before he responded. "My other wife, you two met briefly."
Carter remembered the brief exchange, when the brunette had introduced herself as his wife. He had conveniently not said who she was when they'd met outside the apartment high rise that night, and she guessed she felt stung by that. She admitted she'd wondered just who she was, but after that night, he'd never mentioned her again.
"Ah, Zoe, wasn't it?"
"Correct."
"Not surprised the union didn't last."
"No? Why is that?" he asked, as she shook her head.
"She didn't look like she'd be able to handle a man like you." He seemed fascinated by that answer, and he turned his full gaze on her looking into her eyes.
"A man like me?"
"Yes. Let's just say, I think it takes a certain kind of woman to deal with a man of your nature."'
She moved her arm over his shoulders and back almost absently, like it was the most natural thing in the world to do. She was enjoying this dance, she thought to herself. So much that she hadn't noticed the song had already changed, and something else was playing. She moved in step with him, their bodies creating their own rhythm as they danced. His hands moved a little lower, and rested on the small of her back.
She started to get a little lost in his eyes, which were now a very intense blue.
"Don't stop now; I'm dying to hear what type of woman you think can handle me."
With his hips and pelvis pressed up against hers, Carter felt the slight, but distinct feel of him against her. The faint beginnings of an erection. It gave her some small sense of satisfaction that he was as affected by her as she was by him. Her lips parted, and she looked at him. He blinked, and his lashes briefly fanned along his cheeks.
"Why I thought the answer was obvious, John," she said softly. She felt his hand leave her waist then, and his fingers lightly touched the back of her neck. They were in the middle of the dance floor surrounded by people, but everyone disappeared for just a moment.
They were lost together, the music had faded and they were all alone.
"Mr. Benedict has moved to the exit. He's following the husband. Mr. Reese you might wanna go after him." Finch's voice successfully broke the spell.
The moment interrupted, and Carter noticed that the dark haired beauty had also disappeared to the side entrance, possibly pursuing the wife.
"I'll go get her," she said to Reese, and he went to chase the blonde man.
She shook off her present feelings of attraction, and willed her mindset back into Detective mode. She reached into the split of the dress, and retrieved the firearm that was strapped to her leg. She slowly followed the woman in red to the ladies' restroom down the hall. She heard voices, then she heard a slight scuffle, and opened the door just in time to see her in the process of putting cable ties around the wife's wrists.
"NYPD! Drop it!" she said, noting the firearm in her hand. Taken by surprise the dark haired beauty spun round quickly, intending to fire a shot at Carter, but she stepped out of the way, the bullet hitting the tile in the wall, and she quickly disarmed her, pushing her up against the sink.
"Oh my God," she heard the wife scream in the back of her. She grabbed the cuffs she'd had hidden, and put them on the struggling brunette.
"It's okay. Everything's gonna be fine." She touched her earpiece. "Finch, I've got the girl. How's our friend doing?"
"He seems to be…wrapping up the situation …right about now."
She smiled. "Great. I'll call it in."
Reese watched as the last police cruiser left the building, and disappeared down the street. The blonde, would-be killer was handcuffed, and sitting tight in the back seat. He watched as Carter finished a conversation with Fusco before he walked off, and got into his unmarked vehicle.
The weather outside had suddenly changed, and it had gotten colder. A flurry of snow started to coat the ground and vehicles outside. A light breeze picked up, blowing the curly tendrils of hair across Carter's shoulders. Fusco stuck his head out the driver's window at the last minute, shouting something to her, and she laughed at whatever it was he said. Her eyes lit up, and the sound of her throaty laughter drifted to his ears.
He was glad he'd asked her to accompany him tonight. He liked having her by his side; he always liked working with her. She got him, she got the job, and she liked the chase just as much as he did. She felt the same excitement pumping in her blood, and she felt the same satisfaction at the end of it all.
He'd never worked with her like this though. Never seen her like this. It was always the front seat of his car on a stake out, or her saving his hide from a burning car. Or it was him shooting someone who was trying to kill her. But he'd never seen her dressed to the nines, hair done up, and wearing high heels that made her look like the tallest woman in the room. He'd never been treated to the sight of her smooth skin, never seen it. And it took every bit of his CIA training to pretend that he was immune to the gorgeous sight of her.
But he wasn't. And the clothes made no difference. He hadn't been immune to her for a long time now. The kiss at the corner of her mouth, his hand on hers, and the closeness of them dancing tonight, had almost been his undoing. He'd gotten lost in her brown eyes for a moment and it had taken Finch's voice in his ear to bring them both back to reality.
And now, she was walking towards him, her hands moving over her bare arms because of the cold.
"I didn't bring a coat. Wasn't expecting it to get cold," she said, as she approached him.
"Here," he said. "Take my jacket. It'll warm you up." His eyes didn't leave hers as he removed it, until he walked behind her settling it on her shoulders. His hands remained there for a bit, and he moved her hair to the side.
"Come on, I'll take you home," he passed his ticket to the valet who went to get his car.
She looked at her watch, checking the time. "It's just past 11, a bit early to be going home already on a Saturday night," she said.
"What'd you have in mind?"
"How about a drink, something a little stronger than champagne? I'll buy the first round."
He hesitated, knowing what drinks could lead to. He wondered if she was ready to head in that direction. But he was still so curious about her and this seemed a rare opportunity.
"…that is unless you had something, or someone else in mind." The valet pulled up and he opened the door for her before he sat down in the driver's seat.
"Not at all. Drinks it is and I have the perfect place in mind."
He drove to the 'perfect place'. 'Stacy's'; a lounge located in the hubbub of downtown Manhattan, a few blocks from the hotel. It was cozy, intimate, and had dim lighting, and a good atmosphere. There was a good amount of people there, a mature crowd, and a motley of people sat enjoying the sounds of the smooth jazz band performing tonight. The female singer crooned a romantic tune, and they were led to a cozy spot near the back. Reese had asked for a secluded booth.
A few moments later, Reese had a glass cradled in his hand; his bow tie was loose, and hung around his neck. He was laughing at something Carter had said, and he couldn't help but enjoy her company.
A few more drinks, and an hour later had loosened both of them up, and Carter was leaning against the cushioned high back of the booth. She leaned to the side of the arm handle, and her eyes were closed.
"You never did answer my question about moving on, you know. I never forgot."
He remembered that night, and she was right, he hadn't answered. Afterwards he thought about his answer, and what it could be. He still wasn't sure.
"I don't know Carter, didn't think the answer was all that important."
"I'm just curious. I mean you mentioned your other wife tonight and all. It just got me kinda thinking." She opened her eyes, and sat up, resting her hands on the table. "I mean do you ever think you'll get over Jessica? It's been a while now." Her eyes were suddenly so serious.
He felt compelled to answer, he didn't know why. "I think it's entirely possible. I didn't think I was capable of…..feeling anything for anyone anymore. But…I think the right woman…if she came along…I think it is possible that that could change."
"Are you open to the right woman, John? I mean what if she was right in front of your nose? Would you recognize her? Or would you be so caught up in what you had with Jessica?"
He put his glass to his lips, emptying it, and let the warm liquid pass his throat. Liquid courage, he thought. What did he have to be afraid of around her? Nothing at all, right?
"I'm sorry."
"I'm not." Two simple words, and her eyebrow shot up. He'd literally just told her he was okay with her pushing the subject further.
"What about your other wife?"
"What about her?"
She smiled, shaking her head, and a smirk crossed his lips. "Good answer," she said. He loved the cat and mouse game they were playing. The waiter came over to ask if they wanted something else, and he ordered them another round of the same. He watched as she contemplated her next question.
What about you? he thought.
"What about me?" she asked. "Have you ever thought about…..me?"
Many times, he wanted to say, but the waiter came back just then with their drinks. When he left, both glasses sat untouched in front of them.
"I've thought of you, sometimes….." she admitted. He was surprised at how good it felt to hear. He wondered if it was the alcohol talking, they'd both had a few. But she looked completely sober, and he only felt a slight buzz. She stared into his eyes as her hand moved across the table, and she slid one of her fingers over his.
"Joss…"
"Have you? Thought about me?"
"Yes."
Something was happening. Something had changed. In a split second. He could feel it. It was palpable. He turned around and signaled for the cheque. She watched as he paid their tab, and he helped her out of her seat.
"Come on, let's go." His hand was on the small of her back as he ushered her outside in the night air. It had gotten even colder.
They got into the car, and she said nothing, didn't question where they were going. She leaned into the leather seat in the car, and he reached across to hold her hand. Her eyes opened, and he heard a small gasp, but she let him hold it, and he felt her squeeze his hand a little. He saw her looking at him out of the corner of his eyes, and he pressed the accelerator, increasing their speed.
It wasn't long before they got to 810 Baxter Street, where he parked the car, and helped her get out. She looked around, not recognizing the neighbourhood, and she looped her arm through his, holding onto him as they both walked across the street and into his building. Their long strides sounded on the pavement.
"Where are we?" she finally asked, as they waited for the elevator.
"My place," he answered, and they walked inside the elevator as the doors opened. She leaned on the wall of the small lift, and he pressed the button for the 5th floor. As he moved closer to her, the scent of jasmine wafted into his nostrils. It was intoxicating. He felt as if he was breathing her in. He stood in front of her, pressing himself close to her, hip to hip, and his face hovered very near hers.
He let out a low growl in his throat as her hand moved to touch his. Their fingers linked together, and he pressed a light kiss to the side of her ear, and his lips lingered there. He heard her moan, and her hand moved around his waist just as he cupped the back of her neck. He crashed his lips onto hers, and felt her sharp intake of breath as he pushed his tongue against hers. She was sweet, so sweet and so soft, and he felt himself stiffen in his pants. He pressed his groin into her, and felt her hand grabbing at his butt.
He continued to claim her mouth, sucking at it, running his tongue along hers. He wanted her, so badly.
The elevator sounded, and the doors opened. He tore his lips away from hers and took her hand as they got into the hallway. He heard her breath coming faster and shorter beside him, her excitement mirrored his own. As soon as they got inside, his hands were on her again. And he moved his coat from her shoulders. He fumbled for the zipper at her back and found it, slowly pulling it down. His hands moved inside the opening at the back, and he pulled it down, letting the expensive fabric fall to the ground in a heap at her feet.
Her hands were on his back, then clawing at his buttons on his shirt, then his bandana, then his belt.
Her hands felt good on him, on his bare skin, and he moved to kiss her neck. Her skin was so soft, so beautiful, and he loved the feel of it. He put his fingers around her throat tilting her head up. She was staring intensely at him now. Her hair slightly tousled from him running his fingers through it, her lipstick slightly smeared. She never looked more beautiful he thought.
"Wait," she said. "Are we really doing this?" she asked, and he nodded.
"Yes, we are," he whispered back, and she nodded too. He lifted her up the,n and took her over to the bed. He pulled her panties down, ripping them in the process, and she raised her legs up, throwing them around his back.
They were frenzied, desiring each other, wanting, and needing each other. Reese entered her swiftly, and powerfully, not able to wait. She arched her back, moaning loudly, and he bent his head to suckle one of her nipples.
He moved slowly inside her, pushing down deeper, putting his weight behind him. Carter gasped for air feeling him move against her walls. She felt him bite down over her breast, and she sunk her nails into his back.
She pushed up to meet his thrusts as he started to move, hard, steady, deep inside her. He'd never thought in a million years she'd feel this good. She gripped him every time he moved inside her; he felt the sharp heels of her shoes digging into his back realizing that she was still wearing them. It turned him on.
His hand and fingers were at her throat again, as he pumped into her, her moans coming deeper, and louder as he ran his tongue along the bare flesh of her neck.
She was so soft inside, and he gazed into her eyes seeing such passion, fire, and tenderness there. She grabbed the back of his neck pulling his mouth to hers, and she kissed him over and over again.
He felt her tighten around his cock. He felt her walls start to vibrate, and he knew she was coming. Her fingernails were digging into his back again, and her moans echoed in the apartment.
"John…John….John…." she whispered his name over and over, and he drove himself home inside her, pumping into her steady and deep, emptying himself.
He groaned into her neck, and she rubbed her hands up and down his back. She rumbled in her throat, and kissed his cheek, his lips.
He rolled over with her still in his arms. She was a stunningly beautiful creature and there was an actual glow about her. He gazed up at her, feeling unable to speak.
Normally women were the emotional ones after sex, he thought, but right now he felt overwhelmed by the mere presence of her. He cupped her face, pressing his lips to hers. He couldn't explain the feeling of contentment that had just swept over him.
She seemed to sense that something was amiss. She rested on her forearms, looking at him. Her hair fell over her shoulders, and brushed the sides of his face.
"What is it? Are you alright?" she smiled down at him, and suddenly his heart was full.
"I love you…..Joss," he blurted it out; he couldn't stop the words from leaving his mouth. But shockingly he realized it was true. He did love her, deeply.
"John…." she began.
"It's true." He had a pleading look in his eyes. He needed her to believe him, needed her to feel for him.
She nodded her head, and ran her finger over his eyebrow. "I love you too."
Declarations had been made by the two of them, everything was now out in the open, and Carter fell asleep snuggled at Reese's side, feeling peaceful and happy. She woke through the night, feeling the light touch of Reese's mouth, and tongue on her thighs.
She thought she was imagining it at first, and stirred a bit from sleep. But as her legs parted, and his wet, warm tongue slid across her clit, her eyes opened wide, and she gasped. He lightly sucked at it, circled it with his tongue, then sucked again.
"John…" she breathed his name. Apparently he wanted to kill her with pleasure before she eventually left his place. Of course, she didn't mind.
She felt him run his tongue over her folds, back and forth, before slipping it in. He seemed to let it swim inside. It touched each wall, moving in and out and across them, and she moved her hand over the back of his head.
She pushed her pelvis up, burying his face between her legs. She tingled all over. He slipped a finger inside her while sucking on her clit, and she felt herself begin to tremble. She bucked her hips squeezing her nipples, and she stuck a finger into her mouth biting down on it.
She felt weak under his expert touch.
He wouldn't let up, he wouldn't stop, his tongue moved over her with such skill. He toyed with her, his fingers moving in and out of her. He quickened the pace, and she moaned his name over and over.
"Oh John….." she said. "Oh, John, I….." she said, arching her back. His circular movements over her clit caused her to explode, and she came hard on his tongue, bucking against him, screaming.
Her thighs trembled, and he stroked them, running his hands over them. He licked at her as she rode her orgasm out, and he kissed the insides of her thighs softly. Her fingers were still in his hair, and he slowly moved upwards, kissing her Mons, her belly, the valley between her breasts, and then her neck until he was hovering over her. He kissed the sides of her mouth, her temple, and her cheeks.
Carter felt absolutely adored, worshipped, and she wrapped her arms around him. He made love to her again and again, first slowly, purposefully, and with extreme care, and tenderness. Then he took her passionately, until she felt she would pass out from the sensations that ran all through her. He took pleasure in giving her pleasure, and she felt filled to capacity with him inside her.
He finally allowed her some rest, and she slept soundly for a few hours. She woke briefly to see him fully dressed, and leaning towards her on the bed. It was after 7am, and he became the Man in a Suit once more. He reached under the sheets, cupping one of her breasts before taking it into his mouth.
She wondered if it was possible to feel more wanted as he kissed at her neck, and then her mouth.
"I have work," he said quietly. "Make yourself at home, there's food in the kitchen, eat whatever you like. Stay as long as you like."
She did nothing but murmur in response, and let her head drop lazily back onto the pillow. He playfully ran his finger along the length of her nose before kissing the tip.
"I'll call you," he said, and she watched as he walked out.
"I'll call you," she mimicked, as the door closed behind him. She chuckled, and pulled the sheet over her head. "You better call me," she said, before falling back to sleep.