Neil stood at the front office watching Grace Drive away. He had been an idiot not to see her offer after all the things that she had said to him today.

"I don't want you to get hurt"

If he had been thinking clearly, he would have seen that for what it really was. Not just a rare show of emotion from Grace but her acknowledging that he was important to her.

5 minutes later he was pulling into an Indian takeaway and ordering a chicken and a beef curry. He hurriedly paid for them and was on his way. 10 minutes after that he pulled up to the front of her house, the lights were on but the curtains were drawn. At that moment he stopped and was almost tempted to drive away, but the warmth of the food on his leg kept his idea firm. So with a breath he opened the car door, shut it, and made his way to the front door and knocked.

It took only a moment for the door to open. Grace was still in her blue top, and pant's having not changed since work.

"Neil" surprise evident in her voice.

"Is there anything wrong, something with the case?" She questioned.

"No," Neil said stopping. Then seeing confusion on Grace's face, he spoke up.

"I brought food," He mumbled acknowledging the bag he was holding.

"I thought you didn't want to."

Grace was cut off by Neil speaking.

"I didn't realize the offer was of a more personal nature and I wasn't really feeling up for a big crowd tonight."

"Well come on through then." Grace answered leading him into the dining room, where there was a small round table.

"You haven't started cooking dinner yet, I haven't interrupted you have I" Neil suddenly asked looking around the kitchen and dining room.

"No I hadn't started cooking yet, what have you brought?"

"A chicken curry, and a beef curry."

"Good choice, do you want a plate and go halves?"

So with that they sat down at the table and started to eat quietly.

After they had finished eating Neil spoke up

"Grace"

"mhm"

"I want to say thank you for the last few weeks, you have really helped." He said not being able to look Grace in the eyes.

Neil dared to look at Grace now, and watched her study him. What did she see.

Suddenly she looked away, but not after she looked like she wanted to say something. Knowing Grace, he let it slip.

"Did you want a coffee?" she asked.

"That would be great, white and none"

The kettle was on, and Neil watched Grace move effortlessly around the kitchen getting the cups ready. Really after Andrea, he didn't think that he would ever feel these feelings again, but with Grace over the last few months, well, she had made him feel at peace. He was interrupted by Grace handing him the cup of coffee.

He took a sip and grinned.

"This is a good coffee"

"Yeah, well I am a bit of a snob when it comes to coffee"

"Well I won't complain"

"Neil,"

At this Grace paused, looked at Neil and then began to speak.

"Neil, what I said today, about not wanting you to get hurt, I meant it. I don't want you to injure yourself. Seeing you the last few days has tortured me."

This time, the meaning behind her words was not lost on Neil. He quickly put the coffee down and moved towards Grace who had put her own coffee down.

They were so close, and slowly Neil leaned in, only to be met halfway by Grace's lips. Softly he touched her lips, the warmth pressed against his and then they were kissing, slowly but surely.

Suddenly the passion and the energy of the last few days overcame and overtook them. Grace moved them backwards to a bench, which Neil pushed them against, the kissing becoming more passionate. A few minutes later, Grace broke the embrace and led him up stairs to the bedroom. He stopped for a moment, but then Grace led him in and kissed him. The clothes came off, and then they were naked. Neil felt Grace's skin against him and he shivered.

He had been right in coming here tonight.