A/N: This was written as the companion piece to 'Bed of Lies'. It took me quite a while to find the appropriate song, but when I heard a rare 80's release from Whitney Houston – 'Moment of Truth', it couldn't have fit the mood I had for the story more perfectly.

Just a two-shot ... and we all know where it's going, don't we? :) I hope you enjoy how we get there!

Disclaimer: I own nothing of Criminal Minds or Whitney Houston. I'm just playing a little :)

Though she'd given herself more than one pep talk in the five weeks since Kevin had ended their relationship, Penelope still found herself unable to do the one thing she had thought would be the natural result of that morning.

What was that one little thing? Talk to Derek Morgan honestly about her feelings, and find out if there was any truth to what Kevin had said – that Derek, her Hot Stuff, wanted his Baby Girl, wanted her – Penelope Garcia. Wanted her enough that he looked so longingly after her, Kevin could see it as clear as day.

No matter how many times she told herself she was ready for that conversation, however, the courage to actually get up and do the thing had so far failed her royally. As she closed the door of her apartment behind Reid and Emily however, Penelope decided tonight was going to be the night.

The entire team had come over for a rare night of relaxation and fun – two things always to be had at her place. They'd ordered Chinese and watched old movies. Finally, amid much laughter and teasing, the gathering had broken up, everyone promising to do it again as they left. Then they were all gone. All but one.

Turning from the closed door, Penelope watched the man seated on the floor in front of her sofa, head propped comfortably on the hand that rested on the seat behind him.

"Hey Hot Stuff, you could sit on the couch now, you know."

Derek turned his dark gaze on her and favored her with his signature grin.

"No way, Baby Girl. I'm good right here." The grin widened and there was a teasing hint to it. "I'd be much, much better if you got back in your spot."

Even as she simultaneously mirrored his grin and blushed as well, Penelope was already walking back to him. Derek leaned forward just enough for her to slip in behind him and sit on the couch. Once she was settled, he resumed the position he'd had for the entire evening. He leaned back against the couch between Penelope's slightly spread legs, wrapped one arm around her left leg and laid his head against her knee.

Repressing a sensual shiver at the intimacy of the position for the second time that evening, Penelope dropped her hands to Derek's broad shoulders and began to massage them gently.

"Mmm … Baby Girl, you sure don't play nice!" Derek practically moaned under her hands.

"Moi?" The cheeky grin and sparkle in her eyes lit up Penelope's face. Derek didn't even need to be looking at her to know it was there.

"I'm sure I have no idea what you mean, Hot Stuff." She continued as her fingers stroked and kneaded the muscles.

Derek gave a muffled laugh against her knee. "Really? I seem to recall you doing this while the guys were still here."

"Well you were tense." Penelope rejoined with another smile, her tone daring him to deny it, as she pressed her thumbs a little more firmly into the corded muscles of his neck. Derek sighed softly and didn't answer.

All evening, the position Derek had chosen – the nearness of him, his stubble gently pricking the soft flesh of Penelope's knee through her sweats, and the heat of his breath noticeable even through her clothes every time he spoke – had all conspired to heighten her desire for him. Though it was not much different from the closeness they usually shared, knowing what she intended to do made Penelope especially aware of him tonight.

Noting her hands had stilled and she was quiet, Derek tilted his head backward and looked at her somewhat upside down. Penelope couldn't help the giggle that escaped as he asked, "You okay up there, woman?"

"Yeah." She answered, but it turned into a barely audible gasp as Derek bent his head to the side and pressed a little kiss to the inside of her pants-covered knee before he stood up. Lips parted slightly, Penelope watched in fascination as he stretched, long, lean muscles extending and pressing against the thin t-shirt and sweatpants he wore. His motions caused Penelope to inhale sharply.

God! The man was almost too much to take! Still, there was no going back now. If she didn't go for it now, Penelope didn't know when next, or if ever, she would gather the fragile strands of her courage together. It had to be now.

We've been playing games with our emotions
Let's get what we feel out in the open
Wanting you is all I do
Boy I know you want me, too
Don't you think it's time we proved
What we've been feeling

"Derek?"

Mid-stretch, he heard the question in her voice. It was the edginess in it however, which made him stop and turn back to her. He couldn't read the expression on her face.

"Baby?" Concern made his voice a shade rough. "What's the matter?"

Then Penelope looked up at him. When her eyes met his, he finally recognized the look – utter vulnerability – and he dropped to the couch beside her, taking her soft hands into his big ones.

"Talk to me, girl. What's going on?"

Penelope had dropped her eyes again and was looking somewhere in the vicinity of his chest when she whispered, "Kevin dumped me."

Derek definitely had not been expecting that statement.

"Shit!" He muttered darkly, instantly drawing her into his arms. "I'm so sorry, Baby Girl."

At the same time he stroked her back tenderly, Derek worked hard to tamp down the part of him that wanted to shout aloud in sheer joy. Stop it right now, man! He admonished himself. She's hurting over this. It doesn't matter that you don't think he was ever good enough for her.

It was true, though. He had never thought Lynch deserved the goddess he currently held in his arms. Still, he would be her friend first, as always, and see her through this.

Derek drew back, slipped a finger under Penelope's chin and tilted her face up to his, expecting to see tears. He was more than a little surprised to note there were none, though her eyes held a deep sadness. Before he could form a question, Penelope spoke.

"I'm okay, Derek. It actually happened a while ago."

"Sweetheart …" his tone was tender, but held a hint of uncertainty. Why hadn't she said anything?

"I know I didn't tell you, but it wasn't because I didn't want to." She continued, wanting to make sure he understood. "I didn't tell anyone, actually. I just … had some things to work out first."

Slipping out of his embrace, Penelope stood up abruptly, taking a few steps away from the couch. She stopped near the window and remained facing it, looking outside.

Unsure of what was going on in her head, Derek leaned back in his seat. He stretched his arms across the back of the couch and spoke quietly into the silence of the room. "If you want to talk now, I'm listening, babe."