Disclaimer: The L & O characters are not mine; I just borrowed them for a while. I also borrowed the lyrics to "She Makes My Day" by Robert Palmer.

This story continues where the episode "Paranoia" (season 6, ep. 6) left off. In this episode, a college student stabs her roommate because she thinks the roommate is trying to poison her—hence the title. Sandy Duncan played the defense attorney Michelle (Shelly) Kates.

Before It's Too Late

Jack kissed her gently on the lips and then her neck, while removing her blouse. She in turn pulled at his shirt buttons and jeans. Soon, their naked bodies lay pressed together on her bed. He knew how to please her. She knew how to please him. Their desire for each other grew with each kiss, with each caress. Jack was about to go inside her; bring it all to a wonderful climax, that moment of bliss when he stopped, "I can't!"

"Yes, you can Jack. I am primed and ready."

"I'm so sorry, but I can't."

A little disappointed but understandingly she said, "It's OK, it happens."

He lay down next to her. "I don't mean I can't!" Pointing below his midsection. "It's not you, Shelly."

"That's good to know, so what's the problem? You're always in the mood—especially after a win. Or should I say after I let you win."

"You didn't let me win. You just did the right thing for your client and society."

"Wait a minute, it's her isn't it—your assistant, Claire? I got the feeling there was something between you two. She got this funny look on her face when I asked her if you were still dating that redhead. I still can't remember her name."

"Her name was Lisa. That was over almost a year ago."

"It's ok, Jack! You know our occasional romp in the hay doesn't come with any strings attached. Why you picked this moment to decide to be monogamous well … let's just say it was really poor timing."

"I know and I'm sorry. You don't know how much I really wanted to—believe me. I'm not sure why, but suddenly I felt guilty being here with you—like I'm betraying her. We're not engaged. We've made no verbal commitment to each other. Hell, I don't think anyone knows we're seeing each other."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that, Jack. I picked up on it."

"You're different, Shelly. You know me." He smiled and winked at her as he said it. "I can be myself with you. I can be myself with Claire too—she's amazing. Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, you can ask."

"As long as we've known each other, why do you think we never became a couple? We seem to have the right chemistry."

"Yes, I think we do too. I also think we are too much alike. I don't think our relationship would have lasted, but our friendship has lasted. Personally, I didn't want to risk losing that friendship and I've enjoyed the benefits. You're a good man, Jack McCoy. Underneath that tough exterior, is a good man and in a way I envy Claire."

"Thanks, Shelly. I believe I'm the one that's lucky." He brushed his hand against the side of her face as he looked into her eyes. "You are special, you know that! For the record, you mean more to me than just a romp in the hay."

They lay on the bed staring at the ceiling fan for a while. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "I'd better go."

She watched him, as he got dressed thinking she may never see him again—at least not like this. He had the body of a basketball player. Playing on the DA's team, working out at the gym had certainly kept him in shape. 'Look at him, tall, lean torso, and muscular arms.' She thought then shook her head. 'Ok Shelly, stop, you have to let him go.' "So Jack, are you going to tell her?"

A worried look came over his face. "Of course, I'm not going to tell her. I mean nothing happened. I mean … you know what I mean."

She started to laugh "That was priceless—the look on you face. I didn't mean tell her about us, silly. Are you going to tell her how much she means to you? Tell her you love her."

"Yes, I will—when the moment is right."

"Don't wait too long for that right moment, Jack. Grab it, before it's too late."