A bit of fun

She shot a quick glance at her watch, then considered the pile of paperwork on her desk. Great. It was five o'clock and she still had to fill in three reports. They had been having rather a trying week.

She sighed, then lowered her head on the desk. Sometimes she felt she really needed a holiday.

"Tired?"

Jane never got used to knocking before entering. However, the delightful aroma of a coffee followed him, so she was inclined to let it go – at least for this time.

"I'm really looking forward to the week-end", she admitted as she took the cup of coffee from his hand.

"I guess we'll have two days on the sofa, watching tv".

"If that doesn't suit you, you could always stay in the office and stare at the ceiling".

"I prefer staying on your sofa. It's much more comfortable".

"Patrick Jane…"

He raised his palm in order to stop her. "Ok. I'll let you finish your work".

He withdrew into a corner, picking up the cup of tea he had left on a shelf.

"Jane, couldn't you actually leave my office?"

"Why? Is there a rule that forbids me to drink my tea where I please?"

He caught her half-amused, half-annoyed glance and he added quickly: "I know. What will the others think? That's the point, isn't it? Lisbon, darling, half the people here already know about us… the other half is just waiting for their supposition to be confirmed. The only possible exception is the night watchman – but just because he's been working here only for two weeks".

He laughed as a look of dismay spread across her face.

"Come on, did you really believe no one had noticed it?"

"Even Hightower?"

"Of course. I think she finds the whole thing quite amusing. By the way, she's just heading towards your office. Why don't we let her have a bit of fun?"

"Jane, what do you…"

"Trust me".

Trusting Patrick Jane was something she would never recommend to any sane person. However, she always fell for his tricks.

Before she could raise any objection he crossed the room, touched her lips with a kiss, then headed towards the door.

On the threshold he stopped and gave way to Madeleine Hightower – a smirk playing on his face.

"Agent Lisbon?"

"Yes, madam?

She felt her stomach knot with fear, then she forced herself to raise her eyes on her boss' face – and she was surprised to see her actually smiling.

Damn. Jane was right, as always.