Disclaimer: "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" is the property of Warner Bros and Shoot the Moon Productions. No copyright infringement is intended.

Initially, Lee had been irritated that Billy had insisted that he and the Agency team that he was leading stay in a cheap motel, but now he was relieved that they weren't staying some place nicer. As he dragged his weary body from their tactical van to his room, he could barely stomach the stench that was emanating from his clothing, if he were to be honest with himself, a foul odor had completely enveloped him. I'm not going to let anyone or anything come between me and a long hot shower and a good night's sleep.He tiredly let himself into his room, and was surprised to find the lamp on the bedside table lit.

"I could've sworn that I turned that off," he said aloud, as he entered and dropped his duffle bag on the floor.

"You did," Amanda offered, as she emerged from the bathroom clad in a long peach silk negligee.

"What are you doing here," he sputtered. He wasn't sure if he was more surprised by her unexpected presence or by her attire.

"Is that any way to greet your brand new fiancée?" She briefly nibbled her lower lip before gracing him with a seductive smile.

"I'm surprised to see you…Billy hasn't cleared you for field assignments yet. Birol put you through hell…you should be resting and recuperating."

"I have been resting, it's been a week. Take a good look at me; don't I look rested?" He eyed her appreciatively, and felt the room growing warmer and smaller as she began to approach him.

"Don't get any closer," he warned her as he reflexively stepped backwards.

"Lee, what's wrong with you," she asked, ignoring his admonition to keep her distance. "Oh my gosh, you stink to high heavens," she gasped, clasping her hands over her nose and mouth when she got too close to him.

"I tried to warn you." He offered her an embarrassed smile as she backed further away from him.

"What happened to you?"

"I took a header into a dumpster behind the restaurant we were watching."

"There had to be a better way to search it's contents than that."

"I wasn't trying to search it; I was perched on top of it to get a better view of the back of the restaurant. Fielder was supposed to be watching the alley, but some of Wilson's goons got past him. They started firing on us and the only cover that was readily available was…"

"Are you hurt?"

"Only my pride, Duffy and ultimately Fielder returned their fire, but they managed to get away. The evening was a total loss."

"It doesn't have to be," she cooed while moving closer to the bed. "Go get yourself cleaned up…I have a few ideas for how we can make this a night to remember." He retrieved his duffle bag and awkwardly rushed past her into the bathroom. A visibly deflated Amanda sighed and sat down heavily at the edge of the king size bed. On the other side of the door, Lee sagged as he wondered if he was misinterpreting the signals that she was sending. She doesn't believe in casual sex. Maybe she doesn't see it that way now that we're engaged…does she think that I expect it of her? She's been through so much lately; she isn't thinking clearly, that's why she hasn't been qualified for field work yet. I want her, but I won't take advantage of how confused she must be right now. He peeled off his smelly clothing and stepped into the shower, as he contemplated how he could rebuff her advances without hurting her feelings.

Rising from the bed, Amanda studied her reflection in the mirror. I'm not Lee's usual taste in women, but I think I look pretty good for a thirty-something mother of two. Is he having second thoughts? Would he have proposed if he didn't think that we were on the brink of dying? I can't think that way…he'd already told me that he loves me. He didn't try to take that back. I need to pull myself together. I had a tough week, but I came through it just fine…well I'm not fine but I'm okay. She smiled encouragingly at her reflection, returned to the bed and stretched out to wait for her fiancé.