From his desk he can see his part of his team working, the others were in their offices. They had been back from a case for two days and were now either looking over files or finishing reports. He could see Emily and Reid sitting at their desk. Morgan he knew was in his office that had been giving to him when he became the acting Section Chief. Rossi was at a lunch meeting with his literary agent and Garcia, his tech analyst was in her lair with her babies running searches for the other team. These people were his colleagues but more importantly they were his family. They had been through situations together that had showed how much of a family they were. The situation with Foyet had shown him that. With the death of Haley, they had been there when he needed them but none more than a certain bubbly, energetic blonde, or red, whenever the mood strikes.

She was always there to cheer him up or try too. She was there for Jack just when she knew to be. When they were away on cases, she would take jack to dinner or take him for ice cream. Jack loved spending those times with her. He always thanked her and she said none was needed. She also loved spending time with Jack. The first Christmas without Haley had been hard for Jack. No matter what he did, he couldn't bring a smile to his sons face. Christmas time had always been Haley's favorite time of the year. She was always baking cookies, decorating the house, making jack love the holiday as well. He was afraid that he would be on a case and not be there for Jack that day. He knew he needed his only parent with him. He smiled as he thought back to the Saturday before Christmas when Penelope had showed up at his apartment with bags full of baking goods and decorations. He hid a smile when jack face lit up. They had banished him from the kitchen when started baking. By the end of the night, his apartment looked like a Christmas store had thrown up everywhere and it smelled of baked cookies. His tired little boy and hug his Auntie Pen with everything he had.

Shaken out of his thoughts by a knocking at his door, he went back to the file and called for them to enter. The bubbly blonde bounced in.

"Boss man, we are headed to our favorite bar for food and drinks. You coming?"

He wanted to yes so bad but didn't know if he could spend another night watching her dance, flirty with Morgan, who she knew she loved, and laughing with the girls. How many times did she laugh over the years and it never got to him but now was another matter. She stood there staring at him with hope in her eyes and he couldn't tell her no.

"I can for a little while but I need to finish this report and then I'll meet you there."

She jumped with excitement and nodded, she turned to leave and stopped.

"If you don't show up in thirty, I will come find you and you won't like it."

He saw she meant business and he nodded. She let his office with a giggle and bounce. He shook his head and got back to work.

He got to the bar and scanned the room. Quickly found Morgan at the bar talking to a gorgeous brunette, the rest were at their usual table with drinks in front of them. He made his way toward the table and nodded at Morgan. He approached the table and sat in the only seat that was available, which was across from Penelope. She smiled when she saw him.

"I was about to go look for you Boss Man."

He lips curved just a bit at her threat. Reid asked him what he wanted to drink and stopped the waitress. Before he knew it he had a beer in front of him. He listened to the conversation as he talked with Dave. He looked at Penelope and notice she was staring at Morgan who had the brunette all over him. He saw the sadness in her eyes as she looked down. He knew she did that to control her emotions because when she looked up she had the smile plastered on her face. Her favorite song came on and she bounced in her seat.

"Come girls the dance floor is calling us." She giggled at the girls sighs.

He watched as they made their way to the floor and sat mesmerized as Penelope swayed her hips to the beat. He swallowed hard and took a sip of his beer. He vaguely heard Dave calling him.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"What is with you this evening?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I think you know what I'm talking about?"

Before he could answer the girls were back, taking sips of their dinks. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see Penelope looking for Morgan and when she found him she couldn't hide her disappointment. A slower song came on and he saw Morgan lead the woman to the dance floor. Enough was enough, he thought, he stood up and went to her side.

"Care to dance?"

She looked up at him with shock in her eyes. He ignored the gasps and the jaws hanging open. She took his hand that he held out to her and pulled her behind him. When they reached the floor he pulled her into his arms close but not to close as not to make her uncomfortable. As he hand settled on her waist, he felt a jolt rock through his body. He inhaled her scent and it was sweet. As they swayed to the music, neither one of them spoke. As the song finished another song came on and she moved closer to lie her head on his chest. He moved his other hand to her waist and held her just a little more. She sighed in content. He turned to the right just a little when he locked eyes with Morgan who stumbled and stared back at him with shock in his eyes. Be broke eye contact with him and went back to breathing in her scent. The song ended and he walked her back to the table.

Morgan was already there and glared at Penelope. She felt her stiffen and she sat down.

"I'm going to head out." He said.

"I am too." Rossi said. "Ok kids don't get too smashed."

"I'm leaving too." Penelope said.

Morgan didn't offer to take her home like he expected and that angered Aaron. He knew her car was in the shop, had been for days.

"Come on Garcia, I'll drive you home."

"You don't have too Boss Man, I can catch a cab."

He sent her a look that left no room for argument and she nodded. She told everyone good bye and walked out with Aaron and Dave. He opened her door and helped her in. the drive to her apartment didn't take long and was quiet. He parked at the curbed and they got out. He walked to her door. She unlocked the door and turned to him. She stared up into his dark brown eyes.

"I had a nice time tonight, Aaron. Thank you for the dance."

With that she kissed his cheek and went inside