Playing cat and mouse

At first he'd done it just in order to humor her.

Teresa Lisbon didn't do unprofessional. And to her, any public display of affection was the most unprofessional thing of all.

So he had decided to surprise her and never act as her husband on their job. Since she had expected him to continuously embarrass her, he actually enjoyed very much disappointing her.

He was a bit of a contrary sometimes. Besides, it was fun to see the puzzled glances she cast at him from time to time.

Then he quite got used to it as a matter of fact. He loved calling her Lisbon when they were at work, leaving her first name to be whispered fondly in her ear as soon as they went back home.

They were not only husband and wife, but also friends and colleagues. It was kind of odd, but it essentially worked.

No one – except for the members of their team, who obviously knew it – would ever guess they were actually a married couple.

That's why Lisbon received a somewhat extraordinary invitation from one of the suspects in their latest murder investigation.

The man was much of an arrogant womanizer, and his open attempts at flirting with Teresa had had Jane highly amused. At the end of the interview, he came up with something like: "May I ask you what are you doing tonight, babe?"

Jane nearly chuckled at Teresa's shocked expression. She was probably wondering if she could actually arrest him for harassment or something like that.

Then, all of a sudden, a mischievous glint showed in her eyes. "I'm awfully sorry, Mr. Hale, but I don't think that my husband would allow me to have dinner with you – or whatever else."

The guy decided to take this as a sort of encouragement. "Well, he doesn't need to know about that, I suppose."

"Really?"

The little minx was clearly enjoying her little game of cat and mouse. Jane actually pitied the man – though it would be absolutely funny to see him looking definitely crestfallen when Teresa would be done with him.

"Really. I'm sure your colleague here will be discreet, correct?"

Jane offered him one of his dazzling grins. "Oh, you can count on me for that."

A dangerous smile appeared on Teresa's lips as she suddenly turned towards him. "So you're okay with me dining out tonight, honey?"

Wow, that was low. Jane had to admit that the pupil was beginning to outdo her master.

He tilted his head to one side – thoroughly pleased to notice the abashed look on Mr. Hale's face.

"Let me see… I was actually planning to spend the evening with you, darling – but if you don't feel like it…"

Teresa quickly shook her head. "I guess I'll just stay home then."

The guy desperately struggled to recover – even apologize, maybe. They didn't give him the time to do either of those things, and just walked out of the door.

She was still giggling when they reached his car.

"You shouldn't mess with murder suspects, honey.", he remarked cheerfully as he switched the ignition on.

"His face was priceless anyway."

"Yes, it was. You were great, I have to say – learned from the best, after all."

"Always so modest, aren't you?"

"Meh."

"Are you going to take me out to dinner tonight, Patrick?"

"I'd rather spend the evening with you on our couch. Hope that doesn't sound too disappointing after Mr. Hale's flattering offer."

She pretended to think about it for a while. "Well, I might even reconsider my previous decision..."

"Don't push your luck, Teresa.", he warned her lightly – a moment before she pinched his arm by way of showing her affection.