Just a quick three shot with Rossi and Pen getting stuck in an elevator. Don't throw rocks because I've been wanting to use this song for over a year and the moment seems perfect.

I don't own Criminal Minds.

This story is dedicated to my wonderful, brilliant daughter Aliissa. I love you more than you will ever know. Every day knowing you is a blessing. And as Addy grows, I know you will someday know how I feel, because it's the only thing I can't describe in words.

Song prompt:: "One Kiss From You" by Britney Spears.

One Kiss From You

Penelope Garcia looked out the window of the Cadillac Escalade as the scenery passed by in a rush. The butterflies jumped around nervously. It wasn't as though she had never been in a Cadillac before, but it was the first time she had been in the boss man's personal car. There were so many places she would rather be at the moment. But she was trapped for the moment.

"You know," she began slowly, "you didn't have to drive me home."

Rossi threw her a quick glance. "Yes, I did."

"I could have gotten a bus."

"This late at night?" he scoffed. "There is no way that I am going to let you take a bus home. Besides, where is your car?"

"Esther is in the shop for repairs."

Rossi swung his head to look at her. "Esther?"

"My car."

"You named your car 'Esther'?" he asked incredulously.

Pen shrugged. "Of course. What was I supposed to name her?"

"Nothing. It's a car."

"She's my baby."

"Kitten, she has four wheels and is made out of metal. She's not a baby, she's a car." Rossi shook his head.

"Ha! That's how much you know. I take care of her and make sure she's running okay. She get monthly details and the best gas," Pen tossed back defensively. She couldn't take the famous BAU profiler on when it came to crime, but she could and would stand her ground when it came to matters of the heart. And Esther was her heart.

"I can't believe I'm hearing this." Rossi shook his head again. He turned back to look at the road. "Next you're going to tell me that she has personality and feelings."

"She does!"

Rossi let out his breath in a long stream.

"You named your dog," Pen pointed out.

"He is a living breathing creature who can respond back in kind."

"Esther lives and breathes, and she responds in kind," Pen argued.

Rossi paused for a moment. "So, when is Esther supposed to get out of the shop?"

"In a week. The part they need is currently out of stock and they have to go to the original manufacturer. It's going to cost a pretty penny, but she's worth it."

Rossi bit his tongue. Three times being married and divorced had taught him when to shut up and keep his opinions to himself. And this moment was no different. At least not as long as she was working on debugging his laptop. After he had it back in his hands, then everything was fair game.

Slowly the miles passed by until they reached the curb outside the courtyard to Pen's apartment complex. Putting the car in park, he turned off the ignition.

"What are you doing?" Pen asked.

"I'm going to walk you inside," Rossi replied and opened his door. He checked for oncoming traffic. The coast was clear.

"No. I can walk inside by myself." Pen brushed him off.

"I don't care what you can do by yourself; I'm here and I am going to walk you inside and to your apartment door so I can make sure you've arrived safe and sound," Rossi returned. Before Pen could respond, he got out and walked around to the passenger side. Pulling the handle, he opened her door.

"Boss…I can…" Pen sputtered.

"Garcia?" Rossi stated.

Pen swallowed nervously. "Yes, Boss?"

"It's cold out here and as much I would like to stand and argue, I want to get inside before we freeze to death." He waited for her to exit and then set the alarm. "We can argue about chivalry when we thaw out. Okay?"

"Yes," Pen's teeth chattered.

With his hand on the small of her back, he guided her into the foyer. Stomping the snow off his boots, he looked around at the retro art deco and mosaic tiles. Bordering on a cheap hallucinogenic trip, it was something out of a really bad sixties movie and it made his skin crawl.

"Let's get you upstairs," he announced.

"I can do it myself." Pen started up the stairs and stopped. A chain ran across the aisle with a large sign in bold red letters hanging down. WET PAINT! Pen sighed.

"Great," she muttered.

"What's wrong?" Rossi asked. He read the sign.

"I'm going to have to take the elevator."

"Okay."

"I hate the elevator."

Rossi eyed the blocked staircase again. "It looks like you don't have much of a choice, Kitten. Come on."

Stepping on the lift, he waited for her to enter before hitting the button for her floor. Slowly the lift rose.

"See?" he commented. "There is nothing to be afraid of; smooth take off."

Pen shook her head. "I don't know. I keep thinking that one of these days it's going to get stuck with me on it."

"Alone?" he asked. His eyes twinkled with mischief.

Pen blushed, but before she could respond, the elevator made a loud screech and shuddered hard. Reaching out, she braced her hands on the metal walls.

"What is happening?" Rossi called out as he tried to regain his balance.

The box rocked once more and settled before stopping. The silence was nearly deafening.

"My biggest fear coming true," Pen whispered afraid that her voice could cause them to plummet to a horrific and painful death.

Rossi pressed the number pad repeatedly. "What is that?"

"Being stuck in an elevator." Pen looked around the small metal container for an escape route.

"Is that so bad?" Rossi asked with a grin and looked up at the tech analyst.

"With Agent Hard Ass it is," she replied and burst into tears.