A TIME TO FORGET- Gail/Sam one shot.
( Based off that scene that we all bitterly remember…)
She spotted him standing alone at the bar counter, eagerly awaiting the order of alcohol he had placed for himself and the rest of the TO's whom were celebrating this evening. She couldn't help but admire him from a distance, wondering why she had never paid this much attention before. His thick dark hair was messy, his five o'clock shadow very apparent, and with the dark circles under his eyes Gail wondered if he was secretly as tired as he looked. She stared at him, admiring his tight black t-shirt, hugging his biceps and chiselled chest, his old jeans tight in all the right places, fascinated by the way his golden skin glowed under the dim light of The Penny. As the TO flashed his million dollar smile to a passing officer Gail was awestruck, nearly loosing her breath. Maybe it was the alcohol taking over but dear god did Sam Swarek ever look good. Sure, she had noticed him here and there since day one, but not like this, besides, up until now he had always been off limits…He looked her way.
" Officer Peck, congratulations, no longer a rookie, you did it! I believe you deserve a drink. Ladies choice."
She could feel the color start to slowly creep onto her pale skin, what a gentlemen. Acknowledging the bar tender that now stood in front of them Gail raised her arms and shouted.
" Tequila!"
"That's what I'm talking about!"
Smiling, Gail found herself laughing, suddenly taken aback by the feeling like she had somewhat impressed Sam with her drink choice. She glanced unknowingly across the bar, instantly feeling the heavy gaze of Andy upon her. Turning her focus to the man standing beside her she could tell that he also was now well aware of Andy's presence, and the man trailing closely behind her, Luke. They were now exchanging weak smiles as each pair acknowledged one another, Gail could practically feel Andy's sharp glare piercing her. She pretended not to notice the sad wave that had just swept across Sam's face, also choosing to ignore the defeated sigh he let out as he eyed the couple from afar. Gail wasn't stupid, it certainly didn't take much to see that Sam Swarek was unbearably heartbroken.
"You okay?"
"Yeah great. You?"
Gail almost laughed, she wasn't the one who looked as though her dog was just run over. Gail tried at all costs to never show emotions, never wearing her heart on her sleeve and rarely ever going out of her way to help others. She had become particularly skilled at putting up walls, keeping everyone out, and the one person she had carefully chosen to let in had betray her. Even thinking about Chris now pained her more then she would ever allow her icy blue eyes to let on. Gail had been partnered with Sam enough times to know that just like she hid behind her persona of "Ice queen", he hid behind his own. He wasn't always a badass, and he certainly wasn't as emotionless and some saw him to be. No, Sam was caring and even gentle at times, compassionate, strong willed, full of courage and passion. Seeing him in this state, broken down and distraught, his ego shattered, nearly killed Gail.
"Can we get some air?"
"Yeah, sure."
Feeling the painful stare of Andy once again Gail stood, turning into Sam she tenderly placed her hand on his shoulder, sliding it down to his lower back as he stood, paying for the drinks. Gail couldn't overlook the way his muscles had twitched at her touch. She locked her arm around his, directing towards the front door she was pleasantly surprised when she felt the warmth of his hand on her lower back, guiding her through the crowd. As Sam opened the door for her she turned meeting the glare of Andy one last time. Gail stretched her mouth into a large smile, pretending Sam had whispered something playful in her ear as she turned away from Andy's intent full stare and disappeared through the door with Sam in tow.
"Walk me home Swarek?"
"Of course, it is getting late."
Huh, maybe this was going to be easier than she had first anticipated. After a brisk walk, filled with innocent small talk they had arrived at her condo. As she turned to head up the steps, keys in hand she abruptly realized that Sam had turned to leave.
"Goodnight Peck, I'll see you tomorrow morning."
Gail wasn't used to this, nearly begging for a man to accompany her up to her place, in fact she was positive it had never happened in the past. She had to act fast.
" Sam wait. Thanks for walking me home, and thanks for everything really. I appreciated all your help over the last few months, more then you know. Without you, I'm not so sure I would have made it…I'm not sure any of us would have. Could I interest you in a thank you beer maybe?"
" You're welcome Gail, besides, it would have looked bad on me as a training officer if any of my rookies had failed so, I really had no choice. Okay I guess one more celebratory beer would be alright. Just one though."
There was that smile again, virtually impossible to resist, she wondered if he was aware of the effect it had on people, coming to the conclusion that he was most likely clueless. Now inside, comfortable on her couch, both sipping their cold beers Gail knew it wouldn't be too hard from this point. She casually inched closer to him, he noticed.
" Gail, I don't think was the best idea. Actually, I know it wasn't, so thank you very much for the beer and everything, I just don't wa-"
" Look Swa- Sam. I know I'm not the one you want, I not blind, no one is. Hell, you're not even the one I want. But I'm sick of this, being given the cold shoulder, ignored, knocked down, and coming in second to someone else. Right now I think we both just need to forget, even if its just for the night, we owe it to ourselves."
" Gail, you're an amazing cop, and I can't deny that your incredibly sexy, believe me I've noticed. I just don't thin-"
"Sam, I know it's kind of your slogan and all, but lets just try and not over think this one alright?"
Gail closed the gap between the two of them, wondering how he would react. She slowly began to unbutton her shirt as she searched his face for some sort of sign. Anything. As she studied his strong features, his dark hazel eyes giving off no hints, she slowly realized that he had given in. As she watched him run his tongue along his lower lip a stream of goose bumps shot down her spine.
"Alright, I'm done thinking."
With those words Sam had pulled Gail onto his lap, her hips now skilfully straddling his. As she placed rough kisses down his neck, relishing in his scent, Sam made quick work of her remaining buttons on her shirt, his hands now freely exploring. She immediately felt a surge of passion as his muscular arms pulled her closer. Gail Peck was absolutely certain she would enjoy herself tonight, knowing full well that both Sam and herself would be filled with regret come morning. She smiled, right now she only had one thing to concentrate on, she had promised Sam that she would make him forget all about Andy McNally tonight, and she intended to do just that.