A/N: Well hello to you all. Thank you so much for the welcome back, it was heartfelt! I was smiling and smiling, so now, you know what that means. I have to pay it forward to all of you! I promise you will all be smiling! We are back, Angie, Suzie, and Me. LOL Thank you all, very, very much! Enjoy!
Thank you Angie and Suzie... without you... well, I would be forever lost!
Here we go....
One week later - The morning of the move.
Chapter 2
III
A refreshing warm breeze caused the thin curtains to stir. The rejuvenating tendrils from the beautiful Miami morning sun enveloped the loving couple in bed.
Horatio lay spooned against Calleigh's back, his left arm wrapped protectively around her. She exhaled and rolled over shifting yet again, tossing from her side to her stomach. Her head turned facing him mumbling something incoherently in her sleep
Horatio watched her toss and turn the whole night. No matter what he did to soothe her she just wasn't able to relax.
He lifted up slightly on one elbow and studied her exquisite face, her blonde silky hair, her thin brows, and her alluring parted lips. He listened to her breathing. When it finally evened out he gently laid his hand against her back. Horatio waited making sure not to wake her. He slid his hand under her night shirt and tenderly caressed her lower back.
His fingertips leisurely glided along the silky smooth arch, directly above the gentle swell of her buttocks. He closed his eyes entranced by the incredible sensations that flowed through him. Horatio's hand slid higher, his fingers unhurried and spread wide on her back feeling every inch of her warm satiny skin.
Calleigh, still asleep, emitted a quiet unintelligible sound causing him to smile. His fingers drew small circles along her heated skin. His hand drifted lower tracing the curve of her spine down to the special place he loved just above her derrière. He brushed his fingers along the thin band of her underwear following it down, onto her smooth buttocks.
Calleigh exhaled a sigh of pleasure and her green eyes opened to his. Her lips curved up and Horatio smiled.
She scooted closer toward Horatio's warm body, letting out a long drawn out breath. "That feels wonderful… please don't stop." She pleaded.
"Mmm, I didn't intend too beautiful," said Horatio.
His expert hands continued their entrancing assault on her body. Long skilled fingers spread out, massaging lengthy drawn out patterns against her tingling skin. Calleigh let go and her whole body relaxed.
"I'm so tired," she rasped fighting her own exhaustion evident by the heavy eyelids that she could barely keep open.
"I know," he whispered, his warm fingers continued to rub her back. "It's early. Just let yourself relax and go back to sleep."
She smiled. "If you keep this up handsome, I won't have much of a choice."
"I beg to differ sweetheart. Now close those eyes and get some rest."
His tender hand on her back glided up and down smoothly, while his left hand delicately brushed her hair back off her face. He let his fingers repeatedly run across the silky smooth texture of her hair knowing that would be her undoing.
The sound of Calleigh sleeping peacefully was music to Horatio's ears. A faint smile crept across his face. He was overwhelmed by the emotions he felt for the woman sleeping beside him. For the first time Horatio truly believed this was meant to be.
III
"Calleigh… Sweetheart," he gently called pulling her from a deep slumber.
"Huh," she muttered groggily. She lifted her head from the pillow, "What?" She asked looking all around confused. Her eyes widened on the bright red numbers on the clock. "Oh my god… it's eleven o'clock… Horatio, why didn't you wake me?"
He smiled. "We have all day sweetheart and I thought you needed to get some rest."
She sat up and stared into his compassionate pools of blue remembering how he eased her back into a wonderful, peaceful sleep.
"All I remember is your hand on my back and… god you felt sooo good," she said, extending the word trying to make him realize just how much he comforted her.
"I'm glad I was able to help," he answered.
Calleigh pursed her lips. "Me too. "I'm just sorry I kept you up half the night with my… nonsense."
"It wasn't nonsense Calleigh. They were your feelings and I'm glad you decided to share them with me." He pulled her closer pillowing her against him, wrapping his arms around her as she laid half on top of him.
"Yeah," she said sadly. "Do I have timing or what?" She huffed. "Of all the times to be nervous, leave it to me to wait until the night before I move to have a meltdown."
Horatio chuckled. "Well I would hardly call that a meltdown."
She lifted her head from his shoulder and gave him a smirk. "No? Well what would you call it then?"
"Legitimate concerns," he answered.
"You mean doubts," she retorted quickly.
"No. I mean honest concerns that anyone would have. We're all scared of the unknown. It's normal sweetheart."
"No, it's not… especially the night before. It's… It's… Insane!" She snapped with hands out.
Horatio held her closely in his arms, his hands framing her face while he gazed into her troubled eyes. "It's not insane Calleigh. You're normal, you're human, and you're honest. You're also… very beautiful," he whispered huskily, and sealed his words with a tender kiss.
Calleigh exhaled but hugged him tighter. "I'm crazy," she said snuggling against him.
"You're perfect. You're all I ever wanted and more… much more."
"Yeah… and crazy," she laughed. I'm sure you always wanted that too."
"As a matter of fact…" Laughing, Horatio quickly rolled her. His lean strong body covered her. He relaxed on his elbows, his tender hands framed her face; his eyes were warm, sincere. He murmured her name against her lips kissing her ever so softly.
"Calleigh."
Everything inside her instantly warmed. His velvety voice. 'That voice,' she thought, If it had a flavor, it would be chocolate, rich and smooth, melting on her skin. And his crystal blue eyes that said so much to her, the way mere words never could.
Looking into his loving eyes and sinking her fingers through his hair she whispered, "Make love to me Horatio." She lifted her head just a bit while her hands lured him back to her lips again.
Horatio moaned his response and sealed it with a long, possessive kiss. He mastered her mouth and body. He murmured brokenly all his love and affection while engaging in passionate leisurely love to the woman whole stole his heart and healed it so that he could feel true happiness for the first time in his adult life.
III
"Horatio," she yelled from the bedroom. "Did you take the packing tape again?"
She heard laughter and shook her head chuckling to herself, "I guess that's a yes."
He walked into the bedroom grinning. "Sorry about that, beautiful." He bent handing her the tape, watching her close the flaps on the last box.
Calleigh tapped the box twice. "Well, that's everything… I think," she said sadly, looking around her empty bedroom.
Horatio put a hand out to her with a nod. "Yes it is. All the furniture is already there. We just have a few more boxes and we're done."
Calleigh took his hand and rose from the floor patting herself off. She released a heavy sigh looking around again. Her eyes glassy, her emotions building, knowing this was the very last time she would be here.
Horatio studied Calleigh's face, her beautiful green eyes that were welled up. He seemed to understand her silence and whispered, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," she said trying to be dismissive with the wave of her hand.
Horatio knew her better than that and moved in closer.
"Come mere," he whispered. His arms wrapped around her and he drew her in against him. He cupped the back of her head bringing it to rest upon his chest. Calleigh closed her eyes sighing in content. She knew she was safe, she knew she was protected, she knew she was home, feeling the strength of his loving arms around her.
"I'm happy Horatio. Really. It's just… I have a lot of good memories here…" She swayed her head back and forth, "And some not so good I suppose…." She let her words trail off.
"I understand," Horatio said, attempting to comfort her without having to give away too much. "What if I promise you… many more good memories. Memories that we'll share and make together. You and I."
Calleigh still hugged him but drew back looking into his blue sincere eyes. She gave him a bombshell smile but still wanted him to know it wasn't because of him she felt uneasy.
"I just. I just. None of this has to do with you." She shook her head confused. "I actually don't know what I mean. Since last night I feel like a muddle of emotions. I'm sorry, but I need you to know it's not you, it's me." Calleigh rolled her eyes. "Now I feel like I'm doing a skit from Seinfeld."
That made Horatio laugh outright and Calleigh grinned at first, but couldn't contain her full blown laughter that followed. Horatio drew her in closer, hugging her tighter, embracing.
Calleigh looked up into his compassionate blue eyes. "You know I love you, yes?" She said continuing, not letting him answer. "I imagined this day since I met you Horatio. I dreamt of it, and now… its here. It's happening. I think… I still can't believe it all. I think I'm still waiting for someone to tap me on my shoulder and tell me I'm dreaming." Her emerald eyes welled, glassy with true emotion and love.
Horatio held her eyes and nodded. "You're certainly not dreaming beautiful, because that would mean, I'm dreaming as well. And let me say, I have had many dreams of you Calleigh, but no dream could ever compare to you… the real thing. No dream could ever make me feel all the affection and unconditional love that you do."
Horatio's soft tone so entrancing, that Calleigh just stared at him for a long moment before she reacted and encircled her arms around his neck planting a very delicate kiss.
"I love you Horatio Caine," she whispered, kissing him again.
He returned the kiss with a low approving murmur.
"Whenever you're ready sweetheart," he said, with his usual understanding.
Calleigh took one last look around then smiled up at him and nodded taking his hand.
"Let's go handsome."
"Yes ma'am."
III
Horatio took Calleigh's hand and led her into their new home together. He grinned to himself thinking about the day he'd carry her over their threshold, but her loud gasp pulled him back to the here and now.
"Wow! Wow!" She exclaimed completely taken by surprise looking all around. "I thought things would be a total mess but it's… it's amazing." She smiled at him with one hand on her hip. "You did all this for me handsome."
Horatio cleared his throat and in a gentle tone explained, "The mess is upstairs. I had the movers put your furniture where I thought you would like it but the final decision is yours of course. There are also a few more boxes in the garage." Horatio looked down with one of his boyish grins.
Calleigh chuckled. "You mean I actually have a say where the furniture goes?"
"You have more than a say sweetheart. This is your home now, so whatever you like is fine with me."
Calleigh wanted to test her theory and with a rather serious look around the house she added, "So what do you think of pink?"
Horatio swallowed hard, his brows lifted high and he blinked looking at her. He waited for the punch line but she casually walked over to the stairway nodding her head toward the wall. "I think pink and purple would look great on this wall."
Calleigh casually gazed in Horatio's direction. The stunned look on his face was priceless.
"Got ya," she teased giggling.
"Yes… you sure did. You had me worried there for a moment beautiful." He paused in thought. "We've been together for a few years now and I was never under the impression you were a pink or purple kinda gal." He chuckled, "I actually liked the colors of your apartment and thought they would brighten this place up a bit."
Calleigh smiled. "Don't you mean help this bachelor pad you had going here handsome."
Horatio's response came in a low rumbling chuckle, "Hardly." He reached for her hand entwining their fingers. "C'mon beautiful, I have a few things I want to show you."
Calleigh's brows furrowed. "Like what handsome?"
"Like… Like our bedroom for one, among other things."
Calleigh snorted a laugh, "Well you sure don't waste any time do you?"
Horatio chuckled and tugged on her hand escorting her up the stairs. He stopped her at the bedroom door and lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it lightly. His boyish grin more beautiful than Calleigh ever remembered.
"If you don't like it, just say so okay. Change is easy." Horatio inhaled deeply feeling his heart skip a beat. He wanted to make her happy and his nervousness was beginning to seep through.
She gave him an inquiring look. "Horatio I liked your bedroom fine the way it was. I hope you didn't go and change things around for me," she said sweetly. Calleigh tilted her head inhaling a second time. "Is that… fresh paint I smell?"
Horatio laughed quietly putting his finger to her lips. "Sssh, you'll ruin the surprise," he whispered. Then he turned the handle and opened the bedroom door. "After you," he said, watching her eyes go wide as her mouth dropped open.
"Oh my god…" She walked in with a gasp, letting her eyes scan the entire room. "Oh my god… Horatio!" She repeated in awe. "How in the world did you manage all of this? I mean, look at this place. The colors and the candles and the pictures...." Her words trailed off while she took in their new beautiful bedroom. "Is that a new bed? Oh my god… it is?" Calleigh paused and closed her eyes inhaling deeply. "Mmm, and that smell… it's wonderful." She quickly turned towards him. "Horatio, you didn't have to do all this," she said noticing that shy boyish grin back on his adorable face.
"But I wanted to," he answered keeping his eyes down on his hands. "I wanted this to be a sanctuary for you… for us," he explained, walking toward her with a smile. "So… you like it?"
Calleigh's smile widened even more and she nodded. "I love it!" She walked over to the bed and ran her hand over the new beige and brown microsuade comforter. She sat down taking in her new surroundings. "It's so beautiful Horatio I'm…I'm…speechless."
The walls were a light chocolate. The high ceiling and borders white, giving it a very elegant and sleek look. The ceiling fan, a matching mahogany just like the bed frame and furniture. On the wall was a beautiful mahogany shelf with an assortment of candles ranging from light to dark, all in the tan family. 'The cause of that wonderful vanilla fragrance, no doubt.'
Still taking in their newly renovated love nest, Calleigh noticed the two pictures hanging up on the wall. One of them was from the picnic. Horatio's arms were around her waist, her arms encircling his neck, both standing facing one another, while Calleigh's head rested on his chest. It was a very private moment and they were both unaware the picture was being taking.
Horatio waited, watching her take in the details of the picture. She got up and walked up to the wall where it hung. Calleigh examined it carefully then turned and looked at him confused.
"How…?" she questioned. "I don't remember this."
"Don't feel bad. Neither did I," he admitted. "Alexx took it. She gave it to me yesterday but wanted it to be a surprise for the two of us." Horatio walked over towards her and the picture. He stood behind Calleigh enjoying the moment. As they say a picture tells a story and this one was Calleigh's & Horatio's.
"Alexx," Calleigh shook her head with a laugh. "Figures. Leave it to Alexx Woods to catch us in a private moment."
"Mm," Horatio nodded in agreement. "I must admit… I'm happy she did. I love it." His admission barely audible making Calleigh turn to him surprised. "It captured a cherished moment that I never wish to forget. That was an amazing day you planned with our family and friends."
"Yes it was," Calleigh said, leaning back into him. Horatio's hands slipped gently around her waist holding her against him affectionately. "I love it too Horatio. It's priceless," Calleigh said, when he pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head.
"Do you like the other picture?" He asked.
"Mm-hmm," she hummed nodding to him. "I remember the exact moment you took it of me on the beach that day. The wind was blowing madly and my hair was whipping all around. You just laughed snapping off photo after photo. She nudged him in the stomach with a playful elbow.
"That was my favorite… so I got it enlarged. I wanted to keep it here in our bedroom, that way I can always look at it and reminisce about our first time on the beach together."
"Our first time," she whispered, remembering the moment herself. Tears welled in Calleigh's eyes once again. She was overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. To even think she was worried about moving in with him was just ridiculous. Horatio did everything possible to make her feel welcomed, included, and loved. 'So much love,' Calleigh thought, letting out a long breath, feeling the need to share her feelings with him. She turned to face him.
"Horatio, I'm sorry for any doubts I may have had. I just wanted to let you know I'm better, and I'll always be happy, so long as I'm in your arms." She wrapped her arms around his neck and held his gaze. "Thank you for everything Horatio. Everything is beautiful and amazing. I love it all. Most of all handsome, I love you," she stated, sealing her words with an amazing 'I want you now kiss'.
When it was clear Calleigh wasn't going to stop, Horatio drew back gently, breathing, "Um… There's more."
"More?" she questioned in disbelief. "Horatio…?"
"Why don't you check the closet," he said with a beautiful Horatio smile. He moved and sat down in the brown oversized leather couch near the bed, his eyes watching her every move.
Calleigh slid the glass door over and gasped. "Horatio!" She exclaimed turning back to him.
"You did… mention… pink," he smiled with an arched brow.
Calleigh pulled out the long, pink feathered scarf and laughed, wrapping it around her neck walking seductively towards him.
"Sometimes handsome, a pink feather is all it takes," she giggled.
"There are matching shoes that go with that also," he said, arching his brows playfully.
Calleigh gave him a wry grin. "Ohh, really," she exaggerated each word stretching it out longer. "Ohh, I see, so this is for tonight?" She chuckled.
"Actually," Horatio replied, when Calleigh sat sideways in his lap twirling the pink feather scarf playfully. "It's for whenever you like."
The bell rang, followed by a few loud bangs on the front door, and they both looked at each other in disbelief. With a sulk, Calleigh lifted off him and Horatio grumbled quietly, not sharing the obscenities that were flying through his head. 'This had better be good,' he thought, and headed out of the bedroom annoyed. "Hold that thought," he said, looking over his shoulder to see Calleigh twirling the scarf again.
"Hurry back," she whispered.
Horatio opened the door ready to take off someone's head. Only it was Frank Tripp standing there. "Hey, sorry I'm late H. I got caught up with a homicide. You know how it is," Frank said wiping his lip, walking past him. Five feet in and he turned back to Horatio who was groaning while he closed the front door.
"Wow H, I wasn't expecting this. I thought we would be buried mile high in boxes. Who's your decorator? She's great!"
Horatio chuckled. "Yes she is. Thank you." Frank seemed a bit rattled to him. "Everything okay Frank?"
"Yeah," the big man said shaking his head. "This job sometimes, you know? It can get to you."
"I do." Horatio nodded. "Take a seat Frank. You're off duty, correct, how about something to drink?" Horatio offered heading for the fridge while Frank took a seat at the kitchen counter. Horatio turned with two beers in his hand. He passed one to Frank listening intently, hearing approaching footsteps.
"Calleigh's here?" Frank asked swallowing a mouthful of the ice cold liquid. He could hear someone's heels clicking on the floorboards and recognition set in. "I didn't realize—"
Unaware of their guest Calleigh stepped into the kitchen twirling the pink feather scarf, deciding to model the pink feathered heels for Horatio as well.
Frank almost choked on his beer staring wide eyed while his mouth hung open.
"Well handsome what do you—" Calleigh froze seeing Frank and immediately turned away. "Excuse me," she said sweetly, completely embarrassed. "I'm going back upstairs now you two enjoy your male bonding time. It was good to see you Frank." And on that parting note Calleigh was gone and up the stairs in a flash.
Frank was shell shocked grinning ear to ear. Horatio blinked stunned himself, answering his earlier question.
"Yes, Calleigh is here."
Frank put his beer down and wiped his lips appreciatively, "It's going to take a while to get that picture out of my head."
"Excuse me," Horatio said, when Frank faltered with a nervous chuckle.
"No… Um, nothing I just… Sorry H," the big man said looking down. He took another slug and put his beer back down on the counter. "You know H… I don't know what I'm thinking today. I'm going to head out and leave you two alone. I'll talk to you later."
"You sure you're okay Frank?" Horatio asked concerned.
"Yes. Fine. Thanks H."
Horatio walked him to the door when Frank bellowed with a hint of laughter in his voice, "See you later Calleigh."
"Bye Frank," she yelled from upstairs.
Frank walked out and Horatio frowned for a moment in thought. He closed the door and locked it. A small grin formed on his lips, his thoughts on his southern belle. He headed directly back up the stairs taking them two at a time.
Calleigh was giggling on the bed when Horatio walked in drinking in the beautiful site of her body stretched out relaxing on her stomach, her heels still on. She laughed crossing her ankles, dangling her shoes in the air. "Now that, was embarrassing," she laughed looking back over her shoulder at him.
"Sorry… I should have warned you," he answered, heading over to the bedside. His eyes leisurely roamed over her back, then, he gently removed the heels one at a time. Horatio bent over her on the bed, sliding her hair over to one side while he placed kisses on the nape of her neck. His hands on either side of her body, slowly lowering himself, he gently let his weight rest against her back.
"Warn me about him… or you? Calleigh asked, emitting sounds of pleasure when his soft lips captured her ear lobe.
"Both… I guess," he murmured turning her quickly, holding her gaze.
Calleigh lifted the scarf and draped it around his neck, letting it hang over him, pulling him down closer to her lips.
"Handsome, you ever dress up in drag?" She teased inches from his lips.
Horatio chuckled. "Leather chaps… nothing else," he purred in his deep seductive, sensual tone trailing kisses down her neck.
Calleigh's laugh turned into a pleasurable moan. She bit down on her lip exhaling, "You're… bad Horatio Caine."
"I like the sound of that," he whispered, relaxing his lean body against hers, trailing warm kisses all along her throat. Calleigh felt a warmth spread throughout her body just as Horatio lifted up and off reaching a hand out to her.
"Ma'am."
She looked at him curiously. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong beautiful. The tour's not over, and until I get to show you everything I won't be able to concentrate on you like you deserve."
Calleigh bit down on her lip while her thoughts ran rampant. "Well tonight is looking good," she grinned taking his hand. "But answer one question for me okay?"
"Anything," he said smiling, taking the feathered scarf off his neck and tossing it on the bed.
"Why is your bathroom door locked?"
Horatio's brows arched and he chuckled looking down. "Hmm, you… noticed that huh." He paused in thought. "Well… usually we do that to keep people out." He teased giving her a quick kiss. "Now promise me, you won't go in there until I give you the okay." He watched Calleigh's eyes narrow knowing she was trying to figure out what he was up too.
"Aww," Calleigh sighed. "But I love your bathroom and the fact that we can take a shower together. It's so big and roomy and—"
He kissed her cutting her off and then drew back holding her eyes. "Trust me," he whispered with a wink tugging on her hand trying to get her out of the bedroom.
"More?" She said with a gasp.
"Mm-hmm." He tugged on her hand.
Horatio took her down the hall toward the guest room, than surprised her walking by it leading her into a brand new room. Calleigh's eyes widened in awe.
"I hope you like it," he said quietly.
It was an exercise room set up just like she had in her apartment. Calleigh was floored to see all her fitness equipment already set up ready to go. The room freshly painted a light tan, matching it perfectly with the dark wood floors. A white ceiling fan hanging in the middle of the room. The verticals over the windows open, letting the bright rays of the sun warm the room. Her stair master, exercise bike, as well as an elliptical and a set of weights. Everything was neat and in its place, her smile grew wider and wider in disbelief. Horatio even added cushioned mats knowing she loved tia chi and yoga.
Calleigh's mouth remained open and she stared. "Horatio…. I… I don't know what to say. Everything is beautiful and perfect. I can't believe you did all this," she whispered completely floored.
That beautiful boyish grin was upon his face again while he looked down at his hands shyly. "I wanted you to feel at home, to be comfortable like you were in your own place. I know how much you enjoy exercising and I just wanted to make you happy sweetheart."
Calleigh blinked then very un-expectantly threw herself in his arms almost knocking him off his feet. "Mission accomplished!" She cried happily. "I'm happy. Oh my god Horatio, I am elated! You've made me happier then you could ever imagine."
He smiled and kissed her. Calleigh hugged him even tighter, not letting go. "Horatio Caine… you're an amazing man," she said staring directly into his twinkling blue eyes. "And you're all mine."
"Ahh, and vice versa," he said lifting her up in his arms. He carried her back to their newly combined bedroom and placed her gently on the bed going with her. His hard strong body lay above hers, melding and fitting perfectly against her every soft curve.
"Now… I can make proper love to you. We can finish with the rest later," he purred in his velvety tone, burying his hand in her silky tresses, directing her lips to his.
Calleigh kissed him and drew back holding his eyes that darkened just a bit in the throes of passion. "I thought you said you wouldn't be able to concentrate on me?"
Horatio exhaled lightly, relaxing his long lean body against hers. He interlocked his fingers with hers while keeping eye contact. "It seems, beautiful… you are the only thing I can concentrate on at the moment." His lips opened and closed on her skin, creating a warm trail of light butterfly kisses against her face and down her neck.
"Oh really," she teased, "If you ask me, I think you just want to christen your new bedroom."
Horatio drew back looking into her smiling eyes. His rich answer chuckled like music to her ears warming her.
"Sweetheart," he said in his soft sensual tone, lowering his lips once again with a promising whisper against her ear, "We… We are going to christen… every room in the entire house."
Calleigh fell into his sensual gaze. "But… but we have to unpack," she said in a choppy gasp, feeling his lips open against her sensitized skin; his warm tongue swept the hollow of her neck. Her body hummed and tingled with pleasure being totally swept away by his slow erotic seduction.
"Sweetheart, tomorrow… is a brand new day," he murmured in a voice soft as satin.
TBC….
Okay- how wide is that Smile right now?
