A/N - I am trying to get this done before Christmas but I can't promise it will be all get done. Thanks you for the reviews so far, I love reading them so please leave me more if you can.
Chapter 2.
As the plane landed Merri looked out the window and was greeted with a view that was a mix of black and white. The black of the run way stood out against the white snow piled along the sides where it had been cleared. The snow-covered everything except the run way. It was not snowing now but the sky looked thick and grey coloured as if it could snow any minute. Looking at Chris she saw the big smile on his face as he saw all the snow outside. He looked like a child on Christmas morning waiting to see what Santa had brought him. Given the chance he would be off the plane and playing in the huge piles along the run way if he could. As people started to get off they all stood and picking up their hand luggage and followed behind in to the airport.
Once inside they went to the carousel to wait for their luggage to appear before going too find the transport that had been arrange to take them where they needed to be. When Merri's bag appeared she quickly took it and opened it to pull out her coat and boots. Chris couldn't help but laugh as he watched her. When his bag arrived he said something to Pride and disappeared towards the shops and restrooms. Dwayne's bag was the last one to arrive so picking it off the carousel he looked at Merri then started to make his way toward the exit.
The airport was covered in decorations ready for Christmas. A huge tree had been chopped down from a near by wood and decorated with bright coloured baubles and bright coloured flashing lights. Sat upon the top was a silver star that looked like it twinkled with the lights on the tree. At the foot of the tree sat a nativity scene with all the trimmings. At the front sat a selection of animals with shepherds between them. There was the 3 wise men each carrying their gifts and nestled right at the back was Mary and Joseph stood looking in to the small manger where the baby Jesus lay. It was beautiful scene and a true reminder what Christmas was about. Seeing people rush past carrying bright parcels to take to family and loved got Merri thinking of how lonely Christmas could be. Walking over to Pride where was standing at the exit she felt sad that even if they finished this case in time she had no one to go home to or hang decorations with. Maybe next year she sighed.
At the exit Chris was waiting for them with a plastic carrier bag in his hand. He had put his coat on and was sporting a blue wolley beanie hat and matching blue gloves. Merri looked him up and down and had to admit he looked very sexy in his hat and she was kind of jealous of how warm and snug he looked. Dwayne turned to both of his agents and asked if they were ready just as he stepped forward and the front doors opened. The freezing air that rushed in hit Merri like a freight train and she shivered and hunched her shoulders trying to fend it off. This was not going to be fun at all she thought as she dashed out behind Dwayne and Chris towards the waiting car. Throwing her bag in the trunk as quick as she could she got in the car and closed the door behind her. At least it was warm in the car, that was until Chris opened the other door to get in and wind whistled through. Once everyone was inside the car set off towards the national park and there accomadation which Merri hoped had a nice fire she could thaw out in front off.
2 hours in to the 3 and a half hour drive Chris had fallen asleep with his head against the window. Dwayne also looked like he was asleep in the front seat which left Merri sitting looking out the window at the never ending blanket of white. It didn't look like it had snowed for a few days as all the roads were clear and slush free. Even though she had her coat on with the hood up and the heating was on full in the car she was still freezing. How on earth she was going to be able to work in this she had no idea. Hugging herself she shivered for the millionth time since she got off the plane.
" You still cold? I thought you might have warmed up a bit since we got in the car" Chris said making her jump as she thought he was asleep.
"How can anyone warm up in this weather? I shiver just looking at the snow. I swear I will never ever complain when its to hot every again" Merri said as her teeth chattered as she spoke.
Chris sat forward and took his coat off then lay it across his front like a blanket. Taking his gloves off he put them in the pockets of the coat then turned to Merri
"Take you coat off and come sit next to me and we will see if we can get you a little warmer" Chris told her as he lifted the edge of his make shift blanket up.
Merri took her seat belt off and removed her coat as she shuffled across towards Chris. When she was right next to him he pulled his coat over her and used her coat across their legs. He then slotted his right arm over her shoulders and pulled her tight against her side. Putting her seat belt back on under the coats she lay against Chris's side and tried to get as much of her body to touch his as possible. Chris brushed his hand over hers and was shocked at how cold they actual were. Taking one hand at a time in between his hands he brought them up to his mouth and blew warm air across them at the same time as rubbing them. Slowly he felt them warming up and looking at Merri who he was sure was trying to fuse herself to his side, he could see she had stopped shivering and seemed to be warming up. All to soon they had arrived at Huron national forest and parked up in front of 3 log cabins.
2 of the cabins lights were on but the other sat in darkness. Un-doing their seat belts Chris helped Merri put her coat back on zip it then reached for the carrier bag that was at his feet. Reaching in to the bag he pulled out what looked like a huge ball of bright red wool. Merri looked at the red mass then back at Chris. It turned out it was not a ball of wool but a Hat, scarf and pair of gloves. Taking the items one at a time he wrapped the scarf round Merri's neck then placed the hat on her head. He held the gloves out one at a time and she slotted her hands in. Making sure she was wrapped up he sat back and looked at her.
"There you go, that should keep you a little warmer than you were" giving a little tug to the hat making sure it came down over her ears.
What Chris didn't say was how cute she looked and how good the colour looked on her. Getting out the car Chris pulled his gloves on and went round to the trunk to get his bag and picked Merri's up since he was there. Merri got out the car and the cold air hit her and set her shivering again. As they got there bags one of the Cabin doors opened and out came Tobias Fornell followed by what they presumed was 2 of his agents. The 3 of them set off up the path towards the men coming down it, meeting them half way.
"Lets get you guys settled in and we can go over the plans when that's done" Tobias told the 3 NCIS agents as he turned towards the un-light cabin.
They followed Tobias up through the snow and up the stairs of the cabin. Tobias pulled a key out his pocket and un-locked the door. Pushing the door open he steeped inside and the others came in with Chris shutting the door as he entered. Tobias stepped to the right and flicked a switch which turned the lights on in the hall way.
"Everything is stocked up, wood by the fire, food in the cupboards for a week and bedding is in the closet ready. You got an hour to settle in and then we got a briefing in the middle cabin, don't be late" and with that Tobias turned and left.
"Right let's get sorted out. Chris you do the fire, I'll make some food and Merri you dump the bags down the hall and then give Chris a hand " Dwayne instructed the 2 agents before he disappeared in to the kitchen.
Chris took his coat, hat and gloves off and hung them on the coat rail in the kitchen before he went in the lounge to start the fire. Merri on the other hand left all her outdoor clothes on and picking up Dwayne and Chris bag she carried then down the hall and put then in the first 2 rooms she came to. Going back to pick her bag up she carried it and put that in the only other empty bedroom left. As she came back down the hall and entered the lounge the heat from the fire hit her instantly and she walked over and sat down next to Chris who was still slotting logs on to the fire to get it going properly.
As the heat started to sink through the many layers Merri had on she started to remove some. First was her gloves, then hat and scarf which was finally followed by her coat. Turning to Chris she saw the way the light from the fire flickered across his face and shone in his eyes and how the muscles in his armed moved as he stoked the fire. He was one hell of a sexy guy and she could not for the life of her work out how he was still single. Chris felt her watching him so turned and looked at her. She seemed lost in thought as she had a far away look in her eyes. Giving her a nudge she was brought back to the present and when she realized she was being watched she went slightly red at being caught.
"I never did thank you for the hat, scarf and gloves did I. That was really nice of you to think about me freezing my ass off in this arctic weather" as she spoke she reached across and squeezed his hand which he was pleased to feel was still warm.
Dwayne choses that moment to put his head round the door to tell them dinner was ready. Merri pulled her hand back quickly and stood up before offering her hand out to help Chris stand. Walking in to the kitchen they found Dwayne sitting at the table with dishes of food placed in the middle for them to help themselves. The food smelt amazing so they practical ran to get seated and tuck in. Neither of them spoke as they ate, the only noise came from Dwayne laughing as he watched them fight over who got the last spoon full of curry out the bowl.
"That was amazing Pride, thank you. I may just have to come live with you as I can't cook to save my life unless it comes with microwave instructions " Merri told Dwayne as she stood to clear away the plates.
"Your welcome to come over any time Brody just give me some warning so I can go shopping first" Dwayne said as he stood and passed her the empty bowls from the middle of the table.
Chris was just finishing his meal when Dwayne looked at his watch and told them both it was time to go. Chris stood and put his empty plate in the sink then followed Merri out the kitchen. Merri went in to the living room to get her coat and Chris got his from the coat rack. As they bundled up to go back outside Dwayne came out the kitchen with his coat on as he had it on the back of his dining chair. As Merri put her gloves on Dwayne opened the door and stepped out side followed by Chris and finally Merri. Once they were all out Dwayne closed the door and locked it with the key Tobias passed him on the way out. The 3 of the walked down the steps and through the thick snow that lay between the 2 cabins. Once they reached the other cabin they stamped their feet at the top of the stairs and went inside.
Inside there must have been about 15 to 20 people crammed in to one room. They all had FBI written somewhere on their clothing. Removing their outdoor gear the 3 NCIS agents filled in to the room and stood near the front so they could see and be seen.
"Well that's everyone here now so lets just start. This here is the man we are all after" Tobias told the room at large pointing to the large projector screen that had been set up. "We all want this man alive if possible as he has a lot to answer for both FBI and NCIS wise. He is staying at a cabin the other end of the forest under a false name and is due to check out in 2 days. We presume that whatever he is planning to do will be done tomorrow and then leave the day after. We have people surrounding the place incase he go's early but if not we will all be on shift duty tomorrow ready to take him down when he does his deal. We suspect he will wait till night fall so most of you will not be need till then. That said stay ready incase it all kicks off earlier. As you can all see we have are friends from NCIS here wanting to question are man as well. When we get him we will give them first go so they can be done and go home before we take him back to DC with us. Any questions?...No good, see you all tomorrow " and with that Tobias walked towards Dwayne.
"See you all tomorrow, pick up a radio on the way out so you can be kept in the loop and try not to get to cold over night " and bidding them all good night he walked away.
Dwayne looked at his team and then headed for the door picking a radio up as he left. The other's followed behind and shut the door when they left. Tropping back through the snow the thought entered Merri's head to skip sleeping in a bed and crash out in front of the fire. As they followed Dwayne up the stairs and in to the cabin they were all pleased to be able to shut the door and be back in the warm. Dwayne took his coat off and headed to the kitchen while Chris and Merri both removed there coats and headed down the hall to their bedrooms.
Merri showed Chris which room she had put his bag then went it to the room directly opposite his. Closing the door she switched the light on and had a look around. It was a small room with a double bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers in. Going over to shut the curtains she flicked the switch on the small heater to get some heat in to the room. Picking her back up off the floor she dug around for her pyjamas and a jumper before dumping the bag back on the floor. Quickly pulling off her clothes she put her pyjamas on and pulled the jumper on as extra warmth. Looking in the wardrobe she found the bedding Tobias had mentioned and pulled it out. She looked at the thin sheets and 2 blankets that were supposed to keep her warm over night and they idea of sleeping in front off the fire came back to her. Dumping the bedding on the bed she turned and switched the light off before leaving the room.
Going in to the living room she found both Chris and Dwayne sat in front of the fire. They had rearranged the furniture to make room for the couch and a chair up beside the fire. Dwayne was sat in the chair while Chris lay on the couch. Seeing Merri come in Chris sat up slightly to make room for her. Sitting down she saw a mug of steaming hot coco on the table and looking between the men she saw they had one each. Picking the cup up see nodded a thank you at Dwayne knowing he would have been the one to make it. Taking a sip was like drinking a bar of chocolate itself. It was the best hot coco she had every tasted. Sitting back she drank her coco slowly and enjoyed the heat washing over her from the fire.
Dwayne stood up and told the others he was away to bed. They both wished him good night and went back to sitting in silence enjoying the warm coco and the heat from the fire. Merri felt her eyes grow heavy as tiredness creeped up on her. Next thing she knew a hand was resting on hers and removing the cup she held. Opening her eyes she saw Chris was right next her taking the cup. Yawning she stretched out and shook herself awake a little.
"Why don't you go to bed your shattered" Chris said quietly as he sat back down next to her after putting the cup on the table.
"I would but its freezing back there and them blankets wont keep me warm. I might just stay here and keep warm " she told Chris who was now sitting a little closer.
"I would say share with me as I take it we both got the same bedding but my room only has a single bed " Chris said looking a little dejected at the fact he couldn't share.
"My room has a double in, I didn't realise that the rooms had different size beds in. You wouldn't mind sharing a bed with me to share the blankets?" She asked Chris hoping he would say they could share.
"Why would I mind sharing a bed with a beautiful women to snuggle next to keep me warm. I would be mad turning down an offer like that " Chris said laughing when he saw the red flush creep up Merri's cheeks.
"Come on, I will meet you in your room after I grab the blankets from mine" Chris told her as he stood up and walked towards the bedrooms.
Merri followed behind him to her room and set about making the bed. The thought of Chris sharing her bed was giving her butterflies in her stomach. She felt like a school girl on her first date with her secret crush. Just then there was a knock on the door and Chris walked in carrying the blankets off his bed. Dropping them on the bed he helped finish make it and made sure they had used all the blankets. He had been changed and was now standing in a pair of sweat pants and t-shirt. The t-shirt was a tight fit and sat on his body magnifying the muscles on his chest and stomach. He must work out a lot to keep them that taught she thought nearly drooling as she pictured running her fingers over his bare skin to feel the muscles play under her touch.
She was pulled back from her day dreaming by a hand waving in front of her face. Looking at the hand then at Chris she went red again at being caught day dreaming.
"Welcome back, must have been somewhere special to get that smile on your face. You getting in to bed or going to stand there all night?" Chris asked as he switched the light off and climbed in to the bed and pulled the blankets back over himself.
Merri climbed in to bed and pulled the blankets up covering herself up to her chin. After a few seconds she couldn't help her self and started to shiver. Within seconds her teeth started to chatter and she curled in to a ball to try and get warm. Chris felt the bed start to move slightly with Merri's shivering and then he heard her teeth chatter before she moved the bed trying to curl up to get herself warm. He had to admit it was cold but he didn't think it was really that cold. Reaching across he placed his hands on Merri's back so not to startle her. Then he slide across the bed till he was right behind her.
"Straighten up will you, I can't warm you up curled in a little ball " Chris told her as he got hold of her and pulled her back closer to his chest as she un-curled.
When she was lying back against his chest he went in to a spoon position with her pressed as tight as he could against himself. Wrapping his arms round her he held her tight and tried rubbing his hands up and down her arms to warm her. Slowly he felt her relax and the teeth chattering was the first thing to stop, followed a few minutes later by the shivering.
"You feel better now? " he whispered in her ear as he was that close to her.
"Yes thank you, much better" she said as she snuggled back against him and wrapped her fingers with his to keep him in place.
"You get some sleep, I will stay here and keep you warm I promise" as he spoke he leaned forward and placed a gently kiss to Merri's head before he closed him eyes.
Feeling Merri's breathing slow as she fell asleep he let himself drift off to sleep with a smile on his face.