-1Title:The Policeman's Ball

Pairing:Grace/Boyd

Rating:PG

Summary:His little black book had effectively dried up

Spoilers:Nothing specific but up to and including Series six to be Notes:Spending all day blistering medication your mind wanders and this is what you get. Something a little lighter than Clarity and Salvation.

Chapter Two

"Wow, I didn't realise they were changing the dress code around here," Spencer said, propping himself up against the doorframe. "Nice threads, Gracie."

"I feel a little like the Christmas fairy." She turned around trying to catch a glimpse of herself in the window.

"You look great. I'd put you on my tree any day."

Grace chuckled and waved her hand at him, "I love you too, Spence."

Boyd appeared behind him wearing a tuxedo and looking pretty sexy himself. "You ready?"

Spence turned and pulled a face. "Ah, the oldies are going out. You sure you trust us kids to play nicely?"

"Please don't wind him up, he's tetchy enough as it is," Grace said, wrapping her jacket around her and picking up her bag.

"Have a good time, don't do anything I wouldn't."

"In that case, Spence, I can have a really good time," she teased, stepping around him and lightly patting his lapels.

Boyd smiled a knowing smile and began to follow her.

"Don't keep her out too late, Boss," Spencer called, grinning and heading back to his desk.

"I wouldn't wait up, Spence," Grace countered, falling into step with her boss.

"We need only stay a few hours," Boyd offered, placing his hand lightly on her back as he guided her towards his car.

"I was planning on dancing till dawn," Grace teased lightly. "I've given up a fun filled evening for this."

He looked at her sceptically.

"You need to lighten up, Boyd."

"In that case can we should go to my place, open a bottle of wine and watch the history channel." He gave her a cheeky smile.

"Really, we should discuss your pick up techniques one of these days." Climbing in his car, she waited until she was buckled up before she spoke. "One of these days he will fire you. One of these days he'll have enough evidence and you'll lose the Cold Case team. Don't him cause."

Boyd turned to look at her, seeing something in her eyes that he hadn't seen for a while. "Just don't blame me when it goes pear shaped."

"Is it time to go yet?"

Grace rolled her eyes. "We've only just got here."

"Your point is?"

"You owe me a glass of wine and a dance."

"Grace, Grace, Grace," Peter sighed. "I'll gladly get you as much wine as you can drink but I don't dance."

"We'll see."

He groaned inwardly, recognizing her tone.

An hour later he was beginning to regret his promise as they finished off their second bottle of wine before they had even sat down for dinner and he knew they would need a taxi.

Grace was flushed, smiling and gesturing as she chatted with the other guests at their table.

Boyd has taken to sitting back and watching her. In all honesty he had never expected them to become friends and it had happened without him realizing. They were two people from very different backgrounds, both broken and scarred, whose work had been the only thing they had in common. Something had drawn them to each other and for all the arguing and sarcasm, he truly respected her and her opinions and classed her as one of his few good friends.

"Boyd, you're zoning out," Grace whispered, leaning in towards him.

"I'm bored shitless."

"I'm sorry I'm not more scintillating company." She lightly rested her hand on his thigh, her finger tips light and gentle.

Boyd glanced down at his leg and back up at her face, his eyes locking with hers, his lips quirking upwards.

"Boyd?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice as she quickly went to move her hand.

Briefly, he stopped her, a mischievous glint, the effects of the wine evident, on his face. "I was just thinking that you've finally touched upon a way to get me to behave."