Chapter Two

Peluso tried to focus on his work, but he kept looking towards Christina's office. It didn't help that she kept looking back. The feelings that he'd always had for her were growing deeper. Now that he knew that she felt the same way about him that he felt for her, he felt more determined to be with her as much as he could.

"Earth to Peluso," Jessica said distracting him away. "Jim wants you to do this rape case."

"What?" Peluso asked as he woke up from his daydreaming. "What case is it?"

"The serial rapist. The one that Cabot wanted Jim to do, but she decided that he was too backlogged with a murder case. She told him to pick someone else, so he picked me. I'm too busy, so I picked you."

"I thought you said he wants me to do the case."

"Well, after I told him that I was busy, he said to go ahead and go with you. Besides, I know you don't have anything to do tonight."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, everyone knows that you love Christina, so you haven't got a girlfriend. She has a boyfriend, so she's off limits. Basically, you want her, but can't have her, so you have plenty of time on your hands."

"I actually have plans for tonight."

"Cancel them."

"Why can't Potter take this on?"

"He's too green."

Jessica dropped all of the information on Peluso's desk. She turned and walked away. Peluso got up and walked to the break room. He motioned for Christina to meet him in there. She tore herself away from her work.

"What is it?" she asked softly.

"I won't be able to go to dinner tonight," he replied.

"Why?"

"Steele just dropped this case on me at the last minute."

"Oh. Well, can't you come over after you're done?"

"I guess so."

"Just call me before you get ready to come over."

Peluso finished looking over the case at about ten-thirty that night. He decided that he couldn't stay all night. He grabbed his cell phone and dialed Christina's number.

"Hey," he said.

"Hi," she replied.

"I'm done."

"You are?"

"Yeah."

"So are you coming over?"

"Only if the invitation still exists."

"Of course it does."

"Good. I'll see you in a few minutes."

Christina started lighting candles all over her living room. She wanted the room to look as romantic as possible. She knew this was only their second night together, but she wanted everything to be perfect. She heard the buzz and let Peluso into the building.

When he knocked at the door, she opened it wearing lingerie. He looked around and saw all of the candles.

"Have you planned something special?"

"Just another night with you."

They kissed as he walked in the door.