Warnings: None

Robin

"Marty Pintarello, Amanda Marcassin, and Jason Crouse?" I repeat the names back to Alicia after writing them down.

"That's right." Her voice is almost inaudible through my phone's speaker thanks to all of the background noise, but it sounds like I got what I needed. "See what you can find out, and if you get in touch with them, see if they can manage to come in this afternoon for interviews."

"No problem, Alicia. Let me know if you need anything else, and good luck in bond court." We hang up and I wander into the kitchen to pour myself another cup of coffee before I get to work.

Several hours later, I've dealt with all of Alicia's messages and the mail, done the initial research she needs for her current case, and looked up and contacted all but one of the investigators. I worked right through lunch, so I get up to stretch and make myself a sandwich as I dial Jason Crouse's number. Alicia comes in while I'm grabbing a plate and I point to mine, raising my eyebrows. She nods eagerly, holding a finger up and heading to her office while I start to grab ingredients from the fridge.

"Hello?" A warm, deep voice answers the phone and I quickly set everything down.

"Hello. Is this Jason Crouse?"

"That depends on who's asking." His tone is playful and light; I find myself smiling in spite of the bad joke.

"Robin Ballard is asking, Mr. Crouse," I quip back. "I'm Alicia Florrick's assistant. She's started a new law firm and we're looking for investigators to hire on a freelance basis. You were recommended to us by Lucca Quinn."

"Sounds about right," he responds easily. "You have a case right now?"

"We do, Mr. Crouse. We're hoping for someone to start right away. Would you be able to come in this afternoon for an interview?"

"Would two work for you?"

"That would be perfect."

"I'll be there."

"Great." I give him the address and my phone number in case he needs to call. "I look forward to meeting you, Mr. Crouse."

Jason

I check the address I wrote down, making sure I'm in the right place. I'm twenty minutes early, but I knock on the door. I'm curious about this job, and I might get a chance to poke around a bit if I have a little extra time.

A moment later, a woman opens the door. She smiles brightly up at me and I can't help smiling back. I quickly notice that she's gorgeous. Short, curvy, fantastic smile, big hazel eyes. She's dressed simply, but her clothing is fitted to show off her lovely body. She's more casual than I would have expected. Her leggings are bright pink, her t-shirt is yellow, and she's not wearing any jewelry or makeup. Her light brown hair is braided and pinned up; it's cute, but also carefree.

"You must be Mr. Crouse. I'm Robin Ballard, Alicia's assistant," she says, holding out her hand. I blink, looking down at my bandaged hand, offering her my good one a bit awkwardly, smiling cheekily.

She adapts easily, laughing as I bob her hand up and down with mine. "Jason," I correct her.

"Of course. Jason. Please come in. Alicia is in another interview at the moment, but she'll be available shortly. Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea? Water?" She steps to the side and lets me through the door. I linger as she shuts it, letting her walk past me deeper into the apartment so I can follow her. My eyes drop to her backside and I notice that it is absolutely fantastic.

"I'm fine, thank you." She gestures to a chair in front of what I assume is her desk and I sit down.

She takes her own seat across from me and motions to my hand. "So how did you do that, Jason?"

I lift it, touching my bandage and grinning at her. "Killed a man."

She's not fazed. "On the job?" she asks lightly.

I shake my head. "No, just in traffic. He moved too slow."

"Maybe you should get those anger issues worked out," she observes, cupping her chin in her hand and grinning right back. For a moment, I think about my old life. I used to be a very angry man. I'm not anymore, but it's not without effort.

I smile at her sheepishly and find myself telling the truth instead of running with the gag. "Ice tray. One of those old metal ones. Cut myself. Twenty stitches."

"Ouch." There's real sympathy in her voice, so I play it up, pouting just a little and giving her my best bedroom eyes over the top of my glasses. "Oh, poor baby," she coos, making fun of me. Still, I notice that her cheeks are flushed. "Those must work wonders when you're investigating."

I raise my eyebrows at her playfully. "They don't hurt."

"If you're trying to get the job, you'll have to use them on Alicia. I don't make the decisions."

"I figured, but you might be able to tell me about my competition."

"Ah, I see. You'll wound a girl's self-esteem with an ulterior motive like that."

It's my turn to flush. I flirt with almost everyone. It's a habit I've cultivated while investigating, though I rarely follow through. Most people just act flattered. It's nice to have someone genuinely flirt back.

Especially someone beautiful, clever, and sweet like her.

She taps her pen on her desk before slipping it into her mouth. Her lips are pink and full and completely distracting. "Ever heard of Marty Pintarello or Amanda Marcassin?"

"I know who they are. What do you think about them?"

"Pumping me for information, Jason?" she teases.

I recline in my chair nonchalantly. "I'm just making conversation, Robin."

She smirks. "Right. I see." She continues after a moment of artfully crafted silence. "Well, you can tell Marty's a cop from a mile away. Amanda seems a little young and naïve, but that could be an advantage."

"And what about me?"

She leans forward, reaching out and stroking her thumb over one of my dimples. "I don't think any grown man should be allowed to have dimples like that, and I bet they do you lots of favors." She actually winks at me and then glances at the clock.

"Alicia will be done in a moment," she continues. "Do you have any actual questions for me, Jason?"

I can't help myself. "Just one," I tell her, deepening my voice. She straightens up, biting her lip, and I chuckle. I know what I'm doing. "Do you have a no fraternizing with the beautiful employees policy?"

"Saw Alicia's picture online, huh?" Behind her, I see Alicia and who I assume is Amanda getting up, so I stand and lean over, putting my lips as close as I can to Robin's ear without actually touching her.

"Alicia is a lovely woman, Robin," I murmur. "But I was talking about you."

Robin

I get Amanda's information before she leaves, the skin on my neck still prickled from Jason speaking into my ear. I swivel my chair, peering at him through Alicia's office door.

I have never seen a man as handsome as him. Tall, lean, dimples for days, gorgeous hazel eyes, the messy brown hair and beard peppered with silver and gray. Not to mention the wit and swagger.

Normally, I wouldn't flirt at work, but I couldn't resist.

I stay at my desk, trying to focus on work, acting like I don't notice right away when Alicia opens her office door and says goodbye to Jason. He steps over and props himself casually against my desk, glancing down at me.

"I know you're trying to play it cool." When I look up at him, he pulls off his glasses so I can really see his eyes. I roll my own at him, shaking my head.

"Unfair, Jason."

"You have my info for Alicia?" he confirms. I nod. He retrieves his wallet, pulling out a card. "Got a pen?" he asks. I hand him mine, fully aware that he watched me put it in my mouth earlier. I make an inarticulate sound in the back of my throat as he slides the pen into his own mouth for no good reason whatsoever and winks at me. His tongue peeks out from between his lips as he removes it and scribbles something on the back of the card, flipping it over and handing it back to me with the pen.

I glance at the card and then back up at him. "I already have your number," I point out.

He winks at me. "I know. But that card is just for you. Personal use only." He gives me a little wave. "I'll see you soon, Robin."

I watch him go, studying the card in my hand and flipping it over to read the message he wrote on the back.

Call me and I'll repair your wounded self-esteem.

"So what did you think?" Alicia voice rings out directly behind me and I jump, dropping the card before turning to face her. She laughs at me, her eyebrows raised. "What's that?" She gestures to the card and I grab it off the desk, twirling it in my fingers. "An offer I might not be able to refuse," I admit.

She raises her eyebrows, clearly indicating that she's waiting for more. "Jason's number," I clarify, frowning at the card a bit. "I don't know what happened. Normally I wouldn't flirt at work, but..."

Alicia laughs. "He was ridiculously handsome and charming; that's what happened. Don't think I didn't notice. Besides, you deserve some flirting." She hesitates and then wonders, "Has there been anyone at all since Cary?"

I sigh. There's some water under the bridge. I shake my head. "No one at all. Not necessarily because I don't want there to be. We've been busy, and I didn't go out much during the election; it's hard to tell when someone is just trying to get information. I suppose I've been feeling a little guilty too. Cary wants to get back together. He knows I don't want to, but he just won't let it go."

Alicia squeezes my shoulder. "He'll get there eventually. I know you feel bad because he really is a nice guy, but you shouldn't have to pretend there are feelings when there aren't. Call Jason. See what happens. At the very least, have a little fun. Maybe get a free dinner out of it."

It's my turn to laugh. "Does that mean we're not hiring him?"

Alicia sighs this time. "I like him. He's got a good personality, and that's important in an investigator. But I like Amanda too, and she's cheaper. At this point, we need to pinch every penny that we can."

I nod in agreement. "She reminded me of Kalinda. And all her references were good. She deserves a chance. Do you want me to call Marty and Jason?"

"Call Marty. I'll call Jason. Then you can soothe his hurt pride by calling him for a date." I chuckle, thinking of the note on the back of his card. "I'd like to keep Jason in mind just in case we ever need another investigator. Marty screamed cop, though. No good."

"Tell me about it. Let's make the calls and then I'll get us some more coffee."

Alicia walks back into her office so we can each perform our tasks. "Sounds good to me!"

A few minutes later, we're both standing in the kitchen, sipping happily from steaming mugs. "How did Jason sound?" I inquire. "Should I lay it on thick?"

Alicia giggles. "He sounded like a big boy. I think he can take it."

"How long should I wait to call him?" I muse, staring down at my phone. Suddenly, it lights up and his name appears on the display. "Well, well." I hold the phone up to Alicia so she can see. She gives me a thumbs up and hangs out to eavesdrop.

"Hello?" I greet Jason nonchalantly, my heart racing a little. There's nothing quite like a very handsome man calling to hit on you.

"Yes, hello, this is Jason Crouse, and I'd like to speak to the complaint department. You didn't hire me."

I smile as I answer him. "I'm sorry, Mr. Crouse, our complaint department is currently closed. If there's anything else you'd like to talk about, I'd be open to that."

Jason chuckles. "Okay, then. May I take you to dinner tonight, Robin?"

I bite my lip and blush, glad that he can't see me. "You may, Jason."

"What time do you get off work?"

"Six."

"I'll be waiting for you. Dark blue truck. There's a little Italian place around the corner that I'm fond of, if that's okay with you."

"That sounds perfect. Are we splitting the check?" My budget is tight at the moment, so I need to know, and I hate to make assumptions.

"I asked you out, so it's my treat," he explains. "Thank you for asking, though."

"You're welcome. I'll see you shortly after six."

"I'm very much looking forward to it. I'll see you soon."

I end the call and grin at Alicia. "I have a date," I announce proudly. Then I look at her curiously. "This is okay, isn't it? I mean, if we end up hiring him later, it's not going to be a problem?"

Alicia snorts. "I think that both of us have dealt with worse workplace entanglements."

"Yeah, you'd think we'd learn," I mutter. "Or just give up men entirely and date each other."

"Don't think I'm not tempted. You can cook." We both laugh uproariously for a few minutes and Alicia rests against the counter happily. "This is nice. It feels normal."

"Yeah, I know what you mean." I decide to take advantage of her good mood. "You know, you could call Will. Get yourself some fun and free dinner."

"Don't you start on me today," Alicia admonishes me lightly. "Go on, get ready for your date. Go wild."

I hold up my hands defensively and back through the doorway towards my desk. "Just pointing out the obvious. You deserve to have a good time too."

"You know I appreciate the thought. Now go!"

I obey, packing up my things and glancing in the bathroom mirror before I head out the door. I'm a casual, simple person in terms of my looks, and I like to think I'm cute enough to carry it. I redo my lip gloss and smooth out a few strands of my hair, but otherwise I try not to be too fussy. Obviously Jason liked me the way I am; he flirted with me, asked me out, and he knows I won't be changing before our date.

As I leave Alicia's building, I scan the street for a dark blue truck. I spot one with Jason leaning against it, waving eagerly and heading over to him. "Hi." I'm surprised at how bright my voice is; I hadn't realized how much I missed how flattering it is to have someone ask me out.

"Hi," Jason replies. He steps forward and puts his hands on my shoulders as he leans down to kiss my cheek. I smile and flush as he opens the truck door for me and holds out his hand, helping me step up inside. He walks around the front and slides into the driver's seat.

He holds my hand in his as he carefully pulls out into traffic. It's sweet. I can't remember the last time a man held my hand.

"How are you, Robin?"

"I'm great, Jason. I am really, really great."