Say Something

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas.

This chapter is all Dave's point of view, which could be interesting.

. . .

Dave reached for the scotch bottle once more, pouring more into the overly expensive crystal tumbler then he should in a work night. Hell he could get a call at anytime and he definitely wasn't fit to drive. When he couldn't respond then she would be able to add it to his tally of things he had done wrong since he returned – it seemed to be a growing list so why not add a few more just for kicks. Smiling to himself he begun to plot the fun he could have, if there was anyone on this planet capable of pushing that woman's buttons it was him.

She would regret waging war on David Rossi.

Dave sighed as he settled back into his luxurious soft leather arm chair. Just when did she wage war on him? When did they become sworn enemies? What had he done wrong?

Maybe it was time they had that chat. The one he had tried to have straight after he had spoken to the director about returning to the BAU, but Erin had avoided him so swiftly.

He remembered clearly waiting outside her office. The charming young secretary making him cup after cup of expensive coffee, Erin Strauss had always had good taste, and a soft spot for all things Italian.

It wasn't that he had hoped to carry on where they had once left off; it was more that he had wanted to salvage a previously good working relationship. Dave had never imaged he would see Erin and feel the way he did. Yet the minute she had walked out of her office door he had been smitten once more.

She had stood in the door way, black Prada heels toned her calves. He always had been a leg man and God did that woman have a pair to die for. Dave licked his lips as he remembered how he had scanned up her body visually devouring every inch of her. The tension had been touchable.

Then he remembered the abrupt cough and the scowl on her face as he realised how obvious he had been in his admiration.

"Was there something important you wanted to discuss Agent Rossi?"

He remembered smirking as the thought had crossed his mind that she was even sexier in her dominating boss mood. "Just thought it best we cleared the air and talked things over before I was fully back in my BAU role."

He had seen her smirk as she had flicked her hair back. "That is simple to resolve Agent. I am your superior, a fact that you will not forget. You may impress others with your reputation and swagger, but personally I know you too well to be swayed. Now I feel that clears the air perfectly, don't you?"

Dave had opened his mouth to answer, but for once words had failed him.

"Good, now if you don't mind some of us have work to do. Why don't you go and enjoy a moment's freedom before you become a permanent feature once more." With which she turned on her heels, shutting the office door behind her.

Dave glanced over to the sweet looking secretary, who was suddenly very busy with piles of paper and her computer screen. "Guess that told me," he had muttered as he rose from his seat and left.

In the short time that had passed since that 'meeting', things had gone from bad to worse between them. Snide comments and point scoring became the norm.

Yet today he had seen her defences drop, for that brief moment when they had touched he had known that no matter what she said and did deep down she felt the same as he did. The spark was still there. The question now was what could they do about it?

Taking a slow sip of the malt he held, Dave pondered his own question. He knew what he would like to do about it, but something told him it wouldn't be that simple. Especially if the looks he had received over the round table had been anything to go by. She hadn't needed to use words to make it clear how she felt at that point. She had hated him.

Rolling the glass in his hands he watched the liquid swirl round with the movement. He didn't hate her and he was sure she didn't hate him. However he was aware of the set of rings she wore. The beautiful solitaire engagement ring nestled between the flash wedding band and eternity ring. She was clearly taken. He had missed his chance.

Swallowing the remaining contents of the glass in one fierce gulp Dave cursed loudly, causing Mudgie, his dog, to scampering into the room. "It's ok Boy," he reassured as he patted the lab's head fondly, "nothing you have done, this one is all my own fault."

Dave rose to refill his glass, knowing he would regret it in the morning. Sending up a silent prayer for a quiet day of office work and a very brief briefing, Dave hoped that it would make for an easy day. It would also mean that hopefully he could avoid Erin Strauss and this whole mess for twenty-four hours as he was failing to find an answer hidden in the Scotch bottle.

Deciding against another shot of scotch Dave walked through to the back door over his large empty house, letting Mudgie out into the cold night air. Standing in the open doorway he questioned the sense of his return. Had he remained retired then this would never have been a problem.

Steadfast he made a promise to himself he would ignore her. He could turn a blind eye to her snide comments and superior refutes. He could bury his feelings; hide them below his own defences of sarcasm and annoying tactics. After all if he could manage to igmore her, it would be easier then saying all that he had previously thought.