A/N: To my guests, thank you for the reviews. To my readers at large, thank you for enjoying this story. ~Calla

#

Stepping out of the shower, Lisbon slid into the spa robe she'd admired so much that first day before ambling into her room. Opening the closet door, she studied the two remaining dresses she had yet to wear. Since they were heading out bright and early in the morning, she could only wear one of them.

The other she'd save for Austin.

Huffing in frustration, Lisbon was torn between the floral halter and the perfect "little black dress" any woman would love to own. Part of her wanted to wear the sophisticated black deal tonight since it was their final rendezvous on Islamorada and she wanted to look exceptional. The other part thought she should save it for back home.

For that special high dollar eatery with the pristine white table cloths, overpriced food, and fragrant flowers nestled prettily in tiny vases Jane would surely take her.

Although clueless what the man had up his sleeve for tonight, she hoped it was more exciting than the Sushi they'd eaten last night or the Italian they'd shared the night before. Not that the food wasn't delicious and the service everything it should be. It was more that this was their last night on their island Paradise and she hoped Jane would want to mark the occasion in some memorable way.

He dropped the ball if he didn't.

Grabbing first one garment then the other, Lisbon wasted precious time holding each dress up to her studying herself from every angle. She still wasn't sure how Jane managed to get them sent over from the mainland when she wasn't looking. But, he had. All because he'd decided it wouldn't do to wear the same dress twice on one trip. If that wasn't the dumbest thing she'd ever heard, she didn't know what was. It was also very Jane so why complain about it?

It wasn't like it would get her anywhere if she did.

It also didn't hurt Jane's case that one of the dresses was an expensive floral silk halter dress she'd coveted while she was dating Pike. One she hadn't been willing to buy since she'd already splurged on a couple of other dresses suitable for the nicer places Marcus was taking her to. In fact, she'd more than splurged. She'd spent her clothing allowance for the next several months in one fell swoop.

However, that didn't mean she wasn't thrilled someone else had bought the garment for her. How Jane had figured out she wanted it was what she didn't know. Nor did she particularly want to. It wasn't as though he'd accompanied her on any of her shopping trips while she was dating another man. Besides, the truth was probably far simpler than any of that. If she had to guess, she'd say he'd picked up the phone and called Grace.

The woman wouldn't have resisted his queries. She'd have told him anything he wanted to know.

Her slant would be if Jane wanted to spoil Lisbon, she wasn't going to stand in his way. Lisbon knew if that was how things had gone down; the rest of the scenario wasn't hard to guess. She'd had her old friend pull that dress up on the internet in a weak moment about a month ago. She'd wanted a second opinion. She'd also wanted a push in the opposite direction when she'd lamented her unwillingness to spend the money even though the dress was perfect for her. Van Pelt had readily agreed with her opinion and told her Maddie seconded it. However, the price was rather steep considering she had several new outfits hanging in her closet.

However, she wouldn't have hesitated to steer Jane towards making that purchase.

Shaking her head over the imagined betrayal, Lisbon reached for the garment she was thinking about. The vibrant pattern of multicolored flowers covering the black background would look pretty against her richly tanned skin. As crazy as seemed given how much time she spent indoors, she hadn't burned in the slightest given all the hours she and Jane spent in the merciless Florida sun. They'd been doing a whole lot of things she'd never expected to do like snorkeling, hiking, and parasailing. Not with Jane. Then again, she shouldn't have expected to just laze by the pool either.

She'd discovered that indolent manner he wore so well could be quite deceptive.

If all that activity wasn't enough, there was more. Who knew he could bait a hook much less catch anything? Who knew she'd like fishing in the first place? Other than the fact fish were stinky, wriggly, and slimy, she'd had a blast starting her own catch and release program. If they hadn't run out of time laughing and acting goofy on the dock, Jane would have probably challenged her to a game of tennis or golf. She wouldn't have had a problem with either.

She'd have crushed him at both like she did at pool.

Decision made, she hung the silk dress on the bathroom door and walked over to the sink to study her face in the mirror. The past few days' activities including a few random hours by the pool here and there had given her a fresh, healthy glow. She had enough of a natural tan to forgo a heavier foundation in favor of a light illuminator. Applying the tint to her skin, she rapidly added a touch of color to her eyes, cheeks, and lips before washing her hands. Sliding into the dress she zipped the skirt and fumbled with the buttons behind her neck muttering a few choice words about not having eyes in the back of her head.

Taking one last look at herself in the mirror, Lisbon fluffed her hair and decided she'd do in a pinch. She'd have to. Jane would be knocking on her door right…about…now. Sliding her feet into the strappy black leather high heeled sandals that had mysteriously appeared with the dress, Lisbon watched Jane walk through the connecting door to stand behind her like he belonged there. Feeling his hands come to rest on her naked shoulders, she watched him watching her in the bathroom mirror.

"You look even prettier than Grace said you would in that dress." Jane commented knowing he was giving himself away. "While I picked the first three dresses, I had some help with those last two as I'm sure you already know."

Since he was spending most of his time in her company, he hadn't had the necessary free time to do the research he'd done the first time around. Lisbon was constantly underfoot and he hadn't wanted her to know what he was up to. Calling Van Pelt had seemed a likely solution since he knew the two women were still close and stayed in touch as often as possible. He hadn't been wrong in that theory.

Grace had told him everything he'd wanted to know and then some.

She'd given him a list of dresses that had caught Lisbon's eye and even suggested the black dress he'd ended up getting. She'd discovered it in a local boutique and thought the lines were perfect for Lisbon's petite frame. However, she'd never gotten the chance to tell her about it. Quickly pulling the dresses up on the internet, Jane had seconded her opinion on both garments. Fortunately, a rather exclusive shop in Miami happened to carry both garments and they'd been more than happy to overnight the dresses to Islamorada for a reasonable fee. The rest had been easy.

Gilly had intercepted the box at the front desk, had the garments pressed or steamed, and laid them out neatly on her bed for Lisbon to find with the fancy pair of sandals that matched both dresses perfectly.

"I kind of figured you did." Lisbon's smirk said she'd expected nothing less. "You don't look so bad yourself. I like that color blue on you. It bring out the green in your eyes."

"You think?" Jane smirked back at her.

"I do." Lisbon said. "I also think I prefer your new look over that whole three piece suit deal you used to have going."

"I'm deeply wounded." Jane teased. "I thought you liked how I looked."

She had…When he wasn't wild eyed and scruffy from too many crazy theories and too little sleep.

"I did." Lisbon agreed thinking that look had worked for him in ways it wouldn't have most other men. "I just like this one better. It's more relaxed and approachable."

Not to mention sexier since he was wearing less clothes.

"Maybe you'll like this even better." Jane said as her reached over her head to fasten a chain around her neck. "You can't wear the earrings without the necklace to match."

"I already have." Lisbon said as she reached up to touch the square cut emerald and diamond pendant resting so familiarly against her skin. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

Accepting graciously, Lisbon decided there was no point in fighting a battle she couldn't win. Jane wasn't playing fair and he never had. That the pieces were custom made underscored that fact so she might as well keep them. He'd only aggravate her until the temptation to do just that became too great and she did what he wanted. Why go through the grief? Besides, any time she felt guilty for accepting expensive gifts all she had to do was remind herself of all the promotions and raises her loyalty to Jane had cost her over the years.

Any guilt quickly dissipated.

"You're welcome." Jane took her lipstick from her purse and tucked it in his pocket. "You won't need that tonight."

"Okay." Lisbon resisted the urge to say it was mostly for looks anyways since she hadn't needed a purse any of the other nights either. "So what's the plan for tonight?"

"You'll have to wait and see." Jane said as he guided her into the hall and locked the door behind them. "I'm sure you'll like whatever it is."

"I'm sure I will." Placing her hand through his arm, Lisbon allowed Jane to steady her as they walked down the stairs. "I haven't disliked anything so far."

Except maybe that whole parasailing expedition where nothing had gone exactly right.

Seeing the deserted front desk, Lisbon briefly wondered where Gilly was before allowing Jane to lead her outside and up the side of the building as far away from the outside Tiki Bar and restaurant as they could get. She was mildly surprised to see a table situated far enough away from everyone busily chowing down on Lobster Sliders and tropical cocktails to feel like they were truly alone. She wasn't going to ask how Jane had managed such a feat. Knowing him, he'd probably used a lot of charm and greased the right palms. However he'd accomplished it, she didn't really care. She was going to enjoy every moment of a peaceful dinner listening to the waves roll in. Sinking into her chair, Lisbon watched Jane take his seat after carefully scooting hers back into place.

"I met the Executive Chef late last night." Jane didn't need to tell her he'd gone to the bar a while after he'd tucked her in bed. She already knew he didn't sleep that well at times. "We got to talking and he offered to prepare a menu of his personal favorites in honor of our change in circumstance. So, to answer your earlier question, what's on the agenda for tonight is as much of a surprise for me as it is for you. This location and table was Jeffrey's idea. I had nothing to do with any of this beyond accepting his offer and putting it on my tab."

"Interesting." Lisbon watched Lillian, their tall blonde server from their first night, making her way towards their table with a tray in hand. "Hello, Lillian, we haven't seen you in a couple of days."

"I've been around." Lillian smiled at Lisbon then at Jane before opening the bottle of white wine and pouring two glasses. "Jeffrey said to start with this. Your cracked Conch will be out in a minute. It's really good; but, his ginger pepper jelly and Asian slaw is to die for."

"We'll find out soon enough." Jane said hoping the overly talkative girl would get a move on before she ruined the entire surprise. "Amber is on her way with the first course."

Jane motioned towards the perky, likable red head who'd served them at lunch.

"Oh, so she is." Lillian grabbed her tray. "Then I need to get this out of the way."

Glad the blonde was finally leaving, Jane rolled his eyes at Lisbon ignoring her tolerant smile. He'd hoped Lillian wouldn't be their server tonight in spite of being considered one of the resort's best. He found her personally distasteful. While still pleasant and attentive to his date, the girl had tried to discretely flirt with him on numerous occasions and he didn't like that one bit. Even if Lisbon was more amused than bothered, Lillian's actions were disrespectful to the woman he was clearly with and that was something he didn't appreciate.

Watching the freckled face, auburn haired young woman setting their plates in front of them, Jane turned his attention to the conversation Lisbon was already deeply embroiled in. It was something to the effect of how to go about applying to the Academy once she finished Law School. Leave it to Lisbon to find the one female FBI wannabe in the Florida Keys.

If she was smart, she'd whip Henson's card out soon and give it to her.

If she wasn't, he might have to do it for her.

Otherwise, they'd never get to enjoy their final evening on Islamorada which wouldn't do at all.

#

Walking back towards the resort with Jane's arm draped around her shoulders and her shoes in her hand, Lisbon was mildly surprised there weren't more people out and about this early on a Saturday night. Especially considering she knew several of the other guests were leaving after breakfast as they were. They'd lamented returning to the real world around the pool a few hours ago. In spite of that, the beach and docks were surprisingly empty considering it was a beautiful, temperate night with just the right amount of moonlight.

Surely she hadn't left them all getting plastered at the Tiki Bar.

Allowing Jane to hold the door open for her, Lisbon was equally surprised the lobby of the hotel was just as deserted as the beach. Maybe everyone was too busy packing and doing all those last minute activities to insure they didn't forget anything to meander about. Or maybe they were tuckered out from all of the biking, hiking, and water sports. Whatever the cause, she was enjoying the quite calm for a change.

Waving to Gilly behind the front desk, Lisbon let Jane lead her back up the stairs to their rooms. Stopping to unlock the door, he escorted her inside, gave her a quick kiss, and mumbled something about calling it a night since they had an early start in the morning. Watching Jane close the connecting door behind him, it took every bit of her resolve not to call him back and tell him what a coward she thought he was being.

They'd had a lovely evening and there wasn't any reason it shouldn't get lovelier before they were done.

Closing the connecting door behind him, Lisbon removed her dress and hung it in the closet before slipping into her comfy sleep shorts and tee. Turning to look at the bed, common sense dictated she should try to get some sleep. But, she couldn't. She was wide awake. Maybe if she went outside and listened to the surf she'd relax. If she didn't, she could always call Room Service to request a warm glass of milk. If that didn't do the trick, she could put on a real pair of shorts and go for an exhausting run on the beach.

Deciding she had everything in hand, Lisbon slid the glass doors open and stepped out on the balcony only to shake her head at finding Jane already there.

"I thought I'd find you out here." Lisbon eyeballed the glass of Bourbon in his hand and knew he'd been expecting her as well or it wouldn't be a Double. "I don't have to ask if that's the good stuff do I?"

He'd obviously paid a quick trip to the bar downstairs since she knew his libation hadn't come from the mini bar. She wasn't all that surprised since it had taken her a few minutes to undress and put her clothing away. Jane had clearly done little more than remove his jacket before he'd stepped outside.

"No, you don't." Jane agreed watching her tip his glass to take a tentative sip before making the usual face. "I don't know whether to laugh or tell you to keep your snoz out of my Bourbon when you make that face."

"It's not my favorite and it stinks; but, it's not that bad either." Lisbon leaned on the banister and stared out over the sea. "I can't believe we have to leave tomorrow."

"Neither can I; but, we'll do this again someday." Jane promised deciding Islamorada would be their special place. "Besides, by their very nature, all vacations come to an end."

"I guess they do." Lisbon agreed feeling his hand resting on her skin. "Especially the ones we never expected."

Placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, Jane drew her against his chest.

"You're getting a little afraid." He stated bluntly ignoring her nod. "If it makes you feel any better I am, too."

"I'm a lot afraid." Lisbon answered honestly. "The magic bubble bursts in a few hours."

When that happened, the pressure was sure to follow.

"Yes, it does." Jane agreed. "But, we'll be home with the people who care about us when it does. The same people I hope will be happy we're finally together."

"A lot of them will be." Lisbon said. "But, some of them won't be. Those are the ones we need to watch out for. I'm sure things will be tense around some of Marcus's friends. That it'll get unpleasant before it gets better."

Especially with the ones she'd gotten close to once she'd started dating Pike. They'd view her actions as a betrayal which, on some levels, it was. But, Marcus wasn't totally innocent either. He'd confessed as much in their last conversation. Told her he'd always known Jane was a threat, that he knew the man had feelings he wasn't yet ready to admit, and that he'd done everything in his power to wrap things up before his rival could come to his senses. He'd counted on Jane's various "issues" to hold him at bay and he'd been right up to a point. Unfortunately, his nemesis had snapped out of his stupor at the last possible second and crashed his plans.

Jane had finally manned up, played his final hand, and won the game.

Lisbon wasn't sure how she felt about Pike calling their relationship a game. Or how she'd felt about his words in general. Although she'd been too caught up in the magic of a whirlwind romance, a part of her had known he was rushing things. That Marcus wasn't giving her time to think things through. Or really come to terms with her true feelings about either man. But, she'd dealt with it. She'd allowed herself to love him. Besides, in some ways he was right. Life with Jane had been, was, and would always be tricky at best.

She might as well get used to it.

"They'll get over it." Jane said. "All we have to do is plow through the nastiness and not let it tear us apart until they do."

"I can if you can." Lisbon studied his face. "Just promise you won't do anything behind my back if some of Marcus's friends react negatively to the shock."

"To a point." Jane agreed. "But if they cross the line, no, and you shouldn't expect me to." He lifted her up to sit on the balcony facing him. "None of this is your fault. You shouldn't bear the brunt of the fallout from a pissing match between your old lover and your new one. Not when I could have ended it weeks ago by telling you how I really felt. You gave me plenty of opportunities to do just that."

"Yeah, I did." Lisbon agreed leaning into his chest. "All you did was keep saying you wanted me to be happy."

"I do." Jane said as he wrapped his arms around her. "Just not with another man."

"Yeah, well, that wasn't what you said." Lisbon's laugh wasn't pretty. "And it wasn't what I wanted to hear."

"I don't suppose it was." Jane agreed recalling that her acceptance of Pike's initial dinner invitation when she should have been having Case Closed pizza with him wasn't what he'd wanted to hear either. "We've both made a lot of mistakes."

"I guess we have." Lisbon closed her eyes and squeezed him a little tighter still not believing the past few days weren't a dream. "We'll have to do better."

"Yes, we will." Jane agreed. "We have a lifetime to do it."

Ignoring her slight start at his words, Jane rubbed her back as Lisbon relaxed back into his hold. The woman wasn't an idiot. While she might not be quite ready to acknowledge it, she knew he was playing for keeps. He wouldn't have come this far if he wasn't and she wouldn't have let him. He'd hurt her too many times in the past.

"Yes, we do." Lisbon quietly voiced her acceptance of his words.

Tucking her a little tighter against him, Jane stared out over the ocean content in the moment. Well, his soul was content if his body wasn't. Holding the woman he loved so close in such a vulnerable moment was stirring up feelings he hadn't experienced so openly in years. Feelings Lisbon had to be very aware of and reciprocating to a certain degree if that muffled sound just passing her lips was any indication. Leaning down to give her a tender kiss, Jane silently acknowledged he felt the same.

"While I said I'd never seduce you over a meal." Jane's tone wasn't quite as teasing as it should be to Lisbon's ears. "That doesn't mean I couldn't do it over an after dinner drink…."

"But you won't." Lisbon finished for him. "However, what's to say I can't do the same?"

"Nothing." Jane admitted. "Because you can and I'd let you."

"But I won't." Lisbon said softly very aware they were treading dangerous grounds. "You'd regret it in the morning."

Jane didn't have to say a thing knowing she could see the answer in his eyes.

He resisted the urge to apologize. It wouldn't help their situation. That Lisbon knew what was going through his head did. That she understood it was one thing to hand her his heart and another to give his body made everything bearable for a little while longer. Or he hoped it idd. Circumstances had truly gotten away from him. He'd been forced to move much faster than he'd wanted and found himself in a place he wasn't yet ready to be. One where he readily admitted his affections had been Lisbon's for much too long.

But, his body wasn't yet hers for the taking.

From the look in her eyes, Lisbon understood that much even if she felt differently. She wouldn't regret any intimacies between them… nothing beyond being indiscrete and trashier than they both knew her to be…Her lover wouldn't feel the same. Such physicality wasn't a line he was ready to cross at the moment. To Jane's way of thinking, it was one thing to use any tool at his disposal to trap Red John and another to take the woman he loved to his bed.

One who wasn't Angela.

"I think you're probably right." Jane agreed. "Not that I don't want to." Lisbon was doing her best to ignore the evidence of his words. "The timing isn't right."

"No, it isn't." Lisbon let him off the hook far easier than she had to. "But that doesn't mean we can't do what we've been doing all week."

"No, it doesn't." Jane agreed.

They were both mighty fine kissers and cuddlers so, like Lisbon, he saw no reason not to take advantage of what they'd discovered they did very well. So what if they ended up more hot and bothered than either of them wanted to be? As long as neither of them expected it to go any farther, he didn't see any problems. They were both adults.

They could handle it.

#

Staring at her soda, Lisbon decided she already wished she was back on Islamorada. Their departure had gone without a hitch and their flight was equally uneventful. In fact, they'd both slept for most of the journey. After arriving safely at the airport, Jane had dropped her by her place, helped her get her bags inside, and given her a tonsil licking kiss. He'd then gone home to his place.

They'd decided it would be better if they arrived at work separately so they'd done just that.

However, things had gone downhill from there. She hadn't been back at the office half a day and she'd had enough. She was done already with the nasty looks and whispers she'd gotten from some of her co-workers. Not most of them, mind you, just Pike's long time friends. The part that p.o.'d her the most was Jane wasn't around to get his fair share of the love which wasn't fair at all. While she'd enjoyed every second they'd spent on Islamorada, there were a few people who weren't buying those extra days were spent wrapping up their case. They'd been rather vocal about it. From Lisbon's perspective, it was none of their business. It wasn't like much of that trip ended up on the FBI's tab. Only the handful of expenditures their Boss deemed legitimate. Jane had taken care of the rest.

Besides, Abbott said stay so they'd stayed…end of story.

"Lisbon." Said a familiar voice as Cho suddenly dropped into the chair across from her without asking. "Rough day?"

"You could say that." Lisbon gave him a wry smile not remotely surprised her old friend had found her hiding place. The man was an FBI Agent and she was eating at her favorite Tex Mex dive. It didn't take a genius to figure out this was the first place she'd visit on her return to town. Or that she'd eventually be diving into some killer Nachos with all the fixings. "I didn't expect any better."

"I guess not." Cho empathized. "What happened with Jane surprised everyone."

"Including us." Lisbon agreed. "You didn't tell anyone where you were going?"

"Nope." Cho gave the hovering waitress his order. "Your secret is safe."

He and Jane were the only two people who knew his ex-boss liked to frequent this place. It wasn't on the beaten path and it certainly wasn't the most inviting of restaurants. But, in this case, looks were very deceiving. The joint was a closely guarded local secret and had been for years. The food was out of this world and the service was excellent. It was a well known fact the owners could have built a splashy restaurant a couple of decades ago but chose not to tamper with a good thing. It might not look like much, but looks were deceiving.

"Good." Lisbon dipped a chip in Salsa. "I needed to get away for a while."

"Understandable." Cho knew she'd already had a couple of uncomfortable run-ins she'd handled diplomatically. "Where's Jane?"

"With Abbott and Lester discussing a new case." Lisbon said. "One I hope we don't get."

"That bad huh?" Cho gave the waitress his order before turning his attention back to his ex-boss.

"Worse." Lisbon said. "Shades of Volker and Red John both except Jane is confident this one's a woman. According to him, she's probably a very discreet, free lance call girl. Or maybe she's the very discrete "other woman" since the victims were all married. We're not really sure what's going on. At the moment, all we have is three victims in three states who appear related by the staging of their deaths and Jane's wild theories."

"I hope Lester keeps it." Cho stated emphatically already knowing the case would likely land on Abbott's desk due their experience with Red John. "I hate Serial Killers."

"Me, too." Lisbon agreed. "Those last ten years were enough."

"Yep." Cho nodded before switching gears. "The Boss is happy."

"You think so?" Lisbon sat back in her chair with a smirk on her face. "I'm not so sure."

"Trust me." Cho toyed with a chip before dipping it in Salsa. "Abbott's happy."

Like a girl with her first Romance Novel though he wouldn't say it.

"What makes you say that?" Lisbon hadn't noticed anything different about their boss. "He seems the same to me."

"You didn't have to fly back with him." Cho stated. "The man's a closet romantic. He saw this mess coming."

Not only saw the mess coming; but, he'd clearly wanted Jane to get the girl. Cho didn't get it. He understood not wanting to lose a mighty fine agent playing into Abbott's actions. It would play into his were their situations reversed. But, that wasn't it. The man really wanted to see Jane and Lisbon together like that. Cho wasn't sure he felt the same. For the most part, Lisbon was pretty sane and, well, Jane was Jane. Not so sane even now.

He wasn't sure the two should mix.

"I'd say he's pretty open with his feelings." Lisbon countered thinking about the days off he'd given them. "He wouldn't have told us to stay in Islamorada if he wasn't."

"I guess." Cho said. "I still don't get it."

"Get what?" Lisbon asked knowing exactly what he was talking about.

"When things changed between you." Cho fixed her with a penetrating stare. "I didn't see this coming."

Maybe he hadn't wanted to.

"I don't think they did." Lisbon said. "Not recently. I think they shifted a long time ago and we didn't notice because of Red John. Or maybe we weren't willing to put a name to our feelings. Not until our stupidity almost cost us everything."

She didn't really know; but, either explanation made a strange kind of sense.

"So you're happy?" Cho watched a plate of steaming Fajitas being carefully set in front of him. "Really happy?"

"Yeah, I am." Lisbon answered honestly seeing no need to hide from Cho. He'd been with her from the start. If anyone in Austin should understand the dynamics between her and Jane, it would be him. "That doesn't mean there isn't still a lot to work out; but, I'd say we're happy."

"Good." For some reason, her words reassured him. "So you think you can?"

"Can what?" Lisbon asked.

"Work through everything?" Cho asked.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't." Lisbon gazed at the monster plate of Nachos suddenly appearing before her. "We've waited twelve years to be together, what are a few more months?"

"Not a whole lot." Cho grabbed a tortilla and stuffed it with steak and vegetables. "I hope you know what you're doing."

"As much as anyone can know with Jane." Lisbon stated what they both knew before changing the subject. "Do you want to know what we did while we were gone?"

"Depends on what you were doing." Cho tone clearly conveyed there were some things he didn't want to know about and he didn't think Lisbon would share.

"Nothing you can't know about." Lisbon rolled her eyes at his look. "What kind of girl do you take me for?"

"One who finally knows what she wants. Cho answered honestly. "And one who realizes she'd waited a long time to get it."

"That may be true; but, neither of us was ready." Lisbon stared at Cho staring back at her. "So nothing happened."

"You're ready; but, Jane isn't." Cho called her on her lie. "So, I'd say you spent your time holding hands and talking."

"We did a few other things." Lisbon took the out he provided rolling her eyes at his pained expression. "Look, I might have kissed him at time or two." Lisbon snarked. "But, you aren't Grace so we aren't discussing that."

Cho gave her a look saying he knew better. While Van Pelt would ask if Jane was a good kisser, he pretty darned sure she wouldn't answer. Some things were meant to stay private.

"Good." Cho stated. "You need to eat your Nachos before they get cold."

He wasn't sure he could handle much more of this conversation. In fact, he wasn't sure he could handle this relationship or where it was heading at all. He felt like Rigsby. There were some things he didn't want to know and this was one of them. He liked and respected Lisbon. He always had. He even liked Jane and all his kookiness. He just wasn't sure how he felt about Lisbon and Jane together.

He supposed time would tell.

"What I am talking about is Jane took me fishing and snorkeling." Lisbon said. "And he let me take his ring off."

Lisbon smiled at the way Cho's attention jerked from his plate to her face. He hadn't seen Jane today so he didn't know their secret. No one really had aside from the two or three people he was meeting with. He'd been locked away in a conference room since they'd passed through Security. Abbott had called his cell en route and told him to come straight to his office when he got in, and for once, Jane had immediately obeyed his summons. Lisbon seriously doubted their co-workers had had time to register anything beyond the fact he was there before he'd disappeared behind closed doors. Added to that, Jane had probably been hiding his finger as well.

The man was canny like that.

"You're kidding." Cho clearly didn't believe her words. "I never thought that would happen."

In fact he'd thought that would be a big road block between them. He couldn't see Lisbon getting intimately involved with the man as long as he wore another woman's ring on his finger. While he wasn't a hundred percent sure, he'd hoped she couldn't.

"Neither did I." Lisbon agreed. "But I'm not kidding. He asked me and I did it the day you and Abbott left…Actually, I did it that night at dinner...He didn't fight it at all."

"Then this isn't a game." Cho pondered the enormity of his words. "He's serious about the two of you."

"I'd say so." Lisbon agreed. "But so am I."

"You're sure this is what you want?" Cho prodded briefly questioning Lisbon's sanity. "Jane isn't Marcus."

Not that he'd necessarily thought Pike was the man for Lisbon; but, she'd seemed happy enough.

"No, he isn't." Lisbon nodded. "He's a lot more difficult; but, I made it this far. I might as well go the distance."

"If you feel that way." Cho wasn't sure he agreed. "It's not like Jane will let you go now. He's got too much money invested in you."

He nodded in the direction of the necklace and matching earrings he knew she'd remove before they went out in the field.

"I'd say so." Lisbon smirked at his obvious pleasure she'd finally kept something expensive Jane had given her after all these years. "They're nice aren't they?"

"A little more than nice." Cho agreed. "You sure you know what you're doing?"

He didn't think so. He doubted Jane had given her a chance to think any more than Marcus had. When she did, she might not feel the same. Then again, Cho was pretty sure Lisbon would. Whether she knew it or not, she'd gotten caught in Jane's snare a long time ago. One he wasn't even sure the other man had known he was setting.

"No, but I'm doing it anyway." Lisbon reassured him. "He loves me."

He'd made an ass of himself to say so.

"You love him." Way more important in Cho's opinion. "Then go for it."

Lisbon smiled at getting the reluctant approval meaning so much.

"I will." Looking at her watch and their empty plates, Lisbon voiced what they already knew. "We need to get back to HQ before you know who causes an incident we can't contain."

Especially if some of Marcus' cohorts got into the fray.

Nodding, Cho dropped his tip on the table and took his bill deciding Lisbon was probably right. Jane was no doubt out of his conference and wreaking havoc at finding his lady love nowhere in sight. Truthfully, in his opinion, the man was more trouble than he was worth. But, there was no accounting for taste, and his ex-boss had proven she was a glutton for punishment over and over again.

He couldn't imagine dealing with Jane as a partner much less anything more.

Certainly not a lover.