DISCLAIMERS: SAME AS CHAPTER ONE
KATE POV
My hearts doing flip flops and my stomach has butterflies; I can't believe he invited me to dinner with Ducky. When he was telling me about Ducky, he gave me the impression that not even a wife was allowed to spend time with Ducky when he was there. That Ducky's out of bounds when it comes to his girlfriends/wives.
I'm on the presidential detail today so I can't afford let him distract me. My boss Agent Buar has a saying; that he likes his agents to live by. "Always expect a problem, and with a little luck you'll never lose a president."
I decided that I will let him know after work today. I can't afford my mind not to be 100% focused on this detail. My boss wouldn't be happy if I said I was day dreaming about my sexy next door neighbour and I didn't see the terrorist walk right on past me into the oval office." That's not very professional.
TONY DINOZZOS POV
I'm in no place to complain about my boss today, it's Friday, more importantly provided nothing comes up we have no work until Monday. He is actually smiling today, he rarely smiles. He must have got lucky last night. We had yesterday off to recuperate from a 3 week terrifying case at sea. Now, I know my boss has good sea legs but even he was a little stir-crazy by the end of the three weeks.
But something's different about him, whatever it is I just hope it doesn't lead to another ex wife.
DAN POV
I'm sitting in my chambers looking out my window to the city below. I can see the white house and my thoughts turn to my baby sister Kate (She isn't really my sister but Mike's family are so close I call her my own sister, since I'm an only child.). I am truly sorry for what I said to her. I already left her several messages to which she still hasn't returned. But that doesn't mean she hasn't forgiven me, sometimes she can't contact us for up to a month at a time. If she is pulled away on assignment, sometimes there isn't enough time to say she's leaving.
"Dan," Mike says to me trying to get my attention. "Dan, you in there?"
"Yeah, I'm here. I was just thinking about Kate. I left her messages, voicemail and texts but she hasn't replied. I know I crossed the line last night, I didn't realize I had 'til I was there."
"I know Dan but Kate's a big girl now. You can't always protect her. How are you going be when she brings home a guy to family dinner and announces that she's going to marry him? Let's face it, it will happen one day and there won't be a thing that anyone can do to stop it."
Mikes good at putting things into perspective, especially when it comes to Kate. It's no secret that I am like a brother to Kate more than Derrick. And deep down inside, I'm proud of that. Proud of Kate too.
KATE POV
Finally the day is done with but I have to fly out at 0900 tomorrow with the president on a 14 day tour. I'm actually looking forward to dinner. I quickly called Jethro but he must have been in a meeting and left him a voice message to that affect. I also said that I'd bring dessert. I know that I have some brandy snaps in the cupboard and there's cream and fruit in the fridge. Yes! I can definitely make a meal out of that.
I'm in my kitchen at home, after I have showered and changed, I notice a head popping over my fence, Jethro makes a funny face and I laugh openly at him. "Ready when you are" he calls over the fence. I get my dessert and beer, since I have 14 days of work ahead of me and I head on over.
DUCKY POV
Well, I must admit that I am intrigued. I just saw him walk over to the fence and pull funny faces until he got her attention. I have never seen Jethro do that to anyone before. What intrigues me more is that she just walked on in. she went to kitchen put something in the fridge and joined us on the deck.
Well she is pretty and very petite and very brunette. This is a new development, usually Jethro prefers the red headed women.
"Kate, my dear it a pleasure to meet you. Jethro has told me so much about you." I extend my arm to shake her hand. She steps up and kisses my cheek which surprises me. Many years ago I would have done this without thinking but there was a time when, back in Scotland. A young –
"Steaks are ready" Jethro announces as he turns off the grill. Sometimes I think that boy reads my mind and deliberately interrupts my stories.
"Scotch Kate?" I offer by way of apology. For rambling off while they were talking.
"No thanks Ducky. I have to work 14 days straight starting tomorrow. By the way," she turns to Jethro and gives me a chance to fully read her character. "Can you drop me off at the airport tomorrow? And check my mail and keep watch over my house?" she smiles sweetly him and can tell right then that Jethro Gibbs is putty in her hands.
GIBBS POV
She's going away for work and although I know that she could have asked Dan or Mike, she asked me and I'm touched.
"Of Course Kate." Conversation flows on easily as it truly sinks in what she has been saying. She has to leave. I know it's part of her job, but still…?
Kate hands out this little things and I am amazed to find that I actually like them she tells me they're brandy snaps. I eat it all. Not really tasting it, just preparing her departure tomorrow.
It's only 9 but she says she wants to leave that she is tired and not really up for 2 weeks away. She offers to clean up first and I tell her to go on home to bed and I'll be ready to leave at 0630 tomorrow morning.
Ducky gives her a cuddle and kiss on the cheek, which leaves me wondering how she would react if did that to her. Too late to find out, she steps up and cuddles me without a second thought. I wrap my arms around her tight and reassure her everything is ok. I tilt her head and look in her eyes. I want to kiss those sweet chocolate lips but I settle for her forehead and I let my lips linger there, enjoying the electricity.
"Good Night Katie" I use my personal nick-name for her, but I have never said it to her face before. She walks out the front door.
Read & Review. Thanks to everyone who reviewed so far, the more reviews the faster I update. Blackmails an ugly thing. Lol
