As One Door Closes

by K-Shandra

She's always been there. He could always count on her. However, he found himself seeking her out, only to remember that she wasn't there anymore… And he needs her.

4. Chapter 4

Title: As One Door Closes – Part Four
Genre: CSI MIAMI – Romance/Angst
Paring: Horatio and Calleigh
Rating: M – well technically I could get away with a T rating, but things are getting a little steamy.
Timeline: Post series. My muse's Cannon.
Spoilers: Many implied.
Summery: See Part One
Disclaimer: I put in a bid for Horatio and Calleigh… Probably not as much as CBS would want though.
Author notes: Ha you guys are lucky, the last three chapters were written and just needed editing... after this comes the wait for the muse to play.
Written: June 2012
Word count: 4,856

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A sweet scent filled the air and coaxed Horatio from his slumbers the following morning. The welcoming yet unexplained scent had him roll onto his back whilst listening. He felt a frown forming on his forehead as the sound of children chattering ascended his ears. Soon followed by Calleigh's, urging them to keep it down. Within a heartbeat, the frown disappeared and his lips curved into a smile. A warm, glowing sensation spread over his body and his heart skipped a beat at the conformation of what his day was likely to include. Nothing could have kept him in bed for a moment longer. Haphazardly he tossed the covers aside, and almost leapt from his bed. He took only a few moments to gather a change of clothing, stopping only long enough to run his fingers through his hair, knowing it would possibly be a race for the bathroom this morning. Drawing in a deep breath, he tried to make peace with the fact that he in all likelihood appeared more than a little dishevelled. The thought only momentarily bugged him, especially when he realized that there was a good chance Calleigh would be just as dishevelled. How he had longed to see what she looked like early in the morning – preferably still in bed.

It was that thought that had made him head for his bedroom door, and carefully opening it. Simply halting in the doorway as he took in the scene before him. Austin and Patty were seated at the table, a glass of juice in front of them whilst patiently waiting for Calleigh to finish making pancakes.

Pancakes? I don't have any pancake mixture. He thought, just before his sights fell on the grocery bags, their presence causing him to smile slightly. Noticing the logo of one of the prominent grocery chains in Miami, he realized that Calleigh had come prepared.

Leaning against the doorway, he enjoyed the simplicity of the scene before him. Wishing he could simply step into it and wrap his arms around the Calleigh, to effectively claim it all for himself. Those are two very lucky kids. He thought, as he watched them banter slightly about what they wanted to do after breakfast.

'Austin, Patty keep it down!' Calleigh gently reprimanded. 'You'll wake Horatio.'

The sound of his name from her lips almost saw him give into his desire, and consequences be dammed. However, it seemed unfair on the children to force them to contain their elation – especially considering that he was already out of bed.

'Ah, but he's already awake.' Horatio announced his presence, stepping from the doorway. His gaze going to Calleigh, and noticed how her head snapped round to look at him. And unlike his ragamuffin appearance, she was her usual pristine self.

'Morning, seeing you have breakfast in order,' Horatio started, indicating to the bathroom. 'I'm going to lay claim to the bathroom.'

'Morning, would you like some pancakes?' Calleigh asked as he moved towards the bathroom.

Horatio halted for a moment before answering. 'That would be lovely sweetheart.' The moment the endearment left his lips, he regretted it. Chided himself for it. However, his mouth had formed the endearment, long before his mind could have prevented it from slipping out. Feeling decidedly self-conscious, he stepped into the bathroom.

Being caught up in his own thoughts, he did not see the smile that crossed her lips or the way she seemed to grow slightly taller at his words.

Closing the bathroom door, he immediately picked up her scent. Along with the faint scent of what he guessed was her soap also lingering in the air. His body gave an instant response at its presence as his mind filled with images of her, naked, in that room… whilst he had been in blissful slumber, utterly unaware that the woman, the focal point of so many of his fantasies was naked in his bathroom. He fought to contain the moan that wanted to escape his lips at the thought of them together, the water splashing over her body as he soaped her body, worshiped it, made love to her…. he wanted to whimper at those, at the desire he felt to have them happen. Oh god Calleigh, how am I going to make it through the weekend without ripping your clothes from your body, and doing things to you that's definitely not suitable to do in a house that has two kids in it.

Pulling himself together, he started his morning routine.

Calleigh's heart was pounding in her throat, her gaze every so often moved towards the bathroom door. The knowledge that behind it, her Lieutenant was assuredly in the buff, almost had her whimper in response. So close and yet so far, she thought as her hand tightened its grip on the pan. She forced herself to focus on the job at hand. God what I wouldn't give to be permitted to run my hands over his naked chest, to kiss his lips and to know what it feels like to be filled by him. Forcing her mind back to the present, she looked at Austin and Patty, and drew in a deep breath. If only, the little voice in her head started. That's enough, she quickly chided herself. Austin and Patty need their breakfast and in all likelihood Horatio will sooner rather than later appear in that doorway, she reasoned. All masculine and neat, the little voice taunted. Stop that! Anyway, I have to feed him – food. She tried to override it. Although you'd rather have him tending to another, entirely different hunger. That irritating little voice persisted. A frustrated sigh escaped her lips as she placed more batter into the pan. Her mind flirting back to the images of that morning, the sight of him all roughish had sent tingles over her body, culminating to yearning sensation that smarted between her thighs. God I could wake up to that every morning… Just imagine, the little voice once again started. Setting her resolve, she flipped the pancake to cook the other side. They would stay the weekend, for too long already she had wanted to see the other side of him, the side he withheld from the team.

Calleigh set down the pancakes in front of Austin and Patty, and had them start on theirs so long. They had just finished theirs when Horatio appeared from the bathroom, his presence along with his familiar scent, had her lips curve into a smile, sending another series of tingles across her body.

'Here you go.' Calleigh said, placing his pancakes on the table, before turning her attention to Austin and Patty, 'Why don't you two get your things for the beach together so long.' With that, both of then bolted from the table. 'Hey! Manners.' Calleigh reprimanded them.

'Sorry,' they both chorused, 'May we be excused?'

'Yes you may.' Calleigh returned. Returning her attention to Horatio she saw the slight smile that graced his lips. 'Please excuse them, they are so exited.'

'It's understandable.' Horatio gently spoke before sitting down.

'But not permissible,' Calleigh insisted.

'Yes Ma-am.' Horatio acknowledged, looking down at the pancakes before him. On starting on them he moaned slightly in appreciation, casing a smile to tug at Calleigh's lips as she cleared the other dishes from the table.

'This is great. I can't remember when last I had pancakes for breakfast.' Horatio spoke up, his gaze for a moment locking with hers. 'So what are you planning for the day?' He asked as Calleigh joined him at the table.

'I was going to take the kids down to the beach and have the build a huge sandcastle. I remember playing in the sand as a kid and how much I enjoyed it. I don't think it is something they've ever been allowed to do.' Calleigh returned, her voice lilting, filled with sincerity.

'What's that?' Horatio asked, for a moment halting his eating.

'To just be a kid, I don't think with everything that has happened with them that they had the simple freedom to just be.' She replied, her voice carrying a note of concern.

'Well there is plenty of beach front for them to dig up and play on. It's still early in the season, so you would have the place pretty much to yourselves.' Horatio returned, before continuing with his meal. '

'What were you planning?' Calleigh quietly asked.

'I have a few things to see to before I go back next week,' Horatio started. His words sent Calleigh's heart racing. The conformation that he would be remaining for the remainder of the weekend, had her mood soar. 'You must enjoy your day on the beach.' He finished.

They finished the rest of their breakfast in relative silence, after which Calleigh saw to the dishes before bundling the kids down to the beach.

By mid-morning Horatio found himself drawn to the beach, no longer capable of controlling his desire to bask in Calleigh's presence. He found them not far from the shoreline, where Calleigh as applying sunscreen to Patty. Knowing Calleigh, she would be insistent that it had to be done every two hours, as per instructions. A crooked smile tugged at his lips as he gazed upon them, taking in the sight of Calleigh dressed in a bikini - bearing so much skin. He watched as Patty returned to their pile of sand, it somehow forming the foundation of their construction project, also noting how Austin kept on piling more sand onto it.

Calleigh must have sensed his presence, for she turned to look at him and softly smiled in greeting. The sight of which sent his heart racing anew. 'Hey handsome, you come to join us?' she casually asked.

'I came to see how you were doing.' Horatio calmly returned, stepping closer to her.

'How nice of you.' She sincerely returned, looking up at him.

Horatio indicated to the children. 'They look like they're enjoying it.'

'It took them a while to get into it.' Calleigh started, drawing his attention back to her. 'At first Austin thought we would be moving on, but he soon realized that we're not going anywhere.' She added before releasing a sigh. 'Sometimes I think he tries too hard to be good.'

'He doesn't want to give you a reason to not want them.' Horatio lowly replied, settling on the sand not far from her.

'Hey?' Calleigh questioned, looking towards him suddenly.

'It's tough in the system, in doesn't encourage emotional attachment, only self-preservation. He was lucky, he found someone caring, but he's also scared that you will back out of it. He is familiar with rejection and does not want to give you a reason.' Horatio started, for a moment not certain if he was talking about the boy or himself. 'He sees you as someone he could love, and for that love to be returned.' Horatio finally concluded.

'I never thought of it like that.' Calleigh started nodding her head slightly. 'He's always been such a resilient child.'

'He's already overly protective of you. It won't be long before it gets to the point of possibly becoming rude to any other man that comes into your life.' Horatio added lowly.

'What!' Calleigh returned surprised, 'How'd you figure that?'

'It's a male instinct. He already sees any male as a threat, one which could cause you to pull away from him.'

'And that is based on?' Calleigh asked.

'I saw it the Saturday I came to your place, and again last night.' Horatio returned looking towards the two children. 'Besides you've always had that effect on men.'

'Have I now, that's nice to know.' Calleigh coyly returned, causing him to look at her.

'You want a hand with that?' Horatio offered, indicating to the sunscreen. His heart started pounding in his chest at the thought of touching her.

Calleigh looked at the bottle she held, and frowned slightly.

'I could do your back, It's not going to help if you get sunburnt.' Horatio clarified.

'Oh! Sure. 'Calleigh replied then handed the bottle to him.

Horatio took it from her and watched as she turned her back towards him, pulling her hair out of the way.

Flipping the cap, Horatio inverted the bottle and squeezed some of the cream onto his one palm. Placing the bottle next to him, he rubbed the thick cream between his palms before looking at her back. Carefully he placed his hands on her back. It was such a simply process in reality. However the moment his palms smoothed the cream over her shoulders, he was drawn into another world. One where his vision and awareness became centred on them alone. Her warm skin under his palms weaved a trans-like spell over him, with his mind only capable of registering the softness the texture thereof. He smoothed the cream over her back, taking care to lift the ties out of the way. Heat coursed up his arm, setting his body tingling in response. He felt his manhood throb to life with every beat his heart gave, and he fought the desire to loosen the ties holding her top in place. Then to simply slip his hands over her shoulders and fill his eager palms with her breasts… His hands ran up and round her shoulders, before running back down.

What was usually simple task, soon became one requiring his utmost concentration to complete. The warmth from her skin encouraged him to caress it, rather than apply the cream. He pursed his lips in an attempt to control the urge that overtook him once again as his hands moved lower. Her scent, combined with that of the sunscreen and sea air, along with the glistening glow created by the cream, enthralled him. He could hear his blood coursing through his veins. He swallowed hard as his throat suddenly dried, even moved slightly to better counteract the ache he felt in his loins. Somewhere in logic part of his mind, he knew that this possibly was the worst idea he has ever had. For he could never touch Calleigh like this without some reaction, without wanting to drag hear all the way down with him and drown in the sensations she so easily provoked in him.

Once her back was coated, his palms automatically lessened their pressure, with his touch becoming a caress as his finders to traced over her skin. He knew he should stop, that he should back off. However, found it impossible to break his contact with her skin. His need to touch her overrode every logic reason he could furnish to stop. By the time he realized what he was doing, he found that Calleigh had entirely relaxed under his touch, and was even moaning softly. Sounds that only served to increase his already raging libido. He fought the desire to lean forward slightly and place gentle kisses along her shoulder. He ran his hands firmly up her back, hoping in some way that it would not give away how profoundly touching her has affected him.

Just then, the kids called her attention, and Calleigh lifted her gaze towards them. Horatio saw Austin's insistence that she come join them and realized he was not far off with his assessment. Also knowing that he was likely to have a job on his hands for the rest of the weekend if he was to convince the boy that he did not intend to take Calleigh from them... Because you want to see to the needs and desires of the woman in her. The small voice in his head taunted. You want the love she holds for a man, not a boy.

As Calleigh rose in front of him, Horatio closed his eyes and shifted slightly, so that if she were to turn around and face him she would be unable to bear witness to his body's response. He also had no desire to watch her walk away from him. He willed his body to calm down, to relax, and after a few moments actually managed to open his eyes and look at her whilst she helped the kids with their sandcastle, directing them. Horatio felt a smile cross his lips at that. All those years she had spent at his side, that was exactly what she had done, organising the others in his absence. She was a natural mother. She organized, nurturer, guided and loved everyone in her care – even him at times. He watched as she helped them build their sandcastle, inestimably thankful for the opportunity to see the carefree side of her.

A while later, he rose and excused himself. And for a moment, he thought he saw Calleigh's shoulders droop slightly at his announcement, before she nodded her head in acknowledgement. He returned to the beach house and settled on the hammock, something he had not done in years. Closing his eyes he listened to the sound of the waves hitting the shore, at times heard the excited babbling of Patty and Austin. More importantly, every once in a while, Calleigh's voice would reach his ears. An inexplicable sense of warmth and calm overcame him whenever that happened, lifting his heart slightly and causing his lips to curve into a smile.

That evening, Horatio took them all down to the local pup for dinner, claiming that they had to try it out since they were there. Austin joined some of the local boys in a game of football on the beach whist Patty and Calleigh looked through the treasures displayed on the walls. Horatio took the time to speak to the local handyman about some things he needed seen to on the beach house before they settled together for their meal.

It was not long after they had finished eating that Patty visibly started dropping off, and Horatio proclaimed that it was time to go home.

Calleigh returned inside to settled the kids for the night, whilst Horatio settled on the hammock, trying to ease the intense desire that was raging within him. Looking out over the moonlit shore, he took deep calming breaths. It was not long after Calleigh's return to the house that he sensed her next to him.

'Here Horatio, I brought you some coffee.' She announced holding out a cup to him.

Horatio moved, and made some space for her to sit, before indicating for her to join him. 'Careful.' He said, taking both cups from her and allowing her to settle before handing her hers. 'The kids asleep?' The question slipped as naturally from his lips as if he had been asking it all his life.

'I don't know if it was the sun or the excitement that tired them most, but it was possibly the easiest time I had to get them to bed, they were half asleep climbing into it.' Calleigh sincerely retuned before taking a sip of her coffee.

Horatio felt a smile tug at his lips. 'They had fun today.' He gently retuned.

'They did and I wanted to thank you for that.' Calleigh spoke up gently.

'For what?' Horatio returned, for a moment confused.

'For letting us come down here. I wasn't certain if they would enjoy it being they have such differing personalities.'

'You're welcome anytime.' Horatio replied, and then remained silent for a while, drinking some of his coffee before he once again gently spoke up. 'Patty is a little withdrawn.'

'I think she just went along with things at first because that is what Austin wanted.' Calleigh honestly returned.

'She'll come out eventually. You should take her beach combing in the morning, she seems to like collecting things.' Horatio once again started, thinking back on his observations of the little girl. 'Quite a bit washes up during the evening. High-tide will pull out just after six, so there will be some treasure for her then.'

'You saw how she looked at the stuff at the pub?' Calleigh asked in surprise.

Horatio nodded not wanting to own up to the fact that his eyes had rested more on Calleigh than the little girl.

The hammock by design pushed them closer together, until they finally rested against one another. Calleigh settled back slightly once her coffee was finished and gazed up at the stars. Horatio followed her example, enjoying the simple pleasure of her company. Every nerve ending on his side soon came to life with a tingling awareness, soaking up the sensation created where her body came into contact with his.

'It's beautiful out here, I can see why you come here to relax.' Calleigh softly said, her voice barely above a whisper.

'It helps to restore the balance.' Horatio replied just as softly, almost as if speaking aloud would cause the moment to end.

'I can believe that.' Calleigh replied, her hushed tone sending pleasurable quivers across his body.

It once again became silent between them. Horatio was happy for it to remain that way, dreading that he could say something wrong that would end the moment. He happily gazed up at the stars, listening to her breathing and the sound of the waves washing onto the shore.

A while later he heard her stifle a yawn. 'I had better get to bed as well.' Calleigh decreed, once again sitting up.

'I didn't think you were one for going to bed early.' Horatio spoke up, slightly surprised, unwilling for her to actually leave. His side, the areas where they had touched, immediately felt deprived of the shared warmth their contact had provided. Her sudden withdrawal cased a slight shiver to run down his spine.

'I didn't sleep too well last night. Patty squirms a bit.' Calleigh returned, and he realized by her sudden stiffening that she had not meant to say that.

'So sleep in mine.' He thoughtlessly replied before his brain could even stop the words from forming. Horatio felt the arresting sensation of pure shock shoot right through him. He was inestimably appreciative of dark at that moment, knowing that the sudden heated sensation that overcame him would have made the situation even worse had it been visible. Open mouth insert foot.

'Hey!' Calleigh almost yelped in reply. He felt the jolt the hammock gave, and knew she was possibly just as shocked as he was.

Opting for damage control, he tried to swing it around. 'Take my bed, I'll sleep on the couch.' he quickly countered. 'There are spare sheets and pillows.'

'I couldn't do that! Heavens Horatio no! We've already imposed on you enough, I couldn't kick you out of your bed as well.' Calleigh returned her voice conveying her disbelief and unwillingness.

'Then we can share it.' He once again said without thinking, and felt her stiffen even more. Why can't I stop digging a hole that's already dug? He questioned himself. 'There's no reason why you have to suffer for lack of sleep.' Stop digging Caine. He immediately reprimanded himself.

'Horatio –' Calleigh started, her voice conveying her disbelief at the situation.

'Look it's really up to you. I just don't see why you should be uncomfortable. We're both adults.' Yeah like she'll fall for that line. 'And it's a viable solution.' He reasoned as calmly as he could, given the circumstance.

'You don't mind?' Calleigh asked sounding slightly surprised.

'I wouldn't offer if I did.' Horatio calmly replied. sensing her toppling. 'Go on in. I'll close up in a while.' Horatio said, Knowing that after their conversation, it be easier for him not to have to watch her get ready for bed, especially if it did not involve her sleeping in his. He was also not certain if he would be capable of refraining from running his hands over her if she did decide to sleep in his, and they went to bed at the same time.

Calleigh's heart was racing at a mile a minute as she walked away from him, taking both cups back to the house. She might have been sleepy a few moments before, however her body had never been jolted to attention as suddenly as it had been just then. The sensations that had settled over her body at their contact on the hammock had been lulling, comforting. She was convinced that she could have dropped off to sleep within moments. She felt a smile cross her lips at the thought of falling asleep next to him, so close to him. Oh Lord did I just consent to sharing his bed tonight. Her thoughts suddenly shifted. Oh come on girl! It's not like you don't want to. The irritating voice inside her head piped up. 'And he invited.'

She found herself in a daze as she washed their cups and placed them back in the cupboard. Looking out the window she saw him still swaying on the hammock, for all seeming to take in the calmness of his surroundings. She went to the bedroom where Patty and Austin were sleeping and gathered her things for the evening, then made her way to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Once done, she checked on Austin and Patty for one last time before making her way to his room. She switched on the main light as she walked in, and her heart started pounding in her throat as her gaze landed on his bed. I shouldn't be here, she thought for a moment as she stood staring at the bed. However her desire for the experience won out in the end as she stepped further into the room. Turning on the bedside lamps, she switched off the main light.

His side was clearly the left, so she moved to the right side of the bed and pulled the sheets back, before sitting down. Even in her elation, she couldn't help but feel the slightest sense of disappointment that he was not there with her.

She settled down and switched off her side's lamp, and within moments his scent filled her senses. She could not have prevented the smile that formed on her lips, even had she wanted to. It was like being wrapped in a cocoon on his aura. She allowed it to lull her senses, and within a short while, she felt her eyes drift shut.

The sound of someone moving in the room, stirred to half wakefulness. She felt the bed dip slightly as he settled for the night. The room then went dark as he too turned out his light before lying down. Calleigh felt every nerve on her back come to life with awareness. Her heart started pounding anew in her chest as her body tightened in anticipation. She listened to his breathing and tried to control her own. She felt him shift slightly, and closed her eyes in anticipation. She had to swallow hard in an attempt to control her body's reactions to his presence. The tingling sensations in her breasts increased, along with those in between her thighs, causing her to squeeze her thighs together slightly.

'Night Calleigh.' She heard his gentle voice, causing her to turn and look in his direction. She could just make out his form and realized that like her, he had settled with his back to the middle of the bed.

'Night Horatio.' She gently returned, before settling again.

The sound of her voice soothed over his nerves at first, and then lit the fire of his tightly reined desire. It had been hell for him to remain on the hammock after she had left. Uncertain if she had in actuality accepted his offer. He had wanted to follow her inside, to try to convince her that she should. Bullshit Caine! You wanted to follow her so you could take off her clothes and do other adult related activities in this bed. His conscious nagged him. Which was why he had remained steadfast in his decision to remain outside long enough to ensure that she was already in bed by the time he returned. Knowing he would face her decision better if he did not have to watch it being executed.

That was possibly also why his heart had nearly stopped when he had stepped into his room after locking up. It had taken him a few moments to simply absorb the sight of her in his bed… then he had wanted to kick himself for not having come to bed sooner.

Lying next to her, he was aware of her every breath. Her scent reached for him, taunting him with her presence as blood rushed to his groin. A familiar and painful ache developed there. One which caused him to move a few times. He carefully reached down, not wanting to draw attention to his actions as he took himself in hand. Applying pressure, he hoped to get his raging erection under control, wanting it to dissipate some. He felt her move slightly and nearly moaned in response. His body was unwilling to relent. He must have been crazy to think he could spend an entire evening in her presence, without succumbing to his desire to lay claim to her.

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Missy says she'll accept bribes consisting of white chocolate, Brazilian and Macadamia nuts, to continue here.
Because from here on in, she has to create again.