DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS
Call to My Heart: A Sequel to Lock on My Heart, a Tim and Linda story
Ch 4
If he hadn't been listening for it Tim may have missed the soft knock at the door. A smile spread wide on his face as he walked to the door and opened it to find Linda standing looking more nervous than he'd ever had.
"Come on in," he invited reaching his hand out to take hers.
The warmth permeating throughout the house eased some of the nerves that had gripped at her insides. She took a deep breath and smiled. The McGees were not complete strangers to her, so she felt comfortable enough to be around them. She wasn't sure if they would find her fitting for their son, however.
Kids at school talked about how strict his parents were. Going so far as to blame them for Tim's 'geekiness'. She found them to be loving and attentive, but it was true they were strict. She reasoned it was why Tim was as much a gentleman as he was.
Tim introduced her to his parents who welcomed her with smiles. All sense of unease dissipated after shaking their warm hands. Sarah ran up to introduce herself. Before Mrs. McGee could admonish her, Linda kindly said hello to her and shook her outstretched hand.
Quietly Tim said in Sarah's ear, "Next time wait for me or someone else to introduce you- Squirt."
Knowing her brother was saving her from a lecture on manners she nodded at him, but stuck her tongue out in response to being called 'squirt'- though secretly she didn't mind when he teased her that way.
"Dinner's ready," Mrs. McGee announced. "Why don't we go and sit at the table?"
Everyone nodded and made their way to the table. Tim and Linda sat on one side with Sarah across from Tim. Mr. and Mrs. McGee sat at the other opposite ends. His mom sat on the end to his left.
Mr. McGee said a short blessing and included a welcome to their guest causing Linda to blush slightly. She'd never felt so welcome at any of her friends' homes.
"Thank you," she spoke softly.
Mr. McGee simply nodded as he picked up the plate of pork chops. After placing a couple on his plate he passed it on to Linda who served herself then handed the plate to Tim. As they were doing that bowls of potatoes and vegetables were being passed around as well.
Soon everyone had plates full of a warm meal which they ate with bits of conversations between bites.
"Tim tells us you're a cheerleader," Mrs. McGee opened.
Nodding and swallowing the bite of food she was chewing, Linda responded, "Yes. I enjoy the acrobatics and team work involved."
"You must be close with all the other cheerleaders then," Mrs. McGee surmised.
"I have been, but I think I'm outgrowing them," Linda answered. "I mean they still rely too much on what everyone else thinks. I rather like thinking for myself." She glanced over at Tim and gave him a small smile.
Tim felt the color rise on his face, but he didn't mind. Linda had so much as told him that she wasn't going to listen to her friends' advice.
His parents shared a knowing look and nodded at each other. They saw how much their son appeared to like the young lady who was obviously raised to show good manners and was respectful and polite.
Tim noticed their quiet exchange and smiled. He put his right hand on Linda's left and gave it a gentle squeeze. It was nice to have his parents' support. Now he had to look forward to taking Linda out on a date. 'Where shall we go?' he pondered as they finished dinner.
Tim's mom watched as the teens cleared the table, but shooed them out of the kitchen so she could wash the dishes.
"Thank you for having me over for dinner, Mrs. McGee. Your home is beautiful and the food was delicious," Linda offered her gratitude.
"My pleasure, dear. You're welcome any time."
Tim waited for Linda to turn walking out toward the living room, before he whispered to his mom, "Thanks so much, Mom." He gave her a quick kiss and hurried to catch up to 'his girl'. 'I wonder if I can even call her my girlfriend, yet.' Tim questioned.
Since the weather was still nice Tim suggested they sit outside. It also provided a little bit of privacy, even though he was sure his mom would look out every now and then to check on him. Rather than letting that upset him, he accepted that was who she was.
"I'm really glad I came tonight," Linda told him leaning against his side sitting on the lawn swing.
Tim had his arm lying along the top of the swing and fought the urge to squeeze her against him. Slowly he lowered his arm to run his fingers along her arm instead.
"I'm glad you came too. My parents really like you," Tim confided.
"I like them. I can see where you get your good looks and why you are such a good guy," Linda murmured getting very comfortable.
As they swayed back and forth Tim lowered his head to rest atop Linda's. For a few minutes neither said anything, both content to enjoy the closeness without any unease.
Reluctantly Linda pushed herself up into a sitting position. She sighed, "I'm gonna have to get home."
Knowing she'd have to leave eventually didn't make it any easier to say goodbye. Deciding it was time, Tim asked, "Would you like to go out tomorrow? A movie?"
"I would like that a lot," Linda smiled glad he finally asked. She handed him a slip of paper, leaned over and gave him a soft kiss, before she stood up stretching a bit.
Tim was stunned for a moment but recovered to stand and walk her to her car. He put his arm around her waist as they walked thrilled to be able to be so close to her.
She turned at her car door and looked into Tim's eyes. He dropped his forehead to hers and told her, "I really hope we can make this work."
"Me too," Linda breathed. Feeling his warm breath on her face made her heart race.
His own heart ready to jump out of his chest, Tim followed his desire and lifted her chin to kiss her lips. It started soft, even a little hesitant despite his determination, but soon they were pressed together Linda's back against the car.
All too soon they broke apart wanting to save something for their date the next day.
Tim, still looking into her eyes, reached behind her to open the car door.
"Thank you," Linda said breathlessly sliding into her seat. "Call me."
"I will. I promise," Tim smiled closing her door softly.
She started the car and backed away. As she pointed the car in the direction she needed to go, she gave him a wave out her window. Tim waved in return and watched until her taillights were out of sight.
He then returned walking slowly back into his house. His mind filled with what his date tomorrow night would be like.
