Down to One

Author: NotasboredasIlook

Rating: M for profanity, violence and adult situations.

Disclaimers: CSI: Miami and the characters belong to CBS and Jerry Bruckheimer and they have far more time and money than I do. I'm just using the products of their genius for nonprofit fun.

Category: DuCaine. Angst/Drama/Romance

Summary: Her heart was the traitor.

Timeline: CSI: Miami Season 8 through "Bad Seed." After that I take our team in a different direction. No Kyle in Afghanistan and no more Delko and Calleigh rendezvous'. This is a continuation from "Her Dark Life." If you haven't read that, you may get a bit lost.

Status: Work in progress.

Chapter 4

Calleigh's hands shook slightly, causing her keys to jingle as she unlocked the door to her apartment. She chewed on her lower lip, feeling Horatio's warm presence close behind her.

She had invited him back to her home with the offer of coffee, but the whole evening had been like an intoxicating dream: The wine, the food, his voice … his eyes … every time their hands brushed, she felt her skin tingle. Despite her own warnings to herself, she couldn't help but let go to this seductive force between them.

The hours spent at Atlantis seemed to have flown by. She wasn't ready for the night to be over.

"I'm thinking that you are an incredibly beautiful woman and that I'm an idiot for not noticing it sooner."

His after-dinner confession had affected her deeply. The impact of his words, the smooth cadence of his tone still sent shivers up her spine.

"Let's get out of here."

She couldn't have stopped herself even if she wanted too. It was all she could do from throwing herself into his arms in the middle of the restaurant.

Though both of them had chatted lightly during the ride back from the restaurant, they both knew the banter was a facade, something to distract them from the tension-filled aura that had encircled them. The electric current between them crackled and sparked with each look, each small touch, each smile ...

When they pulled up in front of her building, Horatio released a deep, shaky breath and looked at her. In any other situation, she would have laughed at the absurdity that Horatio Caine – the same man who would drive through a building that was about to explode to save a hostage, or who could outrun a tidal wave with a shooting victim in his arms, or who would walk into a burning car fire to save an infant's life – was nervous.

"You learn something new every day," Calleigh thought as he got out and opened her car door for her, taking her hand as they walked.

Now, as she stepped into her dark living room, she glanced over her shoulder at the outline of the man now standing in the doorway. Though the light of the hallway provided some illumination, the darkness of her home shrouded his features. For some reason, Calleigh found this oddly appropriate. Horatio was still very much a mystery to her, but - to her - he radiated light: Light that came from the goodness in his heart and from the strength of his convictions.

That light was a beacon in the madness. It was an inspiration when situations were dire. It was a calming force amid chaos.

Now that light was beckoning her.

"C'mon in," she called out as she made her way into her apartment. Horatio said nothing as he entered, closing the door behind him, which eclipsed the room into the dark. Familiar with her surroundings, even if she couldn't see them, Calleigh's hands quickly found the lamp on the end table. She flicked the switch and golden light lit up the room.

Horatio stood a few feet away, watching her movements, taking in the soft glow of her skin and the way her dress fit the beautiful curves of her body. His right hand twitched, and he wished he hadn't left his sunglasses in the car. At least then he would have something to do with his hands.

Especially since there was something else very specific he wanted to do with them …

It had been a long time since he had felt the kind of desire that Calleigh was invoking in him. It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Like riding a roller coaster without holding on to the rail.

As if she felt him staring at her, she turned fully and gave him a shy smile, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks. She sat on the arm of the couch and slipped her shoes off. Though the act was innocent and probably not meant to be anything seductive, he found the simple movements of her nimble fingers and long legs extremely sensual.

He wondered if the skin of her legs was as soft as it looked …

"Get a hold of yourself, man," Horatio thought as he cleared his throat and looked down, mentally tightening the reins on his imagination. He reminded himself that his was Calleigh: Calleigh whom he depended on, trusted and above all highly respected. He knew he was seeing her in a different light, but he had to remember that she was still the same person: Loyal, dedicated and compassionate. She was not only an asset to his team; she was a blessing in his life – even if it was only as a friend.

But now he knew for certainty that he wanted more.

And to his great surprise, it appeared that the feeling was mutual. He had a good idea where they were heading, but that didn't mean he was going to run blindly in it. There was too much too lose. She deserved better than that.

"Horatio?"

He looked up at her call. She was standing now with an amused expression on her delicate features. The wind from the restaurant and the open car windows had loosened several wisps of her hair. He wanted so badly to run his fingers through it.

She approached him slowly, stopping directly in front of him …

Just a few inches away. He swore his heart would burst from his chest.

She tilted her head to the side and looked into his eyes, trying to read the gamut of emotions there. They stood there silently, almost daring the other to move first.

Both were too nervous to act.

Finally, Calleigh smiled and looked down. "Um, why don't you have a seat," she said, her southern drawl soft. "I'll go make us some coffee."

Horatio exhaled and nodded, suddenly feeling much too warm. "Sounds good. Mind if I use your bathroom first?"

"Go right ahead," she said over her shoulder as she padded barefoot into the kitchen. "I assume you know where it is?"

"Mmm hmmm."

Horatio took a couple of deep breaths and looked around as she disappeared around the corner. Taking his jacket off, he gently placed it on a chair. A small silver picture frame on the nearby end table caught his attention and he picked it up to examine it more closely. An image of himself from eight years prior looked back at him. Next to him in the photo, Calleigh smiled broadly as she held up a beer. Surrounding them were Alexx, Eric, Adele Sevilla, Megan and Speed, all with drinks in their hands giving a toast.

He remembered the night the photo was taken. It had been Speed's birthday …

"I can't believe you guys put this together," Speed said as he looked around the small bar that was covered in tacky paper streamers and balloons. "I don't even celebrate my birthday. You shouldn't have gone to the trouble."

Calleigh blew on a paper horn and then grinned. The party had been her idea, and she recruited Eric to help, though the entire team chipped in to rent the place out for a few hours. Most of the lab had shown up.

"Don't be such a stick in the mud, Tim," Calleigh sassed, her blonde ponytail swinging loosely. "Besides, we've all been working so hard lately, (she mock-glared at Horatio) I think we all deserve a party – even if it is at your expense."

The group relaxed that night, drinking, talking and listening to music. Calleigh tried to get Speed and Eric to wear party hats, but both men refused.

"Funhaters," she said, sticking her tongue out at both of them.

Alexx leaned on the bar next to Megan and Horatio. Taking a sip of her mojito, she elbowed her tall, redheaded friend slightly and nodded toward Calleigh who had left to retrieve a pool cue from the wall.

"What do you bet she was the captain of the cheerleading squad in high school?"

Horatio took a drink of his club soda and looked back at Alexx. "Why do you think I hired her?" He deadpanned. "If she wears her old uniform to work, she gets a raise."

Alexx nearly choked on her drink, causing Megan to chuckle, something she hadn't been doing a lot of since she had returned from her leave of absence. Megan's lighthearted moments were few and far between these days.

"Horatio Caine, you are so bad," Alexx said as she playfully nudged him. She knew he would never truly treat any woman with so little respect.

Wondering what the noise was about, Speed sauntered over and ordered a beer. "What's so funny?" he asked leaning next to Megan.

"Horatio and Alexx are comparing notes on the roots of Calleigh's enthusiasm," the curly brunette replied.

He looked over to the pool table where Calleigh was now hustling Eric and shook his head.

"She's definitely got spirit, that one," he said, causing Alexx to bust out laughing again.

Speed looked at the medical examiner incredulously. "I don't get it …"

Horatio smiled and laughed lightly. "You could say that Calleigh has team spirit, Speed."

Megan joined in. "Yeah, only instead of pom poms, she packs a 9-mil."

Speed shook his head and leaned against the bar. "She is waaay too cheerful sometimes."

Calleigh looked up from her shot and put her hand on her hip. "I heard that, Timothy Speedle! Don't make me come over there and kick your butt!"

Megan sipped her wine. "I'd watch it Speed, I bet she could take you."

"Nah, no way."

"Oh she'd definitely put you down, Tim," Alexx joined in. "That girl has spunk."

"Help me out here, H," Speed pleaded with his boss indignantly. "The estrogen brigade is ganging up on me."

Horatio shook his head and watched as Calleigh nailed a difficult shot into a corner pocket. She smiled triumphantly and gloated as Eric slapped a ten-dollar bill down on the table.

"Sorry Speed," he said as he continued to watch his ballistics expert. "She's a lot tougher than she looks. I would never bet against her."

Setting the picture down, Horatio's heart tugged sadly at the memory of his fallen friend. It was so long ago ...

Suddenly overwhelmed by emotion, he decided that he badly needed some fresh air.

Calleigh busied herself in the kitchen and, once the coffee was brewing, poked her head around the corner to check on her guest. She was surprised when she did not see him. As she started back into the living room, however, a draft of night air swept through the room. Smiling, she turned and saw the patio door open. Horatio stood there, leaning against the rail, looking out at the city lights. He had removed his jacket and Calleigh watched with fascination at how the dark gray material of his shirt moved with his shoulders.

He caught the scent of her perfume in the breeze and turned his head as she approached him. The crescent moon above didn't shine much light on the world around them, but he didn't need it to. At that moment, he found that she was all the light he needed.

All these years, he could always rely on her light.

She smiled and leaned next to him against the rail.

"I love seeing the city like this," she whispered as she too stared out over the horizon. "Night or day, the city is beautiful … vibrant."

"Mmmm."

"I'm glad you had a good time on your trip," she murmured, "but you … you should know that I am very glad you are back."

"So am I. I missed you."

Calleigh smirked. "Yeah, well four days at sea on a boat with no one but men will do that to a guy."

Horatio smiled. "Frank would never look as good in that dress as you do."

"Oh God, the mental image of that is going to scar me for life."

Horatio folded his fingers together. "So, am I going to have to let Ryan out of his locker in the morning, or did you and Jesse take pity on him?"

"I plead the fifth," Calleigh chuckled. "And if I'm not mistaken, you just talked shop Lieutenant. Victory is mine."

Horatio paused, remembering their deal about discussing work. "Ah, you're right. Gun inventory it is."

"I promise to make it fun for you."

"I'm going to hold you to that."

"Even better."

Horatio looked at her as the words left her lips, but she continued to stare out of the lights ahead of them. Once again, warmth spread throughout him as the innuendo hung in the air with their silence. He wanted so badly to touch her …

Without thinking about it, Calleigh reached up and unfastened her hair, letting it cascade down around her shoulders. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The combination of the night air mixed with Horatio's cologne affected her and she shivered.

Her tremble added fuel to his already smoldering fire. Seeing her hair down, she looked so beautiful, so serene ...

She was so close …

"Cold?"

His voice was low and husky as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her body to his. Calleigh couldn't fight the rush of heat that flooded her at his touch. The pull was too strong.

She didn't even want to try to fight it.

"Far from it," she responded as she opened her eyes and turned to face him, watching in wonderment as his bright blues darkened and became smoky with the burning embers of desire.

Horatio's breath caught in his throat as he reached up and ran his hand through her silky, golden strands. Calleigh let her eyes drift shut again and leaned her head into his gentle touch. He moved his hand and cupped the side of her face, tenderly massaging her temple and cheek.

When his thumb brushed over her lips, Calleigh kissed it softly and opened her eyes.

Blue communicated silently with green.

Are you sure?

The look she gave him was all the permission he needed.

Yes.

They moved forward at the same time, lips parted, hovering just above the other's before the taut line they had been riding finally snapped. He descended and captured her mouth hungrily with his own.

Lips, teeth, tongues clashed in an erotic consummation that they both gave themselves freely and eagerly to.

Calleigh's arms snaked their way across his back, her palms splayed wide against his tight shoulder blades as their lips met over and over with crushing intensity. Horatio buried his hands in her thick hair, gently pulling her locks as his mouth moved expertly against hers. A moan escaped Calleigh's throat as she lost herself in him, his strength, his smell, his taste … she was overpowered. She burned for him.

The soft sound shot straight through Horatio like a bullet and he felt his body tense with need. Never leaving her mouth, he pulled her tighter, wrapping his arms around her small frame. He lost himself in the feeling of her breasts pressed against his chest and the smoothness of her arms. He could feel her heart pounding rapidly against his own.

He wanted nothing more than to pull her completely into him, to ensconce her totally and completely.

Their hearts demanded more, but soon their lungs demanded air.

Breaking apart, Horatio leaned his forehead against Calleigh's as they both panted, trying to take in much needed – though unwanted – oxygen. He decided he would gladly give up air if it meant he could keep kissing this magnificent woman forever. He took in her lovely face. Her eyes were still closed, her soft cheeks were flushed and her luscious lips were swollen and bright pink.

She looked undone. He felt his body harden more at the knowledge that he was responsible for it.

"God, I want more," he thought. "I want her."

"Calleigh." He whispered, quickly succumbing to the delicious tickle of her warm, shallow breaths on his skin.

Slowly, her eyes opened; emeralds that were glassy with need. She stared into his heart, into his soul.

Never before had Horatio needed to have so much strength as he did at that moment. He dove deep within himself for the effort that he knew he would only have a tenuous grasp on.

"Calleigh, if … if we don't stop now," he stammered breathlessly, his eyes searching hers, "I won't be able to. Tell me … tell me what you want."

So ... whatcha think? What will Miss Calleigh say?

You know I love me some feedback.

Much love to my reveiwers from Chapter 3:

Denese925: The ride is just beginning.

LA Calleigh: I'm glad you like the menu and I appreciate your continuous feedback.

CSINaomi: Thanks for the feedback and the smiles!

Armywife: Glad you are liking the story, sorry to make you wait on the update ;)

Aussiemiamifan: I won't give away too much, but I'm not done with the Yelina-thing yet. Muwahahahaha

Umbrella-ella: Super wishful thinking is the best kind.