Disclaimer: I don't own Lie To Me. I don't have a beta so all mistakes are mine. English is not my first language.

Author's Notes: With regard to Clara, Episode 2x15 never happened in this story. As for Tim Roth's eye color, there doesn't seem to be a general consensus on that from what I've read. Most say they're blue, but they look hazel to me so I'm sticking to that. ;p Thank you very much to everyone who sent feedback! I appreciate your time in reading each chapter and your effort in sending reviews. I'm very touched by all your comments. :)

Chapter 4

Gillian's calm demeanor held as she walked towards Cal, who was lounging on his chair with his feet up on his desk. It vanished when she was nearly hit in the face by what seemed like an orange furball that Cal threw in her direction. Good thing she caught it with her hand just in time. She looked at him incredulously.

Cal grinned. "Forgot to give that to you earlier."

Gillian looked down at the orange plushie in her hand, noting the adorable expression of the stuffed toy's eyes and mouth. She squeezed it and was surprised when it squeaked. "I'm guessing you got this from Florida."

"It screamed Gillian at me."

She pursed her lips, fighting back a smile. "Okay. So I remind you of an orange."

He waggled his eyebrows. "Orange slushy."

"Ah." Now she got the connection. She guessed that she should be flattered that he paid attention enough to remember what she liked and didn't. She held up the plushie and squeezed it again. "Thanks. So is this what you made me come here for?"

"Not quite, love." Cal got up from his chair and stalked towards her with an almost predatory look on his face.

Her guard went up.

He stopped mere inches from her face.

Gillian's breath hitched. "What are you doing?"

Cal's gaze traveled all over her face, taking in the worry in her eyes, which she tried to hide by raising her eyebrow at him, and the tension around her mouth.

Then he zeroed in on her eyes. Hazel met blue. "I'm just looking at you," he murmured. With new eyes.

Gillian blinked. "Why?"

"Just testing a theory…"

"Which is?"

"Maybe you need to have your eyes checked."

"What for? My eyes are fine."

"Hmm, indeed?"

He was so near she could feel his breath on her face.

"Then why is it that you're having trouble looking at what's in front of you?" he asked softly. He saw her brow furrow in confusion.

"What am I supposed to be looking at?"

"Bloody hell, woman, you're as blind as a bat. We both are," he muttered, almost to himself.

"Cal, what are you talking ab-"

"Ahem."

Cal pulled back a bit and turned his head towards the doorway, annoyed at the interruption.

"Clara."

"Hello, Cal."

Rather disoriented, Gillian turned towards the voice and was arrested by Clara's presence. She was a tempting vision in a beige jacket and a green dress. Unconsciously, she stepped back away from Cal. She took a deep, fortifying breath. "Hello, Clara." Her voice was pleasant, professional.

"Am I interrupting…?" Clara asked, her eyes boring into Gillian.

Cal butted in before Gillian could answer. "Isn't this too early for a social call?"

Clara sauntered in, giving Cal a sexy and confident smile. "Well, I just dropped by to see if I could pry you away from the office for lunch."

Cal fixed his eyes on Clara. "I actually have people waiting for me right now in the conference room. I don't know what time I'll be free."

Gillian edged out of their vicinity slowly, her eyes helplessly darting from Cal to Clara. The attraction between them had been palpable since the beginning. She didn't want to watch them, didn't want to hear them, but it wasn't as if she had a choice.

As if the heavens knew her dilemma, Torres suddenly appeared by the doorway. "Uh, excuse me. Foster? The Howards are here."

Despite their earlier encounter, Gillian felt like rushing towards Torres and giving her a hug. Relief showed on her face, but her voice remained composed. "Okay, I'll be there in a minute. I'll just get the documents from my office."

With an affirmative nod, Torres left.

Gillian turned to the other occupants of the room with a smile. "I'll go ahead…"

But Cal reached out and captured her wrist before she could move. His thumb grazed her soft skin. "I expect an orange slushy in return," he said, indicating what she was holding in her hand.

"You don't like that stuff."

He held her gaze. "I could be convinced."

"Okay," she said easily. She'd agree to anything just to get out of the room. She nodded at Clara, and then moved out of Cal's grasp.

Clara's voice drifted towards her. "So, how about we go to that new Greek restaurant…"

Gillian picked up her pace the moment she was out of their sight. She really didn't want to hear about their plans.

I get a toy, and she gets a lunch date. Great. The unbidden thought made her cringe. She had no right to be jealous. Cal could take anyone he wanted to lunch. To dinner. To bed. She shook her head as if she could physically banish all thoughts of orange slushies and hazel eyes from her mind. Work. She had work to do. Work was her salvation. Focus on work. This day had gone off track long enough.

Meanwhile, Heidi was on her way to Cal's office to drop off some invitations that had just come in when a furious Clara, her beautiful face twisted into an ugly expression, burst from Cal's office and nearly collided with her.

She heard Clara grumble venomously, "I can't believe that man."

Heidi watched Clara make her way to the entrance door. She knew that look. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.