"I didn't get a cookie," he said into the phone.

Sharon looked at the phone; she didn't know why. It was a phone call, not a Facetime call.

"Sharon, you there?" he asked.

"Did you say you didn't get a cookie? Are you talking to me?" she asked.

Andy nodded, again though no one could see it, "Yes, I didn't get a cookie. I just left Nicole's house, and she didn't have any desserts-no cookies specifically because the boys finished eating them the other day. She thought she'd hidden a tray of them for dinner tonight, but the boys confessed they'd found the cookies and polished them off."

Sharon giggled into the phone and covered her mouth, "I'm sorry, Andy. Are we in a time machine? Are you five years old now? Complaining about a lack of dessert, about not getting a cookie because your grandsons ate them-well, it sounds like you are five."

"Fine! I guess I'll find someone to talk to who might understand; maybe I'll call Provenza-" he started to say as he attempted to hang up.

"Andy! Wait. Hey, I didn't say I wouldn't talk to you. You have to admit you sound a bit pathetic," she smiled into the phone.

"I don't drink anymore. I don't eat meat. I don't eat much of anything, but you know the one thing I love-Christmas cookies. I don't even need the pies, the cakes, just a few Christmas cookies," Andy complained as he continued his drive home.

Sharon nodded at the other end of the phone, "I know. It doesn't help that all of my cookies were eaten as well, specifically by Provenza, Ricky, and Rusty."

"Exactly!" Andy said as he smacked his hand on the steering wheel. "Now, Christmas is over, and my favorite dessert is done for another year."

"Ohh, poor Andy," Sharon played along, "What will you do? I know, you could see if any grocery stores are open tonight, or gas stations, and see if they have any pitiful Christmas cookies now on sale. There you go-you'll even get a bargain out of it."

"Ha ha, very funny. I might if I even liked store bought cookies, but you know I really just enjoy good homemade Christmas cookies. I keep telling you yours are the best. Nicole's are a close second, but right now, I'd take what I could get."

"Well," Sharon said that drawing out the word, "why don't you come over again, and I'll make you some cookies."

Andy perked up," You'd do that? Sharon, it's okay. It's late, and it's Christmas for goodness sake. Why is it quiet there? I don't hear anyone. Are they all playing with their new gadgets? Does Rusty like his computer?"

Sharon chuckled, "Calm down. You firing all those questions at me sounds like you are on a sugar high as opposed to a sugar withdrawal. It's quiet here because the kids went to a movie. They wanted me to go, but I just wasn't feeling it. We watched Christmas movies all afternoon here, and I have no idea how they can sit through another movie tonight."

"Well, then, all the more reason for you to go to bed, Sharon. I'm not going to bother you tonight. You've got that spa appointment in the morning, and then we've got dinner tomorrow night. I'm fine. I'll go home and probably head to bed myself," Andy explained to her.

"Andy, come over. That's an order," Sharon smiled into the phone.

Andy heard her playful voice, "Now, I know the Captain wouldn't be ordering me to her house where she would bake cookies for me. That doesn't sound like the Captain. Now, Sharon, lovely Sharon, she would never dream of ordering a stud like me around. No, she'd be very polite. She always is," he smirked.

"Hmmm, well then, if that's the case, the Captain is going to go to bed. She's tired from a long few days at work and her lieutenant had the nerve to call her very early this morning, which was almost borderline harassment," Sharon giggled.

"Okay, okay, fine. I'll come by," Andy relented.

"Gosh, I feel so important. You sound so excited to come over where I am offering to make you, a 60-year-old grown man, Christmas cookies because the kids and grandkids ate them," Sharon smirked to him.

"Well, let me plead my case-I have had a wonderful Christmas. It started with talking to my favorite person this morning. I got to spend the morning with her and all her kids, who by the way, are pretty great. Well, most of them, most of the time," he said as Sharon giggled. "I got to spend the afternoon and evening with my daughter and her family. Just when I think the day can't get any better, I was just invited back over to my favorite person's house where we are going to bake cookies together and maybe eat ice cream-yeah, ice cream for sure because that's my favorite person's favorite dessert. Now, she doesn't tell many people that, but I do know her better than most anyone."

Sharon chuckled into the phone, "See, that wasn't complicated at all! Much, much better than going to the movies."

"I'll be right up. I'm two stoplights away," Andy replied.

"So, all this was a ploy? You weren't even heading home, were you?" she asked.

Andy shook his head into the phone, "No, I actually have ice cream in the car, and it might just happen to be your favorite flavor. I was planning to stop by and eat it with you. Now, well, you making the cookies, that's an added bonus."

Sharon laughed and told him, "I'll unlock the door. See you in a few minutes."

"I don't eat that much ice cream," Sharon chuckled as Andy put all the cartons down on the kitchen counter. She had started the cookie batter, so she was covered in flour. Andy walked up behind her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Yeah, well, when I bought it, I didn't know the kids were at the movies. I was prepared to come in here fully armed. I bought enough for everyone to enjoy. Now, since it's just you and me, that's just extra special on many levels," he grinned at her. "So, you really are making more cookies for me?" he asked as he leaned over her shoulder and looked into the bowl.

Sharon turned toward him and gave him a strange look, "Of course. It's not everyday a grown man calls me whining he didn't get any cookies."

"I wasn't whining," Andy commented. Sharon glared at him, and he rolled his eyes, "Okay, maybe a little. Thank you," he said as he took a swipe of the batter out of the bowl. Mmmm, wonderful."

"You know, if you help here in the kitchen, I can teach you how to make them. It's not that hard," Sharon said, pointing at the recipe.

Andy shook his head and moved so he was standing behind Sharon again looking over her shoulder into the bowl, "Sure, as long as I can watch from right here. Perfect spot-I can smell the cookie batter and your perfume," he smiled as he put his hands on her hips and kissed her neck. He felt her slightly stiffen. "Sharon, does that bother you? Look, I don't' want to make you uncomfortable."

He felt Sharon relax and sigh. She turned in his arms to him and smiled up at him, "No, I'm sorry. It doesn't bother me at all. It's just that I'm still getting used to it. In fact, I kind of like it," she admitted, smiling up at him. I'm just not sure-hmm, I'm not sure how to put into words what I'm thinking."

Andy nodded at her, "Okay, look, I never want you to be uncomfortable. If I ever make you that way, tell me. I won't know otherwise. It's the last thing I would want, Sharon. I really care about you, and you know we've already discussed that there is no one I'd rather be around. I think I know what you are thinking," he smiled at her, eyes glistening. He swiped more of the batter before he stood back and walked to sit in one of the barstools, now looking at Sharon working at the counter.

Sharon put her hand on her hip and gave Andy a half glare, "You think you know what I'm thinking?" she asked.

Andy licked his finger of the batter and smiled up at her, "Oh yeah. You're thinking that I'm irresistible, and just like kissing me, once anything more happens, well, you won't be able to resist me. That's got you freaked out."

Sharon rolled her eyes, "That is NOT at all true. Definitely not irresistible, but maybe more like a leech-can't get rid of you."

Andy's eyes grew wide as he tried not to laugh, "Hey! A leech? That's a bit harsh."

Sharon giggled, "Well, maybe, but just don't start up again with the 'Flynn Charm' because well, that definitely needs work."

Andy shrugged his shoulders as he tried to hide his smile, "Hey, it worked. What's the saying-If it ain't broke, don't fix it?' Well, you're still hanging around me like a groupie."

"A groupie? You're the one who came over, bribed me with ice cream-which, by the way we still haven't eaten-to make you cookies. You even had plans to bribe the kids with ice cream, and that I'm guessing was to get in their good graces so they would give you some alone time with me," Sharon smirked at him.

"Fine," Andy stood, hands up, "I'll just take my ice cream and go."

Sharon tugged on his arm as he picked up the ice cream. They both knew he wasn't going anywhere, but she played along and tugged on his arm. When he turned toward her, a glint in his eyes, she leaned up and kissed him sweetly, "No, you holding me doesn't bother me. Like I said, I'm getting used to it, just like I'm not ready to define anything, but don't feel like you can't hold me or kiss me."

Andy nodded and pecked her on the lips. He walked back over and sat down at the bar, watching as she now started to put the batter onto the cookie sheets, "Okay, well, since we're talking about things, how are you feeling about all this? It's been a couple weeks since we had that long talk and decided to add a bit more affection. Are you okay with everything?"

Sharon smiled up at him and put the spoon down, "I'm touched you even asked. I know this is difficult, not knowing exactly what this is," she gestured between them. "I am okay with it so far," she took a deep breath, "but, I feel like I internally panic at times. Andy, it's not you at all. I enjoy everything we do together-dinner, movies, time here at home, and yes, even kissing now. I'm just trying to sort out everything. Is that okay?"

Andy grabbed her hand, "More than okay," he smiled. "I told you I would work with you, at whatever pace you want. You don't want to call this anything-that's fine. I know you partly want to keep this to ourselves, for the most part, and keep it out of the office. Dating officially, well, that involves letting Taylor know, and all that. It's another step, a step that isn't there yet. I know it will happen. Sharon, you just finalized your divorce. I know you're working through a lot, and some of that is probably a little guilt-guilt that you do like me when you just ended your marriage. That's okay. Sharon, I've been there with you every step of the way, and I'm not running now because you need some time to sort this out. We've been friends for awhile, and that only continues to grow. So, WHEN I think you are ready, I'll ask you out on a real date, that way there is no confusion," as he smiled at her.

Sharon continued to hold his hand and looked down at their hands, "So, how would a real date be different for us? We go out all the time, but you insist it will be different. You already kiss me, and I know you understand any other umm physical things wouldn't happen for me until much later. We discussed that. So, what will make a real date different? I guess that's what scares me a little. I like this."

Andy used one hand to nudge up her chin, "Hey, a real date won't look much different. We'll still go out-dinner-whatever you want. I'll still kiss you. I'll still hold your hand. I'll still drop you off at the end of the night and go home. We'll still talk, definitely talk. We'll still be friends, because that's the most important thing to both of us. I guess what will change for a real date is our internal feelings. I guess that will signify we are both ready to move forward and publicly acknowledge it. Now, does that mean I'll shout it from the rooftops or even tell Provenza all about it? No, but I hope we'll both know its significance. We'll know we are moving forward then, no internal struggles, no thoughts of divorces or failed marriages, no regrets. Until you're at that point, well, we won't call it dating. Is that okay?"

Sharon thought a moment and nodded, "Yes, that actually makes sense to me. No one else would get that, but I do. So, one last question-if the actual date won't look any different, how will I know? You will know because you'll be planning this out. It doesn't sound really romantic for me to blurt out, 'Andy, I'm not listening to the voices in my head anymore. You're cleared to date me.' That sounds terrible. So, how will I know?"

Andy paused, and then spoke, "Easy," he smiled, "When I feel you are ready, I'll ask you out like I always do, but I'll tell you I want to take you somewhere romantic-some romantic place in the city. I don't use that terminology now. We just discuss where to go. Would you like that? Would that clarify it for you-telling you I want to take you to a romantic place in the city?"

Sharon smiled brightly at him, "Yes, that would be perfect. Then, I'll know."

"Good, then maybe at that point, whenever it is, I won't look like such the rebound guy," Andy smiled.

Sharon's eyes grew big, "Rebound guy? Andy, is that what you think? You think I am worried you are a rebound guy?"

Andy looked at her, his eyes twinkling, "No, not at all. Just saw the perfect opportunity to rattle you. Me, a rebound guy? Most definitely not-I have a reputation to uphold."

Sharon shook her head at him, "You are terrible. Why did I agree to these cookies? Reputation, well, you should be glad I'm overlooking that reputation. Your file is insane."

"Oh good, you're talking about my police reputation. I know the Captain is aware of that. I'd hate for Sharon to think that Andy has a bad reputation," he smirked. Andy smiled and raised her hand to kiss it, "Now, those hands are gorgeous, but shouldn't they be finishing up the cookies?"

Sharon jerked her hand back, "You are terrible! I should leave this mess and not finish for saying that. Maybe I'll give the cookies to Ricky and Rusty instead. They don't haggle me while baking."

Andy shrugged his shoulders, "Well, they don't have to. You probably actually get the batter onto the cookie sheets and into the oven for them. Me, no, you just taunt me with all that batter in the bowl."

Sharon chuckled and continued with the cookie sheets. The two continued their small talk and heard the door open, "Mom, we're home," Emily yelled out as she walked toward the light on in the kitchen.

"Mom, oh hi, Andy," Emily smiled again. "Now, I see why you didn't want to go to the movies."

Sharon rolled her eyes at Andy, and he shook his head rubbing his hand over his face, "Emily, please don't be rude. Andy stopped by to talk-and to have me make more cookies."

Emily's eyebrow rose, "Really?" she smirked, "That's the best you could do? He wanted cookies?"

Andy started laughing and looked at Emily, "Emily, for once, that's absolutely true. Christmas cookies, Sharon's in particular, are my favorite dessert. Nicole's boys ate all the cookies, and your mother took pity on me and is making more."

Emily giggled as Rusty and Ricky walked into the room. They had forgotten a phone charger and jacket in the car, so they had been on the elevator after Emily.

"What's so funny?" Rusty asked as he and Ricky walked into the kitchen. "Oh, Lieutenant, twice in one day-Merry Christmas," he said sarcastically.

"Rusty!" Sharon scolded him. "Be nice."

Ricky walked over to Andy, "Andy, nice to see you again. So, Mom, hanging out with Andy more important than a movie with your kids? I see how it is," he joked with the two.

Andy shook his head again, laughing, and Sharon rolled her eyes, "Yes, exactly. You caught me," Sharon huffed as she ignored the kids' comments.

"Cookies again?" Rusty asked with interest. "Awesome. They sort of disappeared yesterday."

Andy raised his eyebrows at Rusty, "Yes, I know. What a coincidence. Know anyone who might have eaten a few or maybe a dozen?"

Rusty backed away from the counter and pulled Ricky with him, "Oh, that's right. Christmas cookies are your favorite. Oops, we might have eaten all of them yesterday."

Sharon put her hand over her face to keep from laughing, "This is the most childish conversation I've heard in awhile. Cookies! Really! Maybe I'll just send them all with Emily back to New York. Okay, guys, all of you, clear out so I can get them in the oven."

"Well, I'm heading to bed. It is after all now after midnight, cough cough," Emily pointed out. "Night Mom, Night Andy," she said with a glint in her eye. "Don't stay up too late Mom; a handsome gentleman gave us a spa day tomorrow. You don't want to be too worn out from ah, whatever, that you can't enjoy the day!" Sharon gave her an evil glance. Andy chuckled.

"Yeah, I'm not about to stand here and fight off the lieutenant for a cookie. I'll eat the crumbs in the morning. Night," Rusty said. "Oh, and thanks again for the computer," he yelled over his shoulder as he went to bed.

"Andy, Mom, night. Andy, I'll text you about the hockey game this week," Ricky said as he walked off and Andy waved to him.

"Night kids," Sharon called out. She raised her eyebrow to Andy, "So, you and Ricky now text?"

Andy shrugged his shoulders, "Yes, is that a problem?"

Sharon got a big smile, "No, not at all. I'm surprised, that's all."

Andy waved it off, "Well, we have been since his 'lonely heart' comment awhile back. We, um, had a bit of a discussion about that."

Sharon's eyebrows rose, "You did? Why didn't you tell me that?"

Andy looked at her, "I didn't want to spook you. I just told Ricky that he didn't have to worry about you; you were in good hands here, and that maybe he shouldn't believe everything Jack has told him. It was good, and hey, since then, we text."

Sharon nodded, "Okay, well, thank you. It's nice to have backup. I just haven't had it for awhile, well, maybe ever."

Andy nodded, "I know. So, about those cookies…are they ready?"

Sharon grinned, "Soon, maybe just as soon as we finish our ice cream. So, tomorrow's dinner?" she asked.

Andy looked at her and got a smirk on his face, "Well, I definitely wouldn't classify it as a romantic place in the city," if that's what you are asking.

Sharon started laughing loudly, "You're going to enjoy that, aren't you?"

Andy nodded, "Most definitely, yes. When we get to that point, I already know where I'm taking you."

Sharon turned to him, "You do? Where?"

Andy shook his head, "Oh no, I'm not telling. That will be part of the romantic date when it comes. I already know where we're going because your kids gave me a gift certificate for Christmas."

Sharon's mouth dropped open, "What are you talking about?"

Andy nodded and smiled, "Yeah, so, while the umm elf and his helpers were setting up the party yesterday, I was given a gift certificate. Your kids wanted me to take you somewhere nice to eat. This is somewhere Ricky discovered, and we've never been, so just start getting excited now. Someday-and I won't tell you when-we'll go to a romantic dinner in the city-all on your kids. Sounds like a great date to me. I get the girl, a free dinner, some kissing," Andy smiled.

Sharon chuckled, "Oh, what am I going to do with all of you?" she shook her head.

Andy grinned, "Easy, just keep baking cookies."