A/N: This chapter was a lot of fun and I hope you all enjoy my humor in it. As always, thank you ALL for the wonderful reviews and comments. Thanks to my Beta, Angie for all her wonderful help and changes. You are the BOMB, Angie!!!
Enjoy!
Horatio watched knowing Calleigh was just trying to comfort Joe. It took everything he had to quell the jealousy he felt seeing Joes hand envelope Calleigh's. He looked away ashamed because he knew Calleigh was just being supportive to a friend in need. Horatio took in a long deep breath and slowly let it out along with a quick silent prayer for Joe.
Maria walked over to the window closing the blinds. She then flipped off the light switch making sure the room was dark. Being a nurse all these years she understood his eyes would have to gradually adjust once the bandages were removed.
"Going stir crazy yet, Joe?" Dr Lochner asked. He reached out and removed the coffee cup from Joe's hand informing him of the MRI results. "I just finished looking over your MRI images with the radiologist on duty and it showed temporary ocular damage so the retina burns should heal up nicely. What do you say I remove those annoying bandages and see how well those injured eyes are functioning?"
"Okay," Joe nodded.
Maria took the gauze from Dr. Lochner and disposed of it. He continued by removing the rest of the packing material from Joe's eyes.
"Okay Joe, you can open your eyes but take it slow and easy," he said confidently.
Joe swallowed hard feeling his parched throat constricting. "Here goes nothing," he mumbled nervously then squeezed Calleigh's hand and cautiously opened his eyes to the dimly lit room.
Joe's heart felt as if it would jump out of his chest because he was holding his breath not sure what the next few minutes would bring. He nervously opened his eyes for the first time since the blast. He immediately felt a burning sensation but his world was still gripped in total darkness. Terrified, Joe lifted his hands to his eyes.
"Don't rub, Joe," Dr. Lochner warned reaching for his hands.
All of a sudden squeezing his eyes shut Joe clenched his jaw groaning in pain.
"Joe, are you okay?" Dr. Lochner asked, placing a hand on his friend's forehead gently directing his head back onto the pillow. Talk to me, Joe."
Joe nodded speaking through clenched teeth. "Mmm… I'm okay, Paul."
"Can you open your eyes for me, Joe?"
Joe nodded while carefully opening his eyes again. "I can't see a thing," he said disillusioned.
"Give it some time, Joe. You know how this works better than anyone," he said, taking out his penlight. "I need to check your eyes, all right?"
He exhaled heavily with a nod. "Go ahead. Maybe the retinas were damaged more than we thought, Paul.
"No the MRI is clear, but you still have some major swelling to deal with, so let's not forget about that, all right?"
Joe remained stoic blinking a few times as the penlight slid over his eyes. A very faint illumination began to grow.
Paul leaned in with the penlight and Joe lifted his hand up. "Give me a minute, Paul. I'm seeing some--light but its--its real fuzzy."
"Good, Joe. Good. Now take a moment and give your eyes the time they need to adjust for the light."
Joe turned toward his voice. A dim silhouette began to form and it gradually became clearer.
Calleigh held her breath waiting. Joe's right hand slipped off his leg and onto her hand again. He turned towards her taking his time focusing in on her, allowing his eyes to adjust to the small amount of light filling the room. A little at a time the haziness dissipated and her distinctive silhouette became instantly recognizable. She was staring at him with those concerned beautiful green eyes. Her hair was down loosely cascading over her shoulders. She had on a glossy coral lipstick and a black button down top that was revealing a small amount of her cleavage.
Joe blinked a few times. He smiled never taking his eyes off of Calleigh. He cleared his throat, "Umm… Horatio… I hope you don't mind but… she is a sight for sore eyes."
Calleigh gasped, ecstatic, "You can see!" Her smile went from ear to ear. Horatio returned the smile, and then looking down at the floor whispered a quiet "thank you".
Joe chuckled relieved. "I can see. I can see you, sweetheart," he smiled, when a sharp pain tore through his eyes. Joe's natural physical reaction was to squeeze his eyes as tight as he could and verbalize his discomfort.
"Joe! Joe, you okay?" Paul asked leaning over him.
"Yeah—yeah, fine Paul. Probably just some after affects," he mumbled resting his left hand on his forehead trying to ride out the current wave of pain attacking his hypersensitive nerve receptors.
"Lay your head back Joe and let me have another look."
Joe complied and let his head drop back against the pillow groaning.
Dr. Lochner leaned over him lifting one eyelid at a time checking both pupils for dilation and reaction. "Are you groaning because of the intensity of the light Joe, or are you experiencing physical pain?"
"The light, Paul," he sighed.
"Okay Joe, we're done," he said, raising his right hand up in front of Joe. "How many fingers, Joe?"
"Three."
"And now?" He asked changing it to four.
"Four, Paul. I'm okay, really," he persisted.
"Okay, time to light up the room then." He nodded to Maria who flipped the light switch on.
Joe immediately squinted lifting his right hand protectively over his eyes trying to shield the amount of light coming in. He moaned squeezing his eyes shut feeling that same sharp pain tear through his head.
"Give your eyes some time to adjust, Joe," he said, looking back at Maria. "Let's try some Pontocaine solution and see if that helps the pain and sensitivity."
Maria nodded and walked over to the table picking up the small eye drop bottle handing it to the doctor.
"Okay Joe, keep your head back and try not to blink."
Joe nodded.
Paul gently held one eyelid at a time and squeezed out three drops of the anesthetic solution into each eye. He patted under Joe's eyes with the dry gauze and handed the small bottle back to Maria.
"Is the pain any better, Joe?"
"Yeah, much better. Thanks, Paul," he answered, while opening his eyes. Some of the fluid ran down his cheek and Maria was quick with the gauze pad moving right in to help him.
"Thanks Maria," he said, as she gently wiped away the fluid.
Joe sat up, suddenly pulling off the sheet. "Okay. So there you go. I'm fine and I need to get back to work. I know I had a full schedule yesterday," he chuckled moving to get up.
"Whoa!" Paul said placing a hand on Joe's shoulder to keep him on the bed. "I think that explosive may have rattled a few brain cells doctor. You're not going anywhere!" He scolded.
Joe shook his head and opened his mouth, "But—"
"But nothing, Joe! Forget it! Did you really think I was just going to let you go back to work in your present condition? Besides, I already rescheduled all of your surgeries."
Joe was stunned, "What! Why Paul, I'm fine?"
Paul nodded. "Yes, you're fine now and thank god for that, but you still need some downtime to rest up and recover." He shook his head back and forth. "I'm sorry Joe, but the way I see it, you have two choices. Stay here in the hospital and convalesce or go home and rest in the comfort of your own house. It's your choice."
Joe snorted a laugh, "That doesn't sound like much of a choice, Paul."
Paul crossed his arms on his chest and held Joe's eyes. "Those are your choices doctor, like them or not," he said, unyielding, holding Joe's eyes. "Let's just be happy you're still alive with your vision intact, right doctor?" He said firmly.
"You're absolutely right," Joe said smiling. "You know me. I had to give it a try."
"Why am I not surprised. Okay, I'll get your paperwork started and we'll get you discharged right away," Paul said, patting Joe's shoulder.
Joe covered his friends hand with his and held his brown eyes. "Thanks Paul," he exhaled with a smile. "Thanks for everything."
"You're welcome Joe and please do as they say," he said, gesturing toward Calleigh and Horatio.
Joe nodded with a chuckle, "Yes sir, Dr. Lochner. Oh and umm, would you mind grabbing my clothes from my locker?"
Horatio stepped forward, "I can do that for you, Joe."
Joe's brows furrowed and Dr. Lochner turned to Horatio.
"It's not a problem Lieutenant; I can get them for, Joe."
"I'm sure you can doctor but I would like to make sure there are no more… surprises waiting for us."
The doctor's eyes went wide in realization. "Oh… I see, "he said, with a nod turning back to Joe, "You better give him the combination Joe.
Joe nodded and gave Horatio the numeric sequence to open his locker.
Calleigh walked over to him and whispered, "I can go with you when Frank gets here."
"That won't be necessary; besides I need you here with him."
She nodded. "Okay, please be careful."
He smiled, "Always."
Horatio left following Dr. Lochner out of the room.
Calleigh smiled and shook her head.
"Everything okay, Calleigh?"
She turned with a forced smile, "Yeah, everything is fine, Joe."
He sat up and turned towards her letting his legs hang off the bed. "You seemed like you were lost in thought there?" He said, shaking his head gently trying to clear the fuzziness that kept reoccurring.
Calleigh smiled at him with a slight nod her eyes taking in his muscular body. He had on the hospital standard light blue pajama pants and no shirt. Her eyes slid over his six pack and broad chest, back up to his eyes as Joe looked down.
Calleigh closed her eyes for a second wanting to slap herself. She couldn't believe she just did that, and what was even worse was that he caught her. She was at a loss for words as she chewed on her lip nervously, 'Damn!'
He slowly pulled himself to the edge of the bed planting his feet on the floor. She quickly headed for him. "Just where do you think you're going?" She asked firmly stopping him.
Joe's baby blue eyes slid up to her as he smiled and pointed, "Umm, bathroom, if that's okay with you?"
Calleigh giggled and shook her head at him smiling, "Of course, it's fine, but let me call Maria to make sure."
He shook his head side to side, "Don't bother. I'm okay and I need to get up sooner or later, so why not sooner," he chuckled, suddenly standing. Calleigh quickly moved in closer putting her hands on his biceps making sure he was okay.
Joe lifted his head cautiously and held her eyes searching. Calleigh did the same and then they both unexpectedly broke out in laughter. He chuckled, "I'm okay Calleigh, besides I don't think you're going to be able to hold me up anyway."
Calleigh gave him a look, her eyes narrowed. "Really doctor," she smirked at him. "Well now that does sounds a bit chauvinistic to me," she sassed.
Joe blinked back and stuttered, "No I—I didn't mean it like that—I mean, you just—I didn't think—"
She put her hand up and cut him off smirking, letting him wallow in it for a moment. "Forget it, Joe," she chuckled, seeing him stammer nervously. "I'll let you slide this time doctor but be aware if I can hold Horatio up, then I know I can support you too," she sassed putting her hand on her hip.
Joe chuckled, "Horatio weighs less than me, maybe 10 or 15lbs less. He's leaner."
"Horatio's 180lbs or so, but I think I can handle another 10 or 20 pounds Joe." She gave him a wry grin.
Joe nodded, took a step forward and Calleigh moved right to his side. She gently slid her arm around his waist and back, hanging onto him, helping him walk.
Joe laughed quietly smiling at her persistence. Her hands soft on his skin and her smooth movement and silky fingers across his lower back almost made him groan.
"I'm okay," he said again, the dryness increasing in his throat, being assaulted by her incredibly intoxicating vanilla fragrance.
"I know, you said that three times now, I can hear, ya know," she chuckled.
He put his hand out leaning on the wall as they reached the bathroom door. "I think I can do the rest myself," he laughed.
Calleigh's face turned bright red and she turned away with a quiet giggle. "I'll be right here if you need anything." She grabbed a towel and handed it to him as he grinned walking into the bathroom.
The moment the closed the door she exhaled and let herself collapse down in the chair. 'What the hell is wrong with me?' she thought, raking a rough hand through her hair. She shook her head and suddenly grinned, 'Well he is a hunk, actually he a gorgeous hunk.' She chuckled again and shook her head, 'Get a grip Calleigh,' she berated herself.
Joe leaned on the sink and turned on the water. He looked in the mirror for the first time to see the small cuts and the light flash burn on his face. It was red but not as bad as he thought and thank god it would heal, he thought, running a hand through his hair. He stopped as he caught a quick whiff of her scent on his arm. "Mmm, Vanilla," he groaned with a widening smile feeling that very familiar tingle.
"Did you say something, Joe?" Calleigh asked heading over to the door.
Joe's eyes bugged out, "Oh umm… no nothing, just talking to myself. Sorry Calleigh," he said, realizing what he just did. He shook his head and leaned over the sink splashing water on his face and neck. 'Moron,' he mumbled.
Calleigh walked away from the door as her phone chirped.
"Duquesne"
"It's me, Calleigh. Can you do me a favor and ask Joe what he needs exactly," Horatio asked, standing in front of Joe's locker.
"So everything's okay over there?" she asked, heading toward the bathroom door again.
"Yes, it was clean, nothing out of the ordinary."
She knocked lightly on the door. Joe lifted his head up from the sink.
"Yeah?" he answered, with a face full of water.
She leaned near the door. "Joe, sorry to bother you, Horatio just needs to know what you need from your locker."
Joe opened the door, water dripping down his face and neck. Calleigh swallowed and looked down feeling her face flush.
Joe turned and grabbed the towel drying his face. He ran the towel down his neck and over his chest drying off.
"Umm, my jeans, shirt, wallet, and keys please," he said, with hesitation in his voice.
Calleigh lifted her eyes back to his and repeated his words to Horatio.
He chuckled, "I heard him. Okay, I'll be back in a few minutes," he said, closing the phone.
Joe gave Calleigh a grin, "Sorry, I thought you were just checking up on me again."
Calleigh shook her head, "It's fine, Joe."
He nodded and turned heading back into the bathroom. He turned the water back on splashing it on the back of his neck and shoulders calling out, "So are you going home to get some rest today?"
Calleigh brows arched, 'He must have heard us talking,' she thought, as she walked back over to the open bathroom door. She saw him with his eyes closed leaning over the sink washing up. She smiled letting her eyes roam slowly up and down his muscular form. They stopped at his waist and she admired his abs and shapely hips. She tilted her head examining him in wonder and noticed the small tattoo on his right shoulder.
"Maybe. Why?" She asked curiously thinking about the small tattoo.
He lowered his head more splashing the back of his neck again and groaned slamming his eyes shut. His right hand quickly went to his forehead and he held it riding out the latest wave of pain. "Son of a…." he groaned.
Calleigh's eyes widened as she hurried over to him. "Joe, Joe, are you okay? Should I call the nurse for you?" she asked worried.
He groaned low. "No, no-- just-- give me a second," he inhaled deeply with her eyes carefully watching him.
"Okay," she said, softly, putting her hand gently on his shoulder. "I'm right here with you." She reached for the towel and started to dry off his neck and shoulders feeling him stiffen. "Relax will you. You need to be taking it easy right now. Please, let me help you," she said continuing to drag the towel across his back.
Joe smiled with a nod and tried to gently release the breath he was holding. "Thanks Calleigh," he sighed, resting both hands back on the sink letting her finish drying him off.
"So what's this tattoo back here, I've never seen anything like it?" She spoke softly trying to relax him feeling his whole body still tense under her touch. She looked at the small circle with a cross in the middle.
Joe sighed and finally relaxed. "It's a medicine wheel."
"A medicine wheel?" She questioned.
He nodded. "It's suppose to represent the circle of life, showing our connection to all things and the way back to the center, our way home. The medicine wheel is knowledge and the path to healing."
"Really," Calleigh hummed even more interested but saw Joe shift uncomfortably. "Okay enough. C'mon, lean on me," she said, automatically wrapping her arm around his waist again.
Joe's brow rose as she held onto him tightly. He groaned inwardly to himself feeling the amazing effects that this woman had on him. He groaned again aloud, realizing, and there wasn't a thing he could do about it.
"I'm okay now," he said, walking with her as she tried to support his weight. Without warning Joe cried out, closing his eyes overcome by the abrupt throbbing pain. She was quick to hang onto him when he leaned back on the wall almost collapsing. She swiftly put both her arms around his chest, crushing her body to his and held him flush against the wall, her body supporting him trying to make sure he didn't fall.
"I got you," she gasped, just as Joe's head slumped forward right onto her shoulder. Calleigh's eyes widened as his full weight began to come down on her. "Oh, God-- C'mon Joe, don't you go passing out on me now!" She raised her voice, hoping to keep him with her. "Open your eyes Joe--open them for me!"
He moaned low. His head resting on her shoulder with an incoherent mumble, "I'm-- I'm-- okay."
Calleigh chuckled, "Yeah, yeah I can see that." She quickly hoisted his slumping body up and tightened her grip around his waist looking around. Her eyes focused on her target and she asked, "You okay to walk a few steps to that chair?"
Joe barely lifted his head with a low mumble, "…Yeah."
Her eyes narrowed in concentration. Her arms locked tightly around his chest and under his arm pits, steadying him. "Okay, here we go, Joe," she growled, practically dragging him over to the chair. She gently lowered him as his body went limp and gravity weighed him down taking Calleigh right along with him. He dropped back into the chair and Calleigh fell forward landing on him with her hands still pinned behind his back.
"Joe!" She shrieked, breathing anxiously with wide eyes at her position and tried to pull her hands out from behind his back. She pulled struggling to get her hands free and exhaled when they finally popped out, causing Joe to respond. She leaned back down with one hand on his thigh and lifted a soft hand to his face. "C'mon Joe, open those eyes for me," she urged, leaning down gently lifting his head with two fingers under his chin. "Joe?" She called softer looking into his glazed over blue eyes.
He blinked a few times and gradually began to focus again noticing her directly in front of him. There was concern on her face and in her beautiful green eyes. Her lips, breathing warm breath on him. He groaned low and let his eyes close while running rampant thoughts of her in his head. He moaned in a choppy breath, "I'm--better--now."
Calleigh leaned in closer holding his gaze, staring into his sky blue eyes. His right hand slowly lifted and rested on her shoulder. His eyes focused but his thoughts were still spinning, 'So close, so close. Those lips… so inviting and her eyes… her eyes….' He looked down in realization finally breaking the mesmerizing stare.
Calleigh smiled inches from his lips. "You're back?"
Joe nodded. "Yes, sorry about that. I-- I should have gone slower."
"I'll say," she chuckled at his sudden awakening. "You scared the heck out of me."
Joe stared up into her caring green eyes while her soft hand lay gently on his cheek. 'She's with Horatio, Joe. Stop it. STOP!' He scolded himself in thought, so easily getting lost in her eyes. He just wanted to lean forward and kiss those soft luscious lips. He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts. He chuckled finally, "I told you… you couldn't handle my weight."
Calleigh gave him a smirk and sassed, "Really. Well doctor next time I'll just let you land on the floor."
Joe's smile widened as his dimples and white teeth came into view. "You wouldn't."
Calleigh's eyes narrowed on him and her brow arched. "Wanna bet?"
Joe shook his head as his voice went deep. "No." He began laughing and Calleigh couldn't hold back anymore herself joining him. Their laughter echoed through the room.
The door suddenly opened. Horatio walked in and stopped watching the two of them laughing. Calleigh quickly backed away from Joe who sat up more in the chair.
"Is everything okay in here?" Horatio asked softly, seeing her earlier position over Joe and his hand on her shoulder."
Her eyes widened just a bit but it was enough to tell Horatio something was up. She looked from him to Joe, who gave her his best puppy dog eyes.
She smiled. "Yeah, everything's fine," she said, trying to cover for Joe but Horatio knew from her smile and pitch she was lying.
He nodded and held her eyes for a moment. She looked down and Joe immediately noticed trying to think of something to say.
"Umm, she was helping me back to the chair," he admitted, as Calleigh turned to him with a look.
"I see. Are you okay? Should we call Dr. Lochner?" Horatio asked, looking over at Calleigh who gave him a 'maybe we should' look.
"No," Joe said quickly. "No, I— I was moving a little too fast. I know better now."
Horatio nodded looking from Calleigh to Joe and back again thinking, 'There is more here than meets the eye.' His hands went to his hips and his voice rumbled, "You sure, Joe?"
Joe waved his hand dismissively, "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, really." He stood up a bit wobbly as Calleigh took a quick step forward to grab him. Instead he leaned one hand on the chair getting his bearings. "I'm fine," he said, to her as she shook her head at him.
Horatio's eyes narrowed. "What exactly happened here?"
Calleigh opened her mouth but Joe cut her off. "Nothing, I just got a little lightheaded and she helped me out."
Horatio looked at Calleigh who immediately looked down.
Joe moved to the bedside and his clothes. "Thanks Horatio, I appreciate you getting my clothes and all."
"Not a problem, Joe," he answered, looking over at Calleigh who walked toward him. She turned to see Joe reach for the tie string on his pajamas pants.
Her face went red and she quickly looked away embarrassed. "I'll, wait outside for now," she said beet red heading for the door. Horatio grinned with a nod seeing her blush.
Joe began changing while he spoke to Horatio. "So, was my locker okay?"
"Yes. It was fine, no surprises today, Joe."
Joe turned toward Horatio and began buttoning his shirt. "Today?" he questioned. "I mean that sounds like you are expecting more trouble."
"I am," Horatio replied, locking in on Joe.
Joe shook his head, "I still don't understand, Horatio."
"That's okay Joe, because that's my job. Let me do it and we'll get this guy, okay?"
Joe tucked his shirt in his pants and zipped up. "Okay pal," he groaned closing his eyes a moment and then headed for the chair in a hurry. His arm reached forward leaning as he collapsed back down.
"Hey, you all right?" Horatio moved quickly to Joe's side concerned for his friend.
He nodded with a smile. "Yeah--Yep, let's--just get out of here, huh," Joe exhaled heavily, hoping to keep it together a little longer. He didn't feel like spending another night in that hospital bed and if this dizziness persisted he knew he would.
Horatio shook his head knowing Joe was pushing it.
The door opened and Dr. Lochner walked in followed by Maria.
Joe's brow went up in question as Maria handed him two small bottles.
"This is for the swelling and this is for the pain and headaches," she said. "Do you need directions Joe?" She teased.
"No thank you doctor," he chuckled, making Maria laugh.
"Joe, sit back a second and let me check you out again," Dr. Lochner said.
"I'm fine Paul," he said defensively putting his hand up.
"I never said you weren't, Joe," he replied his suspicion rising.
Joe chuckled, "I know, Calleigh told you what happened. That's why you're here again." Joe shook his head back and forth sighing.
Paul crossed his arms on his chest staring at Joe. "Calleigh, didn't say a word to me, but hello at the door, and now that you've just convicted yourself doctor, sit back!" He scolded.
Horatio had a hard time holding back his grin and looked down for a moment to gather himself. 'Joe was not a good liar.'
Joe exhaled and shook his head. He looked up to find Horatio gone and the door to his room quietly closing. 'Shit, Calleigh,' he thought, as Horatio disappeared. He just gave her away.
Calleigh was standing with the officers talking when Horatio approached her giving both of them a dismissive look. They both moved off and walked over to Joe's door standing guard.
Calleigh gave him a curious look, "Is everything okay with Joe?"
"Mmm, why don't you tell me?" He said, having the upper hand now.
"What do you mean?" she asked, surprised by his answer. Horatio tilted his head and held her wavering eyes as she continued, "He just got a little lightheaded and I helped him out."
"Mm-hmm. Well it seems, Dr. Lochner came in to say goodbye and Joe thought you had called for him."
Calleigh's mouth dropped open and she gasped shaking her head back and forth, "Oh no, he said that to him?"
Horatio tilted his head to the side and back. "He did," he said flatly.
She rolled her eyes and let her hand slap against her leg, "He didn't want to say anything, Horatio."
"I think I got that on my own sweetheart. What really happened in there?"
"He passed out cold," she said, low leaning into him.
"He did," Horatio questioned, "What else?"
Calleigh tilted her head at him and gave him an inquisitive look. "He was in the bathroom freshening up then out of the blue he grabbed his head and cried out. He keeps getting those sharp stinging pains in his eyes. It happened right after you called. I went to help him back to the bed and he just passed out on me. I managed to get him into the chair and he was back with me in seconds."
"And this was funny how?" He asked in a low questioning tone.
Calleigh's brow's arched and her hand went to her hip as she locked eyes with Horatio. Was that just jealously in his voice or worry she wondered. She smiled and looked down feeling embarrassed. "He didn't think I could hold him up…." She let her words trial off concentrating on Horatio's eyes wondering what he was thinking.
"Mmm, but you proved him wrong, right?" He said finishing for her with a knowing grin.
She nodded with a chuckle, "You know it handsome."
Horatio exhaled calmly feeling much better. "Okay, let's go see how the doctor is doing," he said, putting his hand at the small of her back leading her into the room. Calleigh smiled, feeling his soft touch knowing Horatio Caine was jealous.
Joe looked over and smiled when they came through the door together. "I'm ready when you guys are," he said quickly.
"Doctor Lochner?" Horatio questioned.
"He'll be fine, Lieutenant, he just needs to rest. If anything out of the ordinary happens or his pain gets worse, please don't hesitate to call me." He handed Horatio his card.
"Thank you doctor," Horatio said.
Joe headed over to them. "Thanks Paul," he said, watching him leave. He looked at Horatio and spoke low holding his blue eyes. "She was just doing what I asked. I hope you're not mad?"
Horatio smiled graciously. Joe was always a stand up guy and admitted to his mistakes. Now he was protecting Calleigh, 'My Calleigh,' he thought pausing. "No, I'm not mad but if you don't feel well or have a problem, you need to tell us Joe. Okay?"
Joe nodded. "I will, you have my word." He patted Horatio's shoulder relieved that he wasn't upset with him.
Horatio nodded, putting a hand back on his shoulder, "Shall we doctor?"
Joe nodded and smiled at him and then Calleigh. "Yes, sir," he chuckled.
Calleigh held the door smiling watching Horatio and then a grinning Joe walk by her with wiggling brows. She shook her head back and forth smiling thinking about the both of them. 'Men,' she chuckled low following them out.
TBC…
You should be smiling and laughing as well.
I hope you all enjoyed my humor, especially with Calleigh and Joe falling into the chair together.