Eryn slowly began to wake up as she felt someone nuzzle her cheek. Sleepily, she opened her eyes to see Horatio lying next to her. His arms wrapped around her and his right leg draped over her hip, watching over her. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a black tee shirt. She realized that she was wearing his black and grey striped dress shirt, and then remembered what had transpired several hours earlier. Eryn blushed and looked down.
Horatio smiled, loving her reaction. "Hey," he said, bringing her gaze back up to meet his. "Why so shy?"
Eryn thought for a moment. "Maybe I'm wondering if I was what you were expecting."
"Shamrock, you are everything I know you to be. You love completely and hold nothing back," he said as he gently kissed her, letting the kiss linger.
"What time is it and when did I put on your dress shirt?" she asked.
"It's almost seven o'clock. When I woke up around four o'clock, you had the sheet wrapped around you, so I put it on you. You stretched out after that."
"Thank you, I usually sleep in a tee shirt. You went to your condo?"
He nodded. "I picked up some things. Our walk will have to wait. It began to storm about two hours ago. In addition, I ordered dinner for us from Aqua. It should be here soon."
"What did you order?"
"I ordered Coconut shrimp, Mozzarella and Tomato salad for you, steak for me and fresh fruit for dessert. I also ordered a bottle of chardonnay."
"Mmm, that sounds wonderful.
Eryn stretched, a small gasp escaping her lips. Horatio noticed the slight pained expression that drifted through her eyes.
"Sweetheart, are you okay?" he asked, wondering if he had somehow hurt her.
"Yes, Horatio, I'm fine. It's just been a while," Eryn explained, knowing what he was thinking. "You didn't hurt me, Horatio."
"Alright, I'll draw you a bath and you can soak until dinner arrives," Horatio said standing up. He pulled back the comforter and sheet, offering his hand to her. He took the opportunity to admire her. His shirt came down about mid-thigh, showing off her shapely, well-toned legs.
Eryn blushed at Horatio's appraisal as she took his hand, standing up. "You approve, Lieutenant?"
"More than you know, Shamrock," Horatio said, taking Eryn in his arms.
Dipping his head, he captured her lips in a fiery kiss as the tip of his tongue caressed her lips. Eryn sighed, opening her mouth to him. He slipped his tongue in her mouth to taste her, deepening the kiss.
Just then, there was knock on the door.
"Room Service."
Horatio eased out of the kiss. Eryn softly laughed. He placed a kiss on her forehead, and then walked out of the bedroom to answer the door. Eryn went into the bathroom and turned on the shower, getting the water hot. She unbuttoned the dress shirt and carefully hung it up on the back of the door. Eryn stepped into the large shower and let the water run over her. As the memories of the past hours graced her mind, the feel of his mouth and hands caressing her, his voice. She had hesitated when Horatio asked her to lie on her stomach. When he began to kiss and caress her arms and back, she had begun to cry. He was letting her know in his own way how much he loved her.
Horatio came back into the bedroom as Eryn was getting out of the shower, the smell of her Chocolate Amber body wash filling the air. He quietly knocked, causing her to jump. He walked in and picked up the bath sheet. He carefully wrapped the towel around her slender body, tucking in the corner.
"I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention to scare you," Horatio apologized, turning Eryn around so he could dry her hair. He picked up a hand towel and gently twisted the water out of her hair.
Eryn closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his hands in her hair. Horatio reached over to the sink and picked up the red highlighting glosser that Eryn used in her hair. He put a walnut sized amount in his hand and rubbed his hands together. He carefully worked the glosser through her hair then dried his hands.
"That felt great," Eryn said as she leaned back against his chest, her Irish accent more pronounced.
"Did it now?" Horatio murmured in her ear, breathing in her body wash. "Have I ever told you how much I love to hear your voice?"
Eryn turned around to face him. She brought his face to hers, brushing her lips against his. Horatio went to deepen the kiss when she pulled back.
"I'm hungry," Eryn said as she walked out.
Horatio turned and watched her walk over to the closet. I think my angel misplaced her halo, he mused to himself. Eryn came out of the closet with a pair of black Capri's and a sleeveless lavender velvet ruched tank top. She walked over to the dresser and pulled out a lavender lace bra and panties.
Eryn placed the clothes on the bed and slowly removed the towel, letting it drop to the floor. She smiled when she heard a groan come from Horatio. She put on her lingerie then turned her head to look behind her.
"Is something wrong, Lieutenant?" she asked innocently.
Horatio was leaning against the doorframe, his eyes roaming over her body. The look he gave her would have made the hardest convict take things back they didn't even steal. My god, she's gorgeous, he thought. He walked up behind her, placing his hands on her hips, pulling her against him, letting her feel what she was doing to him.
"Where did you learn to play so unfair, Shamrock?" he inquired, nuzzling the spot below her ear.
Eryn laughed, putting on her top and Capri's then turned around. "Who said I learned anywhere?" she replied as she gave him a sweet kiss on his cheek.
Eryn walked into the living room and noticed that the dining room table was set. She smiled at bouquet of champagne roses. He always remembers the small things, doesn't he, she thought. She walked over and smelled them, remembering the first time they went out.
Horatio walked up behind her, kissing her shoulder.
"You know you're going to pay for that later, right?" He teased, a smile gracing his lips as he opened the bottle of chardonnay.
He poured a small amount in one of the etched wine glasses and handed it to Eryn to taste. She took a sip, letting it roll over her tongue. She nodded her approval as she handed it back to him. Horatio filled the glass and gave it back to her.
Eryn took the glass, letting her fingers linger on the back of Horatio's hand. She noticed that his blue eyes had darkened. She smiled.
"I have no doubt, Lieutenant."
She turned, walking over to the terrace door and opening it. Horatio filled his glass and joined her. He stood next to her, gently rubbing her back. He knew they had to talk about work.
"Eryn," Horatio began.
She turned to him and noticed the expression on his face. "You want to talk about work."
He nodded, giving thought to what he was going to say. "Yes, we need to talk. While we are on the clock, you're a Detective."
Eryn nodded. "And when we're off the clock, Horatio?"
He smiled, taking her glass and setting by his. He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You're my lady."
She laid her head on his shoulder. "I understand, Horatio," Eryn said. "Let's eat."
Horatio lead her back into the suite. He pulled out a chair, letting Eryn to sit down, and then he joined her. As they ate, Horatio kept thinking about what Eryn had told him when they came back from the lab.
"Eryn, when you came down here two years ago, were you completely healed up?" Horatio asked, wondering just how much strain under which she had been working.
Eryn set down her fork and looked away. It was all the answer he needed.
"How much pain were you in, sweetheart?" he softly asked, bringing her eyes back to his.
"I was taking 600 mg of Ibuprofen. I was in pain but I still had to be able to work."
"Eryn, why didn't you say something?"
Eryn took a drink of her wine. "How was I supposed to do that, Horatio? I had been out of hospital six months when I came down. Everything had knitted back, but the muscle on my left shoulder was still repairing."
"Is that why you passed out when we arrested Edgars?"
"Yeah, getting thrown up against the wall was more than what I could take. I remember collapsing and throwing up. You knelt down and asked if I was okay, then it just went black."
"Mike called me after you went back to Chicago and said that you were put on medical leave for two weeks."
"I remember. Mike was so mad at me for not telling you what happened."
Horatio poured the last of the wine into their glasses. He stood up and turned on the stereo. After he found the music he wanted, he moved the coffee tables out of the way. As Sarah McLaughlin began to play, Horatio took Eryn by the hand and helped her stand up.
"When's the last time I took you dancing?" he asked, taking Eryn's left hand in his right and placing her right hand on his left shoulder. He wrapped his left arm around her slender waist, pulling her close.
"I think it was this past January," Eryn replied as Horatio began to lead her.
Horatio lead her around the room as their bodied moved in harmony with one another. Neither of them spoke, allowing their actions to talk for them. After a while, a song came on that Eryn knew very well, it was the tango.
Eryn smiled as she felt Horatio left hand move to the spot between her shoulder blades. As they moved to the music, Eryn felt heat spread through her, not only from the dancing but also from Horatio's touch as he held her close.
Horatio remember the first time they went dancing two years ago. She had never danced the tango and she was nervous. The first set of dancing was challenging because she learning. The second set, however, was another story.
Horatio had taken Eryn to the dancing floor for one round of dancing. He knew her well enough to know that she got nervous when trying new things. By the end of the first set, she had the tango down fairly well. He just needed her to relax and let him lead.
He looked over at her. She noticed and shyly dipped her head. She looks so beautiful, he thought. Eryn was wearing a black handkerchief dress that floated around her when she turned. After thirty minutes, Horatio stood up and held out his hand.
"May I have this dance?" He asked, giving her a warm smile.
Eryn put her hand in his, she stood up. He led her to the floor. As the song ended and everyone got ready for the next one, Horatio pulled Eryn close. He felt her body tense and dipped his head to whisper in her ear.
"No, Eryn," he whispered. "That won't work. Do you trust me?"
His breath caused her to shiver. "Yes, with my life."
Horatio looked into her eyes, knowing she was telling the truth. "Then let me lead you."
That was all he needed say. Eryn easily followed him in every dance after that.
Horatio returned back to the present as he felt Eryn's lips brush up against his. He opened his eyes to see her dark golden eyes. She smiled up at him.
"Why don't we call it a night, Lieutenant?" Eryn said as caressed his back.
"I'll lock up," he said as he dipped his head and kissed he lips.
Eryn went into the bedroom while Horatio locked up. She undressed and slipped back into his dress shirt. She slipped into bed and waited for him. Horatio locked the doors, pulled the curtains closed and turned out the lights. He walked in, sat down on the bed and leaned down.
"You look comfortable," he said quietly as he began to caress the length of her body.
Eryn looked into his darkened blue eyes a mischievous smile playing across her lips. "So, why don't you join me?"
Horatio leaned down further, brushing his lips against her. "I would love to."
He got up and undressed, his eyes never leaving hers. He pulled back the comforter and sheets and lay next to Eryn. Horatio gathered her in his arms, wanting to feel her body against his. He passionately claimed her lips as she opened her mouth to him. As he deepened the kiss, he rolled Eryn onto her back, as his hands caressed her warm skin.
Horatio began to leave a heated trail of kisses along her jaw back to her ear, taking advantage of the sensitive spot just below it. He kisses and nuzzled the spot, his hands finding their way into her auburn curls. Eryn wrapped her legs around his waist as he gently slid inside her.
"Dia, Horatio," she moaned as she arched back. "I love you."
"I love you, Eryn," he said as he began to move inside her. "That's it."
He dipped his head, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. When it became necessary for them to part for breathe, Eryn saw her chance.
She rolled Horatio over onto his back, much to his surprise. Horatio looked up at Eryn as she settled on top of him. She leaned down, brushing her lips against his, slowly moving against him. Horatio groaned as he kneaded her thighs. Eryn picked up his hands, lacing her fingers in his. She placed his hands by his head.
Eryn passionately kissed him; her tongue caressed his lower lip. Horatio opened his mouth to her. She slowly explored his mouth, enjoying the taste of him. She took her time, showing him how much she loved him. Horatio felt his control slipping away as Eryn continued her ministrations.
She kissed her way back up his neck, finding their way to his lips. His right hand nestled itself into Eryn's curls as he wrapped his left arm around her waist. Horatio rolled them over. Eryn gasped as he settled over her and began to move inside her.
As they both went over the edge, Horatio felt tears rolls down Eryn's cheek. When he came back down, he rolled onto his back, bringing Eryn with him.
"Shamrock, what's wrong?" he softly asked, caressing her cheek.
Eryn laid her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "I didn't think anyone would love me again."
"Eryn, sweetheart, look at me," Horatio said as he rolled onto his side.
She looked into his sparkling blue eyes. Horatio dried her cheek and gently kissed her.
"Eryn, if Todd loved you, then he wouldn't have done what he did to you," he said as he wrapped his arms around her. "You cherish and protect them."
She smiled and snuggled further into his arms, knowing that she was just that, cherished and protected. They continued to talk for a while when Horatio noticed a soft purr coming from Eryn. She turned over and sighed. Horatio spooned against her, his arm around her waist. She's going to love tomorrow, he thought as he soon followed her into sleep.
Around eight o'clock the next morning, the phone awoke Eryn. She reached for it as Horatio came into the bedroom.
"Hello," she said sleepily.
"Miss Sheridan, this is Anna at the front desk," Anna replied. "We, umm, we have an unusual delivery here for you."
Eryn sat up and looked at Horatio. "They wouldn't happen to be flowers, would they?"
"Yes, ma'am they are."
"Okay, don't touch them. I'll be right down to get them, thank you." Eryn said politely, hanging up the phone. Eryn drew her knees up to her chest as Horatio sat down next to her and began to rub her back.
"They were delivered, weren't they?" Horatio asked the edge in his voice caused Eryn to look at him.
"Yes, they were. He's here Horatio, in Miami. He knows I'm here."
"Let's go get them and we'll drop them off at the lab on our way to breakfast," he said as he stood up, pulling Eryn with him. "And then, after breakfast, I have a surprise for you."
Eryn slipped her arms around his neck. "A surprise, for me?"
"Yes and no, you don't get a hint and teasing me won't help you."
Horatio laughed as Eryn gave him the cutest pout he had ever seen. He gently kissed her. Eryn went into the bathroom and Horatio called the lab. The phone rang as he waited for someone to pick up.
Eric and Calleigh were in the layout room when Eric's cell phone vibrated. Eric looked at who was calling.
"Who is it?" Calleigh asked.
"Horatio," he answered. "He's off today, wasn't he?"
"Yeah, he and Eryn were going out on Andy's yacht today."
"Delko," Eric said, answering his phone.
"Eric, its Horatio. I need you and call to do something for me."
Eric looked at Calleigh. "Calleigh's here with me. What do you need?"
"Eryn being stalked and she got something delivered to her here at the hotel. We're going to come by the lab and drop it off," Horatio explained.
"Not a problem, H. We'll be out front waiting for you," Eric replied. "What are we looking for?"
"You're looking for the person who sent them, Eric."
"Anything else?"
"Yes, see what you can find out about a man named Todd Lockheed."
"We're on it, Horatio. I'll be out front." Eric confirmed.
Eric hung up and looked at Calleigh. She noticed the troubled expression on his face.
"What did Horatio want?" Calleigh asked.
"Eryn is being stalked and her stalker sent her something at her hotel. He also wants us to find everything we can about a man named Todd Lockheed."
"She's being stalked?" Calleigh said, surprised at the new revelation.
"Yeah and from the sound of his voice, Horatio's worried." Eric responded. "I told him I'd be out front, waiting for them."
Calleigh noticed the sad look in his eyes. "Eric, what's wrong?"
Eric sighed and began to take off his lab coat. Calleigh walked over to him. She had a sneaking suspicion that he was thinking about Marisol.
"I just don't want to Horatio go through that again Calleigh. If it wasn't for Eryn helping him, I don't know what he would have done."
"I know, Eric, I know. We won't let it happen this time."
With that, Calleigh and Eric walked out of the layout room, got into the elevator and walked outside to wait for Horatio and Eryn.
Meanwhile, Horatio and Eryn were getting ready for their day out. Horatio told her dress causal and pack her swimsuit. She packed her tote bag with her swimsuit, Horatio's swim trunks, tanning lotion, flip-flops and two towels. Horatio noticed Eryn get into her carry on bag and pull out her gun case.
"Eryn, you won't need that. I'll have mine," Horatio commented as he gently took the case from her and placing it back in the carry on.
"I'm not used to …" Eryn began when he put a finger on her lips.
"I'll watch over you from now on, sweetheart," he said as he lightly kissed her.
Horatio opened the door to let Eryn walk out first. He shut the door, making sure it was locked. As they head for the front desk, he put his arm around and felt her muscles in her shoulders tense. When they came into the lobby, Eryn stopped. Horatio watched her expression.
"Do you want to wait in the car while I get them?" he asked.
"No, I get them. If he's here in the hotel, he'll be watching," Eryn said looking around.
Horatio nodded as they made their way to the front desk. Anna was there checking someone in, so they waited.
Anna looked up to Eryn waiting. "Good morning, Miss Sheridan. Here is the delivery that came for you." Anna put a crystal vase that held a dozen dead roses and the card that came with them, on the counter.
"Thank you, Anna," Eryn said.
Eryn stood there for a moment before she reached for the card. She took a deep breath and picked up the card. She opened the small envelope and removed the card. Eryn read the message. You're back has healed up nicely and I see you're getting cozy with your new Lieutenant.
"Shit," Eryn said. "This was a bad idea."
Horatio put the vase and roses into a garbage bag. He heard Eryn's quiet comment. He tucked a stray curl behind her ear. "What are you talking about, sweetheart?"
"May we go, please?" Eryn said, walking away from Horatio.
Horatio quickly caught up with her. The car was waiting for them when they came out of the hotel. He put the vase in the back seat, then came around and opened the passenger side door for Eryn. She got in without saying a word. He watched as Eryn shutdown. Whatever was written on that card, has her scared, he thought.
They rode in silence to the lab. Horatio pulled into the parking lot and parked. Eryn handed him the card and waited. He saw Eric and Calleigh out front. He got out, grabbed the vase of roses, the card and walked up to Eric and Calleigh.
Calleigh wrinkled her nose. "Did you two get into an argument this morning?"
"She's not upset, Calleigh. She's scared," Horatio said as he opened the card and read its contents. "And this would be why." He handed Eric the card.
"Wow, looks like someone's been watching both of you," Eric commented.
"This needs to be kept between us until we find out who we're dealing with."
"You don't want to scare off whoever it is that's stalking her?" Calleigh asked.
"That's correct."
"Horatio, I'm sorry to ask you this, but where have you two gone since Eryn got into Miami?" Calleigh inquired.
"I understand, ma'am. We've been here, the academy firing range, Rosinella and the National Hotel," Horatio stated. "Eryn doesn't wear anything that exposes her back in public."
"So, then whoever has been stalking her has to been watching her and you at the hotel."
"Call Mr. Willhall at the National and get a list of guests staying in the suites opposite Eryn's. Her suite number is 112."
"We're on it. What about Todd Lockheed?" Eric asked.
"This goes not farther than us, okay?"
Eric and Calleigh nodded.
"Todd Lockheed is Eryn's ex-fiancée. Six months before she came down here to help us with the Pantomime case, Todd attacked her and cut her up badly. He dirty and Eryn turned him in, so he went after her."
"Did they catch him, Horatio?" Calleigh asked.
"No, they didn't, he disappeared. Every year, on June 18th, Eryn get a dozen dead rose delivered to her."
"June 18th, 2004 is when she was attacked."
"Yes, it was," Horatio replied. "Eryn knows its Todd. Mike left her a message yesterday, telling her that Todd is here in Miami."
"We'll get on it, Horatio," Calleigh said, giving him an encouraging nod. "You and Eryn go relax and have some fun."
"Thank you," Horatio said.
Horatio talked with Eric and Calleigh a little longer, and then headed back to the car. He got in, noticing the fearful look in her eyes that he wanted to banish. He decided to tell her where they were going.
"Eryn."
She looked over at him and saw his concern. She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm okay, Horatio."
"I know you're not okay, sweetheart," he said softly. "Umm, I have a friend, Andy, who has a yacht over at the Miami Yacht club. I called in a favor I had with him and asked if we could take it out."
"Oh my god, Horatio," Eryn said, surprised. "You always plan something special."
Horatio smiled as he started the car and pulled out. "I thought you would like the idea."
The first stop they made was at the 11th Street Diner to have breakfast. Horatio found a booth from which he could see the door. They looked over the menu.
"Are you hungry, Eryn?" Horatio asked, knowing that sometimes she didn't eat in the morning.
"Starving," she replied a warm smile gracing her lips.
Horatio bashfully looked down then back up at her. "I would imagine. We were up rather late last night," he said. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you, babe. I'm sorry about this morning. I was rude," she answered looking out the window, knowing that Horatio had to have been hurt by her silence.
Horatio put a finger under Eryn's chin and brought her eyes back to his. "No, you weren't. You were reacting to what was written on that card."
Eryn nodded, giving him another smile, this one reaching her eyes, making them look like sparkling emeralds.
"There's the smile I love," Horatio commented as her caressed her cheek.
The waitress came by their table to take their order. She talked with them a bit and then asked for their order.
"What would you like ma'am?" the waitress asked
"I'll have grits with cream and sugar, a fruit bowl, an English muffin and two double espressos, please,' Eryn said.
"And for you sir?"
"I'll have the three pairs. I'll take my eggs over easy, bacon and French toast with coffee, thank you," Horatio answered politely.
"Thank you, cream for your coffee, sir?"
"No, thank you, ma'am."
The waitress left and Eryn looked at Horatio. "Are we hungry this morning?"
"I think you know the answer to that question, Shamrock," Horatio replied with a smile and a wink.
About twenty minutes later, the waitress brought their food. They talked about finding her a place to live and getting her settled in Miami.
"I have a friend who's a realtor. I could give him a call if you would like?" Horatio suggested.
"Thanks but I think I already know where I'm going to live. Remember, when I was down here in January and I showed up late?"
"Yes, you never did tell me why."
"I was looking for a condo. I had already told Mike that I wanted to move down here and then you called."
Horatio's smile grew. "Why did you say anything?"
"I wanted to surprise you when I came down next time. You always ask when my flight leave and I was going to tell you that there wasn't going to be a return flight."
"I would have loved that, sweetheart."
They finished eating and Horatio paid. As they were walking out of the diner, Eryn had that feeling again. She looked around, but didn't see anyone. Horatio opened her door and helped her in. He closed and walked around to the driver's side. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.
"Tripp."
"Hey, Frank, do you see us?"
"Yeah, I see you, Horatio."
"Do you notice anyone around?"
"No …" Frank began to reply, but stopped. "Wait, there's a guy by the payphone who's watching you."
"Keep me posted."
With that, Horatio hung up and discreetly looked in the direction Frank indicated. He saw a man about 6'4", 180 lbs., ashy blonde hair and brown eyes. Horatio got into the car and pulled away.
They arrived at the Miami Yacht Club. Horatio got out, walked around and opened Eryn's door. He offered his hand to her. Eryn took his hand as he helped her out. He opened the trunk and grabbed Eryn's tote bag. She noticed that the muscles in Horatio's jaw were tight.
Eryn put her hand on Horatio's arm. He stopped, slid his sunglasses down his nose and looked at her.
She brought his head down so she could talk in his ear. "Horatio, what's going on? I know Frank is following us."
"I'll tell you when we're on the boat and out of the marina, okay?" Horatio said, giving Eryn a light kiss on her lips.
"Alright, Horatio," Eryn nodded.
Horatio put his arm around her and they walked to Andy's yacht. As they approached the yacht, Eryn gasped. A man, whom Eryn assumed was Andy, stood next to a 165-foot yacht.
"Oh my god," Eryn said, completely in awe at the size of the boat. "You're friend owns this?"
Horatio smiled. Andy came up and extended his hand to his friend. The men greeted each other. Andy turned to Eryn.
"Horatio, who is this beautiful woman?" Andy asked.
"Andy, this is my lady from Chicago, Eryn Sheridan." Horatio introduced.
Andy extended his hand to Eryn. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Sheridan. Horatio's told me a lot about you."
"Eryn, this is Andy Michaelson. He's a friend of mine that I worked with in New York. He retired down here a few years ago."
Eryn shook Andy's hand. "Nice to meet you Mister Michaelson. I hope everything you've heard has been good."
"Not to worry, Miss Sheridan. From what I understand, if it wasn't for you, Horatio wouldn't have made through after Marisol."
Eryn shyly looked over at Horatio, who had a warm smile on his lips. "I was there when he needed me."
"Well, Miss Sheridan, whatever you did, I thank you," Andy replied. He turned to the boat. "And this gorgeous thing here is the Lady of Avalon, 165 feet, professional kitchen, dining room, staterooms, master suite, sundeck, and hot tub. That's just the short list."
Another man stepped off the boat and spoke with Andy. "Sir, everything is ready to go."
Andy turned to his friend. "Horatio, this Captain Alanson. He heads the crew, if you need anything, just let him know. If you'll excuse me, I told Marilynn I'd be back by eleven o'clock so I must be off."
Andy said good-bye to Horatio and Eryn. Captain Alanson helped Eryn aboard, then Horatio. He introduced the rest of the crew and showed them around the yacht. The wood was cherry with cream and sand tones. Eryn was still in awe as Captain Alanson showed them the sundeck.
"What do think Miss Sheridan?" Captain Alanson asked.
"It's gorgeous."
"I'm glad to hear it. If you would like, we get underway and I can have one of galley boys bring up a bottle of Divinity if you would like?"
"Divinity that would be from the Holy Cross Abbey in Colorado, correct?" Eryn inquired.
Captain Alanson looked a little surprised. "Have been to that winery?"
"Yes, my brother lives in Colorado Springs, so we always make a trip down to Canon City to the winery. Mister Michaelson would happen to have their American Riesling would he?"
"As a matter of fact, Mister Michaelson has the whole collection, ma'am."
"Very nice."
"A bottle with lunch would be excellent," Horatio said, knowing it was too early for them. Eryn nodded in agreement.
"Very well, then. We'll be underway in a few minutes," Captain Alanson commented. "Oh, Miss Sheridan, do you have allergies?"
Eryn thought for a moment. "Yes, nothing with anchovies, please."
The Captain nodded and made his way down to the pilot deck. Eryn walked over to the railing and looked out over the marina. Horatio came up behind her and took her in his arms, pulling her close. Eryn sighed, closed her eyes and leaned back against his strong frame. He gently kissed the spot where her neck and shoulder meet.
"Are you okay, Eryn?" he asked, wanting to make sure that she content where she was.
Eryn didn't answer for a while. Horatio patiently waited. When he felt her tremble, he knew the answer to his question. He turned her around to look at him. The look in her eyes tore at him.
"I'm sorry, Horatio," Eryn finally said. "I shouldn't have brought you into this."
"Eryn, you didn't know that Todd was here. None of this was your fault," Horatio said as he gently cradled her face, caressing her cheeks. "Eric and Calleigh are working on this for me. They have something by the end of the day."
"I just … Horatio, I don't know what I would do if something happened to you," Eryn whispered.
"I know, sweetheart. I don't think I could go through that again if something happened to you. First of all, I don't want you to worry about that, okay. Second, today is for you. You've told me on occasions that you always wanted to go down to the Keys to go diving."
"We're going to the Keys?" Eryn asked completely surprised.
"Yes, that's the other part of the surprise."
Horatio felt the boat shift and gestured for her to sit down. Eryn stretch out on a chaise while Horatio sat down in one of the deck chairs. Horatio looked over at Eryn. At some point, I want to make this permanent. Lockheed's going to wish he had never come after her again, he thought.
He took in Eryn's attire. She had her hair partially pulled back into a small rosette. She had on a Connemara Marble shamrock necklace and bracelet that he got her for her 30th birthday. She wore a pair of linen lounge pants, a cream camisole and sandals. Her makeup was light, accenting her eyes and cheeks, her lip-gloss highlighting her lips.
As they headed for open water, Eryn heard Horatio sigh and looked over at him. "I haven't seen that particular smile in a long time, Horatio."
"I haven't had a reason for a while," he replied as he got up and offered her his hand. Eryn got up and followed him to the railing. "And I believe you were looking for this yesterday and this morning," he said as he pulled a small black velvet box from his shorts' pocket.
"Horatio, the only thing I've been looking for is my claddaugh ring," she answered as she took the box from him and opened it. She gasped as her hand covered her mouth. In the box was her claddaugh ring. "You had it?"
"Do you like it?" Horatio asked, hoping she like the alterations he had done.
Eryn took the ring out of the box. The sterling silver heart was replaced with a London Blue Topaz stone. "My favorite stone. It's beautiful, Horatio."
He took it from her and took her right hand in his. He slid the ring with the heart turned in, on her right ring finger. He brought her hand to his lips, kissing her fingers. "I think it's time you wore it again this way, don't you think?"
She looked at the ring then into Horatio's blue eyes. "I haven't had a reason to, but now I do, don't I?" She brought his head down and passionately kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her as her hands found their way into his copper hair.