CHAPTER VII
She sighs softly and a smile tugs at the corner of her mouth as she pretends to read the report in front of her. Her eyes are focused on the screen in her mind, reliving last night's events again. Showering with Gibbs was an experience Kate doubted she would ever forget... or come close to matching; as far as fantasies go. Their first time had been fast, hard and demanding with no time for finesse or exploration. She knew it would be that way... they had wanted it too long; held it inside for too many years. What had surprised her was his stamina... within minutes of setting her back on her feet; Gibbs had begun a slow sensuous exploration of her entire body, soaping her gently with his work roughened hands as his touch found every spot that made her react.
Some were soft and gentle, others were firm and demanding, but every single one had her moaning and trembling at his mercy. She was amazed at how quickly her desire flared, leaving her aching for him... and she didn't have to wait long. Standing behind her, he slid his hands down her arms, covering her hands and interlocking their fingers as he raised her hands to the tile wall. Leaning into her, he pressed her closer until their weight was supported on their elbows, spread on either side of her head. His foot gently swept inside hers, pushing her feet apart like a suspect about to be frisked. Kate recalls the thrill that ran down her spine as another of her fantasies scrolled through her mind in that moment.
Then one arm came down to wrap around her waist, pulling her hips back to his as he stroked his wet, stubble covered jaw along her throat and whispered, "Now... where were we? Just about to do this..." He leans in further, slowly driving his hard cock into her until he is buried deep inside her. "Right, Katie? This what you wanted when you came this morning?" She moans incoherently and tilts her head back to rest against his as his hips grind slowly against her, hitting every trigger spot. His hand presses into her lower belly, urging her back onto his cock even more. Gibbs was in full control this time and he intended to take his time, tormenting her until her pleasure was so overwhelming it was almost painful...
A soft THWACK of something striking Kate dead center in the forehead brings her abruptly out of her memory induce trance. Her head jerks back and she looks up into the amused eyes of her annoying co-worker, Tony DiNozzo. He is seated across the aisle at this desk, grinning like a fool because his latest paper ball hit its mark. Kate suddenly realizes there are numerous other paper balls lying on her desk and on the floor around her and wonders how long he's been lobbing them at her? She'd been so lost in her memories that she hadn't even noticed until one hit her in the head.
"Tony! Really? Do you always have to be so juvenile?" She scoops up a handful of the paper balls and tosses them all back across the aisle at him. He playfully ducks the shower of harmless paper missiles and laughs at her annoyed glare. She was more angry that he'd interrupted a particularly intense memory that actually had her a bit flustered right now.
"Geez, Kate! Where the hell were you? You were like zoned out in some kinda trance there for a few."
She forces her eyes to return to the report in front of her, not daring to look over at their boss who just walked in. He was pretending not to notice, but picked up everything they said. She also saw McGee watching innocently from his desk, once again alerted only by Kate's annoyed tone that something was going on. She has one retort on the tip of her tongue, knowing if she actually told Tony what she had been thinking he would be shocked... for all of about ten seconds. Then he would be ruthless as he hounded her for details. So instead, she settles for a truthful... yet somewhat secretive answer that she knows Gibbs will understand, but the others won't. "I was just thinking about horses, Tony... an amazing stallion, actually."
Gibbs had been taking a sip of his coffee and suddenly chokes on it as he suddenly coughs roughly; wiping at his mouth to cover the laugh that had burst from him at her words. She had teased him in the early hours of the morning about 'being a stallion in bed' because they had just finished making love for the sixth time. He quickly walks off, not arousing anyone's suspicions except the woman who threw out that pointed comment a moment ago. It was hard enough to pretend everything was normal when she was sitting only three feet away from him, close enough to get occasional whiffs of her perfume when she moved. He was going to have to talk to her about behaving at work if they were gonna keep this quiet.
Tony and McGee both turn to watch their boss uncharacteristically choking on his coffee. They hadn't caught the smile or recognized his laughter for what it was... mainly because he wasn't one to laugh much... especially not at work. Kate just lowered her head and went back to reading her report... or pretending to read, anyway. She felt a glow wash over her at her lover's reaction, knowing her understood her veiled message.
"So, horses, huh? I didn't know you were the cowgirl type, Kate?" McGee as usual was clueless and simply trying to join in the conversation. Kate sighs silently and then leans back in her chair to casually look over at him.
"Actually, I grew up with horses, Tim. My father owned a horse farm in Kentucky and I could ride almost before I could walk."
"Wow, that's amazing. I've always admired horses, but... you know... with the allergy thing... I don't do well around fur, hair, barns, dust... or pets. Unless their cold blooded, of course... I had a Bearded Dragon... it's a lizard..."
"Yea, we get the picture, McSneezy. You were a wimpy kid who spent your entire childhood in a bubble." Tony is out of his seat, coming across to sit on the edge of Kate's desk as he turns his attention to her now, "I'm more interested in hearing about Kate's childhood... like sitting on some big, snorting beast... with her legs wrapped tightly... arrgghh..."
Kate gives Tony one of her best withering glares, but before she can cut him down for having his mind in the gutter, an especially hard head slap causes his head to snap forward. He yelps in pain and ducks, fearing another reprimand as he spins around to see Gibbs standing directly behind him with his hands on his hips. He keeps his voice low and deadly as his icy blue eyes drill into his young agent, "Do we need to have... another talk, DiNozzo?"
"No, boss... not necessary!" He has the decency to look embarrassed at being caught tormenting his co-worker again... and he hasn't forgotten Gibbs' threat last week. Tony quickly skirts around his boss, keeping his backside covered in case Gibbs was serious about following through on his threat. When Tony is safely back at his desk, Gibbs hesitates a moment, then turns back to Kate and gives her a slight smirk and a wink before he returns to his desk as well.
Although it wasn't easy, Jethro and Kate managed to slip into a routine of nonchalance at work, with some ground rules to keep them from having anymore moments like Gibbs choking on his coffee. No touching was mandatory, no secret moments, no barbed comments that only they would understand... so basically, they had to pretend they were back to the way things were before their fateful weekend. Neither one liked putting these restrictions on their relationship, but it was still so new... still untested and they stood a better chance of making this work if they didn't have any outside help.
They had spent long evenings cuddled up on the sofa talking about what would happen when they eventually did tell the rest of the team; laughing and imitating the various reactions they expected from them. Gibbs was more worried about what the Director would say. He knew there was no official policy about work place fraternization, but the Director was old school... just like Gibbs. Rule number twelve was not something to break lightly and the Director wouldn't hesitate to yank Kate off his team if he felt she was a distraction in any way. There was no way in hell Gibbs was going to tell him exactly how much of a distraction she was, because he knew he could handle it. He also knew Kate was professional enough to make this work. All they had to do was make sure they were solid in their relationship before they opened the door to that type of scrutiny.
They have been dating for three months now, slipping into a routine of her apartment on weeknights and his house for the weekends. It was easier for him to head home and change on short time than for Kate to do it. Women just needed more time to get ready in the morning, so Gibbs reluctantly left her to her morning routine as he ran home to shower and change. As much as he would have loved to get to know her every little pattern and routine, he knew it would have to wait... maybe soon he'd bring up the topic of her moving in with him. Maybe when they were ready to let the team in on their secret, because it wouldn't take them long to find out if she moved into his house for good.
Kate had been having similar thoughts, but she'd been reluctant to bring them up. She didn't want to seem like one of those desperate women who got all clingy and controlling. In reality she had become so addicted to him that she could hardly stand to be away from him anymore. On the rare occasions that work or some other commitment kept them apart, she would lie awake, unable to sleep without his solid warmth beside her. She had slowly been merging their lives; leaving clothing, personal items at his house while she encouraged him to have a change of clothes or two at hers... just in case. What she wasn't sure of, even now, was how Gibbs felt about having another woman in the house he shared with Shannon and Kelly. Dating was one thing, but that had been their house... would Gibbs want her there? She decides the time has come to bring up the subject with Gibbs... maybe tonight.
Gibbs was not in a good mood. Having been kept late at work for a meeting with the Director on an upcoming Naval Intelligence Conference and the security that would be needed for it. Gibbs was not only the senior team leader in their office, but senior to all other team leaders in all of the eastern seaboard states. And with that seniority came the responsibility of coordinating and managing all the other NCIS teams that would be coming in to help cover the security detail.
He tried to concentrate, but the clock ticked by as he sat there during the long video conference, listening to all the other team leaders reporting on their progress. His eyes kept wandering to his watch, wondering what Kate was doing right now. She knew he would be held up, but he hated to keep her waiting. Every minute of his free time had become a precious thing and he wanted to spend it all with her. Even if he did nothing except sit and read while she worked her crossword puzzles, he had come to treasure those times. In fact, he had actually come to enjoy helping her solve the puzzles and waited patiently for her adorable frown, then the questions to him when she was stuck for the right answer.
By the time the meeting finally ended, it was after nine o'clock and he couldn't get out of the office fast enough. He drove straight to her place, knowing she would be waiting to make everything better. He lets himself in, smiling at the treasure of having a key to her apartment... a gift she had given to him last weekend. Her comment about him almost living there anyway had been said casually, but he'd sensed her deeper meaning. Maybe it was time to think about moving their relationship forward.
As he closes the door, soft jazz music greets him and he knows where he'll find her. He takes the stairs two at a time and follows the familiar scent of Jasmine oil. When he enters the master bathroom his breath catches in his chest as he sees Kate standing beside the huge garden tub in nothing but her robe. She is just leaning over to light the last candle, having filled the tub with hot sudsy water and her favorite bath oil. Their eyes meet and she smiles, unable to control the way her heart always lurches when he looks at her with that smoldering need.
"Hey..." She watches as he quickly jerks his tie loose and strips it from around his collar, then begins to undo the cuffs on his black button down shirt.
"Hi. Long day. Are you hungry?" He leaves his shirt on the chair just outside the bathroom door, then kicks off his shoes and comes in to stand before her with a cocky grin. He reaches out to slowly untie the sash on her robe before pushing it off her shoulders. With her arms trapped in the folds of fluffy material, Gibbs grabs the edges and pulls her into his arms as he responds.
"Oh yeah..." He takes her in a long, slow sensuous kiss that has her trembling before he pulls back to look into her dark, smoky eyes.
"I meant dinner, babe. You know, food? I have it ready... I just need to heat it up for you."
"Later. This is what I need right now." He lets her robe fall to the floor as his hands now roam possessively up her back, molding her to him as his lips find hers again. She gives in to his demanding mouth, moaning softly as his tongue seeks out hers. After several kisses he finally pulls back to finish his thought, "You... a hot bath... and jazz. All that's missing is a cold beer."
"Would you settle for cold wine?" She tilts her head to indicate the bottle chilling on the corner stand. "I'll share it with you."
Gibbs just smiles and holds her hand as she steps down into the large tub. When she slips into the hot sudsy water, he quickly flips off the overhead light and removes the remainder of his clothes. She leans forward, letting him settle into the water behind her. With a sigh, Gibbs relaxes back onto the sloped tub and closes his eyes as the frustration of the day begins to slip away. Kate pours a large glass of wine and hands it to him, letting him drink before she settles back against his chest. He holds the glass to her lips and she takes a drink as her hands stroke slowly down over his thighs, loving the feel of the course hair and lean, hard muscles. They both lay their heads back, just relaxing and enjoying being together again.
Gibbs smiles to himself, wondering what his two agents would say if they knew he had come to love soaking in bubble baths. Tony had teased Tim mercilessly about it a while back, claiming it was 'a gay' thing... and at the time, Gibbs probably had to agree. But now, having been introduced to them by Kate... he saw them in a whole new light. All he has to do is recall the feel of her body sliding against his, or the way their baths always turned into very erotic sex. No, bubble baths with Kate were a good thing... but he still had his doubts about Tim's love of them. Maybe his young agent wasn't gay... at least not according to Abby, but he definitely needed some help in the 'man cave' department. Ever since Tony had begun teasing him about being gay, Tim had tried harder to be macho... sometimes overdoing it. But with some private guidance from Gibbs he was coming around. He just needed a little confidence... and a girlfriend.
Kate reaches over to grab the wine glass from the edge of the tub's frame and sees the smirk on her lover's face. She takes a sip, leans to one side and twists around to see him better as she asks, "And what's so amusing?"
"I was just thinking about McGee and bubble baths."
"McGee?" She slips one hand under the water to wrap her fingers around his semi-rigid shaft. With a gentle stroke, Gibbs moans softly as she teases, "So, it's McGee in a bubble bath that has you in this condition?"
He tries to give her his best Gibbs glare, but it was hard when her hand was stroking him gently. He finally smiles and admits, "NO! Just thinking about DiNozzo teasing him about liking bubble baths and how that made him seem gay... I was just thinking maybe Tim was on to something."
"You mean, being gay? Or the benefits of a bubble bath?" She has her head resting on his shoulder, continuing her caress. Gibbs studies her for a long moment before his head dips to kiss her gently several times, each one lasting a bit longer.
"Bubble baths aren't so bad... as long as you got a hot babe, sitting between your legs." He holds her head as his mouth drops in a more demanding kiss, plundering the sweetness she offers as he urges her around to face him. When she is facing him, straddling his thighs with her arms wrapped around his neck, he pulls back to add, "Thinking of installing one of these at the house... for you." He strokes back her damp hair, studying her to see what reaction his words have. "What do you think... would you like that?"
She had been gently nibbling on his jaw, but at the serious tone of his words, she sits back to look at him. She sees the tension in him, realizing he is as nervous as she is about bringing up this topic. Her fingers stroke slowly through his hair as she answers softly, "Well... you know I love my bubble baths, Jethro... but to install a tub at your house would..."
"Would make it our house... I want it to be our house, Katie." He sees a flurry of emotions flicker through her eyes and he wonders if he's rushing this too soon. He has known from the first day with her that he wanted her in his life, in his house and in his bed. But maybe Kate wasn't so sure about them. "Say something..."
"God... Jethro... you're talking about... I mean, I think you mean... geez, it's your home." She doesn't know of any other way to bring up the topic except to come right out and say the words so she takes a deep calming breath, "It's the home you shared with Shannon... and Kelly... are you sure?"
"It's just a house... you'd make it a home again, Kate. Wanted to ask you to move in with me for a while now." He strokes her cheek, hoping she isn't too freaked out about the fact that his house was where he lived with Shannon and Kelly. He could never sell the house, never move away from their memories there, but he didn't want their presence to scare away the new love in his life. "Unless you don't want..."
"No! I mean... that's not it. I just thought it would bother you. I'm actually stunned that you want me to be a part of it, a part of your life." She leans in to kiss him again, urgently wanting to let him know she is not having doubts about him. "I was actually thinking that we needed to talk about this... whole moving in together thing. I mean, with our schedules like they are, it's so hard to live like this... half here, half there... but it would also cause more complications and..."
He grips both sides of her face, stopping her nervous flood of words with a smile in true Gibbs fashion, "Kate... just say yes..." She is stunned into silence and after a moment simply nods and leans in to hug him tightly as she peppers kisses all over his face. Slowly her kisses find more purpose, moving closer and closer to his mouth until Gibbs finally growls and takes her in a deep, demanding kiss. He wants there to be no doubt about where their relationship is going now that she's agreed to move in with him.
Her legs straddle his waist and he groans huskily as she skillfully glides her hips over his erect manhood. She slowly rubs her sex up and down, rising slowly only to slip back into the steamy water as their eyes remain locked together. Each movement of her body brings her breasts up through the bubbles, wet and glistening in the candle light. Gibbs' eyes drop to the tempting, rounded peaks before him and his hands close in on her hips. He stops her movements, holding her up so he can examine the taut, dark nipples before him. A shiver runs through her as he gently blows on them, trying to displace the bubbles that cling to her skin. A smile playing at the corner of her mouth, wondering if he'll mind the taste of soap bubbles when he kisses them. He finally sighs and brings his eyes back up to hers, "Kate…"
"Yes?"
"As my woman… I think you should give me a drink of wine."
"I've got news for you, Gibbs… I ain't nobody's slave girl."
"Never said anything about being my slave girl, honey. I just thought since you adore me so much you might naturally want help me out... since I got my hands full." His hands glide up her sides to cup her breasts firmly.
"Oh you did? And what exactly are you going to do for me?"
"Give me a drink of wine and I'll show you."
She chuckles and leans towards him, with her arms on either side of his head to kiss him slowly as she grabs the wine glass. She is slow to sit back however as she leaves her lips on his and huskily whispers, "If all I have to do is keep you supplied with wine to get what I want… I think I'm gonna buy a winery."
She kisses him again and then sits back up with the wine glass in her hand. She takes a small sip and then tips the glass up to his lips so he can drink also. He takes a long swig, but doesn't swallow as she sets the glass aside again. When she turns her attention back to him he once again raises her up until her nipples break through the bubbles a few inches from his face. She watches as Gibbs now brings his mouth closer and allows a thin stream of wine to spray from his lips. He effectively washes away all the bubbles from each dark peak, leaving them dripping wine slowly into the water. By the time he is done, Kate is laughing as Gibbs grins and swallows the rest of the wine.
One hand slides up to cup her breast firmly, holding it as his mouth drops with expert accuracy to devour the wine tinted peak. Kate's laughter dies on a breathless sigh as Gibbs' hungry caress takes her by surprise. He mauls her roughly, suckling hard as he draws her body in closer. Her fingers curl around the back of his neck, twining in his damp hair as she whimpers softly as wave after wave of bittersweet pain courses through her. She arches towards him, offering herself to his mouth as it moves from one hardened tip to the other.
Gibbs allows her to redirect his focus, taking the taut nipple she presses against his lips. This time his caress is gentler, but no less urgent as he suckles hungrily and Kate is lost in the moment of pleasure as he expertly awakens the desire deep inside her. After a few minutes, Kate is aching to feel him inside her and raises her body up to slowly lower herself, easing his large shaft deep inside her before she stops to enjoy the moment. This time, it is Gibbs who moans huskily as he is overcome by the intense heat of being inside her. His mission forgotten, his head falls back to rest on the tub behind him. "Aaahhh… baby… you feel so good."
Kate leans forward, pressing her body against him as she brings her lips to his in a teasing kiss. Her arms curl around his neck, supporting his head as their eyes meet with undisguised longing. She tenderly kisses him as she whispers, "That's because I am… and I'm all yours."
His arms curve around her waist and he reaches up to claim her lips in another slow kiss. They spend long minutes kissing and caressing, but their hips remain motionless. Each kiss melts into another until the world outside ceases to exist. She is panting softly when she finally moves back; trying to catch her breath, but as if addicted, she can't keep her lips from his skin. They now nibble along his jaw, moving closer to his ear. "When you kiss me… mmmnnn… it makes me so hot."
Gibbs just smiles, knowing she is on the verge of an orgasm already. It isn't the first time he's excited her with just kisses. His hand finds one hard nipple pressed against his chest and he begins to slowly roll it between his thumb and finger as his lips find her ear. She buries her face against his neck; crying out softly as a tidal wave of pleasure rolls through her body. He feels her trembling response and growls deep in his throat as he begins to thrust slow and easy. He gently eases her head back until he can see her face. Nothing excites him more than the total surrender in her eyes. Kate moans huskily and her canal constricts, stroking his shaft as he continues to thrust gently into her. He prolongs her thrill until she finally lets out a long shuddering moan. She lowers her head to his shoulder, weak and panting as one last tremor rolls through her body.
They once again sit motionless as Kate regains her sanity. "Mmmnnn… I don't know how you do that… but I love it."
He kisses her brow and then wraps his arms around her waist as he once again eases his shaft deeper into her tight canal. She whimpers softly and raises up in response, ready to move with him. Her head is resting on his shoulder and her lips pressed against the pulse racing up his neck. Although still weak and satisfied from her orgasm, Kate moans contentedly and moves with Gibbs in perfect rhythm as he slowly raises his hips to hers. The water around them begins to churn, matching the motions of their bodies as they rock and sway together in this intimate dance. Gibbs keeps it slow and easy for several minutes, enjoying the slow, but steady invasion as her body awakens anew.
After several minutes she moans huskily and raises her head. She studies him, seeing the tension around his mouth as he maintains control. She smiles and kisses him teasingly several times. Each time he tries to deepen the kiss she pulls back only to torment him again. With both hands on her hips, Gibbs suddenly stops thrusting, holding her still as he looks deeply into her eyes and gruffly orders, "C 'mere, woman."
She knows what he wants and brings her lips back to his in a desperate kiss. He growls huskily as she obeys; opening her mouth to the insistent probing of his tongue. She matches his passionate kiss for kiss and it isn't long before Gibbs groans roughly and begins thrusting into her again. He pulls her hips down hard as his hips come up, causing her to gasp at the deep penetration. He continues this motion, hard and fast, for several moments as their desperate kisses match movement for movement. He feels the pressure building and the water begins to slosh up over the rim of the tub and onto the floor around them. Neither seems to notice as they are swept away into that mindless abyss of ecstasy.
Kate's muffled cry is drowned out by Gibbs' growl as his tongue invades her mouth in rhythm with his thrusting hips. Her whole body once again tightens as she is racked by wave after wave of tremors. Gibbs groans hoarsely, loving the way her canal holds him tightly until he can barely move. His fingers dig into her flesh as he holds her body still and rams his shaft deeply into her again and again. Kate breaks the kiss, gasping for air and moaning with each movement until a hoarse cry escapes his throat as his life fluid surges forth into her. His head is flung back and the cords stand out on his neck, frozen in an intense orgasm. It is several moments before he can even draw a ragged breath and his body finally relaxes in exhaustion.
They both lie there panting softly for several minutes as the last waves of pleasure trickle through them and their sanity returns. Even with his arms around her a cold chill crawls up Kate's spine and she shivers. Much of the warm water that had been surrounding them is now on the floor, leaving them exposed. Gibbs gently dips up warm water in his hands and rubs it across her back as his head comes up to survey the damage. "I think we made a mess again."
"Mmnn... don't care... my lease is up soon." He feels her smiling into his neck and can't help but smile too. She was moving in with him and that's all that mattered right now.
