Thank you again for all of your support! Guest reviewer Annie had asked if Sharon has children in this AU, and the answer is yes. She has Emily and Ricky and Andy has Nicole and his son. Coincidently, there's a tiny reference to them having kids in the last section of this chapter. Thanks for the great question! Here's the next chapter. As always, I welcome your feedback.

I do not own Major Crimes or any of the fabulous characters.


Chapter Nine

By the end of the week, Andy was ready to crash on his couch for the entire evening. He had found a movie and made himself a cup of coffee. He was just settling in on his couch when he heard a soft knock on his door. It surprised him. He had been expecting a quiet Friday night at home alone. He padded over to his front door and opened it to find a cheery Sharon Raydor standing there holding what looked like dry cleaning. He couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Hi," he said happily.

"Hi. I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said tentatively, and he shook his head. "I picked up your shirt from the dry cleaners, and I just wanted to return it to you. Thank you again, by the way," she said a bit shyly. He found that he liked this side of her.

"It was no big deal, really. And you didn't have to do that," he said with a smile, indicating the dry cleaning.

"Seemed like the least I could do," she replied. They both took a moment to study each other.

"Would you like to come in? I was just about to start a movie. You're more than welcome to join me," he offered warmly.

"Sure," she replied, and he stepped aside to allow her to enter. He couldn't believe she was here with him. He closed the door behind her and quickly grabbed the dry cleaned shirt from her hand. He hung it on the coat closet door and escorted her into his living room.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" He asked, suddenly remembering his coffee.

"No, thank you. I just came from dinner with some colleagues," she assured him. He nodded and motioned for her to take a seat wherever she wanted. She settled on the end of the couch, so he joined her, but left enough space as not to crowd her. He started the movie and they both relaxed back into the couch. It was weird. It should have felt awkward, and yet, sitting on the couch with her in complete silence watching a movie felt like the most natural thing ever. He relished it.

While they watched the movie, Andy stole lingering glances at her. He studied the curve of her jaw, the fullness of her lips, the sparkle of her eyes, and the slope of her neck. He was enchanted by her, and he loved simply being in her company. When the movie ended, she moved to get up, and he couldn't help the disappointment that settled in his stomach.

"It's late, I should probably be heading home. Thank you for a nice evening," she said sweetly.

"Anytime," he answered with a smile. He walked her to the door and she stepped out onto his porch.

"It's a beautiful night," she said wistfully as she looked up at the night sky. He stepped out onto the porch with her. She didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave, and he certainly wasn't in one to see her go.

"It is," he agreed, admiring her in the evening glow. He wasn't sure who made the first move, but they both sat down next to each other on the top step of his porch. As they were gazing up at the sky in companionable silence, there was an energy buzzing around them. It was warm and intoxicating. It felt like anticipation and hope. It gave him courage.

"I'm so sorry about that day in archives," he said turning to face her. He saw the surprise briefly cross her features. She turned to meet his gaze.

"Don't worry about it, Lieutenant. We both acted out of turn," she said lightly. He didn't looked appeased.

"Yeah, but I was an ass. I read your report. I know that you were only pulling the case to point out how I'd improved," he said looking out over his front yard. She studied him a moment, and then turned towards his yard as well.

"It was a difficult time. I think we were both dealing with... other things," she said hesitantly. He nodded, and then turned to face her.

"And now?" He asked, and she turned to meet his gaze, confusion written on her face. "Are we still dealing with 'other things'?" He asked carefully. She hesitated a moment before answering.

"I don't know. Are we?" She asked shyly. He watched her features, trying to read them, but as usual, she was unreadable. The only indication that she might be on the same page was the way she briefly scraped her teeth across her bottom lip before her eyes suddenly averted his gaze. He leaned in slightly, just to see if she would pull back. She didn't. He allowed his gaze to wander to her lips and then back up to her eyes. He saw fear, but he also something else, something he could feel reflected in his own eyes, but couldn't quite name.

"Well, I still want to kiss you," he whispered. She allowed her eyes to travel to his lips. He could feel his pulse racing and his heart pounding. Her chest began to rise and fall as her breathing increased.

"Then, why don't you?" she challenged, voice low and throaty. He didn't need any more encouragement. He leaned in, and she met him halfway. Their lips came together in a gentle dance that started out slowly and built steadily. Andy placed his hand on her face and slowly moved it until it was tangled in her hair. Sharon rested her hand on his chest. Their lips continued to move in a languid pace that had them both feeling a bit lightheaded. They slowly pulled away to give themselves a moment to catch their breath and collect their emotions. When Andy allowed his eyes to carefully scan her face, he was relieved to see the smile that had taken up residence there.

"So..." He said with a small laugh. She allowed her own small laugh before a smile lit her features.

"So," she echoed. She leaned in and kissed him again. It was a short, sweet kiss that had them feeling giddy.

"Sharon, there are so many things that I want to tell you," he said sincerely. She nodded. "But it feels like too much for tonight," he added.

"We have time," she replied reassuringly. He studied her for a moment.

"What would you say to breakfast tomorrow? I know a great place not too far from your condo. We could meet there. Say around nine?" He asked a bit nervously.

"I would say... that sounds... perfect," she replied before standing up from the step. He did the same and they found themselves facing each other once again. She ran her hands down his chest and then back up again before she met his gaze. Her eyes darted to his lips and then she leaned up and captured them with her own. They shared a passionate kiss that ended too soon, but both knew they had to end their evening before things got carried away. "See you in the morning," she said, and it was more of a promise. As Andy watched her walk away and get in her car, he couldn't do a damn thing to wipe the ridiculous smile off his face. And he didn't want to.


The next morning, Andy arrived early to the restaurant. He was flooded with anticipation and excitement about seeing Sharon again in this capacity. He had texted her the details about the restaurant last night, but she hadn't replied. As he sat in the small booth keeping a close watch on the door, doubt started to work its way in as well. Then, he saw her. She came in through the entrance like a breath of fresh air. Her casual attire matching his own, and her hair falling in soft, natural waves around her face. He glanced at the clock above the door: she was early, too. He took it as a good sign.

Sharon couldn't help the megawatt smile that lit up her face the moment she saw Andy sitting in that booth waiting for her. She walked right over and sat down in the empty seat across from him.

"Good morning," he said warmly. His own smile only serving to prolong hers.

"Hmm, yes, it is," she replied. She couldn't help it. She was smitten with him and he was wearing jeans and a t-shirt and that irresistible smile. It was hard to believe that after everything they had been through, they had somehow made their way back to where they always wanted to be.

"I ordered a cup of coffee for you," he said indicating the steaming cup in front of her. "I hope that's alright," he added a bit unsure. She smiled.

"It's perfect. Thank you," she assured him. "So, what's good here?" She asked while opening her menu.

"Well, that depends on whether you're an eggs or pancakes type of person," Andy said with mock seriousness.

"What about if you're both?" She asked with a lift of her eyebrow. He smiled, and she enjoyed the crinkle of his eyes.

"Then you can't go wrong," he replied, eyes admiring her. "But I would suggest one of the combos," he added.

A little while later, after a friendly waitress had taken their order and relieved them of their menus, Andy reached across the table and rested his hand on top of Sharon's. The sensation sent warmth through her body. She turned her hand in his and laced their fingers together. She lazily ran her thumb along the edge of his hand and across the underside of his wrist while holding his gaze.

"So, you mentioned something about some things you wanted to tell me," she pried with a flirty grin. He laughed. Leave it to Sharon Raydor to get right to the point. He didn't mind, he was practically bursting at the seams to clear the air between them.

"I did," he teased, prolonging her torture for just a few more moments. She pursed her lips. He couldn't keep it in any longer. He looked down at their joined hands before finally telling her his truth. "Something happened that night at Drew's, and it's only gotten stronger since then as I've gotten to know you better," he explained, and she was relieved to finally be able to address that night.

"I know what you mean, Andy," she said with a nervous smile. "I thought I could ignore it, forget it happened, but that has proven to be impossible," she explained. He nodded.

"I'm sorry I messed things up that night after you got hurt. I never should have tried to kiss you," he said shaking and lowering his head.

"It wasn't your fault. I wanted this, I did, but I just wasn't ready," she said contritely. He shook his head.

"I know, and I shouldn't have pushed you," Andy said regretfully. She squeezed his hand.

"None of it matters now," she assured him with a smile. Just then their food arrived. They slowly released each other's hands and preceded to eat in companionable silence.

After breakfast, they walked side by side towards their cars. When they got to her car, she turned to face him. He lifted his right hand and softly ran the back of his hand over the side of her face.

"What's on your mind? I can tell something is bothering you," he asked quietly, watching different emotions flash in her eyes.

"It's just... well... I guess I'm just wondering if we're on the same page," she said, trying to find the right way to broach this subject without upsetting him.

"Same page with what?" He asked, brows creased with confusion.

"Andy, I'm not interested in just having fun. I guess what I mean is, I'm looking for something a bit more meaningful," she tried to clarify. Realization crossed his features.

"You know my reputation," he said, but there was no anger in the statement. She nodded. He took both of her hands in his. "Sharon, if that's all I wanted, I would have given up a long time ago and spared us both some heartache," he said with an amusing smile. She returned it. He pulled her into an embrace, and she went willingly. After a few moments, he turned and nuzzled her hair away from her ear and spoke quietly.

"I'm looking for something more meaningful, too. I'd really like to see where this goes, if you're interested in pursuing it, of course," he added and pulled out of the embrace so he could see her face. He kept his arms loosely around her. When he looked in her eyes, he saw relief. She finally nodded, and he felt like he could breathe again.

"Yes, I would very much like to see where this goes," she assured him. He watched the smile start at her lips and move up to her eyes.

"Good," he whispered. "Because I'm kinda crazy about you," he added before moving in and closing the gap between them. Their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss that was filled with both emotion and desire. When they broke apart, he remembered something that they needed to clear up before things could proceed.

"What about work?" He asked carefully. He didn't want to cause her any trouble in that arena. She shook her head.

"We only have to report it to our immediate supervisor," she assured him. He rolled his eyes.

"Great, that means telling that gossip queen Taylor," he said annoyed. She laughed at his exaggeration.

"Well, we can just call this whole thing off if telling Taylor is such an inconvenience for you," she teased. He schooled his features immediately.

"Nah, I can handle Taylor," he quipped before leaning in and capturing her lips in a searing kiss that had them both a bit breathless. "So... What you got planned for the rest of the day?" He asked flirtatiously.

"Is that your way of asking me on a date, Lieutenant?" She flirted back.

"No, ma'am. If I remember correctly, the ball is in your court," he said mischievously. She laughed.

"Ah, yes. That is ringing a few bells, 'Andy that cute charming guy from the bar'," she teased. He smiled before capturing her lips in a short, sweet kiss.

"How do you feel about gelato?" He asked sweetly. She raised her eyebrows in suspicion.

"I happen to be a big fan," she said carefully.

"Good because I know a great place. How about I pick you up around noon and take you to lunch on the pier and then we take a stroll to the gelato place?" He asked, voice hopeful.

"Sounds like a nice afternoon," she cooed. He leaned down and kissed her one last time before she turned and got into her car. He watched as she drove away, and he honestly couldn't wait to see her again.


Their lunch and gelato date turned into an entire afternoon together and they wound up back at Sharon's condo for dinner. On their way there, they had stopped at a grocery store and picked up all the ingredients for a nice, intimate dinner at home. While they were strolling along the pier hand-in-hand, they shared many things about themselves, work, their kids, and something that Sharon felt they needed to discuss before things got too carried away. She wanted to take things slowly. She felt very deeply for Andy, so she wanted to give their relationship the best chance to thrive. Plus, there was their job situation to consider and both of their emotionally complicated pasts. Andy had readily agreed, and Sharon felt the relief wash over her.

So now as they worked together to make an aromatic eggplant parmesan, she felt fully comfortable in his presence for the first time since that night many months ago. She was impressed with his cooking skills, and he was simply impressed with her. He spent a lot of time connecting with her while they made dinner: shoulder bumps, reassuring caresses to her upper arms, stolen kisses, and electric touches when their fingers met. It was strange. This thing between them had just started, and yet, it felt comfortable and right in a way that many relationships never achieved. Neither wanted to question it, so they simple enjoyed it.

After dinner, Sharon curled up on the couch with Andy and allowed herself to get lost in his soft caresses, whispered words, and soothing kisses to her temple. It had been forever since she had felt like this, been like this with someone, and connected with another person on such a honestly intimate way. When the desire to kiss him almost swallowed her whole, she leaned up and captured his lips. She set a languid pace that had heat pooling in her core. She softly ran her hands up and down his chest while he buried his in her hair, pulling her closer. She deepened the kiss when his tongue tantalizingly ran along her bottom lip. They stayed like that, passionately making out but never taking it further, for a while. It was freeing to be this way together - finally.

As the hour grew late, Andy bid her goodnight, but not before leaving her with a searing kiss that had her blushing widely and wanting more. As she closed the door behind her, she wondered how long she'd be able to take things slowly. It seemed her feelings for Andy Flynn were even deeper than she realized. And suddenly, the thought of imagining a future with him wasn't so scary. Before she could think about that, she would have to tell Taylor about this relationship. But, that was Monday's problem.

TBC