Title: Texas Hold 'Em
Author: rekkidbraka
Rating: T
Pairings: Tony D. and Ziva D.
Category: Romance
Disclaimer: No infringement intended.
Spoilers: None
Summary: Tony has a new rival for Ziva's affections.

-------------------- Texas Hold 'Em ---------------------

"You have a new assignment and it doesn't include me," Tony said, sidling up to Ziva's desk. "Tell me everything."

"I cannot," Ziva replied stiffly, not bothering to even look at Tony, who now leaned over her left shoulder. "It is top secret."

"We have no secrets anymore," Tony countered huskily. "Not after Halloween night. Not after what you did to me when I was handcuffed to your bed."

"You asked me to keep that a secret, Tony," Ziva answered. "But if you would like, I will tell everyone how you are ticklish right around your..."

"Shhhhh!" Tony quickly admonished, his eyes growing wide. "We said we'd never speak of that again. Until I asked you to do it to me. Again."

"As you wish," Ziva said, continuing to study a file on her computer.

"C'mon, Ziva," Tony whined. "Tell me about your new assignment! How come I'M not your partner on this one? Who IS your partner? Are they bringing in Callen from L.A.? That Hanna guy? The Kensi chick? Or are they sticking McGoo to you like McGlue?" He giggled at his own joke.

"I am sorry, but I cannot tell you about the assignment, Tony, or who I will be working with." Ziva tapped away at her keyboard. "Those are my orders."

"Says who?" Tony said in a low, breathy voice, speaking intimately into Ziva's ear. He took the opportunity to breathe in her perfume, which never failed to arouse him. Ziva shivered, the heat of Tony's breath on her neck giving her chills.

"Says me, DiNozzo," Gibbs answered brusquely from his desk next to Ziva's. "When you're done with today's grabass break, ya think you can actually get some work done?"

"Work is my middle name, Boss!" Tony chirped nervously, gliding back over towards his own desk. He fumbled with his tie; Ziva snickered at the sight. "Actually, my middle name is 'Daniel' because we're Catholic and there's this thing about naming boys after saints. And I'm anything but a saint. Oh, the irony isn't lost on me, Boss, no sirree... heh heh..." Tony grimaced and quickly sat down, opening a file. Gibbs glared at him.

Just then, a man's voice interrupted the group as they began settling into their day.

"Damn! Y'all sure are a quiet bunch around here. I know you don't like talkin' much, Gibbs, but dang man... You got somethin' against free association? 'Cause me, I like to freely associate." The man, a tall blond with a goatee, spoke with a twangy Southern drawl. He sat on the edge of Ziva's desk like he owned it. She smiled shyly, looking up at him. He winked back at her. "'Specially with Agent David here." Ziva blushed. Gibbs glanced up at the man, rolled his eyes and went back to his paperwork.

From his desk across the aisle, Tony fumed. HIM again, he thought. Why is HE back? Tony seethed with jealousy watching Ziva flirt with the man.

The man, who had been locked in a sexy staring match with Ziva, at last slowly turned his eyes Tony's way.

"DiNozzo," he drawled. "What's the good word, man?" He flashed Tony a brief, perfunctory grin before turning back to smile at Ziva.

"Long time, no see," Tony replied, a bitter smirk curling his lips. "How's it hangin'... Chad?"