Chapter 10

AN: Warning: Strong sexual content...

Pen was counting down the days until Friday. It was only Tuesday; it seemed like a million years away until she was back with Derek. To say she was eager to be with him was the understatement of the year. It was their fourth weekend together, she couldn't wait.

She was bad, but Derek was worse. He wanted her to come home with him every night. They agreed that it should be weekends only. They'd be too exhausted otherwise. Lately, he was pushing for more.

He wanted to take her out to dinner tonight, but he had a class that was mandatory.

"I'll skip it," he said over the phone. He was on his way to a lab across town.

She giggled. "Rossi needs you to help teach it. He'd have my ass if I kept you away."

"Uh-uh," he said. "No one gets your ass but me."

She was glad there was a phone line between them. She would hate for him to see her blush as much as she was right now. She decided to tease him in return. "Well, for two more months it's yours."

"I'm gonna talk you into staying," he said. He was very matter of fact sounding.

"Rule number two-ooo," she said in a sing-song tone.

"With a clause," he said in the same tone, "and I am going to win, so give it uhhh-up."

"C'mon, sweet cheeks. You'll be bored with me by then."

"Never," he said, his voice getting lower and thicker. "Nobody else feels so soft, blushes so beautifully, and tastes like candy everywhere. You have to know how much you rock my world."

She started to smile so much her cheeks hurt. She bit her bottom lip to keep from squealing in glee. "I had an idea; certain parts of you are always happy to see me."

"Oh, keep talking about my happy parts, girl, and...Damn. I'm there already," he said with obvious disappointment. "I don't want to let you go."

"Then keep holding on, sugar," she said, purring softly. "I like it when you hold on tight."

"I need to see you tonight. I have to see you." The heat of his gravelly voice made her tingle. "It's an emergency; I'm suffering severe withdrawal here."

"Tonight, my place. After class. I'll be waiting." She pushed the button, disconnecting the call.

She was still smiling like an idiot when she left her office, and two hours later having lunch with the rest of the team that was there. It was Prentiss's birthday; they ordered pizza to celebrate. Rossi, Hotch and Morgan were out, but the rest of them were still there.

Emily picked a piece of pepperoni off her pizza and threw it at Reid.

Being used to that sort of thing, Reid just ducked and kept eating. Reid ate like a teenage boy; they had to order an extra large pizza because he was there.

"So what are you doing tonight?" JJ asked, taking a big bite of the multi-topping pizza. JJ ate infamously slowly; she was still on her first slice, while everyone else was finishing up.

"Matt is taking me dancing," she said, not sounding that thrilled. Prentiss dated a lot, but really had no serious interest in any of her dates.

Pen met Matt before. He seemed nice enough; she hoped he might be the right one for Prentiss. "That's going to be lots of fun."

"He's boring in bed," she mused. Her phone rang, and she looked at it. "Damn. I have to answer. Hi, sweetie," she rolled her eyes at the them as she walked away.

"Speaking of relationships," JJ said, looking over at Penelope. "How are you and your friend doing?"

She couldn't help but beam again. "It's going so great, JJ. We have so much fun. I think being friends really helps; I know he cares."

"I'm glad it's working," JJ said, before concern crept onto her face. "Still, be careful. His reputation precedes him."

"It's not like that with Derek and me-"

"Morgan?" Reid said, looking up from the seventh piece of pizza he was eating. "You and Morgan are an item?"

He sounded so incredulous Penelope couldn't help sounding defensive. "Yes, Reid. What's the big deal?"

"Well… you..ah..you're not his usual type." He went back to eating his pizza

Her face fell. He couldn't have hurt her more if he slapped her. She never would've expected something cruel like that from Reid. She was like his big sister, she defended Reid when people said nasty things about him.

JJ kicked Reid in the leg under the table.

He looked up and noticed immediately he had hurt Penelope's feelings. "Garcia, I didn't mean anything remotely negative about you. Being nothing like Morgan's usual dates is a compliment."

Pen saw the earnest, truthful look on his face. He looked absolutely in pain for hurting her; it healed her heart a lot just to see that. "What do you mean, Reid?"

"Well.. Ah.. There's a certain type of girl Morgan usually chooses." He paused, his cheeks getting a little red. "Fast. Easy. Not marriage material."

"Aw, Reid." Pen giggled, elbowing Spencer gently. He blushed. "I'm marriage material? You sweet thing, you."

JJ stressed the other part. "Did you hear what type Morgan usually dates, P? Be careful."

"I don't want that from him, JJ," she said, her smile leaving again. "He doesn't want it from me. It's fun between friends, that's all."

Reid looked relieved. "Oh, good. Morgan stated in the past he was never going to 'settle down.' If you're both aware of the facts, and agree to proceed with procuring a relationship that is mutually satisfying, then far be it from me to interfere."

He smiled, nodded, and went back to eating his pizza. End of story.

Not for JJ, though. "Penelope-"

"Lay off, JJ," she snapped, standing up. "I know what I'm doing."

Later that evening, Derek came to her apartment. She was wearing her little t-shirt nightgown, and was pacing the floor, agitated. She let him in the door.

He barely got his shoes off when she attacked him.

After, she collapsed forward against his shoulder. She could have just a sexual affair, nothing else. It didn't have to be roses and romance. She could check off the list and that was all. It didn't have to involve her heart, or any feelings at all. It didn't, damn it. It didn't.

She didn't realize she was crying until she felt his hands rubbing her back, and he was cooing sweet nothings in her ear, "Shhh..baby. It's okay." He was still holding her. What he was doing, what he just did, was all for her benefit.

"I'm sorry… I'm…. I...," she tried to speak, but it was no use. The tears made it impossible.

He kissed her lips softly, her cheek, before moving to her ear. "Wrap your arms and legs around me, okay?" he instructed before standing up. His hands held her bottom, holding her close to him, cradling her in his arms.

He laid with her on the bed, kissing the tears that fell down her cheeks. His hands cupped the sides of her face, his fingertips brushing her lips, moving errant strands of hair. He held still while he kissed her, murmuring and reassuring her with soft, sweet words.

They made love.

They didn't say a word, just laid together, holding each other, exchanging tender kisses for a long time. He moved and pulled her to his side, then he spoke, "Are you okay?"

She smiled. "Better now."

He didn't smile back. "If something is hurting you, Penelope, I need to know."

Her heart ached. She didn't know what to say. So instead, she just cuddled and held him. "Just stay the night."

"Of course. Anything you want, I'll do."

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