1Well here is chapter 10 if anyone is reading this. R&R if you'd like. I hope you guys are enjoying this because im in love with this story and the next one im gonna write. So I hope you enjoy.

Nick fidgeted in his seat as Ryan, Sara and Catherine went to the bathroom. Warrick had caught him completely off guard. Although Warrrick had let it go casually leaning back into his seat, Nick knew an explanation was expected and the longer he put it off the more suspicious it was gonna be. Yet he still wasn't ready to tell Warrick what he himself wasn't even sure about. He glanced at Greg who was looking around the room.

"How much coffee did you inhale this morning Greg?"

"Not much, im just looking for someone to dance with me. Do you think Catherine would?"

Warrick laughed "Yeah and I think she'll even let you stand on her feet too!"

Nick and Warrick laughed, Greg just slumped in his seat.

"Wow you guys look like your having a great time!" Catherine said as the three women came walking up.

"How much longer do we have to stay Cat?" Sara asked.

"Just 2 more hours" A wave of sighs flew around the table. Then Greg, who could not sit still, Spoke.

"Ryan will you dance with me?" He said as he drummed on the table with his fingers.

Nick glared at him from the other side of the table. Greg obviously didn't get the hint.

"Uh sure...one dance would be fine." Ryan said as she set her purse next to Nick and whispered into his ear. "Make sure you get the next one"

Nick smiled and nodded. He watched as Ryan and Greg made their way onto the dance floor. The song was slow and beautiful. The dance floor only had about a dozen couples sharing in delight the pleasure of the music. Greg and Ryan being one of them, spoke while they danced.

"You look very nice tonight Ryan" Greg said sheepishly.

"Thank you Greg, so do you" She answered politely.

Greg and Ryan swayed to the music in quiet conversation when they were interrupted by a male voice. "Can I cut in?"

The rest of the team sat at the table, until Grissom came and asked Sara to dance. Leaving Catherine, Warrick and Nick to their thought. None spoke until Doc Robbins came hobbling up.

"Enjoying yourselves I hope"

"As much as I would a swarm of bees." Nick said with little enthusiasm.

Just then Greg came walking up and sat down.

"Where is Ryan?" Nick asked

"Oh she is still dancing" Greg answered non chalantly.

"Who is she dancing with?" Nick was getting upset.

"Uh...that one guy from day shift, Craig, he asked to cut in so I let him" Greg shrugged.

"How could you just leave her alone?" Nick stood from his chair and began scanning the room for her. But he couldn't find her.

"She'll be alright, she's a big girl" Greg defended.

Ryan moved nervously to the music as she danced with Craig. He had made advances toward her at work when their shifts had overlapped one another. But she had always politely shot him down. And now Greg had left her with him and it was obvious he had too much to drink. He hand crept dangerously low on her hip and she did not feel comfortable. Still she didn't want to cause a scene.

"Are you nervous dancing with me?"

"No..uh I ...no." Ryan stuttered making her statement sound like a lie, which it was.

"You look really sexy tonight" Craig slurred

"Thank you" Ryan answered shortly "Um excuse me I have to use the bathroom" she tried to walk away but he tightened his grip and held her close. She winced in pain.

"Come on the song is almost over!"

She leaned back not wanting to be close to him and she tried squirming out of his hold. But to no avail.

"Please Craig, I really have to use the bathroom."

He ignored her and slid his hand down to her ass and gripped it firmly.

"Let go of me!" She pushed on his chest.

"Oh come one" his voice sounded like a weasel.

Suddenly out of her peripheral vision, Ryan saw someone walking fastly towards them. It was Nick. He grabbed the hand Craig had on her ass and he squeezed it until bones were heard cracking. Craig finally released his hold on her.

"What the hell man!" Craig squealed in pain.

"Craig, get the hell out of here. If you ever touch her ever again I'll kill you! Not to mention that you'll be fired!" Nick's eyes were wild with anger. Craig took a few steps back, gave them the finger, then took off. Ryan and Nick immediately reached for each other.

"Thank you. That guy is a creep" Her voice was trembling

"Are you sure your alright?" Concern etched in his voice

"Yeah im fine, thanks to you" She smiled up at him. Ryan was used to this kind of treatment from men. Especially at a club or a bar. But it was nice to have someone come to her rescue, she smiled inwardly. Before they knew it a new song had started and without thinking they began to sway to the melodic tune. Staring into each others eyes as their hips rubbed together. The song was beautiful...as if it in some way mirrored the affection that grew between them. The room began to spin as they inched closer and closer until they were holding tight to each other. Nick's arms wrapped firm around Ryan's waist with his fingers sewn together behind her. His head leaned on hers as her arms sat comfortably around his neck. They felt at ease in each others arms. It felt right. But to curious onlookers the sight of Nick and Ryan so close and affectionate was odd. Catherine was about to cut in for a dance with Nick when she caught sight of the way he was looking at Ryan. She knew the look, but thought better of making a huge production of it in case her speculations turned out to be false. Though she could swear she'd never seen that look on Nick's face before.

At the end of the night everyone said their goodbyes, even to Ecklie, and were heading home. In the parking lot Nick walked up to Ryan to say his personal goodbye. She was just opening her door when he approached her. He lovingly grabbed her hand in his own. She turned to face him knowing who it was. No words were spoken for a long while as they leaned against her car staring at the stars, with hands clasped tight. Neither knew what to say. The dance they had shared was full of longing. Ryan mind was aching with question. Still none spoke, sharing in peace the silence that flowed between them. Til finally Ryan spoke with a speedy question.

"Would you like to come over for some coffee?"

Nick answered with a ample Texan smile.

Ryan stumbled into her apartment on tired, achy feet. She dropped her purse and shoes on the ground and lead Nick to the kitchen. She flipped on the light and pressed the answering machine play button before heading over to the coffee pot. Nick leaned comfortably against the kitchen counter watching Ryan. 'God she is so beautiful' He thought to himself. But his thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of Ryan's sister on the answering machine.

"Hey Ryan, its Alana. I was a little worried that you didn't call, but your probably busy at the lab. Call me when you can, remember you promised to tell us more about that Nick guy. Love you bye" The answering machine beeped.

Ryan ran over to the machine and slammed on the stop button. She turned around to face Nick who was laughing. Her face was beat red with embarrassment.

"Sorry" She managed to wring out. Nick didn't say anything. Instead he made his way over to Ryan, grabbed the back of her head and tilted it towards his lips. The kiss was slow and perfect. Ryan broke it and looked confused at Nick.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Giving you something to tell you sisters" He kissed her again this time it was ravenous and wanting. His hands probed her back writhing her dress up higher and higher with each stroke of his needy hands. Ryan stopped and undid the buttons on Nick's dress shirt. He gladly accepted, helping her as he threw it to the ground exposing his full muscular chest. Ryan heaved breath's of excitement. They began to kiss once more. Nick swept Ryan off of her feet and brought her to the couch where only hours before they had sat and talked about what was to become of them. But that conversation was lost on Nick, thinking only now of how much he needed to feel her again.