A/N: I know it took me too long this time, but I won't say sorry. : )

Kate sat on a stool in the basement, her sketchbook on her knees, thoughts wandering. I understand why Gibbs likes working down here. It's so quiet you could believe there is nothing else in the world. It's perfect to think. Her mind returned to the owner of this place. Lifting her eyes, she locked them on the silhouette sitting at the workbench, working. Although he didn't move very much, the tight black tee he wore showed his well-toned back. Her look traveled lower. The, at the ankles casually crossed, legs were clad in loose cargo pants. I'd like to know, what he wears under them. The thought flashed through her mind and made her blush. Quickly she returned to her sketches.

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Gibbs knew that Kate was watching him. The only cause he had chosen this snug tee was to give her a good sight. He intended to make sure she understood what he felt for her. That he wanted her here, in his house, every minute of every future day. That he would do everything to make her happy. The delivery guy had interrupted his best chance so far and he could be glad to have escaped with his life. But a Leroy Jethro Gibbs would never retreat in his mission. He would succeed. Definitively!

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Kate was pleased with her drawings and rose to show them to Gibbs. Placing the sketchbook in front of him, she leaned her right hip against the workbench, so near she almost brushed against his arm. Wordless he looked at it, nodding in approval. He got up, making her tremble as he grazed her slightly. "Perfect." He said, turning to her. Receiving a compliment from Gibbs in addition to their sudden closeness made Kate lightheaded. She could smell the unique mixture of sawdust, coffee and himself and sensed the heat radiating from his body. And then, without another warning, she felt his lips on hers. Eventually! A suppressed sigh escaped her. Still not moving herself, she felt him slowly retreat. Don't stop! The desperate thought finally made her regain the ability to move and she fisted her hands into his collar, holding him in place.

Relieved, Gibbs sensed her movement. Deepening the former chaste kiss, he moved his hands around her. One landed on her lower back pulling her as near as possible, the other was buried in her hair, steadying her head. That's it. I don't want this to stop. Ever! He thought, nipping gently at the incredibly soft lips.

Kate's mind blurred. The only thing existing that moment was Gibbs. His hands holding her, his body pressed firmly against hers, his lips moving over hers. I have to taste him! She slowly slipped her tongue out.

Gibbs reacted instantly. Groaning he opened his mouth to her exploration and earned another sigh from her when he returned the favor.

Finally the urge for air forced them to surface. Breathing hard they leaned in each other's arms. Kate had buried her face in his neck. "What are we doing, Gibbs?" She whispered. "Kissing?!" He offered. Noticing the lack of a reaction, he slowly pulled away to lock their eyes, intertwining his hands with hers. "How does it feel, Katie?" "Good." She mumbled. "Then stop thinking and enjoy." He ordered, but his voice was completely different to his normal barking.

Casting a glance on his watch, he realized it was already after 2300. Knowing of her late lack of sleep, he suggested. "Bed?!" And before she could react in a negative way he added. "I'll take the couch." He didn't want to, but he knew he had to go slow.

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Once again Gibbs led Kate to his bedroom. Reaching their destination he gave her one of his NIS shirts and a pair of navy blue shorts. "Sweet dreams, Katie." He allowed himself a quick peck next to her mouth. Turning, to leave her alone, he was stopped by her hand on his forearm. "You don't have to take the couch." The sincerity in her voice made his heart jump. "I'm right back." He squeezed her hand and left to use the bathroom and give her time to change.

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On his way back, Gibbs fought a dispute in his mind. Normally at this time of the year he slept only in his boxers, but he didn't want to shock Kate. On the other hand, he knew he would toss and turn if he felt to warm. Still not sure what to do he entered the bedroom. Kate was snuggled into the covers, her eyes closed and seemed to be already asleep. So he quickly got rid of his pants, keeping his tee on and slipped under the blanket, settling on his side, head propped up on one hand to have better view. Humming, Kate shifted until she lay with her back pressed against his chest. His fingers wandered automatically over her waist, stopping only when his hand rested flat on her stomach.

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Nearly three hours later Gibbs lay still awake. I knew it's too warm. Not that he had a problem with holding and watching a sleeping Kate, but he also could use some rest. Carefully he retreated a little from Kate's back and slipped his tee over his head, tossing it into the darkness next to the bed. Returning to his former pose, he soon felt his mind drift away.

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Kate lay on her front, feeling an insisting finger drawing little circles on her naked lower back under her shirt. She blinked, opening her eyes fully when she saw the blue irises locked at her. "'M sorry Katie, but we have to get up." "Rule #6?!" She mumbled. "There's no such thing as weakness in bed." His answer surprised her. She turned to sit up, taking the now better view in. Gibbs was sitting on the edge of the bed, shirtless. Admiring his broad, muscular chest, she felt the growing arousal floating through her body.

Interrupting her thoughts, Gibbs chuckled, a sparkle dancing in his cerulean eyes. "I know what you're thinking. But if you want to go by your place before work, we have to get up now." Feeling sassy, Kate pouted. Grinning Gibbs leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Keep that thought. Tonight, we'll do everything you want." Grazing her cheek with his lips, he got up, leaving her behind all hot and bothered. Already reaching the door he called back over his shoulder. "Breakfast in 10 minutes." Deciding to do her morning wash at home, Kate quickly changed and, after a short stop at the toilet, stepped into the kitchen.

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Having enjoyed their breakfast, which had been filled with many smiles and glances flashed at each other, Kate got up to leave. Gibbs too rose, accompanying her to his front door like a gentleman. A very bare-chested gentleman. Kate smiled. A little unsure how to say goodbye she turned to him, but he helped her out, capturing her lips with his for a short yet longing kiss. "Tonight." He promised as he shoved her out of his door to prevent further actions.

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TBC...

A/N: I want to inform you, that I maybe have to rate this story up to M soon. I really don't know by now, but it indeed is possible.