Summary:

A mini-excerpt that was never actually written for Chapter 37 of Cocktails and Cheese
(but could have been if you angle it just right).
Have a little fluff and sap to bring in the new year.

Notes:

I've been working on the next section of Cocktails and Cheese and realized that I wasn't happy enough with my progress to get a new chapter out for you before the end of this year. (Apparently, I'm not as productive when the rest of my family is home for the xmas holidays and I still have to work.) You have my heartfelt apologies.

As an olive branch, I decided to give you a little trek into Alistair's thoughts when he finally joins Cullen at the precinct. I hope it's enough to tide you over until next Sunday.

I wish you all the Happiest of New Years!
Here's to a joyful and prosperous 2018!

The Kiss

~In the Cocktails and Cheese Universe~

Mini-Excerpt that was never actually written for Chapter 37

(but could have been)

I pause in the doorway of Cullen's office to drink in the scene before me. Cullen and Rylen are gesticulating at an interactive link-chart; blueprints of the library where Kieran was taken from are up on the left hand side of the screen. They're debating the most probable exit routes and noting specific points of interest that Cullen will be investigating when he gets back to the library.

It's the perfect picture of teamwork and efficiency, like the super sleuths of old. With their jacketless suits, shirt sleeves rolled up to their elbows, shoulder holsters buckled in place, and ties tugged loose around their necks, they resemble detectives from some of my favorite old TV shows. I never dreamed I'd have a particular kink , but watching Cullen at work, makes me think that maybe I've developed a bit of a detective one.

Cullen's hair is pulled loose from its usual product, a telltale trait of him running his fingers through it. It's one of his habits that always brings a smile to my face. Granted, there are a lot of those: his insatiable need to schedule, the way he rubs the back of his neck when he's nervous, dragging his fingers through his curls when he's worried or concentrating, the crooked smile he gives me when he thinks I'm being ridiculous, but he can't help but love me anyway. I love all of that about him, and more.

It's in that moment—seeing Cullen so diligently working away on my behalf—that all of the fear and trepidation I've been feeling, melts away. His whole bearing demands it. I take a moment to really look at him, to take in the confidence with which he holds himself: powerful, proficient, sure. This is his element. This is where he belongs.

I'm impressed, I'm in awe.

When I came in, his officers were already hard at work covering all of the basic search parameters required by the average missing person case. The difference this time? All hands were on deck; not just a few of them. And they were all giving this assignment their full focus. I've never seen them so devoted to a cause before. To my cause. It takes my breath away that they would do this for me. For my son. A little boy that I've yet to meet, who happens to carry my DNA.

Cullen made that happen.

He's selfless, perfect, beautiful. How did I not see the reach of his influence before? I mean, there was a part of me that always knew. But this… this is power.

My father owns most of this bloody city. My brother runs it. My best friend wields the energies that surround her as easy as breathing. My job , is to cross the veil and protect those around me. I'm used to demonstrations illustrating how incredible people can be.

But this ? This is strength, power, and influence all rolled into one. To wield it so effortlessly, so selflessly, and to have his personnel willing to follow. Not out of some sense of fear or retribution. But because they truly love him, they enjoy working for him and believe in who he is. He earned that dedication and devotion. That's leadership. Awe inspiring, perfect teamwork brought on by faith and devotion. Not to the Maker; to him . They believe in him. And looking at him now, I know whole heartedly, that I do too.

I always have.

Apparently, I just needed a little bit of a wakeup call before I could pull my head out of my ass enough to realize it. I knew that I loved him. But here, right now, I am so enamored with how much in love with him I am; I can barely contain it.

With eyes misty from emotion, I knock lightly on the office door alerting them to my presence.

Their conversation halts immediately and Cullen's whole face lights up as he wraps his arms around me. "There you are. I'm glad you made it," he says endearingly.

I can't help myself, cupping his face tenderly in my hands, I press my lips to his. With my heart in my hands, I hope to impart all of my recent revelations into this one simple action. Looking into his eyes, I see the same wonder that I'm feeling reflected back at me. I know we have work to do. I know that our path together will still contain bumps and rough spots, but I know now—irrevocably—that we are ok. Better than ok.

Together, we can accomplish anything.

End Notes:

This chapter is un-beta'd. I will happily fix any errors if you find them.