24
It was over. Grissom was sure that the nightmare of the last few days was in the past now. At least concerning the blackmail. He was lucky that the only aim had been emotional revenge. If he read the situation right, then she had tried to ruin him and destroy his relationship. Luckily, she hadn't succeeded.
Now, he was standing in front of the prison with Sara by his side and there was nothing that he wanted more than to draw her into his arms. And that was what he did. It wasn't a hug born out of passion but affection, love and trust.
It didn't bother them that they were out in the open where everyone could see them. If the last couple of days had proven something, it was that you couldn't hide.
Grissom stroked Sara's hair softly and whispered, "Let's go home."
He opened the car door for and waited until she was inside before he went to the driver's side and threw one last look at the prison. Only then, he did get into the car and drove away.
Tiredly, Sara smiled at him.
"Could we take another day off?"
Grissom nodded.
"Are you going to stay with me tonight?" he asked carefully. "I don't think that we should be alone after all of this."
"I think you're right, Grissom," Sara replied.
She, too, couldn't imagine being without him. The nightmares and fears of her childhood would come crashing down on her. No, she had to stop thinking about that.
25
I am strong. I want to be strong. I am strong.
Sara repeated that mantra again an again.
She wanted to be independent; she was independent.
She wanted to be loved. Was she loved?
What did Grissom expect from her?
"Don't think too hard, Sara," she heard him say.
She smiled.
"Usually, it's the other way around. Funny, isn't it?"
"I think that I'm just calmer than you are. In critical situations, you have to wait and see."
"Oh, Grissom. That would have been my line as well. I'm so tired. My thoughts are going round in circles. What are we supposed to do?"
Grissom realized that she wasn't talking about the case anymore.
"It's up to you, honey. It would be nice if you'd stay with me. Not only tonight. But if you're not sure and are afraid, I can wait."
Sara shook her head vehemently.
"Waiting, what for? No."
26
They lay together in bed. His bed.
Sara felt how much she needed him. His touch, his kisses drove her crazy.
She couldn't take it anymore. Still, something was wrong. She was still thinking too much. She was conscious of every single one of his touches.
Grissom noticed that Sara wasn't relaxed.
"Honey, let go."
"I can't."
"Yes, you can. I'm here. I love you. Don't be scared."
"I love you too."
Sara's breath sped up.
"Grissom, please. I need you. But I don't know if…"
"Don't worry about me. Just think about yourself. Relax. I'll help you."
TBC
