A/N; Here's a little lighter chapter, with some fluff. There is a more m-rated section near the end. It's marked for your convenience. I hope you all enjoy and have a great weekend.

Late in the afternoon, Will sat staring out the window in his office. He'd meant to only take a ten-minute break from the paperwork sitting on his desk. It had been closer to thirty when he glanced at his watch. His mind had wandered to a few of those questions people sometimes ask themselves when the calendar marks that another year of life has passed. Questions where one tends to be critical of what they have and haven't accomplished over the years.

In this current state his mind wandered to Alicia. His birthday had come around once during their affair. At that point in his life birthdays had become something he'd practically ignored. No family close by. Although his sisters and mother always called. Diane would usually acknowledge the date with a well wish, and small gift. But other than those small acknowledgements he wouldn't generally plan anything. Maybe leave work an hour early, grab a drink at a nearby bar, and then head home to watch the latest game while he ate the pizza he'd had delivered. He hadn't planned on that particular year being any different from the ten before.

Alicia however, had other ideas as to how he should spend his birthday. He never had figured out if she'd insisted on celebrating because that's what she'd done for the past fifteen years as a good mother and loving wife, and celebrating birthdays was what you did, or if she'd simply just wanted him to know she cared, and that he deserved to feel special for a day.

- He didn't have to look up from his work to know she was standing in the doorway to his office. Whenever she was near he could sense it. The winds seemed to shift directions heightening his senses. Bringing with it the subtle intoxicating scent that only belonged to her.

She knocked lightly and entered as his gaze moved from his case notes to her eyes. He couldn't help but let his eyes drift over her figure and take note of the perfectly fitted red dress she had on. He wondered what she was wearing underneath that layer of fabric. It was one of those days where he'd like to find out right then, but that wouldn't exactly work at nine in the morning.

She smiled, as heat made its way through her body, reddening her cheeks just a bit. She knew that look, and it had nothing to do with work. After a few moments of bliss, she regained her composure, and cleared her throat.

"Are you busy later? I thought maybe we could go over the Stephenson defense. I have a few questions maybe you can help me answer." she said, with raised brow.

He knew exactly what she was doing. Trying to figure out if he was busy later on. They didn't have a Stephenson case. "No, I'm not. I'd be happy to look over the case with you. Answer any of your questions."

She nodded. "How does six sound? I'll be in court most of the day."

"Fine."

"Good. I'll see you then." She turned and walked back out of his office. His eyes never left her until she was completely out of sight. A few minutes later she sent him a text message.

I'll pick you up at your place.

He responded, Pick me up?

This was a deviation from their usual arrangements. They tried to avoid going places in the same car. He glanced back at his screen as it vibrated in his hand again.

Yes, I have something special planned for the birthday boy.

They drove on the interstate headed west out of Chicago. He could barely keep his eyes off her as she drove. He'd almost prevented them from leaving his apartment when she'd shown up in an even more seductive low-cut red dress than the one she'd had on at work. Unlike that one, this dress left little to the imagination. He'd immediately pulled her into the apartment and assaulted her neck with kisses as he pressed her against the wall. She'd managed to convince him that the wait would be well worth it once they reached their destination.

An hour later they arrived at the Herrington Inn. A European style hotel that sat along the Fox River in Geneva Illinois.

"Are we eating dinner here?" he asked, between kisses once inside their room.

She reached for his arms pulling them away from her body as she broke another kiss. "No, I made a reservation at a quiet little place a short walk from here." He tried to close the distance between them again, but she stepped back. "We'll be late if we don't leave now." She stepped away from him grabbing a light jacket. Now that fall was approaching the evening air was a little cool.

He sighed, in resignation. She was going to make him wait even longer for what his body yearned for.

The restaurant was quiet and held a romantic ambiance. They sat at a table near the back by a window that overlooked the river.

"Happy Birthday," she said, holding her glass up to meet his.

"Thank you," he said, softly, with gentleness in his eyes. "You didn't need to plan all of this, just for me." He meant it, but he appreciated her thoughtfulness none the less.

"I wanted to make it a good day for you. Getting out of the city allows us to have a meal together someplace other than our apartments or hotel room service. And the location will still allow us to get into work by nine tomorrow."

He had to admit it was nice to be with her out in public. Worrying less about who might see them together. This was more like a real date, rather than their usual evening encounters. Something he'd wanted to do more of as the months had gone on. But their current circumstances hadn't allowed for it more than two or three times.

The meal was good and for the first time in a very long time they didn't feel rushed. The conversation flowed easily. The dim lighting made her skin glow, seeming to make her red stained lips and dark lashes stand out more. It made him crazy with desire, and for the rest of the night he was going to pretend she was only his. That the chaos back in the city wasn't any matter of theirs.

With each seductive glance or brush of the hand they moved closer together. By the time they were finished eating, they'd managed to move right next to one another. His hand slipped beneath the hem of her dress, as she handed the waiter her credit card. Her free hand grabbed his to stop it's assent up her thigh, as she raised a knowing, yet warning brow to him. She exhaled a slight moan when the waiter disappeared.

"I can't wait much longer to unwrap my gift,' he whispered against her ear, before pressing a soft kiss to her neck.

She couldn't keep the wide grin off her lips. "What makes you think I'm your birthday gift?" She reached for her glass of wine and look a sip of the liquid. Her other hand still holding his firmly in place.

He chuckled under his breath. "It's my birthday. I think that means I can choose a gift." He slid the fingers of his other hand gently down her spine, eliciting the desired reaction from her.

"What makes you think we're headed right back to the inn?" she asked. "I thought a nice walk along the river first would be fun."

"What if we went back to the room, and then went for a walk?" he suggested, snaking his arm around her waist.

He won out, and she really didn't mind. It had almost become a game to see how crazy she could drive him before he broke. When they returned to the room, he turned on the gas fireplace, poured each of them a glass of champagne, and opened the box of chocolate covered strawberries, while she changed into something more – comfortable.

"I don't think I've seen this before," he said, running his hands along the smooth red silk fabric landing at her hips. He pulled her closer meeting his lips with hers.

"I bought it just for you," she breathed, as his lips made contact with her neck.

"A birthday gift?" he mumbled, against her skin, as his hands made their way to the thin straps.

"One of them," she responded, with a slight hitch in her voice.

He made love to her slowly and passionately. Savoring every single moment.

Later on, they snuggled on the sofa wrapped in a blanket together in front of the fireplace drinking champagne and feeding each other the strawberries. She even stuck a candle in one of them for him to blow out.

"Make a wish," she encouraged him, holding up the candle lit strawberry in her palms.

He paused looking into her eyes. Then his gaze moved to the small flickering flame, and he blew it out. "Do you want to know what I wished for?"

"No, it's bad luck to tell someone your wish."

As he held her in his arms watching the flames from the fire dance before them, he kissed the top of her head. "This is the best birthday I've had in a long time. It means a lot to me that you'd go to the trouble of finding a way for us to be out in public together. If only for one night. Thank you."

She turned her head to look up at him. "You're welcome." She said, leaning in to give him another passionate kiss. –

That day had been a week before their unexpected trip to New York for the Ashbaugh case. Little had either of them known that night that they were going to be allowed an entire four days away together the following week.

Sitting in his office now, he thought maybe he would finally tell her what he had wished for that night. If their relationship continued to progress as he hoped, his wish would come true.

A knock came to his office door, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Will, a package came for you," his assistant Ashley said. She handed him the long brown box and left him alone again.

The return address label was for a company in Minnesota that specialized in making custom baseball bats. He opened the box and removed the packaging to reveal a hand-crafted bat with the Baltimore Orioles insignia and colors inscribed on it. He was speechless for a moment as he lifted the bat from the box to admire the handcrafted wood.

He used to have a bat like this. It had had its own special spot among his other baseball paraphernalia in his Chicago apartment. Most of which he'd never replaced.

He opened the note that was inside the box which simply read,

Happy Birthday – A

He smiled at the memory that crossed his mind. One night when she'd been at his place, he'd planned a special baseball date night for them. He'd barbequed hotdogs, made her wear a baseball cap and jersey, while they'd watched one of the Cubs games on T.V. At one point she'd gotten up off the couch and grabbed the closest bat. The one that looked like this gift. She'd asked him to show her how to swing a bat. She already knew how, he'd showed her at Georgetown, and Peter had done the same thing with her years later when they'd gone out to hit a few balls as a family. But there was something extremely seductive about standing behind her, bodies pressed close, while he helped her get the correct positioning for her swing.

He sat back in his chair wondering how she'd ever remembered the design of that bat and where it had come from. He was looking forward to talking to her later that night. They had arranged to talk in the middle of the week on account of his birthday. That and it had been four weeks since their communication had been restricted, and nothing had happened to cause anyone concern. In the last few days after Finn had done his weekly sweep of her house for bugs, he thought it would be okay for her to use a burner phone again to contact Will. They still needed to use caution, but the situation seemed to be under control.

That evening Will and Chase were at the Marshall's. Ever since Chase had entered Will's life birthdays had become a much bigger occasion. Especially with Janie around. She insisted on making it a big deal. With cake, and balloons, and gifts. Will always told her it wasn't necessary. That she could help him spoil Chase each year for his birthday, but Janie wouldn't give in.

After the main event, the three adults sat in the kitchen talking while the two boys were off playing together.

"So, is the bat from Alicia?" Janie asked, with a happy little smirk on her lips. She'd become highly vested in Will's relationship. She loved the idea that he was finally dating someone seriously, and the whole situation with the long distance between them was very intriguing to her. She expected weekly updates, and a full report whenever he got back from one of his weekends with her. Janie told him it was payment for watching Chase while he was off romancing his girlfriend.

Under normal circumstances the constant questions might be annoying or seem a little over the top. But he liked having someone he could brag about Alicia too.

"Yes," he replied, with a grin, unable to hide the slight blush in his cheeks.

"That's a woman with good taste," Rick commented.

"She does have good taste," Will replied, with pride.

"Did she call to wish you a happy birthday yet?" Janie asked.

"No, not yet."

"When are we going to get meet this mystery woman whose taken hold of your heart? It's been how many months now? You know you can't hide her from me forever." Janie said,

Will inwardly sighed. "I don't know. It's complicated."

Janie took a sip of her drink, rolling her eyes. "This seems like a pretty serious relationship. What happens if you, or she, decides you want to be together…more permanently?"

Will knew full well Janie wanted this relationship to work. For Will, yes, but also so she would have a partner in crime. To help boss the guys around, and so they could go on couples dates together. Will wanted this too. He wanted things to be easier, less complicated. He'd love for Alicia to be there with him every day of the week. Will took a gulp of his beer before answering. "If we get to that point, we'll work it out."

Janie sighed. "Fine, but you have six months to produce this woman in the flesh for at least one evening, or I'll go in search of her."

"You won't be able to find her," Will argued, with a chuckle.

"Is that a challenge?" Janie asked. "I'll have you know, I've taken extensive notes on this woman from our conversations. I may not know what state she lives in, or where she works, but I'll bet with a little research I could find her."

"You don't even know her last name," Will laughed at Janie's enthusiasm.

"No, but how many top-notch lawyers with the name of Alicia, could there be on the east coast?"

Both men chuckled. "More than you would think," Will responded. Although he wasn't confident in the statement at all. "Fine, sometime in the next six months I'll let you meet her." He hoped he wasn't lying.

"That's all I ask," Janie said, patting him on the back as she walked past him to go to the other room where they'd be more comfortable.

After he and Chase got home, Chase sat down on the cushioned chair next to the couch where Will sat. "Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Sure,"

"Who's Alicia?"

It was an innocent question. But caused Will to nearly choke.

"I heard you, Janie, and Rick, talking tonight when I came downstairs to get a game controller."

Will always tried to be careful when they discussed Alicia, avoiding the use of her name as much as possible. But Janie had said it a few times earlier, and obviously Chase had overheard.

"Alicia, is…a friend." He was still trying to gather his thoughts. How much should he say?

"The kind of friend you date?" Chase pushed. "Dad, look I don't care if you're dating someone, I just didn't think you were. You haven't been out on a date in forever."

This made Will laugh a little as he sat back into the couch. "Alicia is a friend, and yes I'm dating her. But she lives far away. The past few times I've gone out of town, I've seen her. And she and I talk on the phone."

Chase scrunched up his nose in confusion. "How do you know her then?"

Will became serious. He briefly looked down at the floor before meeting Chase's gaze again to gather his thoughts. No more holding back the truth, he decided. "I've known Alicia for a very long time. We went to college together." He let that sink in for a few moments.

"But if you're in witness protection, and you've known her for that long, how…"

"Before I went into WITSEC Alicia and I worked together in Chicago. We dated a little. She thought I was dead like everyone else. But she works for the government now. And because of her position she found out I was still alive."

"If she can find out you're still alive, can't the men that tried to hurt you?"

Will felt like he and Chase had made good progress since their talk a month ago, but this had the potential to undo all of that. "No. Alicia only found out because she has access to classified information that the one person whose still alive and might recognize me will never be able to see. Alicia will keep my secret for as long as I ask her too."

"You're sure you can trust her?"

"Yes, I trust her more than any other woman I know."

Chase continued to stare at him in silence.

"I don't want you to worry about being safe. It's like we talked about before a few times," Will reassured him. "No one is looking for me."

"What is she like?" Chase asked.

Will told him a little about her and showed him one of the old photos he had of her.

"She's pretty," Chase said. "Do you love her?"

Chase wasn't going to back down. Will knew full well he was going to get grilled.

"Yes, I do. Very much."

Chase thought about that for a minute before his next question. "Does she like kids?"

"Yes," Will chuckled.

"What about pizza and baseball?"

"Yes,"

"Does she know how to play any video games?"

Will hesitated. "I…don't know."

"When can I meet her?"

"You want to meet her?" Will clarified.

"Yeah, I need to know if I can trust her like you do."

"I don't know when. But I'll ask her, okay?"

Chase only nodded. Clearly, he was taking all of this to heart, and trying to figure out if he'd like Alicia.

"Are you okay with this?" Will asked.

Chase sighed, looking tired. "Yeah, it's just a little weird, that's all. How do you know you love her?"

Will clasped his hands together and leaned forward. "Because I've spent enough time with and without her to know that when I am with her I'm very happy. And when I'm not with her, I miss her a whole lot, and wish she was with me." That was the simple answer anyway.

Chase questioned him some more, at least enough that his curiosity was satiated for the time being. He wished Will Happy Birthday one more time, and then went to bed.

Will wasn't completely certain how Chase felt about this new news, but hoped they would be able to work through it if any problems arose. His desire for Chase to meet Alicia had just grown a hundred times from an hour before.

"I'm sorry it's so late. We got home later than I planned," Will said, over the phone.

"Will, it's fine. I don't have anything going on at work until nine. I'll sleep a little longer in the morning."

"What about Finn?"

"I don't think he'll mind a later start. I usually have him out of the house by seven. He'd much prefer eight."

"How is it going with Finn?"

"The same as it was three days ago. He and I are very good actors. In fact, my assistant Angie started dating an agent Finn knows back in July, and they want to get together for a date night."

Will didn't know whether to laugh or feel jealous. "Just tell Finn if he tries to put the moves on you in front of these guys, I'll break his arm."

Alicia laughed out loud. "Don't worry. It's strictly business between us."

"How is the threat diversion coming along at work?"

She sighed heavily. "It's not. As far as I can tell there hasn't been any progress made on the case in the last four weeks. Of course, it's possible that I'm being left out of the loop."

"It's safe for you that way," he pointed out.

This was a sore topic between them, so she changed the subject. "How was your day? Please tell me you did something to celebrate."

"I did. Cake and everything. Thank you for the gift. I love it, Leesh."

"You're welcome."

"How did you ever remember the make of that bat, and the company it came from?"

"How could I forget that night? I still have the baseball cap you made me wear all evening."

"Really?" He was surprised.

"Yes, I held onto it with a few other things."

They fell into silence for a few moments. Each lost in their memories of that night long ago.

"Leesh, I told Chase about you."

She sat upright in bed and stared at the picture on the wall across the room. For some reason this caused her a slight panic.

"And…what does he think?" she said, slowly.

"I think he likes the idea of me dating someone, but he wants to meet you."

"I want to meet him, but…"

He wondered why she was hesitating. The last time they'd been together this is what she'd wanted. "What if he comes with me in October?"

There was a long, strained pause. "Will, I…don't think it's a good idea."

"Leesh, six weeks ago this is what you wanted. More commitment. To feel like we were moving forward. And now you're saying you don't want to meet Chase?" It frustrated him. He'd purposefully told Chase about his past, and now, also about her, because they had decided that it would allow for their relationship to feel more real. Add stability.

"No, Will, I want to meet him," she made clear. "I want to get to know him. Spend time with him. I just don't know that under my current circumstances it's a good idea. Finn feels like it's safe for us to do the trip, but he's insisting on coming along. He'll stay next door. I just, I don't want to worry Chase. You told me how he was a little nervous about your safety. I don't want to add to his anxiety over everything with a bodyguard following us around."

Will ran a hand through his hair. She was probably right. In fact, the more he thought about it, he knew she was right. "Yeah, okay. You make a good point."

She felt awful. He'd been the hesitant one when it came to Chase, and now that he was willing to let her in to that part of his life she was turning him down. "Will, I'm sorry," she said, softly.

"Leesh, it's fine."

"It's not, but it's our life right now. How would you feel about me talking to him? When we're together, maybe we could video chat with him using your phone or laptop? I know it wouldn't be the same as meeting in person, but it would be a start. Now that he knows about me, I don't want him to feel left out. I don't want him to feel like I'm taking you away from him. Thirteen is a vulnerable age. And even though it may seem like he's trying to pull away from you to find his independence, he still needs to know you're there for him. I don't want to ruin that."

Will glanced at the photo of he and Chase on the nightstand. It was touching and a relief that she felt so much concern about his relationship with his son. "That's a good idea. I'd like that, and he probably would too."

"Good. Then it's settled."

They were quiet for a moment. He decided to try and lighten the mood again. "So, Finn is coming along huh? That won't be the least bit awkward," he smirked.

She laughed under her breath. "We'll barely know he's there. He's only coming to keep an eye on things. Make sure nothing suspicious goes on. He said he was making arrangements with one of the U.S. Marshall's to join him, so they could take shifts."

"I guess we'll have to keep the noise to a minimum. You'll have to show a little restraint when I kiss that spot on your,"

"Okay, stop. Finn overhearing us in bed is not an image I want swimming around in my head," she said, more quietly, remembering that Finn was just down the hall in the guest room.

He couldn't help but laugh. "Speaking of being in bed together. I got distracted in my office today thinking about the last time we celebrated my birthday together."

She immediately recalled that night. "I remember. A week before our trip to New York."

"That was a good night,"

"It was. I have another birthday surprise for you when we see each other."

"I think you should tell me what it is now." He smiled, staring up at the ceiling from his position on the bed.

"I think I'll keep it a secret." She pressed the pillow in her arms firmly against her body. Waves of heat rushed through her veins. What was it with him? All he had to do was mention the idea of sex and her body decided it had a mind of its own. She blamed it on the distance and long droughts of physical contact between them. "But maybe…" she said, in a deeper throaty tone. "What are you wearing right now?"

He sighed, closing his eyes, knowing where this was headed. His body was already beginning to respond. "Pajama bottoms and t-shirt. Very sexy," he added.

"It is," she continued, in the same tone. "Where are you?"

"On my bed."

M Rating

"Okay, now imagine this. It's late. I'm in bed snuggled up next to you in pajama bottoms and a tank top. We're sleeping. Are your eyes closed?"

"Yes," he responded.

"Good. I wake up from a dream about you. I'm already wet. I start to place soft kisses on your forehead, your cheeks, then your lips. Can you feel the kisses?"

He let out a quiet moan. "Yes. I woke up and kissed you back."

"We make out for a few minutes, becoming more awake. My hands start to move over your body."

He can almost feel her gentle touches.

"Then I straddle you. I take off my top. My breasts are exposed. I help you remove your t-shirt." They both removed their tops.

Another moan escaped his lips. "Your breasts are exquisite. My hands are touching them now. Can you feel it? Your nipples are getting firmer."

She let out a moan of her own as her hand went to her breast. "Yes." She closed her eyes as she lay on the bed beneath her soft sheets. "I feel you getting harder beneath me. I think it's time to take of those pajama bottoms," she said.

He removed his bottoms. "What are you wearing under your bottoms?" he asked.

She took her bottoms off and got comfortable again. "Black, lace," is all she said.

"Mmmm," he responded. "One of my favorites. My fingers are playing with your clit over the fabric. You're soaking wet, what do you want me to do now?"

Her hand clenched onto the duvet, her head tilted upwards as desire thickened her voice. "keep touching me. Don't stop," she breathed. Her hips moved subtly.

"I'm sliding the thong down your legs. Now I'm trailing kisses back up your thighs to where you want my lips the most. Can you feel my lips on your milky skin, Alicia?"

She gasped. "Yes, Will. Yes." She slipped off the lace fabric, her hand went to her core. She was aching for him.

They continued the banter for a little while. Telling each other exactly what they'd do. How they'd touch, kiss, suck, every body part that brought them closer to orgasm.

They were both moving slowly, doing their best to imagine the other there next to them. Finally, he couldn't take it any longer. "How badly do you want me inside you right now?" he asked, as his hand continued to stroke his erection.

"So bad. Please Will," she begged. "I need it now."

He increased the speed of his strokes. "Leesh, put a third finger inside of you. Feel the pressure. Find that spot. Move faster, flick your clit with your thumb. But wait, let's go together."

She grumbled out of frustration. He could hear the short rhythmic pants escaping her lips. "Faster Leesh, faster." Her body moved quicker. So did his. And finally, "Now Leesh, now."

She dropped the phone, quickly pulling a pillow over her face to muffle the sounds that escaped her lips. He hadn't managed to. She could hear him moaning at the pleasure as they both peaked.

End M rating.

Once their breathing was under control again, she picked up the phone. "That was amazing."

"Our best phone session yet," he replied. He lay there completely content among his mangled sheets.

She giggled. "I have to agree. Happy Birthday, Will."