We would like to thank ALL our loyal readers for your support while we have been away. In the next few weeks, you will see our stories being reposted here for all of you to read along with several NEW stories we've written while we've been away.
We appreciate all the kind messages we've received for our readers...we didn't realize how many of you were reading our stories, lol. It has brought HUGE smiles to us and we hope you'll continue to stick with us as we re-post some old favorites and hopefully new favorites. Thanks again!
CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05
Now for the good stuff!
**WARNING: STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE! You Are Warned**
"The most notorious ill-fortune must in the end yield to the untiring courage of philosophy - as the most stubborn city to the ceaseless vigilance of an enemy."
From "Loss Of Breath" by Edgar Allan Poe
As the sun began to go down, Calleigh sat on the beach near the shore line looking out at the now setting sun. Since her call earlier in the afternoon with Tim, she had retreated to the spot where she now sat, thinking about her life and the missed opportunities over the years. With so many twists and turns, she wondered if she even deserved happiness. Blinking slowly, she lowered her head onto her folded arms that rested on her knees, the breeze off the water blowing her hair back from her face.
Entering into the house, Horatio was immediately alarmed and when he called out to her, all he got in return was silence. Searching the house, he found it empty, the only clue as to where she could be was the sheers blowing and the enhanced sound of the sea crashing against the shore greeting him. Walking slowly to the patio doors, he looked out to see her sitting in the sand, with her head bowed. By her position, he instantly knew that something was wrong, so he quickened his pace, his heart racing at the thought of what he would see.
Slowing his pace once he reached her, he cleared his throat softly as to not startle her. Coming to her side, he sat down and asked, "Want to talk about it?"
Keeping her head down, Calleigh shook it and sighed, "No, not really." Remaining silent, the wind blew around them and the tide began to come in. Moving her head, she rested her chin on her arm, looking back out at the water.
Turning more to her, he wondered what could've happened while he'd been away to elicit this reaction from her. Sighing heavily, he nodded, "It would help if you talked, Cal. Holding it in isn't the way."
With what Tim had said still fresh in her mind, Calleigh's tears slid down her cheek and she wiped at it. Biting at her lip, she dropped her gaze back to the sand and spoke softly, "How do you see me, Horatio?"
Crinkling his brow, he inched closer, "I see you as a beautiful, intelligent, strong woman, a woman that I love." Reaching for her hair, he shook his head, "Calleigh…what happened?"
"Do you think I'm here 'cause I wanted to sleep with you?" she asked, ignoring his question.
"No! Calleigh, what would make you ask that? Do you think that's why I asked you here?" He began to wonder now in earnest what was going on and he asked again, "Calleigh….what happened?"
With a trembling chin, she took in a shaky breath, but kept her eyes down, "I…I talked to Tim. We uh…we had a fight…"
"A fight?" Horatio responded, his tone darkening. He could feel a darkness creep over him and he held it back by clenching his teeth, "What was this fight about?"
Wiping at her eyes with a finger, she shook her head, "You and me…me and him…me and others…take your pick."
Growing uncomfortable with her obvious turmoil he sighed, "What about you and me? And him? Calleigh…what is going on here? I'm not understanding? What did he say to you?"
Shaking her head, Calleigh sighed, "It's nothing you have to worry about, Horatio…more then likely he won't be coming back to the lab…or calling me again."
"Well, then I think it is something to worry about, Calleigh. He just started back before you were…ah…taken." Reaching for her, he slowed his thinking and then his speech, knowing that she wouldn't respond to force, "Calleigh, tell me what was said, maybe it won't have to be like that."
Closing her eyes and bowing her head, her brow crinkled, "He…he said he loves me…that he always has…but it was obvious that I'm sleeping with you cause we're always together."
"He loves you," Horatio responded almost dumbfounded. Looking to her, his heart dropped at the recognition of her tears and he asked softly, "Calleigh…do you…do you love him?"
"Years ago…maybe…but now, only as a friend, or so I thought…" Lifting her head and finally looking at him, more tears fell, "I love you as more then a friend though."
Reaching to rub her tears away, he smiled, "I know and I love you and for the record, no, I don't just see you as someone who just sleeps around. It's none of his business what we do." Bringing her closer to him, he wrapped his arm around her and held her tightly, "I love you, Calleigh and only you."
Laying her head against his shoulder, her arms went around him and she whispered, "I only love you…" Moving her head, she nuzzled against his neck as he continued to hold her and she sniffled, "Why do things have to be so complicated?"
"Things don't have to be so complicated if you don't want them to be. It's about who you are and what you want, Calleigh. It's your choice." Closing his eyes at the feel of her lips against his skin, he sighed, "If…you choose differently, that would not change how I feel about you."
"I choose you…you're what I want, Horatio." Anchoring herself to him, Calleigh closed her eyes tight and whispered, "You're what I want in my life."
Getting lost in her touch, Horatio sighed with relief as he caressed her arms, "I don't want this life without you in it."
Lifting her head and pulling back slightly to look at him, Calleigh then leaned in, giving him a soft kiss. When they parted she whispered, "I'll always be with you, Handsome."
Horatio smiled and let his eyes roam over her face as he ran his thumb over her soft skin slowly. Staring into her glittering jewels, he arched a brow, "Good, I was kinda counting on that." Getting her to laugh, he nodded, "Now there's a sound I could never tire from. Well…that and another sound…but we can discuss this later. Much later."
Smiling a little more, she nodded and tilted her head as she gazed at him. Reaching up and tracing his jaw with her fingers, Calleigh whispered, "I missed you while you were gone. Were you able to get everything?"
"Yeah…I found everything I needed, but I was curiously missing something," he said as he pulled her closer. Lying back on the sand, he smiled as she came to rest on top of him. "I think I may have found it."
Smiling down at him as she moved onto him fully, Calleigh leaned down to him, kissing him slowly. As there tongues mingled, she moaned into his mouth as his hands roamed over her and then slipped up the back of her shirt. When they parted, she whispered, "I wish we could stay here forever."
"We can come back when we like, but you also can come by yourself too." Drawing concentric circles on her skin, he smiled, "Although, I'd prefer if we would be able to stay together." Reaching up for her, his lips crashed onto hers and he then pulled away softly, "I need you, Calleigh."
Knowing they were as alone as they could get with his secluded home, Calleigh moved and sat up, straddling him and reached for the hem of her shirt, pulling it up and off. With just her lacy bra, she smirked, "Am I going in the right direction?"
Horatio nodded and reached behind her, unsnapping the snaps in the back. Arching a brow, he answered back facetiously, "You are, and I'm following right behind you." Flexing his hips, he smirked wickedly as he pulled the lacy material from her and tossed it away and licking his lips, "You are definitely going in the right direction."
Reaching down, she moved back some and pulled his shirt from his jeans, "Then I think you need to catch up with me."
"Catch me up," Horatio said as he rested his hands on her hips. Her shorts were short enough where he could touch her skin and he traced blindly there as she pulled frantically at the shirt. She maneuvered the shirt closer to his head and her fingers traced deftly over the planes of his chest and he gasped in sheer delight. "Calleigh…"
"Sit up, Handsome." When he did as he was told, Calleigh removed the shirt from him fully, tossing it over with hers. Palming the sides of his face with both hands, she leaned into him, kissing him once again. Their tongues dueled for dominance over each other and her hands slid down his chest, coming to the button of his jeans. Slipping it through and releasing it, she then began to work on the zipper, there kiss becoming almost frantic.
Almost unable to get enough of her, his own hands worked on her shorts, unbuttoning them and then unzipping them. Parting hesitantly, he stared into her eyes, seeing the seductive hunger that infused him with more energy, pushing her to her back. Taking her shorts quickly, he arched a brow at what was left.
"Nothing…I see we liked to be prepared." Palming the thatch of hair, he rocked the heel of his palm against her. He could feel the wetness and grinned, "You're more than prepared."
Biting her lip as she moaned, Calleigh blinked slowly, "You do that to me…" Pushing her hips up against his hand, she gave him a seductive smile, "I hope you plan on doing much, much more then that though."
"Oh…so much more," Horatio replied, leaning closer now. Inching over her body, he settled in between her legs and reached for one, raising it up. Placing her foot against his chest he reached for her sex, his mouth watering at the sight of her glistening in want. Sinking a finger in between her folds, he teased at her clit and smiled deviously, "Give it to me, Calleigh."
Gasping at the contact, Calleigh arched her hips up to him, wanting more contact. Slowly, she eased them back down only to push them back up again. Both her hands went to her breasts, cupping them before tweaking her nipples for him. Looking up into his eyes, she panted, "Tell me how you want me…"
Reaching for her hand he pulled her up and closer to him, whispering into her ear, "Turn around."
Smiling, she did as she was told and pushed herself back into him and swiveled her hips into his hardened member, "Better?"
"Yes, better," he responded as he pushed into her. Taking her arms, he pulled them up and placed them around his neck and then slowly traced his way down to her breasts. Cupping them both, he tweaked her budding nipples and then bent to her neck, whispering, "I want to hear you scream, Calleigh."
Running her fingers through his hair, Calleigh's eyes closed as she moaned and pushed back into him more. Her breathing began to pick up with her sexual need and she whispered to him, "Take me, Horatio…"
Releasing his hold on her breasts, he took down his jeans, releasing his cock. Bringing her closer, he reached around and cupped her sex, manipulating her clit. When she moaned sexily, he gripped his member and eased it between her folds, the heat and moisture driving him mad. Sinking into her slowly, his hands returned to her breasts and he kneaded them possessively, playing with her rock hard nipples.
Pushing her ass back into him more and leaning forwards slightly, Calleigh closed her eyes and leaned her head back against him. As he slowly began to pump in and out of her wetness, Calleigh turned her head towards him, her lips parted as her breathing increased. Sliding one hand down his arm to his hand, she settled it over his as he continued to knead at her breast. Gasping loudly as he suddenly thrust up into her a smile formed as she clenched her inner muscles around his cock.
Horatio groaned deeply as she flexed her sex, the friction coursing through him like wildfire. He closed his eyes as he savored the feel of her body giving to his forcible thrusts, his pace quickening with each stroke. Slamming into her, he squeezed her breasts roughly, a carnal need making itself known. Releasing her breasts, his hands gripped her hips and he broke into a punishing pace, the sounds of their flesh slapping against each other.
Crying out with each powerful thrust, Calleigh continued to push back, meeting every thrust he made. His fingers dug into her skin as he held onto her tight, his pace seeming to pick up more. A tingling began deep within her womb and Calleigh knew she was close to going over the edge. Wanting him to go with her, she panted, "H-Horatio…gonna…cum…"
His arousal roared through him as she clenched him more, the intense connection being made perfect by her shifting body. It made him want to impale her, the feel of him slipping in and out of her was like heaven. The more he pounded into her, the more she cried out, causing Horatio to clench his teeth as his release broke through. He held her within the vise grip of his hands, knowing that she would be bearing his marks on her soft skin, the thought thrilling him even more.
The throbbing of his release sent Calleigh over the edge and she cried out his name as her orgasm ripped through her. Closing her eyes tight, her body quaked as sexual energy seemed to ripple throughout her. When he began to slow, she ground her ass back into him, his seed filling her womb. Once their bodies stilled, Calleigh rested her head back against his shoulder.
A blissful silence hovered between them and he smiled as he tried to catch his breath, dipping his head into the crook of her neck. Nipping lightly at her skin, his hands continued to roam over her skin, ghosting over her nipples. Pulling at them, he chuckled, the sound rumbling from deep within his chest as he felt her shudder under his touch, "I take it that you liked that?"
Keeping her eyes closed as she rested back against him, she smiled, "Umm, I did. You're gonna spoil me, ya know?"
"And how am I going to do that?" he asked mischievously, stroking a nipple slowly. He loved the way it felt, pebbled against his skin, the sensation making his mouth water. Addiction wasn't a word that he would choose to describe his need for her, he was obsessed with her.
Smiling lazily, she barely opened her eyes and moved her hips back and forth slightly, "By doing what you're doing now." Breathing out as her lips parted, she whispered, "I love the feel of your hands on me."
Countering her comment, he moved with her and answered breathlessly, "I love the feel of being inside of you. I only admonish perfection." He kissed her and smiled as his hands now covered her breasts. Lifting from her, he stilled completely and then held her close, his tone now morphing from sensual to loving, "I love you, Calleigh. No matter what, I love you."
Turning her head and looking at him, she gave him a smile and whispered, "I love you too…I have for a long time, and I will forever."
The sea breeze blew over them and he was caught up in the clean scent of it and the feeling of filling her completely. Slowly, he pulled out of her and he sighed at the total absence of her, wanting nothing more than to be connected to her. Continuing to touch her, he whispered, "I think you need to talk to Speed. I know it seems that things are off…but you know exactly what you want, and why you're here. You're here because of love, Calleigh."
Taking in a deep breath, Calleigh nodded slightly and sighed, "You're right, I am. But I doubt he'll want to talk to me…his last words to me were we can't always get what we want can we…and then he hung up."
Holding her tightly, he felt the anger peaking and he pulled it back, "He's upset, I can understand that, but if you stand on your decision, he'll have to respect it. It may not be right now, but he'll be able to cope better."
Turning in his arms some, Calleigh looked into his eyes, "I'll call him tomorrow morning…at least let him cool off some tonight."
"That's a good idea, because I have plans for us tonight." Laughing at her enthused expression, he ran his hands down to her hips and flexed his slightly as his voice dropped, "I want to make love to you all night tonight."
Smiling more, Calleigh leaned into him, her nipples scraping over his chest, "I think that can defiantly be arranged." Giving him a kiss, she jumped slightly as the tide rushed up, the water hitting her feet. Blushing some, she smiled as he laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Care to go for a dip with me?"
"Sure," he answered as he kissed her. The water hit them again and he laughed as she jumped again, "Are you sure that you'll be able to stand it?"
"Yes." Standing up with him, she watched as he kicked his jeans off the rest of the way and took his hand, walking backwards into the water, "So, when was the last time you went skinny dipping?"
"Um…years," he admitted as he watched her body. His brow arched and he countered with his own question, "And you?"
Biting her lip, she raised a brow, "You sure you want to know?"
"Sure, why not?" He had a feeling that she had done this more recently than he had, watching her expression, "It's okay, really."
Shrugging some, she breathed out, "A few months back with Eric when we had a weekend off together."
He nodded, his smile a little less illustrious. He couldn't deny that a twinge of jealousy surged through him at the mention of the other man in her life, but he tried not to let it surface more. Clearing his throat, he gestured to the water, "Lead on, sweetheart." When she turned to enter into the water, the sight of her body pulled images of her sighing in pleasure, but not under his touch. With each step, the uneasiness grew and he stopped right as she dove in, wadding slowly out into the water more. Waiting for her to surface, he stared out into horizon, wondering if he could cope with her past with other men.
Walking through the home, Tim felt a huge weight lifted off of him. After almost two weeks of being away, coming home was something he had looked forward to. The sounds of Emma's relieved voice filtered through the home and Tim couldn't help but smiling, despite the feeling of emptiness that now followed him. He admitted to himself that he could've done things differently with Calleigh and the phone call, but now he was dealing with the fall out of that. He'd told her that he wouldn't bother her again, yet he was filled with the desire to pick up the phone to call and apologize profusely to her. The memory of her broken voice stopped him on many occasions and he took his misery almost gratefully, being that he deserved it fully.
Passing by Emma's room, he took a quick look to see her arranging her dolls and shook his head as he kept moving, going to his room. Walking through the threshold, he sighed heavily and dropped his bag on the floor, taking in the ambiance of his sanctuary. Just as he was about to make his way to the window to open it, his phone rang and he slipped it out of his pocket and answered without looking at it.
"Hello?"
Shifting some as she stood out on the patio while Horatio worked on their dinner, Calleigh watched the water as his voice came over the other end. Hesitating for a moment, she then took in a deep breath, knowing she needed to clear the air with him, "Tim. It's Calleigh…"
Stopping in mid-stride, Tim stood startled by her voice on the other end, momentarily losing the ability to speak. After she called him once more, he came back to himself and answered almost hesitantly, "C-Calleigh? Um….how are you?"
Sighing, she glanced back into the house and then back out again, "Not good. Tim, about yesterday…"
"It was completely my fault, Calleigh. I should've never said those things to you. It's none of my business who you choose to love…" I wanted it to be me. "I didn't give us a chance, and now I have to deal with that. I apologize for everything, Calleigh."
Running a hand through her short hair, she sighed, "Tim…I really do what us to be friends…you've been one of my best friends I've ever had. But…I do love Horatio, with all my heart…and I guess I have for a long while now."
Tim felt the ache in his heart grow and he sighed heavily, rubbing his eyes. She was offering friendship even despite the words that had been said and if he wanted to keep her in his life, he was going to have to accept it, no matter how much he wanted something more with her.
Speaking lowly, he answered, "I could tell from the first time you were both in the room together- it was a presence that I'd never seen before. I knew then, just like I know now that nothing would come between you two." His heart felt like it had ruptured in his chest and the pulsating pain that followed was only exacerbated by the words he spoke, "I'll be the friend you need me to be, Calleigh."
"Thank you, Tim…cause right now, I do need my best friend." Going over and taking a seat at the patio table, she looked out again, "I still have a lot I have to work through and I know Horatio will be having to go back to work. I…I might need someone I can talk to that'll understand."
"I'll be whatever you need me to be, Calleigh. My door will always be open." Relaxing some, he smiled faintly and exhaled, the ache in his heart lessening. In any capacity, he wanted to keep ties to her, and by being her confidant, he was able to assure that she would still have someone to lean on. Scratching his head, he asked, "So, are you in Miami yet?"
Placing her feet up onto the other chair, Calleigh sat back, getting comfortable, "No. We're not coming back until sometime Sunday. Horatio's got to be in at the lab first thing Monday morning…and I'm not cleared for work yet."
"Sunday, Emma and I will be coming back in as well. We're leaving tomorrow," Tim answered as he turned to go back to the door. Walking to Emma's room, he smiled and then chuckled, "We're spending three days there, I came to a compromise with her, she gives me three days, I play dolly's with her for a week straight."
Smiling some, Calleigh continued to stare out, "Tim, I am really sorry about Emma getting involved with what was going on. When…when Chris took me at the hotel, he said he'd hurt you both if I didn't go with him…and I just couldn't endanger either of you anymore."
"It couldn't be helped, Larken was a maniac, a disillusioned maniac and he was going to do anything to get what he wanted." Leaning against the door jamb, he smiled at Emma as she turned to him, her smile lighting him even more. He gestured for her to remain quiet and he continued talking, "He would've killed anyone in his way, Calleigh, you can't blame yourself."
"Horatio keeps saying the same thing…it's just hard not to. Maybe one day that'll change," she replied softly and lowered her gaze. Remaining quiet for a moment, she finally spoke again, "I'm going to be seeing a therapist when we get back there, I can't get released 'til he or she thinks I'm okay."
"And that's for the better, Calleigh. You don't need the stress of work on top of everything else. That's just not healthy." Keeping his eyes on Emma, he sighed, "And even though you're talking to a shrink, I'm a good listener too and I'm free."
"Thank you, Tim." Shifting some and getting more comfortable, Calleigh sighed, "Will you still think about going back to the lab though?"
Turning away, he nodded, "I'll think about it, Calleigh. There's no way I can be precise if my mind isn't there. But…I'll think about it."
Smiling some, Calleigh pursed her lips, "Eric might not be there anymore, but I'm sure Jesse, Walter, Ryan, you and me could blow the socks off some crimes together."
"That is if I come back." Tim reminded her. He narrowed his brow and asked, "You wouldn't be trying to get me back in the lab because you're…the oldest one there would you? You've got superiority over everyone there, save for Horatio."
Letting out a small laugh, Calleigh ran a hand through her hair again, "Old…I'm not all that old. Hell, me and Jesse are just about the same age. But, we need a great level three CSI that happens to be a trace expert."
"Oh, flattery will get you everywhere, but I'll still have to think about it. So meanwhile, while you're out, you can come over. I'm sure with Horatio being at work most of the day, you'll be alone most of the day. There's nothing to do…and I'll be home."
Thinking about it for a moment, Calleigh then nodded slightly, "Well, depending on these sessions I have to do to…we'll see. I don't know if I'll be up for visiting after seeing them." Biting her lip, Calleigh raised a brow, "I'm not really looking forward to going and talking to a stranger."
"How about I go with you then? Like I said, I'm free," Tim asked, hoping she'd say yes. If anything, he wanted to be there to comfort her. "I'm free all day."
"Tim…you've got Emma. I don't think she'll want to be sitting in a shrinks office…" Calleigh replied softly, hearing Horatio in the background behind her working in the kitchen.
"I can drop her off at Alexx's, come on, Calleigh, you've got to come up with better than that." Tim shook his head and sighed, even as he smiled, "It's alright, I can understand, you're exclusive now, but the offer still stands."
Taking in a deep breath and slowly releasing it, Calleigh thought about it before replying, "Let me see how the first session goes, Tim…okay?"
"Whatever you choose, Calleigh. I'll be here. So…is the boyfriend home now?" Tim couldn't help the smug tone and he shook his head slightly, almost cringing at the thought of the way things were now.
"Tim…" Calleigh warned as her tone changed slightly. "I don't want any of this coming between you and Horatio and your guys friendship. That's the last thing I want happening."
"I'm not promising anything, but I'll make a conscious effort," Tim answered back as he shifted his weight. Her silence spoke to her disappointment and he explained, "He's got the woman I love, and I'm supposed to be smiles and giggles? I want to keep you as a friend, I'll tolerate him."
Raising a brow, Calleigh tilted her head some as she looked out again, "And had I still been with Eric…would you have been the same way with him?"
"Pretty much," Tim retorted with a shrug. He rubbed his neck and then glanced to Emma who had now centered on his conversation and then gestured for her to continue with her activity, "It might be selfish, childish, whatever…The point is, I love you, you love someone else. I can respect it, but I don't have to like it."
Understanding his point, Calleigh nodded and raised her brow, "I'm not asking for you two to be best friends or anything like that…but I know Horatio has always seen you as a brother to him. And you know that's something important to him."
"And like the older brother, he gets exactly what he wants," Tim replied irritably. Shaking his head, he sighed, "But…as I said, I'll do what I can…for you."
Seeing she wasn't going to get anywhere with him, Calleigh sighed and closed her eyes, "All I ask is that you try." Reopening her eyes, she looked out at the surf, "Can you do something for me though in the meantime?"
"Sure, what is it?" he asked easily.
"Alexx has a spare key to my place. In my room in the nightstand there is a notebook and it has a list of all my guns in my case at the back of my walk-in closet. Can…can you check to see what I have missing. I know of two that Chris took, but I need to know if there is anything else missing."
"Alright, I'll do that, and would you like for me to call you back with the information or wait until you come back home?" Tim asked with a little smile on his face.
Twitching her lips, Calleigh thought for a moment, "You'd better call me back and let me know either way. If anything else is gone I'll need to report it."
"I'll get it done then. Don't worry about it. I'll give you a call later. If you don't answer, I'll um…leave it on your voice mail."A small chuckle rose as he felt a tug on his leg. Looking at Emma, he smirked and held the phone down, "You want to go to Alexx's?"
Nodding her head, Emma smiled more, "Yeah…and I can tell Grammy Alexx about the dog were gonna get."
"That's right, kiddo." Turning his attention back to Calleigh, he exhaled lightly, "I'll call you later, Cal."
Smiling, Calleigh chuckled a little, "Okay. Oh, and Tim…if you're looking for a dog, check at the shelters first. They might have what you're looking for there."
"Thanks for the heads up, Cal. It's our first stop." After a second of silence he finished, "I'll talk to you later, Calleigh. Say hi to your boyfriend for me."
Sighing, Calleigh raised a brow, "Tim…"
"What? I said it nicely. Seriously, tell H I said hi. When he comes back, I'll have to congratulate him- the lucky bastard." Tim laughed and nodded towards the hall and turned towards it as he reached his hand down. Emma took it and he swung his arm lightly, "I'll talk to you later."
"Bye Tim…and tell Emma hello for me," Calleigh replied with a smile.
"I will." Flirting with her fury, he grinned widely, "Love you, Cal, bye."
Pursing her lips, Calleigh shook her head, "Bye, Tim." Hanging up with him, Calleigh got up, going back inside and to the kitchen. Seeing Horatio at the counter working on their dinner, she set her phone onto the counter and went over to him. Wrapping her arms around his waist from behind, she laid her head against his back, "Hey, Handsome."
"Hi," he said softly as he smiled and arched his brow, "did you have a nice talk with Speed?" The feeling of her wrapped around him made him smile more and he laughed, "I didn't hear you screaming at him, so my answer is a yes."
"Yeah, he apologized to me and all…and he's gonna go over to my place and do an inventory check on my gun case. He said he'd call me back with the results of what he finds." Moving to his side and watching him, she smiled, "So what are you fixing us for dinner?"
"I thought I'd do some comfort food. I'm trying my hand at fried chicken," Horatio answered as he gestured to the now battered chicken. Looking to her, he then nodded at the sack of potatoes, "I wanted to try mashed potatoes too, but we'll see how that goes. Do you want a glass of wine?"
"Sure, but I can get it." Moving from him, she went over to where he had the bottle of wine and glasses set out and poured them each a glass. Taking both in hand, she took his to him, setting to the side of where he was working and then took a sip of hers. Swallowing, she smiled, "Want some help?"
"If you like, I would've been okay with you just watching." Looking to her, he winked, "This was supposed to be special for you. You didn't last that long on the phone with him. Everything okay?"
"Yeah, he had to go. Him and Emma were going to Alexx's," she replied as she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "He's also getting her a dog."
"A dog, that's interesting." Turning to her fully, he chuckled, his blue eyes centering on her, "You want a dog too?"
"Me?" she asked with a raised brow. "No…I don't have time to take care of a dog, or any animal for that matter."
"So," he started as he moved over slightly to check the oil, "what do you have time for?"
Smiling, she moved to him, her hand going to his ass and giving it a squeeze, "A very handsome red head that also happens to be my LT."
Raising his eyebrows he laughed, "Well, this LT is taken fully with a certain bullet girl." Her hand moved and he nodded, "So, Tim's doing well?"
Taking another drink, Calleigh shrugged and moved, leaning back against the counter, "He sounded okay. They're leaving for Disney World tomorrow, I guess he promised to take Emma. He uh…he also said to tell you hi."
"That's good. So, they're going to Orlando? How long are they going to be?" Horatio looked to her and arched a brow, "I know you were concerned for Emma, she's doing okay?"
"He said she was doing good, but, he did have to negotiate with her. Three days at Disney World, but, he has to played dolls with her for a week," Calleigh smirked and then took another sip of her wide. Setting it back down, she laughed lightly, "You know, I could use that as a black tactic with him."
"Probably, but then, you'd have to deal with the fallout of it. Are you prepared for that?" Horatio chuckled as he moved around more, "I'm sure there's plenty he'd like to hold over your head."
"Probably, but then, you'd have to deal with the fallout of it. Are you prepared for that?" Horatio chuckled as he moved around more, "I'm sure there's plenty he'd like to hold over your head."
Raising her brow, she chuckled, "Let's not go there. Remember I usta go out with him and Eric partying a few years ago."
Again, Horatio nodded as his smile faded and he moved once more, trying to keep himself busy. The thought of Calleigh out with the two of them sent a surge of jealousy through him, even as he knew that was in the past. Silence drifted through them and he lost himself in his tasks.
