Disclaimer: see chapter one

Sara's POV

I don't know how I managed to make it through the day and come back to work tonight. I agreed to do something with Catherine this weekend. Actually, I agreed for me and Allie to go to Lake Mead with her and Linds. I made some stupid ass comment about it being a date—which is a common thing to say after two people make arrangements to do something together whether it's platonic or romantic. And when I tried to backpedal and explain what I meant, she called me on it and said that it really wasn't a date because we were going to have the kids with us and that next time we'd leave them with a sitter.

I spent most of the day contemplating what that meant. Did that mean that we were really going to go on a date? Did that mean that Catherine had asked me out? Did that mean that she was really interested in me?

What did it all mean? I can't possibly ask her and I'm not about to ask Sofia or Wendy. Those two are, well, for lack of a better description I'll just say that they're made for one another.

I'm trying to make my way to the break room for some coffee when I hear voices coming from Catherine's office. She's in early today. That's unusual for her. She usually spends as much time as she can with Lindsey. Then again, I'm not one to talk. I'm here early too.

The blinds are drawn in her office so I can't see who it is that she's talking to. Fortunately, since the blinds are closed, it affords me the opportunity to stand close to her door and listen in on her conversation. I'm sure this is what she did yesterday when I was talking to Wendy. There is no way she'd have the timing to walk in on that conversation at the very moment we were talking about handcuffs. I'm just hoping that standing here will give me something to embarrass her with like she did me with the satin scarf and chafing comments.

After standing there for a moment, I realize who it is that she's talking to—Sofia. Great! This ought to be good! I settle in to listen to their conversation.

Sofia: So…

Catherine: Alright, Alright. I asked her to go to Lake Mead with Linds and me this Saturday. Actually I asked her and Allie to go with us.

Sofia: So is this a date?

Catherine: I dunno. I think it's a possible pre-date.

Sofia: What the hell is a pre-date?

Catherine: It comes before a date. I just don't know for sure that she is interested.

Sofia: I think I can promise you that she's interested.

Catherine: Has she, uh, said something to you?

Sofia: Now you know I can't betray her trust. All I'm saying is this. You don't need to worry.

Catherine: Okay. There is something even bigger that I'm worried about though, Sof.

Sofia: What's that?

Catherine: (whispering) kissing…touching…sex

Sofia: You've never?

Catherine: No. Not with a woman. And I'm worried. If…and that's a big big big if…we get to that point, how am I supposed to know what to do? And what if I do something wrong?

Sofia: (laughing) Oh my god. Wendy and I were certain that you'd have at least made out with a woman or two in your day. I mean, given your former profession.

Catherine: So you and Wendy sit around and talk about me?

Sofia: Well, we don't exactly sit around and talk, blondie. But yeah, you and Sara have been a topic of conversation as late.

Catherine: Really? Anything you care to share with me? I mean, if you're going to talk about me the least you can do is tell me what you're saying.

Sofia: Just that the two of you need to get off this merry-go-round and get down to business. You two have been on the same dance floor for the last six years. In the last couple of months, you've at least been hearing the same song. Now, you need to start dancing the same dance.

Catherine: Men are so much easier. Flash 'em a smile. Shake your ass. Bounce your boobs. You know instantly if they're attracted to you. Sara's just…well, Sara. She runs hot and cold. I don't want to pursue her. That's not the role I'm comfortable in. I want to sit back and let her take charge. But I'm getting the feeling that if I wait on her to make a move…well, I might just be waiting a while.

Sofia: Even if she makes you wait, she'll be worth it.

Catherine: Wait a minute! (voice raised) Do you mean to tell me that you slept with Sara?

I figure that now might be a good time to save Sofia.

"Who slept with me?" I say to both of them as I walk into the room.

Both women turn and stare at me. Sofia nods her head at me and ducks out of the room. Catherine suddenly finds her shoes very interesting and avoids looking me in the eyes. "How long were you listening to our conversation?"

"I'm not sure. Just how long were you two talking?" She immediately blushes.

"I, uh…we…were…uh…talking about a case." She knows instantly that I don't buy her lie.

I take a few steps toward her. My confidence, however faulty in the past regarding Catherine, is now back. I can say and do whatever I want when it comes to her. I know that now. And she's about to know a few things, too.

She looks up and sees me walking toward her. She's nervous and scared. I like that. She turns her back to me and starts to put some paperwork in her filing cabinet. Perfect. I instantly close the distance between us and stand as close as I can without letting my body touch hers. Her movements still.

I reach out and run my fingertips down her arm. "Kissing…touching…sex." I feel her shudder under my touch. I bend my mouth to her ear and whisper, "I promise you'll enjoy all of it" I fight the urge to nibble on her earlobe and settle, instead, for a kiss on her neck.

She's still standing there facing that filing cabinet and barely breathing as I leave her office with a satisfied smile on my face. I'm going to enjoy this—maybe a little too much.