Thank you all again for the reviews and kind words. I couldn't have gone out today even if I tried as the UK has been hit by heavy snowfall. Writing has helped take my mind off things somewhat.

Horatio gave Jeff a puzzled look as they pulled up in Calleigh's drive, "It's only 2.30, we're finished already?"

Killing the engine and pulling the handbrake Jeff replied, "Yep. My work here this week is nearly done. Besides, I have a game of golf with an old friend at three"

He wasn't sure whether he should be happy or not, he had found the older man's presence quite irritating at times but he admitted to himself that the man had played a big part in helping him get himself in order. The questions that Jeff had asked him made him feel uncomfortable but he could see why he was pushing him so much, like it or not he knew that he would have to deal with his past at some point, he just hadn't intended on it being this soon.

"You're not going to make me walk you to the door, are you?" Jeff teased as Horatio continued to stay seated in the car, seemingly lost in thought.

He shook his head lightly, feeling embarrassed for being caught daydreaming again. "No, I think I can make it by myself, thank you"

Jeff smiled when he was once again on the receiving end of a trademark Horatio glare, "Ok then, I'll see you tomorrow at four pm. I'll meet you here"

He nodded and let himself out of the car, turning back briefly as Jeff pulled out of the drive. He walked to the front door and was about to knock when Calleigh opened it, she took him by surprise when she launched herself at him, hugging him tightly. "Horatio, I'm so glad you're back. Did you have a good time with Jeff?"

"That depends on your definition of 'good', Calleigh" He replied as he slowly wrapped his arms around her and returned her warm embrace.

She broke away from the hug as she stepped back in to the hallway, "I'll get the coffee on and we can talk about it if you like" She beckoned him in with her arm.

He didn't want to talk about his session with Jeff, he would have rather forgot all about it. He had no idea how hard it would be to walk back in to the place that he had called home for so long. There were good memories there but far too often over the last few years it had become more like a prison cell than a refuge where he felt safe. He realised that his increasing inhabitancy of the lab was less to do with his passion for the job and more about his unwillingness to return to a cold and empty house. It came as a surprise then when he realised that he had felt safe in Calleigh's home since he had been here, he had become used to waking up next to another person and having someone to share the day with. He knew that as soon as the week was over and his place was repaired that he would have to move back there, his heart sank with the thought of spending his days and nights alone once more.

Calleigh kept a close eye on Horatio as he followed her in to the kitchen, she could see that he was debating something in his mind as he sat down on the nearest chair as if he were on auto-pilot. She willed herself to concentrate on the coffee but couldn't help her curiosity; she needed to know what he was thinking, after coming so far she didn't want him shutting her out again. "What are you thinking about?" she asked him quietly, hoping he would answer her.

He took a deep breath and looked up at her, "It's silly. It's nothing really" He tried to act nonchalantly as if nothing was wrong. Her penetrating gaze was starting to unnerve him a little, if only she knew how much of an effect she had on him. He sighed before he continued, "I was just thinking how nice it's been having company this week. I guess I got used to being on my own all the time" He bowed his head, feeling silly for admitting that he was lonely.

Calleigh brought the cups of coffee to the table and sat in the chair next to Horatio, facing him. She reached out a hand and gently placed it on his arm, "I know it's been a really tough week but I've enjoyed the company too"

He laughed bitterly at himself, "I've hardly been the ideal houseguest. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to throw me out right now" As he lifted his eyes to glance at her quickly he could not mistake the look of hurt that briefly flashed across her face.

"Horatio, you're welcome to stay here as long as you want. I've enjoyed having someone to wake up with" she blushed slightly as she realised what she had said.

His response took her by surprise, "Me, too" he said as he gave her a small smile and placed a hand on top of hers. He looked at her intently for a moment, unsure of his next move, "To hell with it" he thought as he threw caution to the wind. He leaned in and gently placed a kiss on her lips, closing his eyes as he savoured the moment.

As he leant forwards and inched closer her heart began to pound, was he about to do what she hoped he would do? She didn't have long to find out as his lips met hers in a soft kiss. It was tentative and shy; as if he wasn't sure he was doing the right thing, the kiss so much like the broken man she had spent a whole week trying to put back together. Responding to his touch Calleigh lifted her arms and placed them around the back of his neck as she got up to straddle him on his chair. She felt the rush of air from him as her move caught him by surprise, at first his hands didn't move but before long they were snaking their way up her back as he revelled in the feel of her through her silk blouse. The kiss deepened and became more passionate as both of their hands started exploring the other's bodies, groans of delight escaping from both of their mouths.

Lost in the moment Calleigh lowered her hands and began tugging at his shirt, trying to pull the ends of it out of his trousers. She was disappointed when he pulled away from the kiss and took both of her hands in his, stilling them. He squeezed his eyes shut as he told her, "I'm sorry. I can't do this just yet, it's too soon" He felt terrible for saying it but he knew that his first time with Calleigh would be special, not just some quick grope on the kitchen table.

Pain lanced through her heart at his actions, "Did I do something wrong?" she asked as she willed the tears in her eyes not to fall.

"No, of course not" he tried to reassure her as he squeezed her hands gently, "I want very much to take things further but at the moment it doesn't feel right. Can you understand that?" He hoped that she could.

She tried to compose herself, "You're right. No pressure. Just let me know when you're ready"

He smiled at her sweetly, he had no idea how he had come to have this angel by his side, she was so much more than he deserved. He wouldn't tell her that part of his reluctance was that he felt that he would never be good enough for her. It would take time and patience; one good night of sleep was not going to be a miraculous cure for his damaged soul. She had put her faith in him and he owed to it to her to be a better man and with her by his side he knew he at least stood a chance of making that a reality.