Chapter 9

Hailey kicked her jeans aside and beckoned Jay forward with her index finger. "We have unfinished business, Detective." She leaned nonchalantly against the door jamb wearing only a black thong.

Jay was riveted by his partner's beauty. "You little temptress."

"You know you love it," said Hailey as she twisted a strand of hair.

"I do." Two little words. It sounded like a wedding vow. Jay suddenly realized he would have no problem saying those same words to Hailey in a different setting. One with friends and family present and Hailey in a long white dress, her hair adorned with flowers.

"Are you worried about Will coming back?" Hailey's soft voice snapped him back to the present.

Must have zoned out for a second. He gave her his trademark smirk. "Will who?"

Hailey stifled a laugh. "Okay then."

"I'm all for getting back to business, especially business that doesn't involve paperwork, Detective Upton."

"You have a good point." They met halfway in the hall. Jay took Hailey's face in his hands before his mouth crashed onto hers. Hailey reached for his zipper and tugged it down as they stumbled into the bedroom. Before she knew it, the back of her legs bumped into the bed and she landed on her back with a small yelp. Jay laughed as he loomed over her.

"This is a much better look than all that plaid you wear," he said.

Hailey frowned up at him. "That's funny. Last week you said you liked my new green plaid shirt."

"It's a nice shirt, but I'm glad to finally know what's beneath it." He gave her one final kiss before he stopped to peel off his jeans and underwear.

"You're a naughty boy," she laughed.

"I will neither confirm nor deny that statement, Detective Upton."

Hailey was reaching for her thong, but Jay's hands got there first. "Allow me."

He expertly slid it down her legs and tossed it on the floor. Hailey raised her arms to pull him closer.

"Make love to me, Jay," she whispered.

Jay needed no encouragement at all to comply.

Some time later, Hailey awoke. She turned on her side to gaze at the man sleeping peacefully beside her. There was no sign of distress or anxiety on his face and his breathing was quiet and even. She knew Jay suffered from PTSD and often had nightmares, but thankfully there was no sign of that right now.

Hailey really had no words to describe the last two days. They had finally given in to all their suppressed feelings and desires and the result had been off the charts. Her face grew warm at the memory. It was gratifying to know that the man she trusted with her life every day could also now be trusted with her heart.

Jay sighed and shifted a little, but did not wake up. Even so, he sensed Hailey's hand on his chest and covered it with his own.

"Hailey . . ." he mumbled.

"I'm here, Jay. Everything's fine."

"Hmmm."

Hailey closed her eyes and dozed for a while until Jay woke up. She propped up on an elbow to look down at him. Both wore huge smiles. "What are you thinking?" she asked.

"I'm thinking how much I like seeing your face when I wake up."

"You see this face every day when you look up from your computer."

Jay laughed. "Not quite the same. At work, it's hair in a ponytail, serious expression and a weapon on your hip."

Hailey's smile faltered. Jay was immediately worried. "What's wrong?"

She didn't answer right away.

"Come on, Hails. Talk to me."

"How are we going to play this at the District? You know how Voight feels about his people dating. He'll be onto us in a flash."

Jay sighed as he trailed his fingers over her arm. "Yeah, the District. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about that, too. But you know what, screw the District. They don't own us."

Hailey made a face. "Well . . . it feels like that sometimes."

Jay studied her for a moment. "You're not sorry we took the big leap, are you?" His heart rate sped up as he waited for her response. He didn't think he could live without Hailey. She wasn't only his work partner; she was his soulmate. He had no doubts about it.

She shook her head and her beautiful smile returned. "Absolutely not. It was going to happen sooner or later."

Jay relaxed. "We will just have to be very, very careful. No PDAs, no ogling my butt . . ."

Hailey snorted in disbelief. "I believe last week when we were getting ready to go to that club, you were ogling my butt, mister. And my boobs!"

"So you noticed, did you?"

"I should smack you right now and wipe that grin off your face," she retorted. She tried to sound mad, but Jay knew she wasn't.

"Nah, you won't do that. But you can kiss it off."

"Is that a dare?" Hailey's eyes narrowed.

Still grinning, Jay said, "It is what it is."

Before he could make any more sassy remarks, Hailey was straddling him and indeed kissing his grin off. He let her stay on top for a second before flipping her onto her back.

Eventually, they decided they had to get out of bed because both their stomachs were growling. "I seem to remember you promising me a home-cooked dinner," Hailey reminded him as she rubbed her tummy.

"I certainly did. I'll get started if you want to take a shower." Jay was already pulling on his jeans.

"Sounds like a plan," said Hailey. She climbed out of the warm bed and paraded naked to the bathroom.

"I'll ogling you," said Jay.

"Enjoy the view," called Hailey over her shoulder.

Jay chuckled and headed for the kitchen.

Sorry for the long, long delay in updating. Work has been crazy. Hope you enjoy this chapter.