Chapter I

She didn't really know how she got here. Well, she did know, but she couldn't quite believe it. The bed she was in wasn't her own, the arms around her belonged to a man she wasn't married to, and she was completely naked.

All she did a few hours ago was agreeing to help a friend and she did like weddings. When she got home, Rusty just looked at her in surprise and amusement, saying he had plans with Provenza anyway. She showered and did her hair, curlier than she wore it to work and did her make-up. She stood in front of her closet for the longest time trying to decide what to wear, she didn't want to stand out too much but kind of wanted to impress Andy. It made her blush and a thrilling nervousness settled over her. Finally, she decided on a purple dress that hugged her curves, stopped just over her knees, with an enticing v-neck and cap sleeves. Slipping in her black peep-toe Louboutin and putting on small pearl earrings, she looked at herself in the mirror. Not bad for a woman her age.

Before she could start criticising her looks, the doorbell rang. Opening the door, she was met with a bouquet of flowers, they were purple, as was the tie of the man holding them. A second, they just stared at each other, they matched. Andy, in a grey Suit and purple tie, let his eyes wander down her figure. She didn't wear her glasses, it made her eyes more intense, he wanted to bury his hands in her long auburn locks, her dress hugged her in all the right places, giving him a nice view of her cleavage and her legs seemed to go on forever.

"Good evening, Andy. You didn't have to do that. Come in", Sharon said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, I did. Good evening, Sharon", Andy had a big smile on his face. Sharon took the flowers and carried them to the kitchen to put them in a vase, placing them on the dining table.

"Thank you, they are beautiful! How did you know purple is my favourite colour?"

"I took a wild guess", both chuckled. Her eyes remained on the bouquet. "We should get going."

"Oh, right! Just let me get my clutch and we can leave." She made her way into her bedroom, grabbing her clutch and met Andy at the door. His hand rested on the doorknob, not moving, he looked at her.

"I just want to say: you look beautiful tonight, Sharon."

"Thank you, Andy. You look very handsome yourself", she blushed. Andy took a breath, opening the door and they made their way to his car. He held open the door for her before getting behind her wheel. They made small talk on the drive, but the closer they got the more tense Andy became. Sharon could see his grip on the steering wheel tighten.

"Andy, relax. Your daughter will be so happy to see you and I'm here for the rest."

"Sharon, thank you again for coming. I don't know if I would have pulled through."

"Don't thank me yet", she winked at him.

Finding a spot, they got out, Sharon hooked her arm through his in silent support and they made their way into the church. Left to the entryway lay a chapel where they found Nicole, her mother, stepfather and the bridesmaids.

"Dad! You've made it!" Nicole hugged him tight, and Andy tried to enjoy it despite the looks his ex-wife shot his way.

"Nicole, you look so beautiful! I can't believe my little girl is getting married."

"Oh dad…Don't get sappy already. You want to introduce me?"

"Ah yes. Nicole this is my friend Sharon, Sharon Nicole."

"It's really nice to meet you, your dad talks about you a lot", the two women shook hands.

"It's nice to meet you too. I fully expected to see Provenza, so this is a nice surprise."

"Nicole, we have to get started!", her mother called.

"Then we should get going", Andy said to Sharon.

"Dad, wait! I wondered if you and Dan would both walk me down the aisle?" Andy looked at Sharon, she only nodded and nudged him towards his daughter. She found a seat not too far in the back. The music started and Andy joined her after giving his daughter's hand to her future husband. It was a beautiful service and Sharon teared up more than once. Andy held out a handkerchief without saying a word.

At the reception, they congratulated the bride and groom and Andy even got to dance the father-daughter-dance. He introduced Sharon to his step-grandkids, Taylor and Sam, both were immediately enamoured with Sharon. They mingled a bit and after dinner Andy got up and offered his hand to Sharon.

"May I have this dance?"

"I thought you would never ask!"

The dance floor was quite full, but they found a corner. Sharon was quite positively surprised by Andy's dancing skills, their movements seemed almost choreographed. After two songs the music slowed, prompting the pair to move closer together. Sharon involuntarily closed her eyes breathing in his scent. God, the man smelled good. But Andy didn't fare any better, he had to resist burying his nose in her auburn mane, but his hand still slid closer to her butt. They danced through a line of slow songs and by the end Sharon's head lay on his shoulder. It was like they were hypnotised by the music, lights, and the nearness of the other.

The atmosphere was broken by Andy's ex-wife, Mandy. She seemed to have had a few glasses to many and was spoiling for a fight. How could Andy come here with such a woman on his arm? That he had the gut to show up at all!

"Hey Andy, how much does she take an hour?"

"Excuse me?", Sharon said, both their heads snapping up.

"Or are you a regular?"

"Mandy, I won't let you talk about Sharon like this!"

"Oh Andy, come on, you can't believe anyone will buy that act."

"You have no right…!"

"Andy, it's ok", Sharon tried to calm him.

"No, it's not! Mandy, I will not have you harass my friend. What makes you think it is appropriate to act like this at your own daughter's wedding?"

"Andy don't play the high horse now. How embarrassing…", she slurred.

"What's going on?", Nicole interrupted.

"Honey, I'm sorry. I think your mom had a few too many."

"Sad the drunk."

"Are you kidding me? What are you two thinking? At my wedding…"

"Nicole if I may", Sharon interrupted, "Your mother came here making accusations about me and your dad tried to defend me. I'm sorry. Maybe it is time to leave?" She looked at Andy.

"Yeah. Listen honey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to spoil your day. It was really lovely, but we should get going, it's getting kind of late."

"First true words..."

"Mom! Not now...Dad I'm sorry too. I'm so happy you were here. I'll call you." She hugged him goodbye.

"Ok, bye honey."

"Goodbye, Nicole."

"Goodbye, Sharon"

Andy grabbed Sharon's hand, not realising that he did, and they made their way back to his car. Outside Sharon stopped so Andy would look at her. Seeing anger, hurt and frustration on his face, she pulled him into a hug.

"I'm sorry."

"No Sharon, it wasn't your fault. Mandy is just…"

"It's not easy dealing with ex-spouses, but you did great." He huffed. "You did!"

"Thank you. For tonight, for being here."

"Of course," their eyes locked. Brown ones burned into green ones. Involuntarily their heads moved till their lips met. The kiss was chaste, but full of promise. When they parted Andy looked at Sharon. Her eyes were still closed, and she bit her lip. Worried she regretted what just happened, he took a step back, but she held him. Opening her eyes, her mouth split into a smile.

"Sharon, I'm…", a finger met his lips and she pulled him to her again, her hands moved in his hair. Andy gathered her in his arms as his tongue slipped out, teasing her bottom lip. She moaned and their tongues met. They stood on the sidewalk, making out like teenagers until a car horn pulled them back to the present. Both breathed heavily.

"Maybe we should get out of here." Sharon hummed affirmatively and they got in the car. Before he could start the car, she lay a hand on his arm.

"Let's go to your place. We need to talk about this."

"Yeah, ok."

The drive was silent, both deep in their own musings. Sharon's phone vibrated: It was Rusty saying he would stay at the Lieutenant's tonight. Andy pulled into his driveway, turning off the car and looked at her.

"So, this is me."

The house wasn't what she expected. A one-floor, with a porch, that seemed to wrap around back. It had a kind of southern flair to it. Making their way in, Andy held the door for her. The entryway opened into the living room, she could see the kitchen and a dining table towards the back. Immediately to her right lay a den, which he used as an office, to her left was a wall full of pictures of his family and children.

"Why don't you take a seat on the couch, and I make us some tea?", he left before she could answer. She made her way to the large leather sectional, she sat down facing the big windows. The yard seemed well kept, and the back porch looked cosy. Andy returned with two cups, handing her one. Taking in the smell, she realised it was the same blend she used at the office. Her belly fluttered with nervousness, but there was also a comforting warmth spreading.

"Sharon. I don't really know what to say. This evening was a real rollercoaster. I'm so sorry for my ex's behaviour."

"It wasn't your fault, Andy. I'm just sorry that Nicole had to deal with this on her wedding day. I never meant to cause trouble."

"You didn't. I am so very grateful you came, I can't tell you", his eyes bore into hers, so open and vulnerable she didn't know if she wanted to cry or kiss him again.

"I'm glad I could be there for you as your friend, kind of like you've been for me with Rusty."

"Friends, yeah. It's a good thing", he felt put down by her choice of words, he looked anywhere but at her.

"What happened earlier…I…"

"It's alright we can forget it happened, we are colleagues, friends. Don't worry", he tried to mask his sadness. She took his hand.

"Andy, look at me, please", as he did, she continued, "I don't think I can forget…I don't want to." He took a moment to process and convince himself that this was really happening. Sharon felt every second stretch and the hope was replaced by fear and doubt. She must have misread the signs, Jack was right, why should anyone like her or even love her? She wanted to believe Andy was different. Tears pooled in her eyes, and she pulled her hand from his and stood. She had to get out of here, grabbing her phone to dial a cab.

Finally, Andy snapped out of his daze and went after her. She was about to open the door, when he grabbed her, spun her around and pulled her into a kiss. Trying to pour everything into it, he stole her breath, only stopping when his lungs started to burn. He met her forehead with his, her hands had twisted into the front of his shirt and tears slid silently down her cheeks.

"I don't want to forget either." Her breath hitched, he kissed away her tears and pulled her closer, her head came to rest in his neck and her arms moved around him. "You have no idea how long I've dreamed of holding you like this."

One of his hands tangled in her hair. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this at peace in someone's arms. "Oh Andy, I'm sorry, I just got scared…Are you sure about this?"

"I am. Are you?", he pulled her out to look at her. "I don't want you to have any doubts."

"I've never felt this safe and at peace with anyone before. But it kind of scares me too."

"You think I'm not scared? Hell, there are many things that complicate this, our jobs, the kid, me being an alcoholic…But I'll be damned if we don't try. What do you say?"

"Yes. I want this. I want to be with you. I know it's not going to be easy, but I can't live in any more fear of what if. With Rusty there is already so much uncertainty, I don't feel like this with you."

"My God Sharon, you make me so happy!", he pulled her lips to his again. It was less frantic but soothing to both their nerves. "Should I drive you home? Rusty is probably getting worried."

"No, he is staying with Lieutenant Provenza tonight."

"So…would you like to stay? No pressure, I would just love to sleep with you in my arms."

"Yes", she said in a breathy voice. He took her hand, pulling her with him. Walking into his bedroom, she saw a big four-poster-bed, adorned with rich greens and blues, at the end stood a bench, facing the windows and door to the back porch. In the back was a walk-in-closet on the right and to the left a door, probably to the master-bathroom. It was manly, but not a bachelor's cave, she liked it.

"I can give you a shirt and boxers to sleep in if you want. The bathroom is through there, there should be an extra toothbrush in the cabinet. Under the sink are towels and such if you want to take a shower. I'm gonna go lock up." He laid some clothes on the bed and left.

Sharon took the clothes and went into the bathroom. It was nice, shower and a big tub. Maybe they could take a bath together sometime, she thought and blushed. Looking at herself in the mirror she saw what was left of her carefully applied make-up. Under the sink, she found a washcloth and removed what was left behind. She brushed her teeth and stripped out of her clothes, putting on what Andy had given her. She was quite nervous as she opened the door.

Andy's eyes were on her immediately. He was already in bed, only in his boxers and undershirt too, having used the other bathroom across the hall. She was a vision. He never understood why women liked to wear their boyfriend's clothes, but in Sharon's case he wanted her to. He could see her glorious legs and her nipples poking through his shirt. He met her eyes, totally unguarded, the green sparkled. Her nose was peppered with freckles, it made her look even younger. She was biting her lip, obviously waiting for him to say something.

"You are so beautiful! Come here." He patted the bed beside him, and she crawled next to him under the covers and settled in his side. She met him for a kiss and hummed.

"Hi"

"Hi," he chuckled. Sharon stifled a yawn. "Let's get some sleep, beautiful." She smiled at the endearment, and both shuffled down. She turned away from him and he settled against her back, his arm around her as her cold feet moved between his legs. He hissed slightly but kept her still as she tried to move. "You stay here, I'll warm you up. Good night, beautiful." He pressed a kiss to the back of her neck, breathing in her scent. Under the floral aroma of her perfume he could clearly make out Sharon, she smelled warm like sun and lavender.

"Good night", she sighed, taking hold of his hand around her waist and settled it over her heart. Both fell asleep quickly.

Andy was the first to wake up. First, he was a bit confused about the hair in his face, but when he looked down to see Sharon sprawled over his chest. Her hair fanned out over the pillow, her hand fisted his shirt and one of her legs was wrapped around his. He smiled, she looked so cute, like a child cuddling their favourite teddy bear. Her face was completely relaxed, no worry lines visible. She hummed and her eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning, beautiful." She jumped and her head whipped around, and she looked at him for a moment before the events from last night returned to her.

"Good morning", she smiled at him. Their lips met, lightly nipping. Andy pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, Sharon hummed. Realising she all but straddled him she moved fully on top of him, she heard him groan, felt his hands on her hips and his morning erection lightly poking her butt. Pulling back, she bit her lip, looking at him.

"Oh Sharon, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to rush you. If you're not ready, I understand…", a finger against his lips silenced him.

"Andy…I'm alright. I want to... It's just been a while for me…and I only ever…with Jack…and...", she looked down at her fidgeting hands.

"Hey," he lifted her chin to make her look at him, "I understand. I want you to feel comfortable. Please tell me if anything doesn't feel right or you want to stop. I want you so much, but I don't want to hurt you. Ok?"

"I will. I want to be with you", leaning down she kissed him, her tongue met his and both moaned. Both explored with their hands, Sharon moved up his shirt in search of more skin. Sitting up, he removed it and admired as she explored his chest, running her fingers through his hair, smoothing over his nipples and pulling her nails up his sides, making him shiver. Taking hold of the shirt she wore, he waited for a sign to go ahead. Nodding her head, she lifted her arms, and he discarded the item next to his.

"You're so beautiful", he said, and his hands ran down her arms and met her breast. They fit perfectly in his hands, their weight soothing. Running his thumbs over her nipples made her breath hitch.

"Andy, kiss me!" Taking her mouth in his, their bodies touched, he felt her shiver as his chest hair tickled her nipples. Still kissing Andy turned them, so he was on top, looking down at the woman beneath him. Her fingers were still in his hair, and she pulled him back to her mouth. After a few kisses he moved over her jaw to her neck, he licked and sucked causing her to hum and her breath to hitch. Continuing his journey to her breast, nuzzling underneath before his hot mouth closed around her nipple, eliciting a cry and her fingers twisted deeper into his hair.

What Andy made her feel she only read in novels before, dismissing it for artistic license. Obviously, she was mistaken. And he seemed to enjoy it too. Feeling him move further down, she sucked in her stomach. The action was met with soothing kisses all along her marks from childbearing, making tears reach her eyes and relax. He didn't say anything, he didn't need to, it was a quiet understanding, she to this day had mostly felt while working with him.

As he continued further down, she tensed. Looking up at her he saw uncertainty. "Sharon, will you allow me to taste you? We can stop at any time. You trust me?" She only nodded, pulling off his boxers, he held her gaze for a moment then pressed a kiss right above her pubic hair. She shivered. His hands soothed her sides and down her legs as he nosed his way to her clit. One of his hands spread her lips and his tongue circled her nub. A breathy moan escaped her, she closed her eyes and Andy felt her relax in his hold. He could see her arousal pouring out of her opening, he needed to taste her. Pushing his tongue inside, his mouth filled with her juices, rich and sweet. "Mhh you taste so good, beautiful" he groaned and liked up to her clit, softly sucking.

Sharon moaned and her legs quivered. She felt one of his fingers probing her opening and was almost relieved when he moved it inside her. After a few thrusts he added another. "Oh Andyyy..!", she moaned. Encouraged, he added a third and sucked harder on her clit. "Ohhh God! Ohhhh Andyyy!", she came with a cry, her legs holding his head in a deadlock.

After easing her down and lapping up her juices, he made his way up. Seeing her still breathing hard, sweat lingering on her temple, licking her dry lips, he was very pleased with himself. When her eyes fluttered open, he was amazed by the colour of her eyes, he had never seen such a rich emerald before.

"Thank you", she said.

"It was my pleasure, beautiful", he grinned. She pulled him to her, it thrilled her to taste herself on his lips. They got lost for a minute, then Andy felt her trying to push him on his back. "What do you want?"

"I want to return the favour", it seemed to be a given.

"Beautiful, as much as I would like that, I'd rather be inside you."

"Fine." He growled at her answer and went back to her lips, making out, hands and lips moving. Few minutes later, Sharon pulled back: "Andy, I want you." Andy sat up and shed his last bit of clothing. Her eyes got wide as she looked at his erect shaft, he was quite big, both in size and girth. He lay his hand on her cheek to make her look at him.

"Tell me if I hurt you, ok? We can stop if it's too much."

"No, I want to be with you. To feel you. Just slow…" He kissed her again, caressing her body, to make her relax. Her legs wrapped around him, and her hands held around his upper arms. Slowly he eased into her, then pulled back, inch by inch. She was so tight and warm and wet; he had a hard time holding on. Every hitch of her breathing was agonising and thrilling at once. They held eye contact, seeing the emotions flitter over their faces.

When he finally bottomed out, his head fell into her neck and her limbs held him tightly. He gave her time to adjust. With a twitch of her hips, she signalled she was ready. Finding her lips, he pulled out all the way and pushed back in, they shared a moan. They settled in a slow rhythm, their faces close, breathing the same air. On her command he quickened the pace. "Ohhh…Andyy…don't stop", she moaned, scratching her nails over his back. He changed the angle slightly, finding her spot. She moaned loudly, her eyes rolled back and her back arched. Feeling her walls hug his cock, he thrust a couple more times and joined her with a groan of her name.

Trying to pull out and move next to her was inhibited by her limbs holding him to her. "Not yet. Stay here with me", she whimpered.

"Sweetheart, I don't want to crush you."

"Please. I'm not so easy to break." He settled his lower half on her but rested on his forearms. His hands cupped her head, his thumb stroking her cheek. They shared a sweet kiss, smiling at each other. "I'm ready." At that he rolled on his back, bringing her to rest on his side. She whimpered as he slipped out of her.

"Are you alright, beautiful?"

"Very much. You?"

"Never better", he said in a low voice, his eyelids drooping. Sharon kissed his chest, drawing soothing circles on it and rested with him.

Now she lay awake, feeling giddy as a schoolgirl. Her stomach growled.

"I should feed you", Andy chuckled, she jumped a bit not realising he was awake.

"You should. I always thought you were a gentleman", she giggled as he rolled her over stealing a kiss before getting up. She hummed, seeing him naked and tall standing beside the bed.

"Like what you see?" She hummed again, then grumbled when he put his shirt and boxers back on. "I call, when breakfast is ready."

She fell back into the sheets, breathing in deeply the smell of him, of them. Getting up she used the bathroom; it was a long time since she felt a man's semen seep from her. She cleaned herself and put on her panties and bra, finding his shirt from yesterday she shrugged it on, closing a few buttons. Making her way out of his room, she found two more rooms and a bathroom on the other side of the hall. Following the sound of music and him joining in, she leaned in the doorway of his kitchen. He had cut fruit and now stood at the stove making French toast.

When he noticed her, he froze. How could this woman look so beautiful and sexy? She sauntered over to him, whispering in his ear: "Something is burning." Whipping around he turned off the stove and put the slightly burned slices with the others. Turning back, he saw her grinning. In one swift move he had her in his arms and on his kitchen island.

"You are a bad girl, a bad girl", he growled before attacking her lips. Moaning, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her stomach growled again, and they parted. She hopped down, grabbed the cut fruit and went over to the table, by the window. Andy followed her and they ate in comfortable silence, holding hands.

"I should get home soon. Rusty will wonder."

"Yeah. Do you have plans for tomorrow?"

"Not really, some housework."

"Would you like to go out with me for lunch?"

"Like a date?"

"Yes, like a date. I owe you one, if not more…"

"I would like that", she kissed him sweetly.

Sharon made it home a few minutes before Rusty. Slipping out of her clothes and into the shower. As she dressed in black leggings, black top, and her favourite beige cardigan, she heard the front door open.

"Sharon? I'm home!"

"Rusty, hi. How was your night?", she asked, stepping from her bedroom.

"Fine, we went for burgers and watched a classic, the Lieutenant said I should know." He put his backpack in his room, to find her in the kitchen making tea. Taking a seat at the bar he asked: "How was your night, with Lieutenant Flynn?"

Sharon felt the blush on her chest and cheeks. She and Andy had talked on the way over. They both felt it wise not to lie to Rusty, but she didn't expect it to be easy to explain and she wanted to honour his need of security and her promise never to lie to him.

"It was nice. Nicole was a wonderful bride, and the service was lovely. Her husband Dave is lovely as are his two boys. There was a little altercation with Andy's ex-wife, but aside from that." Sharon moved to the couch with a cup of tea and Rusty joined her. "Rusty, there is an issue I need to discuss with you."

"Please don't tell me there are going to be restrictions again!"

"No, it's not about you, it's about me actually."

"Are you ok? Are you sick?"

"Relax Rusty, nothing like that. I am seeing someone. It is very new, but we both felt it right to be upfront with you. I want you to know that this changes nothing between us, and I want you to tell me if you feel uncomfortable or have any questions."

"It's Lieutenant Flynn, isn't it?" Sharon blushed looking at Rusty processing the news. "Is he going to live here?"

"No, as I said this is very new. Andy may come over for dinner and such. Maybe stay the night, but only if this is ok with you. I well remember you asking me for a notice before anything changes, but this is the earliest I can give you. So…"

"Sharon, relax. I like the Lieutenant, he is a good guy. And I know you probably thought this through. What happens at work?"

"We try to keep it out of the office for now. No one knows besides you, so I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone."

"Sure. Ehm…one thing. Please keep the PDA to a minimum. I'm glad if you're happy, I don't need to see it."

"Alright. We can do that. Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of. I'm gonna go, still have some homework."

"Ok. Please let me know if anything." He just waved her off and went to his room. Sharon let out a long breath.