Chapter 11

The afternoon had faded into evening, and the candles he lit earlier still flickered, casting velvety shadows around the room. Lying against the headboard with a drowsing Lucy curled around him, Wyatt felt content. The quiet hush of his bedroom was broken only by the soft sounds of their breathing. He dusted a tender kiss on Lucy's dark cloud of hair, and smiled when she sighed and pressed herself closer to his chest. He ran a gentle hand up and down her bare back, soothing her into deeper slumber. Wyatt hadn't realized how much he missed the intimacy of being close with a woman. And Lucy nearly overwhelmed his senses: all that pale, delicate skin, sweet-smelling hair, soft lips, breathless whispers. She was his, and being with her was even better than he had hoped for, and he already knew that 24 hours wasn't nearly enough to appease his fierce desire for her.

In spite of Wyatt's slight apprehension, their first time together was more than satisfactory (maybe a bit briefer than he would have liked), although he could have done without Lucy's mischievous "Well, glad that's over with," as she pretended to swipe a hand across her brow in relief. "I can think of better uses for that sassy mouth of yours, Lucy Preston," he had declared with a growl against her lips, as he pressed her slender form more firmly against the sheets, and was gratified when her giggles mysteriously disappeared.

Wyatt had dozed for a little while after that and was alone in bed when he woke. He slipped his boxers on and since the bathroom was empty, went downstairs in search of his guest. By the light of the open fridge, he saw her slim silhouette wearing one of his button-down shirts, and he almost stopped breathing when Lucy leaned forward to inspect the contents of his fridge and the shirt rode up, revealing nothing but bare, creamy skin. He smirked at her startled squeak when he crept up behind her and grabbed her around the waist, "Busted!" Lucy whirled around and smacked his chest, "Wyatt, you scared me!" Grinning at her indignation, he tugged her against him and quickly lifted her up on the counter top and started undoing the buttons of his shirt. "But, Wyatt, I'm hungry," she protested, until he convincingly diverted her attention from her empty stomach.

Afterwards, he ordered a pizza, and they both sat on the counter, swinging bare legs and devouring a quick supper. When they had finished, Wyatt took Lucy by the hand and they went back upstairs. He had noticed her yawning a couple times while they were eating, and tried (not very successfully) to suppress a very male satisfaction. He watched with appreciation as she let go of his hand and crawled up on the bed, where she flopped on her stomach and grumbled, "I think you're wearing me out." Smothering a grin at her adorable pout, Wyatt leaned over and kissed the top of her head before whispering that he was going to grab a quick shower.

Wyatt had barely stripped down and gotten under the warm spray when he felt a slight draft. He was startled (and very pleased) when two slim arms wrapped around his broad chest. "Is this a private party, or would you like some company?" she murmured against his back. He swiftly turned around and pulled her wet body against his. "I thought you were sleepy," he teased. "I was lonely in that big bed of yours by myself, and besides, I've never done this before," she confessed bashfully. Deliberately misunderstanding her, he asked, "What? Conserve water by sharing a shower?" and smirked when her face reddened.

Sticking her nose in the air in faux offence, she removed her arms from around his neck, and turned as if to leave, and then shrieked when Wyatt adeptly grabbed her slippery form and backed her against the shower wall. "Going somewhere, Ma'am?" he very politely inquired, and she had trembled at his intent dark blue gaze. Wyatt then patiently (but thoroughly) taught Lucy all about the merits of water conservation before the hot water even started running cold.

Lucy woke to find the room nearly dark, with just a lone candle still burning on the dresser. She had no idea what time it was, yet found she didn't particularly care. Lying with her back against Wyatt's warm chest and his arm holding her firmly to him, Lucy had never felt so safe and cherished (Maybe even loved? No, no, too soon, don't go there, Lucy). The past few hours with Wyatt had been perfect, like a dream. He was a tender, considerate, yet unexpectedly playful lover.

Like a couple hours ago, when he scared her half to death while she was trying to raid his fridge. Lucy's growling tummy had nagged her awake (hey, she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast), and Wyatt looked so peaceful sleeping on his stomach, face turned towards her and his arm around her waist, that she didn't want to disturb him. So after leaving a soft kiss on his faintly stubbled cheek, she very carefully slid out from under his arm, and tiptoeing over to his closet, "borrowed" a button-down shirt, and went downstairs to find something to eat.

She was just leaning down to get some grapes to nibble on when suddenly Wyatt grabbed her around the waist and exclaimed, "Busted!" Lucy squeaked in surprise, and when she turned around to scold him, he easily picked her up and plopped her down on the counter top. She tried to stop him when he skillfully started unbuttoning his shirt (she really did need sustenance), but then he murmured in a husky voice, "I'm hungry, too," and pulled her towards him, and completely distracted her from anything as trivial as food. Her stomach forgave Wyatt when he ordered a pizza afterwards, and sitting on the counter top, they had laughed and talked while they ate.

Lucy was getting sleepy, and after yawning once or twice, had caught Wyatt smirking at her (he seems very pleased with himself). Holding hands, they went upstairs, and blinking at the sight of his bed, Lucy decided she really needed a nap because he was just wearing her out. (Good Lord, did she say that out loud?) Judging by the dimpled grin that Wyatt tried to hide, apparently she had. (Way to turn a guy on, Lucy.) She climbed on the bed and as she closed her eyes, he bent down and pressing a quick kiss to the top of her head, said he was going to get a shower.

A heartbeat later, at the sound of the bathroom door closing, a vivid mental image of warm water cascading over Wyatt's lean, muscular body hit her like a shot of adrenaline, and Lucy's fatigue miraculously disappeared. Before she lost her courage, she shrugged his shirt off and quietly opening the door, carefully pulled back the shower curtain and slipped in behind him. She was pleased to see that she had taken him by surprise (about damn time "bold" Lucy showed up), and shamelessly pressing herself against him, asked if he wanted some company. Lucy's newfound audacity faltered briefly when Wyatt pretended not to understand her intentions, but just as she feigned injured feelings and turned away, he promptly had her back pressed against the shower wall, and proceeded to demonstrate just how delightful (what he teasingly called) "water conservation" could be.

Early Sunday morning, Wyatt woke after the best night's rest he'd had in weeks to find himself wrapped snugly around a soundly-sleeping Lucy. Reluctant to get out of bed just yet, he nestled closer against her warm body for a few more lazy minutes, savoring the feel of her skin, breathing in the fragrance of her dark hair. Fleetingly, he wished for a way to turn back the clock because yesterday had been one of the best days he could remember in quite some time. Little Jamie was Wyatt's pride and unending joy, but these precious hours with Lucy had made him fully aware now that something else had been missing from his life for nearly five years.

An honest examination of his heart made it clear to Wyatt that he had only been fooling himself, had settled for living a kind of half life, and now he wanted, needed (deserved?) more, if only he dared to reach out and take it. Julie's words echoed through his head (maybe it was time for some happiness of his own). For years, he thought he had convinced himself that his chance for love had died when Jess had, but then this smart, sweet, beautiful woman he held so possessively in his arms had come into his life and quietly begun to fill in the achingly empty place left inside of him when he lost his wife.

He knew a part of him would always love Jessica–she had been his first true love, and mother of his only child. Wyatt was sure, though, that Jess would have approved of Lucy, both as his companion and mother to her son, and the thought comforted him. Although he was wide awake now, Lucy didn't even stir as he smudged a tender kiss to her bare shoulder and slipped out of bed. (Yep, definitely worn out.)

A short while later, Wyatt came back upstairs carefully balancing a full breakfast tray, and set it on the dresser. He perched on the side of the bed and leaned over Lucy, who was now curled around his pillow, and nuzzling the soft pink shell of her ear, whispered, "Good morning, sleepyhead, come on, time to wake up. I brought you something," and watched with amusement as she slowly stretched and blinked sleepy brown eyes at him. She looked deliciously rumpled, and mindful of the breakfast that was waiting, he tried to resist the urge to kiss her completely awake. "What did you bring me?" she asked shyly. "Well, I seem to recall that my son promised if you spent the night here, there would be pancakes for breakfast. And we Logans always keep our promises," he assured her.

Lucy's face lit up at the mention of food as she sat up against the headboard, modestly pulled the covers up over her chest, and tried to smooth down her mussed up hair. "If there's coffee on that tray, I'm moving in," she blurted out, and blushed when Wyatt's dark blue eyes widened. He laughed out loud when she groaned and slid back under the covers and pulled them over her head. Breakfast or not, he just had to kiss her now, so he pried the sheet out of Lucy's small clenched hands, and hauling her against him, slowly and properly kissed her good morning.

While they had breakfast, Wyatt checked his phone, and found a text from Julie that included a couple of pictures of Jamie. One was of the little boy fast asleep between Annie and Sadie in the tent Bam Bam had set up in their front room, and Wyatt got a little choked up at the sight of his son curled up with a protective arm around each of his "sisters." With a soft smile, Lucy pointed out, "Like father, like son," and he grinned back at her, "You think so?" "I really do," she confirmed, and that pleased Wyatt very much.

After polishing off every scrap of the pancakes, Wyatt reminded Lucy that they weren't expected for supper at the Baumgardners until 6:00. Earlier in the week, it had occurred to him that maybe they could take advantage of a certain five-year-old's absence and spend the early afternoon doing some grownup sightseeing. Lucy was thrilled with the idea, and couldn't wait to get ready and leave, but when he tried to follow her into the bathroom, she frowned and putting a slim hand on his bare chest, ordered him out in her firm school teacher voice (bossy woman–it was his bathroom–but he had to admit, that strict tone was really doing it for him). Wyatt struggled to keep a straight face, but it was like being admonished by an angry kitten, so he very reluctantly let her shower in peace (but in a pitiful act of male defiance, didn't leave the bathroom until after he planted a hard kiss on her disapproving lips).

While Wyatt was getting cleaned up, Lucy made the bed and straightened up his bedroom and carried the dishes downstairs to the kitchen. She was ready and waiting by the front door when he came down the steps, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. Wyatt looked happy and relaxed (did I do that?), and in his well-fitting jeans, dark leather jacket, and crisp white button down, more handsome than a guy had any right to be, and Lucy was amazed to realize that this man was all hers (for today at least).

Wyatt had a hunch that a school teacher might enjoy learning about some of the area's history, and so they headed to Old Town San Diego. It was a good call because Lucy was enthralled with the numerous historic houses turned museums (although she had held his hand tightly during their visit to the famous haunted Whaley House). He normally wasn't very interested in educational stuff like this, but it was so much fun to see Lucy's enthusiasm. She chattered non-stop, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and she was happier than a kid on Christmas morning. Just watching her, and being with her, filled him with pleasure (and maybe vague thoughts of the future).

Taking advantage of the cool, sunny weather, they spent a little time walking around Presidio Park, holding hands and quietly enjoying each other's company. He could tell that she was a bit disappointed when it was time to leave, but brightened when he promised her that they could visit again sometime and spend a whole day. They rode the trolley over to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and grabbed a quick lunch before deciding to call it an afternoon.

On the trolley ride back to the parking lot, she leaned her head on his shoulder and kept giving him sweet little kisses, and thanked him more than once for a wonderful time. And as much as he was missing his son, Wyatt was sorry that this time alone with Lucy was nearly over. She made him happy (pretty sure he made her happy, too). It was that simple, and yet, complicated as well because he also had to consider Jamie and what was best for all three of them.

All Wyatt knew for certain was that he really didn't want Lucy to go home tonight. Suddenly anxious at the thought of her not being with him at the end of the evening and in his bed all night, he drove straight back to his place instead of going to the Baumgardners. At Lucy's quizzical glance, he brought her hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to her palm, confessed, "I'm just not ready to let you go, Sweet Lucy. I want, I need, to be with you again before this day is over." She gave him a luminous smile, dark eyes shining, and nodded. And if Julie and Bam Bam suspected the real reason that Wyatt and Lucy were a little bit late for supper, they mercifully kept it to themselves.

A/N: Not gonna lie, this one was kind of a bear. I hope that the "T" rating for this chapter stands for "tantalizing", not "tawdry" LOL. As always, I have to express my sincere gratitude for all the encouraging reviews (especially guests), favorites, and follows. You guys rock :)