With a few small items purchased, the pair headed back to Andy's car.
"What would you like to do now?" he asked.
"Well... I hadn't thought about it to be honest. We could go back to the condo for coffee?"
"Or, you could come back to my place and let me cook dinner for you?" he offered. "I'm happy to drive you home later, when you're ready."
"You cook?" she seemed a little shocked.
"Sometimes Captain. Is that such a surprise?" he shrugged his shoulders.
"A little. I only have a kitchen because it came with the house." she laughed as she said it.
"If it's outside your comfort zone, we could always go somewhere else for dinner. I'm totally ok with that too." he reassured her.
"Why would it be outside my comfort zone Andy? Are you trying to tell me you're an axe-murderer in your oh-so-abundant spare time?" a snort escaped with her laugh.
"You've got me there Sharon. Have you met my boss? I don't have time to be anything other than a detective. The woman's a slave driver." he laughed with her.
"I've heard that about her."

He was pleased to see how at ease she was in his company. The last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable, but he wasn't ready for the day to end. He couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed a simple lunch and walk around the shops so much. It made him happy knowing she wasn't bothered by the thought of going back to his house. He'd never do anything to make her feel uncomfortable deliberately, but he was an expert at putting his foot in his mouth. He congratulated himself on the fact that he hadn't managed to do that during their time out together thus far.

She was pleased to see he didn't feel he needed to walk on egg shells around her. She'd been an independent woman for most of her adult life. The couple of good years with Jack paled by comparison with the amount of years she'd spent taking care of herself and her children without anyone's assistance. This whole situation was a little delicate, only because she was his boss, but she didn't want him to feel that he had to tiptoe around if things between them were going to change outside of work. It surprised her that she didn't feel in the least bit uncomfortable around him. On one hand, it wasn't like getting to know someone new because they'd known each other for more than a decade, but on the other hand it was a little new and exciting, because she knew they both felt something that hadn't been there before, well at least for her it hadn't. She wasn't ready for the day to end yet.

"We'll just stop at the supermarket on the way, so I can grab a couple of things I'm missing, is that ok?"
"Of course. So what are you planning to make? I'd offer to help, but well... the kitchen came with the house remember?"
The drive to Andy's was comfortable. They chatted back and forth about their children, Christmas plans and Provenza.
As if on cue, Andy's phone alerted him to a text just as they pulled into the store.
Text Exchange:
Provenza: Get much shopping done?
Andy: Yeah, a few things less to worry about. You?
Provenza: Not really. Went out briefly but started to feel sick to my stomach, so came home.
Andy: You alright?
Provenza: I will be. You home yet?
Andy: Nope. Not for a while yet. Why?
Provenza: Just wanted a word, but it can wait.
Andy: Ok talk later.

"That man is incredibly annoying Sharon. Can't you just fire him?" Andy inquired.
"I take it you're referring to your partner" she responded "tell me we haven't been called out."
"No, no. He's just determined to irritate me today. Want's a word, whatever that means. Don't worry, I told him I wasn't home. Don't need to hear from his big pie-hole what an idiot I am. Not today Satan, not today." he laughed.

They picked up the few things Andy felt he needed, and headed for the cashier, a basket in one arm, and Sharon's hand tucked into his other elbow.
"Oh hi Lieutenant" the cashier greeted him like an old friend. "Who is this you have with you today? You're usually a solo shopper!"
Clearly tact was not a prerequisite for her job.
"Uh, this is, my friend Sharon" he introduced her.
"Nice to see the Lieutenant not shopping alone for a change! I've seen quite a few of our regulars try to strike up a conversation with this one, without success, so whatever you did, well done!" she added, making Andy more uncomfortable than he already was.
"I'm his boss, uh Donna is it?" Sharon said, reading her name tag. "He knows better than to avoid conversation with me."
Andy eyed her with an amused look on his face. "I don't have to engage in conversation with you on my day off Captain. She's abusing her power, do you see that Donna?" he laughed loudly.
"Oh boy. I'm staying out of this one" Donna told him. "I think you've met your match Captain."
"Oh no." Sharon answered her "When all else fails, I can send him to sensitivity training. You see, I always win." Andy noticed how her eyes twinkled when she was up to mischief.
"Will you just let me pay for my groceries? Out of here woman! You're trouble!" he goaded back, and received, for his trouble, one of the more exaggerated eye rolls in her repertoire.

Tossing his keys into their bowl, Andy showed Sharon in. She'd been to his house before a couple of times, once for a staff gathering, and once when she was in FID and needed to speak with him when he was on medical leave, but never on her own as a guest. She was more interested this time, in really seeing Andy's home. His décor, she decided, was very masculine. A mix of varnished timber and leather, and lots of books. She followed him through the living and dining rooms, toward the kitchen. He was putting away the few things he'd bought on the way home, and starting the coffee maker. Sharon leaned on the bench and just watched him.
"Captain?"
"Yes Lieutenant?"
"You're staring." he told her.
"I'm fascinated! I never imagined you being so comfortable in a kitchen."
"I'm full of surprises" he told her with a chuckle, and moved around toward her, taking her hand. "I have truly enjoyed today."
"I have too Andy. Very much." She reached out and ran the front of his open jacket through her fingers, leaving both of his hand free to settle at her waist as he raised both eyebrows at her.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing at all" he answered as he watched her eyes flick between his own eyes and his lips.
Giving in to the inner struggle he'd been having all day, he pulled her closer and kissed her. Part of him was waiting for her to push him away, but instead she reached both arms up and linked them behind his neck, pulling him closer.

They were still in this exact position, when the doorbell rang.
"I know you're there Flynn... your car is in the driveway." Provenza shouted.
Shock registered on both faces at once. "Shit!" Andy muttered.
"Um, we really don't need him to know I'm here" Sharon told him. "I'll hide?"
"Are we being ridiculous?" Andy asked her.
"No, maybe a little selfish, but not ridiculous" she answered him with a smile and made her way across the dining and living areas to Andy's room, where she closed the door quietly.

Andy reached the door in time to hear his name shouted a second time.
"Give me a chance to get to the door for Christ's sake!" he shouted at his partner as he unlocked and opened it.
"Where'd you have to come from, Antarctica?" Provenza wanted to know.
"I was in the kitchen putting some groceries away. I've only just gotten home. I told you I'd be out most of the day!"
"Where'd you go?" he asked as he made his way into the living room.
"Uh, Venice beach to look at a few gift shops" he answered, knowing it was always better to skirt the truth than flat out lie.

Provenza stopped dead in the middle of the room. He spun around and looked Andy in the eyes.
"You can come out now Captain! You're not fooling me!" He yelled loud enough for half the neighbourhood to hear.
"What?" Andy asked him. "Have you lost your mind?"
"I should be asking YOU that question! Where is she Flynn?"
"Why on Earth would you think she was here?"
"I can SMELL her perfume! I'd know that smell ANYWHERE!" He shouted.