Albert was nervous, as much time as he'd shared with Alex over the
past several weeks, knowing he was meeting her for a 'date' worried
him.
He'd dated in college, he'd dated on and off since then. He had never
really connected with anyone. There was no rush to find a soul mate.
His career in public service kept him very busy, he had hobbies. But
the older he got the more he did want to have a special someone in
his life.
Alex was that person, he felt it, deep down. She liked him, she
wasn't just being nice. They had spent to much time together, for her
to just be pretending. But he knew about her past, she had hinted
that one reason she had gone the artificial insemination route was
because she found relationships with men to difficult. She'd
mentioned Hobbes and Fawkes had helped her realize
she could be friends with a guy. She spoke about them with a fondness
in her voice. Albert felt that her brief liaison with Hobbes had
paved the way for her to find a permanent man in her life.
Albert knew he had to be patient and gentle, but not passive. A woman
of
Alex's temperament wouldn't want a man she could dominate. She'd been
attracted to Robert after all, and he was a complex individual, and
certainly
not a push over. Albert had strong opinions, he wasn't afraid to
argue his
point of view. He'd taken up Darien's cause with the Official on more
than
one occasion. He'd argued with Alex about her taking back up with her
on the Scogins case.
She knew he wasn't just a yes man. He wanted the chance to show her he
was more than just the quite guy that stood on the side lines.
"Albert you're early." Alex opened the door to her apartment and
ushered
him in side. She was smiling. She'd warned him it was casual but
clubbing
kind of attire for the evening. He was wearing dark blue slacks and a
patterned shirt with blues, greys and white. He looked very
fashionable.
He looked happy, and relaxed.
"Yes, I'm always early a bad habit in this town."
"Oh, I don't know it gives us more time together. Can I offer you a
drink?"
"Thank you, no." He stood on the edge of her living room admiring the
painting
hung there.
"I'll just be a few minutes." Alex looked perfect to him already, but
he knew
most women had certain things they did before allowing the public to
see them.
Alex was humming under her breath again, she was looking forward to
the
evening. Her favorite charity held a fund raiser twice a year, one of
them a
social function. She'd asked Albert to join her at the charity
auction. She
made the final adjustments to her makeup and then carried her
necklace with
her into the living room. It was trick she'd used before to gage a
man's interest
and his self control. It was a little early in the relationship for
him to take liberties
she wanted to see if he would.
"Would you help me with this, I should have put it on before I did my
makeup."
Alex handed him her necklace. It was a small diamond design she was
fond of
she'd already donned the matching ear rings.
Albert took the delicate necklace from her and unfastened the clasp.
"Yes, of course. "
Alex turned her back to him, curious if he would take the opening she
given.
Albert efficiently moved the chain around her slender neck, and
fastened the
clasp. He noticed not for the first time that she smelled very nice.
He was
glad his hands didn't tremble. "There you are."
Alex blinked, not even a brief touch let alone a kiss. She turned
back to face him.
"Thank you, this is my favorite necklace, but I don't risk wearing it
often."
"It's very nice, was it a special gift from some one?" He was
thinking perhaps
her father, she'd referred to him several times during their talks.
"No, nothing like that. I just like it. " She looked into his eyes,
she liked his
eyes soft brown, honest, dependable.
"You've been to the auction before, have you ever won anything?"
"Yes, last year that picture you were admiring behind you." She
nodded towards
the pastoral scene.
"It is very nice, but I'm not familiar with the artist."
"It's the work of a famous actor, he doesn't sign them as himself. He
wants his
work to stand for it's self."
"Ah, yes I believe there are several actors that paint." He
remembered reading
about several of them not long ago.
"I'm ready, ... you're driving tonight right?" Alex picked up her
purse and
keys, she felt funny not taking a weapon with her. She hardly ever
left home
with out being armed.
"Yes, unless you'd rather." He was okay with Alex driving if it
mattered that
much to her.
"No, you drive. I'll relax."
Once on the way, "I'm glad you were free this evening." Alex
confessed.
Albert glanced over at her thinking, like I wouldn't have changed my
plans for
the opportunity to spend the evening with you. But he said, " I was
surprised
when you invited me."
"Surprised, why?" Alex thought they had a repore going.
"Even though we have worked together more closely recently, I didn't
think
you'd wanted to spend more time with me." He was being truthful.
"Albert we're friends aren't we?" Alex was puzzled by his statement.
She didn't
think they were still stuck in that Agents don't socialize
with 'paper pushers' rut.
"I would like to consider you a friend."
"But you don't yet?"
"Is that how you think of me?" He glanced at her again.
"Yes, of course. Did you just think I asked you to join me tonight
for laughs?"
Alex was confused.
"To be truthful, I don't know why you asked me to join you."
"Albert you're starting to sound like Hobbes. Since when did you
doubt
your worth as a person?"
"I don't doubt myself, I just didn't expect you ask me out."
Alex smiled, it was kind of a date she supposed. She liked Albert,
she had
used her little 'test' on him earlier. But was she just playing games
or was
she seriously considering him as a potential bed partner. Umm, she
hadn't
really thought about it. She just got the invitation and asked him to
join her.
She liked his company. Friendship was more important to her at this
point
in her life.
" But you did accept."
"Yes, I Did." He swallowed and concentrated on his driving.
"Then's lets have a good time tonight."
He was turning into the parking area for the museum where the auction
was
being held. They had valet parking so he turned his keys over to the
young woman and a young man opened Alex's car door.
"Thank you." Alex accepted his hand as she exited the car.
Eberts waited for her to join him and they walked into the entrance
side by side.
There were drinks and hors d'oeuvers being served most of the art was
on displaybefore the biding took place.
So they wandered around admiring things. There were also models
passing among the guests wearing jewelry
that was part of the auction.
Alex was taking a second look at a painting she liked when there was a
commotion at the other end of the room. She turned to see what was the
trouble and at the same time reached for her gun. Then remembered
she wasn't carrying one. Albert notice her reaction. But it was only a
momentary laps of behavior on someone's part. Nothing that needed
intervention.
"It's alright just a drunk getting fresh with a lady." Albert saw the
tail end
of the exchange.
"Sorry, it's hard to not be on guard when I'm off the job." She
explained.
"I know, agents and law enforcement types are never really off the
clock."
He'd stepped in closer to her in reaction to the excitement. Not that
Alex
wasn't capable of taking care of her self it had just been his
natural reaction.
Alex smiled now, noticing what he'd done. That was sweet, unnessicary
but still sweet.
"I always feel naked without me weapon." She whispered.
I believe it's time to move into the other room the biding is about
to
begin. He touched the small of her back lightly, as they moved towards
the crowd of people.
Alex lost her bid for the painting she liked but she did win a
smaller one
a sketch really, but a framed one of a small boy and his wagon.
The evening came to and end. Albert walked her to her door.
"Thanks for accepting my offer, I had a nice time." Alex told him on
the
walk up her hallway.
"As did I, the sketch you won is really very nice." He was carrying
it for
her, wrapped in brown paper for safe keeping.
"I'll see you in a few days, I have an assignment out of town on
Monday."
"I look forward to it, please be careful."
"I always am, good night Albert."
"Good night." He handed her the painting after she unlocked the door.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Two weeks past before he saw her at the Agency. He'd worried about
her long
absence, since she was assigned to another Department on loan they
wouldn't
hear if she'd been injuried right away.
"Alex you're back." He blurted out one morning as he was entering
the
Officials office.
"Hi, Eberts." She smiled.
"Agent Monroe was just telling me about her most recent case." The
Official
glared at him, Ebrets wasn't supposed to call his agents by their
first names.
"Yes, Sir I'll come back later." He backed out of the office.
Albert was glad to see her, but his heart was racing, he had to stop
pining for
her like this it wasn't wise.
Alex stopped by his office once she was done with the boss.
"I'm sorry I should have called you while I was gone. I had told you
it would
only be a few days. How have you been? You look good."
"I'm fine, you're back to your own hair style now."
"Yeah, the ambasator case is going to trail soon, so I'm officially
not on
stand by any more."
Albert nodded, he didn't know why when he saw her at the office he
couldn't
keep a clear thought in his head. But when they were alone somewhere,
either
on stake out, or at dinner, he was fine.
Alex noticed his nerviousness but chalked it up to stress.
"Well I can see you're busy stop by my office later if you have
time."
She waved and walked out.
Albert thought about stopping by her office, but he didn't have an
excuse.
So he chickened out and didn't. He didn't see her for two days, until
he was
present when all three of their top agents were sent for. Fawkes,
Hobbes and
Monroe were all waiting for the new mission information when he
entered the
Officials office this time. But he was expecting to see her. So he
was prepared.
They were quick to complete the case and she was scheduled to be put
on
loan with the DOD for her next case.
Albert was returning from the special computer room on the third
floor when
he noticed her office light on.
"Miss Monroe?" He knocked and opened the door.
Alex was sitting in her desk chair her feet propped up on the
windowsil
"Come in Albert, visit with me for a minute." She glanced over her
shoudler
at him. "Pull up a chair."
He noticed her meloncoly mood at once. He'd seen her down before, but
not
since she'd made the decision about allowing her baby to be put into
the
protection program.
"Are you alright?" He asked talking the chair closest to her.
"That kind of depends, what is alright Eberts? I'm not physically
injuired
but I feel so empty. The job use to give me a reason for living but
lately it
just seems to keep my mind off other things."
Oh boy, this didn't sound good. He wondered if she'd been drinking.
But he saw no sign of a bottle or glass anywhere.
"I'm not sure what you mean exactully, but I'm willing to listen."
"It's just... I'm happy for them you know, they were meant to be
together.
They compleate one another so well... I want that with someone."
She turned to look at him.
"Fawkes and Hobbes, yes they do fit well. I'm sure you'll find someone
you just haven't been looking recently." He attempted to reassure her.
"I sort of thought I had, but then no I had to go off on a case."
She sighed, she looked away then back again.
"Are you busy tonight Albert, would you go out with me somewhere?
I really don't want to be alone right now."
"I'm not busy what did you have in mind?" He felt slightly paniced
but the
feeling passed quickly, he wasn't about to leave her alone in the
state
of mind she was presently in .
"I don't know let's go somewhere."
"Have you eaten?"
"I'm not hungry, I'm lonley." she hic-cuped and tried to stand.
Well that settled that question she had been drinking, it just must
have
been before she returned to the office.
"How about if we get you home." He took hold of her arm and help her
to stay steady on her feet.
"Home, that's such a good word, means so many things. Warmth,
security,
family, .... disappointment." she told him.
Albert helped her out to his car and drover her home, she dozed off
for a
short time, but woke up again as he was parking the car.
"We need your security access number Alex." He'd grabbed her purce and
keys on the way out, but he didn't know the security code.
"2352356" She said and hung onto him as they walked the short
distance
to the front door. He punched in the number hoping she'd meant to
repeat
the 235. The door buzzed it's acceptance of her access code and he
helped her to her apartment.
"I think you need to lay down for a little while."
"I will if you'll join me." Alex giggled, and flopped down on her
sofa.
Albert frowned at her, "I'll sit here and talk with you until you feel
better." He hoped she'd go to sleep again and he could leave.
"Albert, I like you. Do you like me?" She tried to focus on him.
"Yes, I like you." He shook his head, he'd never had to baby sit
a drunk before, well once his roomate in college but that was
different.
"Do you remember what you said at the post office that day, right
before Darien went in and got the gun away from you?"
" Something about sausage and fried chicken I think."
"Yeah, you did say that but I mean about wanting some one to love you.
That's what I want to Albert, someone to love me." She said then
passed
out.
Eberts sighed, and moved her so she was laying comfortably on her
sofa.
He found a knitted throw and covered her with it, after slipping off
her shoes.
He thought about finding and removing her weapon but she usually wore
it in
the small of her back so he didn't go looking for it.
"I'd like to be that someone Alex, but I don't know if you'd let me
try."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex woke up on her sofa with a pounding head and dry mouth.
She remembered most of what had happened, but not everything.
Alex was sure she owed Eberts an apology and a thank you.
She showered and dressed choosing a casual outfit as it was her day
off.
She called Albert's home number but only got his machine. She tryed
his work number but it transferred to his pager. She didn't leave a
message.
Alex tried to remember what he'd told her before about the only time
he
didn't carry his pager with him. It was when he went to the Y to use
the
artificial rock climbing wall.
Alex took a deep breath and entered the Y, she asked the man working
the
desk if he'd point her towards the right area.
She looked up once entering the converted hand ball court. Three
people where
in the middle of climbs two were half way up the wall covered with
odd shaped
hand and toe grasps. She'd done this once before as part of her
training
in repelling, they'd been given the chance to do a little climbing as
well.
Alex looked the people standing around over, and didn't see Albert.
Then she checked the two men climbing agian. He was one of them, she
just hadn't realized it was him, he was two thirds of the way to the
top.
He looked like he was attempting the hard route from the way he was
stretching for hand holds. She was tempted to call out Go Eberts!, but
she held her tongue and watched. He was doing very well, the person
working his safely line wasn't going to have to work hard to assist
him.
Alex watched as he neared the top of his climb, she was holding her
breath as he made the final few reaches for holds. It was customary
to call out when you reached the top. Alex added her voice to his
when he whooped in triumph as he paused at the top of the wall.
Alex rushed over to him as he was lowered to the floor. If there were
many people waiting you were only allowed an up climb.
"Albert that was fantastic." Alex grabbed his arm and pounded him on
the back.
"It was such a rush, Alex what are you doing here?" He looked very
surprised
to see her.
"I wanted to apoligize, and tell you thank you for yesterday." She
confessed
right away.
"You don't have to apoligize," He unhooked his rope and handed it
back to
the safety worker.
"Thanks, it was a great climb." Albert moved out of the way so the
next
person could have a turn.
Alex was smiling, "That was a great climb, I thought you told me you
weren't
up to the hard level yet?"
"Oh, this isn't the hard one, that's over at the other climbing
place. This is
only level three."
"You looked great," She told him.
"Thank you, my turn is up for the day." He grabbed a small bag and
water bottle
and headed for the door. Normally he would have watched or assisted
but
with Alex there he thought it best to leave.
" I should go shower, I've been here all morning." He felt almost
embrassed
for her to see him in his work out clothes.
"Albert come out side with me for a minute please." She was looking
at him
with that serious look again.
"For a minute." He followed her to the walking path that started at
the door and
wound around the five arce site.
"Walk with me," She asked, and he fell into step with her, she was
quiet until
they reached the first bench. " Albert I am sorry about last night.
But I wish
you wouldn't be so cautious with me all the time."
"I'm sorry, what do you want from me?"
"This," she placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned in to kiss him.
He was shocked for about two seconds then he was responding, and
responding
very well. His hands wrapping around her trim waist, his mouth
welcoming her
soft lips. Their first kiss was a dozy.
"That's more like it." Alex grinned and went back for more. Giving
him the lead
opening her mouth to him, and wrapping both arms around his
shoulders.
Once the kiss ended she rested her forhead against his chest, and
tryed to
collect herself. She'd wondered what it would be like, and now she
knew.
They always said you had to watch out for the quiet ones.
"Alex, I care about you, that is why I didn't try ..."
"I know, but you can be to cautious sometimes. " She smoothed a
small hand over his shirt. "You know about the attack don't you?"
"Yes, I read your file when you first joined the Agency. I wasn't
prying."
"I know you weren't. But now I don't have to explain, you already
know."
She eased back and looked into those very expressive eyes of his.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, it was a long time ago. I want to put it in the past."
Alex smiled at him, leaning in for another kiss, she hadn't expected
such
a powerful response from him. But she was gald he seemed to want her
as much as she wanted him.
"Come back to my place with me?" she asked.
"Alex don't treat me like that, I want to be more to you than just
you're next
conquest." Albert warned her.
"You already are, that's why I want to take you home." She moved to
her feet
quickly and pulled on his hand.
Eberts stayed sitting, "As much as I want to I can't go with you."
"Why not, I thought we had something here?" Alex had hardly ever been
put off by a man she'd invited to her bed.
"I just told you, it's too soon." He looked sad.
She sat back beside him, he would be that way. Stuborn, and old
fashioned.
"Albert I'm flattered you want to wait, but with the way my life is,
we might
never have the chance to be together if we wait." She tired a old
trick on him.
"Then I'll just have to risk it. I won't be talked into it, before
it's right."
Alex laughed, this was one of the reasons she liked him. He did stand
up
for what he believed in, kind of like another man she'd had a thing
for.
Alex reached for his hand, his hands were wide, square and dusted
lightly
with blonde hair. She traced a finger tip over the back of his hand,
then
trapped it between both of her smaller hands.
"Spend the day with me then, there is a place I want to share with
you."
Albert cocked his head, "What are you planning?"
"You'll see, you don't even have to change first." She grinned.
"But I'm all sweaty from this morning." He protested.
"I'm wearing shorts and a tank top, you'll be over dressed if you
change
back into pants and a button down shirt." She liked his current
attire,
a strechy climbing shirt and tan cargo shorts.
"Alright, you win but I at least have to put on my running shoes."
Eberts zipped open his bag and pulled off his thin soled climbing
shoes
and tied on his worn white sneakers.
"Great come on let's go." Alex kept hold of his hand and ran back
towards
the parking area. He kept up with her, easily but he was very puzzled
by
her behavior. He'd never seen her so excited.
Alex drove to the San Diego theme park.
"You like roller coasters Albert?" she asked while parking the car.
"Yes, as a matter of fact." He grinned.
The long lines wheren't so bad when you had someone like Albert to
wait
in them with. Alex was enjoying his company, she teased him, and joked
with him. Wrapped her arms around him, cuddled into his side.
Albert hadn't spent a day like this with a woman since college. It
felt like he
was back in college almost. They teased and touched, Alex liked being
close to him. She liked it even more when he initiated the contact.
He liked holding on to her, he'd never dated anyone as petite was she
was, it made him feel protective of her.
"We're almost there a few more minutes." She was still pressed into
his
side, both arms wrapped around his lower ribs.
"I've never seen this side of you before. You should do this more
often."
Eberts couldn't stop smiling. They rode the old fashion rollercoast
first
but before the day was over they managed to ride all five of them.
They were tired, sun burned and happy when the day was over.
Albert kissed her when she dropped him at his car. Alex moaned as she
returned the kiss, wishing her car had more room.
"You sure you won't come home with me?" she asked again.
"I want to, but not yet. Thanks for the wonderful time, I'll see you
on Monday?"
"I'll be in my office at least to start off with." She nodded and
waved.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
They started to date twice a week, sometimes they went out sometimes
they
stayed in. He introduced her to video games, she was a quick learner.
She kept the tension there, wanting more from him than he was ready to
give. But Albert maintained they would both know when it was the right
time.
Alex was loaned out again and was out of town for two weeks. A fairly
short
undercover assignment. She was able to contact him only twice in that
time.
But once she returned she was hopeful they could finally consumate
their
relationship.
"Hi," She surprised him one afternoon by just walking into his
office.
"Alex!" He'd been sorting a stack of papers for the Official, and
stood up
so apprutly that he dropped half of them on the floor.
"Take it easy, you don't want him to hear you." Alex closed his door
and
moved across the room. Placing both hands on his chest she kissed him
in greeting. Albert threw caution to the wind and lifted her against
him, responding
to the kiss with abandon.
"I'm going to have to surprise you more often." Alex smiled once they
parted.
"I missed you, but we really shouldn't do this here." He grinned at
her.
"I know, just one more." She pulled him into another kiss and his
office
door opened. Albert's first instinct was to break off the kiss, but
Alex had
her hand locked behind his neck. He opened his eyes and saw that is
was Robert, smirking and rolling his eyes.
"Ah, the Chief wanted to see you there Monroe." Bobby snickered.
Alex ended the kiss, "Thanks Hobbes I'll be right in."
Bobby backed out, happy for her and totally unsure if he should be
happy for
Eberts or worried.
"You'd better go." Eberts was blushing, from having been caught
behaving in
a less than professional manner.
"Don't worry about Hobbes, he's not going to tell the Official." Alex
reassured him.
"How can you be so sure?"
"I know him, he won't tell. At least not the boss, I'm sure Darien
and Claire will
hear about it before the sun sets." She smiled.
"I'll see you later." Alex turned to leave.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Why are you acting shy with me. You've shared you darkest secret
with me.
We've spent nearly and hour making out together. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Albert was expericening an attack of wishing he was more
physically
impresive. He was sure he didn't compare with the men Alex had been
with
before. He was in shape, but he wasn't muscular with tight abs, like
he assumed
she was use to.
Alex knew he was uncomfortable about something she just hadn't pin
pointed
what it was yet. "Albert, talk to me." She moved infront of him,
looking closely
at his expression, trying to read his eyes.
"Alex, I know we have a repore... you seem to want me in your life."
He started then faltered.
"Are we going to do this again? Albert why do you keep questioning my
feelings
for you? Have I given you any reason to doubt that I'm in love with
you?"
She was frustrated. She'd never had to work to hard to convince
anyone she
cared about them.
"You're in love with me?" He blinked and grabbed her shoulders to
hold her
in place.
"Of couse, you nut, what did you think this was all about?"
"You're wanting to have someone in your life." He responded.
"Okay, it started off as friendship, but I thought you felt the same
way I do.
Have you just been faking this to be nice to me?"
"No, of couse not. Alex I've been in love with you for almost a
year."
He kissed her, to prove he wasn't pretending.
"Then what's the hesitation all about?"
"I just can't help comparing myself to the men you've been with. I'm
sure
I'm nothing like any of them."
"Well that's a big asumption to make. Have you ever heard me comment
about my preferences regarding men?"
"Well.... no, but I'm sure that you're used to a more physically
impressive...."
"Stop right there. Do you really think I'm so shallow that I only
consider a
guy's looks when I choose to get to know him?"
"No, but..."
"Ebes' stop worrying about it, I'm sure you're stressing over
nothing, I've
had my hands all over you, there's nothing for you to be concerned
about."
He thought about that, she had pretty much touched ninty percent of
him
she was very tactile. "Then I guess I was being foolish." He kissed
her
quickly, then moved back and lifted his shirt off. He'd promised her
they
could make love and he wasn't going to go back on his word.
"Umm now see there I didn't know about his." She smoothed her hand
over
his chest, and the blonde hair that accented two thirds of his upper
body.
Albert inhaled deeply, her touch was soft, but arousing just the
same.
"Perhaps we should move into the bedroom?"
"I thought you'd never ask." She turned away from him and towards the
bedroom, then squeeled when he scooped her up, lifted her in his arms
and carried her to the room.
"Put me down." She protested.
Albert sighed, and set her on her feet. He'd wanted to be spontanious,
take her by surprise, show her how much he did love her. But she
couldn't
seem to let him be the one in charge. He at least knew why.
"Let me lead, at least to start off." She swallowed, and stepped back
a
little to remove her shirt, she stared into his eyes as she
undressed.
Their was love there, she was sure of that. She lay with him on her
bed, they kissed and touched. They made love slowly. When they
were recovered Alex nestled her head on his chest.
" Ebes' that was beautiful."
Albert was still in disbelief, he barly heard her praise.
"Did you hear me?" She moved to look at him.
"You're beautiful," He smiled at her.
"I'm serious, we're very good together. "
"I think so too."
Alex lay back against him and sighed, maybe just maybe she'd found the
man she'd been searching for all these years.
end
past several weeks, knowing he was meeting her for a 'date' worried
him.
He'd dated in college, he'd dated on and off since then. He had never
really connected with anyone. There was no rush to find a soul mate.
His career in public service kept him very busy, he had hobbies. But
the older he got the more he did want to have a special someone in
his life.
Alex was that person, he felt it, deep down. She liked him, she
wasn't just being nice. They had spent to much time together, for her
to just be pretending. But he knew about her past, she had hinted
that one reason she had gone the artificial insemination route was
because she found relationships with men to difficult. She'd
mentioned Hobbes and Fawkes had helped her realize
she could be friends with a guy. She spoke about them with a fondness
in her voice. Albert felt that her brief liaison with Hobbes had
paved the way for her to find a permanent man in her life.
Albert knew he had to be patient and gentle, but not passive. A woman
of
Alex's temperament wouldn't want a man she could dominate. She'd been
attracted to Robert after all, and he was a complex individual, and
certainly
not a push over. Albert had strong opinions, he wasn't afraid to
argue his
point of view. He'd taken up Darien's cause with the Official on more
than
one occasion. He'd argued with Alex about her taking back up with her
on the Scogins case.
She knew he wasn't just a yes man. He wanted the chance to show her he
was more than just the quite guy that stood on the side lines.
"Albert you're early." Alex opened the door to her apartment and
ushered
him in side. She was smiling. She'd warned him it was casual but
clubbing
kind of attire for the evening. He was wearing dark blue slacks and a
patterned shirt with blues, greys and white. He looked very
fashionable.
He looked happy, and relaxed.
"Yes, I'm always early a bad habit in this town."
"Oh, I don't know it gives us more time together. Can I offer you a
drink?"
"Thank you, no." He stood on the edge of her living room admiring the
painting
hung there.
"I'll just be a few minutes." Alex looked perfect to him already, but
he knew
most women had certain things they did before allowing the public to
see them.
Alex was humming under her breath again, she was looking forward to
the
evening. Her favorite charity held a fund raiser twice a year, one of
them a
social function. She'd asked Albert to join her at the charity
auction. She
made the final adjustments to her makeup and then carried her
necklace with
her into the living room. It was trick she'd used before to gage a
man's interest
and his self control. It was a little early in the relationship for
him to take liberties
she wanted to see if he would.
"Would you help me with this, I should have put it on before I did my
makeup."
Alex handed him her necklace. It was a small diamond design she was
fond of
she'd already donned the matching ear rings.
Albert took the delicate necklace from her and unfastened the clasp.
"Yes, of course. "
Alex turned her back to him, curious if he would take the opening she
given.
Albert efficiently moved the chain around her slender neck, and
fastened the
clasp. He noticed not for the first time that she smelled very nice.
He was
glad his hands didn't tremble. "There you are."
Alex blinked, not even a brief touch let alone a kiss. She turned
back to face him.
"Thank you, this is my favorite necklace, but I don't risk wearing it
often."
"It's very nice, was it a special gift from some one?" He was
thinking perhaps
her father, she'd referred to him several times during their talks.
"No, nothing like that. I just like it. " She looked into his eyes,
she liked his
eyes soft brown, honest, dependable.
"You've been to the auction before, have you ever won anything?"
"Yes, last year that picture you were admiring behind you." She
nodded towards
the pastoral scene.
"It is very nice, but I'm not familiar with the artist."
"It's the work of a famous actor, he doesn't sign them as himself. He
wants his
work to stand for it's self."
"Ah, yes I believe there are several actors that paint." He
remembered reading
about several of them not long ago.
"I'm ready, ... you're driving tonight right?" Alex picked up her
purse and
keys, she felt funny not taking a weapon with her. She hardly ever
left home
with out being armed.
"Yes, unless you'd rather." He was okay with Alex driving if it
mattered that
much to her.
"No, you drive. I'll relax."
Once on the way, "I'm glad you were free this evening." Alex
confessed.
Albert glanced over at her thinking, like I wouldn't have changed my
plans for
the opportunity to spend the evening with you. But he said, " I was
surprised
when you invited me."
"Surprised, why?" Alex thought they had a repore going.
"Even though we have worked together more closely recently, I didn't
think
you'd wanted to spend more time with me." He was being truthful.
"Albert we're friends aren't we?" Alex was puzzled by his statement.
She didn't
think they were still stuck in that Agents don't socialize
with 'paper pushers' rut.
"I would like to consider you a friend."
"But you don't yet?"
"Is that how you think of me?" He glanced at her again.
"Yes, of course. Did you just think I asked you to join me tonight
for laughs?"
Alex was confused.
"To be truthful, I don't know why you asked me to join you."
"Albert you're starting to sound like Hobbes. Since when did you
doubt
your worth as a person?"
"I don't doubt myself, I just didn't expect you ask me out."
Alex smiled, it was kind of a date she supposed. She liked Albert,
she had
used her little 'test' on him earlier. But was she just playing games
or was
she seriously considering him as a potential bed partner. Umm, she
hadn't
really thought about it. She just got the invitation and asked him to
join her.
She liked his company. Friendship was more important to her at this
point
in her life.
" But you did accept."
"Yes, I Did." He swallowed and concentrated on his driving.
"Then's lets have a good time tonight."
He was turning into the parking area for the museum where the auction
was
being held. They had valet parking so he turned his keys over to the
young woman and a young man opened Alex's car door.
"Thank you." Alex accepted his hand as she exited the car.
Eberts waited for her to join him and they walked into the entrance
side by side.
There were drinks and hors d'oeuvers being served most of the art was
on displaybefore the biding took place.
So they wandered around admiring things. There were also models
passing among the guests wearing jewelry
that was part of the auction.
Alex was taking a second look at a painting she liked when there was a
commotion at the other end of the room. She turned to see what was the
trouble and at the same time reached for her gun. Then remembered
she wasn't carrying one. Albert notice her reaction. But it was only a
momentary laps of behavior on someone's part. Nothing that needed
intervention.
"It's alright just a drunk getting fresh with a lady." Albert saw the
tail end
of the exchange.
"Sorry, it's hard to not be on guard when I'm off the job." She
explained.
"I know, agents and law enforcement types are never really off the
clock."
He'd stepped in closer to her in reaction to the excitement. Not that
Alex
wasn't capable of taking care of her self it had just been his
natural reaction.
Alex smiled now, noticing what he'd done. That was sweet, unnessicary
but still sweet.
"I always feel naked without me weapon." She whispered.
I believe it's time to move into the other room the biding is about
to
begin. He touched the small of her back lightly, as they moved towards
the crowd of people.
Alex lost her bid for the painting she liked but she did win a
smaller one
a sketch really, but a framed one of a small boy and his wagon.
The evening came to and end. Albert walked her to her door.
"Thanks for accepting my offer, I had a nice time." Alex told him on
the
walk up her hallway.
"As did I, the sketch you won is really very nice." He was carrying
it for
her, wrapped in brown paper for safe keeping.
"I'll see you in a few days, I have an assignment out of town on
Monday."
"I look forward to it, please be careful."
"I always am, good night Albert."
"Good night." He handed her the painting after she unlocked the door.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Two weeks past before he saw her at the Agency. He'd worried about
her long
absence, since she was assigned to another Department on loan they
wouldn't
hear if she'd been injuried right away.
"Alex you're back." He blurted out one morning as he was entering
the
Officials office.
"Hi, Eberts." She smiled.
"Agent Monroe was just telling me about her most recent case." The
Official
glared at him, Ebrets wasn't supposed to call his agents by their
first names.
"Yes, Sir I'll come back later." He backed out of the office.
Albert was glad to see her, but his heart was racing, he had to stop
pining for
her like this it wasn't wise.
Alex stopped by his office once she was done with the boss.
"I'm sorry I should have called you while I was gone. I had told you
it would
only be a few days. How have you been? You look good."
"I'm fine, you're back to your own hair style now."
"Yeah, the ambasator case is going to trail soon, so I'm officially
not on
stand by any more."
Albert nodded, he didn't know why when he saw her at the office he
couldn't
keep a clear thought in his head. But when they were alone somewhere,
either
on stake out, or at dinner, he was fine.
Alex noticed his nerviousness but chalked it up to stress.
"Well I can see you're busy stop by my office later if you have
time."
She waved and walked out.
Albert thought about stopping by her office, but he didn't have an
excuse.
So he chickened out and didn't. He didn't see her for two days, until
he was
present when all three of their top agents were sent for. Fawkes,
Hobbes and
Monroe were all waiting for the new mission information when he
entered the
Officials office this time. But he was expecting to see her. So he
was prepared.
They were quick to complete the case and she was scheduled to be put
on
loan with the DOD for her next case.
Albert was returning from the special computer room on the third
floor when
he noticed her office light on.
"Miss Monroe?" He knocked and opened the door.
Alex was sitting in her desk chair her feet propped up on the
windowsil
"Come in Albert, visit with me for a minute." She glanced over her
shoudler
at him. "Pull up a chair."
He noticed her meloncoly mood at once. He'd seen her down before, but
not
since she'd made the decision about allowing her baby to be put into
the
protection program.
"Are you alright?" He asked talking the chair closest to her.
"That kind of depends, what is alright Eberts? I'm not physically
injuired
but I feel so empty. The job use to give me a reason for living but
lately it
just seems to keep my mind off other things."
Oh boy, this didn't sound good. He wondered if she'd been drinking.
But he saw no sign of a bottle or glass anywhere.
"I'm not sure what you mean exactully, but I'm willing to listen."
"It's just... I'm happy for them you know, they were meant to be
together.
They compleate one another so well... I want that with someone."
She turned to look at him.
"Fawkes and Hobbes, yes they do fit well. I'm sure you'll find someone
you just haven't been looking recently." He attempted to reassure her.
"I sort of thought I had, but then no I had to go off on a case."
She sighed, she looked away then back again.
"Are you busy tonight Albert, would you go out with me somewhere?
I really don't want to be alone right now."
"I'm not busy what did you have in mind?" He felt slightly paniced
but the
feeling passed quickly, he wasn't about to leave her alone in the
state
of mind she was presently in .
"I don't know let's go somewhere."
"Have you eaten?"
"I'm not hungry, I'm lonley." she hic-cuped and tried to stand.
Well that settled that question she had been drinking, it just must
have
been before she returned to the office.
"How about if we get you home." He took hold of her arm and help her
to stay steady on her feet.
"Home, that's such a good word, means so many things. Warmth,
security,
family, .... disappointment." she told him.
Albert helped her out to his car and drover her home, she dozed off
for a
short time, but woke up again as he was parking the car.
"We need your security access number Alex." He'd grabbed her purce and
keys on the way out, but he didn't know the security code.
"2352356" She said and hung onto him as they walked the short
distance
to the front door. He punched in the number hoping she'd meant to
repeat
the 235. The door buzzed it's acceptance of her access code and he
helped her to her apartment.
"I think you need to lay down for a little while."
"I will if you'll join me." Alex giggled, and flopped down on her
sofa.
Albert frowned at her, "I'll sit here and talk with you until you feel
better." He hoped she'd go to sleep again and he could leave.
"Albert, I like you. Do you like me?" She tried to focus on him.
"Yes, I like you." He shook his head, he'd never had to baby sit
a drunk before, well once his roomate in college but that was
different.
"Do you remember what you said at the post office that day, right
before Darien went in and got the gun away from you?"
" Something about sausage and fried chicken I think."
"Yeah, you did say that but I mean about wanting some one to love you.
That's what I want to Albert, someone to love me." She said then
passed
out.
Eberts sighed, and moved her so she was laying comfortably on her
sofa.
He found a knitted throw and covered her with it, after slipping off
her shoes.
He thought about finding and removing her weapon but she usually wore
it in
the small of her back so he didn't go looking for it.
"I'd like to be that someone Alex, but I don't know if you'd let me
try."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex woke up on her sofa with a pounding head and dry mouth.
She remembered most of what had happened, but not everything.
Alex was sure she owed Eberts an apology and a thank you.
She showered and dressed choosing a casual outfit as it was her day
off.
She called Albert's home number but only got his machine. She tryed
his work number but it transferred to his pager. She didn't leave a
message.
Alex tried to remember what he'd told her before about the only time
he
didn't carry his pager with him. It was when he went to the Y to use
the
artificial rock climbing wall.
Alex took a deep breath and entered the Y, she asked the man working
the
desk if he'd point her towards the right area.
She looked up once entering the converted hand ball court. Three
people where
in the middle of climbs two were half way up the wall covered with
odd shaped
hand and toe grasps. She'd done this once before as part of her
training
in repelling, they'd been given the chance to do a little climbing as
well.
Alex looked the people standing around over, and didn't see Albert.
Then she checked the two men climbing agian. He was one of them, she
just hadn't realized it was him, he was two thirds of the way to the
top.
He looked like he was attempting the hard route from the way he was
stretching for hand holds. She was tempted to call out Go Eberts!, but
she held her tongue and watched. He was doing very well, the person
working his safely line wasn't going to have to work hard to assist
him.
Alex watched as he neared the top of his climb, she was holding her
breath as he made the final few reaches for holds. It was customary
to call out when you reached the top. Alex added her voice to his
when he whooped in triumph as he paused at the top of the wall.
Alex rushed over to him as he was lowered to the floor. If there were
many people waiting you were only allowed an up climb.
"Albert that was fantastic." Alex grabbed his arm and pounded him on
the back.
"It was such a rush, Alex what are you doing here?" He looked very
surprised
to see her.
"I wanted to apoligize, and tell you thank you for yesterday." She
confessed
right away.
"You don't have to apoligize," He unhooked his rope and handed it
back to
the safety worker.
"Thanks, it was a great climb." Albert moved out of the way so the
next
person could have a turn.
Alex was smiling, "That was a great climb, I thought you told me you
weren't
up to the hard level yet?"
"Oh, this isn't the hard one, that's over at the other climbing
place. This is
only level three."
"You looked great," She told him.
"Thank you, my turn is up for the day." He grabbed a small bag and
water bottle
and headed for the door. Normally he would have watched or assisted
but
with Alex there he thought it best to leave.
" I should go shower, I've been here all morning." He felt almost
embrassed
for her to see him in his work out clothes.
"Albert come out side with me for a minute please." She was looking
at him
with that serious look again.
"For a minute." He followed her to the walking path that started at
the door and
wound around the five arce site.
"Walk with me," She asked, and he fell into step with her, she was
quiet until
they reached the first bench. " Albert I am sorry about last night.
But I wish
you wouldn't be so cautious with me all the time."
"I'm sorry, what do you want from me?"
"This," she placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned in to kiss him.
He was shocked for about two seconds then he was responding, and
responding
very well. His hands wrapping around her trim waist, his mouth
welcoming her
soft lips. Their first kiss was a dozy.
"That's more like it." Alex grinned and went back for more. Giving
him the lead
opening her mouth to him, and wrapping both arms around his
shoulders.
Once the kiss ended she rested her forhead against his chest, and
tryed to
collect herself. She'd wondered what it would be like, and now she
knew.
They always said you had to watch out for the quiet ones.
"Alex, I care about you, that is why I didn't try ..."
"I know, but you can be to cautious sometimes. " She smoothed a
small hand over his shirt. "You know about the attack don't you?"
"Yes, I read your file when you first joined the Agency. I wasn't
prying."
"I know you weren't. But now I don't have to explain, you already
know."
She eased back and looked into those very expressive eyes of his.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, it was a long time ago. I want to put it in the past."
Alex smiled at him, leaning in for another kiss, she hadn't expected
such
a powerful response from him. But she was gald he seemed to want her
as much as she wanted him.
"Come back to my place with me?" she asked.
"Alex don't treat me like that, I want to be more to you than just
you're next
conquest." Albert warned her.
"You already are, that's why I want to take you home." She moved to
her feet
quickly and pulled on his hand.
Eberts stayed sitting, "As much as I want to I can't go with you."
"Why not, I thought we had something here?" Alex had hardly ever been
put off by a man she'd invited to her bed.
"I just told you, it's too soon." He looked sad.
She sat back beside him, he would be that way. Stuborn, and old
fashioned.
"Albert I'm flattered you want to wait, but with the way my life is,
we might
never have the chance to be together if we wait." She tired a old
trick on him.
"Then I'll just have to risk it. I won't be talked into it, before
it's right."
Alex laughed, this was one of the reasons she liked him. He did stand
up
for what he believed in, kind of like another man she'd had a thing
for.
Alex reached for his hand, his hands were wide, square and dusted
lightly
with blonde hair. She traced a finger tip over the back of his hand,
then
trapped it between both of her smaller hands.
"Spend the day with me then, there is a place I want to share with
you."
Albert cocked his head, "What are you planning?"
"You'll see, you don't even have to change first." She grinned.
"But I'm all sweaty from this morning." He protested.
"I'm wearing shorts and a tank top, you'll be over dressed if you
change
back into pants and a button down shirt." She liked his current
attire,
a strechy climbing shirt and tan cargo shorts.
"Alright, you win but I at least have to put on my running shoes."
Eberts zipped open his bag and pulled off his thin soled climbing
shoes
and tied on his worn white sneakers.
"Great come on let's go." Alex kept hold of his hand and ran back
towards
the parking area. He kept up with her, easily but he was very puzzled
by
her behavior. He'd never seen her so excited.
Alex drove to the San Diego theme park.
"You like roller coasters Albert?" she asked while parking the car.
"Yes, as a matter of fact." He grinned.
The long lines wheren't so bad when you had someone like Albert to
wait
in them with. Alex was enjoying his company, she teased him, and joked
with him. Wrapped her arms around him, cuddled into his side.
Albert hadn't spent a day like this with a woman since college. It
felt like he
was back in college almost. They teased and touched, Alex liked being
close to him. She liked it even more when he initiated the contact.
He liked holding on to her, he'd never dated anyone as petite was she
was, it made him feel protective of her.
"We're almost there a few more minutes." She was still pressed into
his
side, both arms wrapped around his lower ribs.
"I've never seen this side of you before. You should do this more
often."
Eberts couldn't stop smiling. They rode the old fashion rollercoast
first
but before the day was over they managed to ride all five of them.
They were tired, sun burned and happy when the day was over.
Albert kissed her when she dropped him at his car. Alex moaned as she
returned the kiss, wishing her car had more room.
"You sure you won't come home with me?" she asked again.
"I want to, but not yet. Thanks for the wonderful time, I'll see you
on Monday?"
"I'll be in my office at least to start off with." She nodded and
waved.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
They started to date twice a week, sometimes they went out sometimes
they
stayed in. He introduced her to video games, she was a quick learner.
She kept the tension there, wanting more from him than he was ready to
give. But Albert maintained they would both know when it was the right
time.
Alex was loaned out again and was out of town for two weeks. A fairly
short
undercover assignment. She was able to contact him only twice in that
time.
But once she returned she was hopeful they could finally consumate
their
relationship.
"Hi," She surprised him one afternoon by just walking into his
office.
"Alex!" He'd been sorting a stack of papers for the Official, and
stood up
so apprutly that he dropped half of them on the floor.
"Take it easy, you don't want him to hear you." Alex closed his door
and
moved across the room. Placing both hands on his chest she kissed him
in greeting. Albert threw caution to the wind and lifted her against
him, responding
to the kiss with abandon.
"I'm going to have to surprise you more often." Alex smiled once they
parted.
"I missed you, but we really shouldn't do this here." He grinned at
her.
"I know, just one more." She pulled him into another kiss and his
office
door opened. Albert's first instinct was to break off the kiss, but
Alex had
her hand locked behind his neck. He opened his eyes and saw that is
was Robert, smirking and rolling his eyes.
"Ah, the Chief wanted to see you there Monroe." Bobby snickered.
Alex ended the kiss, "Thanks Hobbes I'll be right in."
Bobby backed out, happy for her and totally unsure if he should be
happy for
Eberts or worried.
"You'd better go." Eberts was blushing, from having been caught
behaving in
a less than professional manner.
"Don't worry about Hobbes, he's not going to tell the Official." Alex
reassured him.
"How can you be so sure?"
"I know him, he won't tell. At least not the boss, I'm sure Darien
and Claire will
hear about it before the sun sets." She smiled.
"I'll see you later." Alex turned to leave.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Why are you acting shy with me. You've shared you darkest secret
with me.
We've spent nearly and hour making out together. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Albert was expericening an attack of wishing he was more
physically
impresive. He was sure he didn't compare with the men Alex had been
with
before. He was in shape, but he wasn't muscular with tight abs, like
he assumed
she was use to.
Alex knew he was uncomfortable about something she just hadn't pin
pointed
what it was yet. "Albert, talk to me." She moved infront of him,
looking closely
at his expression, trying to read his eyes.
"Alex, I know we have a repore... you seem to want me in your life."
He started then faltered.
"Are we going to do this again? Albert why do you keep questioning my
feelings
for you? Have I given you any reason to doubt that I'm in love with
you?"
She was frustrated. She'd never had to work to hard to convince
anyone she
cared about them.
"You're in love with me?" He blinked and grabbed her shoulders to
hold her
in place.
"Of couse, you nut, what did you think this was all about?"
"You're wanting to have someone in your life." He responded.
"Okay, it started off as friendship, but I thought you felt the same
way I do.
Have you just been faking this to be nice to me?"
"No, of couse not. Alex I've been in love with you for almost a
year."
He kissed her, to prove he wasn't pretending.
"Then what's the hesitation all about?"
"I just can't help comparing myself to the men you've been with. I'm
sure
I'm nothing like any of them."
"Well that's a big asumption to make. Have you ever heard me comment
about my preferences regarding men?"
"Well.... no, but I'm sure that you're used to a more physically
impressive...."
"Stop right there. Do you really think I'm so shallow that I only
consider a
guy's looks when I choose to get to know him?"
"No, but..."
"Ebes' stop worrying about it, I'm sure you're stressing over
nothing, I've
had my hands all over you, there's nothing for you to be concerned
about."
He thought about that, she had pretty much touched ninty percent of
him
she was very tactile. "Then I guess I was being foolish." He kissed
her
quickly, then moved back and lifted his shirt off. He'd promised her
they
could make love and he wasn't going to go back on his word.
"Umm now see there I didn't know about his." She smoothed her hand
over
his chest, and the blonde hair that accented two thirds of his upper
body.
Albert inhaled deeply, her touch was soft, but arousing just the
same.
"Perhaps we should move into the bedroom?"
"I thought you'd never ask." She turned away from him and towards the
bedroom, then squeeled when he scooped her up, lifted her in his arms
and carried her to the room.
"Put me down." She protested.
Albert sighed, and set her on her feet. He'd wanted to be spontanious,
take her by surprise, show her how much he did love her. But she
couldn't
seem to let him be the one in charge. He at least knew why.
"Let me lead, at least to start off." She swallowed, and stepped back
a
little to remove her shirt, she stared into his eyes as she
undressed.
Their was love there, she was sure of that. She lay with him on her
bed, they kissed and touched. They made love slowly. When they
were recovered Alex nestled her head on his chest.
" Ebes' that was beautiful."
Albert was still in disbelief, he barly heard her praise.
"Did you hear me?" She moved to look at him.
"You're beautiful," He smiled at her.
"I'm serious, we're very good together. "
"I think so too."
Alex lay back against him and sighed, maybe just maybe she'd found the
man she'd been searching for all these years.
end