IV - WHAT YOU ALREADY OWN

Sara raced out into the parking lot, hoping that she would catch Nick before he left. She was anxiously scanning the parking lot, when a voice right behind her made her jump.

"Looking for me?"

"Damnit, Nick! What are you doing, sneaking up on me like that?" Sara turned and swatted him in the arm.

"Actually, I was waiting for you. Earlier, you said if I ever wanted to talk." Nick flushed a little. "Well, I'm not sure if I want to talk, but I really don't want to go back to my place either. If I offer to make you breakfast, can I come to yours? I really don't want to be alone right now."

Sara sighed. Her concern for him was evident in her face. "Nicky, you don't need to bribe me with food - I was going to see if you wanted to come over anyway. If you don't want to talk about what's bothering you, that's fine. Talk to me about whatever you want. I won't push."

"Okay, then." Nick smiled at her, an almost-genuine Nick grin. "Shall I follow you, or do you just want to give me directions and meet me there."

"Actually, Nick, you're driving. I took a cab to work last night because my car's in the garage."

Walking in companionable silence, they headed towards Nick's vehicle. Sara grinned at the big Texas Flag bumper sticker already adorning the back of the shiny new Ford. "You can take the man out of Texas, but you can't take the Texan out of the man," she muttered.

"Amen to that!" Nick responded. "Okay - which way?"

Sara quickly gave directions, and settled in for the ride. "Do you mind?" She asked Nick, as she leaned forward and pushed play on the CD player. Nick just grunted at her.

"Country. Ugh. Should have guessed, Cowboy." She grinned in amusement. "Who is this?"

"Actually, it's burnt. Mixture of songs - this one just finishing is Garth Brooks. This next one is pretty -one of Amy Grant's newest."

The words of the song filled the cab, and Sara leaned back against the seat, silently listening.

"I give you my heart, broken and bruised But still beating and wanting to trust you I know I'm unfaithful, I know I do wrong Do you protect what you already own

I give you my body, naked and meek, Burning with passion, human and weak, I try to be faithful, and then I go wrong Can you protect what you already own Can you protect what you already own I know I'm unfaithful, I know I do wrong Do you protect what you already own.

I give you my life, precious and rare Knowing wherever I've been you were there Sometimes I'm faithful, sometimes I'm strong Will you protect what you already own? I will be faithful, help me be strong, Cause you will protect what you already own You still protect what you already own"

As the song finished, Nick leaned forward and turned off the player, glancing at Sara out of the corner of his eyes. Her eyes were shut, but she was smiling. They rode the rest of the way to Sara's apartment in silence.

Author's Note: The song "What You Already Own" can be found on Amy Grant's newest CD, Legacy. For some reason, this chapter didn't end up where I thought it would, but hey - I'll go with the flow. This song just seemed appropriate. Don't worry - will get back the angst - in the next chapter! Keep feeding me reviews - they help.