TAG

Lee met up with Amanda in the bullpen the next morning. They had gone over their debriefing with Billy and were heading up to the Q bureau to finish their reports. They had decided to have dinner at a little deli near the theater the night before instead of going back to Lee's apartment. Amanda needed to talk about the case and Lee knew she did. She needed to process everything that Tony did. He understood that and he was okay with just being with her. He was slightly disappointed that they were not alone but he really didn't care. As long as he was with Amanda that was all that mattered. They were going on their big date tonight and Lee couldn't wait.

They walked into the hallway upstairs and Amanda asked "Will they give Tony some therapy before they try him?"

Lee nodded, "Yeah, Krutiov really messed up his mind."

Amanda blushed as they walked into the little office. Lee rolled his eyes and took a deep breath as he closed the door.

"Amanda"

She turned around and looked at him. He may never remember what she wore but he would always remember her smile at that moment. They were finally at an impasse and it was now or never. He couldn't wait another second.

"You know…we have a lot to talk about."

"Yeah?" She was messing with the corner of Lee's desk. She almost seemed nervous. He knew he was. He felt like a kid trying to talk to his first crush. He gave her a look that he hoped told her what he was thinking.

"Yeah….. We have been getting to know one another for what…."

She joined him in saying "Three years"

He took her hands in his and said "And I think…there's a lot about you that I don't know. And I'm sure going to enjoy trying to find out." She smiled at him and they both leaned towards one another.

They heard the bang of the outside door and Amanda immediately jumped back. Lee shook his head. It was like the universe had something against them and he wasn't having it anymore. He made a beeline for the office door and immediately locked it. He could hear Billy on the other side calling both of their names. He didn't care. He looked at Amanda and said "No, not this time" and walked back over to her.

Lee took her into his arms and she put her hands on his shoulders. They both laughed and leaned in until their lips softly touched. Amanda leaned back and smiled at him and she moved closer to him again. The second kiss was everything Lee wanted it to be and more. Amanda willingly let him kiss her with everything he had. When they finally broke apart so they could take a breath, Lee took her into an embrace and nuzzled her neck. He whispered "My Amanda" and she sank into his embrace. He held her tightly and he could feel her giggling. He pulled back and looked at her questioningly.

"Amanda, what's wrong?"

She looked at him with all the love she had for him and his heart soared. He knew at that moment he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He was going to do everything and anything to prove himself worthy of her love.

"Oh Lee…I am okay. Actually….oh it's silly. Never mind"

He leaned down and kissed her again and she was the one that deepened their kiss. He was surprised by her actions but also was pleasantly surprised. They reluctantly broke apart and Lee again asked her "Tell me honey…what's wrong?"

Amanda smiled at him and said "I just never thought this moment would really happen. That's all. We have been playing this game for a while and I just…well…I can't really describe it…."

Lee grinned at her. He knew what she meant. It was even better than what he dreamed. Having her in his arms was the best feeling in the world. "Amanda…I know what you mean. It's better than any dreams I have had...that's for sure?"

"Dreams? Lee Stetson, are you seriously telling me that you have dreamed of this moment?" She looked utterly surprised. Lee beamed at her. She is so adorable and she doesn't even see it.

He cleared his throat and said "Well, yeah. I have. Come on Amanda" He winked at her as he smiled. "Are you going to stand there and tell me that you haven't had the same dreams?"

She wrapped her arms around him and leaned close to his ear. "Well, you do remember that I had fantasies about secret agents….who do you think I was dreaming about?"

He laughed and pulled her into another embrace. He nuzzled her neck and showered her face with little kisses until he found her lips. He kissed her with everything he had and she did the same.

When Lee broke the kiss he leaned his forehead against hers and sighed. "Well, Mrs. King, I think we have a lot to talk about tonight at dinner. Don't you?"

She nodded. "I agree. So what do you say we get these reports finished and then get out of here!"

He kissed her once more and said "You bet. Let's get to work! I don't want to keep my partner waiting!"

Lee let go of her and she went over to his desk. She sat down and started typing his report. He never left her side for the rest of the day. Before they left at the end of the day Lee pulled her once again into his arms and kissed her passionately. He whispered into her ear "I will see you at seven…okay? And since your mother and the boys aren't going to be home…I am coming to the front door. This shall be a proper date." She smiled at him and nodded. "Okay then Mr. Stetson. I shall see you at seven." He kissed her once again and they headed out to their cars.

Lee looked in the mirror and straightened his tie. He slipped on his jacket and took a deep breath. He was happy. He finally accomplished kissing Amanda and she felt the same towards him. He knew he had to make tonight special. More importantly let her know that he wasn't the same man he was when they first met. He wanted something real and long lasting with her. He was hopelessly in love with her. He laughed at himself when he thought about when he realized he was in love with Amanda King. I think I may have loved her from early on. I was just too stupid to even admit I liked her. How could I not? She's utterly amazing. She's the best thing to ever happen to me. Lee sighed and hoped Amanda had gotten the bouquet of roses he had sent to her. He grabbed his keys and headed towards Arlington.

Traffic wasn't too bad for a Friday night in DC and he got there in no time. He parked the car along the curb in front of 4247 Maplewood Drive. Lee looked at the house and smiled. How many times have I driven here in the past three years? Even when we were not on a case…I just wanted to see Amanda. She probably wouldn't even believe me if I told her I would stop by and watch her and the boys. Lee shook his head and climbed out of the Vette. He straightened his tie as he walked up the walkway towards the front door. He felt like a teenager on his first date. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. He couldn't wait to see her. He tried to calm his nerves when he heard the front door open and there stood Amanda.

She had worn the black velvet dress….with the pearl buttons.