Title: Can't Help Myself (2/?)

Author: Andrea (abc3969)

Disclaimer: Me no profit, you no sue.

Rating: PG on a sliding scale, eventually arriving at R, I think. Please read responsibly-don't want to contribute to the delinquency of any minors out there. ;p

Pairing: While I might explore the potential of other duos on occasion, my heart will always return to H/C; and so, to my own muse I must be true.

Archive: Is anybody archiving these? If so, just say so. I'll come visit.

Spoilers: None

Author's Notes: Many thanks to Lady Laeta for allowing me to expound on her reference to Norah Jones' "I've Got to See You Again" from her own earlier piece. Hope I did it justice.

Feedback: If you please. Be gentle.

*****

Such was his haste to get Calleigh inside her apartment that the pain shooting through his leg never registered in Horatio's brain. He had forcefully kicked open her front door, his hands being otherwise occupied anchoring her to as much of his body as she could wrap herself around.

Once they did manage to cross the threshold, Horatio kicked the door again, this time in the opposite direction, ensuring its closure.

A flurry of simultaneous activities followed-their upper bodies, from shoulders to hips, remained tightly fused, as though Hermetically sealed, while lips, arms and, yes, even legs battled valiantly for purchase. Each touch was electric; every kiss, magnetic.

Delirious with passion, Calleigh ruefully dislodged herself from Horatio's ardent grasp to allow her brain time to take in some much-needed air. Chest heaving and heart racing wildly off rhythm, she attempted to speak, intending to be the voice of reason that would diffuse the explosive situation into which they had dived headlong. But, Horatio pulled her to him again, burying his face in her hair and bringing her face in direct contact with the valley between his neck and shoulder. All thought again disappeared as the spicy scent of his cologne wafted over her.

"Calleigh, please tell me you want this as much as I do," Horatio begged breathlessly.

Her tortured reply stunned and disheartened him.

"Oh, God, Horatio. You know I do, but we've been through this discussion before. We can't. Too many consequences.

In his head, Horatio knew she was right. While there was no written regulation against "fraternization" with a colleague, there still existed the tacit expectation that such behavior was frowned upon. If not handled carefully, such dalliances could turn into career suicide-especially for Calleigh. Horatio would never be able to forgive himself if he were to become the ruination of this gifted scientist and crime fighter.

But, his heart had other ideas. It was telling him that he had finally stumbled upon the Great Love of his life and that he should hold tightly to her and never let go.

"Whatever obstacles we might face, we'll face together. We can make this work, Cal. Trust me. Trust us. The rest of the world be damned," he argued.

He punctuated his statement with a multitude of kisses meant to distract and dissuade her.

He continued his seduction of her in earnest then, caressing her in random spots, varying the intensity and duration of every touch, until she thought she might explode with want.

With what little judgment she could muster amidst his sensual onslaught, she rasped,

"God help me. I need you. I need.this."

And with that, they succumbed to the smoldering urgency long held at bay.

*****

Mind reeling, phantom images of her joining with Horatio still lingering in her psyche, Calleigh turned to find his side of the bed devoid of all but a scrap of paper, folded tent-like and placed deliberately in the center of his pillow, designed to have been directly in her line of vision had she awakened facing him.

Trepidation having already taken up residence in her spirit, Calleigh unfolded the paper and read silently.

My beautiful Calleigh, forgive me for not being there when you wake. Somehow I sense that it's better this way-easier for you. Last night was a remarkable miracle I'd been hoping for, almost since the day we met. But, it must forever be just a bittersweet memory, because, My Love, I'm afraid you were right.our getting any more deeply involved would only end in disaster; and I don't want to jeopardize the connection we have now. I'll not press for a repeat of last night, nor will I ever discuss it with anyone, including you. I will, however, try my best to go on with business as usual, as if nothing ever happened, if that is what you ask of me. H Calleigh winced in anguish. She had driven him away. Her own hastily spoken words and selfish, irrational fears had come back to haunt her. She was dangerously close to losing the one man who could possess her, heart, soul and body.

Frantically, she dialed his cell phone and, not surprisingly, she was greeted by his pre-recorded message. Knowing she had only one chance to make things right, her message was succinct-

"Horatio, it's you who needs to forgive me. I was dead wrong. Now that I've tasted how sweet being with you could be, I can't just walk away. Forget all those foolish things I said before. I can't help myself.I've got to see you again."

*****

End Part 2