Warrick, Nick, and Sara walked out of the building together at the end of shift. None of them had any clue where Catherine and Grissom were. They had just heard from Brass that Catherine was in charge for the next few days and that Grissom had a family emergency to take care of.

As they walked out into the morning sun Vegas had to offer, Warrick looked over at Nick and gave him a meaningful stare while Sara was looking for her keys. Nick got the hint. "Hey, you guys, do you want to go do something?" He asked.

"Thanks, man, but I've got some things to take care of. I'll catch you guys tonight." Warrick responded, heading toward his Tahoe.

"Bye, Warrick," Sara waved.

Nick put his hand on Sara's arm, "What about you, Sara? Do you want to go do something?"

She turned to face him, squinting in the sun, "I think we need to talk, Nick?"

His heart sunk as he looked at the ground, "Yeah, I guess we do." He took a deep breath and looked back up at her, "Do you want to drive out to Lake Mead?" His voice sounded hopeful.

A tiny smile played over Sara's lips, "Yeah, that sounds nice."

"I'll drive." Nick offered as they head toward his Tahoe.

They were both lost in thought much of the drive, occasionally making small talk.

Nick pulled the Tahoe into the parking area and shut of the ignition. Letting out a deep breath he unbuckled his seatbelt and turned toward Sara. "Sara, I wanted to apologize to you for earlier. I didn't mean to kiss you. Not like that anyway."

Sara unbuckled her seatbelt and contemplated what Nick was saying as she turned to face him. There was an edge of hurt in her voice and she didn't meet his eyes, "What are you saying, Nick? Am I not good enough for you?"

"Sara," there was a pleading quality to his voice that caused Sara to look up. He continued, "I care about you. I care about you a lot. I do not want to have a fling with you. You're my friend, and I care a whole hell of a lot about that friendship. What I did last night crossed the line."

"Damn you, Nick!" Sara glared at him and got out of the Tahoe, slamming the door behind her as she stormed toward the lakeshore.

Nick let out a deep sigh and followed after her. He came up behind her, "Sara. Would you let me finish?" His voice was gentle.

She turned toward him with her arms crossed and hurt flashing in her eyes. But she didn't walk away. Nick took that as a good sign. "Sara, I'm sorry if this isn't coming out right. You're more than good enough for me, it's me that's not good enough for you. I've earned some of my reputation and I'm not proud of that. I didn't want you to think that I was trying to take advantage of you last night." His eyes looked toward the ground as he paused.

Sara's anger started to dissipate. "Go on, Nick."

He looked back up at her with a hint of a smile on his face. "I would never want to take advantage of you. Not without your permission of course." A flirtatious grin spread over his face as he saw her blush and avert her gaze from him. He took a step toward her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Sara, I'm not interested in having a fling. What I'm interested in is you. I'd like to build a relationship with you. Preferably one that's not platonic." He raised an eyebrow and just looked at her as he waited for her to respond.

Sara blushed an even deeper shade of pink, but she looked up at him with a grin. Nick pulled her into a hug. She wrapped her arms around his waist. He took in the scent of her hair. She took in the scent of his neck. They just stood there and held each other for a while, taking comfort in each other's embrace.

Finally, Sara stepped out of his embrace, looked at him intently, and asked, "Nick, what about Grissom? You said the other night that you were worried that if we started something that I'd be rebounding from my feelings for him."

Nick looked down for a moment and then met Sara's gaze, "I'd be lying if I didn't say I was scared to death, but, Sara, whether or not this lasts, the only way we're going to find out is to take the risk. I think you're worth the risk." He smiled at her.

Sara blushed and looked at him with a mischievous grin. She stepped toward him and put her hands on his chest. Nick snaked his arms around her waist and grinned at her. Sara played with the collar of his blue shirt and then looked up at him, "Nick?"

"Yeah, Sara?" Nick replied.

"You have my permission to take advantage of me." She winked at him with a grin as she snaked her arms around his neck.

A huge grin broke over Nick's face as he leaned in and gently touched his lips to Sara's in a sweet tender kiss. Sara's fingers played at the base of his neck as she pulled him closer. She could feel him smiling into the kiss as she deepened it. Her lips parted as she invited his tongue to dance with hers. He greedily accepted. A groan escaped Sara's throat. She hung onto Nick for support as her knees felt weak from pleasure. He smiled at the effect this kiss was having on her. Holding onto Sara, Nick reluctantly broke the kiss, breathless, and looked into her eyes grinning, "Sara, do you feel taken advantage of yet?"

Sara managed a breathless smile as she gazed into his eyes, "Not even close, Nicky, not even close."

She pulled him in for another passionate kiss and they lost track of time.