Chapter 21

"Hey, you've got shift soon. You can crash on my couch for a bit if you like." Sara said desperately wanting to kill the awkward silence.

"Oh, ok. You sure I won't bother you?" Grissom replied.

"I should be asking you that question."

"Well, we could watch a movie or something" Grissom introduced. "Maybe you could sit next to me."

Another long pause fills the air.

"Or not? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push." Grissom apologized.

"No, no, that's ok. I'm just trying to find myself here." Sara responds. "A movie, sitting next to you on the couch sounds great. What would you like to see?"

"You pick."

"Are you sure? What if I chose what you men call a 'chick flick'?"

"Then a 'chick flick" it will be" he responds while making the proverbial quote marks with his fingers.

Sara starts the movie then sits next to Grissom on the couch.

"What did you pick?" he asks.

"Silence of the Lambs. It's my favorite."

"Ah, a great movie indeed" he says as he gets comfortable on the couch. About five minutes into the movie Grissom places his arm on the back of the couch and looks at Sara. "You can scoot closer if you like." He says.

Looking into his beautiful blue eyes, Sara responds to the offer without a word. Butterflies fill her stomach again as the heat from his chest radiates through her arm and around her neck where he has placed his arm. "A perfect fit" Grissom says.

"Yea" is all Sara can say before he leans in and kisses her again. The two fall asleep to the movie and are awaken by Catherine poking around in the kitchen. Sara wakes first, feeling the slow breathing of Grissom on her cheek as it rests perfectly on his chest. She sits up and notices the time. Nudging him, Sara whispers, "It's almost time for shift."

Without opening his eyes, Grissom tries to sit up but is hindered by a warm weight on his chest. He opens his eyes and is met by Sara's gorgeous brown eyes gazing into his. "Time for shift?" Was all he could say.

"Gees, you two really should get a room" a voice calls from the kitchen. Looking at Catherine behind the island then at each other the three of them start to laugh.

"I think it's great you two finally figured out what everyone else has known for years now" she said.

Grissom knew there was no way out of this one. "Sometimes it just takes a while." He said. "How are you feeling?"

"Ok" Catherine said. Still pretty sore, but hey, could be worse right?" Her last words stabbed deep into the heart and mind of Grissom and Sara as each are snapped out of their new-found love into the reality of the situation.

"Everything's going to be ok Catherine." Grissom said. "I will call every hour to check on you guys. If you don't answer I'll come check on things. If something happens and you can't talk, leave a 9-1-1 message on my pager. I can have Brass put somebody outside if you like."

"I'm sure we'll be fine" Catherine replies.

"Ok. I need to run." Looking to Catherine and gently hugging her, "You get plenty of rest and take it easy." Turning to Sara, "You be careful. Don't try and reach for anything. If you can't reach it then you don't need it, understand?" he said in the softest of ways.

"Understood."

Sara walks Grissom to the door. Without caring that Catherine is watching, Grissom leans in and kisses Sara on the lips. "If you need anything, just call me. If you hear a noise outside, call me. Don't go out or open the door for anyone but myself, Nick or Warrick. Regardless of what Catherine is trying to make us believe, I don't think Eddie is finished terrorizing her. I don't think he is anywhere near finished." Grissom warns.

"I understand." Sara replies.

Taking her in his arms, "I'm not sure you do Sara. If he shows up here, call for help immediately. Don't let yourself think you can handle it. Believe me, Catherine thought the same thing many times before and she never succeeded." Grissom pulls away and gives Sara a quick kiss on the forehead. "Be careful." He says as he turns to leave her doorstep.

"You too." Sara says. Just as he reaches the bottom of the stairs, Sara calls out to him. "Grissom?"

He turns back to her, "Yes?"

"I love you" is all she says as she walks back into her apartment without waiting for a response.