Thanks as always to Marlou for her beta services  ** hugs **

Chapter Two

The moment he entered the bar his eyes drifted to Sara. For years he had been fighting his mind and body for that reaction but his eyes always seemed to go to her. And right now, he didn't mind that reaction. She looked like the real  Sara, she looked beautiful. Sara had captured his heart a long time ago. Though he had tried for a long time to ignore his feelings, to push her away, he knew now that there was no point in fighting anymore. His heart belonged to her, if only she would have it.

"I should really be going soon," she said quickly, turning to Nick in desperation.

"You can't go yet," Greg whined, his voice carrying across the table, bringing all eyes to her.

"Great," she muttered when everyone around the table fell silent. "I was just thinking out loud, that's all." When everyone carried on with their conversations, she turned to send an ice-cold glare in Greg's direction causing him to shrink down into his seat.

"I'll take you to the lab when you're ready to leave, Sara," Grissom's voice broke through her glare, defrosting the coldness that had kept her frozen for so long.

Sara lifted her eyes in surprise. Opening her mouth, she tried to form coherent words, but nothing would come out. He wasn't supposed to be nice to her; she hadn't prepared herself for this. "Uh," she managed weakly, "I don't want to put you out."

"You're not," he told her with a warm smile. Walking around the table, he surprised her even more when he came to take the seat beside her, immediately placing her body on high alert.

Sara tried not to look at him, tried not to show him that this new course of events was interfering with her rational mind, but his magnetic pull drove her closer towards him.

'Don't fall for it Sara,' she told herself, 'he's playing games with your heart again. Don't let him do this to you anymore.'

"Are you okay Sara?" he asked suddenly, his voice close to her ear, causing her to almost jump out of her seat.

Nodding numbly, she turned to offer him a thin smile before averting her eyes just as quickly. Her mind was screaming questions at her. 'What was he doing? He never chooses to be this close to you anymore. Maybe he's been drinking, yes that's it, he's had a few drinks and that's why he's being nice to you.'

Grissom watched the battle warring in her eyes and suddenly found himself drawn towards her. Reaching out a hand, he hovered over the expanse of bare skin that she exposed so close to him. He decided that touching her would be too soon, seeing as she was uncomfortable. He settled his hand and arm at the back of her chair. They were still close, but there was no physical contact. He had fought his defenses for so long, and now, after all this time, he was finding the power of his feeling for her overwhelming his senses. He didn't want to fight the attraction anymore. He knew he had hurt her but he hoped she would be willing to give him another chance. He was going to fight tooth and nail for that chance.

"Sara, you wanna dance with me?" Greg asked, raising his eyebrows. Though she felt uncomfortable with Grissom's arm behind her, she had to laugh. Greg; the person who could make her laugh. He was indeed a good friend.

"No thanks, Greg. I'm not in the mood."

"Let me get you a drink."

"Fine. No alcohol though, I don't want you getting me drunk right before shift."

Greg went to get Sara a drink. Nick looked at Sara, she seemed so troubled. He knew the reason for her troubles was sitting right next to her. Yet he also knew that Grissom was the only one who could make Sara really happy. She deserved it and well, although Grissom had been resentful towards Sara, he also deserved happiness. Because it was Christmas he felt it was time to help them along a little, and he knew Catherine would be a willing accomplice. He leaned towards Sara and whispered to her. "I've got some things to take care of. You'll be all right?"

"Just be back soon, okay." Sara didn't like the idea of being alone with Grissom too long.

"Relax, Greg will be here soon and I'll send Warrick your way too."

Sara nodded her agreement and watched Nick walk to Catherine.

"Catherine, I need your help." He said as he stood beside her.

"What can I do for you, Nicky?"

"Just look at them."

Catherine knew whom he was talking about. Sara was sitting stiffly beside Grissom, avoiding his eyes and talking to Greg. Grissom on the other hand, had his eyes on Sara, observing her.

"I know, Nick." Catherine sighed as she observed the two people who sat close together, yet were so far apart.

"It's Christmas and they deserve to be together but they're both so stubborn." Nick's eyes fixed on Sara, watching for any signs of her being ready to bolt from the scene.

Beside him, Catherine sighed sadly. "Yeah, I know. Grissom is trying though, look at him."

"I know, but he really hurt her this time." Nick told her, his protectiveness for Sara etched in every word.

"That he did." Catherine agreed.

"So what can we do, to get them to talk I mean?"

tbc