Thursday, July 17th, 2003

4:27 am


Soft moonlight pours through the sheer drapes, illuminating the couple entwined on the king-size bed. They lay side by side, facing one another; a powder blue sheet shielding their nudity. Small candles spread throughout the room flicker gently, giving it a romantic glow.

He kisses her tenderly while his dark hands slide over her pale, slim body. Snuggling closer, she parts her lips and he presses closer, his tongue caressing hers. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she rains kisses on his face and neck, her body undulating against his.

For an instant she's tempted to speak, to whisper against his skin. Touch me there. And here. Touch me everywhere. As his palms continue to chart the surface of her body she decides that words are unnecessary. His hands glide down her bare back, caressing the smooth skin and finally settling in her lower back.

Holding her snugly in his arms, he rolls onto his back so she is draped over him and long, passionate kisses are exchanged as the intensity between them increases. He cups a breast with his right hand, thumb swirling over the pert nipple. Hearts beat faster, breath coming in ragged puffs.

Gently holding her hair off her face, he looks deep into her eyes.

Are you sure? he whispers.

She smiles and presses her lips to his.

At her urging, they roll over until he is cradled between her legs. Sliding a hand up her inner thigh, he slips a finger inside to test her readiness, smiling when she whimpers and thrusts her hips against his body. After a few moments he slips a second finger inside her and begins rubbing her bundle of nerves in a tight, circular motion with his thumb.

She moans and bites down on her lip to keep from crying out as her inner muscles tighten around his fingers, her hands clutching his shoulders. Her eyes are dreamy and doe-like, cheeks flushed with passion as she kisses him hungrily. A primal instinct is taking over as she experiences the erotic sensations for the first time.

Hold on baby, he whispers, nuzzling her neck. Just hold on.

Moving slowly and gently, he withdraws his fingers and slides his body forward, sheathing himself in her welcoming softness. When she gasps and tenses, he freezes.

Don't stop, she begs, wrapping her arms around his chest, pulling him closer.

Nodding, he carefully presses on, watching her face as the barrier inside her tears. To his surprise, she smiles and gives him a long, deep kiss that leaves him breathless.

Are you alright? he asks.

Writhing against him and moaning with the pleasure he is inciting, she nods, seeking more, seeking all of him. When she wraps her legs around her waist, he begins to move, gently rocking his hips against hers. She begins to splinter, her body coming apart at the magic of his greedy tongue and hands as he stirs her into a frenzy.

His body glistens in the soft moonlight, accenting the shadows and smoothness of his face. Desire flares as he gasps, moaning as she unknowingly torments him with her touch, both shivering with the thrill of it.

Looking up at his face, she sees the love and hunger in his eyes. She holds his arousal tight within her, full and intimate, and instinctively, she rises to meet his thrusts. Clutching at him, begging him with her hands and her cries of passion, she begins to feel her legs melting, limbs shattering. She gasps as she feels him tremble within her.

When the thrusting grows faster, she clutches him tightly to her, moaning as they move in unison. As they approach the peak, he-

*ring*

The shrill sound of the phone on the night stand awakens Dani from the erotic dream, her breathing labored, body fully aroused. Fumbling in the dark she finally picks up the phone on the fourth ring.

Good morning, the computerized voice says. This is your five am wake up call.

Slamming the phone down Dani rolls onto her back.

You couldn't have waited just one more minute?

Throwing back the sheets, she turns on the light and rises to take a shower.

A cold one.

* * *


6:07 am

Dani strides down the hall at CSI headquarters, on her way to the Audio/Visual Lab to finish linking her digital layouts together. Her laptop case is slung over her right shoulder and an iced coffee is balanced on the file box in her arms. Her damp, auburn hair is bound in french braid that falls to the middle of her back.

Approaching the lab, she notices that the blinds have been turned down, preventing anyone from observing what's going on inside. Stifling a yawn, she nudges open the door with her shoulder, backing into the room.

Hey Archie, Dani says as she turns around to set the file box on the table. Eyes flash wide and she freezes.

He went for coffee, Warrick replies, his tone eerily calm as he watches her face intently. He'll be right back.

I, uh, Dani stammers, her heart racing as she desperately grapples for control. I wasn't expecting you to be here. She sets the file box and laptop case down on the counter and awkwardly tugs at her slim fitting royal blue tank top Catherine said you had the day off.

Grissom called me in for a tape analysis.



I was just finishing up, he adds, getting to his feet. Be out of your way in just a minute.

Wip, wait, she says, not realizing she's used the name reserved for their private moments. We need to talk. She steps closer, her hands outstretched to prevent him from leaving.

No we don't, he replies.

I wanted to talk to you before all of this happened, but I didn't get a chance, she desperately tries to explain. I swear I never meant to-

Look. It's been a long night, Dani. I'm tired, he interrupts wearily, rubbing a hand over his face. Some other time, okay?

When Warrick tries to step around her, his body makes contact with her hand. He inhales sharply at her touch, the memories flooding back. With a will of it's own, his hand slides across her shoulder and up her neck to cup her cheek. She leans into his touch, hands clutching his light grey dress shirt, her breathing ragged.

Wip, I-

he whispers, lowering his head.

Instinctively, her small pink tongue darts out to moisten her full lips as she watches him approach. Hungrily, his eyes watch the movement and his pupils dilate.

Just then, the door to the audio lab opens, bumping against Dani's shoulder, causing the couple to spring apart.

Archie! Hi! Dani says a little too brightly. How's it going?

The Asian lab tech smiles. Hey Dani. Glad you got my message. I set you up over here. He walks to the other side of the room and sits down in front of a computer station with a bank of large monitors.

I'm out of here, Warrick says, picking up a file folder. Thanks Archie. He gives Dani a long look before leaving without a backward glance.

she mutters under her breath.

Picking up her iced coffee, she sucks hard on the straw, hoping the cold liquid will cool the flush in her cheeks.

Okay Archie. Let's get to work.

* * *


10:49 am

You really didn't need to come in on your day off, Brad says. I could have taken care of this for you.

No, it's okay. I don't want to give this guy anymore lead time than absolutely necessary, Sara replies, opening another file folder and scanning its contents. But thanks.

Brad smiles. You sound like Dani.



Yeah. She's always charging away, not wasting any time, the detective elaborates. It got her into a bunch of trouble in LA. She's still getting back into fighting form from that.

What do you mean? the CSI asks, eyebrow arched in confusion.

The stabbing, he says, surprised. Dani told you guys, right?

Oh yeah, Sara lies, her mind racing. I thought you meant she also had problems with the police department or something. I know Brass isn't too crazy about her.

Brad laughs. Old bosses are like that.

The cell phone on Brad's belt rings and he quickly answers it.



A moment later he covers the mouthpiece.

I have to take this. I'll see you later?



The door closes and Sara looks down at the file folder in her hands.

What the hell? Somebody gets stabbed, but she doesn't tell anyone?

With the wheels in her head spinning, a plan starts to form in Sara's head.

Little lie, big lie, she says. Time to do some digging.

The file snaps shut.

* * *


2:21 pm

His hands push her hair off her neck so he can kiss the delicate, perfumed skin, smiling when she shivers.

We should be going to the party, making an appearance, she whispers in his ear. At the same time, her hands are pushing aside his suit jacket and loosening his tie.

I know, but you look so fine in that dress, I just had to kiss you, he says as he pulls her closer, practically into his lap. Lowering his head, he nibbles on her collarbone, the halter dress giving him entirely too much skin to kiss. To touch.

People are going to wonder why we're not there.

I don't care, he replies, pulling back to look into her eyes. The look turns into a slow, languid once-over, gliding over her body like an ice-cube over hot skin, leaving goose-bumps its wake. The resolve in her eyes falters when his hands stroke her soft, curly hair before sliding lower to caress her bare back.

When his hand slips under the hem of her dress and begins traveling up her thigh, she stops fighting the overwhelming desire. Temporarily letting go of him, she slides the hem of her dress up to the top of her thighs and straddles him on the couch. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she dives in for a passionate kiss. A kiss that is met with eager enthusiasm.

As the kiss becomes more intense, her hands begin pulling desperately at his clothes, wanting to touch the heated skin beneath. In turn, he slide his hands under her dress, pushing the shimmering black fabric out of the way. Enjoying her position, she moves sinuously against him, giggling at the moaning sounds he's making in response. When his hand slips between her thighs, he groans.

You didn't tell me you weren't wearing anything underneath, he gasps, his eyes glittering with desire.

You didn't ask, she replies simply, tossing aside his tie and pulling open his shirt.

Buttons pop off, flying in every direction as his smooth, muscled chest comes into view. Pushing the suit jacket and shirt back until they are hanging off his shoulders, she begins pulling at his belt buckle all the while sharing hot, passionate kisses.

I'm going to have trouble explaining why there are buttons all over the place, she laughs, diving in to kiss him again when her hand wraps around his length. He stiffens under her touch, wanting nothing more than to tear her beautiful dress away and lavish attention to every square inch of his lover's body. Lifting his hips, the remaining barrier between them is pushed aside. Lost in the pleasure of his touch, she guides him inside until their bodies are one.

Rocking back and forth in his arms, she rises and falls, not caring if the whole world hears them. Wanting him to touch more of her, with one hand she reaches up to the back of her neck and releases the clasp that is holding her dress up. When he pulls down the zipper at her side, the dress pools around her waist, leaving her naked in his arms.

She clenches her inner muscles, holding him tightly within her as she rolls her hips against his. Unable to hold back, he jerks forward, thrusting harder and she responds willingly. Their bodies rub together frantically, creating an exquisite friction as her full breasts press snugly to his chest and the muscles of his thighs tighten under hers. His breath tickles her neck and she sighs, a contented smile on her face.

I want to look at you, he gasps between sharp breaths as the new angle allows him to push even deeper into her. One hand holds her at the waist, fingers applying a gentle pressure to her lower back while the other lavishes attention to her breast.

Oh God, she chokes out, clutching his shoulders.

An explosion of color and light, followed by rapid popping sounds filter through the gauzy white curtains and the lovers pause.

I guess we missed the party, she pants breathlessly, looking out the window.

Happy New Year, he whispers, raining kisses on her neck. She pulls back so their eyes lock.

I love you, she says, pressing his hand to her chest. My heart can't hold all the love I have for you.

Before he can respond, she leans forward and resumes kissing him, body writhing sensuously. Sliding to the floor, he begins to move inside-

Bolting upright in bed, Warrick's chest heaves, his body slicked with sweat and painfully hard. Falling back against the pillows, he groans, rubbing his hands over his face.

After taking a few minutes to collect himself, he flips back the covers and rises. Wasting no time, he pulls on jeans, a loose fitting light blue t-shirt and running shoes. Swiping up his keys, gym bag and cell phone, he leaves.

* * *


3:05 pm

Pushing open the glass door of the fitness facility, Warrick nods hello to the slim, brunette female on the phone behind the front counter. Upbeat music blares from the speakers placed strategically around the facility. Holding his gym bag loosely in his left hand, he picks up a pen and scrawls his name on the sign-in sheet. As he lets the pen drop to the counter, his eyes widen.

You've got to be kidding me.

Less than a dozen names up the list is Dani's familiar signature.



Shaking his head, Warrick makes his way into the locker room. The gym is nearly empty, only the die-hard's venturing out to brave the triple digit temperatures and work out. A few minutes later Warrick emerges in a white wifebeater, navy blue track pants and a towel slung over his shoulder. Stepping onto the treadmill, he stretches for a couple minutes before beginning his run.

Thirty minutes later he hits the STOP' button and walks over to a drinking fountain for some much needed water. Damp with sweat, Warrick's shirt sticks to his skin as he moves to a different section of the gym, rubbing his face with his towel as he walks. Maybe he'll be lucky. Maybe she'll be finished her workout and already gone.

Turning the corner, Warrick spots Dani at the far end of the room. Away from everyone else in the room, she is laying into a white heavy bag with her padded fists, making the chains above it rattle. Dani's UNLV tank top is soaked with perspiration, her skin glowing with a light sheen of moisture. Not surprisingly, her pager and cell phone are clipped onto her black nylon track pants.

Leaning against the mirrored wall, Warrick watches Dani throw a series of punches, admiring her technique. She's improved since he saw her last, informing him that she's been working on what he taught her. The navy blue tank top pulls taut across her shoulder blades every time she moves, hugging her toned, yet curvy, feminine form. She pauses to push the sweat off her face with her arm and then resumes punching, her braided hair swishing back and forth rhythmically.

Finally Dani stops and leans over, balancing her hands on her knees. Her chest heaves as she takes a minute to catch her breath. Straightening up, she pulls at the laces of her boxing gloves with her teeth until they come loose. After removing the puffy mitts, she unwinds the elastic hand wrapping covering her wrists and hands and tosses them in a bin.

Taking a long swallow of water from the fountain, Dani then wipes off her face, neck and arms with her fluffy white gym towel. Walking into the weightlifting area of the gym, she sits down on an incline bench, hooks in her feet and begins doing stomach crunches. Her tank top rides up a little, giving Warrick a tantalizing view of her stomach as she moves. A fresh layer of perspiration covers her skin by the time she completes ten repetitions of ten crunches.

Unhooking her feet, Dani wipes her face with her towel before moving to another station to lift weights. Squirming a little, she gets comfortable on the narrow bench as Warrick draws closer, unable to stop himself. Finally settling into a position, Dani lifts the bar above her head and begins steady, controlled movements. She moves methodically, her arm muscles rippling with effort.

Rather than take a break between sets, she decides to keep going. She's halfway through the third set when suddenly, her sweaty palm slips and the heavy weight begins falling towards her face. Moving with astonishing speed, Warrick reaches Dani just in time to prevent the weighted bar from hitting her.

You should have a spotter, he admonishes, setting the bar back in it's U-shaped holder. You could've ended up with a shiner or maybe even a concussion.

What are you doing here? Dani asks struggling quickly to her feet and turning to face him.

You're welcome.

Thank you, but- Overcome with dizziness, Dani begins to sway alarmingly.

Whoa! Sit down, Warrick directs, putting his hands on her bare arms.

Shaking her head, Dani rights herself.

No, I'm fine. Just need to eat something.

She glances down at his hands, then up to his face, her eyes wide.

You can let me go, she says gently.

He knows he should back away. Knows he should stop touching her. Even sweaty and exhausted, she's beautiful. Throwing good sense and logic out the window, Warrick takes her hands and places them on his chest. Bringing her closer into his embrace.

Dani's eyes widen further. She can feel his heart pounding. Can feel her heart pounding in the identical rhythm. Moving slowly, she traces muscles and ribs on his chest, watching as Warrick's eyes turn molten.

His hand slips under the hem of her tank top, barely suppressing a moan as he caresses the heated skin. Fingers dances over flesh. Touching. Remembering. A drop of sweat drips from her bangs onto her cheek while another runs lower; from her neck to the valley between her breasts. Using one finger, Warrick traces the path of the second droplet until he reaches the indentation between her breasts and the edge of her tank top.

Dani shivers, her breath coming faster as Warrick intently stares at her eyes.

What are you doing? she asks, her knees trembling.

Warrick doesn't answer as he lowers his head. Automatically, she steps closer, raising her chin so their lips can meet.

Their lips are about to touch when Dani's cellphone shrills loudly. Quickly stepping backwards, she flips open the small silver object and holds it to her ear.

she says above the dull roar of the music.

Covering her other ear, she turns away from the nearest speaker and listens for a few moments.

I'll be there in twenty-five, thirty minutes, she tells the person on the other end of the phone before hanging up.

I'm sorry, I-, she starts to say, but Warrick is gone.



Grabbing her towel, Dani hurries into the locker room to shower and return to the CSI lab.

* * *


4:15 pm

Locking the stall door behind her, Dani turns the water on in the shower before stripping off her damp tank top and sports bra. Putting her foot up on the bench, she unlaces her sneaker and unstraps the .38 pistol holstered to her ankle and then removes her other shoe. Cell phone, pager, socks, pants and underwear follow quickly, piled neatly beside the stack of clothing she'd put on that morning. She removes the gun from its holster and places it on the concrete edge of the shower.

Steam unfurls like an exposed secret, kissing her face as she turns and enters the narrow tile shower and pulls the curtain. She's nothing more than a slender shadow, hidden by the thin plastic sheet. Long, curvy lines and slim arms raised, fingers being drawn through her hair. The percussion of the hot water drums out a rapid beat, moisture sluicing down her frame like a lovers' caress.

Stepping in behind her, his hands draw her hair off her shoulders before he presses his lips to the soft skin. His hands roam lower, stealing around her waist, pulling her against his chest. He whispers in her ear, nibbling on her neck. Moaning softly, she turns and looks up at him, a playful smile gracing her lips. Her eyelashes whisper over her jewel-toned eyes, mouth soft and inviting.

Her hands are everywhere, in his hair, at the back of his neck, on his shoulders, at his hip. Mesmerized, he never stops watching the graceful motion of her hands as they slide over his body. Caressing. Exploring. Under the beat of the water, she kisses him with everything in her heart, gasping at the need raging through her body.

A little near-whimper and he pulls away from her mouth and resumes nuzzling her slender neck. Light, feathery sweeps of lips and tongue. The barest grazing of teeth. He murmurs, his hand tiptoeing up and down her lower back, setting her skin on fire.

Pouring some shampoo into his palm, he turns her around and begins massaging it through the length of her curly hair. Root to tip. Slowly. Erotically. By the time he is finished, she is breathless; bracing herself against the wall, her knees trembling. Holding her snugly in his arms, he steps under the hot spray and rinses the lather away as he covers her face with kisses.

Wobbling unsteadily, she is suddenly lifted into his arms, her legs wrapping around his waist. Bodies throbbing with desire, they stare into each other eyes until the need for more overwhelms them. Resuming kissing, the passion and intensity between them increases until she feels hotter than the water pouring over them.

Reversing their positions, he presses her against the wall of the shower, slipping his hand up the inside of her thigh to-

The water suddenly turns icky cold and Warrick leaps back, yelping with surprise. With more force than necessary, he viciously turns the water off and steps out of the narrow stall to grab a towel.

You can't even have a shower without thinking about her, he mutters to himself. Get a grip, man.

Wrapping the towel around his waist, he leaves to go get dressed, his mind still lost in memories. A few minutes later as he finishes buttoning his shirt, Warrick's head is clear. Next time will be different.

* * *


4:56 pm

Flipping her damp hair off her shoulders, Dani sits down at the layout table and picks up a manilla envelope with her name on it. Breaking the seal, she pulls out several pages and scans them.

Brad says as he enters the room. I haven't seen you all day.

I got an early start. Didn't want to wake you, she offers as explanation as she glances up.

You look tired. Did you sleep at all? he asks, eyes filled with concern.

A little. Dani shifts uncomfortably. Can we change the subject?

What's that? he asks, sitting down across from his partner.

Results of the bathtub swab.

Same guy?

No surprise there. Nothing new either.

Brad wonders aloud. Now what?

We wait and see what Sara can dig up on Melinda Greenwalt. Maybe that'll give us a new lead, Dani replies.

I'm sorry.



I know you were hoping that he'd make a mistake and you'd be able to catch him this time, the detective says. After what happened in LA-

I don't want to talk about it, Dani interrupts.

Are you sure? he asks. I can't help thinking that maybe talking about it would help.

Brad, stop, Dani says, her hands tightening into fists. I can't do this.

Okay. I'm sorry.

How did you do today? she asks, needing to shift the attention off of herself.

O'Reilly and I figured out the last time anyone saw Melinda. You were right. It was at the club Monday night.

And no videotape to see if anyone was with her, Dani interjects bitterly.

We talked to a secretary at her workplace, Brad continues. She said Melinda called in sick early on Tuesday morning, before anyone was in the office.

I don't suppose she kept the voicemail did she?

Brad shakes his head.



The detective gives Dani a long look, tilting his head to one side. Look, I was going to grab some dinner. Want to join me?

Dani asks. The audio lab is quiet right now and I want to keep working on those layouts.

Can I bring you something?

No, but thanks.

Okay. Talk to you later? Brad asks.

I'll call when I get back to the hotel, Dani promises.

Nodding, Brad waves as he exits the room.

* * *


5:24 pm

Sara stands over the fax machine, hoping her glare will command it to produce the documents she's been waiting for.

she groans. Spit it out.

Exasperated, she begins pacing back and forth, sending the machine dirty looks as she moves.

I can page you when something comes in, a lab technician offers helpfully.

I'd rather wait, is the terse reply.

Feeling the frost from the female CSI, the lab tech nods and turns back to his microscope.

Finally the machine makes a noise and begins receiving information. Page after page is printed out, Sara's jaw dropping and eyes widening as she reads.

You've got to be kidding me, she exclaims.

When the fax machine finally stop printing, Sara gathers up all the pages and leaves the lab, hurrying back to her computer to do more digging.

* * *


9:47pm

Glancing at the clock in the dashboard, Dani realizes it's almost 10 pm and the temperature is still above 95. Guiding the rental car to the curb, she cuts the engine and leans back in the seat. Lacing her fingers across her abdomen, Dani takes a deep breath and slowly releases it.

Stop stalling. The sooner you walk in there, the sooner it'll be over and done with, she says, psyching herself up. Maybe he won't even be there.

Before she can lose her nerve, Dani exits the car and hurries up the walk to the front door. She raises her hand to knock, but changes her mind. Reaching into the front pocket of her jeans, she pulls something out. It's a key. Inserting the lone object into the lock, the doorknob turns easily in her hand and the door swings open.

He didn't change the lock, she muses silently.

After softly closing the door behind her, a light is suddenly switched on.

I didn't expect to see you here, Warrick says softly. Wordlessly he lowers his gun and lays it on the kitchen table.

Still had my key, Dani explains, holding up the small silver object.

You can leave it on the table by the door, he instructs flatly.

I need to talk to you, she begins hesitantly. We didn't get a chance before and I-

What do you want? he interrupts, crossing his arms across his chest. His white t-shirt pulls snugly across his chest and she looks away, swallowing a murmur of appreciation. The dreamy, loving eyes she saw in the gym are gone, replaced with an iron gate, locking her out of his heart.

I owe you an explanation. Dani bites down on her lower lip, unsure of how to continue. An apology.

I went to your apartment that morning. It was empty. I thought there was no way that Brass was telling the truth, Warrick spits out coldly. Couldn't believe you'd leave like that.

Seeing the hurt and anger in his beautiful eyes, she swallows hard. I can't tell you how sorry I am.

What the hell was I supposed to think? he asks, turning on his heel and walking over to the patio doors. You didn't tell anyone why. You just left.



Warrick spins around, his eyes blazing. Don't call me that.

There were so many things going on, for both of us. You know that. It all just hit me at once and I couldn't stay, Dani tries to explain. I couldn't bring myself to say goodbye either. If I could take it back, change it, I would. Please believe that.

Did you love me or was that a lie too?

Meeting his gaze, she doesn't look away. It wasn't a lie. Her control slips for a moment and her eyes flood with tears. Blinking fast, she clears her throat. I wanted you to know that I'm very sorry, for hurting you. For everything.

Warrick remains silent.

But maybe I'm too late for that.

he replies tersely.

I better go.

Turning on her heel, Dani makes it all the way to the front door before Warrick speaks again.

How did we go so wrong? he finally asks, his voice strained to the breaking point.

Dani turns to face him as he continues.

I thought we were something special, he finishes.

Three years has taught me an important lesson, Warrick, Dani replies sadly. Sometimes love isn't enough.

Without another word, she leaves, closing the door softly behind her.

Dani makes it back to her hotel room before collapsing on the floor, arms wrapped around her body, heart breaking into a million pieces.

* * *