Wednesday, July 23rd, 2003

12:04 am


Sleepily, Warrick rolls onto his side and reaches out, missing the touch of Dani's soft, heated skin against him. The space beside him is empty, the sheets cool to the touch. Bolting upright, he scans the dimly lit room.



Throwing back the covers, he rises, snatching up his underwear and slipping them on before starting down the hall. He stops short when he finds the pile of Dani's clothing where he'd removed them hours earlier. Silently, he checks the bathroom and kitchen before pausing in the living room. Suddenly, he looks over his shoulder at the patio doors leading to the pool, remembering the desperate, needful look in her eyes. How she'd demanded . . .

Of course.

Pulling the curtains aside, he spots her and shakes his head. Quietly sliding the door open, he steps through and closes it behind him.

Sitting at the edge of the pool, her feet and legs submerged, Dani stares blankly at the underwater lights in the shimmery blue water. When she feels Warrick's hand on her shoulder, she flinches in surprise.

"For a minute I thought you'd left," he says softly.

Shaking her head a little, a long sleeved shirt of Warrick's that she'd wrapped loosely around her body slips off one shoulder. "No."

Sliding down to sit behind her, Warrick's legs move to either side of her hips, his feet dipping into the water. His hands slide over her smaller ones, lightly clasping them as his chin rests on her bare shoulder. Surrounding her.

What are you thinking about?

Dani shrugs. Oh nothing. I just-

Warrick interrupts. I know there's something wrong, so why don't you just tell me what it is.

I'm okay. Really.

Look at me, he says softly, but firmly.

Cupping her cheek in one of his hands, Warrick turns her head so he can look deeply into her eyes. For a long moment, he studies her, not allowing her to look away.

You know, I've seen you without clothes more times than I can count, but what I remember most, is the first time I saw you truly and completely naked.

Eyes welling up with tears, Dani tries to look away, but Warrick won't let her.

I see that same look right now, he finishes, his thumb brushing away a tear running down her cheek. You tried to hide it earlier, when we were- Warrick pauses, searching for a word that won't sound vulgar. In bed. I didn't understand at first, but then it came to me. I've seen that look before, felt that pain. You're afraid of something.

You know, being with someone who knows you so well is exhausting, Dani replies, sniffling.

C'mon Star. Talk to me. Please? he asks gently, using his private name for her.

Swallowing hard, Dani shifts so her legs drape over one of Warrick's. Snuggling into his chest, she gazes out at the rippling water. I've decided not to go back to Washington right away.

Okay, so far I like it.

I've been running from my life for so long, but I just can't do it anymore, she admits. I have to stop. I have to deal with this, no matter what the consequences.

Suddenly realizing what she's referring to, Warrick's jaw drops. You got the letter. He feels her tremble and pulls her closer, sliding his arms around her completely.

Fresh tears flood Dani's eyes as she nods. It came by messenger the day I left Las Vegas. Fifteen minutes later and I would have missed it.

Like you didn't have enough to deal with that day?

Struck by the irony, Dani laughs lightly. Apparently not.

And you've been dealing with this alone? Warrick asks, wrapping his arms more firmly around Dani.

Hey, I'm the one who left.

Still . . .

I'm responsible for my own actions, Warrick. Drawing a ragged breath, Dani knuckles tears away before they can roll down her cheeks. She called me from her death bed, begging for my forgiveness and I hung up on her. Warrick's arms tighten around her, holding her as tightly as he can without hurting her.

Dani, your mom wasn't a saint. Far from it, Warrick insists. You were more than entitled to be angry with her. What she did to you was a crime.

She waited, in agony, for me to come to her.

Baby, listen to me. Warrick cups Dani's cheek again so he can look into her eyes. You were barely eighteen years old then. You had a shitty childhood, but you rose above it and did what you thought was right. To put the past behind you to save yourself. There's no shame in that.

She held on, waiting for an absolution that never came.

And you feel guilty for that? Warrick asks softly.

My whole life was a house of cards and she pulled the biggest one of all out from the bottom. Dani's voice cracks as the emotions threaten to overwhelm her. How was I supposed to know?

You couldn't have. And punishing yourself for the last decade doesn't change that.

I know, she admits.

Why didn't you tell me about this sooner? Warrick asks. Geez, Dani. You've turned keeping silent into an art form.

Blame my genes, she retorts.

Warrick can't help but laugh.

Honestly, I don't know why you put up with me, Dani adds, shaking her head. I give new meaning to complicated.

Chandani Roshini Bennett, you are the most intelligent, vivacious, clever, stubborn, enchanting, unpredictable, beautiful woman I have ever met, Warrick says softly, tipping Dani's head back and punctuating his words with feather light kisses on her cheeks and lips as his hand slides slowly up her thigh. And I wouldn't ever want that to change. It's what makes you, you.

Warrick lowers his lips to hers and dips his tongue into Dani's mouth, relishing in the unique flavor that is her. Dani kisses him back hungrily, guiding his hand to the apex of her thighs and against her silken folds. He doesn't want to stop kissing her, but breath is becoming a factor and he desperately needs to touch her bare skin. To comfort her, show her how much he needs her. Finally, he breaks away, gasping for breath, but not taking his eyes off of her. Dani's eyes are sparkling, trained on his face.

Wrapping an arm around his shoulders, Dani twists and lifts her body until she is straddling his thighs, her damp heat resting against his growing arousal. Taking Warrick's hands in hers, Dani guides them to the edges of her shirt and peels it back.

Touch me, she whispers.

Dragging the fabric down her arms, Warrick pulls their bodies together, mouth to mouth, skin to skin. He can't get enough of her, running his hands down over her face, neck, breasts, everywhere he can reach. He never breaks contact, not wanting it to be over and Dani moans against him, running her caressing hands over his smooth shoulders and back.

I missed you, Star, he murmurs against her skin, tasting her desire and building passion. Missed you so much.

It scares me how much I need you, Dani pants, fingers tracing the muscles of his back, caressing his body. I don't-

She is silenced as he kisses her again before she can get the words out. A hungry, demanding kiss that encourages her to surrender herself. After a long moment she pulls away, continuing to kiss him lightly. I've tried keeping you out, but I don't want to anymore.

He nips at the slender column of her neck. Good, because I want you to s-

Suddenly, Warrick grabs the discarded shirt from its resting place on his legs and pulls it around Dani, covering her nudity.

What? What's wrong? Dani asks, brow furrowing in confusion.

I just realized we might be giving my neighbors a free show.



And as much as I love the view, I'm not willing to share it, Warrick jokes, his eyes dark with passion.

Slipping the shirt back over her shoulders to cover herself, Dani then wraps her legs around his waist, holding him snugly to her pelvis. You know what I need? she murmurs, leaning back in Warrick's arms so she can look into his eyes.



A really big bowl of ice cream.

Warrick smiles. It just so happens I can help you with that. I have some in my freezer.





Peanut butter?

Warrick nods. Uh huh.

Hot fudge?

But of course.

Dani pauses to think. Do we have to use the bowl?

Warrick grins suggestively.

Amid kisses and caresses, the lovers rise and turn to walk inside, but Warrick has another idea. Suddenly Warrick bends, scooping Dani up into his arms despite her squeal of protest and carries her inside, nuzzling her neck with kisses.

12:14 am

Rapping his knuckles against the door, Brad shifts from one foot to the other.

Dani? You there? he calls, tilting his head to listen.

When there is no answer, he pulls his cell phone off his belt and dials the number for the Criminalistics Department of the LVPD.

Hi, this is Detective Carmichael. Can you tell me if CSI Bennett is around?

He pauses to listen to the receptionist. I'll hold.

A moment later the female comes back on the line. I'm sorry. She signed out at 5:20 pm.

Thanks anyways.

Ending the call, Brad then dials Dani's cell number. Like before, it goes directly to voicemail.

Hey Dani. It's Brad, he says after the tone. Haven't seen you since the press conference. Just checking to see how you're doing. Uh, give me a call, okay?

Hanging up the phone, he clips it back on to his belt as he walks a short distance down the hall to his motel room. Closing the door behind him, he loosens his tie as he kicks off his shoes. Padding sock foot across the room, he stretches out on the couch and turns on the tv.

The case is over. Time to sit back and unwind.

12:40 am

Over a dozen half-melted pillar candles are spread out over the bathroom counter and tile floor, giving the room a warm, intimate glow. The flickering light dances over wet, naked flesh as the lovers lay curled up together in the large, claw foot tub. Dani snuggles closer and the waterline rises around her. Enjoying the floating sensation, she is thankful that the tub is big, made back in an era when quality and durability were still virtuous.

Who knew hot fudge and peanut butter were so sticky? Dani murmurs as Warrick draws the warm washcloth down her bare back.

Warrick chuckles, dropping a kiss on her temple. Honey, I doubt the FDA considered the possibility of dessert toppings used quite that way.

Shows what lack of imagination they have, Dani retorts with a saucy smile.

he whispers slipping his hands under her arms, sliding her up his frame so their lips can meet.

They kiss endlessly, not knowing or caring if it is hours or minutes, pausing only to breathe. Parting for brief seconds, they slide back together passionately, as though they have been separated for years. Long, slow minutes pass and the kisses evolve from gentle to hard and back again, demanding and hungry, exploring and questioning, giving and taking. Their hands are as busy as their mouths, Warrick's threading through Dani's hair, stroking the damp tresses and caressing her face. Cradled against his toned body, Dani runs her fingers over his face, chest and broad shoulders, keeping constant contact with his skin, loving the feel of him beneath her.

Supporting her weight with her arms on the edge of the tub, Dani changes position so she is straddling Warrick.

We don't have to, he says, hands carefully gripping her hips. Aren't you sore?

A little, she admits. But I want to. I love the way I feel when you're inside me.

Star . . . Warrick manages to say before capturing her mouth in a long, sensuous kiss. She sighs contentedly, returning his kiss, tasting his hot desire and unique flavor.

Only when he is sure she's ready, Warrick slides into her tender opening, as silky smooth as his tongue had been in her mouth. He moves in and out with tantalizingly slow strokes that makes Dani's breath catch in her throat. She can't even moan, it's impossible to do anything but hold onto him tightly as the bath water sloshes over the edge and onto the floor. Cupping the heavy curves of Dani's breasts, Warrick's thumbs flick over her pert nipples as he continues to gently rock into her. In her mind, Dani screams Warrick's name as the sweet sensations roll luxuriously through her body in gentle swells and huge waves.

Her orgasm is slow and thick, balmy and sizzling as he explodes inside her. Instead of shouting and thrashing against him, she whimpers and arches her back as it rolls through her again and again. When she can breathe again, she meets his eyes, smokey and adoring. The devotion in his eyes steals the last of her strength and Dani sinks forward, her face nuzzling into the side of Warrick's neck.

Are you okay, Starlight? Warrick asks softly as he wraps his arms around her, back resting against the gentle slope of the tub.

2:46 am

Ducking his head around the corner, Grissom opens his mouth to call out to Sara, but pauses when he notices that her eyes are closed. Arms folded together in a makeshift pillow, Sara's breathing is deep and even. She's asleep. Consulting his watch, the scientist realizes that he, and most likely Sara, have been up for over 36 hours.

With a quiet click, Grissom turns off the overhead fluorescent lights and carefully closes the door before walking down the hall to the break room. Sitting down on the couch, Grissom removes his glasses and rubs his hands over his face. Unable to stop himself from yawning, he stretches out on the couch and closes his exhausted eyes.

I'll close my eyes for twenty minutes, he tells himself. Just twenty minutes.

The scientist is asleep before the last word is out of his mouth.

7:49 am

The sound of running water rouses Warrick from honeyed sleep. He reaches out, but finds he's alone in the bed. Again. This time his fingers find a small piece of paper and he picks it up to read.

Relax. I'm in the shower.

I'll be right back.


Abruptly the water shuts off and he can hear the sound of a shower curtain being pulled back.

Damn, he'd missed wet, naked time.

He feels bereft, missing the warmth of her touch; experiences a sense of loss, similar to the only light in the room having been extinguished. Rolling over, he sniffs her pillow, smiling at the familiar, delicate scent.

The sound of a hair dryer spills out from down the hall, and Warrick drags himself up to look at the clock. Almost eight. Over twelve wonderful hours have passed while they lost themselves in each others arms. He drops back onto the pillows with a contented smile.

Warrick dozes as the comfortable, domestic sound of Dani doing her hair nearly lulls him back to sleep. Finally the dryer shuts off and Dani appears a few moments later, body wrapped in a fluffy, oversized, royal blue towel, her hair tumbling sensually over her glistening bare shoulders. Smiling gently, Warrick props himself up on one elbow to watch her.

You're awake.

I see you still have your early morning shower ritual, he remarks dryly, stifling a yawn.

Padding barefoot across the polished hardwood floor, Dani sits down on the edge of the bed. Sorry. I didn't want to wake you up.

I wish you had, he replies suggestively. I could have washed your back.

She giggles, a blush coloring her cheeks in an endearing combination of bold and bashful. Chuckling, Warrick grabs Dani at her waist and pulls her into bed with him, pinning her to the mattress as she squeals with laughter.

I don't know how, but I'd almost forgotten how beautiful you are, he murmurs against her lips before kissing her slowly and deeply.

Wait. My towel is wet, she giggles, struggling out of the damp material.

Tossing the offending fabric over his shoulder, Warrick snuggles closer, shoving the bed sheet down to their feet. His eyes follow the drifting pattern of his hand as it coasts lightly over the warm, soft skin of her back, the gentle curve of her waist and the roundness of her backside. He loves the feel of her against his palm, silky smooth beneath his fingertips.

The touch isn't intended to be arousing, just simply self-indulgent, but Dani sighs and nuzzles his neck anyways, one arm sliding around his body to caress his smooth back. Pulling herself tightly to Warrick's body, she covers his neck with feather-light kisses.

I could spend days doing nothing but touching you, he whispers.

Dani laughs lightly.

Well, at some point, we're going to have to get dressed. You'll have to go back to work. I need to check in at the motel, pack up my stuff . . .

Surprised at her words, Warrick pulls back. You said you were staying in Las Vegas for a while.

I am, but the Washington office is currently paying for my motel room, Dani explains. That isn't going to last now that the case is over. Jerking her head, she flips her hair off her shoulder, exposing her slender neck.

Right. Sorry. Bending an elbow to hold up his head with the palm of his hand, Warrick gives Dani a quizzical look. Aren't they going to be expect you back in D.C.?

Dani shakes her head. Dwayne has been on my case to take a vacation for almost a year and a half. I faxed him after the press conference yesterday. I'll call him later, but I'm sure he's happy as a clam that I'm finally taking his advice.

Leaning forward, Warrick presses a soft kiss to her lips. Smart girl.

Oh, I almost forgot, Dani says. I took a walk down memory lane the other day.

Warrick prompts.

Yeah, I stopped by the Silverton. Played a little blackjack.

His eyes widen in surprise. You said you'd never play again.

I changed my mind, she replies with a shrug. Part of me wondered if I still had the touch.

Warrick presses. How'd you do?

Was up eight hundred by the end.

Hello Lady Luck, he replies, impressed.

It wasn't as much fun without you. Nothing is, Dani admits.

What do you mean?

I was at this club last week, following up on a lead where Melinda Greenwalt was last seen in public and I was thinking about you, she explains. I was on the dance floor with Greg and I missed you so much, I could've sworn that I saw you.

You did.



I was there. On the balcony, Warrick confesses. I'd gone to the motel, to talk to you. I watched you and Brad argue in the parking lot, followed you into the club, watched you dance.

And here I thought I was seeing things.

Sorry. Forgive me?

Dani wrinkles her nose at him and smiles. I'll think about it.

Well, while you do that, I'm going to take a shower.

Stealing a quick kiss, Warrick rises from the bed disappears down the hall. Shaking her head, Dani can't help but laugh.

8:15 am

You shouldn't have let me sleep, Sara grumbles. We've lost valuable time.

Handing her a cup of coffee, Grissom raises an eyebrow at her.

You were exhausted. We both were, he says. Maybe looking at things with fresh eyes will help us find something.

It better. We've still got a killer out there.

But he doesn't know that we know that, Grissom points out. Maybe this means he will be overconfident and made a mistake somewhere. We'll get him.

Before he kills somebody else?

8:21 am

Beads of water dappling his skin, Warrick emerges from his hot shower and is about to walk back into the bedroom when familiar music catches his attention. Changing direction, he starts to enter the kitchen, but stops short at the sight before him. Dani, at the counter in nothing but his white wifebeater and bikini briefs, her delectable backside turned towards him while she butters a slice of toast. A cascade of auburn curls tumble down her narrow back, the ends still damp from her recent shower as she dances to the saucy latin beat emanating from the living room stereo.

Memories forever entwined with the song fill his mind. The late fall heat wave and the margarita that had helped to loosen her up, but how she'd still blushed when he pulled her onto the dance floor. Hands sliding over each others bodies, surrendering to the music, not caring who saw them. Her lips as she whispered suggestive, naughty things in his ear during the cab ride home. The feel of her damp skin against his during the passionate lovemaking that followed.

Returning to the present, Warrick watches Dani, her body undulating as she dances with an invisible partner, head thrown back as she moves to the rhythm. Listening closely, he can hear her softly sing along with the spanish words and he smiles.

Just then, Dani raises a hand to her mouth and licks a dollop of raspberry jam off her index finger and Warrick smothers a groan. It is among the most erotic sights he's ever seen.

Leaning against the wall, he continues to observe Dani without her knowledge. She's so different from the timid woman he'd met in that bar that fateful night. She is a woman of formidable will and intelligence; a gifted CSI. Underneath that tough exterior is his lover, soft and gentle and wonderfully passionate.

The song ends and Dani uses a small remote to turn the stereo off.



Looking over her shoulder, Dani smiles seductively.

I haven't heard that song in a long time, he says. Where did you find that cd?

Exactly where I left it, she replies mysteriously.

Warrick strides across the spacious kitchen to pull Dani into his embrace, breasts crushing against his chest. Cupping the back of her head firmly, Warrick kisses her hungrily, starved for the taste of her lips, tongue delving into her mouth.

Damn, I want you again, he murmurs feverishly against her mouth. How do you do that?

Hands toying with the short hair at the back of his neck, Dani returns his kisses, her lips parting for him, sending shivers down his spine. She hums something that might be a reply, but it is lost in their kisses.

The second Warrick's hand slips under the shirt and cups the satiny skin of Dani's breast, she moans, but it isn't enough. He wants more. Pulling back he looks deeply into her eyes, which are glittering with desire.

Let's go back to bed, he says huskily.

"No," she replies, rising on tiptoe to kiss next to his ear. "Here. Now."

Who was he to argue, Warrick wonders to himself, letting the towel wrapped around his hips pool at his feet the floor. Grabbing her shirt by the hem he yanks it over her head.

You're overdressed, he murmurs with a sly smile, making her laugh at the familiar words.

Hooking his thumbs under the thin straps of Dani's bikini underwear, Warrick lowers the material down her thighs before lifting her up to perch on the edge of the counter. Sliding the scrap of material off her long legs, he tosses the flimsy satin over his shoulder, not caring where it lands. Pressing himself between her thighs, his arousal moves eagerly against her center, desperately seeking entrance.

"Touch me, Wip," she whispers harshly. "I need you."

Wrapping her arms around him, Dani spots a few droplets of water still on his shoulder and is overcome with the irresistible urge to lick him. When her tongue makes contact with his skin, Warrick groans. She buries her face in his neck and shoulder, inhaling deeply as she coats her tongue with the bittersweet taste of his body that even a shower can't mask.

Then a thought, so alarming and startling in its clarity rises in her consciousness.

I love you. I need you. I can't live without you.

The words stick in her throat. Simple words that sweeten his touch even as it frightens her a little. For a moment the thought roars so loud in her head she wonders if she has spoken the words aloud.

The silence between them remain unbroken, so Dani pushes the thought out of her head and embraces the rush of pleasure sweeping through her body as Warrick's fingers caress her curves. When his hand slips between her thighs and finds her wet, Dani groans.

Plunging forward with his hips, Warrick slides effortlessly into Dani's waiting heat, their simultaneous moans of enjoyment mixing together. She is hot and tight and soft all at once, and Warrick wonders if he might explode from the sheer pleasure of being within her. Dragging Dani forward slightly with his hands on her ass, Warrick withdraws and firmly thrusts in again.

"Oh, God, yes," she pants breathlessly.

"Don't want to hurt you, Star," he gasps, feeling his restraint disintegrating by the second. He pumps in and out of her trembling body faster, feeling her inner muscles contract around his arousal with delicious tension.

"It's okay," Dani replies. "You won't-oh God! Yes!"

Warrick's control shatters and he begins thrusting into Dani's receptive body, listening to her moans and cries of pleasure while her nails dig into his back and shoulders. Sliding one hand between their bodies, Warrick begins rubbing Dani's clit while his other hand grips her left hip to steady her. A lusty moan escapes from Dani's throat and Warrick presses harder, thrusting faster.

Soon, her body tenses and the spasms begin, wave after wave of overwhelming pressure surrounding him. Dani's head falls back against the cupboard behind her, face flushed with passion and pleasure. She whimpers as Warrick pushes deeper into her, burying himself to the hilt.

He can feel her inner muscles tighten, her soft flesh swelling around him. She is soft, wet and snug and exactly where he wants to be. Both her legs tangle tightly around his slippery waist as they ride each other fiercely. Words are impossible, both of them too far gone from a night of erotic sensuality and long suppressed passion. Their mouths meet over and over, tongues caressing and exploring, swallowing each others cries of pleasure. Unable to speak, they frantically clutch at each other to communicate.

Within moments Dani is tensing around him again, her soft cries and trembling body satisfying the primitive male in him as he approaches his own release. Warrick delivers a few final, barely uncontrolled thrusts before sliding over the edge and pouring himself into Dani with a shuddering groan, breathlessly gasping her name.

It takes several minutes for the lovers to come back to themselves as they cling to each other in the aftermath of their intense lovemaking. Lost in their private island of paradise. Eventually Warrick realizes that he's slumped into Dani, his face buried against her neck, her arms and legs still wrapped around him.

His first attempt at speaking comes out as a satisfied, "Hmmm..." as he nuzzles her neck.

Sighing softly, Dani's response is a content,

he whispers softly, having regained his ability to speak.

What you said, she adds, hands caressing his back.

Wrapping his arms around Dani's waist, Warrick holds her close for a moment, her soft breasts pressed firmly against his chest. It feels so good to hold her. After another minute, Warrick finally withdraws and picks his towel up off the floor while Dani remains seated on the countertop.

"Didn't I interrupt you making breakfast?" he asks, wrapping the royal blue cloth around his hips.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I've worked up an appetite," she replies, smiling warmly.