The wave of late afternoon heat and humidity that rolled over them as they passed through the glass door was almost enough to push them back into the cool confines of the red brick building. Needing the escape from work, however, they fought the oppressive air and sought out the oasis of Tony's car and its air conditioner.

Sitting in the vehicle, Tony suddenly felt awkward. He didn't want to just assume he'd be spending the night at Kate's, even though she'd given him her keys. But he didn't want to sound like a total idiot either. Clearing his throat, he tried not to stick his foot in his mouth.

Hey, Kate? I'm probably going to sound dumb here, but, am I staying with you again tonight? He looked at her now and hurried on, Because I'm good with that, if you are, I mean. I'd like to stay and be there for you. And I enjoyed holding you last night. But, if you're having second thoughts, I... he stammered, unwilling to consider the concept.

Kate picked up his hand, hoping to give him reassurance the way he'd done for her last night. Then she looked at him and smiled. You're more than welcome to stay. I liked having you hold me, too. Besides, I doubt the nightmares are done with me. She smiled at him, but there was something more than friendship in her eyes.

Let's get out of here. His voice became husky as he thought about being alone with her later. He began heading out of the parking lot. Or I might kiss you senseless right here in front of the surveillance cameras!

Her eyes went wide at first, and then she leaned her head back, giving him an excellent view of her neck and letting out a low, throaty laugh. His growled response made her feel like taunting him. Did you enjoy your water this afternoon?

I'm afraid it wasn't cold enough, Miss Tease! Did you plan that little show?

Sobering slightly she replied, Actually, no. I was roasting. All I wanted was to cool off. I didn't even think about it until you walked up looking like you were about to drag me back to that alley for... she broke off. Oh God! Did I really just say that? Abby's right, I am horny!' She faltered, shocked by her words and her thoughts. What I mean is, you... I... forget it. She stared out the window praying for the seat or the asphalt to swallow her up.

Now Tony laughed. Maybe that's a concept that needs some exploration, Agent Todd. What do you think?

Which concept and what kind of exploration are we talking about here, DiNozzo? And where are we going, anyway? Kate realized she wasn't sure they'd decided on dinner and didn't know where Tony was currently headed.

To answer your second question first, my place. I want to pick up a few more things, if you don't mind. Then we can either pick some place to eat or go back to your place and cook. As for the first part of your question, well... Tony concentrated on the traffic as he made some lane changes and then exited the highway.

It didn't take long to reach Tony's apartment complex once they were off the major roads. It seemed to Kate to be a reasonably nice place, though not terribly fancy. As she climbed out of the car, Tony took her hand and they walked hand-in-hand to his apartment. That simple gesture made her feel slightly giddy; it had been years since a man had held her hand like that. Tony looked at her with that incredibly sexy grin and unlocked the door, then ushered her inside. He kicked the door closed and tossed the keys on a small table near the door.

Instantly she was wrapped up in those unbelievable arms that fit around her so perfectly. He held her close to him, close enough for her to be aware of his desire for her. Her eyes were locked with his, reading the emotions there though perhaps not comprehending them all. Slowly he lowered his head and her eyes fluttered closed as silky soft lips caressed her own. Gently at first, then more insistently, and she gladly parted her own lips as their tongues began an erotic dance. Their lips began to slide against one another's and then so did their bodies. Kate had no idea when her arms had encircled his neck, but now her hands were tangled in his hair, holding him prisoner to the continued entwining of their tongues. In a haze, she felt him slide his hand down her back before cupping her bottom firmly. Then with a groan he gripped her butt more tightly, more intimately and pulled her snugly against his erection. Suddenly he broke away from the kiss, panting.

Oh, Kate. Oh, Baby, we have to stop right now, unless you're prepared for me to strip you down and have you right here. He was shaking in her arms, his desire for her palpable.

Well, it wasn't what I had in mind. They nodded together, and she continued, But you know, there are plenty of ways to, um, ease the pain?

Dear God, was this woman offering what he thought? It didn't seem quite right, though. This was not how he wanted to start off a physical relationship with Kate, no matter how willing she might be. He wanted the first time she satisfied him to be while he was buried deep within her, feeling the pleasure he'd given her as well.

Whispering in her ear, he declined her offer, describing instead what he looked forward to sharing with her, and was gratified to hear her gasp, then moan in anticipation. Reluctantly they stepped away from each other, and Tony found that he immediately wanted her back in his arms. Resisting the impulse to snatch her back to him, he ran a shaking hand through his hair.

I'm going in the other room to get a few things together. He backed away from the siren's song that Kate's body had become. How the hell was he supposed to go back to work tonight?

Kate called after him, I'm just going to flip on the TV and check the weather, if you don't mind. She sat down on the sofa and picked up the remote control. Mindlessly surfing the channels looking for a weather report, she found herself still on sensory overload from kissing Tony. A slow smile spread over her face as she wondered what it would be like to be his lover. She was certain he wouldn't be anything like the last man she'd allowed in her bed: all , little bam' and not even a thank you, ma'am'! That relationship hadn't lasted long and there'd been a drought before it. It had been a long time since Kate had actually had a man that knew how to please a woman. And even then, it hadn't been great... Face it Kate, you're so horny for a decent screw it just isn't funny. And then along comes Tony. Something tells me he's going to ruin you for every other man out there.'

Tony stood in his bedroom staring at nothing, the sound of the television filtering in from the living room. That had to be the hottest kiss in the history of the planet! I haven't had a woman get me that hard just from a kiss since I was 12! God, I can't wait to make love to her!' He'd like to believe that he was an accomplished lover; he certainly enjoyed fully satisfying his partners. Now, however, the only woman he could even comprehend bedding was Kate; and he wanted to be sure she had all the pleasure she could handle. He grinned as he finally finished packing up several changes of clothing, hoping he wouldn't need much clothing at all.

He reentered the living room to find Kate watching a news report on the worsening heat. Kate turned to look up at him as he reached the sofa, standing behind her.

She gestured with the remote, saying. The power grids are at maximum capacity in some areas, due to the demand. Authorities are asking people to limit air conditioner use to help ease the burden; otherwise we could be facing a blackout.

Tony nodded. I thought about that last night when it still felt unbearable at two a.m. They've upgraded most major transmission lines, but when it gets this hot, there's just not much you can do about the demand. If the heat doesn't break, it may just be a matter of time. He leaned over and kissed the tip of her nose. On to more pressing matters -- food. Want to eat out, or head back to your place?

Kate stood up and faced the undeniably sexy man. Oh, tough call. Let's see, we can go to a restaurant, face each other over a table in public and go mad thinking about earlier... She watched his eyes darken and she smiled as she continued, Or we can go back to my place and torment each other while we cook something we might not even get to eating... This time she broke off as he grabbed her hand and directed her toward the door. She shivered as she felt his words slide along her ear.

Your place it is. But don't be surprised if you're dinner, he murmured before his teeth closed gently, playfully, briefly on the upper edge of her ear.

God, DiNozzo! she breathed softly.

Tell me about it, Todd, he replied as he nuzzled her neck once more before they headed for the car.