Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.

Thanks for all my great reviews! It's nice to get them for a Warrick and Sara story.

Chapter 4

Sara fought her body's reaction of feeling Warrick surrounding her. Instead of trying to put some space between them she could feel herself snuggling in closer. Her knees nearly gave out when she felt his hot breath caress her check when he asked if she was warm enough. She turned to look up at him and felt her cheeks flush when she saw the look in his eyes. There seemed to be a gleam of hunger dancing through them. But that was impossible. He did not have those kinds of feelings for her.

"If Greg could see us now, he'd be ready to throw my ass right out of this balloon." Sara shook her head and laughed. She turned back to the gorgeous Nevada landscape. "I have never seen anything so beautiful," she said as she gazed out at the sunlit desert with the mountains in the background. "Either have I," he answered as his hands traveled slowly up and down her arms.

Sara couldn't bring herself to turn around and face him. She didn't want to see who he was referring too, her or the view. She trembled slightly when she realized she wished it were her he was talking about. She sighed inwardly already knowing it was wishful thinking on her part.

Warrick felt her tense at his words and then quiver faintly as his hands traveled up and down her arms. She seemed to press closer to his body but she would not turn around and look at him. He knew she could sense something but just like him she was fighting it. He closed his eyes for a moment and enjoyed the feel of her in his arms. He inhaled the unique scent that belonged to only her. He let the sensations she aroused in his body take control for just a moment.

Warrick wished things could be different for them but he knew working together as closely as they did was not the ideal setting for a romance. But the biggest deterrent for him was Grissom. Warrick could not see him consenting to a relationship between his team members. Warrick was damned if he did and damned if he didn't. It just didn't seem fair.

Warrick felt Sara move slightly as she placed her hands over his, stilling their movement. "Look," she said excitedly. They were heading toward Red Rock Canyon and the desert landscape had given way to the rocky inclines that were the foothills to the beautiful red, sandstone mountains that rose into the sky in the distance. Up ahead of them, grazing on some grass was a herd of Desert Bighorn Sheep.

Reggie brought the balloon down slowly until they were about 20 feet above the herd. Sara and Warrick leaned over as far as they could to get a better view. They silently passed above the herd. Sara suddenly grasped Warrick's hand and pointed to an object hidden in the underbrush. The object moved unhurriedly from the bushes. It was a mountain lion. Its predatory eyes watched them slowly pass by.

When the animals were finally out of sight Sara turned to Warrick with a beautiful smile on her face. "That was incredible," she said. Warrick couldn't take his eyes off of her face. It shown with an excitement and a natural beauty that made him want to reach out and run his hands across her glowing skin. Her large chocolate eyes held his in a look of pure contentment.

Sara didn't want the moment to end. His handsome face was lit up in an alluring smile and his glorious eyes were filled with only her. His hands had begun their sensuous journey up and down her arms again. She wanted nothing more then to touch her lips to his and seal this wonderful moment with a kiss.

Reggie watched Sara and Warrick as the magnificence of the scenery captured them in its spell. They were completely wrapped up in each other, momentarily forgetting he was there. He hated to bring them back to reality. He watched as Warrick's hands slowly made there way up Sara's arms, gently gliding across her shoulders and up her neck to stop and tenderly cup her cheeks. Sara's hand followed a similar journey up Warrick's arms to rest on his shoulders.

Warrick's head began its slow descent to capture her lips with his own when Reggie suddenly realized they were dangerously low to the ground. He had been so involved in watching their developing romance that he had neglected to bring the balloon back up to a higher altitude; the land was quickly rising into steep rocky slopes.

"Hang on," he yelled as he gave the balloon a blast of heat to get it to rise quickly. Warrick grasped onto Sara but the momentum of the rising balloon caused him to lose his balance. He and Sara toppled to the floor in heap. He looked down at a stunned Sara. He quickly shifted his body slightly off hers, hoping he hadn't hurt her.

"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" he asked worriedly. She looked up at him in shock, just seconds earlier he was about to kiss her. God how she wanted to feel his lips on hers, but now the moment was gone. "I think I'm okay," she murmured her heated eyes locking on to his.

Warrick could clearly see the look of desire in her eyes and a wave of liquid fire raced through his body. "Sara," he groaned. And just as he was about to finally taste her he felt a pair of hands grasp his shoulders and yank him upward.

"Are you two all right?" Reggie asked. "I'm really sorry," he said as he lifted Sara up from the floor of the basket. "I was so busy watching the drama unfold between the two of you that I wasn't paying any attention to where we were going. I'm really sorry."

Both Warrick and Reggie watched Sara's face flush a bright red as she turned away from them. Warrick gave him a threatening look before he stepped over to her placing a hand on her shoulder. "Sara," he said quietly. He felt her tense beneath his hand. "I'm fine Warrick," she said stepping away from his touch.

Sara was withdrawing from him, obviously embarrassed by what had almost happened. He wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her. He knew without a doubt she wanted him to kiss her. He saw it on her face and felt it with every fiber of his body. "Sara," he said a little more intensely. "We'll talk about it later," she said softly meeting his gaze, "Please."

Warrick sighed with frustration and ran a hand over his face. "Fine. But we ARE going to talk," he answered holding her eyes. She gave him a small smile and stepped around him to talk to Reggie. He looked out at the beautiful scene before him not sure what to do. He had crossed the line with her. She knew he wanted to kiss her. There was no turning back from it. He needed to know what her lips felt like against his. He needed to feel her body pressed against his. He needed to feel her passion. He wanted to know if she made love with the same intensity and energy she did her job with every night.

He looked over at her as she talked with Reggie. He wanted her. He felt a sense of relief flood through his body. It felt good to finally accept his feelings. He wanted Sara Sidle and he was going to have her. Now all he had to do was figure out a way to accomplish it. He felt her looking at him and he gave her a smile.

Sara met his eyes and he gave her a self-assured smile. She felt butterflies begin to flutter in her stomach. She knew that smile, that cocky, self-assured smile. He was up to something. "He's a very determined guy isn't he?" Reggie asked her. She looked at him for a moment before answering him. "He'd like to think so," she said with a grin, "But I've work with him enough to know how to get around that." Reggie let out a laugh and said, "But now you're no so sure you want too."

Sara sighed and looked at Reggie and quietly said, "I'm not sure what's going on between us. I've always thought he had a thing for Catherine. She's sexy, beautiful and very confident. I'm none of those things. I just can't accept he's interested in me." "I think you're selling yourself short. The one thing I know about Warrick is that he has great taste in fine things in which you are. But most importantly he never jumps into anything without seriously thinking about it first. He's learned from his past mistakes. He's not looking for an easy score. He's ready for the real thing."

Sara gave Reggie a grateful smile for his kind words and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear. "Your welcome," he softly said, "I think the big man's getting a little jealous." Sara turned to Warrick and found him staring at them with a frown on his handsome face.

"Don't worry," she teased, "He only told me some of your secrets." Warrick looked over at Reggie and gave him a look. Reggie started to laugh and said, "Hey man you shouldn't be so mysterious. The lady has a right to know what a truly wild man you are." Warrick snorted in amusement, "Oh yeah, I'm King of the Wild all right. I haven't been out much less on a date in what 5 months."

"Well my friend," Reggie said with a gleam in his eye, "Why don't you and Leggs come out to the club with my lady and me on your next night off." Warrick looked over at Sara expecting her to veto it right away. Instead she asked, "What kind of club?" "Oh a little bit of everything." Reggie said with a grin. "Do you dance Sara?" Reggie asked with a twinkle in his eye. Looking at Warrick she said, "I've been known to shake my thang when the music's right."

Warrick looked at her in surprise. He didn't know she liked to dance. "Great!" Reggie said, "Your next night off the 4 of us will shake our booties till the sun comes up. Look there's Beth waiting for us." He said pointing toward a woman next to a Jeep with a trailer, " Let me land this baby." He turned and began getting them ready. Sara stepped toward Warrick and gave him a smile. "He didn't tell me anything. So don't worry. And besides if you had any scandalous secrets I'd rather hear it from you."

"I think you already know my biggest one." He said with a grin. She laughed and said, "I was hoping for some nerdy high school tales." "Hey what makes you think I was a nerd in high school?" "A true nerd can always spot another nerd." She said with a grin. He laughed and said, "I guess we have some common territory after all." "I guess we do," she said with a shy smile. His heart sped up just a little at the look she gave him.

"You know," she said suddenly, "You don't have to take me to the club. I know Reggie put you on the spot." He gazed down at her and could see the flush of color on her cheeks. "Are you kidding me? I would never pass up the opportunity to see Sara Sidle shake her thang." He watched as the color in her cheeks deepened. "I just wish I asked you first," he sincerely said as he took her hand. "Oh" was all she could answer as she held his gaze.

"Hold on," Reggie called out as the basket landed on the ground with a thud. With nothing else to hold on to Sara wrapped her arms around Warrick and he did the same. They held on to each other well after the basket had landed. Reggie shook his head to himself. He had never seen two people more attracted to one another but totally clueless on how to act on it. He hopped out of the basket and headed toward his girlfriend. He picked her up in a bear hug and said, "You're never going to believe this but Warrick is in serious like."

"What?" Beth exclaimed as she turned to look at Warrick and the tall brunette he was holding.

"Not his usual type," she said. "I know. But there's something about this girl. She knows him; I mean she really knows him. And to my astonishment he's nervous around her. Big Bad Brown is nervous around a female." Beth looked up at him with wide eyes. "Get out!" Beth laughed.

They both turned and watched as Warrick helped Sara out of the balloon, his hands lingering on her waist. "So how did he meet her?" Beth asked. " They work together." Reggie said with a smile. "You mean that's Sara?" "The one and only." Reggie laughed.

"I've always wondered about her. He seemed to mention her a lot, especially lately." Beth answered. "You've got to see them together. You know how Warrick doesn't like aggressive girls well Sara is so demure she blushes. Just watch them together and you'll understand. But I think they may need a little push in the right direction." Beth raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Sara doesn't think that Rick is really attracted to her." Reggie said nudging Beth toward the couple.

"I've invited them out to the club with us on their next night off. I was thinking that you could give Sara some friendly advise on what to wear." Reggie said with a gleam in his eye. Beth looked at him and started to laugh, "You want me to suggest that she wear something incredibly sexy." "Oh yeah the big man won't know what hit him." Reggie laughed.

Sara smiled at Warrick as he helped her out of the balloon. "That was wonderful, she said, "Thank you for taking me. It was just what I needed." "I'm glad you had fun. I did too. I just hope Reggie wasn't too much." Warrick said, his hands still on her waist.

"Oh no! I thought he was great. I was glad to meet one of your friends. I was thinking that you and I really don't know a lot about one another outside of work," Sara said sincerely. "You're right," Warrick answered his hands tightening slightly on her hips, "But I think it's time to change that." She face lit up with a smile and she said, "I'd like that."

Warrick noticed Reggie and Beth heading toward them and reluctantly let go of Sara's waist. Warrick made introductions and Sara held out her hand to the petite pretty black woman. "It's nice to finally meet you Sara. Warrick has talked about you," Beth said with a huge grin. Sara looked up at Warrick who had an embarrassed grin on his face. "My Mr. Brown it's beginning to sound like you're a huge fan of mine." She said as she gave him a nudge with her elbow.

"On occasion your intuitive skills amaze me Ms. Sidle but there are moments when we both know who is more discerning. Need I mention spontaneous combustion?" Warrick said with a roguish grin. "Warrick Brown!" Sara sputtered as her face turned beat red and she smacked him on the arm. He caught her hand before she could hit him again and he said with a twinkle in his eye, "I'm just teasing you Sara. It really was a good theory."

Beth couldn't help but smile as she watched the interplay between the two of them. Reggie was right. There was something there and it was strong and very hot. She cleared her throat and both their eyes flew to her face. "Hey Sara come with me while the guys bring down the balloon. We can discuss what sexy outfit to wear on our hot date to the club." Sara looked over a Warrick for a moment, her face turning a light shade of pink. "Hot date," she thought to herself, "Sexy outfit. Oh god what did she get herself into."

Thirty minutes later, the balloon was packed and they headed back to the field where Warrick's Denali was parked. Beth kept up a constant chatter, so Sara had little time to think about how close she was sitting next to Warrick in the backseat. Reggie had some boxes piled on the seat so Sara had been forced to practically sit in Warrick's lap.

Every now and then their knees would touch and a wave of heat would run through Sara's body. She kept stealing glances at Warrick but he seemed to be cool and collected. Unbeknownst to her Warrick was anything but. Every time their bodies touched Warrick had to fight the urge not to groan. Her hand lay on her lap and he desperately wanted to reach over and take it in his own. To make matters worse Reggie kept giving he knowing smirks in the rearview mirror.

The whole time they had been disassembling the balloon, Reggie had shot him question, after question about Sara. Warrick knew there had been no denying his feelings. He admitted his interest in her but he frankly said he wasn't sure if it would work out. He said there were many obstacles in their way.

Warrick was very taken back when Reggie had said, "Yeah like the fact she thinks she's not beautiful or sexy enough for you. She thinks you have a thing for Catherine." Warrick had blinked in surprise. He did find Catherine extremely attractive but she was way too forward for him. He knew in all honesty that her past life would always be a sticking point. Now Sara, her innocence was a major turn on. He was surprised that Sara had thought he was interested in Catherine.

Reggie had told him that if he really liked Sara he shouldn't give a damn about the obstacles. From what he had seen Warrick and Sara were perfect for one another. He had said," I have never seen you so nervous around a woman before Bro, that should tell you something. If I were you I'd let her know how beautiful and sexy you find her as soon as possible. I have a feeling she is going to be difficult to convince." Warrick had answered with a "Don't I know it."

So here he sat with her lovely body pressed up against his, and he didn't know what to do. They pulled in beside his SUV and he climbed out offering her his hand to help. She placed her surprisingly small hand in his large one and he gently pulled her out. "She whispered a quiet, "Thanks," and turned to her new friends. Hugs were exchanged and Beth whispered in her ear to call her if she needed help with her outfit for the weekend.

Warrick and Sara climbed into his vehicle and they headed back toward Vegas. They were quiet for a little while each lost in their own thoughts. Warrick broke the silence and asked, "Do you want me to drop you off at your apartment? I can pick you up before shift starts."

Sara silently cursed. She had errands that she needed to do. She had put them off all week and now they couldn't wait. "That would be nice but I have some things I need to do before work. I'm sorry." She said earnestly. "Hey no problem," Warrick said feeling very disappointed.

The ride to the lab was very quiet. He pulled in beside her SUV and shut the engine off. He turned to face her. She gave him a rueful smile. "Thank you for this morning. I had a wonderful time. You reminded me how nice it is to go out with friends and laugh. I know I should do this more often. It does alleviate the stress of the job."

"I'm just glad I got you to smile that beautiful smile of yours and I wish you'd used it more. I guess I'll have to come up with more reasons to get you to smile." Sara blushed and thought to herself, "You are reason enough." Their eyes locked for a moment and they both silently wished for a reason to delay their time together.

Sara sighed and opened her door reluctantly. She hesitated a moment before sealing her nerves. She slid across the seat and leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek. Warrick blinked in surprise before giving her a wonderful smile. She reached up and touched his cheek, her fingers sliding softly across his warm skin. She smiled at him and whispered,"Thank you." And then she was gone.

Warrick leaned back in the seat and watched her unlock her door and climb inside. She gave him a wave before she drove away. He closed his eyes and could still feel the heated sensation of her hot lips on his skin. He opened his eyes and looked at his watch. He would see her in exactly 8 hours. He couldn't wait.

For the first in ages Sara fell right to sleep with a happy smile on her face. Her dreams were not full of horror and death but of laughter and warmth. They were of Warrick.

For the first time in ages Warrick could not fall asleep. Instead he lay there imagining beautiful smiles, long legs and soft wavy brunette hair. He lay there thinking about Sara. The smile did not leave his face.

TBC

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