Just a short interlude...

Chapter 13 -

"I can't believe you're here." John was propped up on his elbow looking down at a very sated and sensual red head who had a very smug grin on her face.

"I knew it would happen." Natalie was stroking the tattoo on his arm.

"You did, huh?" John shivered from her caresses.

Natalie nodded.

"Well, I can't believe it." John leaned down and kissed her nose.

Natalie stretched. "So, what now?"

"Now?" John brushed stands of flame hair off her cheek and put it behind her ear.

Natalie froze.

"What's wrong?" John asked worriedly.

Natalie opened her mouth to answer, but then promptly closed it.

"You didn't mean now when you said now, did you?"

"I don't know what I meant." Natalie bit her lip and cleared her throat.

"But my non-answer worried you." John pushed her hair off her face. "The truth is I don't know what's next. Maybe ordering some food. You getting some rest. Me finding out who poisoned you and who is killing the Love Crew and tried to kill you the other night. Me finding out if the two events are related."

"Sorry." Natalie smiled weakly through her embarassment.

"But us, we're solid as far as I'm concerned. Maybe we wouldn't have moved in together so fast if you didn't need protection, but I always take advantage of situations when I stumble on them."

"We've moved in together?"

"You're staying with me indefinitely and sleeping in my bed. I consider that living together."

"Maybe I should redecorate."

"You decorated in the first place, remember?"

"Yeah." Natalie snuggled closer. "Of course, if we were really living together we might consider some more space. Maybe a bona fide apartment or a house."

"The hotel was good enough for you and Paul."

"Don't remind me." Natalie looked away.

"We can talk about it after this is all over. Okay?"

"John! I was only kidding. We haven't even gone on a date yet."

"Oh, we're back to that, are we? What if I don't want you to leave?" John leaned down and kissed her. "Having you here is the only thing I like about this situation."

"And right now you're thoughts are with the case. I know that."

"And here with you." John slid his lips over her throat.

"John. John." Natalie lifted his face.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing." Natalie pressed her lips against his.