1When The Sun Rises

Chapter 17. The morning after, when Danny and Arielle wake up and find they have nothing to do, no calls to make, what happens? Thanks for the reviews, and R&R this one, too! As always, I only own Arielle Williamson.

It was amazing how you could just wake up at any time, like a timer that ran slow. Arielle woke up and saw that it was seven o'clock, and there was nothing to do. No calls to make. No reports to hand in. Technically, she and Danny could walk into work on time, at nine. No rushing.

She got up slowly and did her morning routines. Then she lay back in bed, staring at Danny. His beautiful eyes were closed, and peace was lounging gracefully on his face. He breathed in deeply, and his exhales were relaxed. He was a beautiful man, there was no doubt. Slowly, she reached up and gently stroked his hair. He stirred and his eyes opened lazily.

"I was having a good dream, you know," he said.

She smiled. "But it's morning. That's called a daydream."

He grinned and sat up. "What time is it?"

"Seven. We've got time."

"Then let me sleep..."

"To do something else."

"Like work?"

"Kind of."

He went to the bathroom, and came out five minutes later. Slipping back into bed, he slipped his arms around her and brought her to look deep into his eyes. Wells of blue, sparkling with mischief and playfulness. "Can I ask you something?" he said.

She nodded.

"Do you love me?"

She stared deeply into his eyes. The light in his eyes was mellow, serene. She took a deep breath, and nodded.

"Yes, I do."

"You mean it?" he asked, his eyes widening.

"I do. Lord knows, I do." She smiled ruefully. "But you don't trust me. You don't trust anyone, do you?"

He sighed. His breath ruffled her hair. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you don't take anyone's advice. You don't answer questions you don't find safe. You're wary around people you don't know well... and all to protect yourself." She touched his face, and whispered, "But you don't need to protect yourself from me. You don't need to be so closed. You can ask anything, and I won't lie to you, and I'll never ask you anything. I love you, Danny."

He closed his eyes. She couldn't be telling him this. She, of all people... she couldn't be saying she loved him. And yet, he felt her lips run over his eyelids, caress them... he moaned softly as she moved up to his forehead, then down to his lips, covering them with her own.

His arms tightened around her, brought her to him, deepened the kiss. Her hands cradled his head, and when they broke apart, she said, "Do you believe me now?"

"I always have," he replied. Smiling, she kissed him again and then moved down to his neck, fleeting kisses taking hold. Another moan escaped him. God, what her kisses could do to him. This was everything he had dreamed of since she had come to the force...

He brought her on top of him, meeting her lips with his, over and over, never ceasing... she sighed as he moved down to kiss the curve of her shoulder where it met her neck... She felt her blood temperature rising as he started to take off her nightgown, and her fingers fumbled with the buttons on his shirt, taking it off. "Danny..." she gasped, as his lips tingled over her skin...

Then, just then, her phone rang. They both halted, and Danny groaned with exasperation. "Oh, God, let it ring," he said, and started to kiss her again.

She stopped him. "It might be Mac," she said, and answered it.

"Williamson."

"It's Mac."

She sighed, and mouthed, "See?" to Danny, who rolled his eyes. "Yes, Mac?"

"There's a case in Washington Square Park, with a rape/murder. I'm sending you and Danny down there. Can you get in touch with him?"

She fought back laughter. "Yes, I can."

"Good. Be there by eight."

She glanced at the clock. Seven-eighteen. "Can do."

"Bye."

She hung up. "We've got a case to solve."