Again, I do not own them, cause if I did we'd see some hot geek action!

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Four

On this night, the Station House seemed to be busier than normal. Although it looked like your normal neighborhood restaurant with a bar, this establishment seemed to have more character. Strategically placed on the walls, were several pictures and mementos of past live performers. It seemed as though this place had seen its share of history over the years. Sara and Grissom were seated in a round booth toward the back of the dining area. They were close enough to the modest stage to hear the band, but far enough away to still be able to talk. From the reaction of the hostess, Sara reasoned that Grissom had frequented this watering hole in the past.

"You seem like a regular, funny, I hadn't pegged you as a bar-hopper or party animal," Sara teased.

Grissom gave her that patronizing stare, "I wouldn't say I was a regular. I have been here, yes, on more than one occasion. They do have enjoyable food, nice ambience, and decent entertainment. Of course, those aren't the main reasons I ended up here. When it comes to relationships, admitting feelings, and taking risks, I'm a chicken Sara. There were several evenings that I found myself in your parking lot, not able to bring myself to go any further. I seemed to always find my way here. I'd usually have a couple of drinks, get some food, and consider all the reasons why I should or shouldn't call you. I practically perfected the 'pros & cons' theory. I had no idea what to do; I still don't."

"Wow, I think this is the most you've talked to me in two years. I have to confess; I'm enjoying this immensely; not because you are struggling or anything. I just enjoy being around you; I enjoy having conversation; I enjoy your eyes. There I go again, sorry just can't help myself. I've been holding things in for a long, long time, so I might just blurt some feelings and desires. Hope I don't make you too uncomfortable."

"Hello Dr. Grissom, nice to see you again," bellowed a forty something woman wearing tight black jeans and a halter-top. "I see you brought some company tonight. Better watch him honey, he's a charmer. Can I start you guys off with a drink? Let's see, scotch on the rocks, right?'

Blushing, Grissom agreed, "Yes that will be fine."

"I'll just have a Michelob, bottle."

As the waitress fled to gather the drinks, Sara lectured, "Not a regular, huh Dr. Grissom. I think she likes you, nice outfit too. Do you know that seventy percent of all single men have tried at one time or another to pick up a waitress or barmaid?"

"Sara, you are too much. I don't think I have ever tried to pick up anybody, much less a waitress in a bar. I think she's just being nice; if she's flirting, I hadn't noticed. I do agree that the outfit is a little over the top. Don't worry though, even if I did find her attractive, I can only obsess or anguish over one woman at a time. I'm afraid tonight is not her night."

They spent the next several minutes listening to the sounds of the rock and roll cover band, making small talk, and downing their drinks. The dance floor was bustling with people of all walks of life; they seemed to be enjoying themselves with music and libations. Sara noticed that Grissom appeared to be at-ease or comfortable here. Almost like he felt safe and maybe uninhibited; or maybe the alcohol was starting to get to her. The band had just finished a lovely rendition of "Satisfaction" when the singer reported, "We're gonna slow things down a little, so grab someone you can't live without, shimmy up to the dance floor, and hold them close to you like it's your last moment on earth, here's an oldie."

"Would you like to dance?" invited Grissom as he rose from his seat and held out his hand. "I am not the world's most gifted dancer, but I think I can manage a slow dance."

"Sure, why not." Sara was stunned at his invitation, but also excited at the thought of being tremendously close to him. As he led her to the dance floor she couldn't help but feel terrified, excited, and bashful all at the same time.

As they arrived to the dance floor, Grissom clutched Sara's hips and pulled her close to him just as the singer started to croon:

Wise men say, only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love with you.

Shall I stay, or would it be a sin, if I can't help falling in love with you.

Like a river flows, surly to the sea. Darling so it goes, some things are meant to be.

Sara felt like her feet were not even touching the ground. She didn't even feel as though she was moving. All she could feel were his arms tightly wrapped around her body. Her arms were draped around his neck; she couldn't resist the temptation to run her hands through the curls of hair that dangled on his neck. She could tell this affected him because he smiled a devilish smile at her. 'Oh God, he is so intense' she thought. 'I really want to kiss him but that may be a bit much for him, hell, I want to rip his clothes off and jump on top of him. Probably not a good idea either.' Sara couldn't stop gazing intently into his deep blue eyes. He never took them off of her the entire song. And, what a song to dance their first dance to. The lyrics seemed to mirror their feelings. The talented singer perfectly portrayed the romantic vibe of the song as though it was being sung just for the two of them. As the melody poured out of the speakers, Sara couldn't help but feel weak; she was tingling all over like a schoolgirl on prom night. Their bodies seemed to melt together as one; she couldn't tell where his ended and hers began:

Like a river flows, surly to the sea. Darling so it goes, some things are meant to be. Take my hand, take my whole life to. For I can't help falling in love with you.

You know that I can't help falling in love with you.

As the song ended, Grissom still held Sara tight into his arms; he couldn't believe she was this close to him. It really didn't occur to him that the song had ended; his wanting stare captured the moment like a camera lens, to be conjured up in his mind upon request. The band had moved on into a more up-tempo fast song; yet Grissom couldn't take his eyes or his arms off the beautiful woman before him. Suddenly, he sensed that Sara was a bit uncomfortable, 'Oh no, this must be too intense for her.' He finally broke eye contact and looked around to see everyone else on the floor dancing fast and staring at the two of them as if they were making a spectacle of themselves. Grissom let out a smile and bellowed into Sara's ears, "I'm sorry, I probably should've let go when the song ended, didn't mean to embarrass you. Maybe we should go somewhere a little quieter, with less people, you know, so we can talk." He took her hand and led her back to their table.

"We could go back to my apartment, it is right around the corner, it's quiet, and it'll be less crowded. I even have a bottle of good scotch."

"Do you think that's wise Sara? If we're alone, things--well we, we may progress too fast. I don't want there to be any regrets."

"Grissom, it's been five years, I don't really think that constitutes as too fast. Besides, I promise I'll be good. I won't put any pressure on you or make any fast moves."

As Grissom was paying the check he mumbled, "It's not you I'm worried about." He felt as if they may be moving too fast; however, it was too late to stop now. He felt what it was like to hold Sara Sidle in him arms, close to his body, close to his heart. She always had been close to his heart; he just never let himself take the chance. Was it right; was it too soon, too late? Grissom didn't have the answers. All he knew was that tonight, on that dance floor was the most alive he has felt for a very long time. Maybe the most alive he had ever felt. He didn't know what would happen at Sara's apartment; he didn't know if he would be able to contain his passion and desire for her. He rationalized that if things were to get heated and passionate, she would not stop and he knew at this point, he couldn't either. That rationalization both exited him and terrified him at the same time.

Grissom helped Sara with her coat, took her hand, and they walked together out the door. Sara smiled as he politely opened the car door for her. She thought about kissing him right there in the parking lot, 'Too tacky, we're not seventeen. Grow up Sara; this is the man you love. You've loved him for five years; you can wait a little longer right? Wait, why is he still standing here? Does he regret agreeing to go to my apartment? He looks a little scared. Maybe I should say something----'

Her thoughts were cut off by Grissom, "Sara, before you get in the car I need to, I mean, I don't want to alarm you, I'm not really good at this, aw hell Gil, just do it." Gradually, he leaned in toward her, making sure to keep eye contact with Sara as long as he could. In one swift motion, his lips touched hers softly. He knew he caught her off guard, but she was returning the kiss just as he had hoped. Her touch was soft yet very loving; he could feel her hands exploring his back as they were caught in this passionate embrace. As their lips were locked together, Grissom could fell his temperature rise throughout his body. He felt like he was going to explode, the blood was rushing through his veins like lightening bolts. He knew that kissing Sara would be wonderful; but he never imagined that it would feel this electrifying and stimulating. If kissing her felt like this, he could only imagine what making love to her would feel like.

As he broke the kiss, Sara could see in his eyes that he was aroused. He was smiling; she had never seen him smile like that. She was speechless as he closed her door, walked around the car and climbed into the drivers seat. She felt like she had to say something, "I wasn't expecting that, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but WOW, you caught me off guard."

"I'm just full of surprises," he teased as he started the car and drove off.

TBC

Thanks for reading. I should have the next chapter up tomorrow, barring any major catastrophes.