Sara gazed into his eyes, as the moment she has been dreaming of for so long, seemed only seconds away. She could feel Grissom's breath on her lips, and she trembled with anticipation.

He still held her face, both of his thumbs slowly caressing her cheekbones, his delicate touch making her feel safe and loved. The cacophony of sounds which were in her head only moments ago, have disappeared, leaving her still and at ease.

Only Grissom had that effect on her. He'd say her name, smile at her or touch her hand and right then Sara knew that her little world was complete and nothing or no-one was going to spoil it.

Sara couldn't move. It was a strange feeling. The moment she's been waiting for has finally arrived and all she could do was wait, until he made her fantasy a reality.

She felt powerless, it was as if every muscle in her body relaxed, refusing to work with her brain. All she could do was wait.

Grissom opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead he closed the remaining distance separating them and slowly put his lips to hers.

---

It was hard to describe the feelings in his brain when Sara's lips touched his. The electric sensation which passed through his body made him realise the enormity of what was happening.

He couldn't think, it was as if all the parts of his brain processing rational thought have shut down. He could only feel and for the first time in his life he truly allowed himself to surrender to this moment, this emotion in all its intensity.

Sara returned the kiss, her own feelings finally finding the release after so many years of yearning and frustration. She reached out and pulled him closer, wrapping her arm around his neck.

Grissom let go of Sara's face, instead drawing her closer to him, feeling her rapid heartbeat as it seemed to work in perfect synchrony with his own.

Sara let out a small moan, as she deepened the kiss, letting Grissom's tongue work its magic. It was becoming more fervent and passionate with each second and she wanted to savour this moment. It was going to be etched in her mind forever.

She could still feel Grissom's breath on her lips when she realised that he wasn't kissing her anymore. She opened her eyes and saw him sitting on the floor, his face flushed, but his eyes avoiding her gaze.

It was then that reality hit her. The kiss was a mistake. And one look at Grissom confirmed her worst fear.

---

This was not happening! Sara put her hand to her lips, as if wanting to still preserve the sweetness from the kiss and cling to the memory of the man behind it.

She could feel tears forming in her eyes again, but this time refused to let them fall. Instead she focused her gaze on Grissom, who lifted his head and their eyes met. She could see something in them. Passion, desire, regret?

She wasn't going to be brave this time. She'd been vulnerable, and he'd just happened to be here to comfort her. Another one of many mistakes she'd committed in the time she's worked with him. Another one to put behind her.

She got up, leaning on the car for support and Grissom followed. They stood before each other, neither of them daring to say a word.

Sara stared at him, trying to make out some kind of emotion from the look on his face.

When he failed to say anything, she bit her lip and shooting him yet another disappointed look, she grabbed her bag and started to walk away.

Only to feel his hand on her arm as Grissom turned her to face him.

"Sara, I'm sorry."

Why wasn't she surprised he'd said that?

She tried to sound casual, but the hurt was evident in her voice.

"Hey... It happens, right? Moment of weakness. I'm sorry, it was my fault. I was vulnerable. I... I shouldn't have kissed you."

Damn, she was still over-talking around him! No matter how hard she tried, she simply couldn't break that habit. She was nervous again, and he just stood there, watching her squirm with uneasiness.

"Are you... ok?"

She wanted to scream at this point.

No, Grissom, I'm not okay! We've just kissed, you made me feel again, made me happier then I've ever been and now we're just standing here, you avoid my look, and try to pretend nothing happened! You're breaking my heart all over again! Why?

"Yeah... I'm okay. I'm... I'm fine."

She really did try to convince herself that what she was saying was true.

"Nick's better, you know!"

She tried her best at changing the subject and to her disappointment Grissom actually seemed relieved when she said it.

"Yeah. Thank God we found him in time."

"Yeah... anyway, I was just coming to see you, I mean, to see what have you found out? With Archie?"

She suddenly realized that his presence in the parking lot meant he must have been going somewhere.

"Were you going anywhere?"

"Yes.. actually, I was going to see Nick and then..."

I was coming to see you.

"Go!"

The forcefulness in her voice surprised even her. This wasn't leading them anywhere and she was at a loss about what to do.

"Go, talk to him. He needs to see you."

I need you too...

She took a step back from him, watching him fighting over his emotions.

He gave her a long look, full of regret and something else she couldn't quite put her finger on, before turning away and walking towards his car.

Watching him go, Sara let out a shaky breath. God, this was difficult! Too difficult to deal with right now. She started to walk towards the elevator, unaware of Grissom's torment as he stood and watched the woman he loved, once again walking away from him.

And it was all his fault.