Boxes littered the modest two bedroom apartment as Clara tried to make sense of the mess.
"Cassie, can you put this in your room?" she said, handing the little girl a bag.
She trotted off to her new room to place her belongings there. There was a bang on the front door, and Nick got it half open with his shoulder before Clara ran to help him.
He heaved in another large box and dumped it on the floor.
"I think that's the last of them," he breathed, slumping into the sofa.
"Let me get you something to drink," Clara said, hurrying off to find the cooler and returning with a cold can of pop. She sat next to him on the couch and ran the cool metal across his forehead.
"That feels good," he sighed, taking it from her and cracking it open.
"Thanks again for helping us move Nick."
"No problem. Just invite me over now and then," he smiled.
"You know your welcome here any time."
Clara came running out of her room and plopped herself in Nick's lap.
"Guess what Nick!"
"What?"
"Aunt Clara said I can paint my room pink!"
"Did she? And are you going to do that all on your own?"
She giggled, "No, I can't reach that high. Can you help me?"
"Cassie, Nick's a busy guy. He already helped us move, we'll hire someone to paint."
"But I want to help," she frowned.
"You know what, I think it would be fun. You pick up the paint and I'll come over and help," Nick grinned at her.
"You're the best!" Cassie exclaimed and then ran off to her room again.
Clara gave him a sly grin, "You spoil her you know."
"And why shouldn't I?"
"Because you give us so much and I don't even know how to begin to repay you."
"You don't have to."
"Well then will you at least accept dinner? Why don't you come over Friday night, I'll cook you something special," she said, gazing at him.
"I was wondering when the master chef was going to show off her skills. Friday sounds great." He looked down at his watch and his expression changed, "I've got to run if I want to shower and get to shift on time. I'll see you later ok?"
"Alright, have a good night then."
He reached over and rubbed his thumb gently over her cheek before getting up to leave. She sighed and then went back to unpacking.
"Oh wow! They're beautiful Nick," Clara exclaimed as he presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
He smiled shyly as she let him into the apartment. It looked different from the move in day, as most of the stuff had found a home. The lighting was dim, except for a few candles in and around the kitchen table.
"Why don't you have a seat and I'll go grab the food?" she suggested.
"Where's Cassie tonight?" he asked casually, sitting down at the table.
"She went to her grandma's house for the night. I'll pick her up sometime tomorrow."
Clara made her way over to Nick and placed a plate full of chicken and vegetables in front of him.
"This smells delicious," he said.
"Thanks," she blushed.
"I propose a toast to the chef," and he lifted his wine glass to hers, clinking them.
"I meant to tell you, but I got my old job back here. My boss was delighted to have me back in the kitchen. She said she never should have let me go in the first place."
"Congratulations," he said, taking a bite of the chicken, "And I can taste why she'd want you working there."
Clara blushed again.
After dinner they sat on the couch, sipping at their wine. Nick gazed at her and she grinned shyly at him.
"You're starring," she whispered.
"Because you're beautiful," he answered.
He leaned towards her, running his hand along her arm, and then gently kissed her.
"I thought we were taking this slow," she breathed as they pulled apart.
Nick glided his thumb over her cheek and kissed her again, drawing it out and afterwards letting his lips linger over hers.
"Is that slow enough?"
She smiled coyly and leaned in again.
Rays of sunshine broke through the blinds, and lit the living room. Nick opened his eyes slowly to the light and yawned. He went to turn over, but realized that he couldn't and then remembered where he was. Clara lay sleeping on his chest, still in the clothes from the night before. He recalled how they had fallen asleep together, just content to be with one another. She sighed contentedly and then her eyes fluttered open.
"Morning," he whispered.
"Mmm good morning."
He lightly kissed her forehead.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Around 9ish."
"Cassie might call soon. I should get up, I might have to go get her."
"What are we going to tell her?"
"About?"
"Us."
"You said yourself, she's a smart girl. We should tell her the truth or she'll just figure it out herself."
"So you think she'll take it well then?"
"I know she will. The other day she told me that I smile a lot when you're here. She said that it means I have a crush on you."
"Really?" Nick laughed.
"She also said that you watch me a lot, and you get a look in your eyes when you do. She said that means you like me," Clara giggled.
"Is that so? That Cassie is a genius then."
"So you like me?" she smiled.
"Do you have a crush on me?"
"Maybe…" she answered, getting up and walking away.
He followed her, grabbing her waist and guiding her to him, then kissed her.
"I like you a lot," he grinned wickedly.
To be continued…
I think I want to make this more into a mystery/thriller in the chapters to come, maybe expand on the idea that Grissom has, that someone else was involved in Nick's kidnapping. What do you guys think? Let me know. Thanks SO much for the reviews!
-L