Disclaimer: I don't own CSI, happy?

A/N: Told ya it'd get better!

Chapter 8-

Riley awoke the next morning with not only a headache but a feeling of guilt. She shouldn't have kicked Greg out like that. He was just trying to be nice to her, and she had to go and kiss him. It wasn't his fault she handled alcohol so poorly.

She groaned just thinking about it. Kissing Greg. He must think I'm an idiot, she thought laying back down. She felt really horrible and definitely didn't feel like seeing the world today. Or kissing it either for that matter.

She tried to go back to sleep, not wanting to get up. However, her guilt was eating away at her. Thinking with a clearer head this morning she realized she did like him.

She decided the best thing to do would be to swallow her pride and apologize. She looked at the clock and decided it wasn't too early. She fumbled out of bed and located her cell phone.

"Hello?" a groggy Greg answered the phone.

"Hey Greg," Riley replied. "It's Riley."

Greg let out a sigh. He still wasn't quite awake and didn't feel like dealing with her. "What's up?"

"I…I just wanted to apologize," she told him. "I made an ass out of myself last night."

"I won't disagree with you," Greg responded. "But it's alright. It was a rough night and from the sounds of it, a rough morning."

''Yeah, hangovers are a bitch. But I want to make it up to you'' Riley went on ''Let me buy you a cup of coffee later or something''.

Greg's eyes widened. He couldn't believe she was being nice—and she was sober. "Uh, sure, but how about tomorrow? You sound like you need rest," he responded rubbing his eye with his free hand.

''Ok, tomorrow," then realizing what time it was she added, "I woke you up. I'm so sorry...just...go back to bed, bye'' she hung up. Then she smacked herself in the forehead. She realized she didn't get a time.

Her phone rang. She looked at the ID expecting it to be work. It wasn't.

"Greg," she answered. "What's up?" She squeezed her eyes shut. She was such a dork.

"You forgot to give me a time," he replied.

"Well, um," she stammered. "I have the day off, what works for you?"

"How about noon at that coffee shop around the corner from you?" he offered.

"Sounds good," she smiled to herself. "See you then."

Riley groaned as she closed her phone. Could she have sounded anymore pathetic?

Why was she suddenly feeling nervous around Greg?

A few hours later there was a knock on Riley's door. She grumbled at she got out of bed, where she was still watching television. She hoped it was just the mailman, but she was looking quite pathetic in her sweatpants and old t-shirt, not to mention the mess that was her hair.

She looked through the peephole and swore under her breath—it was Greg. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair, trying to smooth it as she ran back to her room to get a robe.

"Be right there!" she yelled as she padded down the hall.

''Hey'' Riley half smiled as she opened the door moments later. ''Come on in.''

''Thanks,'' Greg stepped in with a paper bag under his arm. His other hand carried a cup holder with two cups of coffee. ''I brought soup and coffee.''

Riley grinned. ''You may just be my best friend now, but I'm the one who owes you.''

He followed her to the kitchen and set the cup holder and soup on the counter. ''How are you feeling?'' Greg finally asked.

Riley shrugged. ''Tired, worn out, and …heartbroken,'' she looked at him. ''Shawn was a good kid.'' She felt tears forming in her eyes. Riley looked down wiping her eyes with her robe. ''I'm sorry…'' she apologized. ''I just can't-''

Suddenly she felt Greg's arms wrap around her. Riley leaned into his chest burying her head in his shoulder. She cried silently as Greg gently brushed her hair with his fingers.

"It's ok. I can't believe he's gone either," Greg soothed her.

She lifted her head from his shoulder and looked into his eyes. She could see his sadness and it touched her. She couldn't believe she'd once thought he was jerk. She was now sure he was anything but.

Greg was impressed by the emotion in her eyes as well. He had once thought her so hard, but had found out she was just the opposite. And here, in this moment, he felt a deep connection to her, one she obviously felt too. He pulled her closer and kissed her.

Her heart skipped a beat the moment their lips met. Riley now realized what had been lacking from their kiss last night. This one was definitely much better.

She pulled away and half smiled, tears still running down her cheeks. "Is this how you comfort all the girls?"

Greg grabbed a tissue and wiped her cheeks. "You're the only one," he assured her.

She was about to say something else, when her cell phone started to beep. "Damn," she muttered, picking it up.

"What is it?" Greg asked. "Work?"

"No, alarm. I've got to meet with that detective in an hour," she told him.

"Well, enjoy your soup, and I'll see you tomorrow," he replied, heading for the door.

"Yes, tomorrow," she said with sadness still in her voice.

He cupped her cheek with his hand and smiled at her. He looked like he wanted to say something, but wasn't sure what. He chose instead to kiss her and she understood exactly what he meant. Then he left and she got ready to meet the detective.

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