Chap 3.

Kate walked up to where Gibbs stood. She noticed his hand was in his jacket pocket supposedly clenched fist seeking a hiding place.

She took in a deep breath and tore her eyes off her shoes and looked Gibbs straight in the eyes.

"Hey Gibbs, fancy meeting you here." She said giving him a brief one-armed hug and withdrawing just as quickly and stepped back a step taking a sip of her champagne.

"I guess you can say I have reason to come this year." He said lightly and rocked back and forth from the balls of his feet to the tip of his toes. Kate smiled and looked around a little out of place. The air in the ballroom quickly changed as the lights dimmed and calm music slowly started to fill room. Couples placed their glasses on a nearby table and joined each other in the middle of the ballroom.

Kate looked around a little and ran her hand slowly her arm a little embarrassed.

Gibbs took a deep breath and gently and a little shakily placed his glass on the table.

"So…" He said Kate snapped her head up and stared at him waiting for him to continue his thought. "Would you…like to dance?" He said tending his hand out a little. Kate smiled lightly and placed her champagne glass on a pacing waiter's tray and placed her hand in Gibbs's hand.

"I'd love to." She simply said. Gibbs smiled brightly and slowly placed his hand on her hip, the tip of his fingers gently caressing the bare skin of her lower back. Kate placed a hand on Gibbs's shoulder as he pulled her closer, close enough so that she rested her head on his shoulder breathing in his scent that drove her crazy. In addition to his cologne she smelt a slight degree of sawdust and a mixture of coffee. She smiled against his shoulder and wiggled closer if humanly possible.

Beauty queen of only eighteen
She had some trouble with herself
He was always there to help her
She always belonged to someone else

Gibbs leaned his head on hers and closed his eyes letting the moment sink in. Not only had he gotten the courage actually ask Kate to dance with him but she said ye and now she was in his arms. He gently inhaled and he could smell her strawberry shampoo and he relished every moment of it.

Kate sighed happily as she moved in slowly exotic circles with him; entering their own private world locking out everyone else.

I drove for miles and miles
And wound up at your door
I've had you so many times but somehow
I want more

Abby laughed gently against McGee.

"Calm down McGee your hands are sweaty." She said as she placed both his hands on her hips and draped her arms around his neck.

"Sorry just a little nervous." He said stuttering a little but gaining a little bit more courage and concentrating on moving them at a good pace.

"Just a little Probie?" Tony exclaimed as he waltzed by with Jessica draped around him.
"Don't listen to him Timmy you're doing fine…for a man with two right feet." She shrugged and leaned her pig-tailed head on his shoulder. McGee sighed and briefly tightened his grip around her waist and took a deep breath. "I won't bite McGee." She laughed softly and she maneuvered her arm so she lowered his grip so he was now with both hands below her waist and on her backside. McGee took a quick breath in as she re-looped her arms around his neck. "Come on loosen up McGee live on the edge a little." She said playfully as she grabbed his butt in a playful squeeze. The look on his face was priceless she could help but laugh out loud.

I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved

Tony was still laughing mildly at McGee as his main squeeze snuggled into his arms and manipulated his hands bellow her waist as well. Tony's eyebrow rose flirtingly and gave her a slight squeeze as they swayed to the music.

"Tony…I think we should bring this relationship to the next level." Jessica said as she ran a hand down his chest leaving goose bumps as she went.

Tony looked at her for any indication of a joke but only found sincerity in her honey brown eyes.

All he could do was smile before her mouth came crashing down on his with such passion he was swept away. As they swayed to the music not only were they dancing but their tongues were dancing as well. He tangled a hand in her jet black waves and ran them through it. They were both oblivious to who were watching: half the dance floor.

Tap on my window knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful
I know I tend to get so insecure
It doesn't matter anymore

Kate giggled as Gibbs's moth hung open. He knew damn well Tony was an Italian gigolo but this took the cake. The swayed gently along with the rhythm, him slowly running his hands up and down her back drawing circles on her silken skin and gently humming sweet nonsense in her ear.

"I'm sure now I have to come more often to this social events." He said lightly though her hair posing a soft kiss on her head.

"You should see the Valentine Day Ball then." She said coyly lightly massaging his neck as they danced.

"Is that an invitation Special Agent Todd?" He said flirtingly looking straight into her mocha-brown eyes.

"What do you want it to be Special Agent Gibbs?" She replied just as seductively trailing her hands through his silver hair. Gibbs chuckled huskily as he peered around the room at the other dancers then immediately meeting her eyes again.

"Then I might just have to take you up on that now will I?" He said leaning his forehead on hers.

The song ended halfway and the Director stood on the stage.

"10 seconds until New Years…I want to feel the anticipation." He said as they all walked over to the garden outside.

"5…" The crowd started, McGee and Abby held hands over by a willow tree staring into the sky waiting for the fireworks to fill the almost midnight sky.

"4…" Tony and Jessica were leaning against a tree her leaning on him as they stared as well in the darkened sky. Jessica's lipstick was smothered over her lips messily and Tony held smudges over his mouth as well.

"3…" Gibbs slipped his arm around Kate's small waist and brought her a little closer. She smiled fully and met Gibbs's eyes dead on then re-settled her own across the waterfront where the fireworks would spring to life.

"2…" Gibbs ran his free hand through his hair and took a deep breath.

"Kate I-" He was interrupted by the outbreak of everyone in the gardens.

"1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Everyone yelled and turned over to whoever was closer and pulled them in a brief kiss.

Kate held out her hand sweetly, knowing deep down her boss would appreciate it if she'd kiss him, flirtatious banter or not. Gibbs chuckled and pushed the hand away before delicately descending her head towards hers a little lower. Kate closed her eyes and just about melted when his lips met hers. Gibbs enveloped her in his arms hands connected behind her back. One of Kate's hands was on his chest while the other cupping his cheek lovingly. She nearly melted when she swore she felt his tongue seductively run across her lower lip begging for entrance. Without further hesitation she complied opened her mouth and her soul. Gibbs ran a hand through her hair messing up a few of her delicately ornate tendrils. She moaned lightly in his kiss as she slinked her hand up his chest. When the need for air was too desperate to ignore they withdrew from the kiss, both breathing heavily. Kate was smiling ear to ear as she leaned her forehead against Gibbs's. He too was smiling; not his usual one-sided smirk but a full-mouthed smile.

"I guess it's a to-hell-with-rule-number-12?" Kate whispered as she moved her forehead lower a little so it rested against his chest. He lifted her chin with a forefinger and met her lips once more.

"I guess it is." He whispered back and re-captured her lips again in a sweet surrender.

END

Author's Note: I thoroughly enjoyed writing this chapter…thing is it's what I wish one day will happen to me lol…Enjoy…oh yah don't forget to review.

Brit