Chapter 2:

Humble Pie

DISCLAIMER: I still don't own anything associated with CSI:NY or any of the affiliates or characters. This is purely fiction.

The night air was cool, and the fresh scent of rain could be detected on the smog in the air as Danny looked up and down the sidewalk for Lindsey. Finally, he spotted her walking quickly toward the subway. Jogging Danny closed the gap between them, keeping his eyes on her. Just as she reached the opposite side of the street, he caught up with her.

"Lindsey," he said, slowing as he came up even with her.

"Hey, I'm sorry," he said and put his hand on her arm to signal her to stop walking.

Lindsey turned to face him, her eyes clouded with hurt, and her expression wary.

"I was out of line back there and I wanted to let you know I'm sorry I got angry." He said, and looked into her face.

Lindsey shrugged; a forced half-smile on her lips.

"I shouldn't have pried," she said quietly, not meeting his gaze.

"I wanted to tell you how truly sorry I am that you're having a rough time; I guess I put my foot in my mouth, huh."

Danny shook his head and gently took her shoulders, turning her to face him squarely. She refused to look him in the face, and he placed an index finger under her chin, tilting her head up.

"Lindsey, you didn't put your foot in your mouth; I'm the one eating the humble pie right now." He said and dropped his hand from her face.

"I guess we both are," she said as they began walking together.

"Look, I was the asshole," Danny pointed out.

He was relieved to see a true smile cross her face.

"Thank you for caring," he added, and glanced sideways at her.

The traffic on the street was curiously light for this time of night, and Danny breathed in a deep breath of rain-cooled air. Lindsey seemed to relax a little bit, and they walked together in companionable silence for half a block before Lindsey spoke.

"Back home, this would be a night for some hot cocoa and a nice fireplace," she mused, a soft light in her brown eyes.

"I'll bet it gets cold up there, doesn't it?" he asked, knowing it was a stupid statement, but hoping she'd tell him more about her life in Montana.

Lindsey nodded, shoving her hands into the pockets of her light blue windbreaker.

"Sure. It gets cold here, right?" she asked.

Danny smiled, liking the silly conversation they were having.

"Yeah; we've had three, four feet of snow at once and that's a bitch when it comes to crime scenes," he said, and Lindsey laughed.

"So it's not all that different here then," she replied, and Danny shrugged.

"No, I guess not." He said, and then stopped, causing her to look at him quizzically.

"So, do you accept my apology or what," he asked, and Lindsey nodded.

"Of course," she replied, and looked into his face.

Suddenly, Danny stepped closer, until he was mere inches from her. Lindsey felt a thrill run through her as he once again tilted her chin up.

"Thank you for caring," he whispered; his breath warm on her cheek.

Lindsey didn't move, didn't utter a word as she searched his eyes.

Slowly, without either of them hardly realizing what was happening, Danny cupped her face in his hands and carefully brushed his mouth against hers. Lindsey's breath caught in her throat as something like electricity flashed through her, setting her nerves on edge. When she didn't pull away, Danny brushed his thumbs over her lips before touching them again with his own. This time, Lindsey leaned into him, tentatively placing her hands against his chest. The chill night air was quiet except for the occasional sound of a car going by on the street. Everything seemed to disappear except she and Danny, and Lindsey's mind reeled at the thought that he was actually holding her in his arms. She wondered if it showed that she had a crush on him; wondered if he knew. But as he deepened their kiss, it suddenly didn't matter anymore. He smelled of soap and cigarette smoke, and she could taste the beer on his lips as she shyly returned his kiss.

After what seemed like ages, Danny pulled back and released her, stepping back to allow her room to collect herself. He grinned when he saw the pink tint to her cheeks, and wondered if there was anything she didn't blush at.

"Next time," he whispered, "let me buy your drink, okay?" He winked, causing the pink in her cheeks to darken.

"Are you asking me out on a date?" Lindsey asked with sudden boldness.

Danny grinned, nodding.

"Yeah, I guess I am," he said, and took her hand in his.

"Come on, Montana; I'll walk you to your train."