They headed out of the restaurant and Logan suggested, "Anybody up for a few games of pool?"
Eames glanced at Emily, who shook her head. "No, thanks, Mike. I think we're going to head home. It's been a busy day."
Goren came up behind her and leaned down. He whispered into her ear, "Are you sure everything is okay?"
She looked up at him. "Yes."
His eyes scanned her face, and she couldn't help laughing. "Quit trying to read me, Goren. You boys go on and play, and I'll see you tomorrow."
He kissed her softly. "Are you okay?"
"I promise, I'm fine. Now go and stay out of trouble."
He motioned to Logan and they said good night. The three women watched them head down the sidewalk. Eames said, "How does Mrs. Doubtfire and chocolate ice cream strike you girls?"
Emily smiled broadly, "Sounds like a plan!"
They headed away in the opposite direction.
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They called it quits after four games. Logan looked at the man on the barstool beside him. "Tell me something."
Goren looked suspicious. "I don't like conversations that start that way."
"Deal with it. You think she's something special, don't you?"
"Who?"
"Emily."
"Don't you?"
"I'm unclaimed freight, man. I could take her home with me and roll in the hay with her all friggin' weekend and never get in trouble for it. You do that and Eames will castrate you."
Goren laughed. "I have no intention of going anywhere near the hay with her, Logan. You want to take a shot, be my guest. Just don't use her or hurt her or I'll have to turn you into dog meat."
"You care about her."
"Of course I do. She...kept me from going over the edge, Mike. I...I thought I'd lost Eames. You have no idea what that did to me. After all this time, I was finally getting settled into thinking I'd finally found a partner who would be with me for the long haul. I was just starting to let go of the fear that she was going to leave. And then I thought she did. She was just more patient than the others but I finally succeeded in driving her away."
"Idiot. Even I can see that you're not gonna chase her off. Half the things you do would send anyone else scrambling, but she just smiles and shakes her head. Or looks the other way. Or flat out laughs at you. I've seen you at a handful of homicide scenes, and it can be creepy to watch you. But she doesn't see it that way."
"I got lucky."
"You hit the jackpot, Goren." He drained his glass and signaled for another round. He gave his friend a sideways glance. "Don't mess it up on a passing fancy."
Goren finished his drink as the bartender set up another one. "Not a chance," he replied.
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It was late Sunday night and he had dozed off on the couch. Eames, Barek and Emily had decided to make it a "girls' weekend," which was fine with him. He and Logan had kept busy. After dinner, Logan had gone home and he'd settled in to watch a movie, which he'd dozed off halfway through. He didn't hear the door open, and he didn't hear anyone come into the apartment. The sound of the deadbolt engaging made him stir, but he didn't waken. Even when she touched him, all he did was shift his position. She smiled. He had really gotten used to having her around. He used to wake up every time she took a deep breath. Leaning down, she kissed him. His breathing changed and he raised his hand to her head, deepening and prolonging her kiss. When she finally pulled back, he opened his eyes and smiled. "How was your girl time?"
She smiled. "It was a great weekend."
"I'm glad." He glanced past her at the time. "It's late. Is everything okay?"
"Yes. I just missed you."
He slid his arm around her. "That's nice to hear."
"It's true. I know you have to get up in the morning for work, but I was wondering if you were up for a little company, just for a while."
"Any time."
He pulled her closer and she melted in his arms.
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She watched him get dressed after his shower early the next morning. As he tied his tie, she came up behind him and slid her arms around his waist. He adjusted his tie and rested his hands over hers. "I'm looking forward to Thursday morning."
"Why's that?"
"That's when my partner comes back to work." He turned to face her, tipping his head down toward hers. "I don't like it when you're not there."
"You never have."
She leaned forward to kiss him, lightly fingering his belt. He started to step back, but she pulled him forward. Her fingers made quick work of undoing his newly-tied tie. He laughed against her mouth. "Eames, I'm going to be late."
"So, you're late one day this year." She pulled him back toward the bed. "The city will survive."
She slid off his tie and began to unbutton his shirt. Laughing, he followed her back toward the mattress.
