Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.
Author's note: Awwww. Here's the "first date." Hope it's not too sappy. Thanks for all the support - you guys rock.
Chapter 12
Working with Danny without revealing their relationship - whatever it was - was not as hard as Lindsay thought. After all, they managed to do it after they slept together. The only awkward moment came when she ran into Flack for the first time when they responded to the same scene.
Hawkes and Lindsay were sent to a bar in Queens at 2:30 a.m. Apparently the bouncer got a little too rough with a patron after last call and the man ended up with a pool cue through his chest. They started processing when Lindsay realized she left her extra film in the car. "Back in a minute, Sheldon," she said, heading out the door - right into the chest of Detective Don Flack.
"Hey there, signal before you turn," he joked, steadying her by the shoulders. "How are ya?" He had an annoying grin on his face.
"I'm fine, Flack. Sorry about that." Lindsay brushed passed him - she shouldn't be annoyed, but she was. She didn't want to discuss this with him, especially since she knew that HE knew. But Flack didn't catch the drift and followed her anyway.
"Lindsay, hold up." At her car he turned her to face him. "Hey, I just wanted to say for the record that you don't have to worry about me telling anyone. Your secret's safe."
She finally stopped and looked at him, feeling a bit foolish for being so bitchy. "Sorry, Flack, it's just a little weird for me. Thanks. I know you'll keep it quiet."
"No problem," he smiled and turned to leave, but left her with one more comment: "Also, back on the record again, I'm happy for both of you."
She smiled back and returned to work, relieved. Flack was a good guy - she knew Beth thought so. Her sister had filled her in on their evening before she returned to Montana. "Don't worry sis, I didn't do anything I'll regret, but he has the softest lips!"
Then of course Beth wanted to hear all about her night, and Lindsay told all, much to her sister's delight. "Just make sure you wear something sexy on your 'first date,'" to which Lindsay rolled her eyes, assuring her sister she could take care of it.
Much of the week passed uneventfully, until Thursday, the day of "the big date." Lindsay, who had the whole day off, went shopping, but was frustrated after several hours. Nothing fit right, or the color was off - she just couldn't find anything she felt good in. This is silly, she thought, I mean, we've slept together, it's not like this is a real first date.
She trudged up the stairs to her apartment and was greeted by her neighbor Sally. "Hey there! Got a package for you today! I think it's from that sweet sister of yours."
"Beth? What is she up to? It's nowhere near my birthday." Lindsay thanked Sally and carried the large box into her apartment. She opened it to reveal several layers of tissue paper with a note on top.
Dear Linds:
You know I love you, but I have this bad feeling you're getting ready to break out that green dress of yours for the gazillionth time! Remember sis, Danny's seen that one.
Lindsay paused in disbelief. That's exactly the dress she was thinking of wearing. She completely forgot Danny had already seen it. She read on.
Anyway, I talked to your friend Sally, and she told me this Nucio's place is pretty fancy, that you would need a "cocktail dress." So I picked this out. I also sent some shoes since your trusty, sensible black pumps have seen better days. There's some jewelry, too.
Now, don't get mad. I know you know how to dress, but by now you've worried /IIyourself to a nub and couldn't find anything you liked because you pick yourself a part. So put the dress on, slip on your dancing shoes and make that Messer guy melt.
I love you. Have a wonderful time, and don't give it up on the first date. Oh wait, you already gave it up. Just kidding! Have a great time, sis.
Love, Beth
Lindsay rolled her eyes, but curiosity soon had her digging through the tissue. Inside was a filmy midnight blue number that seemed a little skimpy. Better try it on, though, or I'll never hear the end of it, she thought.
When Lindsay finally was dressed, she turned to her mirror and gaped at the woman staring back. The dress was sleeveless, with gathers of blue silk dipping into a low vee - alook repeated in the back. It was cinched at the waist and flowed into a graceful A-line skirt that ended in a flirty hemline at the knee. It was gorgeous, and highlighted Lindsay's tiny waist, sculpted arms and graceful neckline. And my cleavage, she thought ruefully. She couldn't deny she looked good.
Lindsay dug some more and found some ridiculously high heels - but they were adorable - and some simple rhinestone drop earrings and matching necklace. Further emphasizing my boobs, she grumbled to herself, but put everything on. She pondered her hair for a moment before attacking with a curling iron, turning her loose waves into cascading curls. Lindsay then tried to remember Beth's instructions for a smoky eye, and added a blush and lip gloss. When she turned to the mirror again for final inspection, she couldn't help but smile.
"You made your sister into a sex pot Beth," she joked allowed to her mirrored image.
At his apartment, Danny Messer couldn't believe the amount of time he was putting into his wardrobe. He had chosen a simple navy suit - black made him think too much of Louie's funeral - royal blue shirt and matching royal blue tie with a hint of sheen. Danny always liked the monochromatic look, and hoped Lindsay did, too.
"All right, Messer," he said to himself in the mirror. "Why the hell are you nervous? You don't have to worry about the first kiss - you've done that. The sex thing - well, you've done that, too, although the timin' sucked. It's Montana. You know her, and everything will be fine."
Suddenly realizing he was talking to himself, he turned away and grabbed his wallet and keys. He and Lindsay were meeting in the bar area of Nucio's. As he left, he grabbed the single red rose he had picked up. Flack had been with him and laughed hysterically when Danny started looking at corsages.
"Man, it's not prom. Get her a red rose - simple and pretty. Chicks dig it."
Half and hour later, a harried Danny rushed into Nucio's, noticing that he was right on time, to his relief. I wonder if Montana's here? He wandered into the bar area and looked around, eyes lighting on a woman's lovely back, framed in blue silk. She was sitting at the bar and Danny couldn't take his eyes of her. His gaze finally traveled to her head of loose brown curls and just about then, she turned around.
"Montana," he said softly. He should have known it was her - since that night together after Louie's death, Danny found that he didn't notice anyone else. Lindsay flashed him a shy smile, and he finally unrooted himself to walk over.
"Well, hello Miz Monroe," he drawled with a grin. "Wow, you clean up nice."
Lindsay grinned. "Luckily for you, I'm not going to the opera this evening." She was calm on the outside, but she couldn't believe how good he looked. The bright blue of his shirt highlighted his eyes, which she could tell were drinking in every inch of her. Nothing was sexier than a good-looking man who can't take his eyes of you, she thought.
Danny leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek. Then he brought his arm out from behind his back. "For you," he said, handing her the rose.
"Thank you kind sir," she joked.
"Mr. Messer? Your table is ready, sir." The maitre 'd then whisked them to their table. The waiter soon arrived, bringing with him a vase for Lindsay's rose.
Nucio's had delicious food, and Danny and Lindsay both ordered the special - Gnocchi in marinara sauce, which included a fresh salad and crusty rolls. Danny also had a bottle of the restaurant's best Pinot Noir sent to the table. Despite the sumptuous meal, the two only had eyes for each other.
"A corsage?" Lindsay chuckled as Danny told her of his and Flack's trip to the florist. "That is so sweet."
"I'm glad the jerk was with me, Montana. I didn't wanna screw this up."
"That wasn't going to happen, Danny." Lindsay reached across the table and held his hand. "I'm glad I'm here."
"So am I," he said, thinking to himself, How did I get so lucky?
After a dinner of laughter and in-depth conversation, Danny and Lindsay walked around the Italian neighborhood, holding hands. A compatible silence fell between them as they just enjoyed each other's company. Soon Danny found a bench in a small park and the two sat watching the stars. Finally Lindsay broke the silence.
"You know, since my sister came here, she has a thing for benches." Lindsay filled Danny in on his sister's eventful evening with Flack.
"Now see! I knew Flack wasn't just bein' nice by taking your sister home. He had what we in New York call 'ulterior motives.'"
Lindsay chuckled. "We have those in Montana, too, Danny, and I don't think Flack was the only one. My sister set her sights on him early on. Who knows what would have happened if she hadn't left the next day?"
They laughed some more and discussion moved to different people in their lab, including Mac, who seemed to have a little trouble in the dating pool. Since his first post-Claire date, he couldn't seem to find anyone to stick.
"My theory is no one will be right for him until he and Stella take the plunge," Lindsay offered. Danny shrugged.
"It's not that I don't agree with you, but you know Mac - he wouldn't want to start nothin' with a subordinate. Not a fan of interoffice romance, our Mac."
"So, where does that leave us?" Lindsay asked.
Danny considered a minute before answering. "I think, like any new thing, we've got to see where this goes, away from pryin' eyes, before we let anyone else in on the deal," he said. "Tellin' Mac will have to come later."
"You think we're going to tell Mac, huh?"
He turned to look at her. "Well, yeah, eventually."
Lindsay blushed. Smooth I'm not, she sighed to herself. "What I mean is, you think this 'thing' is going to progress?"
He couldn't help but smile at her insecurity - truth be told, he felt it a bit himself. But something about this woman made his nerves secondary. Danny gently placed a hand on her chin, tilting her head up. "Oh Montana, I don't think there's any doubt about that."
He kissed her softly, and Lindsay closed her eyes, drinking in the sensation. His lips were gentle, and she moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Their kiss deepened, and became more than gentle - despite the very real emotions between them, Danny and Lindsay also had a fire between them that all the good intentions in the world couldn't extinguish.
Luckily, they were in too public a place to let things get too far, and several minutes and some roaming hands later, Danny pulled away.
"You're a bad influence Montana. It's hard to be a gentleman with that mouth of yours," he grinned rakishly.
"Who's asking you to be?" she teased, running a hand along his cheek.
"Now, now, Miss Naughty," he chuckled. "Let's get you home."
Danny took her home via cab, and walked her up to her apartment. "You want to come in?" she offered.
He hesitated a moment, then shook his head. "For both our sakes, I'll take a rain check. And believe me young lady, the day will come for me to collect." Danny leaned forward, snagging her waist and pulling her to him. There was nothing gentle about this kiss. When they parted breathlessly, he said softly against her lips: "All in good time, Montana, all in good time."
Lindsay smiled. "I guess. You know what they say - Good things comes to those who wait."
Danny groaned. "Yeah, sure, just not too long, okay?"
They finally went their separate ways, and tried to get some rest, dreaming the dreams of a couple falling in love - and lust - with each other.
TBC
