A/N: I've had all four chapters from the get-go so it's going to be interesting what you think of this one. I'm just doing what my muse tells me. She's smoking a cig while holding me at gun point while I type...

CHAPTER 4: SECRETS AND SHADOWS

The first day back had turned out to be a pleasant one.She had simply lounged around the apartment for the most of it and in early afternoon decided to run down to the corner store for some groceries. It wouldn't take much to fill her fridge,just the simple necessities.

Stepping out into the last of the warm September air,Jordan closed her eyes and took a deep breath. There hadn't been much time in DC to look around at her surroundings. At least not the architectural point of view. She had been too busy running,hiding and searching in the shadows. It wasn't dark in Beantown,here she was engrossed in waves of sunshine. It made her feel alive for the first time in a long time. Never had she thought in her past that she'd even noticed the sounds and smells of Boston but deep down inside she'd known she had missed it.

As soon as she started to move forward she had barely opened her eyes when she heard,"Sleepwalking again are we?" It made her jump a little but when she realized who was standing eye to eye with her she quickly relaxed. "Stalking again are we?"

In a thick British accent, "Ouch Jordan,that one hurt."

"You're a big boy Nige...you'll get over it" and with that escaping her lips she couldn't help but chuckle.It was another phrase that would go down as a 'Woodyism'."So,what brings you by my humble abode?"

"Oh,I was just taking my lunch break and truth be told I just couldn't wait one more minute to see you." Jordan didn't catch on to the hidden meaning that was in those words.If she had she would have seen the train that was about to smack right into her

"Ya know Nige,I couldn't wait to see you either. I just want to say thank you..." but before she finished,"There's no need to thank me Jordan,it was nothing,I just wish I had been able to work faster.We...I mean... I really missed you..." and before he could finish,"I missed you guys,too.But please don't say it was nothing because it was very much something to me.It was, in truth, everything for me,Nige.I had everything to lose."

"No,Jo,I think you missed what I'm saying.I know this isn't the time or place for this,but for a brief moment in time I didn't think I'd get the chance to tell you at all. I missed you Jordan.I missed you.God knows you've been my best friend and co-worker for years,but damnit Cavanaugh,I can't live without you another day."

Nervous for what was coming next,"Nige,I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything,luv,just listen." With that he had her full attention."I'm saying to you,right now,that I've cared about you for a long time.I've stood back in the shadows guarding this little secret 'til I can't hide it from the world any longer."

Jordan had not seen it coming and when the realization of the words hit she felt frightened.Seeing this in her eyes Nigel cupped her face in his hands and continued."I'm telling you this because I need to, not to frighten you away or to confuse you.No matter what I'll always be there for you.If just as a friend or whatever you need.I just had to tell you whats been in my heart."

Jordan had never noticed it before but all of a sudden she felt a warm,safe feeling with him.She didn't know what this meant but she had known somewhere down inside her gut that this had never been a secret just for Nigel. She too had pondered on this idea once before.Not that she thought she was in love with him but that there was potential there."Nigel,I really need time to take this all in.I mean,wow..."

"Jordan,I'm not looking for a commitment...well,maybe a little,but..." A small smile appeared on both of their faces. "I'm not pushing for one.I just want to throw my name into the hat 'for the next dance'."

Taking one of Nigel's hands and placing her own within it Jordan made a sigh of relief. "I'm not sure if I'm in a dancing mood right now Nige,but how about taking a walk with me.Seems we have a lot to catch up on."

Jordan placed a calming kiss upon Nigel's cheek and leading him down the sidewalk he replied,"Wherever you lead Jordan,I will follow." And with that they took off all the while Jordan thinking to herself,"Boy, do Lily and I have alot to talk about now."

A/N:well,i hadnt planned on nigel getting so carried away but for some reason he seemed to be my hero today.i was gonna let woody bump into her but...woodys patient right mwhahahaha...thats for my nigel loving beantown babes,lol.tell me if ya like it...or not...