Chapter 19- Caught

Alyssa hopped out of the guestroom dressed in Jeans and a long white top covered by a shorter soft pink one. Her hair had been blow-dried, straightened and she had loosely pinned half of it back with a daisy clip. Nick stopped pacing as she hopped though the hallway trying to get her last sock on. He looked at her amused when she tossed her purse on the table and finished with the material on her foot.

"Ready," She announced, pulling a strand of hair from her lip gloss and straightening.

He smirked and held out his hand. She grabbed her purse and took it walking forward towards the door.

Nick opened the door. "Ladies first," He said bowing.

She stood still. "Go on then." She teased.

Nick stood up, smirked and gently pushed her forward, "I warned you Crane."

The care ride was silent. A few comments on the atmosphere and on work were interjected before they arrived at the local grocery store. Nick parked and the pair unbuckled and made their way to the store.

Once inside Alyssa automatically grabbed a cart and won a confused look from Nick.

"You need a cart to shop." She sighed.

"I usually just grab things and go," He shrugged.

"The cart makes it easier."

"Ok," he walked over and stood next to her. "I push, you pick?"

Alyssa nodded and walked to the first isle with Nick pushing the cart at her side.

As they went through the various isles Nick went through his usual list as Alyssa picked up the item and threw it in the cart. Every once and a while Alyssa would point out that name brands don't necessarily taste as good at the store brand and Nick would suggest she 'put it in the basket then.' The pair continued through the vegetable isle not realized they were being watched.

"Do you want me to make dinner tonight?" Nick suggested.

Alyssa eyed him.

"Don't worry you'll be able to eat it."

The stare continued.

"Trust me?" he asked her.

Nick saw a smile tug as she nodded.

"Good." He stepped forward and gave her a soft kiss. "Then I'm cooking."

They heard some one clear their throat behind Nick. Alyssa looked passed blushed instantly.

"Catherine." She smiled as Nick whipped around.

Catherine looked at the pair amused.

Nick hung his head and laughed. "Hey Cath,"

"Hey you two," She gave a smug smile. "Shopping?"

They both nodded.

Catherine stepped forward to check out the gash on Alyssa's forehead. "Pretty." She smiled.

Alyssa nodded. "The shiners pretty much faded." She pointed to her eye.

Catherine smiled and looked up at Nick. "Take care of her, she's a good CSI and we actually like her." She turned to Alyssa. "Can't wait to have you back, seriously, shift's crazy."

Alyssa nodded. "If you can convince Grissom to let me back a week early… I'd love to be back." She said hopeful.

"I'll talk to him." She smiled. "Anyways I've got to grab Lindsay from school soon. Have fun you two and I'll keep what I saw quiet." She winked and waved over her shoulder. "See ya later Nicky."

Alyssa laughed and put her forehead on Nick's chest and felt him laugh. She looked up. "We're done here right?" Nick nodded.

"Yea c'mon," He said steering the cart towards the cash. The two silently unloaded the cart onto the cash table. Alyssa loaded all the bags onto the cart as Nick paid. He turned to Alyssa and handed her the keys. "Load them into the trunk, I have to run next door and grab something from the drug store." She nodded as he kissed her forehead.

As Alyssa loaded the car with the newly purchased food, Nick stepped into the drug store and stopped at the counter.

"Condoms?" The man behind the counter absent mindedly pointed to the 4th isle.

"Thanks."

TBC...

I know it's short but 20 will be up soon... so it'll make up for it..

Thank you to... Manhatten SVU and Soccer-Bitch for all your reviews... I'l really glad ya'll like it!

Reviews Make Me Giddy!