Again, special thanks to our beta/gamma team Elainhe and Bluenose!
Chapter 1
"We're here," announced Mac cheerfully as the bus slowed to a stop in front of Kuson Resort.
Lindsay peered out the window, gasping at the view that lay before her. The brochure Mac had given them earlier did not do this place justice – the large, three-storey house was painted an inviting blue-grey, and was surrounded by a white picket fence which gave it a quaint appearance despite its size. To the right was a large archway leading to the front of the resort, and behind it, to its lush green grounds. Flowers of all types and colors bloomed in the gardens and along the fences. Their sweet aroma immediately filled Lindsay's head as she stepped off the bus. She stopped to take in a deep breath; if just the picture had reminded her of Montana, this scene made her feel as though she actually was back home. A large smile was plastered on her face as the bright sun beat down on her cheeks.
"Still with us there, Montana?" teased Danny, placing his hand on the small of her back.
All she could do was smile sweetly at him, letting out a small laugh. Though these few days away would be really great for the team, Lindsay had a strong feeling that it would also be great for her and Danny as a couple. She had no idea what was in store for them, but she really hoped they'd get some time apart from everyone else.
She turned around to pick up her suitcase, only to find Lou was already loading it, and the others, onto a cart, ready to bring everything in for them. Lindsay was unaccustomed to such luxury, but she certainly enjoyed it.
"Are you guys planning on coming in, or are you going to stay out here all weekend? Come on!" Mac called, beckoning them up the front stairs of the resort.
"We'd better do what Mac says, Montana," Danny hissed playfully. "We don't want to ruin his good mood!" With a chuckle, Lindsay followed Danny and the rest of the team to the front door.
The immense cottage's interior was just as breathtaking as the grounds on which it stood. Lindsay could tell immediately that the place was very old. The desk attendant, noticing her staring at the details, commented that the woodwork and framing was all original from when the cottage was built in the late 1800s. The intricate carvings on the large slabs of wood that made up the trim, doorframes, and railings were magnificent. The cottage emitted an extremely calm, cozy, and inviting aura; Lindsay could already feel her stresses rising away like a helium balloon. Getting lost in the moment, she began to lean into Danny, wanting him to wrap his arms around her, for them to just get lost in the comfort the cottage was already providing. She stopped herself just in time, suddenly remembering their companions standing nearby. The laugh in Danny's eye told her she'd been caught in her almost-action.
"Reservations are for the CSI New York Crime Lab," Mac said to the attendant, pulling out a thick package of paperwork and printouts.
"Yes, Mac Taylor and company, I have you all here." She typed away at her computer for a few moments, asking Mac for his credit card at the appropriate time. She slid his room key across the counter, informing him to wait just off to the side while she registered everyone else. Flack went up next, following through the same motions as Mac had just completed. Lindsay couldn't help but smile as Flack joined Mac after receiving his room key and assignment – he, more than anyone, needed this getaway – he had been through so much, and still wasn't entirely recovered. She turned her attention back to Danny, who had just stepped to the counter. The attendant once again punched a few details into her computer. Looking up from the ancient monitor, her eyes fell on Stella and Lindsay. "And which one of you two ladies would be Ms. Monroe?"
Lindsay stepped up beside Danny, a pensive look on her face. "That'd be me," she answered slowly, a questioning tone to her voice.
The attendant just smiled sweetly, sliding two room keys across the counter. "Here you are," she said, "You two will be in room 248."
Danny and Lindsay looked from each other to the attendant, both equally perplexed. "We're in the same room?" asked Danny, stunned.
"That's what I have here," said the attendant, confused by their reactions.
They turned to face Mac, but the look on his face answered their questions immediately. He knew.
"I assumed you'd want to stay in the same room; I figured you'd do it anyway, so I wasn't about to pay for two separate ones when only one would get used in the end," Mac winked.
"Wait, what!" asked Hawkes, a look of total shock on his face. "You mean, you two? Are…? And you knew, Mac!"
"You mean you didn't!" laughed Stella, Flack grinning widely beside her. "I thought CSIs were supposed to be observant!"
"Hang on, hang on," interrupted Danny, putting it together. "You all knew!" Lindsay's expression echoed his words.
"I didn't!" defended Hawkes.
Flack and Stella just stared. "How could you possibly not know!"
Hawkes rubbed the back of his neck, feeling slightly embarrassed. "And here I thought I came out of the morgue to be more in theloop!"
Laughing, Danny wrapped an arm around Lindsay, pulling her close. "Alright, joint rooms it is!" he grinned. Picking up the two keys and paperwork, they joined Mac and Flack.
"How long have you known?" asked Lindsay, her hand now in Danny's.
"I'm not sure exactly when you two got together 'officially'," replied Flack, making air-quotations with his fingers, "But it was pretty obvious straight from your first day that Danny-boy here had the hots for you."
"My guess?" said Mac, moving over to make room for Stella, "Things went past just friendship the night you two came to Cozy's."
Lindsay immediately felt her cheeks redden – she hadn't known Mac had seen them there; he hadn't said anything after his set, nor was the occasion ever brought up. She said as much.
"Lindsay, you two were sitting smack in the middle of the bar," Mac went on, a slight teasing tone in his voice. "When I saw Danny show up, my suspicions were pretty much confirmed about the two of you, so I just steered clear and let you guys have the night to yourselves."
Stella's eyes sparkled. "And it looks like Mac was right!" she laughed.
Danny looked at Lindsay, deferring the unspoken question to her. She drew a breath, not sure of how to answer. She didn't want Mac to think that they were being secretive around the lab, trying to hide their relationship, so she picked her words carefully. "Well, it's true, that night was when we both realized there was a bit more than just a working relationship between us…" she confirmed sheepishly. "But we weren't trying to hide anything, we just wanted to… figure it out ourselves, first." Danny squeezed her hand reassuringly. Lindsay was grateful when Mac didn't respond, instead just smiling gently. He understood.
Hawkes joined them a few minutes later, along with the attendant who was carrying several large white envelopes in her hand.
"Well, welcome to Kuson Resort. I'm Rose, one of the many staff members here. We hope you enjoy the next five days with us – we promise it will be fun and relaxing! That is why you're here, after all!" Rose smiled very pleasantly, handing out the envelopes. "Here you'll find an itinerary for tomorrow. Since it's already past six, just feel free to roam the grounds, make yourselves comfortable. You'll find a small café down the hall and to the right, open twenty-four hours. They know you were getting here after dinner hour; as such, they saved dinner portions for you. You can order them to your rooms or eat in the lounge whenever you'd like. They also have wonderful snacks and other munchies available, all free of charge. If you have any questions, feel free to ask any of us; but for now, why don't you go to get settled in? Your suitcases have been dropped off at your respective rooms, and before I forget - the sunset will be beautiful tonight, it's not something you want to miss!"
After exchanging pleasant thank-yous, everyone made their way up to their rooms. The team was looking forward to a weekend of fun, relaxation, and escape.
The team walked along the waterfront, the breeze cooling against the warm, setting sun. The sky was painted in vibrant shades of fuchsia and tangerine. Lindsay pulled her zip-up sweater tighter around her. Danny, noticing her movement, put his arm around her shoulders, shielding her from the crisp, evening wind.
As they strolled, they allowed their stresses to be carried away by the brisk air. The next few days would be fantastic – relaxing, rejuvenating, recharging – it was just what they all needed. Lindsay leaned into Danny – it'd be a great few days away for them, too. As much as she enjoyed bonding with the entire team, she was really craving time to be with Danny. Just Danny.
Flack pulled a Frisbee out of the bag he was carrying. "Who's in?" he called.
"Are you sure you should be doing that?" questioned Mac.
"Yeah, this I did check with my doctor – as long as I'm not running around at top speed or diving for it, I'm okay," Flack smiled.
"Well then, count me in," smiled Hawkes, jogging down the sand to put distance between himself and Flack.
Lindsay turned to face Danny, who was looking at her expectantly. "Yes?" she asked, smiling.
"Can I go?" asked Danny. Lindsay burst out laughing.
"Danny, you hardly need to ask… but yes, you can go."
He gave her a quick peck on her lips before taking off after Hawkes and Flack.
"Go Mac," said Stella, laying out a large blanket, not looking up at him. "It'll be good for you, and you'll just annoy me sitting here," she teased.
"Well, clearly I see where I'm not wanted," laughed Mac. He turned to join the rest of the men.
Lindsay sat beside Stella, admiring the sun, which hung low in the sky, reflecting off the surface of the water. The sounds of the waves rolling onto the shore, then rescinding back was calming. She lay down and closed her eyes, enjoying the peace that the resort brought. Behind her, she could hear the hoots and whoops from the guys behind her – she had no trouble picking out which ones came from Danny. She smiled widely.
"Wonder who's on your mind," laughed Stella from beside her.
Lindsay chucked, keeping her eyes closed. She could feel her cheeks turning pink.
"I'm really happy for you two," Stella said. "Though it took you guys long enough to come out with it!"
Lindsay opened one eye and glanced over at Stella, blushing deeply. "I guess we were just waiting to figure out exactly what it was before we told anyone."
"It makes sense," replied Stella, "it was just a pain for us to pretend we didn't know when we really did! But like I said, I'm really happy for you guys, we all are."
"Thanks," was all Lindsay could think of to say. She rolled onto her stomach, her eyes immediately falling on Danny. He was now playing wearing only his shorts, his tank thrown absently in the sand behind him. She felt her face begin to warm as she watched him run around the sand, the setting sun bouncing sexily off every crevice and curve of his muscles. She breathed deeply as she watched Danny jump in the air to catch a high throw from Hawkes.
Lindsay and Stella laughed as Mac dove and fell trying to catch the return throw from Danny.
"Very nice," he laughed, getting up and wiping the sand off his shirt. "Alright, let's bring it in," he gestured.
Lindsay smiled as Danny lay down on the blanket next to her, one arm draped across his bare stomach, his tank strewn lazily beside him.
"Have fun?" asked Lindsay, running a hand through his hair.
"Hah, yeah, but now I'm here with you," he smiled, his eyes still closed.
Lindsay looked at him as he lay silently on the blanket, watching his chest slowly rise and fall with each deep breath he took.
"Alright, who's up for some celebrating?" asked Mac, pulling out two bottles of red wine from his bag, along with six red plastic cups.
"Classy," commented Hawkes, taking one cup for himself and passing the rest around.
Mac smirked as he filled the six cups. "Cheers," he said, raising his glass briefly and taking a sip. The others followed suit.
They sat together on the sand, laughing and teasing each other, having a great night and just enjoying each other's company. It didn't take them long to polish off both of Mac's bottles, and it showed; Flack had evidently found the beautiful, peaceful sunset absolutely hilarious. He compared the bright orange orb to anything he could think of – a fireball, a trampoline, which he called a 'tram-bop-o-line', and the pink scar on his abdomen.
"I think the wine has gone straight to his head, you think?" Danny said to Lindsay laughing as he finished off his third cup.
They watched together as the sun sunk behind the surface. More and more tiny white stars made their presence known in the darkening sky. As Mac and Stella folded up the blanket and packed up what they had brought, Lindsay watched Danny slip his shirt back onto his shoulders, doing up the buttons save the top two.
Mac and Stella led the way back to the cottage.
Danny grabbed Lindsay's hand, stopping her.
"Danny, what's wrong?" she asked, confused by his actions.
He dipped his head and captured her lips with his. She returned the gesture, smiling inwardly at the electricity that jolted through her body every time he touched her.
"Nothing wrong, just had to do that," he said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face.
Lindsay smiled, feeling her cheeks brighten.
"Come on," said Danny, taking her hand to catch up with the others. "We need some alone time."