It took all his willpower not to give in and kiss the breath out of her. Instead, he reached up and gently untangled her arms from around his neck. "Kitten, you mean the world to me. And believe me when I say that not taking advantage of you right now is hurting me more than it is you, but not three minutes ago you were crying your eyes out over Kevin Lynch."
She pulled back and dropped her eyes. In those brief seconds, he saw the disappointment flash in her eyes.
"You're right, but I think I'd be the one taking advantage," she admitted. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," he told her reassuringly. "We all have a basic need for companionship and comfort. I can provide both. Just not that kind of comfort. Not yet anyways."
She sank into her chair and stared up at him. Her eyes wide and wet, lips trembling as she fell back into sadness. "We've been broken up for months, why do I still care?"
Dave carefully perched on the edge of her desk and tried to discretely shift his still aching erection. He caught a glimpse of a smirk as her eyes lingered on his crotch. "You guys were together for a long time. Feelings don't just happen overnight in most cases. And they can't be shut off that quickly either."
"It didn't take him very long," she muttered.
"I don't think he was as deep into the relationship as you were."
"He said he loved me," she sniffled.
Dave sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Sometimes people are in love with the idea of being in love. I'm sure you have some amazing memories of things you both enjoyed. At some point, those memories will become less and less painful until one day you can remember, and it doesn't bother you anymore."
She nodded. "I'm trying."
He stared at the top of her head as she sat in her chair, head bowed, wringing her hands as she sniffled once again.
"In the meantime, you need something to keep you occupied," he told her.
She looked around the room full of computers and tchotchkes. "You think I need more than this?"
"You are not here twenty-four seven, Kitten," he reminded her. "I hope you are not taking work home with you…"
She looked up at him with a pout. "No, I'm not taking work home with me. I still counsel families, but that's it."
"And what do you do on the weekends?"
"The weekends?"
"Yes, you know, those two days a week that we get where we don't have to show up for work?"
She sighed. "I know what a weekend is," she growled which caused him to grin in response.
"So?"
"So," she shrugged. "I watch tv and sometimes I nap."
"Well, that's exciting," he said.
She glared at him. "What would you like me to say? I climb mountains and rescue puppies from bad breeders?"
He chuckled. "I could see you doing that."
She rolled her eyes.
"Since your social calendar is free, I need a favor."
She eyed him dubiously. "What kind of favor?"
"As I'm sure you are aware, I have to go to book conference this weekend in Portland," he began. "Will you stay at my place and take care of Mudgie for me?"
She stared at him in silence.
"Kitten?"
"Hold please, I'm still processing," she quipped. She spun around in her chair and fiddled with her pen. She straightened out several of the toys on her desk.
Dave watched patiently, letting her think through the pros and cons he is certain were running through her head.
Suddenly, she spun back around. "Okay. Sure. That sounds like fun."
He smiled. "Thank you. I'm sure Mudgie will be pleased as well."
"No problem," she smiled back. "I love doggies."
Dave headed for the door, he stopped with his hand on the doorknob and looked over his shoulder. "It would probably be best if you come over Thursday after work and stay starting then."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm leaving Friday afternoon," he explained. "If you come over on Thursday, I can show you what you need to know and then Mudgie will be used to having you around. Otherwise, I'll have to explain things over the phone."
"How complicated is it to take care of a dog?"
Dave shrugged. "Not too complicated but I need to show you how to turn the alarm on and off and where everything is. It is a pretty big house."
"House? I thought you had a mansion," she teased.
Dave smiled and nodded. "Touché."
He opened the door and stepped out taking a quick peek over his shoulder. Penelope was still smiling, and she looked… hopeful. He closed the door firmly and headed to the kitchen for that much needed cup of coffee.
He picked up the carafe and began to fill his cup.
"How'd it go," Hotch asked.
Dave put the carafe down and picked up his now full mug. He shrugged at the younger man. "Good."
"Is she okay?" Hotch stepped over and began to fill his own mug.
Dave contemplated his answer. "She will be. I can't say as much for Kevin Lynch."
Hotch glanced at Dave. "Don't do anything stupid."
"Too late," Dave replied. He stepped towards the exit.
"What does that mean?"
"She's moving in with me starting this Thursday," Dave said over his shoulder as he quickly left the room.
"Oh God," Hotch moaned. He could feel a headache form behind his eyes.
End Chapter 2