Chapter 2

When she came back upstairs about two hours later Steve's features still looked relaxed and he seemed to be in a deep and dreamless sleep.
Catherine changed into her sleeping clothes and lay down beside him.
She loved watching Steve when he was sleeping so peacefully.
It wasn't exactly rare, but there were way too many nights where Steve was plagued by nightmares – haunted by his experiences as a SEAL or by things that might have happened to his loved ones.
But it wasn't only the peaceful sleep. She loved him in so many ways: his look, his scent, his touch (oh God, his touch), his caring, his humor, his smile and his laugh.
Sure he was a dangerous man to his enemies but at the same time as tender as one could be and absolutely loyal to his friends. He was also proficient in numerous kill techniques but he had never killed out of joy, it had always been to protect himself or other people in danger. And she loved that he had kept his humanity despite all the violence and cruelty he had experienced over all these years.
He had his heart in the right place, a high sense of justice and in Catherine's eyes he had the softest touch of any man she had ever had.
Watching his chest rise and fall in such an even rhythm combined with his relaxed features made her feel safe and comfortable.
She was longing for his touch and at the same time she had the urge to embrace him but that would most likely lead to waking him up which was no option for her.
She continued to just watch a few more minutes before she closed her eyes and fell asleep as well.

She woke up because she felt warm. It was a comfortable warmth and she could feel Steve's heartbeat against her back.
He had his arm around her midriff. She took his hand and after squeezing it slightly, she raised it and put a soft kiss on it.
Still half asleep he sighed and kissed her neck in return.
"Good morning. I love you," he mumbled afterwards.
"I love you too," She answered giving another kiss to his hand.
Then they both dozed off for another half an hour.
Turning around Catherine was now face to face with Steve.
"You feel better?" she asked.
"Yeah, much better," he replied smiling.
A phase of soft and short kisses was soon followed by a round of passionate ones and after making love even more passionately the two lovers were - exhausted but happy - spooning again.
Dozing off, falling asleep, waking up, kissing again, holding each other in a tight but comfortable embrace and the morning had turned into moon.

After taking a shower Steve and Catherine were sitting on the lanai enjoying the sunshine and their "breakfast".
"Since you are not gone to work and nobody had called yet, I assume you've closed the case." Catherine half asked half stated.
"Very observant," Steve said. "Maybe you should consider to rejoin Five-0," he smiled before continuing "You are right. We closed the case and the governor gave the whole team four days off."
"Great how about a little BBQ tonight? I still owe Danny one for the Italian food he had cooked when my friend from California had visited."
"No."
"No? You declining Danny?"
"No. Never. But he wanted to spend some time with Charlie, said the kid is growing up so fast, he wants to enjoy the days he still wants to be with his father."
"Understandable. Any other plans or suggestions?"
"I like what we did this morning," Steve smiled.
"Yeah, me too. Just thought you need some more time to recover," Catherine smiled back.
"No, I don't," Steve replied acting upset. "But seriously, I'd like to go for a swim. No training, just to relax a bit. Want to join me?"
"Of course. A little sunbath after it and a steak and some wine in the evening?"
"I am in."
And so they did.
Everything took a bit longer than planned but they didn't care. No appointments, no plans, just a nice and carefree afternoon and evening.
The "only fly in the ointment" was a medium steak instead of a rare once more.
After making it a long evening at the beach they went to bed. Catherine's head against Steve's chest. Steve embracing her and putting several kisses on the crown of her head. Taking in the other one's scent, feeling each other's warmth closeness and heartbeat against each other's skin. It was all they needed to make them feel safe and comfortable. They fell asleep to a long and dreamless night.

PS: Appreciate your thoughts.