Thank you for all the reviews. I love reading them and appreciate you taking the time to leave a thought! This next piece takes place before Tommy and AJ come along. Also if you have read Chapter 8 Date Night, keep in mind John and Joss's conversation in the limo while reading this chapter.

Back flat against the mattress, head sunken into the thick pillow, the cover drawn up to her chest and arms resting on top. The room was quiet save for Joss's heavy breathing. She fingered her wedding ring, staring at the ceiling. John's text assured he would be home tonight. After a three day absence of working on the latest number, he would finally be able to return home. She just wasn't sure when.

Joss ran her hand down the sheet smoothing imaginary wrinkles. Her skin glowed from the oil she used after her shower. A few dabs of jasmine perfume had been placed perfectly on her neck and wrists. Just enough to tickle John's senses. Her eyes assessed the new silk nightgown she had purchased a week ago, but had yet to wear. The thin straps kept her cool and the silk felt good against her skin. She decided to put the gown to use, after she received John's text. She hoped to make herself pretty for him.

Assuming he would be her only visitor tonight.

The thought sent the small nugget of worry in the back of her mind spiraling out of control. she licked her lips. Mouth dry. Chill bumps broke out down her arms, but she refused to bring the cover up higher. She drew in a slow deep breath trying to still her fast beating heart.

She wished John would come in. Now. More than she wanted her next breath. Normally she could handle not seeing her husband for a few days. But today, today had been rough. A day where she only wanted him to come to their bed and into her arms. To forget the world. Forget everything.

Clutching his pillow, she blinked back tears. Any minute now. Any minute now.

The light thunk of the front door opening had her both sighing in relief and breaking into a cold sweat. She didn't draw breath for the six minutes it took for the entering body to climb the stairs and walk into the bedroom. Quietly she listened, her fingers inches from the gun hidden beneath the pillow.

Her trembling stopped as she recognized the familiar pattern of soft steps. It was John.

She felt him pause and knew he was looking towards the bed. Then he was on the move again. Seconds later a drawer opened and closed. Silence. Joss swallowed her disappointment when she heard him enter the bathroom and start a shower.

Just give him time. He needs a moment to unwind. He would be out soon enough. At least he was home.

The minutes ticked by until the shower stopped and finally the door opened. His feet carried him to the bed, where he stood watching.

Joss still hadn't turned to reveal she was awake. She lay there able to smell the steam from his shower and another smell that was his pure aroma.

"You're not asleep." It wasn't a question.

"No." Her head shifted, looking up at him in the dark room. "I've been waiting for you." Eager to touch him she reached out.

John felt the light tremble in her fingers the second she secured his hand in her grip. He followed her lead as she pulled him down, almost frantically, beneath the covers.

Soft palms cupped his cheeks. "I missed you," she whispered, and followed with a kiss.

Although his body thrilled at her nearness after three long days apart, his mind made him hesitate at her strange behavior. He pulled away.

"Are you okay?"

Her pause was answer enough. "I told you, I just missed you. Three days is a long time." She kissed him again, moving to his cheek, followed by his jaw, her hands urgently pulling him closer. Now that he was here Joss wanted to lose herself in his arms. Forget the world and every threat it held.

"What about you?" She questioned between kisses, "Any injuries?"

"None," He kept his eyes open, refusing to stop his observation. After a few more seconds ticked by, John encased her wrists stopping her show of affection. "Joss. What's wrong?"

Swallowing, her gaze dropped to their joined hands, before lifting quickly. "No questions John. Not now. Please." Her chin quivered. "Baby please." The words whispered against his lips forced him to lay his suspicions and questions aside. In time she would confess what was bothering her. For now she needed a distraction. So he would give her a distraction.

Sometime later they lay together on their backs, Joss's head resting against his chest. John's trailed his fingers up Joss's arm and over her bare shoulder.

"Are you going to tell me what was bothering you?"

He felt her stiffen against him and a long stretch of silence followed.

"It was nothing. Just a case." He waited, silently letting her know he was not satisfied with her answer.

Joss blinked forcing herself to continue. "They…caught a man following me. I only found out because he pulled out a knife, behind my back. One of the officers on duty in the neighborhood caught it and tackled him before he could… you know."

"Who is he?" John ground out.

She avoided answering that question. "After they brought him in for questioning we found out he had been following me for three days. I guess I just wasn't paying much attention. I can't believe I let my guard down like that. He even knew where I lived." She licked dry lips. "It scared me. He knew so much about me, and I wasn't even aware of what was happening." Turning, she lay her cheek against his heart, draping her arm across his waist. "I just wanted you home."

"I can take care of him-"

"Don't. There's no need. You're home now. Everything's fine." Closing her eyes, she felt her body finally relax.

Her words sliced through the cold blackness that slowly was calculating his next move. "Jocelyn."

"Hmm?"

"You just leaned on me."

She heard the smile in his voice. "Yeah. I did." She whispered softly placing a kiss to his heart. "I need you to be strong for both of us tonight. I…I can't do it. Not tonight."

He knew how hard it was for to admit that simple truth. But knowing she came to him instead of putting on a brave front made him feel better despite the bad news she had given him. His arms wrapped more securely around her, his fingers gracing the soft skin on her neck. At last she had let him come to her rescue.

"Are you sure you're ok?"

"Yes John. I am. I really am."