Chapter 30

"Certainty," he told her and led her out to his vehicle where they couldn't help but share another kiss…or two.

They got to her apartment and the two of them could barely get in the door before they were in each other's arms again. When they came up for air, Sam questioned with a grin, "I thought we were going to have a snack?"

"You were good to slow me down, I was moving too fast," he offered apologetically.

"Oh no!" she protested. "I was trying to slow ME down!"

"Would it be better if I left?"

"No please AJ. I want you to stay. Let's share the strawberries."

"Alright if you're sure," he agreed.

"I am," she told him and led the way to the kitchen.

They ended up feeding each other the chocolate covered treats and as sensuous as that was, the heated glances they exchanged were even hotter.

Allowing themselves only one more kiss before AJ said good night and left for home.

The next day AJ did a five mile run before heading into work and then was able to keep his hand off of the phone until the morning briefing was over. Back in his office he couldn't wait any longer to call Samantha. He was really pleased at the first words out of her mouth, but not at the way it ended up.

"Oh AJ! Wonderful! I was just about to call you. I am going out of town for a couple of days and just wanted to let you know."

"Samantha are you going to be in danger?" he wanted to know.

"AJ I am an FBI Agent headed into the field. But I do know how to take care of myself and Webb won't be along this time for me to have to rescue."

"Please be careful Darlin' and call me as soon as you are back in town."

Her heart warmed! AJ had called her darling and his care for her safety was very clear. "I promise to be careful and I will let you know when I am back."

"I'll miss you Samantha," he said quickly and then hung up. She knew she would miss him too but she had to keep her head in the game or she wouldn't be coming back at all.

AJ spent the next several days worrying about her. His mind would drift to her at any given moment. He had to remind himself to concentrate several times a day.

Late Friday night she returned exhausted and dirty. All she wanted was a hot shower and her bed, but there was one thing she wanted more than both those things and that was to hear the sound of AJ's voice. Worried that he might already be asleep she wondered if she should wait until tomorrow to call but she had promised to call as soon as she got home.

So her plan was to call and leave a message for him. At least she would hear his voice on the answering machine. As she dialed his number she tried to keep her mind off of the thought of him in bed. When the phone was answered she was wondering if he slept in pajamas or naked. That was why when he actually answered the phone it threw her off. Also he didn't answer the phone with the usual 'hello' so that threw her even more.

"Samantha is that you? Are you alright?!"

"I…ummmm…yes it's me and I am fine. I'm sorry to call so late. I thought of you in bed…ummm I mean I thought you might be in bed and I would just leave a message for you…and I will stop babbling now before I make more a fool of myself."

"Maybe I shouldn't tell you this but I am in bed, I was just reading the evening paper hoping you would call. I missed you Samantha, how did your mission go?"

"It was fine, but I am tired and dirty. I will have a hard time not picturing you in bed while I take my shower!"

"And now I will have to try and get to sleep with the image of you in the shower in my mind. Before this call gets any more risqué, and I know that you are tired so before I let you go I would love to make dinner for you tomorrow night."

To be continued…