When Hank walked back into Precinct 21, Trudy motioned towards the vacant office. Layla jumped up as soon as he rounded the corner to enter.
"Thank God." Layla said, rushing into his arms and kissing him.
Hank, trying to lighten the mood for her, laughed and said, "What? You don't think I can handle myself around a prick like Jerry?"
At the mention of Jerry, Layla frowned. "Well, apparently he's a little more… driven than I thought so who knows what he is capable of?"
Hank saw where her mind was going so he kissed her again and pulled her close.
"Hey. Don't give him another thought." He said, quietly, waiting for her to meet his eyes. When she finally did, there was a resolve there - that strength that he loved about her so apparent on her face. He couldn't hold back his words another second.
"Layla, I love you."
Layla's eyes widened in surprise.
"When Camille died, I never thought I'd want a relationship with another woman and I just…" Hank tried to find the right word, "... turned off that part of myself. I thought if I could just put everything I had into the job, I'd be fine."
Hank reached for her hand and held it.
"I was wrong. And I didn't know how wrong I was until you came along."
Layla smiled, happy tears in her eyes, and Hank raised his hand to her cheek, "You are an incredible woman."
Hank's eye contact never waivered.
Layla closed her eyes, leaning into his palm against her cheek.
"I love you too." Layla whispered, covering his hand with her own.
"Even though everybody told me to stay away from you," Layla teased and Hank chuckled, pulling her close against him.
Layla leaned in and kissed Hank softly, Jerry completely gone from their minds.
The kiss continued until Trudy said very loudly from the desk, "Hey you two. Get a different room."
Separating, Hank and Layla laughed and shot Trudy apologetic looks.
"Alright. Let's go home."
Layla nodded, grabbing her stuff and heading out.
"Thanks for your help, Trudy." Hank told her as they walked by the desk.
"Don't mention it." Trudy said, trying to hold back her grin as she said, "Now get out of here, lovebirds."
-break-
That weekend, a heavy snow storm moved in and blanketed the city. Everyone that could, stayed home. Hank and Layla stayed in too, but they didn't need the excuse of bad weather.
They spent almost all saturday in bed, kissing, talking, making love. Now that they'd said "I love you," they were more relaxed with each other, more honest.
"Here you go…" Layla said, walking back into the bedroom with two cups of coffee. Hank didn't process when she handed him one because he was too busy watching her. She was completely naked.
"Ahem. Hank?"
Hank came to and hurriedly took the mug from her. Layla let out a giggle and sat down beside him, leaning against the headboard like he was and sliding back under the sheets.
"Sorry." Hank said, taking a sip. "If I drink this really fast, will you do that again?"
Layla threw her head back and laughed, then she smiled slyly.
"I don't think you need any more caffeine, Sargeant. You've had quite enough energy this morning, in my opinion."
It was Hank's turn to chuckle.
"So, it's 2:00 PM and we haven't officially gotten out of bed."
"I'm okay with that." Hank replied, taking her mug from her hands and placing it beside his on the nightstand before turning back to her and kissing her deeply.
Layla moaned against his lips as his hands roamed her body beneath the sheets. When his fingers slid between her legs, she gasped, leaning her head back in pleasure as Hank's lips moved to her neck.
"Hank…" Layla whispered, breathless for the third time that morning.
"Do you want me to stop?" Hank growled, a teasing edge to his voice.
"No. Please." Layla panted, the rhythm of his fingers bringing her close to the edge.
On the nightstand, Hank's cell phone started ringing.
Layla opened her eyes, thinking he would stop, but he was watching her.
"Relax, baby. I'm not going anywhere."
Layla made a sound, somewhere between a moan and a laugh before closing her eyes and surrendering completely to his touch.
The phone kept ringing but Hank maintained his rhythm, speeding up when Layla whispered, "I'm… close…"
Hank watched her face as she cried out, her lips parted, auburn hair fanned around her on the pillow. Breathing heavily, Layla opened her eyes to find Hank smiling at her.
"What?" She asked.
"You're so beautiful." Hank told her, and Layla laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure I look real beautiful right about now."
Hank kissed her before getting up and grabbing his phone.
"Hey Kev, did you call?" she heard him ask, as he stepped out of the room.
Layla used that time alone to compose herself.
When Hank returned, he said, "Kev is doing a comedy show at a club downtown tonight. The whole team is going. Interested?"
Layla smiled. "That sounds like so much fun. I'm in if you are."
Hank nodded his agreement and got back in bed. Layla slid over to him and laid her head on his chest.
"I might need a nap though, I've had an exciting morning."
Hank laughed and pulled her closer against him, leaning back on his pillow and closing his eyes.
"We've got time." He said, already starting to drift off himself.