Between the business of preparing for the holidays and a case that Intelligence caught, the next two weeks flew by without Hank and Layla seeing much of each other. Layla's new boss had given her more responsibility, which she enjoyed and appreciated, but it also made her work hours unpredictable.

On the last Friday night before Christmas, Hank didn't leave the precinct until 8:30 PM. Layla had texted him earlier saying she had a surprise for him when he got home and his interest was piqued. Knowing she hadn't eaten, he swung by and picked up her favorite Chinese takeout before heading home.

Walking in and discarding his coat and the takeout bag, Hank walked into the living room to find Layla putting the finishing touches on a Christmas tree.

"Surprise!" Layla said when she saw him, putting the last ornament on and standing back to appreciate her work. Hank had mentioned that it had been years, since Erin had moved out, that he'd put up a tree and the comment had put the idea in Layla's head. She'd swung by the store on her way over and picked up supplies.

Hank stood back looking at the tree, his expression unreadable, hands in his pockets.

Layla started to get nervous. She knew that the holidays could be hard having lost someone you loved… the memories and the emotions stirred up so easily. She suddenly wondered if this had been a bad idea.

She walked to his side, "You okay?"

Layla's voice to his right pulled Hank from his thoughts and he smiled at her, his eyes glistening.

"I love it."

Layla let out a sigh of relief and let him pull her to his side.

"I was just wondering," Hank told her as he turned to face her and took her hands in his, "how I managed to get so lucky?"

Layla laughed and gave him a quick kiss before she leaned back and said, "Do I smell Chinese food?"

Hank chuckled and headed back to the entryway where he'd left the takeout, then followed her into the kitchen.

As they ate dinner, Hank told Layla that Erin's flight would land in three days, on Christmas Eve.

"That's great. I can't wait to meet her. She is coming to Christmas dinner at Cindy's right?"

Hank nodded. "She is."

They both continued eating in silence until Layla cleared her throat nervously.

"Did you tell her about…"

Hank lifted his eyes, curious.

"... our age difference?"

Layla knew Erin was a strong, independent woman who viewed Hank as a father. The reality was that Layla was much closer to Erin's age than to Hank's, and she'd found herself wondering if that would rub Erin the wrong way.

Hank just waived her off.

"Erin won't care about that. I promise."

Layla nodded before turning back to her dinner, still feeling nervous to meet Erin but putting in the back of her mind.

"I bought your Christmas present today." Hank told her, leaning back in his chair and smiling.

Layla leaned forward and smiled excitedly.

"Oooh. I wonder what it is?"

Hank shrugged and took a sip of his drink.

"Is it shiny?" Layla questioned, her eyes wide.

"No." Hank admitted and laughed when Layla's face fell.

"Is it edible?" She questioned.

Hank looked at her strangely before saying, "No?," as if he was wondering why she would want it to be.

Layla took another bite, still obviously thinking of more questions, while Hank stood up and put his plate in the sink.

"Well, I was going to save one of your presents for Christmas Eve, but since Erin will be here…"

Layla went upstairs as Hank poured himself a scotch, curious as to where she was going with her comment.

A few moments later, Layla walked back into the kitchen and Hank let out an appreciative chuckle.

"You're dangerous…" He told her as he walked over to her, taking in the red, satin lingerie as he approached. The ensemble basically consisted of one, big bow that covered her breasts and matching panties.

Layla teased him and took a step back when he got within arms reach.

"Well, we haven't gotten to see a lot of each other over the last two weeks."

Layla was trying to tease him, but as she looked at him standing there - dark blue dress shirt tucked into her favorite jeans of his, gun still attached to his hip, his eyes dark with desire - she realized her resolve to keep him waiting was faltering.

Hank saw her teasing smile falter and he took the opportunity to turn the tables. He walked over to her and put his hands on her waist, turning her quickly so that her back was to him.

The move surprised her and she let out a gasp.

Hank, one hand still on her hip, moved her long hair to one side with his other, exposing her neck. Without hesitating, he pulled her close against him and placed hot kisses along her neck, her shoulder, while his other hand roamed her stomach.

Layla melted under his touch. She could feel his belt against her bare skin and the sensation turned her on. When he turned to get a better angle for his kisses, his gun pressed into her back and she laughed, breathily.

"You might want to take that off."

Hank left her for a moment and the sudden absence of his warmth made her shiver. She heard the soft snap of the leather clip of his gun holster as he slid it off his waistband, then he felt his hand in hers, pulling her to the counter.

"If I'm not mistaken, we had a rain check…" Hank said and before she could process what he meant he reached down and lifted her up onto the counter.

Anticipation caused a shiver to run through Layla as Hank found the ends of the bow and gave a tug. As the red, satin fell away, she whispered, "And what did you say you got me again?"

Hank looked up at her and chuckled at her attempt to trick him.

"Like I said, your dangerous."

He pressed his lips to hers, kissing her hard, making her breathless. Then he pulled back to add, "But so am I."

He winked at her before his mouth ventured elsewhere and Layla moaned, whispering to herself, "Merry Christmas to me," before letting herself give in to the pleasure.