Chapter 14

Kensi slipped into the tee shirt and sweat pants. Both were soft and well-worn, with a light scent of fabric softener. There was something intimate in the knowledge that these items had touched Deeks' skin and were now touching hers. Her nipples tightened at the thought.

Maybe I'm over-analyzing this because I'm tired. Deeks would probably laugh at me.

She turned out the light and climbed into bed. The sheets were soft and smelled of detergent and him. Must. Go. To. Sleep. Now.

But after tossing and turning for a while, Kensi got up and crept toward the kitchen. One of the floor boards squeaked and she halted. Why didn't I notice that earlier? She saw that Deeks was tossing and turning on the couch, trying unsuccessfully to get comfortable. The couch was simply not made for a tall guy like him. Even Monty was restless, softly whining and turning around and around in his bed. What is wrong with everybody tonight? Oh right, I've interrupted their routine.

She started to open the refrigerator. The door creaked and Deeks turned his head slightly. "Everything okay?"

"I'm thirsty," she said.

He stifled a yawn. "There's water and maybe some orange juice in there."

"Thanks."

She took a bottle of water and downed a couple swigs. Once more she watched as Deeks tried to get situated for sleep. He sighed as he doubled the pillow and turned on his other side. "If you're looking for donuts, you're totally out of luck," he said.

"How did you know I was still here? And for the record, I'm not looking for donuts."

Deeks chuckled. "Because you haven't hit that squeaky spot again."

She shifted from foot to foot and chewed on her bottom lip. This may be a bad idea, but it wouldn't be the first bad idea I've ever had. May as well blurt it out.

"Deeks?"

"Mmm?"

"Come to bed."

That got his attention immediately. He half sat up and grinned. "Could you repeat that?"

"You heard me."

"I did, but I need clarification."

Kensi sighed. "It is your bed after all and it's big enough. There's no reason you shouldn't sleep in it."

"With you? As in you and I sleeping together?" He could hardly contain his excitement.

"Sleeping only," she said emphatically. "Unless you want to keep flopping around there. You stay on your side and I'll stay on my side. We can build a pillow wall, if that makes you feel better."

She was starting down a slippery slope with Deeks - staying overnight, wearing his clothes, sharing his bed. Where it would all lead? What would Tiffani, Lauren, Joanna and Tiffany say?

I know exactly what they would say: Go for it and we want details!

Kensi was losing patience. "Well, what's it gonna be? You have five more seconds, then the offer is off the table."

Deeks pretended to think about it. He rubbed his chin and looked around the living room.

"I don't know why you're stalling. You know you want to do it."

Finally, he said, "I'll risk it." He slowly got to his feet and grabbed his pillow. "You're right. My back is already cramping." He bent over and massaged it with one hand.

"Chivalry can be hard," said Kensi. She made a point to step over the squeaky spot as they made their way back to the bedroom.

They laid down and Deeks breathed a sigh of relief. "Ah, this is so much better. I love my bed. Thanks for inviting me to sleep here."

Kensi drew the comforter up and turned on her side away from him. "It's the least I could do since you got me out of that dress. Hold on, that has an ominous sound."

Deeks laughed. "I get you." There was no further mention of a pillow "wall."

Monty had ambled in and curled up in front of the closet. Enough talking, you two. Go to sleep. I'm exhausted just listening to your lips flapping.

"Goodnight, Deeks."

"Sleep well, Kensalina."

Kensi rolled back over facing him. "What is it with you and these nicknames?"

"You require different names because you have many facets."

Kensi considered that for a moment. "Oh, like a diamond?"

"Yeah, a diamond in the rough." He gave a snarky laugh.

"I think I take offense to that."

"Don't. It only means you have more facets to me to chisel out."

Without warning, Kensi snatched up her pillow and pinned it against Deeks' chest. "So, you're going to chisel me out, wear me down. Is that it?"

He smiled up at her. Kensi was strong, but he was bigger and stronger. He flipped her over on her back and tossed the pillow aside. "Think of how much fun that will be."

A nearby car alarm blared and they both flinched. He was two seconds away from kissing Kensi, but now the moment was ruined. He rolled off her and threw an arm across his eyes.

"Oh, come on, Claude!"

Kensi drew a ragged breath. She knew he was about to kiss her and she was eagerly awaiting it. "Who . . . who's Claude?"

"My neighbor. He manages a bakery. Always leaves in the middle of the freaking night."

"Bakery. Wow, I'd like to meet him."

"We'll go sometime. You'd love it. Cases full of chocolate goodies."

Kensi retrieved her pillow. "Okay, goodnight . . . again."

"Yeah." He put his hands behind his head. This is definitely a first. A hot babe in my bed and we really are just sleeping together. But it's fine. We'll get to the other stuff eventually. For now, I have to play Kensi slowly and gently, like a Stradivarius.

He closed his eyes and promptly drifted off.