The Winner Takes It All - The Mentalist Fanfic

by JaneFanAlways

Jane is desperate... he doesn't want to lose Lisbon but she's moving to D.C. with Pike. Lisbon is tired of Jane's games and lies and just wants to move on. Jane gets one last shot at winning Lisbon, but he must find a way to break through all her barriers and get her to trust him for them to have a future together.

6. Chapter 6

A/N: Sorry for taking so long with this chapter... I needed to get it right. This was supposed to be two chapters, but I couldn't do it to y'all! So, it's one very long chapter. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it!

---

Chapter 6

Leaving the restaurant...

Lisbon's POV

The atmosphere in the car was tense. She adjusted herself once more in the driver's seat of Jane's FBI-issued sedan. She wasn't used to driving with high heels, let alone a tight strapless dress, but she had no choice since Jane had guzzled three glasses of wine that she knew about at the restaurant.

He was staring off in the distance, his finger on his lips, a frown marring his face. She kept expecting him to say something, but he remained quiet the last half hour they were on the road and they still had another forty-five minutes before they arrived at the crime scene.

She jabbed on the radio in frustration, the time appearing on the display… 9:13 p.m.

Fischer had called her while she was still in the washroom of the restaurant. Although she wasn't on-call tonight, Abbott had ordered an all-hands on deck response to this situation they were heading to. Jane had been getting ready to leave when she arrived back at the table; he'd received a text from Cho. She had a problem… she knew that Jane wasn't fit to drive in his condition. She also didn't like the idea of Marcus driving both of them to the crime scene in his car because hers was still at headquarters, so there had been only one solution; to drive them there herself in Jane's car.

She started looking for the heat setting because she was freezing in her dress. She forgot to grab her wrap at the restaurant's coat check. Jane reached over, pushed her hand out of the way, and activated the heat setting for her.

"Forgot your go-bag? That's not like you."

She always had her go-bag with her but because she'd been frazzled by Jane on her way out of headquarters tonight, she'd forgotten to transfer it from her car to Marcus'.

"I wasn't on call."

"Since when does that matter?"

She clenched her teeth. She didn't need to get schooled by Jane on the matter.

"I have a suit jacket in the back you can borrow."

"It's fine. It would be too big anyway."

"Suit yourself."

He re-angled his body towards his side of the car making it clear he was done interacting with her. Her anxiety kicked up. He was too quiet and she worried what he might do.

"I don't want the team to know we are…" she trailed off not knowing how to describe what happened earlier. "I expect you to be professional when we get there."

"Aren't I always?"

"No… you aren't. Just be professional."

"I'll be however I want to be, Lisbon."

"I don't want you dragging out what happened between us at the scene. This is obviously an important case. We need to stay focused on that."

"You don't get to control how I deal with the situation you've put me in. You want to be with Pike… fine. You want me to leave you alone… done. But you don't get to tell me how I deal with that."

"I just don't want it affecting our work."

"You've made yourself very clear, Lisbon," he accused.

It wasn't hard to read between the lines. They've known each other long enough to understand each other's verbal shorthand and tone.

"Don't turn me into the bad guy. You're the one who lied, played games. I gave you a chance and you blew it."

"And you weren't playing games tonight? We had a misunderstanding… what do you do… go on a date with Pike."

"It wasn't a misunderstanding. You lied! You manipulated me."

"It was necessary."

"No, it wasn't. You see… this is what I mean… you're always justifying your behavior or applying innocent labels to what you did. You can't even see how destructive it is."

"I was just helping you get out of your own way."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You don't love him. You're so stubborn you'll cut off your own nose to spite your face. Everything I did was to be with you and you were happy. But because it didn't come about exactly as you expected, you're throwing it all away. I didn't want to hurt you… I would say I'm an amateur compared to you when it comes to doing that. You don't play games often, but when you do it cuts deeper than any knife could."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"You wanted to hurt me tonight. That's why you wore that dress. That's why you wanted me to see you go off with Pike. And that's why you kissed him in front of me."

His words felt like an attack. She was about to deny it, but then her brain halted. Did she want to hurt him? She was searching her own motives when he continued.

"Were you also planning on making sure I knew you spent the night with him tonight if we didn't get called out to this scene?"

"No!" she replied indignantly. "And I didn't want to hurt you. That wasn't my intent."

"You kissed him... in front of me," he said calmly, presenting her actions as proof.

"He kissed me."

"And you let him. You went too far with your little game."

"I went too far? I went too far? I told you we were over. I'm allowed to kiss whoever I want and fuck their brains out if I want. It's not like you will," she said, regretting her words immediately.

She glanced in his direction, feeling the atmosphere get instantly charged in the car. Her eyes connected with his. One corner of his mouth lifted sardonically, as he studied her, his eyes becoming narrowed slits.

"Is that what all this is about? You want me to fuck you?"

Her breath caught at her words being flung back at her in all their crudeness. It sounded so strange to hear him say those words.

"Fine… stop the car and hop on. I'll give you a good ride," he said boorishly.

She was shocked by his lewd challenge, her anger spiking to new levels. She almost bit through her tongue trying to reign in her fury.

"That ship has sailed. I wouldn't give you the satisfaction."

He made a sound with his throat, shaking his head.

"I knew you wouldn't take me up on it. Sex is just another excuse you use against me. This has nothing to do with sex because deep down inside you want it to be special but you can't get out of your own way. I told you that I loved you while trying to make love to you and you recoiled. You're afraid of how you feel. And I'm a patient man, Teresa but I told you before… I won't share you."

She swerved to the side of the road and slammed on the brakes, setting the car in park.

"I'm not afraid of my feelings! I'm afraid of you and your games! You act all innocent mister, but you're not. You've hurt me plenty. I have good reason to be wary of you. So, if you don't like how that crap is coming out now, that's on you, not me!"

She sat straight in her seat again, panting in deflated anger.

"You drive me crazy… I don't like the way you make me feel. With Marcus, it's easy and simple. This is not me. I don't want to be like this."

"Teresa-"

"No! Please. No more. We're going to be late."

---

A few hours later…

Jane's POV

He sat on the cot testing its sturdiness, then laid down to find a comfortable position. He should get some rest since he was trapped where he was for an undetermined amount of time.

He adjusted a bit more, taking off his jacket to use as a pillow. It was dark except for the few emergency lights which had turned on, but they weren't very bright. He closed his eyes and let himself drift off.

"Jane! Jane! Wake up! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

He opened his eyes in confusion. Lisbon was standing next to him with a flashlight. His memory returned in a flash and he sprang up.

"The door!" he shouted, dashing for it as it closed.

"What's wrong?" she asked in confusion, reaching for the metal door at the same time.

An audible click confirmed it was too late.

"We're locked in."

"What?"

She tried the door of the replica jail cell from the 1830s. Unlike the real deal of that time that required a padlock to secure the door close, this one was fitted with a more modern lock to protect the heirlooms held within. Security had lifted all the locks on all the doors so they could conduct their investigation of the three murders at the museum. He had wandered down to this section to investigate one of the witness' statements and entered the room, the door closing automatically behind him. He hadn't thought anything of it until the power went out and he tried to get out.

"The power outage… must be some kind of security measure."

"Why didn't you just call? I'll get Cho to-"

"No service," he said, tapping on the cement blocks surrounding them.

She lifted her phone in the air looking for a signal moving around the small space. Then she extended her arm out of the bars at various locations and reached the same conclusion he had… they were stuck.

"Dammit. How long have you been in here?"

He looked at the time on his watch; 2:41 a.m.

"About an hour. I'm sure Cho or Fischer will find us eventually."

"That's unlikely," she said, looking heavenwards. "The coroner's done. Everyone was leaving. I'm the only one that was looking for you because we came together. I told Fischer and Cho to not wait for us. They're gone."

"Then we better settle in. Nobody will find us here until morning."

She pressed her forehead against the bars in frustration, holding the metal bars with her fists.

"This can't be happening."

An hour later...

"Your phone will not magically find a signal after your hundredth attempt."

"It's better than laying down and doing nothing," she accused.

"You could use some time to do nothing. You need to learn to relax."

"I relax."

"Not that I've ever seen."

"That's because you make it impossible to relax around. I never know what you're up to or what you will do next."

"Maybe. But more likely, you're wound up too tight and I'm right. You don't know how to relax."

She made an annoyed sound with her mouth at his comment. She hugged herself, rubbing her arms. She was cold, but she refused to accept his jacket and she was wearing a hole into the cement floor with her bare feet, having removed her heels.

"How about you lay down for a while and I will stand in the corner over there."

"I'm fine."

"So, you will just stay on your feet all night?"

"There's nowhere else to sit."

She eyed the cot briefly where he was laying down and turned around.

"You can sit with me."

"I'm fine."

"I'm not going to bite you. It's very distracting having you pacing like that. You're cold and it can't be helping the situation that you're barefooted on concrete."

"I'm fine, okay."

"At least take my jacket."

"I don't need your jacket."

"Why are you being so stubborn?"

"I'm not stubborn! Just stop talking. I need to think. I need to figure a way out."

"We'll get out when they find us in the morning."

"You're not even trying to find a way out!"

"I have... help will come in the morning. The power is out. We have no reception. The door is an electronic lock with no keypad. We simply have to wait it out."

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"I can think of so many more enjoyable things to do," he said suggestively.

She shot him a look and returned her attention to the bars, staring in the darkness.

"Did you know that in 1835, the-"

"No... no more facts about this place or the laws and stuff. I'm tired."

"Fine... then I'm getting some sleep."

---

4:55 a.m.

Jane's POV

He woke up slowly, opening his eyes to the unfamiliar surroundings. His mind raced briefly, then he remembered where he was. He'd dozed off. He became aware of something heavy on his legs and peered in that direction, his eyes adjusting quickly to the dark because of the emergency lights. Lisbon was asleep in a semi-sitting position; her body having slumped against his legs. She was huddled tight on the edge of the cot. She appeared cold. He reached over to touch the skin on her arm; she was freezing.

He sat up slowly, straightening out his legs as he did so, so she would slump against his chest. She didn't wake up but shivered. He unfolded his jacket then draped it around her. She sighed with relief and he pulled her gently with him into a horizontal position resting her head on his arm since there wasn't a pillow. He adjusted them on the narrow cot to ensure she didn't fall off, spooning her tightly against his chest. His suit jacket covered most of her, but her feet were still exposed. He slowly extricated himself from her, tucking her in. He touched her feet; they were stone cold. He took off his shoes, removed the wool socks she gave him, and put them on her feet. They were too big, but that worked in her favor because he was able to pull them up to almost her knees.

She shivered again and he heard her mumble something about being cold. He stared at her for a bit debating what he should do next; he didn't want to upset her. But his need to comfort her won out. He got back in behind her pulling her close against his chest again molding his body to hers to provide her extra warmth. Once he had them in a relatively comfortable position, he used his free hand to warm her up by rubbing her cold skin under his jacket. After a few minutes, he felt her body relax and he knew he succeeded.

He gazed at her, but he couldn't see much of her face from his position. He hugged her tightly, enjoying being able to hold her in his arms. She was so stubborn and he didn't know how to get through to her. He wanted to hold her like this every day but she just kept fighting him. He nuzzled her hair, breathing in her scent as he settled his head near hers on his shoulder.

He loved the way she smelled; her scent hadn't changed since the first day he met her. He used to love going in her office where her scent was embedded permanently and he always knew where she'd been as her unique scent would permeate as she moved. Her scent had always been a source of comfort for him and he didn't realize it until that first time he left her for Vegas. He had missed her with an intensity that had disturbed him at the time and he'd been determined to overcome it. But the first thing he had done upon his return was to seek out her closeness so he could breathe her in. The unsteadiness he had felt all those months without her had vanished instantaneously.

He hugged her against him again remembering how much he missed her on the island. The letters had allowed him to fake a connection with her during that time, but he knew he was in trouble when her scent had wafted to his nose as he opened the conference room door after all those years apart. When they hugged, he hadn't wanted to let her go and it had scared him. He knew he needed her from that moment on, but he hadn't clued in as to why… but he knew now… she was his home, his safe place.

Those words bounced around in his mind, amplifying the more he thought of it. Teresa had been a steady, protective, and caring force in his life. Her quiet intensity and crusading spirit were always on his side, never wavering. She gave without expecting anything in return. Saint Teresa; she carried her name well.

He rubbed the delicate bones of her wrists and hands that were so tiny that his hand dwarfed them. She snuggled against him and he held her tight, never wanting to let her go. But her words came back to haunt him. Even if she loved him, she didn't want to be with him. Although she was his safe place, he didn't provide her with the same feeling. Pike gave her that security. He'd watched her with him long enough to notice how she let her guard down around him. She smiled, giggled. She looked happy with him and that had bothered him. But she deserved to feel safe and if he couldn't give that to her, he had to back off as she requested. Maybe there was still a chance that she would allow him in her life if he respected her wishes.

A deep sadness settled into his bones. He had to let her go. There was too much damage and he couldn't put her through it anymore. He stroked her hair gently out of her face and away from her neck, exposing the huge love bite he gave her. He grazed his fingertips gently over the bruised skin. He'd behaved like a jackass, marking her on purpose. He had let his jealousy get the better of him. She had every right to be angry with him.

A bitter taste invaded his mouth as he realized that he had hurt her on purpose and tried to control her. He wasn't good for her.

He tucked her in one last time and fought the urge to sleep so he could memorize this time with her. He whispered that he loved her as often as the words popped into his mind so she could hear it in her sleep. She didn't like it when he said those words to her, but he needed to say them and it was harmless while she slept.

---

6:23 am

Fischer's POV

Lisbon denied the rumor that she and Jane had a romantic relationship back in the day, but what she was looking at now painted a very different picture. They definitely looked like ex-lovers. She'd given Lisbon the benefit of the doubt, but this confirmed her suspicions. If it wasn't for the fact that she was dating Pike and moving with him to D.C., she'd be convinced that they were lovers now the way they clung to each other in their sleep.

When Jane and Lisbon didn't arrive at headquarters for debriefing or answer their phones, they started looking for them. When the security at the museum confirmed that Jane's vehicle was still there, she headed back to figure out what had happened. When the power came back on, so did the monitors and it was easy to find them from there.

She cleared her throat loudly. They didn't stir. The power to the building had been restored, but the lights were still off in this section. She looked for the light switch and turn it on, tapping the metal bars with her flashlight to get their attention.

"Lisbon! Jane! Wake up!"

Lisbon lunged off the cot, reaching for her gun in confusion. Then her eyes settled on hers, then the door behind her.

"The door!" she croaked through her sleepy voice.

Jane sat up next but didn't move, rubbing his face with both hands squinting in the brightness of the lights.

Lisbon opened the door and breathe a sigh of relief.

"What happened to you guys?" she asked curiously.

Lisbon looked confused for a moment.

"We got locked in. No reception to call for help."

She made an oh sound, as understanding dawned on her.

Lisbon's POV

What the hell happened last night? How did Jane's socks end up on her feet? Jane's jacket was draped around her and she didn't like the knowing look Fischer was giving her just now.

And why was Jane just sitting there on the cot? She looked around for her heels and picked them up.

"We should get going," Fischer said from behind her. "We have a long drive."

She gave Jane a pointed look and he raised his eyebrows at her.

"Coming?" she asked in confusion.

"Can you give me my jacket please?"

Jane was a gentleman mostly. She would be cold if she gave him his jacket back and he knew that. He raised his eyebrows pleading with her silently.

"Guys, let's go. Security needs to get back to work."

She followed his eyes to his lap, revealing his reticence to get up. He was dealing with morning men issues. She tossed him his jacket like it was on fire and exited to give him a chance to compose himself while she distracted Fischer.

Jane caught up to them walking a short distance behind them. Once in the lobby, she stopped Fischer. She'd just finished explaining to her how Jane ended up where they were and a thought occurred to her.

"We need to get the video feeds."

They followed security. Yesterday the video feeds were unavailable because of the power outage. But they had managed to get them back online.

The IT guy was still working on the servers when they arrived.

"What are you looking for Lisbon? They will be sending all the video feeds by end of morning."

"I know, but Jane was right. Why was the victim exiting from that area… it makes no sense."

"To look at the exhibit like everyone else," Fischer said in confusion.

Jane made a contradictory sound at Fischer's observation.

"No. The witness said that they were there for a meeting, not to explore. That he disappeared during the meeting and that she'd seen him coming out of that area," she said pointing to the map of the museum on the wall. "That's why Jane went to investigate."

"It's odd. I'm sure it's a clue, but I didn't find anything," he responded.

She looked at the IT guy who was waiting impatiently.

"Can you get me the video footage from this area to this area starting from 3 p.m. yesterday?"

The guy nodded, punched a bunch of keys, and inserted a memory stick. A few minutes later, she had what she needed and they headed back to headquarters.

---

9:03 am

Lisbon's POV

There was no point going home. She felt rested enough and she wanted to chase down this lead. Fischer dropped her off at her car and she grabbed her go-bag to change into her spare work clothes. Jane had driven back by himself and he was nowhere in sight at the moment which was probably for the best right now. She had to apply a lot of concealer to hide her love bite, but she got it done. Then she settled into the conference room beside Abbott's office to view the footage on the multiple screens available.

After two hours of looking through all the feed, she found nothing. She felt deflated. She sat back and read her notes from the crime scene and the witness statements Cho and Fischer had provided from their interviews.

Suddenly, something on the screen caught her eye. She hadn't paused the video and it had continued to run past the time the victim had been there. She was now watching Jane stroll into the jail cell and look around, his hands in his pockets, approaching different areas. Then he went around again, this time touching everything in the room. She continued to watch him feeling like a voyeur. Then it went black and then the video feed refocused and changed to infrared. The emergency lights came on providing enough light for the camera and the video feed glitched again and returned to a normal setting.

The security camera had continued to record after the outage which made sense. She advanced the video, curious to see how she ended up with Jane's socks on her feet. What she saw made her feel emotional. Jane was so tender and gentle with her. She watched as he warmed her up and held her for hours. Her memory of being so cold then warm in a cocoon came back to her. He continually adjusted his jacket, ensuring she remained tucked in after she'd move in her sleep. The way he stroked her hair and nuzzled her. It was sweet… he was cherishing her, she could see it from here. Then he fell asleep because he stopped moving.

A shadow passed over them as they slept spooning together. She backed it up slowly, thinking she'd imagined it. She replayed it slowly, and there was a clear shadow of a person stopping, then walking towards the end of the hall. How did they get in? She rewinded the video feed and looked at it slowly frame by frame. The figure didn't enter by the only entrance available in that area. Excitement coursed through her because she'd found a clue… Jane's hunch had been right. Then her stomach soured… the team would see what occurred between her and Jane. That's not something she wanted.

She grabbed her laptop and headed to Fischer's office. Maybe the team wouldn't see what she saw in Jane's gestures. Maybe they would simply see a friend taking care of a friend.

Fischer's office

Fischer did not comment on what she saw in the footage beyond confirming that she agreed with her conclusion that the figure hadn't entered through the only entrance and they needed to go investigate the area one more time.

"Lisbon?"

She turned around before exiting her office with her laptop, the video feed memory stick in Fischer's hand.

"I have to give this to Wiley to try and estimate characteristics such as height and build of the shadow figure."

"I know."

"You're a great agent," she said, her eyes conveying compassion for her difficult situation. "I'm going to instruct him to look at only the section of the feed where the figure enters the frame. I'll make sure it's set at that timestamp when I give it to him."

She nodded her thanks and left, thankful that Fischer didn't comment about what she saw between her and Jane.

She expected Jane to be on his couch, but he wasn't as she made her way back to her desk. It was almost three in the afternoon. She'd started on her paperwork when Abbott called the team over into the bullpen.

"Listen, team, I have great news. That case we closed three weeks ago, the Governor took notice. He approved the funding for our unit, so that was a nice win for his administration. To reward our team, we have been invited to attend the Governor's Ball. We are being sponsored by a major campaign contributor and our Director will receive an award on behalf of our team. Attendance is required and they were nice enough to include plus-ones for everyone. There shall be no empty chairs… so everyone, make sure you have dates."

"When's the ball?" asked Fischer, frowning.

"Tomorrow night, 7 pm. Black tie… tuxedos and ball gowns."

"Sir?" asked Wiley.

"Let me finish, Wiley. You all have time off starting now to get yourselves organized. This is a priority for our Director and therefore our priority. Is that clear?"

"What about Jane?" asked Fischer.

"I'll call him."

---

Simms' Office

Simms' POV

*knocking*

She looked up and smiled. Patrick was in her doorway.

"Patrick."

"Mind if I come in?"

"Not at all."

He was smiling pleasantly and she just knew he was up to something. Not because she knew him that well but because of what she'd witnessed at the restaurant the night before.

He sat in the chair opposite her desk and she waited for him to initiate the conversation. He observed her for a moment and crossed his legs, leaning back in his chair.

"You're suspicious of my visit."

"A bit," she admitted. "We don't have any business to discuss, so it's personal. And you already turned me down for a date. So…"

"I see. Maybe I've had a change of heart?"

"I was there yesterday, remember?"

"And?"

"Can I be frank?" she asked getting up to close the door behind him.

"I wouldn't want it any other way."

"I knew something was up yesterday when you invited yourself on Lisbon and Pike's date. It's clear you and Marcus don't like each other, so I was instantly curious and agreed to crash their date only because I wanted to see what you would do. And it was quite a show. And you know what my conclusion was?"

He shrugged.

"You're in love with Lisbon."

"And you surmised all this by observing our interaction yesterday?"

"You're not the only one who can read situations, Patrick. I didn't get to my position by being dense."

His eyes narrowed on hers.

"You're misreading the situation."

"I don't think so. I was intrigued when you turned me down for a date. You're the first man to do that in a long time, you know. You were flirting with me quite a bit, so it didn't take me long to put two and two together. You were using me to annoy Lisbon."

"There's nothing going on between me and Lisbon."

"The giant hickey on her neck says otherwise. That was not there when she left the table."

"That's an interesting thing to notice."

"It's a girl thing. I noticed it, but Marcus didn't. He won't unless he... well... I guess you made sure nothing was happening between them for the next couple of days. Good power move. That will buy you time, but your behavior... the whole jealous guy routine... you're smart, but when it comes to Lisbon, you're stupid. I barely know her and I know that she would not respond well to that kind of thing."

"This has all been very interesting, Melissa. You have a career in fiction should the FBI thing get boring but I actually came here to ask you if you wanted to join me for the Governor's Ball tomorrow night."

She eyed him suspiciously. She was sure that he was hot for Lisbon and jealous as hell of Marcus. But he was too enticing to pass up even if she knew he might be playing her. She could have a bit of fun for a while. He would be entertaining. He's not the kind of guy you settled down with and that's probably where he fell short with Lisbon too, but his wittiness and charm were hard to pass up. Not to mention how good he looked.

"Okay, Patrick, I'll bite. I'm not going to pretend I'm not interested in you. I don't care if you have the hots for Lisbon as long as you show me a good time. You do know how to show a girl a good time, don't you?"

"I'll pick you up at six, tomorrow. It's black-tie formal."

He flashed her a mischievous smile and left her office.

---

4:25 pm

Lisbon's POV

"I can't believe we have to go to this thing tomorrow night. The last thing I feel like doing right now is dress shopping," lamented Fischer.

"Same," she responded distractedly.

"And we have to find dates at the last minute."

"Sam in cyber division asked about you."

"Not my type."

"He's single and probably available. That's all you need."

"Ugh. You're right. I'll go ask him. He'll need time to find a tuxedo. Can you drop this off at the lab for me?" she said turning around and heading back up the stairs.

"Sure. Good luck!"

She waved at her and headed towards the lab. It was almost four-thirty in the afternoon and she still hadn't seen Jane. She texted him and he said he was working on something; what that was he didn't say.

She wanted to talk to him about what she saw on the video feed; not the shadow figure, but what happened while she was sleeping. She was starting to doubt her conclusions. She just wanted to talk to him in person and see where it went.

The lab came into sight and the door opened, Simms and Marcus exiting at the same time. Her heart raced anxiously. She wasn't ready to see Marcus. He'd been texting her all day to check up on her and she'd been putting him off.

"Hey Teresa," he said with a questioning smile, happy to see her.

"Hey," she said to acknowledge both of them at the same time.

"Melissa was just telling me the whole team got invited to the Governor's Ball."

"Oh, how did you know? We just found out an hour ago," she asked Simms.

"I'm Patrick's plus one," she said with a huge smile. "I'm going dress shopping as soon as I'm done here."

Marcus' phone started buzzing.

"I have to take this," Marcus said walking away, mouthing 'two minutes' to her.

Simms looked at her expectantly and she smiled tightly at her not wanting to engage in small talk.

"You've known Patrick many years. Any tips on what kind of dress I should get?"

"Oh, I don't know. I have no idea."

"I was surprised he asked me actually. I thought he was seeing someone, but he assured me he's single."

Simms was looking at her strangely and she glanced at Marcus, hoping he'd come back so she could leave. But it appeared that he would be longer.

"I'll just pop this into the lab while Marcus is on the phone."

After signing over the evidence, she tried Jane one more time before heading back out.

'Where are you?'

'Why?' he responded a few seconds after.

'I need to talk to you about the case.'

'Call me.'

'In person.'

'Can't. Busy.'

She stared at her phone in frustration. She didn't bother texting him back. I guess he was still sore. She'd call him later.

When she came back out, Marcus was done on the phone and chatting with Simms.

"Sweetheart… I have to go. Just wanted to know what time I'm picking you up? I need to clear my schedule. It's black-tie right?"

"Ummm," her brain was jammed. She hadn't asked him to go with her.

"Patrick is picking me up at six," Simms provided.

"Let's do six too, then. I gotta run," he said, pecking her on the cheek. "I'll call you later."

"I have to go too," Simms said and winked at her. "Patrick's waiting for me."

All she could manage in response was an 'oh'. She headed for the stairs and Simms fell in step, apparently heading in the same direction as her.

"I'm very excited about tomorrow night. It's the event of the year and I get to go with the Director's golden boy."

"Is that why you're going with Jane? To get noticed?"

"It's a definite perk, but no. Patrick is unlike any man I've ever dated. He's smart, interesting, stimulating," she said emphasizing her last word with a sly smile. "And he's hot. As I'm sure you've noticed."

"Uh. I don't discuss my colleague's traits."

"I thought you were friends."

She chose to not respond. They arrived in the lobby and Jane was waiting by the door. He greeted both of them and the awkwardness got worse.

"Ready to go shopping?" he asked cheerfully to Simms.

Simms took his arm and they headed out. She had to walk beside them for a little bit as they made their way to their vehicles as they both flirted with each other.

Jane's car was closer and they veered in that direction as they said their goodbyes. She didn't look back and pushed away the thoughts of Jane holding her hand in that very same car just a few days ago. She considered that he was playing another game with her, but she wasn't sure.

He barely looked at her and it hurt. She just couldn't figure out if it was her pride or her heart that was wounded.

---

3 hours later…

Lisbon's POV

She made her way through the mall with her new dress in hand. As she passed a men's suit store she heard a peel of female laughter followed by a very familiar voice; Jane's voice. She peered inside through the window and her heart sank.

Jane was paying at the counter, Simms hanging on his arm. The woman looked like she wanted to gobble him up. She'll be waiting a long time for Jane to seal the deal she said to herself and instantly felt despondent. She didn't want Jane closing the deal with Simms or anyone. Jane's laughter reached her ears and she frowned; she thought he only laughed like that with her. She'd made him laugh a lot during their date and she couldn't get enough of it that night. It was such a rare occurrence in their entire acquaintance.

They started turning around to leave the store; she ducked behind the mannequin in the window and looked around for a quick escape route not wanting to be seen. A washroom sign saved her and she hightailed it there as quickly as she could.

---

Governor's Ball

Jane's POV

He glanced at Lisbon sitting across the large round table beside Pike. Everyone's bodies were angled towards the front of the ballroom as the Director of their division received his award. They'd been here two hours already and she had managed to avoid him.

When they first arrived, she had already seated herself and Pike between Wiley and Fischer, so he had no choice but to take the farthest seat from her. The large round table held twelve guests at a time, so it made it impossible for him to hold a conversation with anyone not seated directly beside him. In this case, Lina, Abbott's wife was to his right and Simms to his left.

Lisbon was in his line of sight and he noticed her glancing his way periodically, but never long enough for him to make eye contact or to even acknowledge her. Beyond their initial greeting when they arrived, she'd given him the cold shoulder.

Simms touched his leg to get his attention, leaning into him to comment on something the Director said during his speech. He immediately glanced in Lisbon's direction and caught her looking. Her posture changed; she angled her body away from him, her back was ramrod straight, her legs crossed, her hands on her lap. Pike put his arm around her chair, but she appeared uncomfortable.

The awards portion of the evening was finally done and so was the four-course meal. Abbott quietly indicated that their required presence was done and they could leave at any time, which Lisbon appeared to want to do. He could tell that Pike was trying to convince her to stay. Cho wasted no time and exited with his date as soon as Abbott had uttered the words. Fischer looked as though she was considering leaving her date here and running for the hills. Simms wanted to stay and network.

Simms rubbed his thigh and smiled when she got his attention.

"Patrick... I seem to remember you promising me a good time," she said pointing her chin towards the dance floor as the music got underway.

"When a lady wants to dance, you take her dancing," he said charmingly.

He took her hand and twirled her onto the dance floor before taking her in his arms.

"Wow. You know how to dance?"

"It comes in handy."

They smiled at each other.

"Is there anything you don't know how to do?"

"The more appropriate question is... is there anything I don't know how to fake. There's a formula to everything. Once you know it, it becomes easy."

"Such as?"

He chuckled.

"I'm not revealing my secrets."

He pulled her close to halt the conversation and looked over her shoulder to see where Lisbon was. He spotted her as he turned them around to the music standing with Lina, Abbott, and Pike near the dance floor. Pike was gesturing as he spoke with Abbott and Lina and Lisbon was staring at him, a scowl on her face. As soon as she noticed he'd seen her, she averted her eyes.

The song ended and he placed Simms' hand in the crook of his arm and walked her back towards the small group.

Lisbon's fake smile didn't reach her eyes as she greeted them. He knew she was trapped by Pike and Abbott's conversation and she was trying to be polite. Abbott pulled him into the conversation and Simms took interest and leaned in on him while they spoke, inserting her arm around his waist under his jacket. Lisbon spotted the move and rolled her eyes in response.

Simms had been all over him since before they arrived. Her intentions were clear, but he had no plans to take her up on it. The only reason Simms was by his side was to make Lisbon jealous and it was working. Simms had been right when she said that the jealous boyfriend act had been a bad move on his part; he'd figured that out all on his own. That's why he asked Simms out tonight... he was flipping the script on Lisbon.

He put his arm around Simms' shoulders, rubbing her upper arm with his hand as he responded to Lina's question. Then, as expected, Lina fed into his ruse by commenting on what a nice couple they made. Lisbon made a noise with her mouth but smiled when everyone looked at her. Pike put his arm around her waist and she stealthily moved out of his grasp. All was not well in paradise he thought.

She was obviously upset and when she was feeling that way, she did a poor job of controlling her feelings. It took a lot to get her there in the first place, Lisbon was used to conflict and emotionally charged situations. But once she reached her limit, which he'd experienced first hand on the very rare occasions, she exploded and it didn't matter who was around or watching.

"You two seem to be having a good time," Pike said with a tight smile.

Simms launched into how much fun she was having at the event, becoming the center of the group's attention.

Abbott cleared his throat beside him to get his attention. When their eyes connected, he raised his eyebrows at him, giving him a 'what are you up to' look. He just smiled at him and ignored his silent communication.

Lisbon's POV

The Director and his wife joined their small group and upon seeing Simms, he asked her how her case was going after he loaned her his prize asset, Jane.

"Patrick is a mastermind. He saved my case, actually. I was spinning my wheels for weeks. He's so smart and strategic," Simms gushed.

She could barely stand to be in the same air space as Simms right now. The woman was throwing herself at Jane and complimenting him at every turn. The constant praise was making her nauseous. Jane didn't need to have his ego inflated. Self-confidence was not an issue for him.

Marcus put his hand on her hip, as he listened to Simms talk about her case and she brushed it off discreetly. Marcus was being very handsy with her after she explained that it wasn't appropriate around her superiors. She could feel herself get more and more annoyed.

Everyone laughed at something Simms said and she offered a half-hearted chuckle, needing a stiff drink, but none were in sight. A waiter passed by and she grabbed a champagne flute from the tray.

Simms put her hand on Jane's chest while she made a point about how witty he was and how great it was working the case with him. She was appalled at the outright flirting she displayed in front of their superiors. And Jane... he was lapping it up like a little puppy, letting her give him credit for the case they worked together.

She couldn't stand it anymore.

Jane's POV

Lisbon's jaw couldn't get any tighter if she tried. If she were a cartoon, he was sure that smoke would be coming out of her ears.

He watched as she adjusted her stance and he knew she was about to confront Simms.

"Jane had help. He didn't single-handedly work the operation. We were all there."

"Of course," Simms said with placating tone.

"But it was his ability to get close to the person of interest that made it all possible," she said, directing her comment to the Director.

The Director was an attentive audience to Simms' story making the situation politically charged. Simms was definitely trying to get noticed by inflating her success with the case.

"Yes. Of course. Silly me. Jane is a one-man show. He doesn't need his FBI colleagues' help. We're just his props and sidekicks," she said pointedly to Simms.

All side conversations halted, Lisbon's aggressive tone grabbing the small group's attention.

"Teresa, I'm sorry if you don't feel properly acknowledged for your role-" Simms' said condescendingly.

"This is not about me. This is about you not recognizing the team of agents that made the operation possible, including Marcus who provided you with in-depth intel on art smuggling channels and was instrumental in helping you decipher the data that Jane collected."

"Yes, of course, Marcu-"

"And you know what else? Patrick (she said his name the way Simms had been saying it all night), doesn't do anything unless there's something in it for him. And since you didn't bring him the case, you should probably ask yourself why he chose to help you. And while you're at it, reign yourself in; you've been throwing yourself at him all night and no matter how many times he twirls you on the dance floor, he won't close the deal!"

The group collectively gasped, the Director choking on his drink.

Marcus said her name in warning, but she ignored him.

Her eyes darted to his and he knew he'd pushed her too far.

"And you! You think I don't know what you're up to? Your little game. You're an ass!"

Then, unexpectedly, she approached him; he smiled nervously unsure of her next move. She narrowed her gaze on his, her chin tilted up in challenge and without warning, she poured her drink down the front of his shirt and pants.

Abbott's POV

He cleared his throat as Pike took off after Lisbon who was moving quickly through the crowd towards the exit. Simms looked embarrassed and excused herself and Jane… he was positively radiant.

"Agent Lisbon is under a lot of strain with a case," he provided as an apology to his director.

"Yes, well. I hope she can learn to keep a more level head in the future."

"I assure you, she's one of my most level-headed agents."

"These events can be very stressful," added Lina in her defense.

He should've intervened when Lisbon became aggressive with Simms, but he found himself fascinated by what would happen next. It was clear to him that Jane had been goading Lisbon all evening and he got his just deserts. Not to mention Simms who had been inflating the results of her operation.

He gave Jane another silent questioning look and he shrugged innocently in response. One thing was clear, he seemed happy with the end result.

---

Lisbon's House, 11:03 pm

Lisbon's POV

When she arrived home Jane was seated on her steps waiting. He was still wearing his tuxedo, his bowtie undone, his hair ruffled by the breeze. His shirt still looked damp, but she couldn't tell if the pants were as well.

"I'm surprised you didn't let yourself in," she said emotionless not wanting to give anything away.

"I didn't want to give you a reason to shoot me," he said with a tiny smile.

She didn't know what to say. She was tired; emotionally and mentally. But she also felt wired. She went to the door and opened it.

"Are you coming in?"

He nodded and followed her. She tossed her purse on the side table, kicked off her shoes, and went straight for the bottle of whiskey on her mantle. She poured herself a shot and drank it to calm herself.

"Want one?" she offered.

"No thanks."

She poured another one and finished it in one go. He was just staring at her.

"What is it, Jane?"

"You're much calmer than I expected."

"Yeah, well," she shook her head. "I've been driving around."

She was about to pour herself another shot when he took the bottle from her and the glass and set them aside.

"That's not going to help. It will just give you nightmares."

She let her arms drop to her sides.

"I know we should talk, but I don't have the energy. I just want to go to sleep and pretend I didn't just embarrass myself in front of my superiors."

"It wasn't that bad."

She gave him a pointed look. She could tell that he couldn't decide whether to press her or not. He was fidgeting with his thumb, tapping it in his palm, biting his lower lip.

There was no point talking about what happened at the Ball. He wanted to get a jealous response from her and she gave it to him, leveling the playing field. Jane was Jane… he provoked. She wasn't even mad at him, she was disappointed in herself. The only question now was where they went from here because it was clear things were not done between them or Simms hanging all over him wouldn't have affected her the way it did.

The drive with Marcus had been a tense one. He figured out it was over between them before she said anything.

"It's over with Marcus."

He smiled hesitantly, his eyes expectantly holding her gaze. He took a step towards her then stopped. She was confused for a second but then realized that she'd taken a step back as he'd advanced on her. He stayed silent, waiting for her to continue.

This thing with them wasn't going away and couldn't be pushed aside as evidenced tonight. She would have to give him another chance, but she didn't know what that would look like. Everything was awkward between them and a mess.

She was curious how far he took things with Simms. It was bothering her.

"Did you sleep with her?"

"No."

"Did you kiss her?"

"No."

"Did you want to?"

He chuckled.

"Definitely, no."

"She's beautiful and… sexy."

"Yes, she is. That's why I picked her. But she's not you. I only want you."

She nodded, feeling off-balance and hating it. She didn't want to talk anymore because she just wasn't sure about anything. She didn't trust herself, she wasn't thinking clearly and she knew it. Her emotions were supercharged and all over the place.

What she did know was that she wanted to sleep, preferably in his arms, like she did in the jail cell. Although she didn't remember it, she felt so rested after and she wanted to experience the care and gentleness he displayed on the video but didn't know how to ask him, especially with everything up in the air between them. She could feel him out about it but was too tired for that too. Finally, she realized that it was better to just ask him outright and be done with it.

"Do you want to sleep with me?"

His eyes shot up in surprise and she realized what he thought she was asking.

"Not sex. Just sleep. I know that you don't want..." she trailed off not knowing how to finish that thought. "Forget it. Look, I'm just really tired."

"Lisbon-"

"It's okay. We can talk tomorrow."

She felt extremely awkward and started mounting the stairs up to her room, deciding that was the better course of action. He walked to the bottom of her stairs and called up to her. She turned mid-way up the stairs.

"I'd like to come if the offer still stands."

She nodded nervously and he mounted the steps two by two to reach her, a tiny smile tugging his lips. Her heart was beating fast as she entered her bedroom and she realized that she hadn't thought it through. What was she going to wear? Which side should she sleep on? What was he going to wear? Then she realized that all she had were sexy nighties or tank tops to sleep in. None were appropriate. She started rummaging her drawers in a panic thinking she'd wear sweats but she already knew that she'd be too uncomfortable and hot. Then she remembered her baseball jersey and found it at the bottom of her drawer. She sighed in relief.

"I'll just get ready in the bathroom," she announced.

Jane smiled uncertainly.

"This is weird, isn't it? You don't have to stay. You can go. I won't be offended."

"Changing your mind already?" he chuckled nervously.

"No. It's just. I didn't think it through. Do you need anything to sleep in?"

"Actually, I have my go-bag. I'll go get it."

When she emerged from the bathroom, after removing all her makeup, he was in her bed, on the right side, wearing silk blue grandpa-looking pajamas. I guess he chose his side, so she headed to the left and got in, her heart racing so fast, she thought Jane could surely see it. She shut the light and said goodnight.

He was laying on his back and she felt the mattress dip as he turned slightly towards her.

"No cuddling?" he said in the semi-darkness.

She wanted to cuddle him more than anything. She just didn't know how to act in this situation.

"If you want," she offered.

It wasn't completely dark in the room so she could still make out his features as he flashed her a bright smile.

"Great! Scoot over here," he said, pulling the blanket up so she could join him.

She laid her head woodenly on his shoulder, his arm coming around to hold her. The rest of her body remained beside him, barely touching. She tried to relax, but she couldn't. She closed her eyes, but she wasn't comfortable.

"This is not working," he said suddenly after a few minutes.

"You're right," she said springing off of him and sitting cross-legged on her side of the bed.

He propped himself on his elbow, placing his warm hand on her exposed knee.

"I want to cuddle with you, but you're stiff as a board. I'm not going to bite you."

"Sorry. I'm just very wired. I'm tired, but I won't be able to sleep. This was a stupid idea. I'm just going to keep you up."

"I have an idea to help you sleep-"

"I'm not letting you hypnotize me."

"That's not what I'm suggesting. But you will need to trust me a little bit."

"Tell me your idea first."

"You'll need to take off that football jersey."

"It's baseball and no."

"Why not?"

"What do you mean, why not? Why do you want me to take it off?"

"You have to trust me. I won't look, I promise. I'll close my eyes."

"No. I'm... I'm not wearing anything underneath. So, no."

The thought of Jane seeing her naked unnerved her. It was one thing to have sex, quite another to just lay naked beside him. And she had no idea what he was planning but she knew it wasn't sex.

He took her hand and kissed it.

"Naked is better for what I have in mind. You'll enjoy it more. But... you could put on some underwear and a bra. That jersey will definitely be an obstacle."

His eyes were mischievous and his lips so close. What she wanted was to kiss him. It felt weird to get naked beside him when he hadn't kissed her since the fiasco at the restaurant.

"I never took you for a prude," he goaded.

"I'm not a prude," she threw back at him. "If anyone is a prude, it's you."

He was manipulating her, but she realized that whatever he had in mind, she wouldn't be opposed to it anyway.

"Fine. Turn around and close your eyes."

She waited and then removed her jersey and slipped under the covers pulling them all the way to her neck.

"Now what?"

He turned around with the biggest smile.

"Now you come and cuddle with me again," he said tapping his shoulder.

She scooted over and placed her head on his shoulder again, keeping her arms tucked in front of her for modesty, the rest of her body straight and not touching his. He tapped his chest and asked for her arm. She hesitantly placed it on his chest and waited.

"Close your eyes."

She reluctantly closed her eyes. She's not sure why Jane thought that being naked would help her sleep, it just made her more self-conscious. Suddenly, she felt the tips of his fingers on her temple; he scrapped his short nails down her cheek, along her jawline, down her neck, and along her shoulder. Her body shuddered with pleasure as her pent-up tension released its hold on her a bit. He continued his trek along her collarbone, then her back, scrapping all the way to her waist then back up to her shoulder, and then down her arm resting on his chest all the way to the tips of her fingers. She'd never experienced anything like it. It felt so good, goosebumps raced along her skin in response.

Jane's POV

This was the biggest exercise in self-control he'd put himself through in a long time. Touching her naked body, feeling her against him, it took everything he had to keep himself in check. He wanted to kiss her but knew that if he did, he'd lose control and ruin his progress. She didn't trust him. She didn't feel safe with him. He still didn't know where he stood with her. This moment was fragile and he had to tread lightly. He wanted to show her that she could be vulnerable with him. He also wanted to use physical touch to show her how much he loved her.

When she asked him to sleep with her, he'd been shocked. He knew she hadn't meant sex at the time, she looked too beat down and tired. But it was a curious request and he wondered what had brought it about. He also didn't know if he would be up to the challenge of lying next to her again, fighting his body's responses. But her crestfallen face had made up his mind. This was the first time she'd asked for something that made her feel exposed and he didn't want to turn her down. He wanted her to trust him and feel comfortable asking for what she needed.

Her body was getting limp and he could feel the stiffness melt away. He reached down and scraped his fingernails along her hip, then her buttocks in a zigzag pattern working his way down under her thigh. Then he pulled her knee onto his hip so he could get better access to the rest of her leg. She moaned in appreciation spurring him on.

He continued his trajectory from the top of her foot working his way back up her thigh and around her hip and back down. Whatever reticence she had to him touching her like this, in the beginning, was gone now. He smiled at himself because she was finally relaxing with him, something she said she could never do.

"I think the other side is getting jealous. Want to turn around?" he suggested.

Without comment, she nodded and turned on her other side. She was under the blanket, but when he turned to adjust himself behind her so he could continue his treatment, he lifted the blanket too high and caught sight of the beautiful milky skin of her back and bottom. He closed his eyes willing his body to not respond as blood rushed to his cock. He angled himself away from her, cursing the male anatomy for being so reactive.

"Jane?" she said sleepily.

She was wondering why he wasn't done adjusting. He pressed himself against her carefully.

"Ignore that," he said as his cock came in contact with her bottom.

She stiffened. He had to go all-in and pull her flush against him to get a bit of relief. He fought the urge to press his cock against her repeatedly and turn the experience sexual. It wasn't the right time.

Her head was now resting on her pillow and he joined her there adjusting his position so he could restart her rubs. He pulled her hair away from her face and neck so he could gain better access and stilled. He'd forgotten about the love bite he gave her. She'd been covering it up with makeup, but now it was fully visible to him and reactivated his regret.

He let his fingertips trace the bruise that had turned purple now, then he kissed it. He squeezed his eyes shut knowing that getting a taste of her was too much. He was already fighting his lust with just her scent enveloping him at every turn.

"I'm sorry for hurting you," he said quietly, his fingertips skimming the damage he'd made. "I was wrong to do that to you."

"It didn't hurt," she said sleepily.

That's not what he'd meant.

"I betrayed your trust and I'm sorry."

She stiffened.

"It's okay. It's done," she provided after a few seconds.

She sounded sincere. She was so forgiving. He nuzzled her hair and inhaled her scent, hugging her close.

"I love you."

She tensed and he knew he shouldn't have said those words. She didn't respond well to them for some reason.

"You don't like it when I say that, do you?"

She shook her head. She was about to bolt from his hold. He could feel it.

"Okay," he acknowledged. "I'll wait for you to be ready."

She settled back, but the tension remained. He restarted his journey with his fingernails down her body. He stuck to the safe areas; her neck, shoulder, collarbone, hip, and leg, avoiding her breasts and belly. Before long she was asleep and he smiled in triumph. He'd done it. She'd let down her guard with him to the point of falling asleep naked in his arms.

He held her tight and let himself follow her into sleep.

Lisbon's POV

She had to pee; that's the thought that she woke up with. She tried to move but was suddenly made aware of a force holding her and she remembered that she was in bed with Jane... naked. She slowly extricated herself, grabbing her jersey as she slinked off the bed.

When she got back, he was still asleep, but on his stomach. She got back in bed, longing to be in his arms again, but not knowing how to get there. She decided to observe him for a bit; watching him sleep was one of her guilty pleasures. She'd done so for so many years, that she had memorized him in this state. His sleeping features were familiar but still fascinated her. She wondered what he dreamed about, if he dreamed of his family and if they were happy dreams. She prayed they were.

Although his sleeping figure was familiar, she now had a new preoccupation... she wondered what it would be like to trace his lips, stroke his curly hair, kiss his eyelids. She was trying to imagine it when his eyes fluttered open and a huge smile broke across his lips.

"Hey, sleeping beauty. Why're you so far away? I miss you."

Her heart soared with his words. He made room for her and she snuggled back against his chest.

"I think I have successfully demonstrated my skills at relaxing you," he gloated.

"That did feel very good," she conceded.

"I think I've turned you into a floozie."

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, you heard me," he chuckled. "I bet you'd do anything for more of those, huh?"

He wasn't wrong in that estimation.

"Where did you get the idea to do that?"

As she said it, she knew she didn't want to know the answer.

"Forget it. I don't want to know."

He pushed away from her slightly so he could look into her eyes.

"Why don't you want to know?"

"It's just that... obviously, you got that from... you know. Being with another woman."

"Ah."

"It's okay... I really don't want to know."

"It was Charlotte."

"Oh."

"When we finally got her to sleep in her toddler bed, she'd come up with all kinds of excuses as to why she couldn't possibly fall asleep. Her legs were itchy, her thumb hurt, she had a scratch that needed a band-aid. She was thirsty. One particular night, she had me scratching her back, then her legs, then her arms. Before I knew it, I was doing it every night before bed. She said she couldn't sleep without her rubs. So, I would sit on the floor beside her bed and scratch her from head to toe until she fell asleep."

"I can see why. You are really quite good at it."

"Well then, you can expect it every night."

She chuckled, not sure if he was serious. It was addictive, she'd love nothing more than to fall asleep like that every night.

He was stroking her hair, holding her loosely in his arms. She was starting to really dislike his grandpa-looking pajamas. She wanted to feel his skin on her cheek. She adjusted her body, seeking the bare flesh of his neck. When she made contact, she sighed, smelling his skin, nudging him with her nose. Her hand roamed along his flank and found its way under his shirt, making contact with his warm skin. She kissed his neck and he groaned.

"Teresa," he said breathlessly. "Do you want to make love?"

She paused her progress on his neck, tensing. Why did he have to put so much emotional weight on everything?

"Jane, seriously. Why do you have to talk like that?"

"First, you need to call me Patrick if you're going to be kissing me and lying in my arms. Second, talk like what?"

"Making love?" she repeated. "It's just sex. Adding a label doesn't change what's happening."

"You don't think there's a difference between sex and making love?"

"No. There's no difference. There's good sex and bad sex... and okay sex. There's exciting and boring. And you can have the best sex with a stranger and the worse with a lover. So... no. I don't see the difference except for the label."

"When you love someone, you take more care with them, before, during, and after sex. The difference is how you feel."

"Okay. If you say so."

"You don't believe me?"

"No. To me, it's the same. It's just... sex. It's not even a big deal."

"Would you like me to show you?"

"Are you saying you want to have sex with me?"

"No. I'm asking if you want to make love with me."

She rolled her eyes. She realized that she didn't care what label he put on it. Sex was sex and he was ready to play. But suddenly she got cold feet. He'd been running so hot and cold with her on it, she felt unsure. She looked into his eyes, feeling confused. They hadn't talked about dating again and it would seem that Jane took her invitation to sleep with her as confirmation that they were back together, which saved her a conversation at least.

"Do you have a spare toothbrush?"

That was a strange question. They were talking about sex and now he was changing the subject. She felt disappointed.

"Oh. Um… No."

"Can I borrow yours?"

What was he going on about?

"Why?"

"Because I'd like to brush my teeth before we make love."

"You're serious."

He smiled at her. "Very."

He let go of her and rolled out of bed. She chased after him as he rummaged in her cupboard. He found her toothbrush and she yanked it out of his hand.

"You can't use my toothbrush!"

"Why not?"

"It's not sanitary."

"How?"

"My germs are on it."

"Doesn't bother me."

"Well, it bothers me."

"Okay, then you brush your teeth first and I'll go after you."

"I don't want to brush my teeth at... at... what time is it? It's still nighttime I'm sure of it!"

He looked at his watch.

"It's just past three in the morning."

"I knew it! It's the middle of the night."

"What's that?" he said pointing to something behind her.

She looked behind her and he grabbed her toothbrush and stuck it in his mouth with a grin. Then he pulled it out to put toothpaste on it and started brushing. She was so shocked, all she could do was stare. He was enjoying himself, smiling at her as he brushed.

"Minty fresh," he said when he was done.

She looked at her toothbrush and place it back in the holder in the cabinet. Then she heard the water from the shower go on.

"What are you doing?"

"Taking a shower."

He started undressing and her eyes went round, the saliva leaving her mouth as he removed his pajama shirt.

"Join me."

"No! I'm not taking a shower with you!"

"Why not?"

"We haven't... we... I..." she made a frustrated noise with her mouth. "We haven't had sex yet and you want me to just get naked with you in the shower?"

"Yes. C'mon."

"I don't feel comfortable. No."

"So, you are comfortable having sex with me, in the dark I presume, but not having a shower with me?"

"Don't turn this around on me. This is weird!"

"Trust me. Please."

She made a frustrated noise with her mouth. Why did everything have to be so complicated with him all the time?

"You take your shower first, I'll take one after."

"I want to take a shower with you. C'mon. It will be fun."

He had a tiny smile, his eyes watching her expectantly.

"C'mon, Teresa."

Ugh. If anything, she wanted to see where he was going with all this.

"Fine. Turn around. Don't look."

"Is that how it's going to be when we're making love. I can't look," he teased.

"You know. This is a lot of work, Jane-"

"Patrick," he interrupted.

"Patrick," she repeated. "I hope you're good at it."

He smiled broadly.

"I hope so too. It's been a long time."

She took off her jersey and dropped it on the floor. She wasn't feeling turned on, only annoyed at this point.

"Okay, your turn."

He turned around and she saw his eyes go wide with appreciation, his gaze starting to roam.

"Uh-huh, mister. Keep your eyes up here," she indicated her eyes with her two fingers.

"Well, that's no fun."

"Until I know what kind of fun you have in mind, that's how this will go."

He was still wearing his pajama bottoms, but they did nothing to hide his reaction to her nakedness. Maybe this shower would be fun after all. She'd finally get to see a full-frontal instead of just his backside from that night in the motel room.

She raised her eyebrow at him waiting for him to even the playing field and get naked like she was. He smiled and dropped his pants. She sucked in her breath; he was stunning. Her eyes met his and he took her hand, pulling her to him and into the shower.

"Wait!"

"What?" he asked.

She grabbed her shower cap from the hook. She did not want to deal with the tangled mess of her hair when it got wet. She just washed it tonight before the ball; she didn't need to wash it again.

He looked at her in her shower cap and chuckled.

"That's an interesting prop you've added to our adventure."

"Ha, ha, ha," she fake-laughed. "I can't get my hair wet, okay. Let's just get this over with."

"Over with? Let's have a bit of fun first."

"What do you have in mind?" she asked cautiously.

He got under the stream and the sight of him took her breath away. Her entire body started humming in anticipation.

"Now we wash each other."

"No."

"Why do you keep fighting me on every point?"

"Why are you making this weird again."

"Why is this weird? Why is a man wanting to get his woman naked and his hands on her, weird?"

"Because the man could have had his hands on her a while ago in bed. He probably would've had what he wanted by now."

"Meh. You have no patience, Teresa. Always rushing. You know what's weird? The cats and rainbows on this hideous thing you're wearing."

"It… it… was a gift… from my niece."

He chuckled with a lopsided smile.

"Why are you lying to me?"

"Fine. I bought it okay. It was the only one there and I didn't want to run around to find another one."

"No… that's not right either."

She made a frustrated sound with her throat.

"Fine! Fine! I bought it because I liked it, okay!"

She grabbed the shower gel aggressively, dumped a heap full in her hand, and slapped it on his chest.

"There… is that what you want… I'm washing you."

He was smiling down at her wickedly as she rubbed the soap onto his chest, watching the blond hairs get soapy. She became enthralled by the way the foamy bubbles clung to his skin working her way down over his abs. How did he have abs she wondered? His cock was fully erect and she really wanted to explore its size but hesitated. This was Jane… the thorn in her side. When she was driven by lust, she felt comfortable and bold touching his body but every time, he'd been clothed. Now he was naked.

Reading her hesitation, Jane took hold of her wrist, moved it to his cock, and wrapped her fingers around it. She looked up into his face in surprise and he shrugged.

"Might as well get acquainted with it," he shrugged with a smile.

Excitement coursed through her but a part of her was still worried he would pump on the brakes.

She grabbed more soap and massaged him, wrapping her fingers around his girth. He was wider than the men she'd been with and slightly larger she thought. He was pulsating in her hand and she squeezed him, pulling at the same time. A guttural sound escaped him.

"I wouldn't get too aggressive with it right now or the curtain will go down before the show starts," he said cheekily.

"Oh really?"

"Then you'd have to wait…" he trailed off.

That got her attention. She eased up on him. She wanted the full performance. She ran her thumb around the rim of the head of his cock, the thought of him inside her making her core start to throb uncomfortably. She watched her hands trailing them back up, skimming his hips, his belly, and then his chest. The soap provided the perfect consistency for exploration. She rounded his wide shoulders and soaped up his muscular arms.

"Well… what do you think? Do I pass?"

"Pass what?"

He raised his eyebrows at her.

"Inspection. You're observing me as though under a microscope."

"Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. I'm just curious about what you're thinking."

"It's weird, okay. That's what I'm thinking. And how is it you're so fit? I break my ass at the gym every day and you lay on the couch. How is that fair?" she pouted.

"I exercise."

She made a disbelieving noise with her mouth.

"Well... Do you like what you see?" he asked suggestively.

"Fishing for compliments now?"

He shrugged shyly.

"Maybe. Just from you."

Her tough exterior shell softened a bit. She placed her hands flat against his chest.

"You know you're very handsome."

"But what do you think?"

"I think you drive me crazy… and… I find you very handsome."

"You're a little stingy with the compliments. The male ego is a fragile thing, you know. You may want to work on that."

He smiled crookedly, his hand suddenly coming into her peripheral view; he stroked her upper chest with the back of his fingers slowly working his way down her breast, then her nipple. She watched his movement, her nipples becoming erect.

She looked up into his face and his eyes locked with hers; they were heavy with lust. She wanted him to kiss her, but he turned her around instead, pressing her back against his chest. He soaped up his hands and cupped her breast, paying attention to her erect nipples, making her moan. All his movements were deliberate and slow increasing her arousal. Then he moved down to her belly, the sight of his hands on her adding to her lust.

He grabbed some suds from her tummy and pushed it down between her legs, his long fingers finally making contact with her throbbing core. He messaged her slowly building up her desire to uncontainable heights. It was almost too much, but she didn't want him to stop. He used the showerhead to rinse her off, the jet of the stream stimulating her further, and then he returned his attention to her sex, inserting his fingers inside her after each stroke making her legs weak.

He pressed his erection against her repeatedly, kissing and sucking her neck. His breathing changed cadence and she knew he was losing control. Then he stopped and hugged her close, his breath ragged.

"Let's take this to the bed where it's safer."

He turned off the water and she tossed him a towel. He dried off quickly and came to her while she was still working on her legs.

"I can't make love to you with this thing on," he said pulling her shower cap off.

His eyes lit up as her hair cascaded down her shoulders. He moaned in appreciation, grabbing the towel from her hand and dropping it to the floor. He walked her backward to her bed, the back of her legs hitting the edge, then he pushed her down.

His eyes on hers were intense as he took her in. Then he inserted his knee between her legs pushing them apart. She adjusted herself further on the bed to make room for him. He kept one leg on the floor and the other on the bed, watching her. His jaw was set so tight, she could see he was struggling for control.

"You're so beautiful."

Their eyes locked and she pulled him to her. He settled between her legs, their mouths hungrily attacking each other. His taste was infusing in her mouth, the texture of his lips and tongue driving her mad. He darted his tongue against hers, dominating her to her intense enjoyment, grinding his hardness on her core.

He ripped his mouth away, pressing his forehead against hers, panting heavily.

"Protection. I didn't bring any."

Her brain jammed struggling to switch gears. His request threw her off-balance and she didn't know why.

"I have some," she answered distractedly, disengaging from him to retrieve it.

She opened her drawer unable to find what she was looking for, panic gripping her. She could feel his eyes on her as she rummaged through her stuff.

"Teresa, what's wrong?" he asked softly.

His words made her tear up and it made no sense to her. She tried to reign it in but she couldn't.

Suddenly, the condoms appeared before her and she tossed him the tiny box and bolted to the washroom not wanting him to see the tears running down her cheeks uncontrollably.

He knocked at the door, but she couldn't answer. What was wrong with her? She took a couple of deep breaths. She needed to figure out why she felt so upset.

"Teresa?"

"I'm okay. I just need a minute," she answered with as normal a voice she could muster.

Jane's POV

He waited on the other side of the door confused. She didn't lock the door but he didn't want to invade her privacy. He grabbed his boxers and put them on.

Finally, she opened the door and stood there. She was wearing her jersey again. She shut the light, took his hand, and crawled back into bed. She laid on her side pulling him with her. He stretched out behind her leaving space between them. She reached behind her for his hand and pulled him closer. He spooned her tightly, bringing the blanket on top of them, and stroked her hair, waiting.

"I'm clean. I guess we should've covered that topic before starting this. I always use protection. It's all I use," she paused. "There's never been an exception."

She intertwined their fingers. He could tell this was an awkward conversation for her but he didn't know why. As a sexually active adult woman, she would've had this conversation often in her life.

"I haven't been with Marcus in over a month. Thought you should know that. Just scheduling issues, nothing was wrong."

"Is this about him?" he asked confused.

"No! No."

She was tense.

"Then why were you upset just now?"

She was playing with his fingers, rubbing his hand. She was fidgeting, something she rarely did.

"I don't know."

He could tell she was thinking about what to say.

"I thought… I…"

He waited patiently.

"I thought it would be different. Forget it. It's dumb."

"Tell me. I promise I won't find it dumb. What would be different?"

"Sorry… I can't. I… It's hard to explain. It's dumb. I think I'm just overtired. Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. We don't have to make love until you're ready."

"It's not that."

Now he really was confused. He heard her take an audible breath. She restarted fidgeting with his hand and he waited again.

"I guess I torpedoed this one."

"There's no rush, Teresa. I'm happy to just hold you until you're ready."

She intertwined their fingers again. Something was bothering her and she couldn't get it out.

"Just tell me. No matter what you say, it will be okay."

She turned around and kissed him instead. She was trying to re-initiate sex.

"Teresa, we can't do this if you're not ready."

"I am," she said kissing his neck. "And so are you."

His erection had roared back to life and was throbbing uncomfortably but he didn't want her to regret this later.

"If you're ready, then tell me what happened earlier?"

She stared at him for a few heartbeats then she took a deep breath.

"Okay. I guess I want to know if you're serious about us?" she asked hesitantly.

"Of course. You know how I feel."

She was holding her breath, her body still tense. He could tell his answer wasn't what she'd been looking for but he couldn't fathom what she was thinking.

"Okay."

"Okay, what?"

She was distractedly playing with his chest hairs.

"This is not a game?" she asked quietly, looking into his eyes. "It's the real deal?"

"This is real, Teresa. I want to be with you. I'm not going anywhere," he reassured her.

She relaxed a bit, but her eyes didn't seem convinced. She was thinking, her brows stitched together as she watched him. He held her gaze, letting her search for what she needed in his eyes. Her hand came up and stroked his lips softly, tracing their outline. Her eyes darted to his mouth and when they returned to his eyes, she seemed decided.

"Okay… I believe you."

There was more to this. He scanned her face, searching for a clue, but couldn't find one. He couldn't push her for more tonight, he could tell that was all she was going to give up.

She pushed away from him, disappointment in her every move.

"I guess I ruined the moment."

"You didn't ruin anything. Nothing at all. As long as I get to hold you, I'm happy. I-" he hesitated, about to say he loved her, but remembered his promise to wait until she was ready.

"I know," she responded.

His heartbeat accelerated. She acknowledged his feelings for her and that was a start.

She bent over and kissed him sweetly, her tongue darting out and touching his, igniting his lust again. He pulled her back in his arms and she reached between them to rub his erection. The fire reignited between them, their mouths dueling trying to take what they needed from each other.

Suddenly, a white-hot blankness cut off his rational thoughts as his body took over. He rolled her onto her back pulling off her jersey and devoured her neck, then her breasts. He kissed her belly, wanting to slow things down, but she was bucking her hips, her need as urgent as his own after all their foreplay and pent-up frustration. He pushed down his boxers and settled himself at her entrance, controlling her hips with his. Dammit, where were the condoms? He frantically looked around for the box, but couldn't see it; he'd just thrown it onto the bed earlier. She was kissing and sucking his neck, her legs wrapped around his. He squeezed his eyes shut trying to regain control because all he wanted to do was bury himself inside her for relief. Her legs were applying pressure to his to join their bodies. She was chanting his name, begging, pulling him to her. He couldn't fight it anymore.

"Look at me," he said desperately.

Her eyes flew open, wide with lust and he pushed inside her groaning in absolute relief. Fighting his biological need had been torture. Her eyes rolled back and closed as she moaned softly at his quick possession. He stretched her as far as he could reach, shaking from his effort to maintain control and not wanting to come on the first thrust.

He waited for her to open her eyes again and when she did, she smiled. She pulled him down for a kiss and his heart soared with love for her. He kissed her softly, slowly thrusting inside her, as his body got used to the sensation of making love again. She was tight but very wet, their size difference showing. He didn't want to hurt her but it was difficult to control himself after all this time.

Lisbon's POV

Her entire body was like liquid fire. The sensation of him inside her was unlike anything she'd experienced before. She could feel him and all the ridges of his erection rubbing her inner channel. Every stroke sent bolts of pleasure to her core building the tension inside her. He was kissing her neck, sucking the spot under her ear adding to her excitement.

He brought his mouth back to hers increasing his speed, his need building. He panted his breath into her mouth, his lips lightly touching hers as he took her harder and faster. She couldn't breathe as her body focused all its energy on the one sensation he was creating with their union. She closed her eyes unable to focus, holding on to him.

"Teresa," he called to her breathlessly.

Their eyes locked and the chemistry between them changed. He slowed down, his strokes deep and purposeful. He kisses her sweetly asking her if she was okay between kisses and if she liked what he was doing to her. He was so considerate of her feelings, checking in with her. That wasn't something she'd experienced before.

She smiled and used one of her close combat moves on him and flipped him on his back. He smiled questioningly at her. She impaled herself on him in response, his cock reaching the uppermost limit of her inner channel. She moaned as she rode him slowly. His warm large hands cupped her breasts and played with her nipples, then roamed her belly. The sinew of his arms turned her on even more; she stroked his forearms as he held her by the hips. He felt so good inside her.

Suddenly, she could see a strain in his features, his cock stretching her further if possible. He was trying to not come, so she slowed down not wanting their coupling to end. His eyes opened and watched her. He gripped her hips firmly, stopping her movements completely, clenching his teeth. He took a few deep breaths, his eyes squeezed shut; then he opened his eyes and smiled. That smile was her kryptonite.

She reached down to trace his lips, the urgency of her body's release not a focus anymore. She leaned over him and kissed him softly; his hands cupping her bottom. She rested her elbows on his chest and watched him. He smirked, remaining silent. She kissed the tip of his nose, then the outer corners of his eyes. She smoothed her fingertips across his eyebrows taking in all his features.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" she asked, her voice husky to her ears.

"Very much. You?"

"Very much," she responded the same.

She caressed his face taking in his features. He was beautiful. Then she realized… she was making love with him. It was different than sex. She could feel it. He'd been right but she wasn't able to verbalize that to him. Her heart flooded with tender emotions for him, her whole being suddenly needing full contact with him at every point with an urgency she wasn't prepared for. She kissed him passionately and was rewarded with a guttural groan as he reciprocated her ardor. His hands squeezed her bottom and she instinctively undulated her hips, rubbing her core against him, the stimulation making her feel mindless, her heart and body just wanting more and more of him. She sucked his bottom lip, needing him with an intensity she didn't know how to quench from her position.

As though sensing her problem, he flipped their position, taking over the momentum of their lovemaking. He leaned over, his lips grazing hers, his breath becoming hers as he thrust slowly. She could see emotions passing across his eyes. It was intense, too intense, but she felt hypnotized, unable to look away.

He increased his speed until he was thrusting wildly into her giving her what she needed. She held him close, her arms around his neck, her legs around his thighs.

The sensation became too much and her breath caught as she climaxed, surprising her. She'd never orgasmed with a man before. He groaned loudly in response as she spasmed around him, thrusting deeply as he came inside her, his warm essence filling her.

She hugged him close to her as he buried his face in her neck, his weight pinning her as he continued to pulsate inside her, both of them breathing erratically, their hearts pounding against each other.

She never wanted him to let her go and that feeling caused her such a panic, she felt like she was suddenly suffocating. She tried to quell the panic she felt. She needed distance but she didn't want to ruin this moment. She wanted to tell him that she loved him, but she couldn't get the words out.

He was heavy and impeding her breathing but his weight was also comforting. He slowly pulled out, pulling her into his arms as he turned on his back. He didn't say anything and she was thankful. Her thoughts were racing trying to figure out why she wanted to bolt.

He stroked her arm that was laying on his chest. Their breathing returned to normal and he was watching her. Her heart raced. She could tell something was bothering him. He hesitated, his eyes searching hers.

"Sorry. I couldn't hold it."

Oh. He hadn't meant to come inside her. She felt her face get hot.

"It's okay," she said hurriedly.

He frowned.

"You're sure?"

"Very," she reassured.

It was getting awkward again. She felt uncomfortable in her skin. Sadness filled her heart and she tucked her head on his chest so he wouldn't see. She couldn't get pregnant, not without intervention. He had nothing to worry about. But that information was still fresh and felt too raw and private to share with him right now. She had no idea what he wanted. It was too new between them to even tackle that question. Not to mention the fact that he'd just had sex with her with his wedding ring on.

"Are you okay?" he asked, lazily running his fingertips along her spine.

She nodded from her position on his chest. A few minutes passed when he broke the heavy silence.

"You're my home, Teresa. No matter where you go, or what happens between us, that will never change for me. I hope someday I can be your home too."

She wanted to reciprocate but knew she couldn't. What he wanted she couldn't give right now.

"It was different," she acknowledged instead.

His hand stilled on her back and he adjusted so he could make eye contact.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

That got her a boyish smile. She smiled back at him and traced his lips. He sucked in her finger making her giggle in surprise.

"You're more like my ball and chain, actually. I've been shackled to you for years," she teased.

All his teeth came out in a brilliant smile as he chuckled at her ribbing.

"It's about time you figured out you can't get rid of me."

"I've known that for a very long time," she responded and kissed him.

He pulled her leg up onto his hip and tickled her. The motion caused his semen to leak out of her, another new experience for her tonight. She froze and he chuckled.

"It's okay," he soothed, kissing her.

"It's all over your leg," she said against his lips.

He agreed with a moan, kissing her neck.

"Messy is always better."

Then without preamble, he flipped her on her back and gazed at her.

"You're beautiful."

"You said that already."

He kissed her collarbone.

"You need more variety?" he said kissing her neck.

"I figured you'd be more than a one-liner."

He laughed heartily, his eyes twinkling.

"Okay… let me see…" he trailed off.

He traced his fingertips lightly across the delicate skin of her chest. She held her breath.

"I've been thinking about these freckles for a long time. Wondering how far they went."

He kissed her ribcage under her breast.

"No freckles here."

He kissed her belly button, then her hip. "Or here."

He came back up and settled on his elbow beside her, pulling her snugly against his side, his free arm circling her.

"You have the most beautiful expressive eyes. You hide a lot of secrets behind them. Some I hope you can share with me someday."

He held her gaze waiting. The way he looked at her made her want to unload her heart, but she couldn't.

He traced her cheek, then her nose, stopping at her lips. She swallowed, his voice, his words, her only focus.

"Your lips… I love the way they look when you're mad. I'm guilty of annoying you on purpose just so I can see your pouty mouth."

She frowned and pinched him; he winced.

"And that right there…" he said, indicating her eyes. "I love the spark you get in your eyes when you're mad and the way you march around, your breasts bouncing, your tight ass walking away."

"I can't believe you!"

She tried to pinch him again, but he caught her wrist this time and placed it above her head. He held it there, their eyes locking. She was turned on by his dominant gesture and he smiled as he realized she enjoyed it.

"Hmmm… my little Teresa," he acknowledged knowingly. "You like that don't you? Surprised yourself?"

He kissed a trail from her breasts to her belly, only briefly stopping at her mound. Then he surprised her by pushing her legs apart and bending her knees, his hands gripping her thighs as he looked at her. He groaned in appreciation and her body flushed with anticipation, her blood pumping faster making her body hum. It felt strange to be this exposed to him like that; she felt shy but that feeling evaporated when he threaded his hand through her manicured curls, rubbing her with his palm.

She couldn't contain her moans, her core too over-sensitized from their love-making earlier. He spread the flesh of her sex to his gaze, rubbing his thumb slowly along the exposed sensitive areas. His eyes were heavy with lust when they made contact with hers before he settled himself between her legs and kissed her intimately.

She arched her back in pure pleasure as he feasted on her. When he inserted his fingers, she lost all control. He held her in place as she fought the intense sensation that she wanted to ride. She was coming, and she panicked because no man had ever made her come from that position; she was no longer in control and she didn't like it. He eased up his onslaught, coming up to gaze in her eyes. He kissed her, the taste of her sex on his lips mingling with his taste in her mouth. She kissed him hungrily as he continued to stimulate her.

"I want to feel you come," he said huskily. "Don't hold back from me."

She was lost in sensations unable to speak, wanting her release like a junky needing their next high.

She held onto the sheets at her sides as he took over and pushed her over the edge. Her breath caught as stars exploded behind her eyes and her body tweaked uncontrollably. She rode the familiar wave of pleasure for the second time tonight, her body going limp, unable to move if her life depended upon it.

Jane crawled back on top of her, his eyes blown up with lust.

"You taste so good," he said, kissing her hungrily. "I don't know what I love more, the way you smell or the way you taste."

His kiss was frantic, his wickedly artful tongue plundering her mouth infusing her taste and reactivating her lust and function to her limp satiated body.

"I want you again," he panted, his hardness nudging her entrance, his eyes requesting permission to take what he needed.

She nodded and used her legs to put pressure on his hips, indicating her need. He push inside her, both of them groaning in pleasure at being unified again. He took her savagely this time, every stroke stimulating her over-sensitized channel, sending waves of pleasure throughout her body, building her up to another climax. She held on tight, moaning loudly, unable to stop herself, his name on her lips over and over again. It felt so good to say his name as he made love to her.

Another climax gripped her; he collapsed on top of her again, her name on his lips as he emptied himself inside her again. The more stimulated she was the more sensitive she was to every single motion as he pulsated. That feeling was so intense, it felt like he was a part of her. He tried to remove his weight but she held him in place, so he laid back on top of her and kissed her sweetly.

"That was amazing," she panted.

"I agree," he said kissing her neck.

"Was that a fluke you think?"

"A fluke?" he asked with a puzzled look on his face.

She smiled wide at him, amusement in her eyes.

"You're a little jokester after making love I see."

He rolled onto his back, still breathing laboriously. He seemed unbothered by his nakedness. She decided he had the right idea and just stayed in the same position he left her in. She just couldn't move anymore.

"Do you think you could call me Patrick when you're in the throes of passion?"

"Jane," she started, then stopped herself. "Sorry."

She reached out and made contact with his belly, rubbing it in a comforting motion; it was the only contact she could muster at that moment.

"Why does it bother you so much? To me, you're Jane. Calling you Patrick just seems foreign in my mouth."

"I don't know."

"I will try to call you Patrick," she conceded.

He patted her hand on his belly in acknowledgment.

"Maybe I should practice. How about you go for an encore so I can work on getting it right."

He chuckled, his shoulder shaking against hers.

"You already got your encore. I need some time to recover you little vixen."

She smiled at his playfulness.

"We should get some sleep. We have work in a few hours," he added.

He sat up, grunting from the effort. She rolled off the bed on her side and headed to the washroom. He was watching her when she closed the door.

She finished peeing and thought about how happy she felt. She had just had the best sex she'd ever had and it was with Jane. He was a dominant and caring lover; a combination she surprisingly enjoyed. She smiled to herself dreamily; this thing with him was real.

She reached into the shower and turned it on.

"What are you doing?"

She yelped in surprise.

"Cleaning up."

He propped his shoulder against the newly open door.

"Uh-huh," he made a negative noise with his mouth.

He pulled her into his arms, holding her loosely.

"You just took a shower and I know you're clean because I washed you."

He kissed her neck.

"And we had sex-" she added.

"We made love," he corrected her, kissing her collarbone.

"Jane!"

"Patrick."

"Stop correcting me."

He smiled brightly and she realized he'd been egging her on for a reaction.

"You're too adorable when you're mad. I can't help myself."

"Try."

She pushed away from him but he pulled her back.

"Come to bed. I'm tired."

"I'm all sticky. I need a shower."

Her lower body and thighs were covered in his semen from standing and walking around.

He made a show of breathing her in.

"I didn't think your scent could be any more alluring... but post-coital, you are absolutely intoxicating."

He pressed her against him, his hands roaming her body. Only Jane could use the word post-coital in a sentence and turn her on.

"Why do you want to wash off my scent from you?" he whispered in her ear, the tone of his voice thrilling her.

His hand gripped the back of her thigh and moved to the apex of her bottom, his fingers stroking her sex from behind. His eyes locked on hers, then he inserted his fingers, extracting a moan from her. She pressed her face in his chest, closing her eyes to enjoy his ministration.

"I made you mine," he punctuated his statement by rubbing the semen from inside her on her sex. "Don't you like being mine?"

This was a side of him she didn't expect but it turned her on unexpectedly. This was the first time a man had ever ejaculated inside her. She never realized how messy it was and carnal at the same time. Her whole body was buzzing. He kissed her, moving his mouth to her neck, then he licked her from her collarbone to her ear. She shuddered from the sensation.

"You're mine."

His gaze was intense as he communicated wordlessly with her. If any other man had uttered these words to her, she would have put him in his place quickly. But with Jane, she didn't mind; she wanted to be his. She wanted him to claim her, she'd been waiting a long time for him to do so. His hand reached up and stroked the hair away from her forehead and he tucked it behind her ear, his fingertips feathering her jawline. Then he smiled... so brightly, she wanted to lose herself in it.

"Come to bed," he said softly.

He turned off the faucet and walked her back to bed. She was so used to showering after sex that she never considered the intimacy of sleeping with his essence inside her and on her, his taste and scent all over her body. It was obviously important to him and it made her feel primal and close to him.

He wrapped her tightly in his arms, both of them still naked. She hated sleeping with anyone touching her. The men who had spent the night with her were few and far in between. The nights she slept with Marcus, he had to stay on his side of the bed. With Jane it was different; she needed close contact, she craved it. She liked the way he was holding her tight. It made her feel cherished and loved and more than anything, that's what she wanted from him.

"Sweet dreams," he wished her softly.

She closed her eyes and let herself get lulled to sleep by his steady breathing.

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A/N: Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Let me know your thoughts. Next chapter will be up in 3 weeks. :-)