This chapter contains mature content, that based on review, I'm assuming you've all been looking forward to. Please excuse my lack of experience in writing this type of literature. I'm hardly experienced in any form of writing in general. Thank you so much for staying around this long, the story going to pick up again in the next chapter! I think you'll like it :)

Here's something to hold you off until then, I figured this chapter was past due. My beta has been occupied lately and wasn't available to edit this chapter, so keep that in mind when you're reading this more-than-likely-flawed update. Thanks again! You're all wonderful. Feedback as always is cool! Happy May 4th to all the sci-fi people! xo -Liz

_chapter 8_

Virginia was hesitant in bringing her sister-in-law shopping on her only day off, until her and Andy's vacation, but she knew she was better of with another woman's opinion. She'd never gone shopping completely alone. Of course, Kate was more than willing to accompany her to the small, high end boutiques. Virginia was pretty certain that she had her answer before she had even finished saying the word shopping.

Kate could often be overbearing or a little condescending, but Virginia promised herself she would find a way to put that aside for the day. After all, she was her brother's wife, and nieces' mother.

As usual, the younger blonde showed up much later than planned. Virginia however was used to it by now and planned around it. She greeted the younger woman at the door with her things, ready to go.

"Sorry I'm a little late. Traffic," the other woman said, shrugging her shoulder.

Virginia checked her watch; fifteen minutes late isn't a little late. She nearly scoffed at the poorly decided excuse. It's Los Angeles, the traffic is always bad.

They left the house and made small talk, mostly about the shopping Kate had done and other things that Virginia couldn't care for, but tolerated. After knowing the woman for years through her brother, she learned from how Brandon reacted in these situations and adopted them for her own. It was much easier staying quiet and waiting for times like these to passover than put up a fuss. "So how's that boyfriend of yours, Andrew doing? He must be at work today."

Virginia's hands fidgeted in her lap from worry as to where she would take the conversation. "He's good. The division just finished a big case, so it's nice to have the break."

Having no interest whatsoever in her sister-in-law's answer, Kate decided to get more specific.

"It's been what, almost two, three years since you've been together now."

With wide eyes, Virginia corrected her. "Almost a year, actually."

"Well what do y'know!? Time really flies, he already feels like family."

The thought of Andy being considered a part of her family brought a small smile to her face. Kate was right, it had felt so much longer than a year. Andy had so quickly become a huge part of her life. So much had happened in the past year for both of them, that she couldn't imagine her life without him anymore. Things that used to drive her crazy, like finding aftershave on the counter, or his boxers kicked under the bed had become normal to her.

"Are you two doing anything special..?"

Virginia could tell by her suggestive tone, that she was getting at something else but she wan't sure what. "Well, Andy said something about going away for the weekend. I don't know where. I don't want him to have to take too much time off work."

The other woman grinned devilishly. "Ooh! That sounds exciting."

Virginia nodded, trying to figure out where her sister-in-law was taking this. She looked over and saw a devious grin on Kate's face. "I know where we're going shopping, then."

Once they'd grabbed a few drinks from a nearby cafe that Kate was always raving about, Virginia followed her down the busy street filled with boutiques that she would never know what to do in. Every few weeks like today, Kate would drag her out of her house on a day off and they'd go shopping. Usually Virginia would just look, and trail behind her, but every so often Kate would go on a spree and start picking out outfits for Virginia and usually there wasn't any other option besides going along with it.

Kate stopped in front of a set of large pink doors, with diamonds on the handles and smiled childishly. "Here we are!"

Virginia's eyes grew twice in size when she saw some of the things they had in the windows. Nighties like she'd never seen before, with basically two strings and sheer fabric covering the back. It wasn't necessarily distasteful, but it wasn't anything that Virginia could see herself buying. "Kate I-"

The other woman rolled her eyes and took her by the wrist. "Oh come on! It'll be fun."

The inside of the store was simple and sweet. The walls were a light shade of pink and powder blue. Virginia couldn't understand how such a beautiful and posh looking boutique could be bringing in any money with such a limited amount of items. "Kate, I really don't think theres anything in here for me."

"It's not for you, silly. It's for Andy."

That threw Virginia off. "No, I don't think he would wear anything in here either."

Kate decided to let it go and walked over to the first table. "What about this," she asked, holding up a bright blue bralette, with lace lining the deep neck."

The other woman was clearly unamused. "You can see right through the fabric…"

Kate lowered her arms and rolled her eyes. "That's the point! We aren't looking at swim suits! Underneath all those scrubs and yoga pants, you have a great figure Virginia and we're gonna find something today to show it!"

According to the look on the older woman's face, she wasn't so sure that they'd find anything, but she agreed just to made Kate happy.

Virginia watched the blonde dance around the room from table to table holding up different bra's and panties of all shapes and sizes, hoping to find something that would get positive feedback, but each time they received a shake of the head. Eventually Virginia grew tired and asked if they could just leave. There wasn't a thing in there that was even remotely tame enough for her to consider, let alone share with her boyfriend. "Why don't you just pick something and go for it! Be wild!"

Kate was clearly enjoying this shopping day more than Virginia was so far, when Virginia eventually grew impatient. She had enough. "I'm not wild! Andy wouldn't like any of this. You don't know what Andy likes, I do and it isn't cheetah print or fluorescent strings that leave nothing to the imagination!"

"Well there has to be something here that Andy would like. Maybe they have a more neutral toned piece."

After some time, Virginia found a matching, lace set that Kate had skipped over the first round around the store. She'd tried it on in the back, and decided that the soft lavender colour suited her rather well. She hadn't worn anything that accentuated her body since she was in college. She left the store proud with her purchase, nearly an hour after entering. She worried about Andy's reaction and what he would think of her gift. She hadn't tried anything so bold before, she only hoped she wouldn't make herself look like a fool. Just the thought of embarrassing herself in front of Andy in bed made her stomach tie in knots. It wasn't that their sex life was bad, or abstinent, but usually when they made love it was filled with passion, and they would take their time. Of course Virginia liked to look nice for him, by wearing a dab of the perfume that he liked, or purposely staying in her heels because she knew what it did to him, but it was never planned and they'd never gone out of their way to do things different. Virginia liked it that way. It was straight to the point. She wouldn't know what to do if things were to change. She found comfort in their routine and not having to worry about making mistake or doing something wrong. She'd had enough of embarrassment from her previous relationships, that never seemed to last very long, presumably because of her self proclaimed awkwardness in bed. It made her worry that maybe Andy wan't enjoying himself. If he wasn't, she knew he would never say anything to her about it. Sometimes she'd get so focused on her own mental health, that she forgot about Andy and that he has feelings too. He was always going out of his way to help her, ever since day one, and this would be her way of thanking him. Not compensation, no, she could never give him back enough for how much he has done for her, in her mind, but it was something small that she hoped would show how much she cared for him.

_AC _

"I think you're really going to like where it is. The website said at night theres a beautiful view of the sunset."

She returned his smile and sat with her hands folded in her lap. She was trying her best to hide her nerves from him. She'd never gone on a vacation with someone before. Of course she had gone with family, but never with a man. She hadn't even considered it worthy of taking time away from work. In Virginia's mind, up until she met Andy, nothing was more important than saving peoples lives. She couldn't imagine being able to settle on the idea that as she's relaxing somewhere on a beach, spending her extravagant paycheque, there'd be a man or woman in her OR needing her more. This weekend would be different. She promised Andy dozens of times before they left that she wouldn't let unnecessary stress get in the way. She wanted to be able to enjoy herself for the next few days. God knows when the last time was she'd had a vacation. She let her mind drift off, relaxing her head against the seat as soft rock played from the car radio. Her hand was laced in his and she couldn't think of anything more peaceful than driving away with her man, away from all the loud chaos in the city. It was almost soothing, the sound of the car whirring down the nearly idle road.

She'd been dreaming of today for the whole week. Every night they'd talk about it as they were settling into bed, after their long days of work. He held her close to him, imagining that soon they'd been in a cottage somewhere up north, with the sound of waves lulling them to sleep, and it had him falling asleep within minutes. The surprise she'd bought for him earlier in the week remained in the back of their closet, and every night she'd smile as she got ready for bed, waiting for the day when she'd put them on and show him. The near thought, had her slightly turned on.

"I think thats it…" He turned down the stereo to get a better look, and unlaced their fingers to double-check his phone, pulling up to the side of the road.

Virginia opened her eyes, after being barely being awake for the past few hours, and looked out the window to the beautiful sight. It was already beginning to grow dark, and the sun was casting a dark shadow across the water, creating a blue-orange colour palette. "So what do you think?" He spoke with a huge smile on his face.

She was nearly left speechless, with the impressive getaway he'd managed to find them at the last minute. "I-I think it's gorgeous."

She looked over her shoulder at him and felt in that moment, that there was truly no one else she'd rather be there with. "Thank you Andy, I love it."

She leaned over the console and closed the distance between them, sealing their lips for only a teaser until later.

"Let's go check it out!" He beamed.

He unbuckled his seat and went around the back of the car to retrieve their bags from the trunk. Knowing it would only be the two of them, Andy had packed an overnight bag, while Virginia had packed a full suitcase and tote, preparing for absolutely every natural disaster, and tragedy the world had bear witness to. With a loud groan, he lifted her bags out and set them on the gravel, before his own. They walked up the sandy driveway, stopping a few feet from the front door to admire it. "I know its small, but I figured it'd be nice for just the two of us."

It had a slightly old-fashioned look to it, without being outdated. Palm trees lined the front of the house, shading the front's well cut lawn. Just when she thought he couldn't surprise her more, or woo her anymore than he already had, he managed to find this gem. They'd only been standing outside the house for a number of seconds and she could feel herself falling in love with it.

Virginia was eager to see the inside, being the first to take a step on to the porch. He handed her the keys and let her enter first. It was small, like Andy had said. Only having one floor, a conjoined kitchen to the sitting room, and a small hallway to the bathroom and bedroom, but it had a sense of warmth to it. It was just cozy enough for the two of them.

Andy let her further explore, while carrying their things down to the bedroom. "Virginia, come look at the view from our room."

She stepped away back from the small stone fireplace and followed his voice down the hall. A huge glass window showed a beautiful picture of the pacific waves coming in on the shore. The sun had begun to fall over the water and it made Andy wish he'd brought the camera. He pulled out his phone from his pocket and gestured toward the window. "Go stand in front of the window."

She followed his instruction without asking and held her cardigan together, from the wind blowing in from behind her. Her hair was flowing freely across her shoulders and face as he snapped a picture of her in front of the beach. He waited for it to load and a dorky grin spread across his face. "Beautiful."

Even after a year he could still make her cheeks blush bright red. "I'll send it to your brother so they know we got here safe."

She nodded her head and took a seat on the bed. The soft linen reminded her of the long day and tempted her original plans for the evening. She let her head rest on the pillow and brought her feet up.

"I'm glad you've already made yourself comfortable."

He joined her a few moments later, after sending his text and spooned her from behind. "So what do you wanna do now."

His lips landed on her neck, making her very aware of his intentions. She suppressed a giggle and rolled her eyes. "I know what you have in mind and it's too early for that, so why don't we go for a swim?"

It seemed like the next best thing, so he agreed and they began changing into the swim suits. Being there first night away, Virginia thought it would be appropriate if she wore her one piece first, just to keep him on his toes.

She stepped out of the bathroom a few minutes later with her hair tied loosely on the top of her head and a towel on her arm. "Look at you, Miss Dixon. Even remembered to bring towels."

The sight of her exposed legs and tight swim suit clad curves, made him consider giving his original plan another try. He held it together for her sake and followed her out the patio door and into the cool night sand. She lead them down to the water until a breeze came by and took her by surprise, making her turn into him for warmth. He wrapped his arms around her, letting her adjust to the cool wind until she broke away from him and started toward the water. She dipped her toe into the water and pulled it back once she felt the cold. Turning to him, she smiled guiltily. "You go first."

Andy shook his head and held his arms out. "No, no. Night swim was your idea, you're going in first."

She stuck out her bottom lip, in a pout and crossed her arms over her chest. He couldn't resist the urge and picked her up, carrying her into the water without hesitation. The cold water wrapped around his legs, making him wince as she remained dry in his arms. She held on to his neck tightly, fearing he'd drop her. Never in a million years would he, but he thought it was fun to let her think so. "You know, I can't hold you out here all night."

She nuzzled into the crook of his neck in protest. "Why not."

He turned his back to the wave coming in toward them and toward his lips to her ear. "Because I'd rather hold you inside where it's warm and dry."

She turned her head and captured his lips in hers. Her lips tasted salty from the ocean water. Just as a huge wave splashed against their skin, she squealed and let go of his neck, landing on her backside in the water. She was lucky it was deep enough otherwise it could have hurt. Once he saw she was alright he had to control his laughter, but couldn't any longer once he saw her burst into a fit of giggles.

They splashed around in the water, watching the sun go down, until it had disappeared and the cool night air began nipping at their skin. He noticed her shivering, and wrapped his arms around her, trying to conceal warmth between them. "Why don't we go inside and dry off, now?" He suggested.

She quickly obliged, nodding her head as she started trudging through the water towards the shore. Once they were inside, Andy ran to get their towels and held one out for her, before wrapping himself in one. "A hot shower sounds really nice right now," she spoke, through chattering teeth.

Her wet hair, sent small droplets of the cold ocean down her spine, making her shiver. Andy pushed her hair back over her shoulder, letting his hands linger along her damp skin. "Why don't you go start it, and I'll join you in a few minutes."

She left a trail of wet footprints down the hall to the bathroom and ran the shower. Meanwhile, Andy went into the small kitchen and brought out a pan to boil some warm water in, for the tea she always liked to have before bed. It wasn't quite home, not having a kettle or microwave even, but they would be glad to make do.

A few minutes later he had joined her in the shower. He'd moaned when he first entered, the feel of hot water on his cold skin feeling purely gratifying. He took the cloth from her hands and began massaging it up her back and over her shoulders. Her head fell back on to his shoulder, while he washed the her from behind, letting his hands linger longer than necessary across her breasts. She bit her lip to suppress small whimper, that had been building in her throat since he'd gotten in. The feel of the hot water pouring on her body and his hands exploring her was growing into something much more than just relaxation. Any longer and her legs would grow weak and he'd take the breath right out of her. She wanted to say something, to end it before it got any further, and they spent their first night in the shower. This wasn't how she had planned for it to go. Not at all. Things had already escalated quickly, and she wasn't sure if she was still within reach of stopping him. She opened her mouth to speak, or to try but it was his voice that she heard, in nearly a whisper, "Virginia…"

She remained still, recovering from the feel of his hot breath against her neck, before turning to face him and giving him a knowing look, that he immediately recognized as one he favoured. She almost forgot where they were, when she heard the water stop, and felt an absence of warmth. His hands left her, and pulled back the curtain, helping her out carefully, before reaching for a towel and wrapping her in it. He didn't bother with one himself before his lips were back on hers, his hands tangling in her wet hair. "Andy wait…"

She somehow managed to pull back longer to speak, pressing her hands to his bare chest. "Not like this."

His brows were knit when she found them, her's holding a look he couldn't recognize. They held a certain glimmer like she was anticipating something, planning something. "You get in bed, and I'll be out in a second."

This made him more curious, but excited from the way she spoke. Her words were confident, and that was always a good sign, especially as she was standing before him, practically naked.

She followed him into their room, retrieving something he couldn't make out from her suitcase, and disappeared back into the bathroom. He didn't bother dressing himself, knowing at the rate they were going, he wouldn't need to. He laid alone on their bed, wrapped in only a towel as he waited for her to come out. The chills he'd gotten while waiting, vanished completely when he saw the door open, and Virginia standing in the doorway, in a soft shade of purple bra and panties. Her arms reseting on each side of the doorframe, revealed her slim figure leaving just enough to his imagination. A thin line of lace, trailed along neck of the piece covering her breasts. He couldn't remove his eyes from the silhouette in front of him. He had to remind himself to blink, as she began moving toward him, the smile leaving her face, replacing it with a look of shear seduction.

She was barely trying, and she had him melting in front of her. "Do you like it?"

It took him a few moments to find the words to respond. Clearing his throat, he found himself rendered speechless.

A small grin played across her face, almost devilish. He stood from the bed, meeting her near the edge, closing his eyes only to pull her in, closing the distance between their lips for a searing kiss. His skin felt like it was burning, as his hands felt along the soft garment, covering her porcelain skin. She parted her lips, inviting his tongue to tangle with his. She'd gotten the best of him and he lost balance, falling back on the bed. She only smiled, and joined him, backing him against the headboard. She joined their lips once more, her having control of the situation for once.

She was driving him crazy, and as much as he loved her gift to him, there was nothing more he wanted in that moment, than to see it on the floor.

She sat up as one of the straps fell off her shoulder. "Take it off," she spoke, low against his ear.

He didn't need much more encouragement than that. She was breathing heavily when they parted, his fingers finding the clasp behind her.

He let the garment fall to the floor, as his hands roamed the newly exposed flesh. She reacted to the cool air, and his hands trailing across her skin. A small moan left her lips, as he took the buds between his fingers, teasingly her softly. She knew what he was doing, and as much as she enjoyed it, she hadn't finished giving him her gift yet. Her hands pushed on his bare chest, gently but with enough force to back him up again the wall. Her slender fingers slid up his thighs, finding the edge of the towel. A new look had spread across her face, one that Andy hadn't seen before, that made him both fear and throb for it.

The towel had been discarded, and her fingers were now playfully trailing across the skin of his legs. She was nervous and excited all the same, knowing well enough that she couldn't give in so quickly. Growing impatient, she covered his lips with hers once more, letting her lips hover over his mouth afterward, before kissing down his jaw and across his chest. He wasn't sure how much more he could take before he needed this woman. Of course she had always had a ridiculously large effect on him, but never before had she used it to her advantage the way she was then.

As if she could read his frustration, she revealed slight mercy, by slowing lowering herself closer and closer until her mouth was kissing painfully close to his hardening member. He wanted her so badly. He was breaking out in a sweat, just thinking of what could come next. He needed to feel her, with him, on him, around him.

Her eyes met his once, mirroring a look of pure lust, before taking him slowly in her mouth. Her bold move had taken him by surprise, removing another layer of what little control he had left. His head hung back against the wall, only looking down on her to remember to breathe. She continued slowly, just enough to keep him on edge, using her hands and lips to her advantage.

Her hair fell past her shoulder, and he reached out, holding it out of her concentrated and determined face. Her eyes were closed, her green eyes making it somewhat easier for him to hold it together. He wasn't sure if he could handle seeing them. Not while her mouth was doing to him what he never imagined could bring him that far.

Her lips left him, and he felt relief immediately. He wasn't sure how much longer he was going to last at that rate. Her breathing was heavy when she climbed on to his lap and kissed him fervently. He couldn't stop thinking of what she tasted like, and what she liked. He hadn't noticed while she was pleasuring him, her cheeks had grown red and her breathing had deepened. Her breaths were hot against him as she parted her lips, allowing him to enter her mouth.

With his hands against her bare skin, nearly skin to skin she felt like she was burning. Her fingers combed through his short hair, as she contemplated her next move.

Without having to say a word, he wrapped his arm around her and flipped them so she was beneath him, her back against the soft cotton sheets. She took a moment to catch her breath as his lips left warm kisses down her neck and across her collarbone. She wanted him so badly, she would have said something if she could fine the words. His fingers slipped under the band of her panties, and without thinking twice she lifted herself from the bed, long enough for him to slide them down her legs to her feet, allowing her to do the rest. Her hands pulled him farther down, not capable of wearing the absence of heat. Without needing any further preparatory notions, wrapped her legs around his middle, closing the distance. "Please… Now, Andy."

In barely a whisper, It wasn't a direction, or a question, but a plea. His hands dug into the mattress just above her shoulders as he lowered himself, until a small gasp escaped her lips. Her mind was a blur as he moved slowly within her, sending lightening pulses through her veins. Her hands gripped the sheets, when he began carefully sucking on the flesh just below her ear. He knew better than to leave a mark. It was only enough to make her crazy.

His pace quickened, as well as their breathing, filling the silence in rhythmic sound. His eyes were bore into her, making everything else disappear. Everything but him.

His fingers brushed back the strands of hair, falling wildly in her eyes. They stroked her hair down her temple. He found it unbelievable, that in only a year, this woman had flipped his whole life upside down. He would have never believed he could love someone as much as he did her. She was beautiful inside and out, and nights like those only made it that much more apparent. They were always so busy with work, they didn't always put time aside for each other.

Just being with her, feeling her small figured writhing below him, the hardly audible sounds she made against his cheek as she came closer to the edge. It was a damn shame he'd been that long without this woman.

"Andy, I'm…"

She wasn't able to finish her sentence as her back arched off the bed, as she melted below him. He continued thrusting until the trembles subsided, and she was then breathing heavily below him, her grip on him nearly drawing blood. He kissed her until she caught her breath, slowly but with a passion all the same as before.

She knew he must be resisting his own release. Her warm reassuring voice, sounding lowly in his ear, "Andy, come for me," was all he needed to hear. Her voice affected him, in a way he couldn't describe. He entered her slowly, not needing speed to finish. Her face was peaceful, she looked more beautiful in that moment than ever. "You're beautiful," he said between thrusts. Her cheeks reddened and she buried her face in the crook of his neck. She whispered things in his ear, that he was unaware she had in her vocabulary. It was enough to bring him to climax. Her small moans were the last thing he heard before entering an oblivion and releasing himself within her. He collapsed on top of her, shutting his eyes to compose himself.

Her tired hands massaged his back. She could feel his heart beating fast in his chest against her own. "If I would have known you could do that about a year ago…"

His voice trailed off, leaving the statement unfinished.

Her bold plan had been proven successful.