Chapter 2

Her body pressed up against his, they gently swayed as if a sombre tune played in the background. This would usually be where Face used his charm, his tender touches, to seduce the woman into the bedroom…. The gentle aroma of her sweet perfume, the softness of her hair against his cheek made him want to do those things and more. He wanted to run his hands down her back, around her hips, feeling the curves of her body. Internally he fought hard against those urges, because this was different. This was Amy.

He shifted slightly, which made Amy gently move out of the embrace, leaving her hands resting on his chest. He could see her cheeks were wet again with tears.

"I, uh, better go take that bath, huh?" she said, gently sweeping her hands around onto his arms.

"Yeah, yeah," Face replied, trying to shake off his thoughts as Amy's hands landed in his. "The guestroom is just down the hall, on the right. The bathroom is opposite." He felt relieved that she'd agreed to stay.

Hesitantly, Amy removed her hands from Face's to wipe her face, clearing away any last remnants of tears. He could see she was trying to regain her composure, but she didn't have to for his sake. She was hurting, losing a close friend. Blaming herself. Even now when she should be just mourning the death of a friend, he knew her head was probably busy trying to work out the answers. What had Massey gotten himself into to get himself killed? And she wouldn't stop until she'd found the truth.

That's what he found so attractive about her. She had a quality not always seen in reporters, usually thirsty for a story and not caring how they got it or who they hurt. But Amy wasn't like that. That's what Hannibal liked in her too. That's why he'd let her join the team. He saw the good in her. They all did.

As Amy walked out of the living room, he followed, pointing her in the right direction. He stopped, watching her slowly walk down the hallway. She hesitated outside the door, glancing at Face. He nodded. The bathroom door closed behind her.

Shutting off the intensity.

Oh boy, Face thought, resting his forehead against the wall. Or was that feeling just in his head? He hadn't had that much brandy, yet. He needed to get a grip, take control. Not do anything stupid. She's upset, needs support and comforting. Just comforting…. Anything else and it would look as if he'd taken advantage. He didn't want her thinking he'd done it because he'd felt sorry for her. Because she'd be wrong.

Anyway, this is wrong. Just… wrong. Wrong circumstances, wrong time. If he ever had a chance with Amy, he'd want it to be for all the right reasons. He turned and leaned against the wall, still watching the bathroom door. What was he thinking? There would never be the right time, not while she was on the team. Even if she is the right woman.

He straightened, running a hand through his hair. That urge to run. Again. Far away. But he was tired of running…. He'd spent over ten years running. But that's what he had to do, always do, never letting anyone get close.

Had he let Amy get too close?

He'd certainly let his guard down. Never realising the effect she'd have on him.

Face walked back into the living room, sighing heavily, leaving Amy to take her bath. Before he could switch the television on, there was a knock at the door. Eyes wide, he glanced at his watch.

Anna-Marie. He'd totally forgotten about her. If Amy saw Anna-Marie, she'd bolt out of this apartment before he could stop her.

He opened the door, giving the pretty blond woman standing there his best smile. Time to talk yourself out of this one, Face.

"Hey, I'm sorry I'm late," Anna-Marie said, entering the apartment before Face could stop her.

Anna-Marie quickly put her arms around Face's neck and kissed him.

"Uh… Anna, something's come up -"

"Oh, boy, I hope so," she sexily replied, raising an eyebrow, running her hands provocatively down his chest. "I've been thinking all day about that little thing we got up to last night…."

Face cleared his throat, nervously glanced down the hallway towards the bathroom door.

"Uh… Anna-Marie, I'm sorry," Face said, removing her hands as they slowly undid his shirt buttons. "But we're going to have to take a rain-check."

"Oh, Michael, I've been looking forward to this…" Anna-Marie paused. Face turned, following her look over his shoulder.

Amy's shoes by the couch…. Two brandy glasses on the coffee table, one distinctly showing lipstick marks.

Eyes narrowed, Anna-Marie snatched her hands out of Face's and pushed him away.

"It's my sister!" Face said, quickly.

"You said you were an only child!"

"She's my stepsister." Talk fast, she'll never know. "She's just lost her job. She's upset. You know how it is." As he continued his fast excuses, his arm around Anna-Marie's waist, Face led her back out the front door. After a great deal of fast talking, Anna-Marie finally nodded, falling for his charm, his smile.

"Oh, okay, gorgeous. I'm sorry to hear that," Anna-Marie replied, looking up into Face's eyes, showing a sorrowful expression. Her hand brushed his cheek as she frowned. "You know... maybe I should meet her?"

"Uh…"

"It's a good opportunity for me to meet your sister."

"I'm not sure that's what she'd want."

"I could stay, talk girl talk, cheer her up -"

"I don't think she's up to it, she's pretty upset. Look, we can do this tomorrow. I promise, honey." Face slipped his arm away from Anna-Marie's waist. "I'll call you," he said.

"But, but-"

Winking his final charm, Face closed the door before she could think about it too hard and answer.

Face sighed, relieved he'd been able to deal with Anna-Marie quickly while still minimizing the damage. He might have some sweet-talking to do in the morning, but he'd cross that bridge when he came to it.

Turning on the television, Face grabbed the remote and sat down. Trying to relax in the softness of the couch, he flicked through the television channels. But nothing really interested him, too busy in his thoughts.

Amy… in the bath, all those bubbles….

He groaned deeply as he flicked through the channels. Someone was playing an evil trick on him. From mating rabbits on some damn nature programme to a romance film where the hero was just getting to kiss his leading lady, Face was finding it hard to find something to watch and distract his thoughts. About to give up and switch the damn television off, he sighed with relief. Slouching into the couch, he put his feet up on to the coffee table and watched football.