It was just around 9:15 in the morning when Goren finally woke up. He had to admit, with the girls in his apartment, he had slept better than he had in months. He slipped quietly past Dani who was curled up in the recliner, her red head barely visible above the comforter. When he entered his bedroom, just as stealthily, he could see Eames' blonde head also just barely visible above her covers. He quickly showered and slipped back past the two sleeping detectives. Pastries and coffee would be a nice treat, Bobby thought as he made his way to the corner bakery.

Alex had heard Goren's exit from the bedroom but not his entrance. It fascinated her that a man so large could move so quietly. She got up from the bed, throwing on her robe as she did, and went back to the living room. Dani was also just beginning to stir when Eames came in.

"Where's Goren?" Alex asked.

Yawning, Dani replied, "He slipped out about 10 or 15 minutes ago," as she sat the chair to its upright position. "Should you put on coffee?"

Eames dropped down on the couch, "No. Sometimes he surprises me with breakfast. We'll wait and see what he's up to."

"So," Dani leaned forward, "What's the story with you two?"

Alex eyed Dani warily from where she lounged on the couch. With a heavy sigh, she replied, "Who really knows."

Dani's curiosity was piqued. "Come on. There's something there. I've seen flashes of it every time I walk out in my hooker garb."

Alex blushed slightly; unaware she'd been that obvious. "I think Bobby would welcome a more personal relationship but he keeps himself walled off. With all the recent turmoil in his life with his mother, his brother, his suspension, he's been a bit of a basket case."

Dani listened as Alex explained their complicated but, obviously, close relationship. When Alex paused, Dani interjected.

"So I've heard you say why Goren has issues. But, I haven't heard you say what you want."

Alex looked stunned. She had always thought in terms of why Goren would or would not enter a relationship. What were her reasons?

"I…"Alex stammered, then went on, "I want a friend, first, which I know I have in Bobby. I want a companion, the kind who will do things with you on a whim just because they don't want you to wind up hurt or dead." Alex paused and Dani smiled. She knew those kinds of people; she had her fair share in her life.

"And," Dani encouraged.

Alex thought before she continued, "I want a lover who would know exactly what I'm thinking and have ideas of their own about what might be exciting." Again, Alex blushed. She knew Goren would never look at another woman if he were with her. "I also want a father for kids."

Dani smiled again, replying, "Bobby Goren would make one hell of an interesting dad, that's for sure. Nothing he doesn't know or know how to find. Mind works a mile a minute. I'm not sure who'd run you more ragged him or his kids."

In a short time, Alex mused, Dani had gotten quite a good handle on her partner. "You know, the other night, you said you didn't know whether to hit him, kiss him, hug him or beat him?"

Dani nodded.

"Well, imagine that applied to a romantic setting."

Dani sighed and shook her head. Alex Eames had it bad but just didn't want to admit it. Dani took it upon herself to push, "What are you really waiting for, Alex? I'm not trying to be ugly, but you're not getting any younger. If you want him, really want him, tell him. I'm pretty sure he's just waiting for you to make the first move.

"Goren's complicated, Dani. And you really don't know everything that's between us."

"I know what you're letting be between you. Really, Alex, just make the first move. I think you'll be surprised."

Alex thought for a little longer about what Dani had said.

"Good looking man like that, I know what I'd…" Dani froze in mid sentence as they heard the key turn in the lock. Both girls stood, looking slightly guilty, as Goren entered.

He closed the door and turned to look at the two tousle-headed females, "Talking about me?" Bobby said, jokingly, as he walked to the table and put down his box of goodies.

Alex choked but Dani recovered quickly, walking past him to the kitchen, "Men, they all think they're the only thing we girls talk about." Dani's accent sounded closer to CT's than her own.

Alex smiled, walking to the table and taking a seat, knowing Dani had really given her quite a bit to think about. Dani returned from the kitchen, cola in hand and took one of the other chairs. He sat down Alex's coffee and then Goren opened the box to display the tempting array of pastries he'd brought back for Eames, Dani and himself. They were talking amiably when a phone rang.

Dani sprang from the chair, signaling quiet to the other two.

"Yeah," she answered, feigning sleep in her tone.

"Yeah, I'm here," she replied in CT's honeyed tones to the voice on the other end. She turned and made eye contact with Goren. He knew instantly that Carlos was on the other end. "Yeah, he's still interested, despite my mistakes."

Goren spoke from the table, "CT, what are you doing? Who are you on the phone with?" His tone reminiscent of his character from last night.

"Yeah, that's him. Look, I gotta tell him if we're on or not. So what's it to be."

"Do you need another lesson, girl?" Goren bellowed from the table.

"Yeah, yeah okay, I'll tell him." And she hung up, smiling. Dani was back when she answered, "We're on for 10:00 pm tonight. Get everyone ready. This is it."