A/N - So here it is, chapter three. The long awaited installment for Cruel Summer. This chapter is dedicated to my good friend Alicia. The reason that this chapter was so long coming was because Alicia recently had surgery on her ankle and I have been looking after her. But I finally nutted down and got it done. So read, enjoy and as always, reveiw.

Chapter Three – Bedroom Dancing

Grissom felt his disappointment the same way that he felt his heart beating in his chest. He knew that Sara would react the way that she did and yet for some reason, still expected something different from her. He knew that she was a driven person, part of that was run on pure emotion and that was what got her into trouble. Her had seen her explode and had seen her crumble, each time doing what he could to help her pick up the shattered pieces, doing everything to keep his distance while trying to help her at the same time. He had watched as Sara toed the line over and over again, taking it too far with suspects and disrespecting her co-workers but then just when he was starting to lose track of who she was, she stunned him with her bravery and he found himself swallowing the anger, replacing it with long standing admiration. He had watched her become an incredible scientist and he had recently allowed himself the admittance of just how much he admired her outside of the work context. He didn't know what these feelings meant but he knew he had to push them away. She thought he was pushing her away but he wanted to protect her from himself, from the socially inept person that he was. She deserved someone who could give her so much more then that.

"Hey Grissom."

Sara stood in the doorway, her hands clasped in front of her.

"I wanted to apologize for earlier."

Sara came further into the room, taking a seat across from Grissom. He didn't say say anything, just watched her.

"I never should have given you an ultimatum. I'm sorry."

Grissom shrugged.

"It's ok. Warrick told me where you guys were earlier."

Sara nodded and fiddled with the cuff of her sweater.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

Grissom shook his head, dismissing her apology.

"Forget it. I'll let you hang around Warrick since he's on the case now. Just make sure you tell me if it gets too much ok?"

Sara nodded, her face breaking into a smile.

"Ok, I can do that."

Grissom moved forward in his seat, his eyes finding hers.

"I know that I don't know what you are going through but I hope you don't consider me completely heartless."

Sara's face softened. As she shook her head slightly.

"Never Grissom, never. You may think differently from others but you are far from heartless."

"Good to hear it. How is Keisha doing?"

"She's ok I guess. She's dealing with it better then I would, that's for sure. She defended those kids to the ground and when I met them, I believed her. What worries me though is that one of the girls was saying how they have their own people hunting for the guy who did this to Keisha."

"We know they've succeeded if he turns up dead."

"Something else that Keisha remembered was that the rapist didn't use a condom and didn't ejaculate."

Grissom cocked an eyebrow over his glasses.

"Interesting. Suggests control or anger."

"Did Greg get anything off the rape kit?"

Grissom shook his head.

"Aside from the fact she was definitely raped, no."

"There was no doubt about that though, was there?"

"Certainly not. Have you been home yet?"

Sara shook her head.

"No. I've been far too busy."

"Well, make sure you do. You're no good to anyone over tired."

Sara nodded and stood. She turned to leave the room, feeling Grissom's eyes on her back the entire time.

Sara grabbed the small red basket and started walking around the store, her list in her hand. She followed her list, grabbing milk, cheese, bread, corn chips, microwave popcorn and some seedless grapes. She went to the check out, waiting for the bored looking teenager, waiting for the kid to put the other customers shopping through. He quickly put hers through, his eyes not even meeting hers.

"That's $34.50. Is that cash or credit?"

"Cash thanks."

She handed over exact change before grabbing her receipt and bags and heading out the door. She had her keys in her hand and bags between her ankles when it happened. She heard the footsteps behind her but paid no attention, presuming that it was just another customer from the store. She turned but was too slow and felt a strong hand twist her arm around and up between her shoulder blades. Another hand pushed her forward until her chest was touching the bonnet of her car. She opened her mouth to scream but a large, sweaty palm covered it before she could do anything.

"You should mind your own business."

A body pressed against her back, the voice hot in her ear. She could smell bourbon and cigarettes on the mans breath and his voice was raspy and low.

"Back off bitch or next time you will really get hurt."

The hand was gone from her mouth and was now on the back of her head.

"I mean it……Sara Sidle."

The last thing that Sara heard was the sick crack as her head was slammed into the bonnet, her last thought was whether or not her diary products would spoil.

The next thing she heard was more footsteps and a panicked voice demanding an ambulance. Sara realized she was still pressed against her car, the cool metal on the small of her back making her shiver. She couldn't open her eyes, the stars of pain still popping bright behind her lids. It hurt to much to breathe let alone speak. She felt someone touch her wrist, checking for a pulse she presumed. She heard her wallet being popped open and someone say her name, yet she continued to be still. She wished she had the energy to answer but Sara felt herself sink back into the deep black of unconsciousness, hoping that help would come soon.

Someone was holding her hand. She opened her eyes with a moan, the light searing her retina, her head pounding in a horrible rhythm.

"Turn the lights off."

The hand left hers and the room was plunged into darkness.

"Thank you"

The hand returned to hers and Sara was able to open her eyes fully. She soon realized it was Grissom who sat by her side.

"Grissom…How did I get here?"

"Someone found you in the car park. Was it the same guy?'

"Yes. He knew who I was. He must have followed me."
Sara raised a hand and tentatively explored her head and face, discovering the large dressing that covered a painful gash across her for head. When she explored a little further, she found a huge bump just to the left of her temple.

"He threatened me just before he made me kiss the bonnet. Ow! God damn that hurts. What did the doctors say?"

"Concussion and laceration but you'll be fine. You just have to take it easy for a few days. Have you noticed anyone following you?"

"No. I don't even go to that store all that often, it was the only one open that early."

"I'm not happy with you continuing this case Sara, you could have been really hurt."

"I need to close this case Grissom. With or without your support, I need to be involved."

There was a knock on the door and a familiar face poked around the corner.

"Oh god Sara, are you ok?"

Michel Henderson approached Sara's bedside, his face ashen.

"I'm fine Michel. A bit of a headache, but I'm fine. Michel this is my boss Grissom, Grissom this is Keisha's husband."

The two men shook hands and Michel turned back to Sara.

"Keisha sends her love. I'm so sorry Sara."

"It's not your fault Michel, there's no need to feel guilty ok?"

"Was it the same guy?"

Grissom nodded, watching as the big man's face fell.

"Did he…did he do..?"

Michel couldn't finish the sentence but Sara knew what he was getting at. Sara tightened her grip on Michel's hand.

"He didn't rape me Michel."

The large man sunk into the chair next to her bed, his face relieved.

"Thank God. Keisha and I were so worried about that, we thought that he had done to you what he had done to her."

"It's ok. He just made me kiss my bonnet, that's all"

Michel gave a half smile before standing again.

"I had better give the good news to Keisha. She's getting out tomorrow and wants you to come to dinner at some time, meet the kids and all that. You're welcome to come too Mr. Grissom, Keisha likes to show off her culinary skills to anyone who will sit still long enough."

Sara gave the big man a wide smile.

"Sure. Tell Keisha I'll be in touch ok? And give her my love. Take care of her ok?"

"Always."

Michel hesitated for a moment before leaning forward and giving Sara quick kiss on the cheek and with a quick nod to Grissom, he left the room.

"Nice guy"

Sara turned her focus back to Grissom's hand which was still wrapped tightly around hers. His thumb was making small circles on her skin, shooting little jets of electricity up her arm.

"I'm glad you're ok."

"So am I. I didn't mean to give you a fright."

Grissom shrugged before he gave her a small smile and dropped her hand on the bed as he stood.

"You need to get some more sleep if you want back on this case."

"You're talking about work while I'm lying here with a head injury?'

Grissom's voice was low as he leaned forward, his breath stirring her hair.

"I'm just saying what you were thinking."
Grissom allowed himself to kiss her gently on the cheek, tearing himself away before he could linger too long near her soft skin. He let himself out of the room, leaning hard against the wall. When he had gotten the phone call about Sara's attack, he had feared the worse. He had visions of her getting raped and left for dead, being in the exact situation as Keisha had been in. On the drive over to the hospital, he had promised himself that from now on, he was front row center on this case. Sara would not be hurt again.

Once Sara and Keisha had both done a fair bit of mending, a dinner date was organized. Grissom watched as Sara interacted with her new family as if she had known them all along, joking and laughing and for the first time in a long time, relaxing. The only thing that proved that things were out of the ordinary was the large bandage that remained across her for head, covering the horrible bruise and laceration. She was ok though, and he had made sure of it. It was well into the next morning by the time they said their farewells to Michel and Keisha, Sara stumbling all over the small path that led to the front door.

"I think you had too many wines Sara."

"Nah, I only had three."

"Try six."

"Oh. Was it red?"

"Yes"

"That will be why. Red wine goes to my head, regardless of what food I have eaten."

Sara leaned on him as he unlocked the car door and he allowed her, absorbing the heat of her skin and the scent of wine on her breath. He helped her climb into the car and reached over to clip her seatbelt, Sara smiling at him, her eyes dreamy."

"Thanks Gil."

He ignored the shudder that his name on her tongue produced, concentrating on getting into the car himself. He had only one glass of wine before sticking to soda for the rest of the night. It was Sara that was distracting him, the drunken Sara with the sparkling eyes and warm smile. They drove home in silence, bar the small giggles from Sara who seemed to find something funny every time she looked at the window. By the time they reached her apartment, she was fast asleep. Grissom reached over into her and fished her keys from her pocket. He ran up the stairs and unlocked the door before heading back down to collect her. Her lifted her carefully, surprised by just how light she was. She nuzzled her face into his neck, her breath hot on his skin. He gritted his teeth controlling every instinct he had to kiss her, choosing instead to watch his steps on the stairs. He placed her on the bed and began to do a basic undress. He started with her shoes and socks, taking a moment to study her feet. Her toes were round, petite and perfectly shaped, her ankle was slim, the skin soft and inviting. He placed a careful hand on the tip of her toes, allowing it to travel down to her ankle and up her calf. He stopped himself when he began to feel the tugs in his stomach, the same one that urged him to continue his secret exploration of Sara's long, shapely legs. He swallowed the feeling, focusing instead on the next task: removing her jacket. He placed his hand behind her back and sat her up slightly, before slipping the jacket off of her and laying her carefully back on the bed. He pulled the covers up to her chin, pausing to place a small kiss on her forehead. He was in no way prepared for her arms to wrap around his neck, pulling him on top of her, nor was he prepared for the lips that pressed against his in a furious, heated kiss. His reaction, far from being the sensible one that he usually prided himself on, was one based on pure instinct and feeling. He kissed her back, his hands roaming over the top of her clothing, exploring the body that he had been admiring for far too long. Reality slapped him back into focus when her hands began tugging at his pants, demanding entry. He pulled back, taking in her kiss bruised lips, drunken diamonds in her eyes and the grin that flashed across her pretty face.

"I can't do this Sara, I'm sorry."

"Why?"

"Because if this was to ever happen, I would want you to remember it. And this is not you."

Sara sighed and did something that sober Sara would never have had even considered doing in front of Grissom. She began to undress. Grissom made a point of staring at his shoes while Sara shifted and moved on the bed, throwing her clothes over his head onto a pile on the floor.

"This is me Gil. Being PC and red wine do not mix."

"I don't like you when you're like this."

"You didn't seem to mind when we were kissing."

"It was a mistake and I'm sorry. I should never have kissed you back."

Sara curled into the bed, the covers pulled over her body and under the chin.

"Do you remember me telling you the reason I moved to Vegas?"

Her voice was heavy with sleep, her eyes closed but Grissom answered her anyway.

"Yes, you said it was because of me."

"And it was. I've always had a crush on you and then when I came here, it became something more."

"To what?"

"I'm not sure yet, I'll tell you when I figure it out."

Grissom continued to sit beside her as she fell asleep, studying her quietly, trying to figure out if Sara was one of those drunks who remembered everything or whether he would have to look her in the eye when she woke up, being the only one who would know what she said and worse still, knew exactly how he felt to her little announcement. It was hard enough to have to face her one a daily basis knowing how he felt, let alone that she felt the same way.