A/N Note sure how happy I am with this latest chapter. It is taking longer to write because I have decided to take it in a different direction. More angst and a little less fluff… Please review and let me know what you think…..
Nick kisses her softly and says "I love you."
As Catherine drifts off to sleep she says softly "Love you too."
Nick smiles as he watches her sleep. He stands up and kisses her softly on the forehead. He whispers to her softly "Get some sleep sweetheart." Before he leaves he places his hand on her still flat stomach. He gets close to her stomach and whispers sweetly "Give your mommy a break little one. She's had a hard day."
He keeps his hand on her stomach for a few minutes and finally stands up and smiles down at Catherine. He walks out of the room and heads home to shower and change clothes.
Catherine wakes up a few hours later and is surprised to see Warrick sitting in a chair next to her bed. She smiles and says "Hey Warrick."
Warrick smiles and says "Hey Cath. Listen, can we talk?"
She smiles and says "Sure. What's up?"
"What is this thing with you and Nick? Suddenly you are in love with him? After all these years of working together and then you and him are inseparable."
Catherine thinks for a few minutes and finally says softly "I have always loved him Warrick. I was just afraid to act on my feelings."
"So you fly down to Florida for a roll in the hay and…"
"It wasn't like that Warrick. I went there to talk to him. One thing led to another and…"
"You ended up in bed with him. Classy Cath. I thought that even you were immune to his influence."
"What?!! I can't believe that you would think that it is all his fault."
"I just need an explanation Cath. I thought there was something special between us."
Catherine stares at him for a few seconds and finally says "Your married Warrick!! We are friends! Nothing more, nothing less!! Why can't you be happy for Nick and me?"
Warrick shakes his head and stands up. He leans down close to Catherine. She looks at him and is surprised that all of the feelings that she had for him way back when are gone. She feels nothing for him. He leans forward and kisses her. She pushes him away and says "I think it is time you leave Warrick!!"
"Why? Afraid Nick will walk in on us!"
Catherine shakes her head and says "You have no idea what true love is. Do you Warrick?"
"There is no such thing as true love Cath and you are kidding yourself if you think there is."
It is at that minute that Nick walks in. He sees Warrick leaning close to Catherine. He frowns and clears his throat. Warrick straightens up and says "That was fun Cath. Thanks."
Catherine looks at him and says "Get out."
He shakes his head and says "Not until I settle a few things with Nicky here!"
Nick bristles at that comment. He walks closer and says "What things Warrick?"
"First of all, I love her."
Nick laughs and says nothing. This causes Warrick to get angry and he catches Nick off guard and punches him. This sends him to the floor. Catherine screams and watches as Warrick proceeds to kick Nick. She reaches for the nurses call button. She manages to push it at the same time that Grissom comes in the door. He sees Warrick kicking Nick and says "Warrick!! Stop!"
Warrick is like a man possessed. It is almost like he can't hear anyone. Finally Grissom walks over to him and pulls him off Nick. He looks at him and says "What the hell is going on?!!"
Warrick looks down at Nick's still body and says "Ask him."
He walks out of the room and to the waiting elevator.
The nurses walk into the room and see Nick on the floor. They manage to wake him with smelling salts. He is battered and bruised, but otherwise unhurt. He sees Catherine crying and manages to croak out "Don't cry sweetheart. It's not good for the baby."
Catherine smiles and says "Always thinking Nicky…"
The nurses take him away to get checked out. Grissom is hot on Warrick's heels. He finally catches up with him in the hospital garage. He grabs his shoulder and says "What the hell went on in there?!! Why did I walk in on you beating up Nick?"
"Like you would understand!!"
"Give it a try, and give me one good reason why I should suspend you for a week. What you did in there was terrible."
"How about what Catherine and Nick are doing?!"
"What are they doing?"
Warrick shakes his head and says "They are shacking up and pretending like…"
"You know what I see? I see two people in love. People that have been in love for a long time and are finally able to express those feelings."
Warrick shakes his head and says "You would see that."
Grissom shakes his head and says sadly "I don't have a choice here Warrick. I have to suspend you."
Warrick shakes his head and says "Don't bother. I quit."
With that Warrick climbs into his Denali and drives off. Leaving Grissom shaking his head and wondering what actually did just happen here today…..