Chapter 20 – December 20, 2006

"Empty your schedule for tonight, Montana," Danny said as he nudged against her in the layout room.

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "For what?"

"Surprise."

She huffed out a sigh of mock indignation. "Again, Danny? Why can't you just tell me what we're going to do?"

He chuckled. "Where's the fun in that."

She huffed again, pretending to ignore him and get back to the clothing she was processing.

"Montana," he sing-songed, really just to frustrate her.

"Get out, Danny," she said sternly, though the tilt of the corners of her mouth told him he was getting through her 'cold' outer shell.

"Montana," he said again, now really just wanting to get on her nerves.

"I'm not getting anything done, Danny. Get out of here."

"Montana…"

She finally laughed, the exact reaction he was looking for. "Call me later, okay?"

"You're on."

The next time he talked to her, it was to tell her she had until 7:30 to be dressed warmly and ready to go on the front step of her apartment building. He still gave nothing away as to his plans, but did suggest she eat before going. That was something else that threw her.

She'd opted to stay in the relative safety of the front lobby, not risking Danny's frustration and irritation when she stepped out onto the New York streets. It was something he constantly nagged her about. When she was in Montana, security wasn't always an issue, but Danny had seen all sides of the law and knew how simple and easy it was for a simple civilian to become their next case.

She reached into her pocket for her cell phone as it rang. Danny's number flashed on the screen and she smiled, opening the phone as she opened her front door. "Hey."

"Where are you?"

"Coming out my front door. You?"

"Comin' down your street. You dressed warm?"

"Relatively," she said with a smile.

"Good. We're gonna be out in the cold for a while."

Lindsay looked up at the sleigh bells, almost squealing in childish delight. "Danny!"

Danny hopped down from the carriage as it came to a stop with a huge grin. "You ready to go?"

"What are you doing?"

"Well, remember when we saw the park on our lunch walk?"

"We didn't really see much of the actual park, Danny," she reminded him, no sexual connotation in her comment.

"If I remember correctly that was your fault," he shot back. "Comin'? We're gonna see the park tourist style."

She laughed, taking his hand and allowed him to help her into the sled. "How did you think of this?"

Danny shrugged. "This one was a gamble," he admitted. "I wasn't sure if you really wanted to do this, or if you'd think this was a little over the top."

"There's a million things I still haven't done since I've moved here," she answered with a coy smile. "This happens to be one of them."

Danny laughed as he snuggled in beside her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.

"I like this," she said suddenly, just as they entered the park.

"What's 'this'?"

Lindsay snuggled closer. "Being able to go out with you, spending time together that's not for work…. That kind of stuff."

"Ah."

She looked up at him. "What? That's it? No overtures?"

He laughed. "Linds, I'm not the type for overtures. I tell the truth, but I'm not gonna make an effort."

She raised an eyebrow, though she knew what he was thinking and what he was trying to say. She didn't want him to change either, but she'd have a good time teasing him. "Not going to make an effort?"

He groaned. "That's not what I meant. I worked too hard at this relationship to not want to put in the effort."

It was the little things that counted most and the fact that he'd referred to what they had as a relationship was more than enough for her. She snuggled contentedly back against him. "I know."

He growled, digging his fingers into her side and listening to her answering squeal. "You're a little minx, Montana."

"I have to find some way to keep you on your toes."

"Trust me," he said, pulling her close. "You're always surprisin' me."

I apologize for how short this is, but I had other things in mind… Like tomorrow's chapter with the kiss (I guess it technically could be considered today's chapter….) Anyway, you guys have been so brilliant with reviewing, don't stop now! I'll have my other story up soon, I think……