Her shift ended and Glyn headed for her car. As she approached she saw a familiar figure standing there. "Jim?" she smiled as she called to him.

"I uh…..I didn't want to disturb you at work," he said.

"You have a reason for waiting here by my car?" she teased.

Jim had a reason but he wasn't sure if he should share it. He didn't want to scare her away. But he decided to just play it straight. "Well, I…..um, I couldn't stop thinking about you all day and I just wanted to see you."

She leaned toward him, her lips seeking his. Unlike their kisses at her place, this kiss had serious heat in it. Jim didn't understand where her passion was coming from but he responded in kind.

Catherine, walking to her car, witnessed their embrace and stopped. Warrick was walking behind her and when she stopped, he nearly bumped into her. "Whaaat?" he asked and then he followed Catherine's gaze. "Wow, nice." he declared. "Come on," Catherine, "give them some space. You can grill her tomorrow."

"Yeah…..all right," she said, still stunned. "But she sure is a quick worker."

Glyn and Jim heard the cars leaving but were too involved in each other to care.

"So, what brought that on?" Jim asked when she finally separated. His eyes were glowing, his happiness spilling out of them. "I've never had a nicer surprise."

She didn't want to tell him that Catherine had filled her in on his story. She thought that he should be allowed to share it as he was ready. So she kept it simple. "Dunno, just have been thinking about you and a lot of energy had built up. It's all you fault, you know. Yesterday was the sweetest non date I've ever had," she smiled.

Warmth begin to grow in Jim. So many emotions flooded him that he couldn't really recognize what he was feeling; except that he thought that maybe this was joy. He returned her smile and couldn't really think of anything to say. He just stood there, looking into her face and seeing a possible future. A future that included happiness, something he'd given up on long ago.

"Besides the casinos, what so people do for fun around here?" she asked.

"Fun? Uh…..well, there's the lake. And there's museums, and well, let me think….besides the casinos? How about a show? A lot of tourists like to experience Freemont….."

"Got any good parks? I really don't want to share you with the rest of Vegas today. I mean, if you want to….well, you might already have plans."

"You're kidding me, right? A beautiful woman asks a man to spend the day with her. He'd be a fool to have anything planned other than holding hands and gazing into her eyes." God that was sappy, he thought.

"When's the last time you were on a picnic?"

"I'll pick you up ….when?" he asked.

"Give me an hour. Can you pick up the drinks?"

"Drinks? Yeah….. Ah , what do ……"

"Well, my guess is you like beer. I'm more of a soda person; alcohol really doesn't work for me. But get beer for you, if that's what you want."

"I think I'll stick with soda," he said. "Right now you're the only fuel my fire can handle."

He kissed her quickly and headed to his car. This is a dream, he thought. And I'm going to wake up soon.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Catherine couldn't believe what she'd just witnessed in the parking lot. While Jim wasn't a loner in the Gil Grissom mold, she knew he kept to himself. Glyn didn't seem like the temptress type, so how and when had these two gotten together, she wondered. And just how together were they? And, oh boy, what did Glyn think of him after everything she'd heard in the file room? Catherine, you need to learn to keep your mouth shut, she thought. You better not have messed things up for Jim. Catherine liked Glyn and Jim was like family. She might be good for him. He deserved to have something good in his life. Catherine decided that she would do anything she could to help this thing along. Right now though, she told herself, just keep your big mouth shut.

Warrick wasn't one to pry and he figured Brass's business was his own. He liked what he'd seen of Glyn and he too thought perhaps she could bring some sunshine into Brass's life. God knows, the man deserves it, he thought. He didn't really give the budding romance much more thought. He was hoping Tina would have some time today. He really was trying to spend more time with her. He had fallen for her big but then proceeded to screw it up. Things were improving and he wanted to keep it that way.

-----------------------------

Jim ran home to change. As he entered his house, his inner doubts took hold. What are you doing? He asked himself. You dumb jerk, she's too good for you and you know it. She's beautiful and full of life and you're...you're a washed out, stupid, empty old fool. What the hell are you doing? This will end badly; you know it will. You're too old and not good enough for her. End this asshole, before you end up in the bottom of a bottle again. Yeah, that's it. Go over there and end it today. But something wouldn't let him give up and he gave into that, certain that he was headed for disaster.

He picked out his favorite tropical shirt and a casual pair of slacks. He dug a cooler out of the back of his closet and headed for the store. After filling the cooler with drinks and ice, he headed to Glyn's. By the time he was pulling into her drive, hope had begun to grow again. He wouldn't end it. He knew he was in way over his head but it was too late. In for a penny; in for a pound' he thought to himself. She opened the door with an amused expression.

"Jim, you're 15 minutes early," she chuckled.

"Yeah, it didn't take as long as I thought….to get changed and all, I mean. You ready or can I help you get ready?"

"Jim, the food's over there. All I have to do is get changed and if you try to help me with that, well….we won't make it to the picnic," she teased as she walked back to change.

Jim had to force himself to stay where he was. He wanted to follow her but he knew that was a bad idea. Whoa partner, he thought. She emerged a few minutes later dressed in capris and a top. The top was a deep green that complimented her hair and eyes and made her skin glow. Ohhh Jim, he thought. You're going to have a frustrating afternoon.

They had finished the picnic and were walking in the park, holding hands. Like teenagers, he thought. As they passed a tree he turned and leaned her back into the trunk. He traced he cheek with his thumb as his eyes drank in her features. He was still in a daze. This lovely woman seemed to be interested in him. He didn't understand why and he knew he didn't deserve her but he silently thanked whatever forces were at work on his behalf. Slowly, gently his mouth sought hers. His hand traced her jaw, found its way behind her neck and his fingers gently massaged her nape as his tongue explored her mouth. Their tongues teased and tortured one another as the owners lost themselves in the swirl of the rising heat. Glyn was more surprised by her own response than she was by Jim's. She hadn't felt it in such a long time that she had thought that part of her life was over. Suddenly here she was overwhelmed with the fire growing within her. Desire rose in her until she wasn't sure she could keep it under control. She knew that she didn't want to. She eased out of his embrace and fought for control. Her hand was on the side of his face, her fingers sliding behind his ear. "Jim. I think we should go back to my place….or yours, if it closer." She spoke barely above a whisper.

Jim was sure he had somehow ruined it already. Had he pushed too far? Was something wrong? He was confused. "Are you okay? I…… did I..I didn't mean to…"

Her lips silenced him. After another heated kiss, she backed away from him, her mouth just above his. "I'm okay. But it won't help your career any if we get arrested for doing what I want to do to you right now. I think they call it public indecency."

"Are you sure?" His voice was husky; his passion was audible. "What happened to taking things slow?"

"I think we passed slow back there somewhere," her eyes teasing him. "And right now I just want to throw you to the ground and do obscene things. And I'm trained to do it too. I want you, Jim. I want all of you."

Jim thought he felt his heart stop. Could she be saying what he thought she was saying? He could feel the blood running through his veins…. hot blood, rising. No, his heart hadn't stopped; his heart was pounding and every nerve he had on fire. He studied her face, looking for the slightest hesitation. All he saw was pure, raw passion. And it was for him. This moment, this one moment…...he wanted to savor it as he realized that that this angel before him wanted him as much as he wanted her. The intensity in her eyes was growing as she gazed at him, inviting him with more and more urgency.

They gathered the picnic gear and walked back to his car, barely able to keep their composure. As soon as they were in the car, her left hand was on was his thigh. She needed to touch him, explore. Driving proved to be a challenge for Jim. He wanted to pull over and take her right there in the car. But this torture, the teasing of her hand and the drive back, the ferocity he felt and the heat he knew that she felt…..all these things would only make the outcome more satisfying.

Finally they made it back and were inside her door. He pressed her against the closed door and began again the kissing that she had interrupted in the park. His body pressed against her and he felt her need almost as strongly as he felt his own.

She was in a swirl of passion. She felt him against her, the heat radiating through their clothes. She needed to touch him. Her hands worked their way up the back of his shirt and found the satisfaction of bare skin. But that inflamed her more.

Her hands on his back urged him on in his passion. He pulled away just enough to grasp the bottom of her top and pull it over her head. Her bra quickly fell away and his eyes savored her breasts. His shirt came off as her fingers made quick work of his buttons. Then she froze. She was starring at his scars. He stepped away. Not far but enough to give her space. Space to react. "What happened?" Her eyes filled with pain. Tears began to form.

"Damn," he said. "I'd forgotten to warn you about that. I got shot awhile back." Embarrassment and self loathing flooded over him as he remembered his stupidity, letting Willie Cutter play him like that. He'd known but he ignored his instincts. He wasn't going to let Cutter kill the girl. After Bell, he just wouldn't have another death be on his conscience. He wanted to crawl in a hole somewhere. What would she think if she knew the story? What a sorry son of a bitch you are, he thought to himself.

"Jim, they don't look that old." Her hand tentatively reached toward his chest. "Catherine told me you'd been shot last year, but I had no idea." Her fingers gently worked their way around the scars left by the wound and the surgery. "And what's this?" she asked as she touched his tattoo. "May 11, 2006?"

"The day I got shot," he scowled. "It was a hostage situation and I was trying to talk the guy down and he shot me. …... Yeah, I barely made it. But it's okay now. Tatoo was kind of a….I don't know really...reminder of the stupidest thing I've ever done, I suppose." He shrugged, feeling stupid for letting the tattoo impulse overtake him after left the hospital.

Tears began to roll down her face. Words couldn't express what she was feeling.

"Jim reached for his shirt to put it back on but she stopped him. She looked into his eyes and saw the fear. "Jim, I'm … so… sorry," her voice revealing the ache she felt. Then she pulled him close. Her hands worked their way to the back of his head and she pulled herself to him. Her lips met him at the top of his chest and she tenderly kissed each scar. "I'm so sorry this happened to you."

Jim wrapped his arms around her and held on as tight as he could. He remembered the terror in the hotel room as the gun fired and as the medics worked on him, of the hospital, the ER, and the time he died and was brought back. He remembered his feeling of wonder that he had survived. He still felt it. He remembered his friends, their concern and their care. He fought back tears. Tears that he had yet to allow himself after almost dying. He managed to keep them at bay but he needed to sit, compose himself. He made his way to the couch and slowly sank down on it, his head in his hands.

-----------------OKAY MAJOR WARNING: MATURE EYES ONLY----------------------------XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As he regained his control, chagrin set in. He couldn't believe he'd reacted so strongly in front of Glyn. She sensed his embarrassment and sat beside him on the sofa. She stroked the side of his face, watching him, still needing him. He wouldn't look at her so finally she cupped his chin with her hand and turned his face toward her. "Jim," she said softly.

"I'm sorry…. I didn't mean to fall apart like that. I usually don't do that, but……"

"Its okay, Jim. It doesn't change the way I feel. I'm grateful that you didn't die in that shooting. I'm grateful that you are here with me now. To think I could have missed knowing you. Missed….. Well, all the possibilities." Her eyes were full of concern and compassion. But he saw no pity as he studied her expression.

"Glyn, I …. "

Before he could finish his thought, her lips were on his and then they weren't. They were on his face, and down his neck, across his chest. She worked her way over his torso and the flame within reignited. His hands found her, wanted her, and needed her. He stroked her back but his hands were impatient. They found their way around her until resting on her breasts. Her nipples were hard and his fingers teased them as his mouth explored her neck. A sigh emerged from deep within her. Her eyes closed and opened and closed as waves of passion and desire passed through her. Somehow the rest of their clothes fell away as they surrendered to the fervor. He was slow and methodical as he explored her. No place on her body was sacred. He investigated every part. His lips and even more arousing tongue teased and licked her nipples. Gently sucking and circling, coaxing them into higher states of pleasure and desire. She was gasping and moaning….his sounds equally carnal. His tongues left its targets and traveled down, her entire body writhing with the sensuality of his journey. One of his hands massaged her breasts and the other stroked her inner thighs, as she submitted to his torture.

As much as his explorations excited her, she was frustrated. She wanted to explore him as well. Her hands inched their way over him. His skin was treasure to be fondled and cherished. Her fingers teased the thick curly hair on his chest as she explored him. Their appetite for one another increased as their hands, eyes, and mouths discovered new territory.

Neither was capable of thought beyond the need to touch and to kiss. Her mouth explored his nipples as well, before leaving to explore and discover other hot spots. She pulled him to her, so that he was above her now. Her hands traveled around him, stroking and teasing his back. Working their way down she found the cheeks of his ass. Oh, and did he have a nice one indeed! Her fingers worked their way into his dimples as she groped and clawed, pulling him closer to her. His hardness became more and more apparent. His hand reached between her legs and found her wet and anxious. His fingers teased open her valley to explore the mysteries within. His fingertip explored the aperture of her soaking burrow. Her hand was at work too, fondling and stroking his shaft, reveling in the size and strength of him.

Finally when each felt they could stand no more, she spoke. "Jim," she whispered hoarsely, "Jim, now. I need you….all of you." Jim used the tip of his cock to tease her. Then slowly, agonizingly slowly, he began to stroke until the lips of her hot box began to open to him. His rod slipped in between and his own wetness mingled with hers. Musk filled the air. He continued to stroke her valley until he found the magic tunnel. He slipped inside, finding his way into her. He pressed a little harder and made his way deep inside. Her head was back and her eyes rolled as she accepted him. He was huge….wonderfully and incredibly huge…filling her and increasing her desire. He filled her, massaging her inner walls as he slid deeper and deeper into her, "Jim, you're torturing me," she gasped.

He watched her face as he slid deeper. Raw desire encompassed him. He began to stroke her, little strokes at first. Still teasing. Her hips rose higher and higher with each one. Her hands reached for his butt, kneading his cheeks and pulling him closer to her. Forcing him deeper. His mouth found her breasts and he teased with his tongue. More moans. Jim was fighting to keep himself under control. His mouth traveled up to hers where her impatience became apparent. She began to do him with her tongue what she wanted him to do to her below. Just as he was about to lose it, her rapture began. White heat cascaded over her, carrying her up. Her whole being began to explode with the pleasure of him. Jim could feel her assent as her muscles tightened around him, adding pressure to a device that was already on the verge of explosion. He couldn't hold back any longer and he too was taken in by the white heat. Each stroke brought more pleasure until they erupted in a blinding explosion whose energy consumed them. Finally the heat began to subside. The force had been great and the aftershocks continued even as their bodies cooled. Jim could feel the tiny tremors within her as her hips continued to undulate. She felt his last little bursts of ecstasy as her hips slowly came to a rest. They lay there for awhile, simply breathing, basking in the receding heat and glow of passion. Jim eased himself to her side and began tracing the line of her jaw with his finger. He was afraid to speak…..afraid to break the spell. Her face turned toward him, still aglow with the joy of their experience. He looked deep into her eyes and saw the dying embers of her fire and something more…..what was it…. As he studied her expression he understood. This was only the beginning. He wrapped his arm around her and she slid onto her side. He eased closer. She nustled into the curves and crooks of his body and there they feel asleep; him with his arm around her holding her tight and she holding his hand.

A sound woke Jim. He was disoriented and confused for a second and then relaxed as he understood the source of the sound. He's been having a dream….a nightmare really. One he hadn't had in years but he knew it all too well. It was his mind's instant replay tape of the last night in his house in Jersey. His last night with his wife. He'd been finished the corruption investigation and had decided now was the time to make a clean break. No more Jersey and no more cheating wife. He'd confronted her about it. He'd known she had been playing around but until that night he didn't know how far it went. That night she told him. The list was long and even included one of the guys he had investigated. She wanted to hurt him as deeply as he had hurt her when he was with Annie. And it was that night that he'd learned that his precious Ellie wasn't really his daughter. That, more than any of the other, had broken his heart and almost broken him. The sound that had awakened him from his dream was the sound of her laughter…..her cruel, vicious laughter when she told him. She knew that would be the bitterest pill and she had saved it for last. It was a bitterness that still dwelled in his mouth and he'd believed he would carry that taste to his grave. But as he listened to Glyn's quiet breathing and felt her chest rise and fall under his arm, the cruelty and bitterness of that night long ago began to fade. He had no idea where his ex was or what she was doing. He wasn't sure that Ellie would ever come back to him. But he knew that here, with this woman…..this angel….he wanted to look ahead. All those years of hell were fading into the fog of his past. For the first time in years, he wanted a future.