After a night of tossing and turning despite being exhausted, Brass finally gave up on sleep. As he sat in his kitchen waiting for the coffee to brew, he thought back to the end of his evening with Jenny. Her kiss had been totally unexpected. He wished he hadn't responded the way he did; it went against his decision not to act on his feelings for her, whatever they might be. He hadn't quite figured that out yet. Even if she was interested in him, he was still too old for her. There was no way it could last and he didn't think he could stand the heartbreak of a break upespecially if what he was feeling really was more than lust. His younger self would have had no problem enjoying the ride and walking away when it was over. Somewhere along the way, he'd realized what an empty existance that was and he wanted no part of it anymore. He'd rather be alone than feel that empty again. On the other hand, she made him feel so alive. Since he'd been shot and nearly died, his life had been different and women hadn't really been a part of it. Until he met her, he hadn't realized how the life had slowly been draining out of him over the past few years. No matter what his feelings were, however, she was spring moving into summer and he was autumn heading towards winter; not a good match at all. His brain told him that he needed to back away but various other parts of his body urged him toward her.

Besides all that, why the hell would she want sex with me? There must be plenty of willing guys circling her. And more her age too. Maybe she just feels sorry for me or something. Am I really that pathetic? You've gone and done it to yourself this time. Just stay the hell away from her. His thoughts stopped in a moment of resolve. Yeah, go over and talk to her. Tell her that your too old and get the hell out of there.

After showering and shaving, he headed over to the cafe. When he walked in, he spotted Nick and Greg sitting at a table near the front. Shit. I don't need an audience. They called out to him and he waved. Jenny was behind the counter and he walked over. He decided to order food and then hopefully the guys would leave and he could talk to her. Once he'd ordered, he joined them at their table. Thankfully they were already well into their breakfast so his plan might work. Jenny brought his food, her free hand touching his shoulder as she put his plate on the table.She stood and chatted a minute, her hand lingering there. Jim felt his resolve melting. Nick noticed the contact and the detective's reaction. It confirmed suspicions he'd held for a few weeks. Ther was something going on there.

The two CSIs finished their meal and left. Jim continued eating quietly, rebuilding his resolve to end this before it got started.

In the truck Greg commented to Nick. "Wow, some action between Jenny and Brass, huh?"

"What do you mean, Greg?"

"Well, he was all nervous and then the way she touched him. And they way he acted when she did. There's definatly a lava flow brewing."

"Greg, I saw it too. But I don't think it's going to go anywhere. Brass isn't going to let it. I think that's why he was nervous."

"Thing is, Nick, I just don't see it. I mean...if it was me...or even you...well, we're more her age, you know? But Brass? I mean, he's kind of old for her don't you think?"

"Greg. let me tell you something about Brass. When I first came to Vegas, there were all sorts of stories about him. Apparently he was a wild man when he first came here. Story was that when he was off duty he always had two things in hand; a scotch and a girl. Apparently he was a real pleaser too. The women loved him. Catherine told me once that he had girls at all the clubs and there were some real catfights over him. He was really into the Vegas life and a very popular player. He had a nickname: Fire Chief. Then for some reason he changed and by the time I got here he wasn't a player anymore. But every now and then I'll still hear a girl call him Chief. He acts like he didn't hear it; I think it embarrasses him. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is don't sell Brass short; there's a lot more to the man than you might think. And Jenny obviously sees it."

"Wow! Fire Chief?"

"Lights the blaze and has the hose to put it out...use your imagination Greg. And if I were you I'd never mention it, especially to him."

"Yeah, okay." Greg responded disappointedly.

Back at the cafe, Brass was finishing his breakfast. Jenny came and sat at the table. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just a little confused about last night."

"Confused? I thought I was pretty clear."

Jenny...you're still a young woman, just building your life. I'm..." he grimmaced, "I'm starting to think about the end of mine. As tempting as you are, it just wouldn't be fair for me to..."

"What Jim? Take advantage? I think I was probably the one taking advantage last night. You wanted to know what I wanted for Christmas. I showed you. I haven't changed my mind. But just in case you didn't get my message..." She was moving close to him again. He thought he should try to stop her but he didn't seem to be able to. She was kissing him again. This one began much more intensly, her lips hot on his and her tongue sparring with his. Her hands were over his ears, her fingers teasing the hair behind them. She was probing deeper. He could feel the heat rising between them and knew that she was as aroused as he was. Her tongue withdrew and she nibbled his lower lip, breathing deeply. He didn't want her to quit but his brain was telling him that he needed to make her stop. His brain didn't seem to be in control, however. Fianlly she withdrew, leaving him in a more confused state. As she started to walk away his hand grabbed her arm and she turned. "What exactly is it you want from me?" he asked. His eyes were pleading for an answer.

"Everything," she said. And she walked away. He sat for a minute and then followed her. She headed back to the kitchen but he didn't let that stop him. He caught up to her and pulled her into the supply closet. Once he had her to himself, he backed her against the wall and planted his own kiss. The Fire Chief was back and his lips were not gentle. She had unleashed all of the feelings that he'd tried to control. And she was going to know them. Forcing his tongue through her lips, he ravaged her mouth, driving and thrusting while his hands found her waist. He pulled her hard into him, letting her know just what she had done to him. This time he didn't try to avoid pressing into her. In fact, Woody began to grind. Her hands worked their way up his back as she stroked and clawed at him while hiss hands moved up her sides, caressing the sides of her breasts. She moaned, hungrily and broke his kiss, his name escaping her lips. Her head rolled back and he went for her neck, kissing and nibbling. Her hands went behind his head and she pulled his head into her, encourageing him more. He had her and he knew it. He could take her right here in the closet and she's thank him for it after. But his brain kicked in, what the hell are you doing? This is exactly what you've been trying to avoid. Back off.

As the tiny voice spoke, he cooled and straightened up. Still breathing heavily he stared into her eyes, his desire unmistakable. "No, I'm not doing this. It's...it's all wrong." He dropped his hands and walked out.