It was 11p.m. Friday night. Tim was beat. He wanted nothing more than to crawl into his bed and pass out. He had just exited the Navy yard when his phone rang to life. He almost didn't answer it. The possibility that it was Tony or Gibbs calling him back in made him want to scream. This latest case had taken a toll on everyone. His only escape had been the brief text chats he had snuck with Lexi. By now even Gibbs and Ducky knew Tim was seeing someone. Though only Ducky had actually commented on it. Tim gave in and brought the phone to his ear.

"McGee." This had better be good.

"Tim." It was Lexi. Suddenly crawling into bed and passing out didn't seem so important.

"Hi. How are you?" Something about the way she had said his name didn't feel right.

"I'm okay." Translation, I feel like shit. Tim's eyes narrowed.

"Bad day?" It couldn't possibly add up to his bad day, but he wasn't about to say that out loud.

"Just… Long." She paused. "How bout you?" He could tell she was forcing herself to sound better than she felt.

"Not bad." He hesitated. Should he head over to her place? "Want to talk about it?"

"Are you busy?" She sounded just as tired as him. But sad too…

"No, I'm just leaving work."

"Wow, just now? I guess being kind of a cop makes for wacky hours." She tried to make herself laugh.

"I'm just glad I don't have a dozen four feet tall cakes to make." This made her laugh for real.

"How bout we trade jobs next week." He smiled at he more cheerful tone.

"I bet you could handle my boss better than most of the people here."

"Aw, did somebody get a head-slap today?" She teased.

"Only once."

"Hey, that's a good day."

"Are you sure you're okay?" She didn't answer. "Want me to come over?"

"You don't have to, you should go home and get some sleep."

"I can sleep tomorrow. What about you? Shouldn't you get to sleep?"

"I've been trying to. I need to be up tomorrow and get started on all of Stacy's wedding stuff. I have the whole day set aside just to get just her cakes and desserts done so they are all fresh. The wedding starts at ten in the morning."

"So no paintball?" Tim knew her group went out to Archland Park for paintball on Sunday mornings. It was a heavily wooded area that didn't get much traffic. It was also home to Lexi's favorite bike trails.

"Actually we are all sacrificing paintball that day. The only one who complained was Seth." Lexi spat Seth's name out. Tim remembered Seth was the big wrestler who had loomed over Lexi the first time they met. Something told him Seth may have played a part in Lexi's bad day. "Are you still there?" Tim didn't realize he had stopped talking.

"Yeah, I'm here. Can you let me in?"

"Huh?" A knock on her front door made Lexi jump off her couch. "That's you?"

"Yeah." He sounded sheepish. Tim heard the dead bolt on the door turn and clicked off his phone. When the door opened Lexi was still holding her phone. She stepped aside to let him in and smiled. It was then that he noticed that she had been sitting in the dark. The only light came from her small desk lamp. "I thought we could both use some company tonight." Tim smiled back at her. She let her phone drop onto her desk chair and wrapped her arms around Tim's waist. He immediately answered the hug.

"I wanted to ask you over but I didn't want you to think I needed a babysitter. I'm usually not this clingy."

"I don't think you're being clingy at all." He was still holding her and leading her to the couch while kicking off his shoes. He pulled her down to lay beside him. As soon as they both settled, Tim started stroking a hand through her hair. "I'm glad to be here. And like I said, we both needed company."

She looked up at him and smiled. He bent his head down to kiss her but the position was awkward. She pushed herself up and connected the kiss. Her lips were warm and soft. They stayed that way for several minutes, just trading light kisses. Tim couldn't remember anything feeling this good before. His eyes opened when he felt her tongue trail across his bottom lip. She was looking back at him intently. She took his bottom lips into her mouth and sucked gently. Tim's eyes fluttered and one hand found it's way under her shirt. He gently caressed her back finding a ticklish spot. Her face came away from his and she gasped. Tim teased and tickled her back with his fingertips. Lexi's back arched making her thigh brush against Tim's groin. He groaned and his body went rigid.

Lexi used the distraction to shift so she was slightly above him. Her hair tickled his cheeks when she bent to kiss him again. This time she wasn't soft about it. Her thigh was still firmly planted between his legs. He rubbed against her and deepened the kiss. She moaned into his mouth sending electric currents shooting all the way down his body. For some insane reason he heard Amelia's voice in his head.

"Kissing her on the neck is the fastest way to…"

Tim broke the kiss and brought his lips to the side of her neck. He kissed, licked, and suckled her neck feverishly.

"Ahhh. Mmhhh. Aahh." She purred into his ear. Her body shuddered and she rubbed herself against him harder. 'Fastest way to turn her on.' He thought to himself. He continued to suck and gently nip her neck. She pulled away suddenly and sat up looking at him wild-eyed.

"Please…" She was completely breathless. "No…"

No? Wait, what? No what? This was going so well. What had he done wrong?

"No hickies. I have to wear a strapless dress Sunday."

Ohhhh. That made sense. Relieved that hickies had been her only problem he smiled and nodded.

She lowered herself back down. Their tongues met quickly. Tim still had one hand up her shirt rubbing the small of her back and one hand on the back of her neck. Both her hands were on either side of his head, holding her up. Kissing her felt so damn good but he could feel her getting tired. She sank on top of him after several minutes of aggressive kissing. He wrapped both arms around her.

"I know you're tired. Just sleep." He said into her ear before kissing her temple.

"Do you need to go?" She mumbled.

"Do you want me to?"

"Not unless you want to." Tim answered her by pulling the blue throw blanket off the back of the couch and covering them with it. "You know…" She brought her head up. "This is the best ending to a crappy day I've ever had."

"What made it so crappy?" Tim asked before he could stop himself.

"Just someone being stupid." She scowled.

"The same stupid someone who was texting you when we had dinner?" She nodded and laid her head down in the crook of his arm. Tim had a pretty good idea who this stupid someone was. "Should I have a talk with him?" Tim was serious.

"Nah, he's just being an overprotective pest. Like I told you before, they like to think I'm helpless. But they have kind of a good reason to think so." Why was she defending him?

"Doesn't give anyone the right to harass you."

"Don't worry about it. I told him off."

"Good for you." Tim waited for her to respond, but she just fell silent. After several minutes, he felt Lexi's body slacken as she drifted off. It wasn't long before the sound of her deep breathing soothed Tim to sleep.

"Ouch!" Tim sat bolt upright reaching for his gun. Where was his gun? He looked around. Rolling his eyes, he realized he was still on Lexi's couch. His gun was in his glove compartment next to his badge. He twisted around and saw Lexi standing in the kitchen sucking on her right middle finger, pouting. She turned to him and popped her finger out of her mouth. "I burned myself." She explained. "Sorry, did I wake you?"

"It's okay. What time is it?" She glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall.

"Little after seven. Want some breakfast? I made biscuits and gravy."

"Oooh." Tim sprang up.

"I made coffee too." She turned back to the stove. Tim came up behind her and kissed her lightly on the neck. She giggled and turned to face him. He brought her right hand up to his lips and kissed the tips of her fingers. The finger she had just burned was still bright red.

"Better?" He asked.

"Much." She leaned forward and kissed his lips before turning back to the stove. Tim poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down at her small table. He watched her fix them both plates and wondered if he should ask what he really wanted to know. "You're staring." She accused. Tim blinked.

"Sorry, I just…" She sat down and pushed his plate to him.

"Just what?" She asked before stabbing at her food.

"The stupid person…" Her eyes came up, questioning him. "Is it your friend Seth?" She let out a defeated sigh. "You don't have to tell me, I just…"

"Yeah…" She took another bite and swallowed. "I've known him for a year and now all the sudden he's like… I dunno." She paused and rolled her eyes. "He suddenly became that annoying friend that invites himself to inspect your personal life. And he doesn't even know what he's talking about." Her irritation surprised Tim. "When you and I had dinner…" She stopped herself.

"What did he do?" Tim leaned forward and touched her arm.

"He compared you to my first boyfriend. Who he never even knew." Her irritation was back. "Seth is more Gavin's friend. They went through sniper school together." She paused again. "He accused me of letting you control me."

"Why would he think that?" Tim couldn't remember one time when he did anything controlling around Lexi.

"Because it's happened before… I dated this guy my second year of college, Derrick. Let's just say he turned out to be a major control freak." She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. "He found me at the absolute lowest point of my life, and he took full advantage. Dad had just died and I went off the deep end a little. I stopped caring about everything. What was worse… I let him take control of me. I just handed him everything he wanted. I stopped seeing my friends. I stopped everything. He had me so scared of being on my own… And I let him do it for a whole year." She finally made eye contact with Tim. "It took me a long time to get over that. Constantly asking permission for every little thing. Blaming myself for everything. Amelia and Mitch finally helped get me away from Derrick. I went back to school and got on with my life."

"Now all your friends think they have to circle you like orange caution cones." Tim did not see how this was fair.

"Something like that… They just don't want me to end up hurt again. Every guy I've dated since has gotten fed up with my issues and left. So, I just got to where I don't talk about things at all. Every time I would try to confide in a guy, he would think I expected him to fix it. Amelia and Mitch seem to be the only ones who know better."

Tim didn't know if he should mention the fact that Amelia was the one constantly giving him advice. That told him that at least Amelia thought enough of Lexi to let her make her own choices. Lexi spoke again, interrupting his thoughts. "But I made a promise that I wouldn't let myself get taken advantage of again. I guess I wanna prove to everyone I'm not as weak as they seem convinced I am."

"You're strong Lexi. You've proved that. Look at all you've done. And you don't have to be scared of being alone."

"I'm so sorry." She mumbled looking away.

"What on earth are you apologizing for now?"

"I really didn't mean to unload on you. Amelia is really the only one I spill to regularly." She sighed. "I don't know why but talking to you is… It's like I can't help myself. It's easy to tell you things."

"I'm actually glad for that." He told her sincerely. "And if I didn't want to know, I wouldn't ask."

"I just feel like I'm throwing too much at you, too fast."

"You're not." Her brushed a lock of hair out of her face. "Every new thing you tell me only makes me like you more. I've learned that you are a strong, independent person who always puts others before herself. You're sweet, honest, and beautiful. And you have friends who love you enough to threaten other people's lives." This made her smile. "What's not to like?" He smiled back, relieved that she was feeling better.

Later that night… Tim had been sitting in his car parked outside of Crafted Confections for nearly ten minutes when his passenger door opened. He jumped in his seat. Amelia sat there smiling at him like nothing was amiss.

"Um… Hi."

"Hello." Amelia chirped brightly. This seemed to be the tone she always used when she was plotting. Tim's guard shot up. "Whatcha doin sittin out here in this very nice car?"

"I'm just…"

"Having an inner debate?"

"Yeah."

"I get those a lot too." She paused and shifted in her seat as if to make herself comfortable. "You know that one friend that you confide everything in and who knows you so well it's almost scary?" Tim nodded. "Well, that's me and Lexi." Tim's eyebrows went up in question. "Yup, I know that girl's every deep, dark, and dirty secret. Not that she has an awful lot of them." Her voice lowered and became more serious. "So I hope you don't take this the wrong way… I get a good vibe from you, Tim. I don't think you would ever hurt her. But as her best friend I feel obligated to give you the standard warning. If you do hurt her, there will be a line waiting behind me to get at you."

"Okay." Tim was just as serious as Amelia.

"So, she told you about Derrick."

"Yes."

"Good, then we have an understanding."

"I really hope so." And he really did. Amelia smiled again, less evil looking than usual. Which only terrified him more.

"If you want to talk to her, I can let you in the kitchen. She usually hates distractions, but she seems to make an exception for you." She got out of the car and after a second of hesitation, Tim followed.

In the kitchen Tim was surprised to hear electronic music instead of Coldplay. Amelia had let him into the shop, then she locked up and left. He quietly made his way into the kitchen. The steel table was full of desserts and yes, a monster of a wedding cake. Lexi was bent over a tray of cupcakes with her back to him. Just as he was about to reach out and tap her shoulder she turned.

"Ah!" She jumped and cried out in surprise causing him to jump too. "What the hell!" She clapped her hands to her chest.

"I'm sorry!" He held out his hands. "I just thought I'd surprise you. Amelia let me in." Yes, blaming Amelia was his best bet. He took a step back and let his arms drop. "I take it she forgot to tell me you hate surprises."

"Yeah, I prefer to be warned." She sighed and turned back to her cupcakes. "Sorr…" She sighed. Not constantly apologizing was taking some getting used to. "So did Amelia give you some kind of warning? She's been threatening to have talk with you."

"She did say that if I ever hurt you there will be a line of people waiting to get at me."

"I doubt that." She looked up and smirked.

"No, that's really what she said." He smiled trying to lighten the mood.

"No, I mean I doubt any of them would stand in a line." She paused for a second then faced him smiling widely. "Hey!" Her over-happy tone scared him for a second. "You can help me!"

"Help you what?"

"Box all my little desserts. You can cut my time in half!"

"I'd be happy to." Finally the tension dissolved.

After getting everything set up for the wedding, Lexi invited him upstairs. Tim made himself comfortable on the couch while Lexi pulled out the red wine she still had.

"Is there anything else Amelia told you that I should know about?" She called from the kitchen.

"She said she gets a good vibe from me." Lexi laughed as she crossed into the living room with two glasses and the bottle of wine. She set it all on the coffee table and poured the wine.

"She usually does have a good judge in character."

"I believe that, seeing her choice of best friend."

"Oh my God, that is such a line!"

"Was it a good one?" Tim sipped at the wine.

"I've heard way worse."

"Say one."

"Well, once some guy told me that God put a burden on his heart to come over and talk to me. I then proceeded to ask him which boob he was talking to."

"Looking at your chest was a dead giveaway, huh."

"Oh, yeah. But don't act like you don't shift your eyes every few seconds." She paused to smirk at him. He put on an over innocent face. She set her glass down and moved towards him. His body tensed involuntarily and he quickly set his wine glass on the small table beside the couch. She twisted so her back was to him and laid down. He wrapped his arms around her. His lips were close to her right ear. He was about to kiss her but she spoke up again.

"You're working tomorrow right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Stacy said I could invite you to the wedding."

"Hmm, I would if I could."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Wedding's don't scare me." Tim smirked thinking of his earlier conversation with Tony.

"I told Stacy there had to be some unspoken rule not to take a new boyfriend to a wedding?" She laughed.

"Boyfriend?"

"Oh, I just meant…" She sat up and twisted to face him. "I mean if…" She was struggling.

"No, you had it right. Boyfriend." He reached up and pulled her back to him.

"You really need to stop saying all the right things."

"Why?"

"Because, it's suspicious."

"I guess I'll have to screw up really soon to throw you off my trail…" They laid there cuddling for a while. Tim gently rubbed the back of her head.

"You're gonna put me to sleep." Lexi said drowsily.

"I think I'm about to put myself to sleep too."

"Do you need to go home? I'll be getting up early. I have to help set up then get myself ready."

"I'm fine with staying the night if you are."

"Could we possibly move to the bed? Sleeping on the couch gave me a cramp last time."

Without a word Tim led her to the bedroom. She escaped to the bathroom to change clothes. Tim stripped down to his boxers and was under the covers by the time she came out. Even in shorts and a tee-shirt she looked good. She cuddled up next to him and kissed him before setting her head on his chest. Tim wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes…

Sunday afternoon… Tim was at his desk typing furiously. If he got this done quickly he'd have time for a quick chat with Lexi. She had sent him a picture of her wearing her bridesmaid dress. It was a simple strapless, navy blue, A-line cut that ended just above her knees. Her hair had been piled on top of her head with ringlets falling around her face. She was smiling but her face looked like she just wanted the picture taken quickly. Her left arm was raised and she was holding a small bouquet of white calla lilies. Her text said she had caught the bouquet was now being teased about "being next."

Tim had laughed out loud at the text, just as Gibbs was passing his desk. Gibbs had paused and sent Tim a raised eyebrow. Ziva and Tony had also stopped working and eyed Tim from their desks. He dropped his phone and went back to work. Gibbs' eyebrow lowered back down and he kept walking.

That was two hours ago. Now, the team was busy with the last of their paperwork on the newest closed case. Tim finally finished his end of everything and grabbed his phone. Lexi had not sent him another text after the picture.

Hey Lexi. Still at the reception?

He sent the text and grinned, waiting for a reply. His eyes drifted to Tony's desk. Tony was watching him with an impatient expression. He knew Tony was miffed because Tim had refused to give him any details about Lexi. Tim looked back at his phone. Usually Lexi texted him right back. Even if it was just to say she was busy. He continued staring at his phone for almost three minutes before it vibrated in his hand.

Who is this?

That was odd. He knew she had his number in her phone.

Tim. Who is this?

You need to back off her. She's meant for someone else.

Like who? Who is this.

Back off. I mean it.

Tim was getting pissed. Who was messing with Lexi's phone? He got up from his desk and made his way to the elevator. The team all stopped what they were doing and watched him go.

"Back to work." Gibbs barked out.

Once he was alone in the evidence garage, Tim dialed Lexi's cell number. It rang twice, then he heard her voice.

"Hello?" She was breathless and laughing. Tim could hear loud music and talking in the back round.

"Hey. It's Tim."

"Hi! I thought you'd be working all day."

"I'm still at work. I'm just on a bit of a break."

"Those are always nice… You sound upset. Bad day?"

"No… Lexi, someone was texting me just a minute ago from your phone."

"Which one of you jerks had my phone?" He heard her yell. "Oh, I guess the magic fairy did it!" Now Tim could tell she was moving. The music became distant. "I'm sorry, Tim. I left my phone at the table while I was dancing. Whoever was texting you deleted everything."

"Who was at your table?" He tried not to sound angry. But she picked up on it.

"Gavin, Mitch, and Amelia just now. But we were just all dancing and sat down together. Anyone could have picked up my phone." She took a deep breath. "I'm so sorry. Are you mad?"

"Not at you." He made himself calm down. "Never at you."

"What did the text say?"

"I think I've just got some competition." Tim started pacing the garage.

"No, you don't. Trust me. Absolutely none." He could hear the smile in her voice.

"Can I see you later?" His voice was pleading.

"If you don't, I'll come looking for you." She laughed. He knew she was trying to make him feel better. It was working. "I may be held prisoner here for another couple of hours. But don't worry, I have an escape plan all worked out. It involves bungee cords and a toothpick." Finally, Tim laughed.

"I'm surprised you didn't say crossbow."

"Don't give me any ideas now…" They were both silent for a few seconds. "So did you want to come over to my place? Or I can meet you somewhere…"

"No, I'll come see you." Tim heard the elevator ding. "I gotta go. I'll see you tonight."

"I'll be waiting." Just as Tim hung up his phone, he felt a hand connect with the back of his head. He immediately knew it was Tony. Gibbs' smack wasn't quite that hard. He turned and before Tony could move, Tim returned the smack.

"Damn, McGoo, that hurt!" Tony rubbed the side of his head.

"Good!" Tim shoved his phone in his pocket. "What do you want?"

"Boss wants a campfire." They both moved towards the elevator. The second the doors closed Tony turned and smirked. "Gonna get your McGroove on tonight?"

"Tony, I will slap you again." As annoyed as he felt, he couldn't help picturing getting said McGroove on… When he stepped out of the elevator he was smiling. Not even the Gibbs Glare could shoot down his mood.

Late, very late, that night Tim was knocking at Lexi's door. He sighed when he checked the time. He should have called to make sure she wasn't too tired. The door opened and he was greeted by sleepy, dark blue eyes. Yes, he should have called.

"I'm so sorry, I know it's late." He shook his head. Without a word, she pulled him into the apartment. She still had on her bridesmaid dress but her hair had been let down. God she looked beautiful.

"You can wake me up." Tim's eyes went wide at the expression on her face. She kept pulling him until they were standing next to her bed. He wrapped himself around her tiny frame and kissed her deeply.

Lexi wasted no time getting his clothes off of him. The buttons on his shirt melted under her fingertips. The cool air hit his back but was soon replaced by her warm hands running up and down his skin. Then his pants were gone. His boxers went next. It occurred to him then, that she was still clothed. He tugged at the zipper on the back of her dress. It fell in a pool around her feet. She snapped her own bra off while he pulled at her panties.

They stood there kissing and rubbing their bodies together until the heat from the friction made the whole room sizzle. Lexi maneuvered him towards the bed. He fell back and scooted until his head hit the pillows. She slowly crawled over him until she was straddling his hips. When she leaned down to kiss him, Tim bent his head sideways and caught her neck in his mouth.

"Ah!" She cried out and shuddered. Tim continued to suckle her neck, not caring about the marks he knew he'd be leaving. Her moans were loud and it made Tim's already raging hard on twitch with anticipation.

Lexi shifted her body. Tim released her neck when he felt her hand on his dick. He looked into her eyes and saw a flash of hesitation.

"Only if you want to." He breathed out.

"I want you, Tim. I want you." She almost pleaded with him. He cupped her face with his hands and kissed her. Her hand was gone and she was easing her body into position. She was so wet that entering her was easy… At first. "Ah... Ah."

He knew she was struggling. He pushed her up and off of him. Gently laying her below him, he took command. His hands worked the soft, wet flesh between her legs. The cries of pleasure coming from her drove him wild. While his hands worked below, he kissed and sucked around her belly button. Her back arched and her hips bucked. She was ready…

He moved up and kissed her lips and neck while moving himself to re-enter her. As slowly as his body would let him, he pushed inside her. This time he managed to get all the way in without hurting her. Tim wanted to go slow. He wanted so badly to make this as good for her as possible. But the second she started squirming underneath him, he lost all reason.

His movements became quick and hard. She responded by wrapping her legs around him and begging for more. Tim grabbed the headboard with one hand and thrust inside her.

"Oh my God, Tim." Her cries became louder. "Yes, please!" He watched her eyes roll to the back of her head. Her hands clawed at his back. But the pain only excited him more. "Yes! Oh Tim!" Tim saw stars as she tightened around him. He could feel her orgasm rocking through her body. His own orgasm shot deep inside her. He thrust two more times before finally slumping over.

They both had to catch their breath before moving. Tim got up first and went to the bathroom. He came back with a towel and handed it to Lexi. The dazed expression on her face only satisfied him more. Her movements were jerky, but she managed to wipe herself down. Tossing the towel aside she reached out for Tim. He fell heavily back onto the bed and wrapped his arms around her. The last thing that registered in his head before sleep overtook him was the purring sound Lexi made as she drifted off.

It was Thursday and Lexi was taking a well deserved day off. All the wedding hooplah had subsided for now and she could just relax. She thought going to the mall with her friends would be a nice retreat. She had spent most of the morning cuddling with Tim before he finally had to go to work. It had been an awesome day so far… Until Seth had to ruin it.

"What do you even know about this guy? You call him your boyfriend and you don't even know what he does for a living." Seth's voice was like nails on a chalk board. He had been going on and on about Tim for nearly an hour. No one said anything as the group made their way through the food court. Gavin and Amelia kept glaring at Seth while Mitch just kept his head down. "And why the hell did you invite him to paintball? That's our thing!"

"We invite new people to paintball all the time." Mitch finally put in two cents. "Besides, since Jessa will be there again, now the teams are even." Mitch dared a glance at Lexi. She was staring straight ahead, trying not to spill anything on her food tray. He could see her hands shaking in anger. She quickly tossed the leftovers into the garbage and set her tray on the stack above the bin.

"I wanna go check out the new music store." Lexi said without looking at anyone. She turned and headed away from them.

"Nice going ass bag." Amelia chided Seth before following Lexi.

Once Amelia caught up with her, Lexi was ready to rant.

"Why does he insist on ruining the best thing to happen to me since… Damn him! Who the hell does he think he is?" She was whispering loudly. She and Amelia were the only ones in the small music store other than the clerk, but Lexi was never one to make a scene.

"Sweetie…" Amelia had been trying not to say this. But Lexi needed to hear it. "He's in love with you." Lexi faced her looking totally surprised. "He's been trying to get Gavin and me to hook you two up since you met. I wouldn't have any part in it. I don't like him. But Gavin lets him hang out with us cause their Marine buddies." Lexi blinked and clawed her hands into fists.

"Do you like Tim?" Lexi had a notion that Tim would never have lasted this long if Amelia didn't. But she wanted Amelia to say it. She needed someone to tell her she wasn't making a mistake by moving so quickly with Tim. Of course, Amelia was the only one who actually knew how quickly things were moving. It was no one else's damn business.

"Honestly, if I wasn't in love already, you'd have some competition." Lexi had never felt jealousy cross her like it did just then. The feeling of possessiveness told her, she wasn't in control of her emotions as well as she thought. Amelia would never betray her, neither would Tim. But the thought that she might have competition suddenly put her on guard. "Hey, come back to earth now." Amelia waved her hand in front of Lexi's face.

"It's bad enough I get off on tangents when I'm talking. Now I'm doing it when I'm thinking too." Amelia looked at Lexi and grinned. Both girls burst out laughing.

After leaving the mall, Lexi decided to head to the water front. She went there when she wanted to be alone and think. She found a bench and plated herself there. It wasn't long before the urge to reach out and text someone overpowered her.

Hey Tim, busy?

She sent the text and waited. He answered immediately.

Not really. What's up?

Nothing. Taking a day off. Watching the birds.

Birds? Where are you?

Waterfront. Just relaxing.

Wish I was there with you.

Me too. Can't wait to see you Sunday.

Damn, I meant to tell you. I may not be there. Caught a case that may keep me away.

That's okay.

You're not mad?

No. I get it. Work is an okay excuse to be away.

Now you better stop saying all the right things. G2G. Boss calling.

Bye

Well, it wasn't the worst ending to a craptastic day.