Eric's POV

I walked Calleigh back to the parking lot. I'd sworn if she came back to me, I'd tell her how I feel. Now I just don't know where to start. I haven't seen Jake around in awhile, but I still don't know how she feels about him . . .or me.

I felt my courage drop a notch. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. I don't want to hear the "as a friend" speech, if she doesn't feel the same way about me. Then again, the potential reward far outweighs the risk.

"You sure you're okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said.

Right. I thought sarcastically. She still looks like she's been crying. She did a good job of covering it up, but I can always tell when she's been crying. No matter how hard she tries to disguise it, her eyes always tell me the truth.

"What are you gonna do?" I asked. "You gonna take some time off?" As much as I'll miss seeing her at the lab, I know she needs to take some time to deal with this. If she doesn't, she'll never get past it. Trust me, I speak from experience. It wasn't until I was forced to take time off that I really got passed Mari and Speed's deaths.

"I really don't know, to be honest," she answered. "I think I just want to go home. Think about what happened."

I nodded. It sounds like a good plan, except for one thing; I just can't bear to let her out of my sight. Just look at what happened last time I did! She went out on a routine call and ended up in the hands of that monster! Even letting her go down to Alexx was unsettling to me. It's not that I don't trust Alexx, I do, I trust her completely, I just don't want to leave Calleigh. I need to keep her with me. I can't let her go. Not yet.

She started to get into her hummer.

"Hey, you're not going home alone," I told her.

She turned to look at me.

"Eric, I'm fine. I really am. I promise," she assured me. "But thank you."

She turned back to her vehicle. Maybe it's true. She's tough, but me –

"I'm not," I blurted out. Not as smooth as I was hoping for, but I know Calleigh. She won't hold that against me. She's always accepted me just the way I am – even with all my problems. It's one of the many things I love about her.

She turned back to me, obviously surprised.

"I don't know what I would have done if something woulda happened to you today," I said. She was speechless. For once my beautiful, wonderful, amazing girl had nothing to say.

"Okay," she said simply. I tried to hold back the smile threatening to take over my entire face.

"C'mon," I said as I opened the passenger door of my Hummer for her. She looked over at me as I closed the door. I'm so glad she's here, safe and sound. Part of me can't believe it's true. I'm afraid I'll wake up and find her still gone. But she's not. She's here. She's with me. I won't have to let her out of my sight. At least not until we sleep tonight. Not even then, if I can help it. I let out a sigh as I walked to the driver's side. It's okay, I told myself. It's all over, she's safe . . .and she's letting me take her home. It's been such a long day, but it's almost over.

She leaned over and opened my door. I know it's just as polite gesture, but my heart soared. She was letting me in. I smiled at her. Everything just feels right. She's safe, and everything else pales in comparison to that amazingly wonderful fact.

Calleigh's POV

"Your place or mine?" Eric asked as we backed out of the parking lot.

I thought for a minute.

"Yours," I answered.

It felt so good to make a decision. It was something I could control. Besides, Eric's home is always so warm and inviting. I feel at home there in a way I haven't felt anywhere else since I was a child. It's probably because the place just feels like Eric. He has his own unique style. It's comfortable and neat … and everything smells like him. It's like being wrapped in Eric. Maybe not quite that good, but it feels wonderful. I smile just thinking about it. It's just…incredible.

"Oh, wait…"

"What?" Eric asked. I didn't realize I had spoken aloud.

"I really want to shower and change into some fresh clothes."

Eric smiled at me. Wow, that man looks gorgeous when he smiles. He always looks amazing, but I love his smiles. They just make me melt. I know I'm acting strangely today, I suppose it's just my method of coping. But I rather like it. Eric makes me want to just relax in his arms and let him take care of everything.

"My sister left some of her things here last time she visited." Eric said. "You're about the same size. I don't think she would mind if you borrowed them," he paused, and then continued, a little more hesitant than before, "Unless you'd feel more comfortable in your own clothes. 'Cause if you would – " I grinned at him.

"No, that sounds good to me." Clothes that had been sitting in Eric's home…I couldn't stop smiling. Maybe, if I'm lucky, the clothes will smell like Eric, too. I suppose it depends on how long they've been there.

We talked about everything and nothing on the way to Eric's house. It felt so good to just be able to talk freely with him and laugh together. I came so close to losing that. The thought scared me and quickly stole the smile from my face. As we pulled up to Eric's apartment my eyes welled up with tears. I will not break down in front of Eric, I told myself. It's not that he would think any less of me, I know he wouldn't, I just don't want him to see what a mess I am.

I was so busy not crying, I didn't even notice Eric getting out and opening my door.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. Let it all out," he said gently as he pulled me close.

"Can we go in?" I managed. It's bad enough that Eric has to see me break down, there's no way I'm letting the world see me cry. He kept his arm around my shoulder as he unlocked the door. He gently let me into his living room and pulled me into his lap as I sobbed. He just held me close, rubbed my back and whispered words of comfort in my ear. He promised he'd always be there for me, as long as I'd let him.

I don't know how long I cried for, but by the time I finished Eric's entire left side was drenched in my tears. I sniffed a few times before I pulled back.

"Thank you." I drew in a shuddering breath. "Oh, look at your shirt. I'm sorry, Eric."

Eric didn't seem to mind. He just grinned at me.

"Don't be sorry. I'd never turn down the chance to cuddle with a pretty girl like you," he teased.

I let out a shaky laugh and grinned back.

"Cute, Mister," I said as I hit his arm gently.

Eric cupped my face. "I'm serious, Cal," he said. "Anytime you need a shoulder to cry on, I'll gladly volunteer."

"Thanks, Eric." I paused a moment. His sweetness almost made me cry again. "That wet shirt can't be terribly comfortable. Maybe you'd better show me where I can find those clothes and the shower, so you can change your shirt."

Eric's POV

I handed Calleigh one of the outfits Isabelle had left behind.

"I think these should fit," I told her.

She smiled. I was so grateful to see it again. I had been so afraid I'd never see it again. She has a beautiful smile.

"Thanks, Eric. I really do appreciate this."

"Hey, my pleasure," I said. "I don't think I could leave you right now. It hurt too much last time." I gave her a weak smile.

"I am so sorry," She apologized. "I should never have been so stupid I just saw him lying there. I didn't even think to call for backup."

"Don't ever call yourself stupid!" I said sternly. I tried to soften my voice before continuing, "It's not your fault. Don't you ever think it's your fault. He took advantage of you. That's never your fault." She hugged me.

"Thank you, Eric." She patted my chest as she pulled away. "I think I'm going to go see about that shower."

"Yeah," I said, "Let me get you a couple of fresh towels." I grabbed a few from the linen closet my mother had organized so nicely last month. "Soap and shampoo are in the shower. Help yourself to whatever you need." I said as I handed her the towels.

"Thanks. See you in a little bit," she replied as she closed the bathroom door.

As I pulled on a fresh shirt, emotions overwhelmed me. Gratitude and relief, joy and an incredible sense of amazement flooded me. My Calleigh was being so open with me. I'd never seen her so unguarded. She was letting me see her pain and help her. I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. Food, I thought. I bet she'll be hungry when she gets out. I could do something about that!


A/N: Please let me know what you think! Chapter 8 is at the betas. (Thanks, girls!) I'll post it after I hit 60 reviews. ;)