A/N: Thanks to Lani for betaing this chapter for me! I hope you enjoy it.


I let my head rest against the wall as the shower's spray washed away the filth of the last two days. It felt so good, but I needed to see Eric again. I was so glad he insisted on sticking with me. I washed my body quickly, and reveled in the smell of Eric's shampoo as I washed my hair – twice. I dried off and found a comb. I brushed out my hair until it was only damp, and then started to get dressed. The jeans were a perfect fit. The shirt, however, was a different story entirely. There was no way I was going to be able to get that shirt buttoned up over my chest. I peaked out the door to make sure Eric wasn't in the room and then walked into the bedroom. I shut the door and grabbed a shirt from Eric's closet. It was huge on me, but at least I could get the buttons closed on this one. It smelled like Eric, too. That was a definite plus.

I laughed to myself. If my friends knew what a sap I was they'd laugh themselves silly.

As I walked out of Eric's bedroom a delicious smell reached my nose. It seems like it's been forever since I've had a hot meal and I know what a great cook Eric is. I can't wait to see what he's cooked up this time.

"I hope you don't mind, I had to borrow one of your shirts," I said as I entered the kitchen. Eric turned around and grinned at me.

"Hey, Cal. Feel better now?"

"Much better, thanks."

"Good. You hungry?"

"You know it." I looked over at what he was making.

"I've had some borscht sitting for the last couple of days. It brings out the flavors," he told me.

"MMM! Smells delicious," I said. My stomach growled, and I blushed.

"It's been awhile since you've eaten, hasn't it?" Eric asked. He tested the soup. "I think it's ready. Can you grab our bowls? They're right behind you." I picked up the two he had sitting on the counter. The rest of the table was already set.

Eric put a generous helping of the borscht in each bowl and put them on the table. He pulled out a chair and motioned for me to sit down before moving to sit across from me. He makes me feel like royalty when he treats me like that. It's not that he thinks me incapable of getting my own doors or my own chair, he just cares enough to get them for me. I love him so much.

I picked up my spoon and tasted the borscht. Flavor exploded on my tongue. Eric was right; whatever he had done had certainly brought out the flavors. It was so good.

"Oh, Eric, this is wonderful," I told him.

He grinned.

"Thank you. It's my grandmother's recipe. My mother insisted I learn how to make it."

"Remind me to thank her next time she's in town," I told him.

"Want a roll?" Eric asked as he held out a plate of rolls. I took one. I can't believe he want to all this trouble just for me. He didn't have to do this. He's so good to me. It's almost enough to make me tear up.

"You alright?" Eric asked me.

"I'm fine," I assured him, "You're just being so sweet."

He looked puzzled.

"I know it's silly to get so – "

"It's okay," He broke in. "You've been through a lot today. You're allowed."

Not only is he a kind gentleman and an amazing chef, he's so understanding, too. What did I ever do to deserve such a man as my friend? I must be the luckiest woman alive.

The rest of the meal passed quickly as we enjoyed each other's company. After we finished Eric got up to clear the table. I started to help.

"I got it, Cal," he said quickly. "You wanna pick out a movie?"

"Only if you'll let me sit on your lap again," I teased.

A huge smile appeared on his face.

"I think we could manage that."

Eric's POV

I couldn't believe my good luck. Was Calleigh actually flirting with me? We are definitely going to have to do this more often. Dinner, that is, not the kidnapping. I don't think my heart could stand another beating like this. I'm sure this shaved at least 10 years off my life.

There weren't many dishes to wash, so I finished quickly and put the rest of the food in the refrigerator. One of the best things about borscht is that the longer it sits, the better the flavor becomes. As I was putting it away I noticed a couple bottles of root beer in the back of the fridge.

"Hey, Cal," I called. "You want a root beer float?"

She laughed.

"I haven't had one of those in years, Eric."

"All the more reason to have one. They're fun."

"Sounds good to me," she agreed.

I could still hear the laughter in her voice. Good. I'll do just about anything to keep her mind off the events of the past hours.

I grabbed a couple of big glasses and got out the ice cream.

As I walked into the living room Calleigh turned to me with a huge smirk on her face. She held up a beat up old movie.

"What?" I asked.

She was still smirking.

"What? I love that movie." I said, pretending to be offended.

"I didn't say a word," she said.

"Your look said it all," I said, trying not to laugh. She looked so cute like that. "You wanna watch a movie or interrogate me?" I asked.

She pretended to think for a minute. I laughed with joy. She was flirting with me again. I could really get used to this.

I put the floats on the coffee table and stretched out on the couch. I grabbed the clickers.

"Whatcha feel like watching?"

"Hitch."

It was my turn to smirk.

"What?" she asked.

"Just a minute ago you were questioning my taste, now you wanna watch it?" I asked.

"Yeah. There a problem with that?"

"No," I said, trying to conceal my amusement.

Calleigh's POV

I put in the movie and walked over to the couch.

"Move over," I said.

"Whatever happened to sitting on my lap?" Eric asked.

"I see no lap, Eric," I pointed out.

"Curling up together on the couch works, doesn't it?" he asked.

The couch was definitely wide enough. He was right. Cuddling sounded heavenly. I sprawled out in front of him and curled back into his chest. He put an arm around my waist and kissed my hair. I know we need to talk about this, but for now I'm content to just enjoy the moment. The realities of life will come crashing in soon enough.


Please R&R. I do have the next chapter written. I'll post it after I get to 65 reviews. Just 8 little reviews. You know you want to help reach that goal. Free virtual bowls of Eric's borscht for all my reviewers. Thanks for reading!