Thank you to everyone who is reviewing this story. Hope you enjoy. I was going to post it in December 2010 but I didn't have the patience to wait. I'll probably be posting some other holiday story around that time anyway.

Home for The Holidays

Morgan and Garcia

Chapter Four

December 2007

Derek's mother had taken time off work to spend with her son while he was in town. Since Sarah's kids were on winter break they tagged along with Fran, Derek and Penelope to go to the Museum of Science and Industry to see their Christmas Around the World exhibit.

Derek had his arm around Penelope's shoulder as they walked through the museum. "We used to take class trips here back when I was in elementary school."

"I remember one time," Penelope told him "my class went to the War Memorial Opera House. Have you ever heard of it? Its so amazing, baby. It was designed like a castle with big grand ceilings and chandelier and columns and marble floors. They did a children's program for us. I can't even remember what opera it was but I remember thinking that building made me feel like a princess."

"So your dreams of growing up to be Derek Morgan's princess started early, huh?" he teased her.

"From right out of the womb. I just never imagined my prince would be so sculpted. You have a body that I could write an opera about, if I knew anything about music, that is."

Leaning close to her ear he whispered "Hush," and she giggled.

"Uncle Derek, look at this!" his nephew, Daniel, called out, dragging away Derek's attention. He went to go see what his nephew was showing him, while Fran moved over to Penelope's side.

"You make him smile so easily. Thank you for that. I worry about him with the job he does. His father was a cop and he tried his hardest to not bring the job home with him but sometimes I still saw just how worn down it made him. The horrors he saw every day out on the street were more than most people could ever bear. He had myself and his kids to remind him that life isn't just that and Derek has you."

"It can be hard with our job to remember that life is beautiful but I work everyday to make sure that our team doesn't forget it. Its an honor to be Derek's friend."

"Friend? That's cute. So you two are trying to take things slow, huh? Not define your relationship yet. Young people these days are so hesitant to really commit. They play games but in the end that comes back to haunt them. I sure do hope you and Derek will be good to each other always. Honest and forthright. My baby boy has such a tender heart and I'm trusting you with it."

Derek walked back over and looped his arm around Penelope's shoulder. "Sweetheart, come and see these decorations on this tree from Ireland."

Penelope allowed Derek to lead her there but her mind was still on his mother's words. Fran had something right. Derek and Penelope had played a lot of games with each other over the years. They were damn lucky they hadn't hurt each other too bad with all the flirting and teasing that never went anywhere.

It would be one thing if neither of them wanted more. But she always had. She had her moments when it made her cry or burn with frustration that Derek didn't cross the line with her. Had he ever felt that way too?

Penelope so doubted it. He was a hot, bold, superhero sex God. If he wanted her that bad he would just grab her and kiss her...wouldn't he? Could he be scared of rejection? Or was he just happy being flirting friends?

She didn't know the answer to that one. Lately she had been happier than ever though with their friendship. She felt closer to him than she had ever been before. And in Derek's eyes she saw returned an even deeper bond than they had before she was shot.

Who knew just how far they could take this friendship? Penelope was starting to realize though that she needed to figure it out because when she got home she had promised to spend New Year's Eve with Kevin Lynch, a tech guy who had a crush on her.

So it was either make a move on Derek while they were in Chicago or forget about them being more than friends. The idea of just forgetting about ever feeling his kiss made her heart twist in her chest.

He sensed her turbulent emotions and looked down at her, as he was pointing out the decorations on the tree. "Everything okay?"

Looking deep into his eyes she said "Just thinking too hard."

"Time to shut that brilliant brain off and relax."

She smiled sweetly at him. "I shall try, my love."

He kissed her forehead.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Later that night they were back in the room, getting ready to go out to a bar to meet up with a few of Derek's old friends from high school. As Penelope was putting on her earrings Derek walked up behind her, while she was looking in the mirror in the living room.

Putting his hands on her hips he asked "Did I tell you or did I not tell you that my Ma would love you? You two seemed to be hitting it off just fine today. Ganging up on me even." He gave her a stern look.

"You were absolutely right, handsome. I guess I just worry myself silly over nothing sometimes. But you know how I can get stressed out. Especially when some thing matters so much to me. I can't help it. I just wanted to fit in with your family. Just like I wanna fit in tonight with your friends."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her ear. "You belong whenever I am."

A shiver raced down her spine. Her eyelids grew heavy as she titled her head to the side, to allow him greater access as he kept nuzzling her neck.

In a hoarse voice he asked "You know that, right?"

"Ri...right," she said, her tone shaky from all the lustful feelings whipping through her body at that moment.

Abruptly Derek straightened and moved back. "Good. Okay, hurry up with all your pampering cause we're supposed to be there in less than half an hour. Time to get a move on, Hot Stuff."

She chuckled. "All of this," she motioned at herself "takes time. So cool your jets."

He sat down on the couch. "Yes, baby girl, whatever you say," he cooed. "Just know if you ain't ready in three minutes I'll have to take drastic measures and carry you out of here."

"The only place you are ever allowed to carry me is to a bed," she flirted and then blushed deeply when she realized what she had said. Looking in the mirror she could see him watching her, his eyes just as lusty as hers. Penelope let out a ragged breath, put in her second earring, and turned around. "Just let me get my purse and coat and I'll be ready."

Derek slowly stood up and then watched her as she disappeared into the bedroom. When she came out he took the coat out of her hands, held it out for her to slip into and then leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You really wanna go out tonight?"

She swallowed hard. Her body, that had barely calmed down once again shivered and quivered with desire over his throaty words. "Your friends are waiting on us."

Derek grabbed the room key, shoved it in his pocket, picked up his coat, keys and phone and then opened the door. "Okay, time to party then."

Penelope licked her lips and slid past Derek out the door.