Working Through

Ch. 5

Disclaimer: I claim to own nothing even remotely Law and Order: Criminal Intent…

A/N: I had a hard time getting back into this story after The War at Home aired. Kind of took the wind out of my Bobby/Alex sails, but time heals all wounds (hopefully).

Just after midnight, Alex put the last of the wrapped packages under the tree and turned to see Bobby coming out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still dripping from the shower.

"You were supposed to put me some clothes out while I was in the shower," he complained with a smile. "Some host you are."

"You're family, you can get your own stuff," she answered playfully.

"I help you wrap presents until after midnight on Christmas Eve, and this is the thanks I get," he said, still standing there half naked. "You just wanted to see me walk out here half dressed."

"Yeah, I did," she teased, purposefully brushing past him down the hall to her bedroom.

Bobby followed her. A small candle illuminated the room as she rummaged through a drawer looking for his clothes.

"It's after midnight, Alex," he said coming up behind her so that their bodies were touching and putting his hands on her shoulders and leaning down to her ear. "Merry Christmas."

Alex closed her eyes and leaned her head back into Bobby's chest. He smelled like soap and well, Bobby…

"Merry Christmas, Bobby," she whispered, barely moving her lips.

"If you want me to leave, I will," he said, gently massaging her neck.

"Don't go. I don't want to be alone," she admitted, finally turning around to face him.

"You never have to be alone again, Alex," he answered, taking her face in his hands and looking into her eyes.

Alex backed him up until he fell on the bed and climbed on top of him, planting hot kisses along his jaw and down his bare chest.

"What about waiting, making me work for it?" he said teasing her.

"Are you complaining?" she asked, pulling her shirt over her head.

Bobby stared at the exposed flesh covered only by white lace so that he could still see peeks of what was underneath.

"Oh, Alex," he said, definitely not looking her in the face.

She laughed, "I take that to be a no."

Bobby rose up so that she was once again straddling his lap and he could hold her in his arms. He dipped his head and captured her mouth with his own, passionately exploring every inch of her mouth and her tongue. His fingers worked with the clasp of her bra, freeing her breasts. Alex threw the garment to the floor and wrapped her arms around his neck tightly. Bobby could feel her bare skin on his and his excitement intensified further than he thought possible. He reached for the button on Alex's pants and undid it and the zipper, rolling her over onto the bed in the process. He removed himself from her long enough to toss her pants to the floor and to look at her lying naked in front of him.

"Get that towel off and get over here Goren," Alex said forcefully. "I told you that I was going to make you work for it."

Bobby laughed and joined her on the bed. This was definitely something that he was going to enjoy working through.