Glancing around the table, Lisbon wondered briefly why Jane was always right. She supposed he had to be. He was a mentalist. He'd told her so a million times. She also wondered what the great Brett Stiles was really doing seated at their table sharing a glass of expensive Cognac with Jane. Well, not literally sharing a glass; but, they were both partaking from that same pricey bottle. She was the one sharing a snifter with Jane. Brett had a glass of his own.
Being in law enforcement, they'd both stopped at one glass of wine an hour and a half ago by mutual agreement. They did not need to get stopped by the local HP in that illegal speed trap right outside of Evie's. It seemed the local cops knew exactly where, and when, to complete their quota and staked the area out religiously. As for what happened to the rest of that pleasant Bordeaux after it disappeared from their table, they hadn't a clue. Nor did they really care. All that mattered was they weren't drinking it.
The Cognac Stiles had purchased was a different matter. They'd need a little more time and more food to offset any possible negative side effects. The fumes were rather strong and the taste delicious. Maybe they'd have to snag a dessert after all. Something like that triple chocolate raspberry cheesecake piled high with whipped cream and chocolate curls with a steaming cup of coffee. She could probably get Jane to share a bite or two with her. She'd just bet she could. Coming out of her Cognac induce dessert fantasies, Lisbon caught the tail end of the conversation going on around her and didn't like it. She didn't like it one bit.
"I told you once, Patrick, I know more about a certain someone than you ever will. I also wonder what he thinks about recent developments between you two. Especially given the whole Lorelei debacle failed so miserably. Oh, everyone knows this has been a long time coming. Over nine years if I don't miss my guess." Stiles twirled his snifter between his fingers reflectively.
"Truthfully, I suspected you were sharing pillows a long time ago. It seems I was wrong…Oh, I see you aren't yet… What a shame. I expected one or the other of you would move faster than that considering how long you've been at this dance. I think we can all safely say such delights are surely coming." Lisbon quirked a brow in disbelief he'd actually gone there.
"Don't look so surprised, either of you. You know I make it a point to keep tabs on anything, and anyone, affecting my business and you definitely affect Visualize. Usually when I least expect it. I must commend you, Patrick, on your self control. And you, Teresa, if I may be so bold in such an intimate setting, on your patience. Personally, I hope you will be very happy. Patrick deserves a little happiness. And you, too, My Dear, you haven't had the easiest of lives…either of you." Stiles looked like he wanted to add more before thinking better of it.
"I can already see you are quite content for the moment. Just don't get too complacent. Beyond that, Patrick, I must congratulate you on your good fortune. Agent Lisbon is quite the attractive woman and very capable. That's a pretty lethal combination for men like us. Yes, I can see you agree by the look in your eyes." Lisbon resisted the urge to fasten the top two buttons on her blouse at his look.
If Stiles continued undressing her with eyes, she was going to poke him one. The man had never acted in such a deplorable way and she really didn't like it. Maybe the alcohol was affecting him. Or maybe he'd spent a little too long getting cozy with his attractive long departed guest. Lisbon really didn't care as she turned her attention back to the mostly one-sided conversation.
"Oh, Agent Lisbon, watch your back. You're a fine woman and I think you're very good for Patrick. He's become a much better man for knowing you. However, be that as it may, our old friend has never been fond of things that are good for our mutual friend over there." Taking a languid sip from his snifter, Stiles watched Jane's hand visibly tighten around the hand resting so trustingly in his.
Lisbon suppressed a shudder at the other man's words. She didn't like what Stiles was saying and that look wasn't any better. She honestly wasn't sure exactly what his game was. Leave it to Brett Stiles to bring the creepy with the charm.
"I always watch my back." Lisbon almost choked on her sip of Cognac.
"Good. I suppose that is wise for someone in your profession." The man didn't miss a beat. "As for you, Patrick; you should do the same."
"Oh, I have both of our backs as you already know." Jane fixed him with a look Lisbon couldn't read. Stiles seemed to have no problem. He knew exactly what that gaze conveyed and he smirked predatorily in response. Lisbon wondered briefly what Jane made of that. She really didn't know.
"Well, Patrick, Agent Lisbon, I must be off. I have a rather hefty check to deposit, and I'm sure you two would like to be alone again. For once I can say it's been a pleasure. Until we meet again. Oh, and give that lovely Agent Van Pelt my regards will you?" Stiles rose to his feet and inclined his head politely in their direction before walking regally towards the door.
"That was interesting." Lisbon's snort belied her words.
"I suppose it was. It was good to run into Brett. He owes me a favor. It never hurts to remind him I always collect and his day is coming." Jane finished the Cognac as he motioned Kimberly over to order that cheesecake Lisbon had been eyeing off and on all evening. Sighing, he ordered the coffee as well. He'd rather have tea; but, tonight he would pamper his date. She was certainly worth it.
#
Looking into her mirror as she rinsed cleanser from her face, Lisbon watched Jane walk into the bathroom behind her wearing nothing but his shirt and slacks. Something about Stiles visit had set both of their teeth on edge. Jane was staying over tonight. He was staying on the couch; but, still he'd be nearby.
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Teresa; but, I must say, to be so small, you're an absolute pig. I don't think you gave me two bites of cheesecake." Jane commented as he watched Lisbon dry her face.
"It was my cheesecake, Jane. If you wanted more you should have gotten your own." Lisbon snarked as he wrapped his arms around her middle.
"Perhaps I should have; but, you'd have just eaten that too." Lisbon was really cute with her freshly scrubbed face and shining eyes.
Almost as cute as she'd been visually devouring the dessert Kimberly sat before her. Jane had taken the fork and offered her the first bite. Lisbon had closed her eyes decadently savoring the complexity of flavors against her tongue. Jane had found her epicurean joy intoxicating. In the end, he'd found feeding her almost as pleasurable as he'd found his nibble or two.
"I might have at that. What do you want, Jane? We had a fun date, now it's bedtime." And she needed to get him out of here before she turned around and invited him to stay.
"You know, Lisbon, I could lift this right over your head," Jane shoved her tank top up to rest his hands against the flat of her belly. "Get rid of these," He shoved slightly at her running shorts. "And have my wicked way with you. We both know you'd do nothing to stop me. I think you'd invite me to do just that." Jane removed his hands and pulled her shirt back down resting his fingers across her now clothed belly.
"You're right." Lisbon admitted.
"But I won't." Jane kissed the top of her head.
"Why not?" Lisbon wasn't sure she believed him given the look in his eyes.
"Because, Teresa, we have all the time in the world not to make hasty mistakes. I see no reason to let either Red John or Stiles make us feel differently." Jane placed his hands on Lisbon's shoulders studying her in the mirror. They complimented each other nicely if he said so himself. Bother literally and spiritually. Darkness and light together in one frame and mirrored back again.
"I suppose you're right." Lisbon knew he was right and fought to keep the disappointment out of her voice. Her libido was over riding her common sense again. And she was the one telling Jane repeatedly he wasn't getting in her pants. So much for sticking to her guns as it seemed she was pretty weak when it came her date. "I would like a kiss though."
"I think I can do that, Teresa." Lisbon let Jane turn her in his arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck. If he thought he was getting away with a peck and promise, he could think again. She needed something to fuel her nocturnal fantasies.
Smirking at the determination in her eyes, Jane decided to give her what she wanted in one respect and something totally different in another. If she thought they had to play tonsil hockey to stoke her desires, Lisbon was about to learn differently. She could save the intensity for later when they both intended acting upon it.
Lifting Lisbon to sit on her lavatory counter, Jane stepped comfortably between her thighs. Eyes huge, she watched intently as his lips descended to capture hers in a kiss totally unlike anything she expected. Prepared to be ravished, her eyebrow rose slightly at the gentle whisper of tongue so pleasantly teasing hers. It seemed there was nothing the man didn't do well. At least nothing she'd discovered yet. Not that they'd done very much; but, all of it had been promising.
Wrapping her legs around his waist, Lisbon pulled Jane closer as she leaned into his touch. Not particularly happy with the hands suddenly restraining her hips, she had little choice but to give into her partner's wishes. Jane was far stronger than he looked and he wanted control. Fine, he could have it this time around. There was plenty of time for her down the road. If he wanted to keep coaxing those little sounds from her throat she'd never admit making, she'd happily let him. She certainly would.
Breaking the kiss and pressing his forehead against Lisbon's, Jane closed his eyes regaining the tendrils of his slipping control. He'd ended up pressed quite intimately against Lisbon before they were done and she'd obviously enjoyed it…As had he. They were swimming in dangerous waters; but, flirting with danger was fun. He didn't expect either of them to last that long before one or the other forced true intimacy between them. They'd do good to make it a few more dates. But, it wasn't happening tonight. The timing wasn't right.
"Don't bother walking me out. I know where the pillows and sheets are. Oh, and sweet dreams, Teresa. I'll see you in the morning." Tucking his hands in his pockets, Jane pulled Lisbon off the counter, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and meandered out the bathroom and down the hall thankful he had such powerful self-control.
Touching her hands to her lips, Lisbon cursed Jane for all his worth. She wasn't going to get a minute's sleep for a very long time. She'd be too busy recollecting every feather whisp of his fingers against her skin and the pleasures he'd given with his mostly innocuous touch. It was the anticipations he'd built; not the actual doing she found so arousing.
Jane was a wicked, wicked man and he'd definitely given her something to think about.