CARNIVAL

Chapter 1

by Stands With A Fic – Camima

Thanks everyone for following my fan fic and for your PMs. My heartfelt gratitude to my Beta CmemLovr, for her patience and for her amazing work! To all my MaryGirls and friends: thanks so much for your support! May be M-rated…

Andy couldn't help thinking back to that night. Though he tried hard to focus on his work, his mind often revisited thoughts of Sharon – the way she tasted and smelled, the way she breathed and moaned ever so softly – the recollections of which were enough to ignite his passion for her once more. Andy looked at Sharon through the glass pane of her office. She sat at the desk; laptop facing her, her head slightly leaned forward, paying rapt attention to the screen as she focused on her work. Andy sighed and shook his head - she was perfect, and the mere sight of her drove him crazy. She looked stunning and sexy - sexier now that she was completely absorbed by her work – especially now that he knew her more intimately, her current composure setting him ablaze.

Andy continued watching Sharon, mesmerized and somewhat guiltily. She wouldn't appreciate this much attention at work, and Andy knew that he shouldn't be watching so closely. Andy told himself it was just the reaction to their first time together and that with time he'd learn how to handle it. Realizing that Sharon was looking back at him quizzically, her body language silently asking if anything was the matter, Andy made a few noncommittal movements before returning his attention to the screen of him computer. He found himself turning to her again. She was focused on her work, but was instantly aware of the return of his gaze to her. She leaned to the side, propping her head on her elbow with her chin placed between her middle finger and thumb, delicately framing her face, her head titled slightly as she watched him. Sharon's eyes were piercing and slightly narrowed, her lips lovingly curved as she looked at Andy puzzled, rapidly coloring, face.

Andy saw her lean back into her chair, hands gripping the armrests as she straightened her posture, standing up in the process.

She walked to her office door and, peering into the murder room, she shot, "Lieutenant Flynn, might we have a word please?" in Andy's direction. Curving her lips slightly, she pointed towards her office, her tone and gaze giving the team the impression that this was not a request but an order. Moreover, she usually used her team's given names, so her return to rank and last name was incredibly interesting to the team. Unbeknownst to the team, however, Sharon had purposely used Andy's rank in order to invite him into her office as inconspicuously as possible.

As Andy entered her office and pursed his lips, Sharon shut the door and blinds. Turning to him, Andy watched as her Captain's façade faded, giving way to warmer tones in Sharon's green pools.

"Andy, you're behaving strangely!"" she scolded softly yet vehemently.

"Sorry, I know...can't help it." He paused, "How can you be so cool Sharon? I know that we belong at home, and here we are professional – but how can you be so cool after what happened last night?!" Andy's voice lowered heatedly, his eyes dazed as he recalled their night of passion. He saw her blush, flattered yet guilty as she smiled, her eyes reflecting the same emotions as Andy's.

"Andy, that is completely inappropriate for here and now," she said, frowning as she regretted having to scold him, "though I completely understand." she blushed tore her eyes from his, searching the room instead.

She understood. Sharon understood what he felt like. For the first time the idea that Sharon might feel the same way as Andy appeared in his mind. She was just very good at hiding it – at least, in front of those who don't know her. But he knew her, and now her breathed bashful utterance sent tremors through Andy's body. He felt overwhelming tenderness awakening in his chest together with a feeling of gratitude for her.

"Every day, I can't wait to arrive home," Andy confessed. Sharon nodded. She could see that in every lingering look and smile he gave her. He occasionally saw her reaction to his looks – a shy smile gracing blushing cheeks – but only when she was certain the team would not see. Other times her eyes would widen in scolding, but as she looked away her lips would roll inwards, suppressing a smile.

Sharon smiled, caressed Andy's cheek lovingly

"So, my apartment really feels like home to you?" she asked cutely, her voice soft and content. It was not the first time that Andy called her apartment 'home' but the way he did so this time was poignant. Sharon felt like melting.

Andy, stunned by Sharon's question, replied dazedly, "Sharon, you make me feel at home," he breathed quietly, raising a hand to entwine his fingertips in her soft auburn locks. Sharon's jaw dropped, her brow furrowing with emotion at the sweetness of Andy's statement. Her eyes shone with emotion, tears gathering on her lower lids. Cupping her cheeks, Andy basked in wonder of her beauty, yet was regretted causing her tears. They could both see reflected in each other's eyes the overwhelming need to embrace, yet decided to repress that desire – Sharon due to her duty and rank and Andy through respect for his Captain. Andy had been thinking about it all day. Things between them had been rather tentative for the longest time, only for them to intensify suddenly – overwhelming them. They had kissed only after carefully establishing their relationship, and had realized later that their first kiss hadn't been exploratory – it had been the fruit of their undeniable emotions for one another. Their first kiss had demonstrated their love and need. It was at the beginning of their courtship that they shared many intimate moments. They had shared so much together and had felt their friendship develop into so much more. Despite the fact that they spent so much time together – days, nights, even weekends - their relationship lacked a certain synchronicity. They had spent every night together, made love for the first time, but they lacked an essential component: the first date. He had never dated her. Andy resolved to make taking her on a date his second priority, the first: taking care of her happiness and fulfilling her needs.

Andy would continue his courting in and out the office; he would ask her out.

That very morning Andy had received a call from his daughter inviting him to dinner – her husband and sons out for a 'boys' night'. Andy had asked Sharon to join him but she declined, stating that he needed to spend time alone with Nicole, and that she too probably wanted to see her dad without the imposition of others.

"Sharon, you're not "an imposition", you're my girlfriend!" Andy attempted to convince her.

"Andy, Nicole doesn't know anything about us. Don't you think it would be better to give her some time to adjust to the idea?" Andy pouted but nodded slightly, "And do you not think that you introducing the matter to her by yourself would be a better way to break it to her than just dropping a bombshell on her with me present?" she concluded.

"Nicole adores you! She would be happy! She was so disappointed when I had to tell her we weren't as close as she thought!" Andy insisted honestly.

"Andy, I'll go with you sometime, but not tonight." Sharon smiled at his pout as she sat beside him on the couch, placing her glasses on the coffee table. Angling her body to get a better look at him, elbow and forearm on the backrest and hand in her lap, she put her hand on his left knee as she leaned forward, watching Andy's expression as he nodded silently.

Andy returned his eyes to hers as she smiled in encouragement. Suddenly, the room was filled with Sharon's screams and giggles as Andy started forward, grabbing her waist and leaning into her as she lay back on the couch. Knees bent, he inched closer to her face, stopping only to gaze into her thrilled eyes as he soaked in the feeling of just being with her, here and now. As Andy drew closer he saw Sharon's eyes darken expectantly, his lips parting as his eyes lingered first on hers before glancing at her lips. Sharon mirrored his actions, and Andy pressed his lips to hers passionately, deepening the kiss as he heard a small moan emanate from her throat. His desire was triggered by Sharon's moan, her arms encircling his shoulders as he clasped her thighs, sliding an arm beneath them and pulling them up. Sharon's eyes widened as she attempted to control her breathing as she pulled herself upright, causing Andy to do the same. He looked as though he had been slapped in the face.

"Andy, you'll be late," she panted softly, smiling regretfully as he remembered his daughter. He stood slowly, fighting to compose himself. She stood up and ran her fingers through his hair to comb it, smiling at his attentiveness before sighing as she kissed his lips and cheek.

"Have a nice evening." She rubbed his arm as they reached the door of her apartment.

"I will," he said, his smile shining. Frowning slightly, he continued, "What are your plans?"

Sharon looked at him, an expression of hesitation painting her face as she replied, "I'll read a book," she shrugged, "and relax..." she concluded sultrily.

"Oh my God, Sharon," Andy drew closer as he fixed his gaze on her lips, placing his hands on her waist, "your voice makes every little thing you say," he continued raspingly, "sound like an invitation to undress you," his hands slid down to her hips, "and make love to you," he whispered against her lips, leaning in and pulling her onto her tiptoes before kissing her passionately.

"Well, you don't need an invitation - you're always welcome," she whispered raising her eyebrows as she curved her lips. Andy's jaw slackened before smiling teasingly.

"Oh, a cheeky Sharon? I think I like this Sharon." he cupped her ass in his hands, pulling her completely against him as she blushed profusely.

"Andy, you should be going now," Sharon breathed against Andy's lips before he captured hers in a sultry kiss.

Andy entered Sharon's apartment past eleven in the evening, enjoying her tender welcome as she embraced him softly. She smiled at his stunned and pleased expression, his lips parted as his eyes widened in a mesmerized manner, almost as though he was thanking his lucky stars. Gazing at him lovingly with a smile on her face, she cupped the back of his neck murmuring, "I missed you," against his lips before covering them with her own, kisses raining down on his lips slowly at first, then faster and thicker.She pulled away for a breath, turning to fix her eyes on his with a sweet intensity that showed how grateful she was he was there. She had missed him. Andy smiled. They had been working together all day, but he understood what she meant - he missed her too. He had missed their intimacy, the freedom to let it show.

Sharon started kissing him again. The more she kissed Andy the more insistent, heated and feverish her lips became. Their eyes met, the tips of their noses rubbing, lips brushing softly. He knew she wanted him to make love to her and felt thrilled and eager to fulfill her need.

Andy brushed her left ankle with his lips, enjoying the look of her rosy cheeks and general air of satisfaction. A soft smile appeared on her lips as she watched him skim his lips along her shin and knee. Andy stopped to soak in her stunning beauty, her hair fanned out across the pillow, her expression blissfully sated. Her body was covered by the hem of the sheet, barely enough fabric to cover her adequately. He gazed at her face again and couldn't say why he suddenly found her tender and cute – feeling the irrepressible need to hold her. Something in the way she looked at him pushed him to lie beside her, enclosing her in his arms.

"What are you thinking about?" she whispered, smiling blissfully as Andy pulled her closer, pressing a kiss against her temple.

"You," he said simply, as though it were obvious.

"Me?" she smiled, ready to burst into giggles as she slanted her eyes to meet his. Andy propped himself up to get a better look at her, leaning over to run his fingers through her hair.

"Do you find that funny?" he asked, pretending to be offended. Sharon smiled more brightly now, her eyes sparkling. She was happy and amused. Because of him. Andy couldn't ask for anything more.

"Well, I'm here..." she said softly.

"I can see it well, believe me…" Andy wagged his brows, his eyes lingering on Sharon's body before returning to look her in the eye, a giggle bubbling to her lips.

"What I mean is, we don't usually appreciate the people around us," she shook her head, rolling her lips inwards as she lifted her chin provocatively, amused.

"You're right, but it's not about "people" here, it's about you," Andy's teasing expression was replaced by an intense and piercing gaze, his voice thickly laden with emotion, "and you know what?" Sharon shook her head shyly, encouraging Andy to continue. "I love you." he fixed his eyes on hers as he spoke raspingly but attentively. Sharon swallowed hard, touched, and smiled as Andy's words caused a swirl of emotion in her chest.

He encircled her completely in his arms, leaning closely into her. Pressing her legs between his, Andy repeatedly kissed her, meandering between her lips and cheeks, gentle yet intense. He pulled away and looked into Sharon's enamored gaze, smiling at her innocent sensuality.

"What are you thinking about?" he smiled, watching as she basked in his attention.

"I like the way you cuddle me," she said and bit her lower lip, looking at him as though she were confessing a secret.

"Really? Well, I like cuddling you," Andy smiled, "actually I love every thing I do with you," he grinned his sideways grin, "and to you," he added as he spoke in a low and engaging tone, eyebrows wagging daringly. He kissed her on her lips and looked into her eyes as they shone brightly. Andy felt his heart thump at the sight Sharon's content and loving gaze, "I love your smile Sharon," he whispered against her lips before deepening the kiss.

"Well," she whispered as he pulled away to look at her again, his hand gently caressing her hair and cheek, "this smile is for you, and because of you Andy," she looked into his eyes fondly and heavily. Andy knew she was being sincere and that she was truly moved by the way he always paid such close attention to her. He smiled gratefully and felt his throat close with emotion. Releasing her legs from between his, he pulled the sheet away from her body. Sharon inhaled sharply, swallowing as she watched Andy's eyes travel and linger on her body – from breasts to hips, thighs, shins and toes. He returned his eyes to hers, smiling at the look in her eyes. She could see the desire in his and she started, his hands travelling the paths his eyes had only moments before, causing her to arch her back in pleasure, granting him greater access. She widened her legs almost reflexively as he caressed her inner thighs, crawling between them and pressing heated kisses onto her flushed skin. Andy's lips moved downwards as his hands travelled upwards, his lips kissing the spot just beneath her navel as his hands cupped her generous breasts. Sharon closed her eyes as Andy's skilled lips brushed her left hip and inner thigh causing her legs to wrap around his chest, his arms entwining with her calves and keeping a tight hold.

Andy smiled as he watched Sharon spread body lotion on her legs, a towel wrapped about her body as the sheet had previously. Her skin and hair were damp, face bare of makeup yet rosy from the hot shower. Andy soaked in the sight of her. Suddenly something appeared in her expression – an unconscious and inviting glance that encouraged him to stand from the edge of the tub and reach for her ankle. Sharon smiled as she stood beside him, the other leg outstretched with her foot on the edge of the bathtub. She began to rub the lotion into her calf and shin when Andy gently grabbed her calf, lifting her leg carefully and placing it on his thighs as he took the bottle of lotion from Sharon's hand. A look of surprise passed across her face for a beat.

Andy started rubbing her skin as he looked into her eyes, watching as she blushed shyly, a small smile lighting her features. He looked down at her glistening skin, "Sharon, your skin is so soft," he smiled fondly, rubbing the lotion in as he bent down to kiss her thigh, rubbing it gently as he smiled at the wonder he always seemed to feel around Sharon. Despite their intimacy she still blushed when he lingered heatedly on her, or when a look of loving attentiveness took over his eyes and smile.

Andy suddenly put the bottle of lotion down on the edge of the bathtub and stood up. He grabbed Sharon's bottom in both hands, causing her to squeal, "Wha-?! And-ee!" she giggled as he lifted her slightly, her ankles locking behind Andy's thighs, her arms circled around his neck. She clenched her thighs around him as he held them tightly, smiling in amusement at Sharon's apparent astonishment and joy. He guided them both to her bed, allowing them to fall gracelessly. Sharon landed on her back, her legs still wrapped around Andy's hips as she giggled madly. Hurriedly, she helped him rid his body of his shirt and pants. He kissed her senseless, muffling her laughter with his lips as her giggles became moans. Now that she was undressed, he pressed his groin to her center, hot and ready. "Yes," she breathed.

He entered her softly, pressing kisses to her collarbones. She felt his desperate control as her quivers reverberated around him, encouraging him to slide deeper inside her. His soft kisses quickly developed into heated brushes and nibbles on her breasts as he deepened their contact. Breathing his name hotly, he whispered her name roughly in tandem, their shared need to be connected to one another confirming that they were together, again, and would be for the foreseeable future. She moaned his name loudly, her voice causing vibrations in and around him. Her name exploded in his center, pulsating to his throat as it resounded in the room like the echoing crash of the wave that shook his body, filling him with warmth.

Sharon examined herself in the mirror as she clipped on her earring. Rolling her lips inwards to better spread her lipstick; she scrutinized her own appearance, ensuring perfection. Entering the kitchen, she threw Andy a bright, loving smile as he wolf-whistled at the sight of her. A short, sleeveless blue dress with a plunging neckline clung to her frame. She was about to put on her blazer when Andy reached for it, leaning over to whisper, "Not yet…" She turned her head to the side, looking at him over her shoulder. Her brows were slightly raised and her eyes wide, lips parted in surprise at Andy's words, "trust me," he added.

Sharon rolled her eyes and breathed, "What?" She turned to look at him, "Andy, we can't - we have to leave in," she looked at her wrist, "twenty minutes and we still have to eat breakfast and, believe me, I really need to have mine." She shook her head at him as he drew closer to her, pulling her against him as his hands caressed her waist and hips.

"You do? Huh…" he breathed against her lips, tasting her.

"Yes. Andy?" she tried to sound resolute but her voice shook as she swallowed, the sight of his attentive and aroused gaze, "Andy, please," she moaned with a pout, her eyes revealing her true feelings.

"I know you don't want me to stop..." Andy said as he shook his head slowly, smiling as he gazed hungrily at her face, entertained by thoughts of undressing Sharon. Inhaling sharply to begin scolding Andy, she found herself overwhelmed by thoughts of Andy. When he pulled away, holding her by her outer arms, he caused her head to recline slightly, her hair wafting down in waves. He looked at her. She was there, vulnerable and sweet, yet so sensual and sexy. He felt the familiar impulse to protect her as he caressed her cheek, tucking her hair behind her ear, smiling softly and in wonder.

"Sharon, would you go out with me, on a date?" Andy asked her out of the blue. She was both stunned and puzzled, but said nothing. "We've never had a real date," he said honestly, "and you deserve it - we deserve it. I told you that I wanted to give you all you need and deserve, so…I want to court you. Will you go out with me on an actual date?" he looked at her expectantly.

"Andy," she smiled, pleased, "I will" she said softly. At Sharon's words Andy's smile lit his face, spreading across his lips completely. She fixed her eyes on his, his expression priceless as it mirrored that of a child on Christmas morning. Sharon loved putting that expression on his face. She loved that man and that was all that mattered.

"You make me feel...brand new," he said warmly, his tone fond as he circled his arms around her waist, hers closing around his neck.

"I feel the same," she blushed, smiling as she raised her brows.

"You do?" Andy was flattered by her confession and glad for it.

Sharon nodded, her eyes darkening as she fixed her gaze on his, expecting him to stun her senses. She no longer needed breakfast or coffee. Andy had reset her senses completely and she felt like a girl.

"Andy, we've got to go," she pouted, "seriously, we do," she said steadily as she composed herself.

"Fine," Andy said as he nodded and let go of her.

Sharon could not hide her surprise and slight disappointment at Andy's quick surrender. He looked at her slight frown, her lips parting and trembling almost imperceptibly as she fought with her mixed emotions. He smiled, amused by the fact that she was torn between asking why he had given up so quickly and turning away from him, grabbing her coffee and speeding away. She finally huffed, shrugged and forced a smile.

"Fine" she repeated, her voice a little too loud to really be fine. She turned on her heels, picking up her blazer from the back of the chair and throwing it around her shoulders.

She felt Andy approaching from behind, "Let me hold it for you," he said softly, a hint of a smile in his voice, "as I hold my breath." A dazzled smile, laden with naughty and tender thoughts graced his face. Sharon turned her head to the side, looking at Andy from over the brim of her glasses intrigued and melting inside. As she slid her hands and arms inside the blazer sleeves, before its fabric covered her shoulders, she felt Andy's lips brush her naked skin softly. As the blazer wrapped her shoulders Andy's lips wrapped around the back of her lobe, causing her to quiver. She turned to face him, watching him through lingering jade pools.

"Andy..."

"I know..." he choked, "Ready?" he breathed, his dark, shining pools fixed on her lips and eyes.

Sharon nodded her head as he pressed his lips onto her forehead.

"Nicole told me I look like a boy and that...she couldn't remember seeing me so happy, calm and relaxed," Andy said through an amused and attentive grin as he accompanied Sharon to her car, "so...I told her." Andy saw Sharon's smile fade as she started in surprise.

"Oh, I see," Sharon recovered from the shock and smiled at Andy. She cupped his cheek to reassure him as he held the car door for her. It was fine, of course, but she was waiting for more information and Andy didn't tease her.

"I told her, well actually, she asked me...you know, about you," Andy continued, "so...I decided to get straight to the point." he said as he tilted his head slightly to the side, turning his palms upwards.

"Oh, of course...Nicole asked about me?" Sharon repeated Andy's words as if in a trance. Andy understood she was concerned.

"Sharon," he grabbed her arms and made her turn to look at him. He grinned widely as she looked at him without even seeing him, her gaze lingering on his face but her thoughts elsewhere. "Sharon?" Andy shook her gently. Sharon looked at him, returned to him as she smiled weakly but lovingly, "when Nicole saw me "on top form" and "happy" she did ask me if it had something to do with you." Andy smiled, nodding his head as Sharon's eyes widened in surprise and slight relief. "I told her, everything about us...well not everything actually," Andy grinned and wagged his eyebrows before sincerely adding, "I told her that I love you and that we practically live together...and," Andy smiled again, beaming, "she clapped her hands and hugged me." Sharon smiled in relief, hugging Andy – or squeezing him, rather. She put her chin onto his chest, looking up into his eyes as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm happy," Sharon said softly, moved.

"Me too...I love you, Sharon," Andy whispered, his throat closed with emotion as he squeezed her against him.

"I love you too," she whispered, surprised as she put her cheek on his chest. He blinked slowly, the intensity of his emotions causing him to tear up as he pressed his lips on Sharon's forehead.