DRESS YOU UP WITH MY LOVE
Chapter 17
by Stands With A Fic - Camima
Andy met Sharon in the break room. She had walked by his desk earlier, glancing provocatively – almost daringly – at him in invitation. He stood, pretending to go somewhere else as he took an alternative route to follow Sharon, unseen. Sharon was secretly very pleased by Andy's attention, in part because she felt safe in doing so: Andy had already proved to be discreet at work - at least in front of the team. He barely hid his surprise when he caught her looking at him through the glass wall, finding that their roles had changed for once. She thought of how professional he was at work and how warm and funny he was at home. Sometimes she would smile at him, other times she would instinctively shy away awkwardly. However, she would always glance back at him, blushing profusely with a flattered smile, knowing that she was the source of his distraction.
"Hi," he said through his sideways grin as he entered the break room, shutting the door after briefly clearing the corridor.
"Hi." She turned to look at him with a satisfied smile, her eyes warm and shining.
"Have we met?" he continued as she rolled her eyes before narrowing them slightly, tilting her head to the side. Looking at him as he drew closer (not as close as he'd like) and put his hands in his pockets, she examined him as he looked at her, leaning back slightly.
"You look familiar," she whispered, continuing his charade. He grinned, amused.
"Now what's a woman like you doing here, all alone?" He grinned wider as she giggled.
"Waiting for you?" she whispered flirtatiously.
"Oh..."Andy's face colored as he looked around at the glass partition, making sure that there were no prying eyes about. Sharon read his intentions in his eyes and stepped back, raising a hand before her as she did, smiling regretfully.
"You know, you're killing me – softly – but you're still killing me…" Andy grinned. He exhaled as he smiled and shook his head at her.
"Well, we'll be home in..." Sharon looked at her watch "two hours and-"
"Actually, as it's Friday night, I thought that maybe we could go somewhere romantic and…private," Andy countered as his eyes watched her expression transition from attentive to excited.
"It would be our first actual date," she marvelled sultrily.
"Will you go out with me tonight?" Andy asked as he nodded, pressing a fingertip softly against Sharon's lips. He caressed her bottom lip and cheek up to her cheekbone. He felt his throat constrict and swallowed hard at the sight of Sharon blushing profusely, her eyes glazed over. Andy put his hand back in his pocket, feeling like a closely supervised suspect.
"Of course I will," she whispered intensely.
"Great! So I'll pick you up at six and I'll take you out for dinner first-" Andy stopped. He smiled loftily as though he was wont to reveal any more. Sharon smiled and pursed her lips, flattered and slightly nervous but trusting of Andy and his intentions to surprise her.
"Oh, that sounds really promising," she giggled, thrilled, her voice hinting that he might not be the only one with a surprise.
"Excellent," he murmured as his eyes darkened. Sharon smiled back, swallowing hard.
Andy sat back at his desk, pretending not to notice Provenza's pricked ears or piercing gaze. He was grinning widely and he couldn't help it, thanks to Sharon.
"Flynn! What's that idiotic smile for?" Provenza asked him as though he were scolding Andy for not telling him.
"It's none of your business," Andy replied with a smile and a tone that rather suited a declaration of love. Provenza looked at his friend in panic. He had already seen plenty of signs hinting his friend's feelings for the Captain and he was aware that something huge had happened between them. The Captain herself had become an open book. Of course only Provenza had seen these signs – nobody else had even hinted at what was going on between them. However, the fact that Andy hadn't discussed this with him was somewhat offensive – he and Andy had never kept secrets from each other. This was the first time Andy had kept anything from him and Provenza couldn't help feeling bitter rather than relieved, despite what he had thought initially. He knew their trust in each other was mutual but he was still not completely sure of what was going on between the Captain and Andy. He wasn't sure if he wanted to ask, but at the same time he still hoped that Andy would confide in him.
"Ok, I was just trying to help you." Provenza sulked, arching his brows as he waved a hand in front of him.
"Help me. Sure." Andy grimaced and shook his head. Provenza stood up and went to Andy's desk, swivelling around to check that they were alone. Glancing up at the Captain who was reading a case file and highlighting the pertinent information, he turned back to Andy.
"Flynn, you're going around grinning like a fool. What's more, you follow her around every time she leaves her office. Then there's the fact that you're always makin' googly eyes at each other – smiling at you and fluttering her eyelashes… and what's crazier is you fluttering yours at her!" Provenza looked at Andy as if talking about the symptoms of a serious illness. "So, yes, I'm helping you because you need it! Even if you don't tell me a damn word about it, something is going on between you and the Captain and it's so damn obvious! Just, cut the crap 'cos you're makin' a scene." Provenza felt relieved as he let it all spill out, expecting a strong reaction from Andy.
"Thank you," Andy said dully. Provenza looked at Andy completely stunned, agape.
"W-what? Is that all you have to say?!" Provenza exclaimed furiously. Sharon was now looking at them, a little surprised. Andy caught her gaze and pouted, reassuring her that it was just one of Provenza's regular reactions. Sharon smiled uncertainly and returned to her work.
"This is not the right time nor the right place," Andy said seriously, his calm tone chilling Provenza's fury.
"Ok! Then tell me when and where we can talk about it!" he said calmly but vehemently.
"Listen, I know, I know what you're thinking but… whatever is or isn't going on between me and Sharon is nobody's business but mine and hers." Andy felt sorry for his friend and the distance he had created between them by hiding important changes in his life from him when he would have turned to him first before. He realized that he missed his best friend, but he and Sharon had been ordered to keep their relationship under wraps, so he couldn't tell Provenza anything.
"I see." Provenza succumbed, and Andy saw he was being sincere, "but Flynn, just know that I'm there for you – both of you," he looked in the Captain's direction, "anytime."
Provenza smiled sincerely (if somewhat bitterly) as he looked Andy in the eye. Feeling moved, Andy pursed his lips and raised his browns sadly, repressing his emotions as he nodded his head repeatedly.
Andy knocked on Sharon's door and checked his watch for the second time in minutes. He felt nervous but couldn't see why. He was thrilled but anxious, as though this was part of an important test. He guessed that this might be because he and Sharon were going on their first actual date and he wanted it to be perfect. Moreover, this was the first time in a long time that he was actively courting a woman he loved. It might actually be the first time. Even if he and Sharon had already declared their love for one another, he wanted to show her in every way that there was nothing he took for granted about their relationship. As Andy was considering all his feelings, the apartment door sprang open as if Sharon had used all of her strength to open it. For a long moment Andy realized she was feeling the same anxiety as him but this thought was quickly swept away by the sight before him.
Sharon stood before him in a short and sleeveless dress that elegantly clung to her every curve. It's glimmering green-gold color contrasted brightly against her cleavage, displayed by the dress' low neckline. Andy watched as she inhaled rapidly, her chest and shoulders rising slightly. Her eyes glowed with nervous excitement as she waited for his reaction – did she look good enough? Andy's jaw dropped, his brows raised. He saw Sharon's quizzical expression fade, replaced by the most radiant smile she had ever given him. Her eyes lit up and radiated - the thrill and anxiety of the moment heightened as she realized that he found her breath-taking. She blushed slightly as Andy returned his attention to her, smiling disbelievingly at the fact that she was his.
"Sharon," he paused, smiling, his mouth moving as though he'd like to say more. He shook his head, wondering what he'd done to deserve her, "you are stunning." He entered her apartment, never taking his eyes off of her. Gazing at her mesmerizing legs, he admired the fact that the back of her dress allowed him the view of her thighs, her feet encased in pale gold open-toed pumps that accentuated her shapely calves. He drew closer and ran his fingers through her hair.
Sharon smiled and cupped Andy's hand as it cupped her cheek, "You're not too bad yourself," she said softly and sincerely, admiring his appearance without surprise. She always found him handsome, even when he (rarely) wore casual wear. He always looked good.
Andy looked at her, saw the range of emotions her stare gave him and felt himself quiver, "I think we'd better leave, now," he said as he caressed her outer arm, gazing at her pale and gleaming skin with darkened eyes. Sharon smiled and nodded once.
"Andy," she held his hand as he pulled it away, placing it on the small of her back so as to guide her gently down the corridor. "those wonderful orchids...are they for me?" she smiled widely as she sniffed them delicately, gazing at him deeply and tenderly as she did so. His expression was overwhelmingly cute as he realized that he had flowers in his hand, as though they had magically appeared there.
Shaking his head, Andy said, "yes, of course," he grinned as Sharon smiled widely and took them from his hands. Sharon put them down on the side-table before turning back to Andy.
"Thank you," she breathed against his ear before kissing him on the cheek.
"My pleasure," he smiled sincerely as he returned the kiss on her forehead. "Ready?" he asked.
"Oh I am so ready..." Sharon answered sultrily in a low thrill, her voice causing him to quiver as he smiled.
Andy smiled as he stopped his car on the side of the narrow lane that led to an isolated candlelit cottage.
"Sharon, you can open your eyes – we're here," he anticipated Sharon's reaction eagerly. He saw her inhale sharply, raising a hand to her cheek in surprise. Andy felt her other hand against his thigh as he turned to enjoy the sight of her awe.
"Oh, Andy, this is so romantic!" Sharon exclaimed, her voice soft yet laden with emotion. Andy unbuckled his and Sharon's seat belt and leaned towards her. She turned and smiled at him with tears in her eyes. "I can't believe this is happening, here, with you," she whispered, fighting to keep her tremulous voice steady. She swallowed and offered him a sincere, grateful smile. A tear ran down her cheek, disappearing into the darkness as Sharon's feelings and Andy's love for her shone brighter. Andy caressed her cheek, his eyes intensely fixed in hers and smiled softly. He was enchanted by the sight of her and was considering gathering her in his arms and kissing her with all his might or remaining as he was and watching her. Sharon decided for him as she leaned into him and kissed him deeply, her emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. Slowly her kiss became sweeter as her lips lingered between and on Andy's lips. In the silence of the night and of his car, Andy's eyes were like splinters watching Sharon's opening now and then to reciprocate his intoxicated gaze. Her cool jade orbs gleamed in the night and he heard her breaths become weak moans as he deepened the kiss, brushing the column of her neck down to her cleavage with his lips. There was so much of her offered to his feverish lips and he wanted it all. He wished for more hands and lips. Her hair tickled the tip of his nose as he devoured her neck and shoulder, waves of her scent intoxicating him. The night air was filled with the sound of their laboured breathing. The intense heat of their bodies was heightened by their movements – Sharon's hand caressing his waist. Slowly her fingertips trailed the waistline of his pants, sliding between fabric and flesh as she settled on his groin. She nibbled his earlobe, fiery yet calm. He heard her panting in his ear and knew that he had to have her right there. Lifting her hair, he unzipped her dress, quivering when he looked at her again – her eyes watching him, mesmerized. The straps of her dress grazed her elbows as she panted, her chest rising and falling rhythmically and rapidly.
Vulnerable, Sharon looked at Andy and caused him to obey the compelling need to cover her nudity and wrap his arms around her to hold her tight – protecting her as he embraced her. He remembered his original intentions: a first date that was romantic and sweet. He wanted to court her - there was no need to end up in bed together. However, he would certainly not have her make love to him in a car.
"We look like teenagers at at drive in," he grinned as he leaned towards her, pulling her straps over her shoulders again. Sharon smiled softly as she read through Andy's actions, "though I never had a girl fall for me like you did," he grinned widely but his voice was heated, "especially on the first date." As he concluded, his voice adopted a low, rough tone, revealing his emotions. Sharon saw he didn't mean to be funny - he was overwhelmed by his feelings for her. Andy caressed her lips and cheek as his gaze roamed hers. He lifted her hair, enclosed her in his arms and pulled up the zip of her dress. He pulled away to look at her face again but suddenly felt the need to hug her. He held her tight, his arms wrapped around her, face buried in her hair and neck
"I love you...I love you, I love you, I love you" he said hoarsely, almost whispering.
Sharon's mobile and his started buzzing almost simultaneously. Lieutenant Provenza's name lit up Andy's cell phone as Chief Taylor's lit up Sharon's. Andy rolled his eyes and huffed as he answered, seeing Sharon's bewildered pout as he let the car to allow her to answer the Chief. Their first actual date needed rescheduling.
As they arrived at the crime scene, together, Sharon inhaled resolutely and got out of Andy's car. They had agreed during the trip that they would act professionally despite their clothes and their arrival together. Only if necessary would they would lie or mislead the team's thoughts (though the circumstances made their situation rather obvious).
It was immediately, dramatically obvious as soon as Sharon shut the car door - revealing her outfit and look to the team - that lies and pantomime would be imperative. As she swayed her hips on her high heels, she arranged her hair and glasses in a desperate attempt to appear more like Captain Raydor and less like Sharon. Andy stood behind her in a professional grimace as he pretended not to notice Sharon's hips or the movement of her hair and dress as it inched upwards. Sharon pretended to ignore the team exchanging bewildered looks at her clothes and companion. They continued to look astonished until she shoved on her glasses, flashing her badge to the officer who lifted the crime scene tape for her and Flynn as she declared herself, Flynn and their ranks. The team had also noticed Flynn's very smart outfit, which matched so very well their Captain's. The Game of Coincidences was over for Provenza and even the team had begun to - at the very least – suspect something.
"Good evening, every one. Lieutenant Provenza, I need a briefing," her tone reminded him of the old times when Darth Raydor was sent to spy on them.
"Two men, one shot in the head as he presumably was running away. The car he was driving is parked over there," Provenza turned to point at...Flynn. He noticed Andy gazing murderously at the officer who had been ogling the Captain's legs.
Sanchez lead the Captain to the wall over which the second body was found. Against the wall stood three wooden cases disposed as if to make a ladder.
"Detective, a hand please?" Sharon asked Julio, motioning in his direction.
"Of course Ma'am," Julio nodded, offering the Captain his hand to help her climb up, his hardened gaze softening as his lips seemed to curve in a gentle smile. Sharon grabbed his hand as she slipped off her shoes, pulling her dress upwards. All the members of the team but Sykes turned their eyes away or down. Buzz felt it unnecessary to film the Captain's movements at that point and turned his attention instead to where the rest of the team was focusing: Flynn and his behaviour as he practically shielded Sharon from prying eyes as she climbed up. Andy turned to look around, attempting to appear indifferent as he pursed his lips, contrasting with his hired-professional demeanour.
Andy walked by Sharon as he carried a transparent bag and said
"The evidence off body, Captain"
The team exchanged quizzical, suspicious looks. Sharon pretended to ignore Buzz's owlish expression and Mike's amused-awkward cough. As she turned to Andy she frowned, half groaning half huffing. She did so, that is, until she caught Julio muffling snickers behind his hand, at which point she fixed a solemn glare upon him.
Provenza couldn't help himself – the situation was dire – he raised a hand to his cheek in horror.