SHE'S GOT THE LOOK
Chapter 20
by Stands With a Fic – Camima
Hey every one thanks so much for your support! Grateful thanks to my Beta CmemLovr for hrr everlasting patience! All mistakes are mine!
"Sharon, you'll look good in whatever you wear," Andy smiled sincerely, continuing to gaze at Sharon's legs. Dissatisfied with his current view, Andy sat at the foot of the bed, convinced that the sight of her was well worth the wait. Sharon paced in front of her wardrobe in only her underwear, her hand skimming the different fabrics that hung above her. Inclining his head so as to get a better view of her, Andy murmured, "Actually, I like your indecisiveness…" teasingly, a sideways grin fixed on his lips as he leaned back slightly, reclining onto one elbow. Sharon rolled her eyes, grimacing at him as he eyes narrowed – something in them betraying her true feelings: flattered amusement. Andy laughed and shook his head as he semi-stretched his legs, spreading them slightly.
"What about this one?" Sharon asked, holding an indigo silk dress against her body as she held the matching clutch at shoulder level for comparison.
"Nice," Andy stated simply, lifting a palm. Sharon huffed slightly, pouting as she turned away from Andy's wide grin.
"This?" Sharon asked hopefully, showing him a black one.
"Sharon..." Andy leaned forward and reached out for her, grabbing her hips and guiding her towards him, pulling her down onto his lap gently. Sharon's back arched slightly, expectation coloring her features briefly as Andy's hands moved to her stomach and back, "I know you want to be beautiful for me, but it's really not necessary. You always look stunning – to me and everyone who has eyes!" Andy smiled fondly.
"It's our first actual date, Andy," Sharon smiled, "I want it to be...special," she said, savoring the taste of the word in her mouth.
"It already is, Sharon," Andy smiled widely, his eyes shining in that special way that was just for her, "you make it be special." His gaze heated slightly, his eyes gazing forlornly at her lingerie, causing Sharon to smile and blush.
"I think you'd better wait for me on the couch, Andy," she said sultrily, a teasing smile flitting across her lips, "or there will be no date tonight either," she breathed as he shrugged and leaned in to her to kiss her the slope of her neck. "Andy," she pushed him away gently but stubbornly, standing resolutely.
"Alright" he sighed, almost intoxicated by the sight of her. Standing, he gave her a once over before murmuring, "see you...later." Sharon rolled her eyes, smiling as she shook her head with the suspicion that Andy's words were addressed more to her lingerie than to her. Whilst walking away he turned to face her in time to see her bra strap slide off her shoulder. Inadvertently glancing at him as she pulled it up again, Sharon monitored his reaction and movements. Deciding that that had been an invitation to rejoin her, Andy began to move closer.
"Andy," Sharon scolded, pointing her forefinger at him as though ordering him to return to the living room, her gaze stern and her chest puffed out in mock indignation.
Andy couldn't help but grin – she looked so damn sexy. "Seriously Sharon, do you expect that to stop me?" Sharon sighed, pouting as her shoulder fell, "Oh God, Sharon! Alright – alright - I'll wait for you on the couch or...there really won't be a date tonight." Andy smiled and raised his hands in mock-surrender before turning and leaving Sharon's bedroom, to which Sharon smiled. "I know you're smiling," she heard him say. Andy heard her giggles as he walked to the couch, smiling widely and tapping the small box in his jacket pocket, grinning from ear to ear.
Andy stood agape at the sight of Sharon, clad in a shiny (short) coral dress with a plunging neckline, her curves graciously and sexily, feet encased in matching coral pumps. Eyes raking in Sharon's frame, he lingered on Sharon's flattered smile and rosy cheeks, warmed by her blushing – a quality Andy found both sexy and cute. She always made him feel as though their relationship was new; she always managed to surprise him somehow. Upon arriving at the restaurant, Andy pulled out her chair, his smile wide as she thanked him with a dazzling grin.
"You're easily the most beautiful woman in the restaurant," Andy grinned, "and in the whole state of California…" Sharon giggled, cupping his cheek, "You look stunning in that dress," Andy continued, murmuring.
"Thank you," she said softly, gazing into his eyes fondly. "Andy," she started, her hand covering his, "we're on a date." Her voice was laden with emotion, excitement bubbling just below the surface as Andy turned their hands and intertwined their fingers. Their hands squeezed, and Andy thought that, in that moment, Sharon looked more stunning than ever. Lifting Sharon's hand to his lips, he kissed her knuckles, smiling as he did.
"I love you, Sharon." His gaze was vulnerable yet disarming.
"I love you too, Andy." Her voice remained soft and tremulous.
"Honestly, I was thinking about it – asking you out, I mean – but then you became my boss and I chose…"
"To hate me – to be harsh and rude to me," Sharon interrupted pointedly as she reached for her glass, her other hand flicking her hair down her back. Sipping her drink, Sharon pursed her lips as she swiped her tongue across her front teeth before placing her glass down on the table and turning to Andy with a smile, amused by the sight of his staring at her agape. His eyes reflected a sense of deep seated guilt as he recovered from the shock of Sharon's bluntness – its graceful delivery making it all the more unsettling.
"Hey! I didn't hate you – I've never hated you!" His voice remained steady – if a little pitchy due to the strength of his emotions.
"Oh I see, your actions were merely an attempt to distract yourself from the love you felt for me?" Sharon insinuated ironically, her smile surprisingly free from sarcasm.
"D'you know what? I really think that was the case and..." Sharon looked taken aback by Andy's sincerity and cute smile in response to her astonishment. His voice lowered somewhat, becoming far warmer, "I've always known you were simply doing your job and I've always noticed your special kindness towards…well…me." His sideways grin made an appearance, his gaze piercing.
"My what?" Sharon asked abashed by Andy's cheeky demeanor
"Hey, don't pretend that you don't know what I'm talking about!" he teased. They'd been a couple for exactly eight months to the day their first kiss had occurred. It was why he'd resisted the impulse to take her out for dinner on their first date – because eight months he could tell that she was ready to be more than friends but now fully. That had been when he'd decided to kiss her at the beach.
"Andy, I am always kind to people – unless circumstances dictate otherwise," she said with a raised brow, her head titled to the side as she leaned towards him, entwining her fingers together as they rested lightly on the tabletop. "Though..." she continued, looking away from Andy's hopeful expression that she would finally confess to her soft-spot for him, "I've always found that you are hard- and hot- headed individual with incredible sensitivity and generosity. In short, an impossibly cute man." she blushed, glancing at him as his wide smile was promptly replaced by an awestruck expression as she shrugged.
"Oh...Captain, Captain, Captain, have you always found me cute?" He breathed, sighing teasingly.
"Did I only mention cute?" Sharon asked, shaking her head with a mock-frown as her eyes narrowed.
"Oh sure, sure, cute – like a puppy," pouted Andy, folding his arms as he leaned back into his chair. Watching him mulishly, Sharon raised her brows, pressing her lips together to suppress an amused smile.
"Too long away and too long apart, I couldn't wait another day for the Captain of my heart," Andy murmured melodically as he drew nearer to her face. Turning to him with a sweet smile, Sharon cupped the back of his neck as she waited for his lips to meet hers, his eyes gazing deep into hers.
A choking sound emanated from behind Sharon but neither she nor Andy paid it any mind until they heard Buzz's voice.
"Lieutenant Flynn!" Andy raised his eyes, wide and surprised as Buzz smiled uncertainly – he hadn't missed Andy's shifty awkwardness but hadn't understood why until he'd seen who the foxy brunette who'd been kissing him was. Buzz watched the Captain turn a deep shade of pink as she looked at him, smiling kindly but awkwardly.
"Oh…Captain Raydor and…Lieutenant Flynn – together…" Andy shook his head, sighing as he stood up and patted Buzz on the back as though he were helping him breathe through his shock.
"Alright, alright, Buzz, we all know our ranks and names okay? So let's move on. Yes, the Captain and I are on a date and, yes, we were…kissing. We would really appreciate it if you could keep this to yourself for now, please." Sharon smiled pleadingly, her shoulders falling slightly.
"Oh don't worry! Of course," Buzz said, smiling sincerely as he mimed zipping his mouth shut.
"Thank you, Buzz," Sharon said, standing as she looked earnestly into his face, "Chief Taylor is aware, of course, but…"
"Captain," Buzz's voice was steady and kind as he continued, "you don't have to explain or worry – I promise that I will be discrete."
"Thank you, Buzz," Sharon smiled
"Captain – Lieutenant," Buzz said, glancing at Sharon before turning to Andy, "goodnight." He couldn't help raising his brows almost sardonically.
"Goodnight, Buzz," Sharon smiled graciously.
"Goodnight, Buzz and thanks a lot – really," Andy said, a soft and sincere smile on his lips as his eyes betrayed his gratefulness, a combination that Sharon found immeasurably sweet.
"If I may," Buzz added as Andy nodded his head, "congratulations, Lieutenant," he finished, giving him a thumbs up before turning to smile at Sharon and add, "I'm happy for you – it's about time."
"Wow...okay then," Andy murmured after Buzz had gone, "hey, Sharon?" he grinned, feeling Sharon's gaze linger on his face and feeling her love for him.
"Andy, take me home," she breathed sultrily. Home seemed to be the better alternative to where they were and Sharon's voice seemed to promise ideas not befitting of a restaurant.
He often had to suppress the thought of undressing her. He would not do it roughly – but perhaps, relentlessly. He felt the urge to undress her, to take her on the bed or floor – up against the wall, even. He thought about her on the kitchen table, the balcony and parking lot and desperately wanted her on her desk. He would make love to her with such depth that she would shake and sweat with pleasure, climaxing with his name on her lips as she moaned. But he couldn't – not yet, anyway. For now, he was content to hold her hand, anticipating the right moment. Sharon stood barefoot on her balcony, a soft breeze blowing tresses of her hair as she gazed at the stars and inhaled deeply, a soft, blissful smile spreading across her lips.
"Hey", she said, smiling as he reached for her waist from behind and slid his arms around her chest. He nosed her hair away from her neck and breathed her in her scent as his lips brushed her skin. Sharon felt Andy smile against the crook of her neck and smiled at the sensation. "I'm happy," she said, simply - softly – and sincerely as he chafed her hands between his. Andy directed his attention to her jaw and earlobe moving to her temple. Taking her chin, he turned her face to his, causing her chest to follow.
"I'm happy you're happy," Andy said, warmly fixing his gaze on her eyes as his right arm caressed her left, moving to meander along her face as she fought the instinct to close her eyes at Andy's touch. His hand completely open, Andy spread his fingers across her face, longing to touch as much of her skin as possible. His touch was gentle and lingering, his little finger rubbing under her earlobe and his middle finger caressing the pink shell of her ear. His thumb grazed the spot just below her nose but just above her lips gently before brushing Sharon's lips softly, tracing their shape. Cupping her cheek, he brought his lips to hers before pressing fluttering kisses to her nose, cheekbone and temple.
"Andy," she whispered, to which he replied with a hum, "I think it's time...to tell the team." Andy stopped his ministrations abruptly, his full attention on Sharon's words.
"Sharon, are you sure?" he asked, his brow knitted and his lips slightly parted.
"Well...Buzz saw us and Provenza...he knows we're up to something," Sharon smiled softly, speaking rather matter-of-factly in a tone similar to Provenza's.
"Well, yeah – oh, God!" Right that moment, Andy remembered that he was supposed to have called Provenza earlier in the day. Huffing slightly, he carded a hand through his hair in frustration.
"What's wrong, Andy?" Sharon turned to him completely, a hand caressing Andy's chest as the other remained on his cheek, her expression quizzical.
"Provenza - I should have called him today - and," Andy huffed slightly, "Alright, listen. I didn't say a word, but somehow Louie knows about us. He's asked me every day for months, and then yesterday he said that he wanted to talk to me – I guessed that it might be about us. I told him that I'd call him today but-" He huffed again as he gesticulated towards Sharon and himself.
"I'm sorry," Sharon said shakily, her lips curving into a bitter smile.
"What? Sharon..." Andy couldn't understand what she had to be sorry about.
"I'm sorry..." Sharon cleared her throat, "I know it must be hard for you not to be free to tell...Louie." She smiled again, feeling guilty.
"Sharon, I did it for us okay? And I certainly don't regret anything. I do feel sorry for him sometimes and, yeah, I'd like to tell him that I'm in love and happy with you but I won't do it until…"
"I'll talk to Taylor on Monday. I'll tell him," Sharon said resolutely, a sweet intensity adding to the effect of her steady tone. She pulled herself flush against him as Andy shook his head, reveling in the total bodily contact.
"We will, Sharon. Together." He fixed his gaze on her resolute expression before adding, "This is about us, and we're going to do this together." His gaze left no room for negotiation.
"Fine." She understood that Andy was right this time and she wanted him there because the matter involved them both. "I just hope that the Chief will understand and allow us to tell the team."
"He will, Sharon, he will."
"I hope you're right, Andy, I really hope so." Sharon sighed and ran her fingers through Andy's hair, gazing into his eyes. Andy looked back fondly – he couldn't help finding her breath-taking despite the concern in her eyes. Her concern melted as she felt Andy's gaze, her own becoming intense as a result.
"I'm so grateful to have you, Andy. I'm so happy we are together," she whispered, shaking her head slowly almost disbelievingly. Her eyes shone with the intensity of her emotions, her hair swaying as her head moved. Andy shivered slightly at the intensity of Sharon's gaze, feeling the same emotions well up within him, too.
"I don't care if we aren't young anymore or if it took us some time to realize and accept our feelings for one another, Andy. We're together- I'm with you – and it feels like everything is finally falling into place. Though I've had some luck in my lifetime, I've never felt luckier or happier than with you. It just…" Sharon swallowed, trying to suppress her rising tears and the tremors in her voice. Andy held her tighter, his eyes fixed on hers, awestruck by Sharon's words. He encouraged her to continue, a supportive and sweet smile upon his lips. "It feels like I've always known you, like we're meant to be." She shrugged, smiling slightly as though ashamed, blushing slightly. Sharon's words made sense to Andy, made him feel more like himself than he'd felt in years. Andy's surprised expression melted into a kind smile – one that only Sharon had had the privilege of seeing.
Eyes laden with emotion, Andy whispered raspingly, "I know. I feel exactly the same way, Sharon." Andy wrapped his arms around Sharon's back, pulling her into him completely. He hesitated for a moment before looking into her eyes, not wanting to miss a single detail of her expression. Gazing down at her longingly, he leaned down, plunging onto her soft and warm lips. The taste of her was just as sweet as the sight that she presented. Her hands caressed his shoulders, pulling him towards her by the shoulders and pressing herself against him. Her waist melded with his chest as she deepened the kiss, her fingers tangling in his hair. She moaned as he returned the kiss with renewed and unexpected intensity, his hands fitting perfectly into each of her curves. Andy repressed the impulse to kiss the crook of her neck as Sharon's dress strap fell off her shoulder. He wouldn't go any further – couldn't, in fact – for if he did, he would not be able to stop. Pushing her away just enough to disrupt their actions and cause Sharon to moan in disappointment, Andy watched as Sharon adopted a puzzled yet aroused expression.
"Sharon - before we..." he grinned and arched a brow as thoughts of what they would soon be doing filled his mind, "there is something I want to give you." He grinned again, this time at the thought of Sharon's reaction. He hoped that she would like it – or at least, he thought she would. As an elegant woman, his gift fit her perfectly. He exhaled slowly, smiling at Sharon's intrigued and expectant smile. "Sit with me?" he asked, pulling her towards the couch. Sitting down on the couch, Sharon watched as Andy took the coffee table, her hands in his. "Today, eight months ago, we kissed for the first time. Or, to be precise, I kissed you and you returned it," he smiled widely and sincerely at the memory. Sharon nodded and smiled, her gaze reflecting her recollection of the day he'd mentioned. As Andy pulled the little box from his pocket, a radiant – if a touch surprised – smile spread across Sharon's lips.
Taking the box from Andy's hands almost hesitantly, Sharon murmured quietly, "Oh, Andy, this is so sweet of you!"
"You've not opened it yet," Andy smiled
"Oh...yes. What I meant is that this -" Sharon placed her palm over his heart, feeling it beat beneath her hand as she caressed his cheek with her other hand. "You remembering the date of our first kiss is so…" she shook her head slightly, "I didn't expect this." Exhaling slowly, Sharon glanced at the box once more, whispering, "You didn't have to."
"Yes, I did. I did it because I love you and because I wanted to."
Andy smiled tenderly as Sharon's shoulders fell slightly, shaking her head to control her emotions as an appreciative expression stole over her features. Opening the box, her breath caught in her lungs as she sat, stunned.
"Oh, Andy..." she breathed, smiling with surprise, "they're so beautiful." She shook her head slightly before turning to Andy, throwing herself into him as she flung her arms around his neck and held him tight against her, cheek to cheek.
"You are, Sharon. You're beautiful," Andy said, holding her tighter.
Sharon pulled away slightly to peck his lips and offer him a grateful smile. Reaching for her studs, she pulled them off gently and placed them in the box, putting on Andy's earrings instead. She stood and admired herself in the mirror by her apartment door before turning to Andy and smiling fondly.
"Thank you, Andy," she whispered, "Thank you for these earrings and -" Sharon touched them gently, her brow furrowing, still bewildered, "thank you for always being there for me and for making me feel so loved." Her voice broke on the last word as her eyes watered slightly, her expression fraught with emotion. Reaching for his cheek, she cupped it in one hand, kissing his lips softly. Pulling away, she gazed into his dark eyes, and Andy felt lost in hers, his feelings for Sharon clouding his thoughts.
He loved her; it was a simple yet overwhelming fact. He rubbed her back and smiled, admiring how her eyes shone so close to his. He pulled her closer, seating her in his lap and watching her smile so sweetly at him. Lifting her hair and tossing it over her left shoulder, he kissed the crook of her neck before looking her in the eye again and breathing, "I love you Sharon." Sharon wrapped her arms around him, nudging his forehead with hers.
"I love you too, Andy," she breathed.
They remained as they were, exchanging kisses and returning caresses. Andy whispered sweet words in Sharon's ear as she giggled softly, flattered by his compliments and feeling that there was nowhere she'd rather be than here, in Andy's arms.