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CHAPTER EIGHT: THE STORM IS OVER -- EAMES TELLS US ABOUT IT.

The Pulse Storm; produces severe weather for short periods of time, weaken, then produce in another short burst, hence "pulses."

Eames POV once again …

"Then give me one night. Make love to me and if you can walk away after that … I'll leave you alone for good."

The only thing I heard after that was a faint, "alright," and he hung up. My heart began to pound in my chest so hard, I thought my sternum was going to crack. He was coming over. I checked my legs … yeah, I shaved, arm pits … check.. I rummaged through my lingerie … I've had no reason to buy sexy things. Shorts and a sexy tank will have to do. I took a quick shower and used a body wash that he commented on once. It has a soft powdery smell to it, not over powering … his olfactory sense is overly sensitive. When I heard the knock on the door, the knock that I've been waiting for, for months … I wanted to back out.

I open the door and step to the side to let him in. He walked in side-wards, looking me up and down. My heart skipped a beat. I shut the door and felt his hand grab mine. He lead me over to my sofa and he sat down on the coffee table, holding both of my hands in his. He looked so shy and so incredibly sexy all at the same time.

"I didn't come over here to make love to you and then walk out on you."

"That's good, I think."

"If we do this, Eames … you're stuck with me."

"Okay."

"No, I mean … you're stuck with me. I'm not going to start a relationship with you and then have you change your mind. If that happens, one of us has to leave Major Case … that's the deal."

"We're making a deal on love?"

"This is our life Eames. Take it or leave it. I'm not playing this game anymore."

"You think this is a game!?"

"Life is a game. Love is a game. It's Russian Roulette you know. Put that one bullet in the chamber and pull the trigger … good luck. Let's see who the lucky ones are that are still standing."

I get it now. He thinks I'm going to hurt him … he's pushing me away so I won't get that chance later on. I nod at his little Russian Roulette scenario. He's been holding my hands this whole time. I'm not sure if he even realizes that he's been making small circles with his thumbs on the tops of my hands. Lovingly, soothingly, with care and meaning. I know that he's been hurt in the past, not just by women that didn't understand him, but his own family. No one, I mean, no one, understands Bobby more than I do. I can't imagine a day that I could ever stop loving this man.

We're still holding hands, so I pull him on to the sofa to sit beside me. I tuck me feet under and turn to face him. I gather my thoughts, I begin to speak, stop and begin again.

"I'm not going to hurt you."

"I was speaking figuratively. I wasn't suggesting that we play Russian Roulette. I was just saying that …"

I had to stop him … I didn't want to hear it again. I placed my finger over his lips. His eyes crossed as he looked at the finger that stifled his train of thought.

"I know what you were you saying. You're full of crap, Goren."

With raised eyebrows … "Excuse me?"

"Yeah, you heard me. You - are - full - of - crap!"

He sat back and shook his head as though he didn't hear me correctly.

"I'm full of … why would do you say that Eames?"

"Bottom line here, Bobby, is that you're just trying to protect your own heart. I get that, believe me, I do. No one likes to have their heart broken, but when you find love, why deny it thinking that it won't last?"

"It's not my heart that I'm trying to protect here, Eames."

"If it's mine that you're trying to protect … forget it. I'm a big girl, Bobby. My eyes are wide open. I don't need protection from you. I need and want your love. I think we will be amazing together."

"And if we're not?"

"Then, we're not. Last time I checked, we were both adults. We can move on."

He shook his head in the negative.

"I told you … one of us would have to leave Major Case. I couldn't see you everyday knowing that I lost you."

"Or I lost you. You could end our relationship too, you know."

"But I wouldn't."

"How do you know?"

"I just do."

"And I just know too."

We sat and stared at each other … we were at an impasse. I moved in close and leaned my body up against his. He wrapped his arm around me and I snuggled into his body. We slept together that night … no, really slept. We fell asleep on my sofa. By the morning, we were stretched out, in each other's arms … sleeping.

When we woke up, we shared a sweet kiss. He made us breakfast and we went to work. I looked into that DEA case that we were called in on. The Chief of D's sent us … knowing that we had no right to intrude on their collar. I think he's trying to separate Bobby and I. As long as we stick together and realize that he's up to something, we'll be alright.

The sex will have to wait. Bobby's right, per usual. We haven't even gone a real date yet. We made a packed … third date … no alcohol. If we're both feeling it, it will happen. No pressure. One thing for sure, he drives a hard bargain … he's worth it, he's my soul mate. The Storm is over … the sun came out today. I won't guarantee that another storm won't roll in, but at least we'll weather it together … pardon the pun.

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fin. Sorry bammi ... I had to do it ... The SS Bobex has set sail! Thanks for reading ... Judy:)