Author's Note: I originally ended the story with Chapter 10, but some wonderful SMK friends requested a few more chapters. I added to the story, and I hope you enjoy! Thank you very, very much for reading and for all your reviews. I appreciate them with all my heart.

CHAPTER 11

The silver corvette hummed steadily through the white softness layering the streets. The driver smiled gently as he glanced at the passenger by his side.

Excitement danced in Lee's heart as thoughts of hot chocolate and sandwiches swirled in his mind. However, most of the excitement came from his eager anticipation of spending time with Amanda King.

Lee knew that he and Amanda were good friends, actually, the best of friends. He was also aware of another feeling deep in his heart, a desire that burned for more than friendship. Lee hoped that tonight, simply being with Amanda would alleviate some of that burning deep within him.

A sigh of contentment escaped Lee's lips as he stole another glance at the woman beside him.

Amanda's eyes were closed as she snuggled in the embrace of Lee's jacket. Even though exhaustion consumed her, excitement grew with every passing second.

"Amanda," Lee began, his voice gentle. "Thanks for having me over today. I'm looking forward to trying some of your homemade hot chocolate."

Amanda looked at Lee and smiled. "Don't forget about the sandwiches," she teased.

"Oh, absolutely," Lee chuckled. "I don't think either one of us could ever forget about your secret sauce."

"You got that right, big fella," Amanda replied, grinning. "I'm really glad you're coming over." After a moment, she let out a deep breath and murmured to herself, "I wish we could see more of each other outside of work."

Even though Amanda didn't intend for Lee to hear her thoughts, her words clearly reached his ears. He couldn't agree more.

Lee thought about all the nights he spent watching Amanda through her back window. After all, he would tell himself, it was his duty to make sure that she was okay. The simple act of watching her with her family delighted him. Alone in her backyard, he wondered what it would be like to be with her and her family.

Deep in his thoughts, Redding's face flashed through Lee's mind. He lost every person that he was close to, and he wondered if Amanda would be next. Again, a stabbing pain sliced deep into his chest at the thought of losing her. The familiar fingers of guilt tightened their grip around his heart.

Lee shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Needing the comfort of Amanda's touch, he reached out and tenderly placed his hand on hers.

Amanda's eyes darted to Lee's hand. Surprised by his gesture, she took in a sudden breath.

Lee frowned when he heard Amanda's sharp breath. "What's wrong?" he asked worriedly. "Are you feeling okay?" He started wondering if she was hurt. Maybe her ankle was bothering her again?

"Oh, yeah," Amanda smiled, her eyes still looking at his hand. "I'm more than okay. I'm really, really okay."

Still not totally convinced, Lee asked, "Are you sure?"

"I'm fine, Lee," Amanda replied. "You know, I guess that would surprise a lot of people. I'm not sure how many people can say that they're fine after being kidnapped and then almost falling off a building." Her eyes found Lee's as she softly added, "Luckily, you saved me before I could fall off. I really appreciate that, Lee."

Lee's frown deepened as her words brought back the horrific images at the construction site. "You don't need to thank me, Amanda. I'll always be there for you." He squeezed her small hand.

"Oh, Lee, that's really sweet of you to say," Amanda replied, smiling. "You're very special to me. I really enjoy my work, and I especially enjoy you." Realizing what she just said, she blushed. "Actually, I didn't mean that like it sounded. It sounded like I enjoy your body or something."

Lee's eyes widened at her words.

Coughing slightly, Amanda continued, "Well, I don't enjoy your body. I mean, I do enjoy your body because it's strong and you know how to use it." Flustered, she stammered, "Oh my gosh, I think that I should just stop. My words are all mixed up."

A smile etched itself on Lee's face as he replied, "No, it's okay, Amanda. I understand what you're trying to say." Flexing his arm, he gave her a smirk. "You're trying to tell me that I have a hot body."

Covering her face with her hands, Amanda shook her head and laughed. "Oh my gosh," she continued shyly, "What I'm trying to say, Lee, is that I'll always be here for you, too. You don't know how much you mean to me."

As Amanda's beautiful eyes watched Lee tenderly, a sudden urge took hold of his heart. 'Say it, Lee!' he yelled to himself. 'Tell her you want to be more than friends!'

Lee's smile turned to a look of distress as his normally calm and collected features quickly faded. Instead, he choked out, "You're my, uh, you're my... friend. We're friends."

As Lee struggled with the thoughts battling in his head, Amanda let out a sigh. Disappointment quickly replaced the excitement that she had felt moments before. She yearned to be closer to Lee, but again, he made it known that he only wanted to be friends.

Amanda leaned her head back against the chair and looked out the window. A touch of sadness bled into her heart as the word 'friend' echoed in her mind.

Instantly alarmed by the shift in Amanda's mood, Lee took a closer look at her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, Lee," Amanda replied, her eyes watching the snow outside. "I'm fine. It's just that I'm a bit tired. It's really nothing at all." She shook her head, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

Lee continued to watch Amanda closely, ready to bring her back to the Agency physician. He could tell that something was bothering her, but he decided to try and figure it out after they arrived at her house.

TBC