Disclaimer: I own Anna, but not Don Flack – that character belongs to the creators of CSI:NY and those affiliated with the show. I know, I'm upset about it too. This takes place sometime after the first 2 chapters, though not too far down the road.

Anna wasn't sure which movie it was that she fell asleep in, but she knew she was disoriented when she work up. It wasn't until she heard a light snore that she smiled. 'Of course,' she thought, 'I'm at Don's.'

She moved slightly and watched his face as he slept. There was a certain childlike innocence that he had when he slept, the "all business detective" façade was gone and there was Don, the man who had unwittingly stole her heart. A small movement of her head told here it was close to 4am, still enough time to sleep before work, though for some reason she was now wide awake.

She lightly traced the NYPD letters on the chest of his shirt, careful not to wake him, and she thought about their first encounter. Of course she was running late to her job and was stressed, not that working in HR wasn't stressful enough, but there she was running out the door of the local café, and she ran into him. Again, not his fault, but she spilled her tea and milk all over her new suit. As she started cursing her luck and tears welled up in her eyes, two strong hands were placed on her shoulders and stopped her. She was going to protest until she looked up and was caught in those blue, blue eyes.

Anna had known she was a goner there and then, and she was sure she looked quite the mess. And what had he done? He apologized, something about not moving out of her way quick enough. He kept going on and on, until he stopped and mumbled something about babbling. She remembered smiling and he handed her his card, and said to please contact him about the dry cleaning bill.

Stunned was the least of her reactions, and she would have protested except his phone rang and she noticed the badge. He told her he was sorry about running into her, told her he was Detective Flack, reminded her about the dry cleaning and left.

They had run into each other when she called him to tell him not to worry about the dry cleaning, and he asked her to lunch the next day. One lunch turned into another, a few walks home and then dinner. He explained to her what he could about his job, and she tried to explain hers – both trying desperately to not breach any confidentiality. He had made some comment about employees asking her out, and then she had to calm him down when she mentioned the occasional stalker or two. The concern that was on his face was what gave him away though, she knew at that point that he was as far gone as she and whether they knew it or not, they were now on a track together. She also knew that whether she was ready or not she'd have to open up more, no time like the present, 'cause she knew she could no longer deny herself the chance with someone like Don.

Anna was brought out of her daydream when he shifted and she felt eyes on her.

"Hello sleepyhead," she said. "Sleep well?"

"With you here, how could I not? What time is it?"

"Cute, and it's just after 4am. "

"You know you're cute when you wake up." He grinned as she flushed. "So what woke you up Sleeping Beauty, hmm?"

"Just how we met, and that I couldn't believe you apologized to me when I almost ran you over."

"Well, how else would I be able to give you my card and ask that you call me? It's not everyday that I get to meet beautiful women who aren't suspects?" He replied, as he ran his fingers through her hair, smoothing out any tangles he came across. "So, you were just dreaming about me? Have to say I'm flattered."

"That, and some other stuff." He brought a hand under her chin and raised her head a little, smirking when she flushed beneath his gaze. "Don, you've been patient and not pushed, though I know we both have been more than ready to move forward."

"Anna, I will never push"

"Don, I know. I'm not saying you ever would." She felt her cheeks start to burn as she continued. "Don't you think I want to move forward too? I've felt it too, the want, the need, the longing to do more than just kiss or make out? We're both healthy adults, and that being said I'm sure we both have needs. Desires."

She looked up into his face and noticed he was watching her with those eyes. She closed her eyes and felt his thumb slowly make circles on her jaw line. After a few minutes, she brought her hand up and caught his, and intertwined their fingers. Anna knew she couldn't look at him while she told her story.

"I've been scared Don. It's not everyday you have to tell the man you've fallen for, the man you want, that due to circumstances you are a sexual novice. A virgin, and that this is not how you envisioned yourself at nearly 30."

She opened her eyes and looked down at his shirt, knowing his eyes were watching her.

"The first guy I ever dated, god I was 18 and a freshman in college, decided that one night he was going to take it further and I kept saying no. He never had the opportunity to really take it further than pinning my below him as I managed to fight him off. The next few guys I dated decided that if I wouldn't sleep with them that they'd either pawn me off on their friends, or tell everyone I was cheating on them."

She felt him let go of her hand, and would have cried except he used that arm to pull her closer. She put her hand on his chest, feeling comforted by his heartbeat, his breathing, tucked her head under his chin and continued.

"College after that was fine, my social life sucked though. There I was your normal co-ed, who had been branded a slut, a whore when she had never had more than a serious make-out session with a guy. I didn't date the rest of my time in college. I was too scared."

"Anna,"

"Don, it's okay. I just need it to be out, please?' She felt him nod. "Right, so college sucked. After college, there was the guy that tried to jump me on the first date, a potential stalker and a guy that after 9-12 dates, never even bothered to try to kiss me. I had essentially given up. I thought, 'if I can't succeed with a man, I'll succeed in my job instead.' Thankfully that all changed when I tried to take out New York's finest in an early morning beverage run."

"Really? I'm New York's finest? I'll want that put on my detective cards now."

She smiled and shook her head, relaxing in his arms as she felt the mood lighten and the tension in his body lessen.

"I knew you could see my hesitation, and I know it could make someone run," she braved looking him in the face, "so though I've bared my soul and hope you won't run, this would be your chance."

"If you think I'll run, you're wrong sweetheart. I can understand your hesitation, but I'm not worried. And I'm not going anywhere." He smiled at her, and waited till she smiled back. "And you're right, as healthy adults we have needs and desires, and yes mine include you. But I would never push you Anna."

"Don, you wouldn't have to push," she felt the familiar heat on her cheeks. "Just give me some time."

"All the time you need."

"Thank you."

"No problem." He traced small circles on her back until he felt her breathing even out, signaling that she was asleep. He silently thanked whatever had convinced her to finally trust him, said a little prayer, and drifted back to sleep.