Title: Boundaries
Author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: see part one
Merri leaned against the counter wrapping her hands around the mug.
"When I found you after the shooting."Chris continued. "I thought you were already gone...it scared me made me realize things...especially how important you've become to me."
"Chris..."Merri whispered reaching her right hand towards him.
Chris took her hand in his and squeezed it drawing strength from the gesture. He took a breath and continued.
"I've fallen in love with you, Merri."Chris said meeting his partner's gaze. "Probably have been for awhile just took this to get it through my thick head. I'm not pushing you into anything...I just waned you to know"
Merri was quite proud of herself that she kept her jaw from hitting the counter. She still felt like she'd had the wind knocked out of her. If it wasn't for the steam hitting her face from the tea Merri would've thought this was all a dream. Never in a million years had she expected this kind of confession from Chris LaSalle.
They had a unique bond that was true. One she hadn't experienced with anybody else she'd been partnered with over the years. Merri had felt instantly at home with Pride and Chris almost the moment they were introduced. Romantic work relationships never went well and Merri wasn't sure she was ready to lose the friendship she had with Chris. Merri knew she had to say something but she just didn't know what.
"I don't know what to say."Meri replied but found she couldn't quite withdraw her hand from Chris's.
Chris entwined their fingers. Merri looked down at their hands liking how they looked together.
"You don't have to say anything."Chris commented softly.
After several minutes Merri withdrew her hand from Chris. She left the kitchen and sat down on the sofa pulling a quilt around her.
"Guess I'll head to bed."Chris stated breaking the silence that had fallen and he stood and started towards the stairs.
"Chris?"Merri called.
"Yeah?"LaSalle replied.
"Can you sit with me for awhile?"Merri asked turning to face him.
"Sure."Chris commented as he walked to the sofa and sat down next to her.
Merri scooted closer and rested her head on Chris's left shoulder. She was getting over the surprise of his earlier words but her heart still didn't know how to react to them. Merri smiled when she felt Chris place an arm around her waist pulling her close. She had asked him to sit with her on impulse not knowing how else to fix the situation. Merri had known that if Chris had went upstairs his confession would've sat like a proverbial elephant in the room. Plus Merri hadn't wanted to lose the closeness between them.
"Chris..."Merri began but once again words failed her.
"Rest, Merri."Chris replied quietly. "We'll sort this out later."
Reluctantly Merri pulled away and settled against the other arm of the sofa. Chris stood and covered Merri with the quilt.
"I think there's room for two on here."Merri said quietly as she sat back up.
Chris sat down next to her once more. He wrapped his arms around Merri as he laid down. Merri covered both of them with the quilt. Within minutes both were asleep.