Everything was new, and fresh, Carter thought.
That's how she felt when she woke up a few hours later, and stretched her limbs in Reese's huge bed. She felt perfectly rested, even though she'd been up most of the night being made love to, even though she hadn't gone to bed till it was almost morning.
She lay back against the covers, thinking about the previous night. She missed his face, she missed his hands, she missed the feel of his body against her.
How did this happen? When did this happen? She knew that he'd come to mean a lot to her over the last year and a half. She guessed she didn't realize how much.
He'd told her he loved her. It was a startling revelation to be sure, but she realized she felt the same. And she hadn't been shy to say so either. She wasn't the type who was normally overemotional. Neither was he. But just like that, it felt good to be loved.
It felt good to be loved by him.
It had been a long time since she'd been open to love. She hadn't had time for it. She came back from Iraq and she had to adjust to being a civilian again. She had to be a single mother, and raise Taylor right. She didn't have time to date. She didn't have time for love. But like she told him that night in the car, she was ready to move on. She just didn't know she'd be moving on with him.
"With him," she said aloud. Those two words sounded like music in her ears. She got up out of the bed with the sheet still wrapped around her, and walked over to one of the tall windows. It was snowing now, and she felt the chill outside begin to creep in. She looked around for a heater and found it, turning it on. As she stood next to it, she felt the warmth as it spread about the room. It felt good.
She walked around the space, and found the kitchen. Opening the fridge, she took out some eggs, a bagel, and set them on the counter. She decided on a shower first, and braided her hair before hopping in the tub. The water felt good on her skin, and she spent almost fifteen minutes under the warm spray.
She couldn't put her dress back on, and she searched Reese's closet looking for something to wear. She switched the light on, and realized how huge it was. It was a walk in closet, and she stood facing a long wall of black suits, pants, jackets, and coats. She smiled, wondering if he even wore any other colours. She spun round to another wall with more casual shirts, jeans, pants and jackets. Most of them she'd never seen him in. There were a few other colours, some blues here and there, and she even spotted a few lilacs, and grays. She took out one of his polo shirts, and was happy to find a pair of cargo pants with a drawstring waist. It wasn't warm, but it was the only thing she could make fit somewhat.
After borrowing one of his boxers, she put on the polo shirt, and made breakfast. She sat on his sofa afterwards, sipping some coffee, when her phone rang.
She ran to get it, seeing the Unknown Number showing on the caller ID.
"Carter," she answered.
"How was your sleep?"
"It was good. You have a very comfortable bed here. I could get used to this."
"Music to my ears." She heard the smile in his voice, and it brought butterflies to her stomach. She felt like a lovesick teenager.
"Thought you had work," ,he said.
"I do. But I promised you I'd call."
"And you always keep your promises."
"Are you keeping warm?" he asked.
"Heater's on. I'm good, thanks for asking." She imagined him in the cold and wondered if he had a coat. "What about you?"
"I'm managing just fine," he said. "I have to go. But I'll see you later when I'm done."
"Is that a promise?"
The smile in his voice was back again. "You know it is."
She hung up the phone, smiling, and went back to the sofa.
"Yes, I could get used to this."
Before she left, she looked for clean sheets and changed the bedding. She looked at her dress, still lying on the floor, and picked it up remembering just how it ended up there. He couldn't wait to get it off her.
She thought of her closet home, and realized she didn't have enough space for it. She took it into Reese's closet, and hung it up there next to his suits. There was much more space for it here, and she decided to leave it behind for the mean time.
She hated to leave, since it was so cozy here, not to mention warm, but she had to pick Taylor up from her mom's, and she had to make Sunday dinner soon. She left his loft a little after 2pm, wearing his clothes, a pair of his boots, and one of his coats.
She knew she looked a sight. His clothes were huge on her, but it was the best she could do. She'd go home and change before she picked Taylor up. She didn't need the inevitable questions about her outfit if she showed up at her mom's wearing what she had on. She took one final look around before locking the door, and closed it behind her.
"What are you humming about?" Carter's hands were smeared with seasonings that she was rubbing into the roast that she was preparing. She crinkled her nose at his question. She'd been distracted, and hadn't heard him come in the kitchen.
"I wasn't humming." At least she didn't think she was.
"Yes you were, for about a full minute now," he said, shaking his head. She hadn't been aware that she had been humming. She was in a good mood, felt rested and all around happy. She smiled thinking that a certain someone might have a little something to do with it. She wondered just how he was doing, and if he was through yet with the current case he was working. He hadn't called her for any help, so she assumed whatever it was, he had been able to handle on his own.
"Must be happy about something."
"Hmph, must be, Taylor baby."
"You know grandma says that Aunt Donna's coming up for Thanksgiving this year. She wants to know if she can stay here."
"She knows we don't have the space, Taylor. There are only two bedrooms in the apartment. Is she coming alone?" Aunt Donna was Carter's older sister. They were only three years apart, but sometimes Donna acted like it was ten. Despite her nitpicking and always nagging Carter about not being married, or at least having a man, the sisters were close, and Carter tried to call her at least once a week.
She lived all the way in Boston with her husband David and their two boys. She was a nurse who worked at a children's hospital. The hours were long, and the job very stressful at times, but she loved her job. Donna hadn't been able to visit New York in ages, and Carter hadn't been able to get out to Boston for a while either, so she looked forward to her visit.
"No, she's bringing Stephen and James." She stopped midway through putting the roast in the crock pot.
"Is she crazy?" Stephen and James were both close in ages to Taylor, but way more rambunctious and playful. They were heavily into sports. Stephen was on the football team, and James played basketball. Donna was determined that one of them was going to play professionally. She mentally pictured them driving her crazy for their entire visit and cringed.
"She wants to bring those two in here? Nope. No can do. They can stay with mom. She has the two extra rooms."
Though she was skeptical at the idea of all the extra people in her house, she hadn't seen her sister in a while. She was almost tempted to say yes. She could probably rent a bed or two for those few days, and they could camp out in the living room. She missed the girls' nights they used to have, getting into trouble in the clubs, getting numbers from all the hot guys. That was back in the day when she had more fun, when she actually had a life.
And Thanksgiving was always a big thing in their family. A huge gathering with lots of people, and lots of food. It was a mere three weeks away, and her mom had already started talking about what she wanted to cook this year. Of course she wanted Carter to help. She'd already gone ahead and requested the time off work so she wouldn't miss the festivities.
She was sure this year would be just as eventful as it was last year.
Taylor was about to walk out the kitchen when she remembered a field trip he'd told her about.
"What about that retreat letter you brought home last week?" She cut the crock pot on, putting the roast and veggies in and set it on medium.
"Are we eating that for breakfast tomorrow morning?" he asked, pointing to the crock pot.
"What are you talking about?" she replied, washing her hands, and drying them with the dish towel.
"That roast is gonna take at least eight hours to cook."
"As a matter of fact, it is a very small roast, so it can be done in three hours or less. You think I don't know what I'm doing? Now, what about the letter you brought home last week?"
"It's a father son retreat, so I can't go." He was leaning against the kitchen counter with a look of frustration on his face. She knew it hurt not having a father in his life. He dealt with it most of the time, but whenever things like this came up, she knew it bothered him.
"Well can't I go with you? I'm sure there's no big difference."
He walked out of the kitchen, and she followed. The letter was in his drawer and he pulled it out, reading off the activities planned.
"There's archery, low ropes, high ropes, a wilderness exercise, and rafting…..which thank God is optional," he said, handing her the letter. "No offense mom, but it's been a while since you've been in the military. I don't know if your skills are up to scratch anymore. Don't worry about it; I'll just sit this one out."
"You sure it's alright?" She ignored his amusing dig at her about so called non-existent skills.
"I'm sure."
"Okay, honey."
The roast was done shortly before 8pm, and she and Taylor enjoyed one of their favourite TV shows while they ate. She loved times with him like this, bonding over a meal, watching TV, and having a laugh. He was her everything, and had been for a long time. She wanted the best for him, wanted him to have a better life than she did.
She was glad he wasn't interested in joining the military. Although it was a good opportunity to work for the government and get money for school, she didn't want him to see some of the things she did when she was deployed.
She wanted him to pursue something in the academic field, and she was glad he was interested in science and math. He was very good at it, and since he'd gotten into Marberry High, and gotten the scholarship, he'd been doing very well. He wasn't entirely sure just what he wanted to do, or where he wanted to go to college, but he was definitely interested in pursuing a higher education. She was so proud of him.
In her line of work, she was so used to seeing young men who had no ambition, no drive, and no support system. They ended up being thieves, drug dealers, and worse. She was glad Taylor had a good head on his shoulders, and was headed in the right direction.
She was loading up the dishwasher as he headed to his room, and took a long look around. Just as she wanted a better education for her son, she wanted a better home. They'd been here for over five years now, and she'd been thinking lately that it was too small.
She remembered growing up having a back yard to play in. There was a swing set where she and her sister used to play. Her father had barbecues on holidays, and he would fire up the grill. Her cousins and extended family would come, and traditions of Thanksgiving dinner began. Her place was always too small for parties or get togethers. And she knew Taylor wanted to entertain friends sometimes.
She thought it'd be nice if they had somewhere he could finally do that. She wanted a home. But she wondered if she'd be able to afford one right now. True her salary wasn't much, but she guessed it didn't hurt to look and see what her options were. She felt it was something worth looking into, and decided to start looking the next day. Maybe she'd even talk to John about it, get his opinion.
She sat in the living room watching a movie that had just come on. She found herself drifting to sleep on the couch, and woke to the sound of the ending credits. It was about midnight, and she checked her phone, but there were no missed calls.
She secured the front door, double checking to make sure it was locked, and walked the length of the short hallway to her room. She sat on her bed, and slowly stripped down to her panties. She put her clothes away, and slipped under the covers. It wasn't long after her eyes were closed, that she drifted back to sleep.
2AM
Reese looked at his phone as he walked down the steps of the library, and left the building. He'd left Finch wrapping up the last details of their case today, and Bear was happily eating a late night snack.
He was tired. He was a little hungry, and he wanted some rest. But he wanted to see Carter, even if only to say goodnight.
It had been a long day, full of mostly surveillance, phone cloning, and digging up information on the new number. For the most part she was quiet, lived alone, and had a boring job at the New York Public library.
He hadn't found any threat to her, and he couldn't figure out with what little they knew, if she was a perpetrator.
Right now she was asleep at home, so he decided to call it a night. He drove over to Carter's address, and a lazy smile crossed his lips. She'd probably hate her sleep being interrupted, but it's what he was about to do anyway.
Her phone was ringing. She was sure of it. But she was still half asleep. She turned over in the bed, and lay on her back. There it was again. She was sure she heard it ringing now.
Where was it? she thought. It took her a while to remember it was out on the table in the living room. She stumbled out of bed, walking out front to grab it and answer it, going back in the room.
"Carter," she said.
"Did I wake you?"
She smiled, hearing Reese's voice. "Its 2:15am you most certainly did." She settled back under the covers, and closed her eyes, still feeling sleepy. "Where are you?"
"Right now, outside your front door."
"Are you serious?"
"Open the front door, and see."
She threw on the terrycloth robe that hung in the back of her bedroom door, and walked back into the living room. She quietly unlocked the door, and opened it. There he was, standing on her front steps, looking up at her.
The street lights were on, and cast a soft glow on him. She could make out the faint traces of a smile on his lips.
"Hi," he said, and she could hear by the sound of his voice that he was tired. It was late after all, and he'd had an early start.
"Come in. come in," she said, stepping aside so he could walk past her. She locked the door behind him. "Taylor's asleep. Come on," she said, grabbing his hand, and led him to her bedroom. As soon as they got in, he pulled her close, kissing her. His lips were hungry, greedy, and she felt something stirring inside her as he reached down to cup her face.
She missed him, she thought. And apparently he felt the same. Her hands slipped under his coat as he pulled her closer for a hug.
"What time did you leave?"
"A little after two. Had to pick up Taylor. Had to cook dinner."
"How is he?"
"Good," she said, as he took his coat off. She took it from him and hung it in the back of the door. The sat on the bed together, and she leaned into him.
"I left my dress in your closet. I don't have the space for it here."
"What'd you wear to come home?" he asked, as he put his arm around her waist.
"Your clothes. I borrowed one of your shirts, pants…and underwear."
"Shame I didn't get to see that," he said, his voice telling his fatigue more and more.
"You're tired," she said, noticing again.
"Mmmmm," he murmured.
"Are you hungry?" she asked.
"A little."
"I've got leftovers if you want. I can get you something." She started to get up, but he held onto her arm pulling her back down beside him.
"Too late to eat. Just sit next to me for a bit before I leave."
She sat with him for a while, and he rested his head on hers. He was too tired to drive, and she knew he'd be asleep in a minute.
"John, take off your clothes."
"Taylor's here," he said.
"You'll just have to leave before he wakes up. But you need to rest." She got up, pulling him to his feet. She helped him out of his suit, and put his clothes on the chair by the closet.
"Admit that you just want me naked, so you can have your way with me."
"Ok you got me. I won't be able to control myself tonight. Come on."
She threw her robe off, and they slipped beneath the covers, and he pulled her close.
"It's been a while since I've had a man in this bed, let alone one who's spent the night. You should feel honoured."
"I do, and you're the first person who's ever slept over at my place too."
"We didn't do much sleeping last night."
"We didn't did we?" he asked, as she turned round to face him.
"No we didn't," she said, and put her arms around his back, kissing him. She slipped her tongue into his mouth, and started to play in the hair at the nape of his neck, but he pushed her away gently, breaking the kiss.
"What's the matter?"
"Taylor's here, Joss, remember? You can't kiss me like that if all we're going to do is sleep."
"I'm sorry."
He groaned, and she turned her back to him once more, and he pulled her close.
"This is going to be one long night." She heard him whisper, and she laughed telling him goodnight.
"Goodnight, Joss," he said, before planting a kiss on the back of her neck.
It had been almost a week, okay maybe he was exaggerating, he thought, but it had been almost five days since Carter had been at his apartment. And he missed her. They spent the next night together, and he'd quietly slipped out of her place before Taylor woke up. He'd had to exercise extreme discipline that night to keep his hands off her. It hadn't been easy. Her bare skin was touching his as she lay in his arms. She smelled so good, and thoughts of sinking himself inside her plagued his dreams the entire time.
Now, three days later, he was dying to be with her again. Oh he'd seen her, when she came to help him on a case, when she met him to give him information. He'd spoken to her on the phone. He'd been living off of calls, and stolen kisses for the last few days. And he enjoyed their phone conversations, he admitted. She told him a little more about her mother, and the fact that her sister was coming in from out of town at the end of the month for Thanksgiving. She was looking forward to the family time. He told her about a few of the places he visited while on missions with Kara, the things he'd seen, places he'd been.
Her voice was so sexy on the phone late at night after his work was done. After he was lying in bed at home, and he held the phone to his ear ,and her voice so clear on the line made him feel like she was right there next to him. On top of him, riding him, or underneath him with her legs over his back. It was enough to make him stiffen in his underwear, and he'd wrap his fingers around himself thinking of her.
He wanted her. He needed her to see her. He had to find a way. Soon.
Things had been hectic at work for both Carter and Reese. While they had been able to work his new case together, they hadn't had any time to be alone.
He made it a habit now of calling her whenever he got home at night. She started anticipating his calls, and it didn't matter that sometimes he woke her out of sleep. She was just happy to hear his voice, and happy that he just had to speak to her too.
But she found herself missing his touch; she missed the way he kissed her neck, his mouth on hers. She missed his skin underneath her hands. She missed falling asleep in his arms. She needed some time alone with him, and she hated having to stay behind at work.
She was working late tonight again, wrapping up a homicide involving a wife who'd killed her husband when she found out he was cheating. It was an open and shut case really. She'd called 911 as soon as it was done. They found her on the bed sitting next to him with the gun still in her hand. She couldn't stop from crying. She'd become so hysterical that they'd had to admit her to the hospital yesterday evening.
"See ya tomorrow, Carter," Fusco said, getting up from his desk. "Why don't you leave that paperwork till tomorrow morning? It aint going nowhere."
"Where you headed?" she asked him, as he put on his coat.
"Got a movie with my kid. First time in over a month."
"He should be excited," she said smiling. Fusco beamed whenever he talked about Lee. He genuinely loved his boy.
"He is. Go on. Get outta here. Time to go home early for a change."
She decided that he was right, but she wasn't keen on going home just yet. She called Taylor to tell him she'd be late and picked up her cell phone.
The sun had set two hours ago, and darkness started to streak across the sky. Reese made his way across the street to McKenna Park, and the lights that littered the pathway started to come on one by one. He walked to the end of the pebbled trail, and saw Carter just ahead.
She'd called him earlier and told him she needed him to meet her there.
She stood just underneath one of the lamplights, and it cast a warm glow on her. With the light breeze blowing strands of her hair across her face, she looked almost like an angel. He was getting hard. He couldn't help it, and he hoped his smile as he walked over to her wasn't too lecherous.
"You needed to see me?" He asked, and she nodded her head. Without saying a word, she pulled him close and kissed him, softly first, then passionately. She gripped the lapels of his coat, holding onto him. His hands slid around her waist, and moved up and down her back.
"John…" she whispered against his lips, before kissing him again.
He wanted her so badly. He was straining against his pants. "Joss…..your timing is just…impeccable," He said sarcastically, and his mouth descended on hers once more. He felt desire starting to overtake, and wished for the privacy of his place so he could take his time while he made love to her. She broke the kiss, taking him by the hand, and led him over to the huge greenhouse on the property.
"Joss, what are you doing?" He asked, looking around, but the place was deserted. There was no one there but them. He guessed at her intentions, and was amazed at them. "You know that we could get arrested for public indecency…." He joked, as she pulled him inside, closing the wooden door behind them. She dragged him into a corner where a whole wall panel was covered in wood slats so nobody could see them.
Her hands were on him again, and he enjoyed the feel of her mouth on his. Her hands moved to his waist, and she unzipped his pants, sliding her hand in his underwear. He let out a surprised moan as she wrapped her hands around him, stroking him. Her hands felt so good on him, not having had this intimate contact with her for a few days seemed to heighten his arousal.
She tore her lips off of his, and he watched as she crouched in front of him, and wrapped her mouth over his cock. He bent a little at the knees, and held onto the wall, feeling weak as she moved her tongue over him, hot and wet.
"Joss….." He bit out, and reached down to stroke her hair. He closed his eyes tightly, and moaned deep in his throat, unable to control his response to her. Her hands stroked his shaft ,while her tongue tortured the mushroom. Over and over, she sucked at him, taking in his length, driving him crazy.
He felt waves of pleasure ride over him, and through him. His heart was beating fast, and he threw his head back, leaning it against the wall. He would do anything for her in this moment, he thought. He was hers to command.
Finally, when he could take it no more, he held onto her arms, pulling her up, and kissed her hard, mashing his lips on hers, tasting himself on her tongue. He fumbled at her belt, undoing it first then her zipper. He pulled her pants and panties down to her knees, and spun her round against the wall.
She threw her palms up against it, balancing herself as his hand slid between her legs, and pushed them open wider. She leaned her head back, giving him access to her neck, and he pressed kisses onto it, sliding his tongue along the edge of her earlobe.
"Yessssss….yesssssssss," She breathed, as his fingers circled her clit. She was so wet, and ready. "I want you now, John. I want you inside me."
She bent over as he slid himself in deep, pumping into her fast. He finally noticed the aroma of flowers in the green house around them, and the faint smell of Jasmine.
Outside, a siren suddenly sped by, screeching down the street, but all he could hear were her moans echoing in his ears, as he took her against the wall.
A WEEK LATER
Fusco couldn't help but shake his head. They'd been taking a statement from the witness of an unfortunate shooting at a law firm for the last fifteen minutes, and all he managed to do was make passes at Carter the entire time.
He'd made certain remarks, commented on her looks, but so far she wasn't biting. He knew the type, he knew it well. He was assertive; he went after what he wanted without fear. He thought he was a wolf whose prey wouldn't know what hit them. He was well dressed, and wore only the best suits, the best shoes, and the best of everything since he had expensive taste. He was definitely educated, and went to the best school, probably Ivy League too. He was admittedly good looking, and he was aware of his allure. Guys like him were normally cocky. So cocky that he believed he'd get any woman he wanted. He'd obviously never met anyone like his partner. He was in for a rude awakening.
She asked him a few more questions, and he answered, using what Lionel called the molasses voice. It was the voice he heard when he was up and coming in the neighbourhood, hanging with the guys, and making his conquests. The voice that the guys used when they were in Old Glory; the bar he used to hang out in frequently when he was young. The voice when the girl was already buzzed because she had a few drinks, and you wanted her to know that you were really interested.
You bent low near her ear, and you whispered something sweet using that voice. And normally, after another drink or two, it worked. Her grin would grow wider, her laugh would be a little louder, and you'd spend the rest of the night squeezed between her legs, emptying yourself till you were dry, listening to the sounds of her moans in your ear. She'd stumble out the door the next morning, and that voice made sure you'd see her again.
Good old molasses, he thought. Unfortunately for this guy, Carter seemed immune. But he couldn't blame him for trying.
There'd been something different about her for the past couple days. She was her usual hard ass self, the capable detective. But there was also something lighter about her. She seemed….happier.
She hadn't said anything to him, but he was willing to put money on it. He was sure she'd met someone.
When he came to work yesterday, Martin Thompson expected the usual routine. He'd enter the doors by 7:45am, be greeted by his legal secretary at 8am. She'd give him a heads up about his appointments for the day, and then she'd send in the Office Assistant who'd get his breakfast from the deli at the end of the block.
He'd spend the morning in a short meeting with the other two partners at his firm and the Associates, and then he had a business lunch at 1pm.
Nothing had gone as expected. And instead of the meeting with partners and associates, a former employee who'd recently been let go, had decided to come into the office, and shoot up the place. He'd managed to kill two persons, and wound four others, before he was taken down by security.
He knew Henry Saxon, though not that well. Henry had been an employee of the firm for eight years, as far as he knew. His wife had had major heart surgery last year, but unfortunately died shortly afterwards. He hadn't done well after her death. His work had been affected, he missed a lot of days, and he was the cause of them losing more than two cases because of bad research and information.
Human Resources had made the choice to give him some time off to recover, get therapy and get better, but after his meeting with them ended in a physical exchange between him and the Human Resources manager, he'd been let go. Yesterday's terrifying incident was the consequence of it.
It was horrifying, it was sad, and it was an experience he deeply regretted. He should be in a somber mood right now, he should be remorseful. He should be professional. But the woman who'd come to interview him, and get his statement from the NYPD, was nothing short of breathtaking.
She had the fullest lips, the most expressive eyes, and though she was dressed professionally in business attire with her hair pulled back in a severe ponytail, he could tell she was extremely feminine underneath. He was definitely interested. But she was focused only on the case at hand. He asked her for her first name, and she blanched at the question, not answering.
He hardly noticed the man who came with her, although he identified himself by name when they both entered earlier.
Martin was a man who was used to having any woman he wanted. And he'd dated them all, tall, short, slim, full figured. Nothing had been unattainable. He'd had one serious relationship that had ended terribly, and a string of meaningless affairs after. He guessed it was to dull the pain of lost love, to forget the hurt, to prove he was still a man even though his heart was broken. He was getting tired of the games though. He was 45years old, he'd just made partner at the firm 5 years ago, had a nice home, been to a good school and he had a good life. He considered himself a successful black man. He'd worked hard to get where he was. But he didn't have anyone to share it with. He'd spent too much of his time with the wrong women. Chasing conquests instead of chasing happiness, and he finally realized that something was missing.
She was wrapping things up. She thanked him for his time, and told him she or her partner would call if they needed anything more. She shook his hand, and was about to walk out, but he wouldn't let go.
He watched as she looked at him questioningly, her eyebrow rose.
"I'm sorry Detective, but….can I be so bold as to ask you out? I'd really like to see you again." He smiled at her, and she slowly took her hand out of his.
"Mr. Thompson…" she began to say.
"Please, call me Martin. We could have drinks later. I know a really nice place where we could talk, get to know each other."
"I'm flattered, Mr. Thompson, but I…."
"You won't say something boring like you already have plans will you?"
"It might be boring, but it would also be true. Thanks, but no thanks." He could tell by the look in her eyes that she was telling the truth. How could a woman like her not be taken? he thought. He nodded his head and took his card out of his pocket.
"Whoever he is, he's a lucky man. But just in case things don't work out Detective." He handed her his card, and smiled. "Call me. I'd love to hear from you."
She took the card, put it in her pocket, and walked away.
He went back behind his desk and sat down. He hated to be someone who wished evil on someone's relationship but he actually hoped it didn't work out. He meant it when he said he wanted to hear from her again.
It was about an hour before sunset, Carter thought, and it was a beautiful day. It was right about the time of the golden hour, when the grass and trees were bathed in glorious light, when the shadows would soon fade away, and the sun would take its rest for the next few hours.
She was at McKenna Park again, and she was meeting Reese. This time there would be no intimate rendezvous. This time they were here for a play date; with Bear.
She stepped onto the green as she spotted them. He was already throwing the ball, and Bear had just run to catch it. She walked over to him, and as soon as he saw her, he met her halfway.
"Glad you made it," he said, and reached out to touch her hand, linking their fingers.
"Give me kisses," She said, smiling, and he bent his head to oblige, pressing two quick kisses to her mouth.
Bear ran quickly over to them, and Reese took the ball from him.
"Bear, Zit. Verblijf." Reese watched as Bear sat and stayed as he told him in Dutch. Carter looked impressed, and smiled. "Bear, you remember Joss, right?" Bear barked, and Carter laughed. "Carter, meet Bear."