**Disclaimer. All characters belong to JE; I'm just taking them for a ride.

This won't be a Babe HEA so if you only like Babe Fic's you're warned.

Crossing the Line

Chapter 7

Tank's POV

Bobby, Lester and I have been sitting here playing cards ever since everyone left. "Where do you think Ric went?" Lester asked.

I sighed. "I know where I hope he didn't go." I replied

I was hoping, no praying he didn't go to Steph's place. I know Eddie was only sleeping on the couch, but Ric would take it as more than that.

"Do you really think he'd go to Steph's?" Said Bobby

I paused, thinking about it. "Yea, I do. He's going to flip his shit when he sees Eddie."

Bobby shook his head. "Why is that such a big deal?"

Lester snorted. "Puh-Lease! You'd have to be blind not to see that Steph and Eddie are into each other. Look at the way he was dancing with her tonight, they were really up close and personal. Judging by the vein popping out in Ric's forehead, he noticed as well."

I feel bad for Ric because I know he loves the Bombshell, but he had his chance and threw it away.

"I think Steph and Eddie are into each other, but neither of them realizes it. They've known each other their whole lives; maybe they're afraid of ruining the friendship."

"Exactly" Said Lester

Just then Ric walked in looking pissed. Fuck, he must have gone to Steph's.

"How long has Gazzara been living with Stephanie?" He said coolly.

"Boss, let me explain……" I said.

He cut me off. "How long, Tank?" he ground out.

"He's been sleeping on her couch since Shirley left because he didn't want to stay at his house where everything reminded him of her. Steph offered him her couch and he accepted."

Ric sat down at the table with us. "Is that all or are they involved?"

Fuck. I really didn't want to get into this. It's none of my business. "You want the truth, boss man?"

He nodded.

"I think there's more to it, but neither of them knows it. I know you don't want to hear it but it's true. You had your chance and blew it. She loved you and let you know every way she could but you pushed her away. She can't just wait around for you to want a relationship and you can't sabotage any other relationship she has. Let her explore things with Gazzara. You at least owe her that much."

God damn, that little rant has me out of breath.

He looked at the three of us and sighed. "You're right. I fucked up my chance with her but that doesn't mean she should miss her chance at happiness."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Chapter 8

Eddie's POV

A thin stream of sunlight poured through the window and into my eyes. I've been laying here for the past hour watching Steph sleep. She's so peaceful, body relaxed and a smile on her face.

I expected to wake up regretting last night, but I didn't. I woke up with a smile on my face and that's because I woke up next to the most beautiful woman on the earth. I've been fighting my feelings for her for a few weeks now, not wanting to fuck our relationship up, but when she kissed me last night I couldn't deny it any longer.

I was hoping to take it slow, but like an idiot I blurted out that I love her. I used to just love her, but now I'm certain I'm in love with her. I only hope she feel's the same way.

I glanced at the clock, nine AM. Shit, I've got to get going, I have to pick up the boys at nine thirty from the police station. I don't want to wake Steph up, she looks to peaceful. I'll just call her in a few hours. After all, I kept her up half the night.

I got to the police station just in time. Shirley was standing there with Andrew and Mikey. Andy is nine and Mikey is seven. They looked tired and depressed. I couldn't say I blame them. They've been through a lot over the past months and on top of that they have to live in a strange place. This is the first time I would have them all weekend.

"Hey boys, ready to go? We're going to have fun this weekend." Shit this is awkward

"Hey dad!" They said hugging me. "Where are we staying at Dad? Did you find an apartment yet?"

Andy was full of questions. "I found a place, but I don't have furniture yet so we'll be staying at grandma's house."

"Awe man!" said Mikey "I thought we were going to get to stay at Steph's house, she has that cool hamster!"

I guess I'm not the only one who loves Steph.

Shirley gave me a glare. "You're still staying with Stephanie Plum? I don't want my children at her place; she attracts trouble like a magnet."

"Fine, but we'll probably see her sometime during the weekend; my things are at her place."

"Are you involved with her Eddie?"

Like it's any of her business.

"It wouldn't be any of your business if I were, let's not talk about this in front of the boys. I'll meet you back here Sunday night at six."

We spent the morning and the afternoon at the park and decided to go to my parent's house for the night to settle in. They've been really supportive since Shirley and I split. I came to find out that they didn't really like her in the first place they just put up with her because I loved her.

Speaking of love….I never got a chance to call Steph today…I don't even know where my phone is. I'll just call her after I get the boys settled in.

Steph's POV

I woke up alone in my bed. Was last night just a dream? The other side of the bed had an indentation of Eddie's body and smelled like him. Where is he? A sudden wave of panic settled over me. Oh. My. God. He left because he regrets last night. It's going to be a repeat of Ranger. All I need is a note telling me to go back to Morelli. No, Eddie wouldn't do that, there had to be a good explanation for him not being here. He didn't have to work so maybe he went to get us food. It's after twelve so maybe he went to Pino's.

I took a quick shower and got dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt. I didn't even bother with my hair, putting it in a pony tail and throwing a base ball cap over top of it.

I picked up the phone and dialed Eddie's number. After several rings the voicemail picked up. "Hey it's Eddie, you know what to do."

I smiled, remembering what he said to me last night.

"Gazzara, where are you? Call me when you get this." I think I came off a little too needy.

I couldn't help it. Waking up alone was like the night with Ranger all over again. Feeling on top of the world and then it all crashing down when the heartache began in the morning.

I spent most of the morning and some of the afternoon trying to track down Eddie. With no luck I decided to visit the girls at the office.

"Hey" Connie said as I walked into the bonds office. "Look who finally decided to show her face today."

Blah. "Yeah, yeah, I'm here." I grumbled.

Lula charged in from the bathroom. "I've been waiting for you all day girlfriend, where the hell have you been?"

"Long night of poker with the guys last night." That wasn't a total lie.

Looking me up and down Lula exclaimed "Dayumm girl, you're a hot mess! If I didn't know any better I'd say you got some!"

Leave it to Lula to notice something like that.

Connie looked up from her computer screen and eyed me suspiciously. "Hmmm, I think you're right Lula, she does have that glow."

How do they always know?! "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Was it super cop? I thought you was through with his hot ass." Said Lula.

Once again I spoke without thinking. "No, it wasn't Joe." I said then slapped a hand over my mouth.

"I knew it!" Connie screamed. "Who is it?"

I got up to make a run for it. "No one you know, it's something new. I'll tell you if something comes of it."

I high tailed it out of the office and ran to my car. I tried calling Eddie again but got his voicemail. I guess he is really freaked out about last night.

I only had Mooner to pick up today so I headed over to see him and Dougie. I found them sitting on the couch watching re-runs of Friends. "Hey Mooner, you missed your court date, I have to take you to reschedule."

He slowly got up. "Sure thing dudette, but I have to be back in time for I Love Lucy."

I laughed. "I'll try, let's go."

A ride to the police station and a trip to McDonalds later I was back home. Still no call from Eddie. I asked around at the police station with no luck. No one had seen him all day.

I couldn't just wait around all night for him to come back or call, it would just be pathetic. I decided to go to Point Pleasant for a few hours to get my mind off last night. The beach always made me feel better.

**To be continued.

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