Chapter 12

1PP; 3:00 P.M.

"Eames" she answered without looking up from the file.

"Hey, Babe"

She sat up and smiled into the phone as the sound of his voice warmed her from head to toe.

"Hey! I love that you call me that."

"Really? The first time it slipped out, I thought you might slug me"

"Anyone else I would have, but it sounds good coming from you. How was your session today?"

"Good… really good."

"Oh yeah? I think it took me a little longer to get comfortable with Olivet, but I'm glad things are going well. What time did you and Lewis get back last night?"

"Around midnight or so. I didn't want to wake you up."

"No, that's fine. Did you have a good trip?"

"Yeah, we did."

"Good. I want to hear all about it. Will you be out tonight?"

"I'll have dinner waiting for you when you get home."

"Wow. What did I do to deserve that?"

"More than you'll ever know. Besides that, I missed you."

"You were only gone three days. But, I missed you too."

"I'll see you tonight."

"Bye"

Alex returned to her files as Captain Ross swept into the bullpen. "Detective Eames, a word please? In my office." It was more of an order than a request.

Alex took a moment to clear her head. She walked slowly toward Ross's office. She knocked on the open glass door before entering. He had his back to the door, surveying the ceiling with his hands shoved deep in his pockets. She scratched at her thumb nail with her middle finger nervously waiting for Ross to begin. He turned to face her.

"I just met with the Chief of D's. He's an arrogant son of a bitch."

"Yes, Sir," Alex agreed.

Ross shot her a half smile. "That said. Have you spoken with your partner today?"

"Briefly"

"How's he doing?"

"As well as can be expected. Sir, is ther something you would like to share with me about your meeting with the Chief of D's?"

Ross hesitated. "No, nothing for you to be concerned with. I just wanted to know that Goren is ok."

"Yes, sir"

"When is his next session with Olivet?"

"Day after tomorrow I think."

"Good, good... that's all detective, thank you"

Alex nodded curtly and exited the captain's office with a very unsettled feeling deep in her gut. "That was weird," she muttered under her breath. Something was wrong, very wrong.

4:30 P.M.; Alex's house

Bobby walked through the door and called for Alex. "Alex, are you here?"

"I'm in the back."

He pulled his key from the door and adjusted the sack of groceries he was carrying. "What are you doing home so early?" he shouted.

He was startled to find her closing in on him when he turned around. She bounded toward him and took to her tippy toes. Her lips met his. In an instant her arms were around his neck and the grocery bag was on the floor. "I missed you," she purred.

"I bet I missed you more."

"Talk is cheap, Detective. You need to convince me." Alex was off her feet and over Bobby's shoulder before she knew what had happened. She didn't know he could move that fast, but she was on the bed before she could find her breath.

TBC

This was just a bit of fluff to move us to the next chapter. (It's kind of dark!). Thanks for reading. Please remember to review.