Chapter 12

I so hate it that I'm posting this very late. I can't help but to jump ahead a bit. I want to move on to the Callian part. My own story was getting boring to me. I hope it doesn't reflect in this chapter.

Thanks for reading.

Weeks had come and gone, quicker than Gillian expected. The Lightman Group had been busy with cases and she had been busy moving and establishing her a new home. A couple of those cases Gillian had taken Torres to assist her in political scandals large and small. These cases were not Gillian's favorite. Cal never went for the political cases and Gillian didn't mind at all, even though the two women worked long hours to get those cases solved in a small amount of time.

Cal and Loker worked together on more precarious cases. Those were both thrilling and challenging for Cal. Not to mention Loker being able to get his feet wet in the game.

Gillian felt that things were becoming more normal and relaxed. Cal flirted and taunted her still and Gillian would tease back, but yet she still stayed focused and was able to keep her feelings for Cal at bay. She had spent some of the time over at Cal's visiting with him and Emily. Emily was back from staying with her mom and Cal explained to her that Gillian was in the process of getting a divorce. He didn't go in to detail or specifics, he wanted her to understand why Gillian was coming around more often and that he was being a good friend and she needed their support.

"Dad, you don't have to explain Gillian's frequent visits here. She's family and has been since we've known her. Just admit it." Emily reached in the freezer for a pint of ice cream and started spooning out the chocolate and vanilla swirl.

Cal grabbed the spoon from her hand and scoopt out some for himself. "Admit what, Em?"

"You love her. And don't deny it, I'm not accepting any other answer but a yes."

Cal gave her the spoon back and looked at her. Defeated, he gave up and gave his intelligent daughter a truthful answer. "Yes. Yes I do love Gillian, more and more every day. You, darlin', are too smart for your own good." He kissed her cheek and took the spoon out of her hand.

"Well, as you've said before. I am my fathers daughter." She said with a smirk.

"Really? I wouldn't know, I've never met your father." Emily rolled her eyes and they both started laughing.

On Gillian's days off she would enjoy the peaceful setting her new home offered. Although the quiet atmosphere was sometimes unbearable, she enjoyed a large part of being alone. She would read romance novels, brush up on the latest psychological studies and watch her favorite romance/comedy movies. She was happy again and comfortable with her new life.

Gillian had received copies of her divorce papers and a court date to finalize it. The thought of going out to celebrate after court had crossed her mind. She was actually looking forward to getting over this last hurdle in her path.

In her office, she prepared for her court hearing. With a few minutes to spare, she sat on her couch and drank some warm tea to soothe her. Cal had popped in to wish her luck and saw that she was quite nervous.

"Alright, Love?"

"I'm fine, Cal. I'll be able to move on without this hanging over my head." Cal could tell her breathing was a little hitched and she seemed anxious.

"You just look a little-."

"A little what, Cal?" Gillian didn't mean to get short with him.

"I don't know. Do you want me to come with you? You know, best friend supporting his best friend and all." He stood with his hands in his pockets and waited for her answer.

"No, no. This shouldn't take long. I feel a little wore down from the late nights we've put in around here." She sighed heavily.

"Let me take you out tonight, some dinner. Yeah? A celebration of sorts."

"I could probably do with a drink afterwards. I've got to go." She smiled and went to leave out of her office door when he caught her by her elbow and she turned to look at him.

She saw the question in his eyes. "I'm fine, Cal, really." Cal pulled her into a hug and she melted as if his arms would wash her anxiety away.

"I'm here, darlin' if you need me." They pulled away then he leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. She touched her hand on the side of his face and gave him a genuine smile. He knew right then that he had his Gillian back and she would be fine.

"See ya." She said, then turned and left.

It was mid afternoon when Gillian returned to the office, the halls were quiet and some of the employees were able to leave earlier than they'd been able to in weeks. The case load was light today and Gillian was thankful for that. She wanted to go home and soak in a hot bath with a glass of wine and some soft music. She stepped inside Cal's office and saw him at his desk with his feet propped up reading a newspaper. She had no doubt that he was reading over the stock market section.

"Hey." She said as she sat down in a chair opposite of him.

"How'd it go?" He took his dark framed glasses off.

"It went fairly well. Alec behaved. In fact, he was quite the gentleman. He was sober." She looked down and fumbled with the strap on her purse that was sitting in her lap.

Cal saw a glimpse of sadness on Gillian's face, he came to his feet and walked around to sit on his desk in front of her.

"You alright, Love?"

"Christine was there, his rehab sponsor. Not just to support her client but to support her lover." Cal looked at her in confusion. "Seems as though they've been seeing each other unprofessionally, for a long time. I had my suspicions of who he was seeing behind my back. It was either her or his secretary, Heather." She raised her head and pulled her shoulder's back. She looked at Cal with sober eyes. "I'm okay. I just look at it as another chapter in the story of my life. I'm past it, don't worry. If he's happy, then I'm happy for him." She looked up at him and Cal could see that she really was content now.

"What's more important, is that you're happy and that you stay that way. Right, darlin'?" He laid a hand on her knee and patted it a couple of times.

"I am happy. I'm relieved." She put her hand over his. "I'm going to my office and clear some papers away, I think I'm going to head home shortly. Take a rain check on that dinner?"

"No rain checks today, Love. And the paper work will wait. My offer for dinner stands. " He stood up and helped her up out of her seat.

"Cal, I'm really not in a mood to go out on the town tonight."

"That's okay, you come to my house and I'll have a special dinner cooked up for you. Emily's with her friends tonight. It will be quiet and relaxing, I promise." 'She wasn't going to be alone tonight.' He thought. He had an excited, hopeful expression. Like a young boy about to embark on a new adventure.

Gillian couldn't help but smile at him. 'How can I turn down that handsome rugged face?' She was completely defenseless when he looked at her that way. She would still be cautious to not let those feelings rise in her again. She didn't want to make any mistakes and lose her best friend all because of new unknown feelings he stirred in her.

"Just leave it to me, Love." Cal was already walking out of his office and Gillian followed behind him, smiling.

Gillian drove home reflecting back to the changes in her life. Decisions she had made, times when she had control over her life and times when she had no control. The way her life had went into a tail spin only a few months ago, had changed again. She changed, she felt stronger and more in control than before. There was still a little guilt and disappointment lingering within her, but with time she hoped to relinquish those feelings for herself, for her job and for her friends.

Cal had prepared a meal of Chicken Cordon Bleu, red potatoes with a side of asparagus and carrots. His wine of choice was Sauvignon Blanc with a little help from the young woman at the wine shop. Cal didn't know much about wine, but he could certainly knew a bit about beer. He loaded the CD player with a variety of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. The smooth sound of crooners filling the quiet room.

Gillian gave two quick knocks on the door and stepped into the soothing atmosphere Cal had elicited throughout his home. A feeling of warm comfort and security coated Gillian's tension from the work overload of the past few days.

"Oh, wow." She smiled then made her way into the kitchen where Cal had set the table with an array of food and beverage.

"Cordon Bleu, Love, just wait till you taste it. I out do myself sometimes." Dressed in an apron that covered his dark button down shirt and trousers. He proceeded to bow as if he was in front of the Queen Elizabeth herself. To him Gillian was his Queen, standing in front of him, more beautiful and sexier than ever.

He slowly came up from his playful bow and starred. She was so stunning and so sexy that nothing or no one could tear his eyes away from her.

Gillian was standing in the kitchen doorway. Adorned in a silk dress the color of Amethyst. The dress was form fitting at the top to accentuate her breast, cut just low enough at the neck to show a hint of cleavage. It had a gathered band with a knot detailed at the waist and a flowing full skirt sheer overlay stopping slightly above the knee. Her three inch high heels matched perfectly and showed off her smooth toned legs.

Cal was mesmerized. His eyes slowly roamed her body and all he could think about was how damn good she would look with the dress off. His eyes lingered on her legs, a terrible urge to run his hands up and down them was wanting to take over.

"Cal, you're starring." Startled, his eyes went up to meet hers. Frustrated, he rubbed his hand over his face and quickly looked for something to do.

"You're looking quite beautiful tonight? Going somewhere after dinner?" He made a couple of steps and stood too close in front of her. Hoping she didn't have any other plans.

She laughed and shook her head. "You can be odd sometimes. You look nice, Cal. You should wear clothing like that more often."

"I think I happen to look nice in anything I wear or don't." He waggled his brows and a sly smile spread across his lips.

Gillian's face flushed. He turned and continued with what he was doing. She looked him over, head to foot then from biceps to what little chest was peaking from his shirt where the two top buttons were undone. Gillian cursed herself for feeling like a teenage school girl.

"The food smells and looks good." She walked over the table.

Cal poured the wine, refilling their glasses often during dinner and conversation. They did not talk about work or her, now official, ex-husband.

After dinner, Gillian settled in the living room on the couch with their glasses of wine and Cal sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. They didn't talk but just listened to the music. It was one of the best things about being such good friends and knowing each other for so long. Neither had the need to keep conversation going. There was hardly ever an uncomfortable silence between them.

The music played on with the sound of Tony Bennett filling the room. Gillian's head laid against Cal's arm.

"I love this music, it's so relaxing. I could listen for hours." Cal could hear the smile in her voice.

He shifted and leaned up. "Care for a dance, darlin'?" He didn't wait for an answer. He took her hand and helped her from the couch as Gillian laughed softly. Their bodies came together, one hand in hers and his other around her waist. She put her arm around his shoulder and let her head rest against him. They started to sway, keeping a slow steady rhythm to Tony Bennett's Because of You.

"Because of you there's a song in my heart

Because of you my romance had it's start

Because of you the sun will shine

the moon and stars will say you're mine

for ever and never to part"

Cal pulled Gillian in closer and she moved her hand from his shoulder to the back of his head. Her breath was warm on his neck and he slowly began to rub his hands on her lower back. Lost in the music and the comfort of his arms, she caressed the back of his neck and ran her fingers through his hair there. Her finger nails stroked his neck back and forth, drawing a pattern of circles on his skin. Her eyes were closed and she breathed in his familiar scent.

His cheek rested near her ear and closed his eyes when she started caressing his neck allowing himself to enjoy the softness of her fingers. He kissed the top of her head, a quiet moan escaped from the back of Gillian's throat. And they kept dancing.

"I only live for your love and your kiss

It's paradise to be near you like this

Because of you my life is now worthwhile

and I can smile because of you"

He released her hand and reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear. He kissed her there, softly. Her hand laid to rest on his chest near the opening of his shirt. He took her face in his hands, they looked into each other's eyes both seeing the arousal, the want, the need and the love.

"Gill." He whispered her name. Her breath hitched just before his mouth captured hers in a searing kiss. His hands slid down to her hips and pulled her to him. Hers moved to cup the back of his head, fingers threaded through his hair. They kissed, tender at first, then it became hot and greedy. The need for each other took over, both of them lost in a storm of passion.

Gillian abruptly pulled back, gripped his arms and looked into his eyes. He could see confusion in them. She was battling with her emotions between what she needs and what she doesn't - the pain, the hurt and the loss of a good friend.

"This is a mistake." Gillian's words came out too shaky and not very convincing by her standards.

Cal's hands cupped her face. "I don't think so. You don't believe that. You want this, Gill, just as much as I do." He leaned in and brushed his lips with hers. Her hands went up to grip his wrist. He eased back and looked at her again. The arousal still showing in her eyes. "Quit fighting it, Gill. Let go."

She pushed his hands away from her face and took a step back. "I have to go." She turned quickly and grabbed her purse on the way to the door. Cal was right behind her.

"Gillian! Gill!" Just as she reached for the door knob he caught her by the arm and pulled her to face him. "Do you have some where else you have to be?"

"No. I just...I have to leave." She turned away. He stepped between her and the door. Annoyance gleamed in her eyes.

"I don't think so, I think you're running. Tell me this, Gill, are you running from something you're afraid to want? Because we both see the feelings we have for each other, you can't deny that."

"I've made so many mistakes already, I don't want to make another one. I don't want to ruin the only true friendship I have." Tears were pooling in her eyes.

"You won't, I promise." His thumb brush a tear from her cheek.

"I have to tell you, the first time you came into my office, I-"

"I was mesmerized, by your beauty and your intelligence." His lips curved.

"Cal, I couldn't bare our relationship being destroyed. I'm afraid of getting hurt, of hurting you. I don't think I could handle it, the sorrow and pain." She wiped another tear away and looked to the floor.

He lifted her chin, he needed her to look him in the eyes. "You don't have to hurt anymore, Love. I will never hurt you and I will do everything in my power to make and keep you happy." He reached and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and let his hand rest on the side of her face. He placed his other hand on her waist. "I love you, Gill. I know you can see that and I can see it in your eyes. Stay, Love. Please, stay with me tonight."

She moved her hand up to grip his wrist and the other laid flat on his chest, not sure if she wanted to move in or away. She moved in and let her purse fall off her shoulder to the floor. Her lips took his this time. It was a slow burning kiss full of tenderness and love. Their lips moved together, tongues caressed and tasted together.

Without a word Cal lead Gillian to his bedroom. He guided her to the bed and turned the bedside lamp on. He took her hands in his, her blue eyes were dark with passion. She could see his pupils were dilated and felt as if he was looking through hers to her soul.

Gillian's hands moved up his chest, unbutton his shirt, and eased it off his shoulders letting it fall to the floor. His muscled chest quivered under her soft touch. Cal's hand gripped her hips and pulled her into him. His lips and teeth nipping at her neck. Her pulse quickened and he lingered there, slowly tasting her with his tongue as she moaned in pleasure. It was slow torture, her heart was pounding out of her chest, already hot and wet and ready for him.

Her fingers tangled in his hair bringing his lips back to hers. Energy was bursting inside her, the kiss became fierce and needy. He slid his hands up her back pressing her body closer to fit with his. He felt her body tremble and wanted to take her now untamed and wild until her moans turned into screams.

"Slow, Love." He murmured when they broke for air. "There's no hurry. I want to know every part of your body, to feel and taste all of you."

"I want you. I need you now." She whispered.

Cal moved forward and she had to step back until the bed touched the back of her knees, making her sit on the edge of the bed. His knees went to the floor and he lifted her ankle to slide her shoe off. He moved to the next, caressing her toned legs and slipped the other shoe from her foot. Taking her hands, he brought her back up to stand before him. His hands slid around to her back then unhurriedly pulled the zipper on her dress down. Her body shivered with anticipation. Gradually, he pushed the dress off her shoulders and eased it down her body to pool at her feet.

There, in the dim light of the lamp, Gillian stood in what was left of her clothing. A silk chemise of pale lavender barely touched her skin, accentuating every curve of her body. She didn't speak but watched as he took his time looking at her. Seeing how the silk floated about her body like a cushion of air, brushing her flesh like an angel's wings.

"Do you know how beautiful you are, darlin'." It wasn't a question to be answered. At that moment he understood how to touch her and to please her.

"Touch me. I need to feel your hands on me." Her breath hitched as Cal gently moved his hand from her waist to cup her firm breast and hardened nipples. Nothing but silk between his hands and her soft skin, his caress only intensified the heat rising from her core.

He ran his hands down the length of the silk till they were on her thighs then he slowly pulled the garment up and over her head. He had her completely naked, incapable of resisting the pleasure, his mouth was on hers. His hands roamed over her silky skin, down the curve of her backside. She bit and sucked his bottom lip, hunger grew in the kiss. Hot and seeking she explored his throat, tasting him with her tongue. She quickly worked on removing the rest of his clothes releasing the bulge that was pressing against her. She craved him, the ache between her thighs was driving her. She couldn't wait any longer.

"I want you inside me Now." He could barely hear her over the sound of his heart beating rapidly.

He tumbled her onto the bed. She had never felt this way before, the passion was so strong. She didn't know it could be like this, the heat, the carnal eagerness of wanting someone , of wanting him.

She groaned when he took her breast into his mouth and gently suckled each one. Biting each erect nipple. The fire in her rose to new heights when he ran his hand between her thighs then traced his fingers toward her heat. He trailed kisses up to the base of her throat then her jaw. Her body shivered when he pressed his palm on the mound between her thighs. He groaned when his fingers slid into her. She was hot, wet, and tight.

"Cal." Her breath came in pants and all she could say was his name.

"I'm going to pleasure you, all of you. Give me all of you, Gill." He murmured in her ear. Maintaining control, he looked into her glazed eyes and read the pleasure and love in them.

The sensation was devastating. She was slipping, her body arched to him then the hard shot of pleasure ran through her body.

He devoured her mouth, neck then breast. He eased himself into her, she was tight around him. He groaned at the feel of her surrounding him. He started with a slow rhythm, her hands were on his back pushing him against her, urging him on.

"Oh God, Cal." She looked at his eyes her breathing was thick and heavy.

"Again." He said to her. "Let yourself go." He watched her pleasure build slowly and her eyes darkened as he took her over that fluid crest. He felt her tighten and throb around him. She moaned his name when he came with her, his climax ripping through his body.

He rolled on his side taking her with him, holding her against him. Both were spent and laid there holding each other, waiting for their breathing to slow.

"Cal." She whispered.

"Hmm."

"I do love you, always have. That's what I was trying to tell you earlier, about when you first walked into my office years back. That day I saw an attractive man who was confident and strong willed. I've loved you from the first day, Cal."

"I loved you to from the start, but we both did what we had to do. I'm glad you stayed, Gill and I'm thankful that your laying here in my arms." He kissed her soft warm lips.

"I'm glad too." His arm around her, he pulled her in and she curled into him then they let sleep take over.

The End.

I'm glad that's over. The pressure of getting what's in my head on the document was a bit too much. With you readers knowing I'm not a writer, please let me know what you thought. Don't fuss about the late posting, I know I screwed up there. And rest assured that when I write another story, It will be completed prior to me posting.

Thanks for all your support and comments.