Chapter 6

Hotch was on cloud nine when he walked into the office the next day, confident that he had finally managed to wage his own effective campaign to wrench JJ from David Rossi's slowly tightening grasp. He had forced himself to wait and not call her the moment he got home, spending the short drive from the ice cream place to his apartment already planning out the perfect date, intent on taking her to the new exclusive French bistro in town the upcoming Saturday evening, already arranging with Jessica that she could keep both boys that night as he started planning how he was going to sweep her off her feet. He felt so good he even pulled some of the biscotti from his desk drawer to dunk in his coffee as he settled in at his desk, already waiting for the moment to officially present his plans to JJ. "Dave might as well go ahead and throw in the towel," he thought contentedly as he saw JJ walking up the stairs to his office.

"Here, I think this is Jack's," she said by way of introduction as she handed him a toy truck that he indeed recalled seeing as part his sons collection.

"Thank you," he said, making an effort to show that he meant for more than just the truck as he held her crystal gaze as he tried to remember the words he had rehearsed earlier in the day.

"I was thinking maybe Saturday night we could go to Lavendou," he suggested as he named the French restaurant, waiting to see how excited she would be that he could get them in on one of the busiest nights thanks to a connection he had with the owner of the restaurant, but he didn't have time to enjoy the thought as her face instantly fell.

"I'm sorry, I can't," JJ said after a clear hesitation, showing she was torn between her prior commitment and his offer, which he supposed was something he could be grateful for.

"It's Dave isn't it," he shot back his tone uncharacteristically harsh as he felt a sense of betrayal that she was still following through with plans with the competition, despite what he thought had been a wonderful evening between them just the night before.

"What?" She asked, taken aback at his quick change in attitude as she studied him curiously before responding. "I guess you could say that but…" she was cut off as he let his disappointment get the better of him.

"Why JJ? I don't understand what you see in him." Hotch finally said, his tone sounding angry, unable to hold back the unspoken question any longer. He could fully understand Rossi with his womanizing ways but he had never imagined that JJ would go along with it.

"What do I see in Rossi?" JJ repeated back slowly, her eyebrows knitting in obvious confusion as she looked at Hotch as if he had suddenly sprouted a third eye on his forehead.

"Yes, knowing his reputation and still allowing him to seduce you, are you really that desperate," he shot out, regretting his words instantly as he saw the flash of anger in the blue eyes still holding his gaze. He knew he had reacted more out of disappointment and jealousy but it was too late to swallow the words as he watched JJ slowly move towards the door, he made a motion to go after her, until he realized she had stopped and turned the lock on the door before turning to twist the blinds shut. He braced himself for the storm he was sure to come as she finally turned to face him again, the anger mixing with something else in her eyes as she stared him down with a look that would have put Strauss to shame.

AN: Thanks to jekkah, chiroho, velizara95, 14hpgirl19 and starie78 for the reviews. Should have it all finished posting by end of the week, hope you continue to enjoy it. I know this is a short chapter but seemed to be where it broke naturally, and another one will be coming tomorrow.