Well, here it is "THE DATE." I have to thank my wonderful beta, DanniMitchell85 as always. I also thank all those that have reviewed, your comments mean a lot to me. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and rest assured we are not near the end of this story yet.

AOE01

Chapter 5

As soon as his shift ended, Jamie didn't waste time in the locker room. He was eager to get home and take the time to get ready for his date. It was hard for him to believe he finally achieved his goal and now that it was here, he really didn't want to screw it up. He couldn't remember a time when he was more nervous. After she agreed to the date, he immediately pulled out his phone and made the reservation. Over the last few days he had researched several romantic restaurants and saved their numbers in his cell phone. Luckily, his first choice had an opening at seven thirty.

Going straight to his closet after letting himself into his apartment, he pulled out a dark suit and a red tie. It had been set aside all clean, pressed, and ready. Usually when they met, he was wearing jeans and was definitely more casual. Tonight would be different. He wanted to look nicer; he wanted to impress her.

Laying the clothing carefully on his bed, he headed to the bathroom. After showering he stepped out and wrapped a towel around his waist. Wiping the steam from the mirror he looked at himself closely and ran a hand over his cheek and jaw line. Taking out his shaving kit, he started to lather his face. Thoughts of Caitlin kept invading his mind and he forced himself to pay attention to what he was doing. He didn't want to cut himself shaving.

Wiping a towel over his face to remove the remaining lather, he put his shaving kit under the sink and left the bathroom. Rifling through the dresser drawers, he gathered a pair of boxers, socks, and a clean undershirt before splashing on some after shave. Getting dressed, he allowed his thoughts to wander to the night ahead of him in anticipation.

Pulling a crisp, clean white dress shirt out of the closet, he couldn't help but smile. It wasn't often he wore a suit and as he stood in front of the mirror tying his tie, he looked over his reflection with a critical eye. What Jamie saw made him grin even wider. He liked how he looked and hoped Caitlin would too.

He strapped his off duty weapon on, concealing it expertly and tucked his shield into his pocket; he hoped he wouldn't have to be a cop tonight. With a deep breath, he grabbed his suit jacket and left the bedroom. Checking his watch he saw he had a few minutes before he had to leave.

Jamie frowned as he thought over his next option. Should he get her candy, flowers, or both? After a minute he decided to go with flowers. There was a little florist shop down the street and he had always liked their selection. Thinking about his plans for the evening, he decided to take a cab instead of driving. Parking was always difficult in New York and this left him the delicious possibility of walking with her.

Decisions made, he put his wallet in his pocket, put his suit coat on and took his good wool coat out of the hall closet. He hadn't worn it in a while, but it looked in top condition. Jamie looked at the calendar; suddenly he realized that Thanksgiving was next Thursday. Where had the time gone?

Quickly putting his coat on, he pocketed his keys and left. Walking to the florists he thought about what kind of flowers would be best. Jamie knew many men favored red roses as an attempt to impress a date but he wanted to be different. Something that would stand out in her mind, something she would remember. He'd see what they had. Walking into the small store, he looked at the flowers displayed. Not much appealed to him or maybe he was being picky, he wasn't sure which.

The salesgirl looked at his indecision and asked him if she could help. After explaining he didn't want to be a typical first date, she had a suggestion. She proposed roses, but in fall colors, not the usual red or white. Liking the idea, he gave a nod of approval. He glanced around while she disappeared to the back and took a minute to relax. It wasn't long before she returned with a beautiful arrangement. Warm wine, orange, rust, and dark yellow roses were delicately bundled with fall branches and leaves instead of the usual baby's breath.

He was impressed and thanked her as he paid. Leaving the store, he found himself humming a tune as he hailed a cab. Quickly he found one and confidently told the cabbie, "Lincoln Center, please."

~Blue Bloods~

At four that afternoon, Caitlin found her way home. She was dressed too casually for a dinner date and once inside the house, she went upstairs and opened her closet. Standing with the doors open, she looked at her wardrobe critically. She really liked Jamie and wanted to look nice for him.

Thoughtfully, she moved hangars aside as she rejected one dress after another. Finally she found the one she had been looking for. She had bought it recently for no apparent reason, though if she were being honest with herself she would admit she bought it with him in mind. She hung it carefully on the front of the closet and removed the tags that were still attached. She looked on the shelf above and located the shoes she bought to match.

After placing the box with the shoes on the bed, she went in search of the right lingerie and hose. Looking through her lingerie chest she moved the plain ones aside and chose a fancy, black lace set. She knew Jamie wouldn't be seeing it, but the knowledge that she was wearing the sexy undergarments would matter to her.

Enjoying the feel of the silky material, she placed them neatly next to the shoes, went to the bathroom and got in the shower. The hot water was soothing and relaxing; it quickly eased the last of her remaining tension away. As she carefully washed and conditioned her hair, massaging her scalp, her thoughts wandered to Jamie and she realized she was looking forward to the evening. She took longer than usual in the shower, indulging in pampering herself.

Finally getting out of the shower, she wrapped a twisted towel around her hair and enveloped her body in a warm robe. Sitting at her dressing table, she took the towel off her head. After drying her hair, she twisted her long hair into an elegant chignon at the base of her neck. As she worked with her hair she let her thoughts drift back to Jamie. She found her reflection smiling back at her. Once satisfied with her hair she applied her favorite perfume.

She took her robe off, put on her lacy lingerie, and stepped into her dress. After struggling to zip the form fitting dress up, she sat back down at her dressing table to apply her makeup. She knew how to make the most of her features though tonight her makeup was more dramatic than usual.

Pleased with her work, she rose and went to look at her jewelry. After looking over her collection, she finally chose to wear the crucifix and saints medals that she usually wore. Jamie was Catholic; he would understand, and it made her feel better to wear it. The saint's medals had special significance for her. Slipping on her shoes, she went downstairs and quickly transferred a few things into an evening bag.

Donning her good coat, she left her house, locking the door behind her. She was a little concerned about what Jamie would think when he brought her home, but she'd deal with that when the time came. Walking to the street, she hailed a cab, deciding it would be better than taking the subway.

Arriving at her office, she noticed it was after six. Jamie would be here soon. Sitting at her desk, she tried to get some last minute work done, but was unable to concentrate. Thoughts of Jamie and what the night would bring kept interfering.

Finally giving up, she leaned back in her chair and looked across the room. The only thing that could settle her mind when she was as nervous as this was to play. She slowly walked over and sat down at her grand piano. She raised the lid and touching the keys lightly, felt the urge to play Beethoven. As she started playing her favorite sonata from memory, her nervousness disappeared. She loved the Pathetique and she played it well.

~Blue Bloods~

Jamie arrived at Lincoln Center and wandered around for a few minutes to familiarize himself with the complex. It was large but he found the entrance for the Juilliard School easily. He noticed there was a security guard there and it eased his mind. He was sure there were some nights she worked late.

He asked for directions and after signing in, walked towards her office. Arriving, he saw a woman was in the outer office and he could hear the piano music from where he stood.

Olivia had stayed, wanting to meet Jamie and see the man who seemed to occupy Caitlin's mind. She was very protective of Caitlin and she wasn't disappointed in what she saw. They talked for a few minutes and Jamie thanked her for her earlier help. He kept glancing longingly at the open office door and Olivia took pity on him.

"Go on in," she said, nodding to the door, "She's waiting for you."

Jamie approached the door quietly; he didn't want to disturb her playing. He knew she was a concert pianist, but had never had the opportunity to hear her play. Standing in the doorway, he listened to her, captivated. He found himself watching her fingers as they flew over the polished keys. The piece she was playing was fast with lots of arpeggios up and down the keyboard. He didn't know a lot about music but the piece she was playing seemed to be difficult. Jamie could hear how she poured her heart and soul into the music. Reflecting on the part of her lecture he had attended, he saw that she practiced what she preached. He stood there not daring to move, enjoying the sight of her as she played.

Caitlin meant to stop playing before seven. She wanted to be ready when he came and she wasn't sure if she wanted him to hear her play yet. But as usual, she lost track of time completely while she played. Finishing the final chord, she looked up and Jamie was standing in the doorway looking at her with awe in his eyes.

"That was beautiful," he said. "What piece is that?" he asked curiously.

"Thank you, "Caitlin said demurely, not sure what to say. She stalled for time by closing the lid quietly before getting up gracefully and inviting him in.

"It's Sonata Number eight, The Pathetique by Beethoven," she answered him.

Walking into her office he looked around with interest. On one side of the room he saw her desk with stacks of papers neatly arranged. He spied her computer, open as if she had been working. On the wall above her desk were her framed degrees, all from Juilliard. On the other side of the room was a couch and comfortable seating area bordered by a massive bookcase that teemed with books, scores, and assorted mementos of her travels. He turned his attention back to her and was struck dumb. She was wearing an alluring black dress that hugged her curves wonderfully. Her hair was drawn back and he detected the subtle scent of her intoxicating perfume. She was stunning.

"You look beautiful," he couldn't keep the thought to himself. "These are for you," he offered her the flowers he had chosen.

"Oh, thank you," she blushed slightly and took the flowers. To cover her slight embarrassment, she inhaled the scent appreciatively. "They're beautiful."

As she left to search for a vase, Jamie watched her go, admiring her shapely legs and the sexy high heels that she had on. Olivia had noticed the flowers in Jamie's hand, and before she left, she had put a vase on her desk. Caitlin picked it up and went to fill the vase with water.

While she was gone, Jamie looked around her office. Walking over to the bookcase, he glanced idly at the book titles and noticed stacks of scores. He saw a few framed photographs and mementos, presumably from her travels. He took note of the ornate standing cross in its prominent place and wondered if there was a story behind it. There were a few framed placards, but he didn't have the time to study them since she returned.

She glanced at him as she entered and placed the vase of flowers on her desk. She looked at him nervously, this was a change in their relationship and she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.

"Shall we go?" he asked, "I made a reservation for seven thirty."

Caitlin turned and picked up her coat she had left folded over a chair. Jamie helped her into it and they left. They walked down to the street and enjoyed the crisp night air for a moment.

"So, where are we going?" Caitlin asked, curiously.

"I made reservations at the Boathouse." Jamie said.

He looked at his watch and given the time he suggested taking a cab since it would be a long walk. She agreed and after a short cab ride, they were at the restaurant. It was a restaurant in Central Park overlooking the lake. It would be a nicer view in the daylight, but at night with the candlelight, it was very romantic. They were led to a table and were seated with a lakeside view.

A waiter came by and offered them drinks. Jamie said, "Two glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon," he looked at her to make sure that was ok with her.

"Oh, not for me, thanks. Iced tea?" Caitlin asked.

"Very good, Ma'am." The waiter left.

Caitlin looked down and took a deep breath. She might as well get it out in the open. Looking up at him she said, "Jamie, I don't drink."

Jamie nodded and asked, "Do you mind if..?"

Smiling, Caitlin replied, "Not at all."

After a moment, Caitlin said, "I'm not a drunk."

"Ok," Jamie took this in and though he was curious, let it go; it wasn't really important to him.

Caitlin thought it would be awkward since this was now an official "date," but they quickly slipped into the easy companionship they had developed. The waiter returned with their drinks and they quickly scanned the menus and placed their order.

Caitlin asked, curiously, "Tell me about growing up in a family of cops."

Jamie chuckled, "My grandfather is the former police commissioner. My two older brothers were detectives. My father is the current police commissioner."

Caitlin replied, "That's definitely a family of cops. Your brothers were detectives?"

Jamie looked down and took a long drink of his wine, considering what to say. He swallowed and then replied, "My oldest brother, Danny is a detective. My other brother, Joe, was killed in the line of duty."

Caitlin looked at him and reached her hand across the table to touch his, before saying quietly, "I am so sorry."

Jamie took her hand and held it. Then Caitlin asked, "The youngest of three brothers?"

"I am the youngest, but I also have an older sister," Jamie said.

Caitlin asked, "She's not a cop?"

Jamie shook his head, "No, she's an Assistant District Attorney."

Caitlin thought and then said, "Not in the family business but in the family business."

Jamie chuckled and said, "I never thought of it quite like that but yeah."

Caitlin asked, "Did you always know that you wanted to be a cop?"

As the waiter returned, Jamie reluctantly let her hand go. Their food was placed in front of them and after getting refills of drinks ordered, Jamie answered. "I think I always knew but I resisted it for a long time. My mother never wanted me in the family business and that affected me for a long time. I went to college and then to Law School. When Joe died, I started thinking more seriously about it. After a year at a law firm, I left and went to the police academy. I've been on the force now about three years and I love it."

They ate in silence for a while, enjoying the good food. They commented on the dishes they had ordered and each tried some of the other's food. They decided not to have dessert but did order coffee. The waiter brought the check and the coffee and they enjoyed the hot beverage as they waited for the transaction to be completed.

"Tell me about your family, "Jamie suggested.

Caitlin thought for a moment. "Well, I grew up in Natchez. It's a small town high on a bluff overlooking the river. We lived in town, the historic district. I'm the third generation born in that house."

Jamie reached across and took her hand, enjoying her story.

"Daddy was editor of the newspaper and Mama stayed at home though she was very busy with the garden club, Junior League, and the women's guild at church." Caitlin smiled, remembering.

Jamie smiled with amusement at the names, "Mama and Daddy?" he teased.

"It's a southern thing," Caitlin shrugged and smiled, used to the comment from people up north.

"I was always off in my own little world, I suppose. I started playing when I was three and was always in the music," she smiled at him.

They had finished their coffee and Jamie stood and offered her his hand, "Ready?"

She nodded her head and rose gracefully. As they stood outside, Jamie looked over to Caitlin. "Let's go for a walk," he proposed. He loved walking with her.

They started walking down a path toward Central Park South. At first she took his arm and he loved the feeling of her pressed against him. Her perfume was intoxicating and he enjoyed the scent as it wafted towards him. Eventually she took his hand and they walked beside each other, fingers entwined.

"I really enjoyed your lecture," Jamie said. He loved seeing her in her element.

"How much of it did you hear?" Caitlin was curious, not sure when he had arrived.

"You were finishing up talking about Beethoven and moving into the part about how events changed the composer and the music." Jamie replied.

"So, does that mean you'll be doing my paper, Mr. Reagan?" Caitlin asked, teasingly.

"I don't think so. I did enough papers at Harvard to suit me," Jamie laughed. "Seriously, though, I really enjoyed watching you teach."

"Why, thank you, sir." Caitlin gave a mock bow.

They continued walking and soon found themselves at the Wollman Ice Rink. They stood and watched the skaters for a few minutes in silence.

"Do you know how to skate?" Jamie asked, not sure if she would have learned, having grown up in a warmer climate.

"I used to come here often to skate when I was in college," Caitlin said, quietly, as she watched the groups of people on the ice.

"Let's skate," Jamie suggested, spontaneously, seeing the look of longing on her face.

"We're not dressed for skating," Caitlin said, quickly.

"I'm sure we can figure something out," Jamie pushed.

"Jamie, I can't," Caitlin stiffened and took a few steps back.

"Okay, it was just an idea, we can just sit here and watch," Jamie backed off, seeing her distress. The last thing he wanted to do was to push her to do something she didn't want to do. The evening had been going so well, he didn't want to do something that would ruin everything.

They sat on a bench and she took his hand again and leaned into him. He saw a vendor nearby and excused himself. He returned in a few minutes with two paper cups and a bag. She took the cup, expecting more coffee but was pleasantly surprised to find hot chocolate.

"Mmm…she murmured as she sipped, enjoying the warmth as it coursed through her body.

Jamie opened the bag and offered it to her.

Looking in the bag, curiously, she gave a girlish squeal of delight. "Cinnamon donuts, my favorite."

Jamie laughed at her reaction and they quickly ate the treat. Jamie knew it was getting late and it was time to go. He didn't want to keep her out much longer, being a police officer in the big city, he knew all the dangers that lurked in the shadows and he wasn't about to risk her safety to spend more time with her. Getting up, they strolled around a little longer and exited the park on Fifth Avenue.

"Where to?" Jamie asked as he hailed a cab.

"Gramercy Park, "she said.

The cab dropped them off at her townhouse and they lingered on the sidewalk. Jamie looked up at the grand residence and commented, "You are never coming to my place."

Caitlin laughed and replied, "It's not mine. When I came back to New York a friend needed someone to watch his house. He's on an extended international tour."

He nodded at her explanation but couldn't help wondering how close she was to this friend as they walked up the steps to the door.

Caitlin wasn't ready to invite him in and Jamie didn't seem to expect to be invited in. They stood on the stoop awkwardly. Jamie spoke first, "I had a really good time tonight."

Caitlin looked up at him, "Me too." They stood facing each other not sure of the next move.

Jamie reached out and gently moved her open coat aside to look at her necklace. It had intrigued him all night. He picked it up and said, "This is a beautiful cross."

"It was my mother's," Caitlin said, looking at him.

"She's gone?" Jamie recognized the same note of sadness that crept into his own voice when he spoke about his mother.

"They were both killed in a car accident right before I graduated from college." She replied.

Jamie looked at the cross again, understanding now how special it was to her. He could feel the small round discs hanging behind the cross and assumed they were saint's medals. The patron saints one chose to venerate were a highly personal thing and he knew not to ask. He assumed one was St. Cecelia, the patron saint of musicians, but didn't want to pry. Jamie, himself, had a St. Michael's medal on his keychain. Releasing the necklace, he watched as it settled against the black of her dress.

Allowing his feelings to lead him, Jamie pulled her to him. Taking her in his arms, his heart beat faster. Reaching out with his hand, he caressed her face and said, softly but intensely, "God, you are so beautiful."

Bending down, he leaned in and touched his lips to hers, tenderly. The softness of her lips was his undoing. Pulling back, he looked at her and saw the same longing that he felt. Leaning in again, with more confidence, he kissed her again with more passion. As the kiss ended, they looked at each other in wonder.

"When can I see you again?" Jamie asked, quietly, caressing her face.

"Call me," she said, softly. She was done trying to keep him away. She knew one day she would have to tell him what happened that night in Natchez; she only hoped he could handle it. Right now, she just knew that she wanted to keep seeing him.

Holding his hand, she unlocked the door with the other. As she entered the house, he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it before releasing it.

"Good night, Caitlin McKenna," Jamie said.

"Good night, Jamie," she replied closing the door softly.

Jamie waited until he heard the click of the lock before turning and walking down the steps. He headed down the street to hail a cab. He knew sleep would not come easily tonight as he replayed their evening in his mind. As he rode home, he could still taste her lips on his.