The final chapter. It ends as promised. Thanks for reading and please let me know if you felt this stayed true to the characters. Reviews are love! Thank you again for sticking with this story to the end.

Ch.8 - Proof.

Andy watched Sharon pacing up and down the long hallway outside the office of the Palm Springs morgue. The coroner was just on the other side of the hall wall working on the body of Michael Hern. The corpse was being carefully scrutinized, organs weighed, injuries measured, flesh tears photographed. Sharon finally gave up pacing and finally took a seat beside Andy.

"What's taking so damn long?" Andy muttered. Sharon hummed and checked her watch. It was 5:30 pm.

Lt. Cearley watched the LAPD detectives and couldn't help feeling a little intimidated by the two LA detectives. He shrugged and sheepishly apologized. "I'm sorry for the wait. Dr. Zaytoun is very thorough."

"No kiddin?" Andy said sarcastically. "All we need to know is what kind of weapon was used to kill our vic. Can you let her know?"

"Lieutenant Flynn is right," Sharon said firmly. "We really do need to get back to LA with this evidence. The longer we're here, the greater the chance the killer may strike again."

"You mean your serial killer?" Cearley asked.

"If it is Stroh," Sharon said coolly. Cearley got her message and then got up immediately. He entered the morgue's outer office door without a glance backward. Four minutes later Cearley reappeared and motioned for them to follow him.

Sharon and Andy were instructed to suit up in paper gowns and foot covers before entering the exam room. Inside the small room, the naked body of Michael Hern lay half covered as Dr. Zaytoun stood nearby jotting notes on a legal pad. The elderly coroner glanced up, introduced herself hurriedly and then launched into describing her findings.

"The victim's spine was severed initially which would explain the lack of defensive wounds. There are traces of anti-depressants and traces of alcohol in the victim's blood. The victim was not drunk but he obviously had at least one drink in his system. Given the time it takes to drive from LA to Palm Springs, the victim most likely drank just before picking up his killer. I can find no other injuries to the body beside the obvious wounds to his back and internal organs. The killer stabbed the victim multiple times based on the incisions to the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestines." Zaytoun stated mechanically.

Sharon waited for the doctor to pause before pouncing at the chance to ask the key question. "Please Dr. Zaytoun, can we skip ahead to what type of weapon killed Michael Hren?"

Dr. Zaytoun returned her gaze to Sharon. "Of course, Captain. The killer used a hunting knife, a large one with a long, smooth, curved blade on the first half of the blade, the back half of the blade was serrated."

"So not a machete, huh?" Lieutenant Cearley asked without thinking.

"No, Lieutenant, the weapon was a hunting knife, as I just said," Dr. Zaytoun said frostily.

Andy didn't know whether to be happy or not. In his book, this news proved Stroh was the killer. The description of the knife matched the one recovered from Stroh's home, hidden in a long duffle bag along with rope, rolls of duct tape, zip ties, a shovel, gloves and a dark hat - your run of the mill, standard do-it-yourself-murderer kit.

"Did you find any other DNA on the body other than the victim's?" Andy pressed.

"Not on the victim. However PSPD collected lots of DNA judging by the multiple hairs found in the examiner's vac. Blond hairs, some red, a few brown – a lot of different lengths. It appears a lof of people have been in that car." Zaytoun asked.

"That's to be expected, Dr. Hren was an uber driver so there's no telling how many people he drove," Sharon answered. "We need you to run DNA tests on any short straight hair. Its possible our killer may have dyed his hair so please focus your tests on all human hairs shorter than 3 inches."

"Captain, our victim's car was practically pristine. His trunk was neat as a pin, there wasn't any trash anywhere in the car so Hren obviously cleaned his car recently. Those hair have to belong to recent passengers, maybe friends or his roommate."

"Good point, Andy. Could you notify Tao to work with Uber. We need to know who rode in Michael Hren's car an locate them." Sharon turned back to face the corner. "Doctor, if the DNA on one of those hairs found in the car matches our serial killer, PSPD can close this case immediately. So the faster you run the DNA the faster we can ….." Sharon urged.

"I hear you, Captain." Dr Zaytoun interrupted. I can assure you PSPD isn't wasting time waiting on DNA. We may not be LA, but this isn't our first murder victim," Zaytoun said defensively. "DNA tests takes time so as soon as I get the results I'll be sure to send it to your office right away. In the meantime, I suggest you return to LA."

"Yesss, we'll do that, Doctor," Sharon replied with practiced cool. "Thank you for your assistance."

"Well, at least we have confirmation on the weapon, that's something at least," Andy said soothingly as they exited the building and started across the parking lot to his car. Sharon nodded.

"Yes, that's true. And now I have to let Rusty know. I promised I would tell him as soon as we found out. Do you think …." Sharon paused. She turned and looked at Andy. Her worried expression stopped Andy in his tracks.

"What?"

"We both know Stroh did this. And Rusty is, right now, all….alone," Sharon fumbled. "Do you think if I call…"

Andy pulled out his cellphone and raised his hand to stop her. "I know what you're thinking. Hold on." Andy hit the speed dial and was connected with Provenza in a few seconds. Sharon listened to Andy's conversation trying to figure out what he was doing.

"Louie… yeah we're still in Palm Springs. …uh huh. It looks like Stroh killed Michael Hren…Yeah, a hunting knife… not a machete like you said….yeah…uh listen, the reason I'm calling is Rusty's expecting Sharon to call him about the murder but he really shouldn't hear this while he's all alone, so…. Really?...Aww, that's great, man. Thanks, Louie….um, at least three hours? Yeah. Okay. See you then."

Andy looked at Sharon with a big smile as he stuffed his cellphone into his breast pocket. "Lou's on his way over to your place to stay with Rusty until you get back."

"Thank you, Andy. I really appreciate it." Sharon's eyes shone with gratitude, for a brief few seconds, all traces of worry disappeared from her face. "You are just…" Before she could finish the sentence she found herself hugging Andy wrapping her arms tightly around his torso. "…wonderful!"

Andy was pleasantly surprised by Sharon's rare, sudden show of emotion and quickly hugged her back. "Anything for you, Sharon." Andy said softly as he nuzzled his cheek against her hair and breathed in her scent. They held each other for several seconds until she pulled back nervously.

"Well, we'd better get back as fast as we can and relieve Lieutenant Provenza," Sharon murmured as she turned to finish the short walk to Andy's car.

"Right," Andy nodded. The thought of Sharon surprising herself made him chuckle. Sharon stared at her cellphone as she texted the news to the Major Crimes detectives. Andy open her car door and Sharon got in wordlessly, her eyes glued to her phone's screen as she continued texting.

By the time Andy got in, Sharon had put her cellphone away and was looking straight ahead. No doubt she was contemplating what had just happened between them. Andy smiled to himself. Sharon looked calm on the surface but her fidgeting hands gave her away.

"It's a long drive back and I could use some coffee before we leave Palm Springs," Andy announced. "Are you hungry?"

Sharon realized she was actually. The thought of the upcoming autopsy had ruined her appetite when they stopped for a bite before heading to the morgue.

"A little. I probably should eat something," Sharon confessed. "I hate the thought of fast food but I really want to get home to Rusty as soon as possible."

"Sharon, Rusty's safe and he knows you're on your way home. I'm sure the two of them are on the couch watching TV right now - probably eating pizza if I know your son," Andy assured her. "Do they even have fast food in Palm Springs? I haven't seen a Taco Bell or a pair of golden arches anywhere. Have you?"

"No, thank goodness," Sharon admitted.

"Look, lets just find a decent place to sit down and relax a little before heading back. Okay?" Andy was jonesing for some good Italian pasta. "You like Italian, right?" He realized the double meaning in his innocent question.

"I do. That sounds really good at the moment," Sharon agreed. Andy took that as a good sign on both counts.

Andy sat across the small table from Sharon studying her as she read through the menu. He already knew what he wanted, and there it was, seated directly across the table in a fine suit with over a silky blouse. Sharon felt his eyes on her and looked up to find him staring with that crooked smile of his.

"Yessss?" Sharon asked slowly.

"That was some hug," Andy reminded her. "I guess we're even."

"Even?"

"Yeah, you hugged me, I kissed you…you know, before."

"Not by a long shot, Lieutenant," Sharon raised an eyebrow and closed her menu.

"Oh, so it's lieutenant, now?" Andy grinned. "I see. No more Mr. Wonderful, huh?"

"I don't recall calling you Mr. Wonderful," Sharon reminded him.

"Oh yeah? You don't remember a certain Captain hugging me and telling me I was 'just wonderful.'" Andy gestured with air quotes to punctuate his point. He could see she was trying to suppress a closed smile. His teasing seemed to relax her a little, and more importantly, distract her from thinking about Stroh.

"You have your moments, Andy," Sharon conceded. "If someone had told me back when I was in Internal Affairs that years from now Detective Andy Flynn would become my closest friend I never would have believed it."

"Me neither," Andy agreed. "Who knew under that beautiful but frosty exterior, the Wicked Witch was just a sweet, kind lovable, little thing." Sharon froze. Her mouth dropped open at his choice of words. She felt her face flushing.

"Where is that waitress?" Sharon asked suddenly trying to change the topic. First of all, she wasn't a little thing. Second, being described as loveable was definitely a first for her. Andy found her loveable? When did this happen?

Andy realized his words had unnerved her but before he could say anything their waitress appeared at their table killing the opportunity to clarify his meaning. Once they'd placed their orders, the two detectives were quiet. Sharon sipped from her tall glass of water and glanced around the restaurant avoiding his eyes. He took the opportunity to watch her closely. His eyes fell to the first button of her blouse and noticed the fine line of cleavage peeking back at him. She turned back a little sooner than expected and caught him looking at her chest. She raised an eyebrow and stared at him. Andy knew he was caught but he didn't care and said so in the way he looked directly into her eyes.

"What?" Andy said innocently. He covered his smile by raising his glass of water to drink. Sharon checked her watch. The silence between them was comfortable despite the flirtatious incident. Both were tired and somewhat mentally drained by the stress of case and its lack of closure. Their meals arrived soon enough and once they settled in, neither was particularly chatty. It seemed Sharon was deep in thought as she pushed around her ravioli. "Stop playing with your food, young lady," Andy admonished. "We're not leaving until you've finished your dinner."

"You sound just like my mother," Sharon smiled.

"Well, there are starving detectives all over the world," Andy gestured at her plate. "Don't make me come over there."

"Ok, ok," Sharon joked as she put one hand up defensively. Eventually Sharon ate half of her ravioli leaving several stranded on her plate.

"Would you rather have some of mine?" Andy pointed at his plate. "If yours is no good…"

"No, it's fine really." Sharon smiled weakly. "Would you like to try it?" Sharon pierced a ravioli and lifted her fork to pass it to Andy who leaned forward instead and opened his mouth. Sharon felt a sudden shiver as his lips slid off her fork. Andy moaned happily as he chewed the tender pasta. Sharon blushed at the sensuousness of the moment, and the realization she hadn't fed a man this way in years! Andy smiled at her as if he had read her thoughts.

"Wow," He murmured. He wasn't complimenting the pasta. The comment uttered came in response to the look of surprise on Sharon's face at his actions. Andy loved the look of uncertainty he had seen as she place her fork inti his mouth. Was she blushing? He couldn't help but grin.

They were back in his car and headed back to Los Angeles by 8 o'clock. Sharon had insisted on driving her fair share of the trip and Andy knew there would be no winning that argument. He knew she wanted to get back as fast as possible and he'd knew he'd get to tease her when she'd inevitably start speeding. The night was clear, dark and cool.

Early on, Andy reclined his seat, pulled his cell phone out, checked a few messages and quietly studied his boss as she drove the car home. Sharon's long hair was swept back from her face, her chin tucked down a little as she stared ahead. The dashboard lights casted a faint glow on her profile allowing Andy to see she was chewing on her bottom lip. He decided to break the silence of the past twenty-five minutes.

"It's killing me," Andy said suddenly.

Sharon never turned her head. "What?"

"That question you're supposed to ask me. It's like the damn sword of Damocles. Just hanging over my head!" His voice conveyed the smile on his face. He wanted to keep her mind on lighter topics.

Sharon smiled to herself. "You just want to get it out of the way so you can ask me a personal question that I have to answer."

"Am I that obvious?" Andy chuckled. Sharon turned and glanced at him for a second with a soft smile on her face. "Fine. Don't answer that."

"Actually, I've been toying between two questions and I haven't yet made up my mind which to ask you," Sharon admitted.

"You could ask both, but if you do, then I get to ask you two questions too." Andy offered. Sharon shook her head.

"Oh no you don't!" Sharon said with a laugh. "I'm not falling for that one!"

"So what you're saying is you've got something to hide, huh?"

"Possibly." Sharon hinted.

"Oooh, what could Sharon Raydor possibly have to hide?" Andy murmured out loud as he rubbed his hands together fiendishly in mock-sinister mode.

"I'll never tell," Sharon joked.

"I'm a detective, Sharon. You know I'll get it out of you before we get home!" Andy challenged her. Sharon looked over at him with a sly smile on her face he could just barely make out. "You start. Two questions each."

"I don't recall agreeing to that," Sharon reminded him.

"Yeah well, it's a long drive, so humor me. What have you got to hide?" Andy was clearly enjoying this conversation.

Sharon hummed. "Alright. Give me a moment." Sharon continued driving while formulating a question in her mind. "One more caveat, though. You must answer the question immediately got it? Sound fair?" Sharon asked as she took a fast look over at Andy. He was frowning and smiling at the same time.

"Deal."

Sharon watched the road for a few seconds, swallowed and then posed the question, "When I worked in IA, you made it very clear you couldn't stand the sight of me. What did I do to make you feel that way?"

Andy froze. That question was very different from what he had expected from her. He'd gambled she would probe the cause of his alcoholism and his sobriety. He knew he had to answer quickly.

"Sharon, I apologize. The truth is you didn't do anything wrong. I acted that way because I was pissed – because you were usually right and I was usually wrong in most of our run-ins." Andy paused. "I tried to charm my way out of trouble, but it never worked on you. You saw right through my BS. You called me on my crap and you saw me at my worst. It was …embarrassing."

Sharon felt herself sigh with relief. "Andy, I was just doing my job. You shouldn't feel emb…."

"It was embarrassing because you were so, you know…smart, you had class…tough, and um, hot." Andy grimaced knowing he was revealing a lot to her. "I thought if I cleaned up my act, maybe, you know I'd have a chance but when I found out you were married..." Andy inhaled deeply. "So - like an idiot - I took it out on you. I convinced myself if you were a cold, unfeeling bitch, I'd be better off."

Sharon forced herself to maintain her poker face as she drove. Her heart was beating hard and fast. He'd been attracted to her for years? All this time she thought he had been hateful because of her role in Internal Affairs.

"Well, now you know." Andy was thankful for the darkness in the car preventing her from seeing how red his face had turned. It was really an ideal setting to have this discussion, Andy thought. At least she couldn't run away from the conversation. He waited for her to respond, letting the silence grow between them.

"You're not going to say anything?" Andy finally asked. Sharon glanced over and quickly returned to staring at the road.

"I need a minute."

"Well, now you know," Andy said. "Pretty obvious when you think about it."

"You mean like how little boys pick on little girls they like?" Sharon said lightly. She knew he was feeling emotionally naked. This was dangerous territory for a conversation between a boss and her subordinate.

"Yeah, exactly," Andy admitted. "What took you so long?"

"I was a married woman, Andy!"

"And you're not now. So….."

"So, now we work together and I'm your boss," Sharon said quickly. She did not want to be having this conversation. How the hell had this happen? She needed time to process what this all meant, the ramifications, her own feelings, so many considerations.

"I know. I can't catch a break where you're concerned!" Andy sounded relieved some how. "Now it's my turn to ask a question. Ready? Here we go." Andy warned before drawing a deep breath. "Sharon, have you ever thought about us being more than just friends?"

Sharon nervously jerked the wheel but instantly corrected the car. Andy grinned at her rare loss of composure. The air felt charged. She gulped as a look of guilt flashed across her features.

"Answer now, no hedging," Andy was staring at her. She could feel his eyes on her face studying her for any clue to the truth. Had he seen her micro expression? Her face was hot and she knew she was blushing wildly.

"Ok, ok. Um …sort of."

"What the hell kind of answer is that?" Andy sounded annoyed.

"It was….God, this is embarrassing… a dream about you," Sharon said rolling her eyes. She couldn't believe she was telling him about it.

"Ohhhhh," Andy immediately softened. He was definitely interested in this new turn in the conversation. "What, like a sex dream?"

"Andy!" Sharon snapped.

"It was, wasn't it," Andy said. Sharon could hear the smile in his voice, obviously thrilled and enjoying her embarrassment. "What did we do?"

"It. Was. Not. A. Sex. Dream!" Sharon sputtered. Andy laughed.

"I had a few of those about you too, you know," Andy chuckled. "I mean back then."

"Nooooo!" Sharon refused to hear it. She didn't want to know what he dreamed or what she did in those dreams. Her arms felt light as air. She clung to the steering wheel.

"Then tell me every juicy detail and don't skip a thing. Boy, this has turned out to be the best car ride ever," Andy was giggling. Sharon couldn't help but smile at his enjoyment at her expense.

"Ok… in the dream I was asleep in my bed…."

"I like where this is going. What were you wearing?" Andy wiggled his eyebrows at her. She didn't notice.

"An old nightgown. A long, flannel, boring, beige night gown," Sharon said wryly. "Jack was asleep next to me in the dream…."

"Uh oh. Jack's there too? I never thought you were the kinky type!" Andy said with a fake frown. Sharon shot him a sarcastic glare.

"Anyway, um… I reached over to put my arm around Jack but when he rolled back to face me…it wasn't Jack lying there. It was you."

Andy's eyebrows shot up. "Oh realllly? And?"

"And what? That's it. I woke up in a panic and realized it was just a dream - but it bothered me for a long time," Sharon pressed her lips together tightly. Andy squinted at her.

"So me being in your bed was like a nightmare? Is that what you're saying? You wounded my ego deeply, woman!" Andy teased. Sharon knew he was trying to ease her obvious embarrassment. "That was it? No sexy stuff? Man, you Catholics have some boring sex dreams, Sharon. I gotta say."

"Andy, it wasn't a sex dream! I realized I wanted Jack to be like you," Sharon panicked immediately at her own words. "I mean sober, not an alcoholic any more." Sharon sighed heavily. She hoped Andy understood her meaning.

"Oh." Andy was silent for a while. "Hmmm, you know...I almost believe you."

Sharon's mouth dropped open. "What?"

"Oh I get the part about wanting Jack to be sober, like me, but…." Andy had fully turned in his seat and angled his body at her. He paused to cross his ankles leaving her hanging on his every word. "…you knew he wasn't going to change. But finding me in your bed – I dunno, that's got some serious symbolism we should explore further." Andy was enjoying this mild torture. It was a rare opportunity to see Sharon struggling to maintain her poise without an easy escape route out.

Sharon gripped the steering wheel tighter to hide her hands shaking. "Maybe. But that dream was a long time ago." He didn't need to know it was a reoccurring dream she had, of Andy in her bed. The most recent dream being just after their accidental movie date with Rusty and Provenza. What he didn't know wouldn't embarrass her.

"Uh huh," Andy sounded smug. "Sure. Mind if we stop? I want to get something to drink. Oh and that was not my second question, just to be clear."

"Fine." Sharon said forcing herself to sound calm as she flicked on her signal and looked over her shoulder to merge into the right lane. Her eyes swept across Andy's face and she felt a tingling sensation in her lips as she saw his huge grin. He caught her glance and chuckled. She couldn't wait to get out of the car.

They pulled into a large brightly light gas station and parked in front of the convenience store. Sharon was out of the car in a flash, leaving the keys in the ignition. Andy chuckled. She was so cute when she was embarrassed. It felt good to know he had that kind of effect on her for a change. Sharon yanked the store's door open and headed straight for the bathroom. Once inside she locked the door, turned on the cold water and yanked a paper towel to soak and apply against her forehead.

One look in the mirror was all she needed to see. She was afraid. Things were changing between them and it would have to stop. Just tell him that was all in the past. Before we became friends. He'll get the message. Sharon dried her hands. Don't let him know anything more!

Andy was paying for two drinks, a bottled ice tea for himself and a cup of hot water and an unopened tea bag sitting on the cup's lid. He nodded at her as she came into view. She nodded back. She felt back in control and it showed.

"Thanks," Sharon said as he handed the tea and cup to her. She left his side to attend to her cup and steep the bag. "Ready?"

"When you are," Andy answered. She turned and he followed her out to the car.

"I'm still driving," Sharon said over her shoulder.

"Then you're gonna need these," Andy answered with a smirk. She heard the keys jingling and rolled her eyes. Had she actually forgotten to take them out of the ignition? She knew his little chuckle was at her expense - that he had rattled her and she mentally kicked herself for it. Turning, she snatched the keys from his hand and strode to the driver's door without looking at him.

Once inside the car, Sharon settled her hot cup into the center console and turned to push the keys into the ignition. Reaching for her seat belt, she turned to find Andy had leaned over and was now just inches from her face. His hands pulled her shoulders toward him as his warm lips covered hers. She gasped into his mouth and tried to lean back but he held her close. She felt his tongue tracing her lower lip and softly sucking her upper lip into his mouth. It was wonderfully terrifyingly exciting.

She struggled to speak but eventually gave in to the amazing sensation. His left arm slid down her back and tightened around her waist pressing her body against his chest. His right hand slid up and held the back of her neck. She could feel him smiling in his kiss.

"Andy!" Sharon gasped as he released her and looked into her eyes. The man was one hell of a kisser and she knew he knew she had enjoyed it.

"Sharon," Andy answered. Suddenly Sharon pushed away, jerked open the car door and walked away across the parking lot, both her hands on her forehead. Andy was surprised. This was not the reaction he had been hoping for. "Sharon, wait!" He jumped out of the car and raced after her.

Sharon held one finger up at him in warning. Andy stopped moving instantly. She paced back and forth.

"Don't! Just don't!" Sharon warned. Andy couldn't stand seeing her upset, he reached out and pulled her close to him. He held her tightly and wouldn't let go as she tried to push him away.

"Stop it, Sharon." Andy said softly. "It's okay."

"Why would you do that, Andy!" Sharon hissed. "It's not okay!" Andy held her close and she stopped struggling. Her voice sounded choked with emotion. "It's not okay," she repeated softly.

"Sshhhh," Andy hushed her, his breath warm against her hair. She relaxed a little and he continued to hold her tightly. "Don't worry. We're fine."

"Are we?" Sharon's voice was muffled against his shoulder. She could feel his hand now stroking her hair. It somehow relaxed her more. "What are we doing?"

"We're falling for each other," Andy whispered. Sharon pulled back enough to look him in the eye.

"I know." She said finally. "What do we do now?"

Andy felt his heart beating loudly. He loved having her turn to him for answers. "We let it happen." Andy said softly as he slowly leaned in to kiss her again. This time she stood perfectly still, her face tilted toward his waiting for him to kiss her. Andy could feel her mouth trembling. Sharon realized she was breaking a lot of rules. And for once, she didn't care.

Andy's kiss was slow, soft and loving. Sharon felt herself giving in. She hadn't experienced this kind of loving attention in so long. It surprised her how good it felt to be held by a man, to be kissed with care, to be desired. Her arms tightened around his waist. When had she put her hands on his body? She wondered.

"This is scary," Sharon breathed against his cheek.

"I know," Andy answered. She felt his cheek pull into a smile. "I haven't been on a date in over two years, so I'm a little out of practice…."

Sharon smiled to herself. The man had nothing to worry about when it came to kissing. "Two years? You? Why?" She sounded surprised.

"I dunno, I guess nobody else interested me once we started working together," Andy murmured as he pulled back to look into her beautiful green eyes. "Seeing you everyday, well…what can I say, I fell for you."

"Andy?" Sharon couldn't believe her ears. "I want to believe you but I'm…."

"You think I'm lying?" Andy was hurt. His arms released the hold on her.

"No, its not that…I just …I have good reason to have trust issues when it comes to men," Sharon said as he slid out of her arms.

"Why would you even think I'd lie to you? I'm in love with you, Goddamn it!" Andy raised his voice. He looked angry. This woman was going to drive him crazy.

The words stung. "You what?" Sharon's mouth hung open. This changed everything. She hadn't seen this coming.

"You heard me! I love you!" Andy folded his arms across his chest and stared at her. "Is that so hard to believe?"

"Yes, it is." Sharon now folded her arms across her chest. Her body language read the same classic defensive mode as his. Andy stared at her. His arms gently unfolded as he took a step toward her.

"Sharon Raydor, you right, you have plenty of reasons to doubt men but I'm not Jack."

Sharon knew he was right. She looked and felt guilty. Still she needed more than that to trust him.

"Why me?" Sharon needed to know she wasn't going to be just another notch on the detective squad's resident ladykiller's belt.

"You seriously don't know?" Andy placed his hands gently on her upper arms feeling her tightened her arms across her chest as if she could protect her heart from being hurt.

"Fine. That's your second question, Sharon, so here's the truth. Every time you come into a room it's all I can do not to stare at you. Not smile like an idiot at you. Getting to know you and how kind and sweet you are…I don't know, hell I've never met anybody as good as you, Sharon Raydor." Andy reached up and played with a lock of her hair resting on her collar bone. She couldn't unfold her arms just yet. Andy looked directly into her eyes.

"When I think of what that asshole husband of yours put you through I wanted to pound his face into the sidewalk. And that's when I knew I loved you." Sharon felt her pulse racing at his words. She tried to hide her gasp but he continued on.

"When Provenza told me you were getting a divorce I really thought it was because you felt something for me too," Andy paused took a big breath and continued. "It hurt like hell when I realize the divorce had nothing to do with me. It made me realize there was so much more going on in your life outside of the office, with Rusty, and Stroh and ...Jack, how badly he had treated you, and how me and every other cop in LAPD treated you… That's when I knew you needed a friend more than anything else and I wanted to be that friend. I wanted to make things better for you, maybe I felt guilty at first because of how I use to treat you but I wanted you to finally get a break, you know? … I wanted you to open up and relax and hear all your secrets... That plus the fact you're smoking hot well, that just too good to ignore. I mean your legs are legendary in the department. And these beautiful green eyes? The way you walk, how you hum, I could go on about your bo..…there. Does that explain it?

Sharon was smiling at him. His rambling confession had warmed her heart. He did care for her. Andy loved her. It scared her as much as it thrilled her. Sharon placed her hands around his neck and pulled him closer. Standing on her tiptoes she kissed him and felt his hands slide around her back pressing them together.

"It explains everything," Sharon finally whispered into his mouth. They were both smiling at one another.

"Maybe one day soon, when you roll over in bed you'll find me there too," Andy taunted her.

"One day," Sharon smiled. "This is all so new again, so foreign but if you're willing to be patient with me. Go slow for now…"

"Anything for you, Sharon." He reassured her.

"We better get back to the car."

"Yeah okay," Andy agreed. He reached for her hand and they walked to the car together. "Better let me drive, okay? You're a little shaky." He pointed to her hand in his.

"You sure it's not you who's shaking?" Sharon teased.

"Give me back my keys," Andy asked as he walked her to the passenger's door.

"Don't think you're going to get away with anything, that hasn't changed!" Sharon said wryly as her eyebrow arched at his gleeful face.

"We'll see!" Andy said as he closed the door and walked around the back of the vehicle. Once inside, he turned the ignition, backed out of the parking space and reached for her hand. Holding it in his, he threaded his fingers between hers, lifted it to his lips and kissed her hand. "Now lets get you home to Rusty right away."

He leaned over and she met him over the console. Their lips shyly responding to one another in the breathtaking excitement of realizing long withheld feelings. Andy looked at her with such a happy expression that Sharon felt she had to tell him.

"I love you, too, Andy."

"Oh thank god! I thought you'd never say it!" Andy laughed. They exchanged knowing looks and smiled. This had certainly been a life-changing day and it wasn't over yet.

-END-

Hope you enjoyed the story. For me, waiting to see how the show brings these two characters together and getting past all their baggage, department rules and office propriety will be one of the best parts of the show as well as extremely challenging. Getting Sharon to recognize her own foreign romantic feelings and a return to feeling passion for any man will be exciting. Lets hope Andy doesn't mess it up. Feel free to write your thoughts. Reviews make it all worth while. And thank you for reading!