We would like to thank ALL our loyal readers for your support while we have been away. In the next few weeks, you will see our stories being reposted here for all of you to read along with several NEW stories we've written while we've been away.

We appreciate all the kind messages we've received for our readers...we didn't realize how many of you were reading our stories, lol. It has brought HUGE smiles to us and we hope you'll continue to stick with us as we re-post some old favorites and hopefully new favorites. Thanks again!

CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05

Now for the good stuff!

**WARNING: STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE! You Are Warned**

"A valet, of stealthy step, thence conducted me, in silence, through many dark and intricate passages in my progress to the studio of his master."

From "Fall Of The House Of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe

"I will never hurt you, Evie," he breathed out as he felt the heat of her core, his fingers skimming the material of her panties. Excitement coursed through him and he bent to nuzzle her neck, whispering as he pulled the material away from her body, "This is supposed to feel good." Yanking them down, his finger forged through her patch, his mouth salivating hungrily for her. Breathing heavily, he traced a path to her folds and parted them, seeking her hardened nub. The moisture was scarce and he crinkled his brow, kissing her neck softly, "I thought you were in the mood."

Closing her eyes and taking in a shaky breath, she nodded slightly, "I…I am. It's just…it's hard for me to get you know…wet."

Growling, he began to massage her clit, feeling the appearance of moisture and hearing her breath hitching. Her body began to move under his touch and he lost himself, rubbing her faster. As he assaulted her clit, with his thumb, he moved his forefinger to her entrance, slipping it in. At her sudden gasp, he chuckled lowly and bit out, "Need more, Evie?"

Knowing she was playing a loosing battle, Calleigh closed her eyes tight to keep her tears back as he continued to slide his finger into her. At his words, she whimpered softly and nodded slightly, wishing he would have just killed her instead.

Perceiving her whimper as a sound of pleasure, Christopher added another digit and groaned, his own arousal growing. Slamming into her body, he grunted, "You like that, don't you, Evie. It makes you feel good…"

A tear slid from under her eye lid and down her temple as he continued to push into her. Biting her lip to keep from yelling out for help, Calleigh shook her head back and forth and groaned in pain as he pushed him fingers in hard and rough. Opening her eyes and seeing him looming above her, Calleigh whimpered his name, "Chris…"

Her voice infused him with more power and he pushed harder, losing himself in the action. He could feel his heart racing, the surge of arousal clawing at the surface. With each stroke, he imagined thrusting into her willing body, mastering it. A smile peeled across his lips as he coaxed more, "Evie…scream for me."

Sitting up suddenly in her bed, Calleigh breathed heavily as her eyes tried to focus in the darkened bedroom. The past seemed to haunt her dreams now, remembering things that had happened to her while with Christopher. Looking around the room and seeing she was alone, Calleigh's body trembled at the memories.

Throwing off the covers, she got up, moving around the room quietly in hopes of not waking Horatio. Going to the window and looking out, she then closed her eyes, trying to steady herself. The wind blowing outside caused the house to creek slightly and Calleigh jumped, her nervousness getting the best of her. With nothing but her sleep shirt and panties on, she headed for the door, the need to feel safe again overtaking her.

Slipping out into the dark quiet hallway, she saw his bedroom door slightly ajar and went to it, pushing it open a little more. Looking in, she could see the bed as the moonlight filtered in thought the windows and small patio double doors that were there. Seeing him laying in the bed sound asleep, she walked over silently and stopped when she reached the bed. Watching him for a moment as he slept, she took in his exposed chest, and then allowed her eyes to travel up to his face, seeing the relaxed looked he held.

Biting her bottom lip, her eyes traveled back down, until they reached the sheet that covered him just below his belly button. Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath, steadying herself and then reopened them, reaching for the sheet. Pulling it back, she slipped into the bed, careful not to wake him and moved in next to him. Bringing the sheet up, she then cuddled up close to him and turned onto her side, spooning up to him. Needing to feel his connection with her, she carefully lifted his hand and placed it around her waist. Satisfied, Calleigh then closed her eyes, hoping she'd be able to sleep again.

The feeling of warmth had invaded Horatio as he slept and he turned slightly, his brow crinkling. A new scent met his nose as well and he groaned as the warmth came closer, bringing along with it a sensation of softness, causing him to surface more. The night had been almost fitful for him, thinking of her as she slept in the other room. He'd finally fell off to sleep fully hours after he had laid down, his dreams blurring between what was real and what was perceived. In his dreams, he could feel her softness, smell her scent and practically taste her lips once more; but he knew it wasn't real, she was still hesitant for touch and no matter how much he was willing for it not to be, it remained to be a cold fact.

Groaning lightly, he moved only to feel something solid beside him and as his eyes opened slowly, he could see the outline of her face, her eyes closed. Confused, he croaked, "Calleigh…is everything okay?"

Reopening her eyes and seeing his looking back at her, Calleigh remained where she was and whispered, "I had a bad dream…I didn't want to be alone."

Repositioning himself, he turned to her fully and blinked the concern for her growing, "A bad dream…Do you want to talk about it? It might help." Shifting slightly, his leg brushed up against her and he cleared his throat, "Ah…Calleigh…You realize that you only have a sleep shirt on right?"

"I know," she whispered back as she continued to look at him. Adjusting the pillow some, she settled back down, "You don't mind me being here do you?"

"No, just as long as you're comfortable," he answered as he kept his eyes on her. The fear was there more than ever and he ventured to touch her, moving her hair back. It bothered him that she was filled with fear and uncertainty and that it caused him to question his every move. Her body next to his was having its effects and he closed his eyes and tried to concentrate, the images of her body flush to his fresh in his mind. Stumbling slightly, he asked, "Um...d-did you want to talk about it?"

Dropping her eyes and letting them settle on his chest, she shrugged, "I had a dream about what he did to me…" Lifting here eyes back, they began to water, "It scared me."

Keeping his tone soft and comforting, Horatio asked, "What scared you about it, Calleigh? If you know that Christopher is gone, and he's not coming back, why are you scared?" The tears that had begun to drop broke his heart and he amended his question by offering, "You don't have to answer that, Calleigh."

Shaking her head, Calleigh sighed, "It just still feels so real, Horatio…like it was happening again. It was like I could feel his hands on me…and I could feel the pain again…"

Holding on to her tightly, Horatio sighed and closed his eyes, practically feeling her pain. It was then he knew he had to put his preoccupations of intimacy with her away and start to focus on her fully. Opening his eyes, he began again, his voice soft, "Calleigh, it's going to take time for you to learn how to deal with what you've been through, to channel that feeling of fear and pain into something positive. Until then, I'll be here to listen to you if you need it, be a shoulder to cry on, or someone to yell or scream at. Whatever you need, I'll be."

Wrapping her arm around him, she moved as close as she could to him and closed her eyes. Taking in a deep breath, his scent surround her and began to calm her nerves. After a few moments, she finally whispered, "Thank you, Horatio…I don't know what I'd do without you."

Shaking his head lightly, a small chuckle rumbled through his chest and he stared at the ceiling, relishing her warmth. He could feel that she had calmed much more, the trembles now all but gone. Even though her turmoil was heavy, he still felt a sense of joy to have her near. Finally retaining his sights on her, he grinned rakishly, "Let's hope you never have to find out, okay?"

"Yeah…" she replied as she looked back up at him. Settling into his arms more, she closed her eyes, and moved to get more comfortable, her left leg draping over his. Slowly opening her eyes, she looked out into the dark room, "I still feel bad about not seeing Tim. Maybe tomorrow I'll give him a call."

"Tim understands, Calleigh. More than you think he does." Horatio's heart jumped at the feel of her leg draping over him and he cleared his throat slightly, "But it's probably best that he hear from you- just to let him know you're okay."

"He risked a lot for me. When Chris showed me that tracking device, I was so scared for Emma. He threatened to go to New York and take her again if I didn't do what he said."

Grimacing inwardly, Horatio sighed heavily, "He used fear against you, Calleigh. Emma was safe, Speed found the tracking device on his way to New York and had it analyzed at the lab in Manhattan. It was from there we picked up your trail." Anger rallied against the calmness within him and he fought it back, his tone deepening, "How could someone who seemingly cared for you threaten you with a fear like that?"

Thinking about it, Calleigh finally replied, "He was so scared he'd loose me…he was scared about being alone. "

"But he didn't take your feelings in consideration, Calleigh. For all intended purposes, Larken was delusional, determined to take what wasn't his for his gain. I understand that he lost his wife, someone whom he loved dearly, but he took you from someone who loves you just as much, who was willing to sacrifice anything to get you back." Horatio could feel his control slipping and he took in a deep breath and released it slowly, "I apologize, but… loneliness doesn't give the right to steal another's heart."

Moving her head and looking up at him, Calleigh moved one hand to his bare chest, "He lost all since of what he was doing after Evie died. He…he told me he was even the one that killed Jessica Martin…so he'd be able to see me. He knew I'd be coming to him to ask questions, he saw it as a way to get closer to me."

"His chance to steal you away," Horatio answered back in a whisper. The feeling of her hand on his chest sent electricity surging through his body and yet, he kept it in check. "Everything he did, he did out of desperation, Calleigh. Had the situation presented itself, he would've killed you- he…he almost did."

"But you and Tim were there to rescue me…" she replied softly as her fingers moved lazily, making invisible designs through his chest hair. "When I saw you up on that hill…I knew you wouldn't let anything happen to me."

Her lackadaisical drawing lulled him and his rancor settled, an easy breath leaving his lungs. In turn, he caressed her shoulder lightly, his thoughts turning slowly now, "I won't let anything happen to you, Calleigh. I'll protect you with everything that I have." Silence broke through and he smiled more, the sensation of her touch tingling every nerve ending, "You have a dangerous touch, Cal."

Smiling some and moving her sights from her fingers back up to his eyes, she smiled, "You know, I think that's the first time you've ever called me that."

"It could be. Do you like it?" he asked, meeting her gaze. A smile spread quickly as he reached for her face. Caressing it softly, he laughed softly, "I can't go around calling you my Bullet Girl all the time."

Her smile grew and Calleigh whispered, "I love anything you call me, Handsome. I always have."

At her whisper, Horatio licked his lips, keeping his gaze with hers. The urgency to kiss her came about him and he inched slowly towards her, feeling the anticipation. With the knowledge of telling her that he wouldn't push her, he brushed his lips over hers, desperate for just a slight taste of her lips. The kiss morphed slowly into an exploration, his passion slowly piercing the surface. He knew he had to stop it and as he exhaled, he pulled away from her, gauging her reaction.

"Calleigh," he whispered softly, watching her closely. "I'm…sorry."

Reaching up and placing her fingertips to his lips, Calleigh shook her head, "Don't be, Horatio. I enjoyed it." Moving her fingers, she leaned back to him, kissing him again softly and when whispered against his lips, "I trust you, Horatio."

Her soft lips caused him to close his eyes and he fought to remain in control, "I don't…I don't want to abuse that trust." His body turned towards her even more and he caressed her face as they hovered between each other, "I want…I want you." Before she could reply, his lips crushed hers with an intensity that he could no longer hold and he pulled her body closer to his her solid form rocking pleasurably against his. The kiss wasn't rough, but it was laced with deep desire and as he licked her lips in a request, he hoped that he could contain the lust that practically burned through him.

Parting her lips at his silent request, Calleigh wrapped her arm around him more, her hand roaming over his back, feeling the underlying muscles. Her tongue danced with his, tasting him as his scent filled her nostrils. Moaning in pleasure softly, she then scraped her nails over his skin, pulling a deep moan from him.

Interpreting her response, Horatio increased the depth of the kiss and moved over her more, his hands beginning to drift over her arm and downward. He had to be conscious of his movement around her, not wanting to trigger the memories that would surely stop the surge of passion in its tracks. Instead of venturing further down, he moved them back up to her arms and stayed, his brow knitting in concentration. If he wasn't careful, he would lose control.

Moving her other arm, she wrapped it around him, her fingers moving up and caressing the nape of his neck. Sliding her leg around his, she began to rub his calf with the sole of her foot. When they parted to breath, she looked up into his eyes, and whispered, "I love you…"

Breathlessly, he replied, "I love you, Calleigh." Holding her close, he attempted to slow his breathing and closed his eyes, pulling in his desires. He wouldn't go further with her until he knew for sure that she was ready. When he felt himself calming, he spoke gently, caressing her arms, "And because I love you, I won't go any further until you're truly ready."

Understanding, Calleigh nodded and whispered, "Thank you for being understanding, Horatio. It means a lot to me." Lifting her head a little, she gave him a soft kiss and then smiled, "I'm glad you and I finally found each other."

"I am too, and I'm intending on keeping you," he responded, wincing at his wording. Realizing fully, he started, "Calleigh…"

Placing two fingers to his lips, she silenced him and spoke softly, "I know what you meant, Horatio. It's okay."

Slight frustration built and he sighed, "I…I just don't want to go too far with you. Your boundaries are different now, and I want to stay within them. I don't want to risk a chance of losing you now that I've found you."

Moving a strand of hair from his eyes, Calleigh then looked into them, "I trust you with everything that is me, Horatio. I know you won't hurt me and that you'll respect me."

"I can't do anything else, Calleigh. For so long, I've dreamt of how it would be to love you, even when I was with someone else. I've longed to feel your heart beating next to mine, your warmth in my arms, your scent…" Bending to kiss her neck he murmured, "You've been torturing me for years with that bright smile."

Closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around him more, holding him close, she whispered, "You don't have to dream anymore, Handsome. I'm here now."

"And…I'm so happy that you are," he answered back as he resumed his action of nuzzling her neck more. Her grip tightened around him and he smiled as he nipped her slightly, "Is this distracting you?"

"Umm, yes…" she moaned softly as her eyes closed, enjoying the feel of him. Moving her head some, she gave him more access to her neck and sighed, "I like this…distraction…"

Horatio's hand drifted to her back where he pulled her to him, delving further. Inhaling her scent dizzied him and he felt as if he were going to lose his grip on his control as her moans began to echo the room. A sudden rush of blood to his center pulled him away from her and he gasped, breathing heavily. As much as he wanted to continue, he knew that if he did, he wasn't going to be able to control his actions.

Looking at him, Calleigh reached for his cheek, caressing it with her palm, "I'm okay, Horatio." Remembering what he'd said, Calleigh let her hand slid to his chin and whispered, "Would it be better if I go back to my bed?"

Grimacing, he shook his head, bringing himself back to her, "No. I should be able to control myself. I don't want you to go, Calleigh. Please."

Nodding her head slightly, she whispered, "Okay…I'll stay." Moving her hand to the back of his neck, she gently pulled him to her and gave him a soft kiss. When they parted she smiled, "I wish you knew how many times I wanted to do that."

"Probably half as much as I wanted to," Horatio responded, lightly touching her back. He stared at her as he laid next to her, smiling widely, "Just to know that I can take you into my arms when I wake up is good enough for me."

Blinking slowly, Calleigh sighed contently, "And just think, you can go back to sleep with me in them also."

"Yes, that is an added plus," Horatio said as he kissed her forehead. Pressing his cheek to her, he sighed, "I hope you're able to sleep better now."

"I should…I feel safer in your arms." Closing her eyes, she yawned and then placed her leg back over his, "You have a way of getting me to relax."

Fighting the desire to reach and caress her leg, he smiled lightly as his lids grew heavy, "You have a way with my heart. Even the lightest touch sends it running." Laughing, he amended, "That's a good thing, of course."

Smiling, Calleigh placed her hand back onto his chest, the hair there tickling her hand, "Good night, Handsome…I love you."

"I love you," he replied slowly. His eyes were already closing, lulling to the sensation of her light touch. As he drifted more, he could feel her hand slowly stop and rest on his chest, the heat from it inflaming the skin. His thoughts were no longer strained with want and desire because he already knew that he had what he wanted, and he was willing to wait.

"Okay, remind me how this goes," Tim said as he watched her gather the materials from the refrigerator. He smiled and turned to the bowl, waiting for her to return to him. He'd woken with her nestled right under his arm and they had spent almost an hour just talking about things. He learned that after he'd left she used to cry after reading at bedtime and that the only thing that would calm her down would be to crawl into bed with her grandparents. To hear that broke his heart and solidified that he wouldn't be leaving her anytime soon.

Smiling as she brought the carton of eggs, he shook his head, "I think I might have to fight your grandpa to take you home. You're such a great helper."

Handing over the eggs, Emma smiled and giggled some, "You can't fight grandpa daddy, he'd spank you if you tried…or get really, really mad." Getting up onto her little step stool, Emma looked back up at him, "We need the bread now."

"Bread…bread…hmm…" Tim said as he arched his brow, looking around. Smiling more, he asked, "Now where is the bread?"

Giggling more, Emma pointed up above the refrigerator, "Up there daddy. In the bread box so it stays good." Watching as he went over, she pulled a bowl close to her and reached for an egg, "Grandpa says if you add cinn…cin…cinnanamin…"

"Cinnamon, sweetie," Tim said as he reached for the bread. Bringing it down, he smirked and watched her break the egg. He was in awe of her prowess in the kitchen and could only thank his father for it. Laughing, he asked, "Now what?"

Not saying anything until she had the egg done, she looked at him as he came back, "We need the cinnanamin to add to the eggs." Getting another egg as he did that, she asked, "Daddy, when are we going home?"

"Tomorrow, baby. I think we've been away from home for far too long." Placing the bread down, he smiled, "And then we can look forward to going to Disneyland." Hearing the phone ring in his pocket, he stood back and grabbed a towel. Fishing for it, he nodded to Emma as she began to empty her ingredients into the bowl, "Be right back, sweetie, okay?" Stepping away from her, he answered, "Hello?"

Sitting out on the patio in a lounger and watching as Horatio stood down on the shore with a fishing pole in hand, Calleigh smiled as his familiar voice answered. Reaching for her drink, she smiled, "I was hoping you'd answer."

Caught off guard, Tim arched a brow and then looked to Emma as she continued to stir. Running a hand through his hair, he asked, "C- Calleigh?"

Taking a sip of her drink, Calleigh sighed, "Yeah, Tim…it's me. How are you doing?"

"I'm good…where exactly are you? Did you go home?" Still somewhat surprised, he walked closer to the window, staring out, "Are….are you okay? I never got a chance to talk to you before I left."

"I know, and I'm sorry about that. But, I'm okay…not a hundred percent yet, but, I'm getting there. Horatio took me to his place in the Keys so I could rest and relax some," she replied as she sat her drink back.

"The Keys…well, that sounds very restful." Turning away from the window, he walked back to Emma and watched her stir, "I'm glad that you're doing well, Calleigh. How long do you think you'll be there?"

Looking back out at Horatio, Calleigh shrugged, "Horatio took a week I think, so probably 'til the end of it. But, I don't know. He doesn't want me going back to work until I work a few more things out."

"I'm sure. He knows best," Tim answered back. He knew he was being short with her, but he couldn't help the feelings of disappointment that arose when he was denied access to see her. Smiling at Emma, he exhaled, "Um…Cal, I've got to go, I'm helping Emma with something, call me back later?"

"Oh, uh…I…I didn't know. Uh, sure, I can…" Calleigh said with a slight disappointment to her voice. Biting her lip, she then shrugged, "Bye Tim…"

Thinking about his reaction, he sighed and then stopped her, calling out, "Wait…wait a minute, Calleigh. Just give me a second okay?"

Shaking her head, Calleigh sighed, "Your daughter's more important then talking to me, Tim…that's how it should be. Go help her, we can talk some other time."

Tim sighed and inwardly chastised himself, but nodded. "Alright, Calleigh. Take care."

"Yeah…" she replied softly and then closed her phone back. Looking at it in her hands, she sighed and then got up, placing it onto the table and heading out to see Horatio.

Looking at the phone, Tim sighed heavily and then slipped it back into his pocket. Tim then looked to Emma, knowing the relationship between he and Calleigh would be strained.

Walking through the sand down to the shore in a pair of shorts and her bikini top, Calleigh pushed her hair back with her hand and stopped a little ways behind him, "Catching anything?"

Hearing the sound of disappointment in her voice, he turned to her, seeing the wilted smile. Shaking his head, he asked, "Bad phone call?"

Slipping her hands into her pockets and moving the sand around at her feet, Calleigh shrugged, "Tim…he was busy helping Emma with something and couldn't talk. No biggie."

"It's a biggie to you, sweetheart," Horatio responded, reeling in the line. Sighing heavily, he shrugged, "I wasn't very successful here in the least bit." Turning to her, he took in her attire and smiled, "But seeing you right now makes up for it."

Smiling some, she looked up at him, "Glad I could help with that then." Closing the distance between them, Calleigh looked out over the water, "It's so beautiful here…quiet, relaxing. Nothing like Miami."

Reaching to bring her closer, Horatio smiled and shook his head, "There's nothing like this that is remotely close to Miami. It's…serene." His hands caressed her back lightly and he arched a brow, "Have you given any thought to swimming?"

Watching as he set his pole to the side, Calleigh then looked up at him, "Are you going to join me, Lieutenant?"

Her skin was sun kissed and her hair blew with the sea breeze, revealing more of her dazzling smile that was surfacing more and more. His fingers tickled at her sides and around her back, causing her to laugh. Smiling more himself, he arched a brow, "If I do, will you make it worth my while?"

Smirking, Calleigh stepped back from him and unbuttoned her shorts. Sliding the zipper down, she then pushed the shorts down, stepping out of them and revealing the tong style bottoms to him. Cocking a brow, she pursed her lips with a smile, "Is this worth while enough?" Turning so he could see the small bikini from all angles, she then faced him again, "Well?"

Taking in her lean form, Horatio nodded appreciatively and rubbed his chin roughly, the arousal becoming very apparent. The teasing and the smile on her face pushed a surge of excitement through him and he shifted his weight unconsciously, as if weighing the outcome. When she finally faced him again, he smirked and then slipped off his shirt, reaching his hand out, "I'd follow you anywhere, beautiful."

Taking is offered hand, Calleigh smiled as he pulled her close to him. Looking up she reached up and removed the sunglasses from his eyes. Smiling more, she dropped them onto his shirt and then wrapped her hands around the back of his neck, "Much better now, Handsome."

Squinting in the sun he smiled widely, moving her hair out of her eyes, "Much better, huh? For you or for me?"

"Both…" she replied softly. Giving him a smile, her look turned mischievous and Calleigh lowered her hands to his bare chest and smirked, "Now, the question is…can you keep up with me?" Moving fast, Calleigh smiled and turned, taking off running down the shoreline, water splashing around as she went.

Startled only momentarily, Horatio took off behind her, gaining on her easily. Catching her by her waist, he hoisted her up in his arms and swung her around, the sound of her infectious laugh drowning his thoughts. If he'd only heard nothing else in his life, he'd be content. Once he stopped spinning her around, he set her down and held her close, the sea now plastering her blond hair to her skull.

"It's nice to hear you laugh again," he whispered softly as he gazed into her eyes.

"It feels good too," she replied as her hands rested against his chest. Leaning into him, she smiled, "I have you to thank for it though."

Covering her hand he dipped down to take her lips, kissing them softly. Parting from her, he smiled, "I have you to thank for the warmth in my heart now. I love you…"

"I love you…" she parroted as she gazed into his eyes. Glancing at the water, Calleigh nodded her head to the side and towards it, "How about that swim now, Handsome?"

"I'd love to," he answered letting her go. Watching as she waded out into the water more, his eyes fixated on her firm body and he sighed heavily the sight of her practically taunting him. Shaking his head, he smirked following after her, "Careful of the tide, Cal."

Wading out to her waist, she turned back to see him following and smiled, "It feels wonderful out here."

"You look like you're enjoying it," he answered gently as he came to rest behind her. Wrapping his arms around her, he settled his lips against her neck and sighed contently, "You're right though, it does feel wonderful."

Closing her eyes, her body leaned back against his and she placed her hands onto his forearms. Smiling, she tilted her head slightly, giving him more success to her neck, "We…we should do this…more often…"

"I agree," he whispered into her ear before dipping to nuzzle her once again. Her firm body against his provoked his arousal and he closed his eyes tightly, moving to part from her. Lifting his head, he gazed out into the ocean and smiled lightly, "It's beautiful out here…Calming."

Feeling his arousal and how he backed away, Calleigh turned to him and tilted her head, "When did you get this place? I've never heard you talk about it."

"It's one of the things I tried to keep private. When I wanted to disappear, this is where I come." He smiled and nodded, "It's yours, even without me. If you just feel the need to disappear, no one will know."

A small smile formed and Calleigh nodded slightly, "I might have to take you up on that offer."

"Good." Keeping his eyes on the water, he sighed and then looked down at her, "Want to swim some?"

"Well, that's what we came out here for," she smiled and then turned, going further out. When she got a little deeper, Calleigh dove from where she was, going under the water and the resurfacing a little further out. Turning and smiling as he did the same, she then turned and began to swim parallel with the shore.

Surfacing he could see her body breaking the waves, watching to make sure she stayed parallel to the shore. Assured that she was okay, Horatio dove again and swam deeper before coming up, stroking against the waves smoothly. Swimming in the ocean was such a soothing act that he forgot that he was out there with her. Breaking the surface to gather his air, he looked around and saw that he was alone. Crinkling his eyes, he turned again and ran his hand through his hair pushing it back.

Needing to get her bearings, Calleigh came up for air slowly, surfacing a few feet behind him. Taking a deep breath in, he called out to her just as she submerged under the water again. Closing the distance between them, she came up right behind him, pushing up out the water quickly and jumping onto his back, "Miss me?"

Startled he jumped, causing him to fall face first into the water. Fighting to surface, he could see her body righting itself and broke the surface to see her smiling face. Pushing his hair back and the water from his eyes, Horatio shook his head with a wide smile on his face, "You know it's not nice to sneak up on people."

Smiling, she pushed her own hair back and shrugged, "Now you know how we all feel at the lab when you do that to us."

"I don't intentionally sneak up on anyone. I just happen to walk softly," he answered as he gave her a cocked grin. A lock of wet hair fell and he turned to look out, seeing the fanning of clouds. "It looks like we may get some rain tonight. There goes my evening walk on the beach."

Looking in the direction he was, Calleigh then moved closer to him, "Well, we could always watch a movie or something."

"That sounds like a good idea. Maybe we can watch a movie while we eat tonight?" He glanced at her briefly, his eyes raking over her wet body and then back to the shore, "You ready to get out, or want to swim a bit more?"

"Actually, I think I'm gonna get me some sun before the clouds block out any chance I may have at a tan." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she smiled, "Care to put some lotion on my back when we get back up to the house?"

Remembering the conversation that seemed to have occurred eons ago, Horatio swallowed and then smiled, "Uh…as long as you're…um…comfortable with that. I'll be happy to help."

"I'm comfortable with you, Horatio. I trust you," she replied softly as she looked up into his blue eyes. Moving a stand of his wet hair back from his eyes, she whispered, "I'll always trust you."

Horatio smiled and held her by her waist, bringing her close, "Well then…yes, it would be my honor to help you." The waves began to crash against them roughly and he smirked, "Better get going before we lose the sun."

Giving him a kiss, she then took his offered hand and they began to walk back in towards the shore. Once out of the water, she waited as he got his fishing gear, shirt and sunglasses and she grabbed her shorts up. When they began to walk towards the house, she took in a deep breath and smiled, "I'm glad you convinced me to come here, Horatio."

"I'm glad you agreed to come. I just thought you'd need a little more time before going back to Miami." They walked slowly, meandering their way down the sandy shore until coming to the house. Gesturing to the fishing gear, he cocked his head towards the house, "I'll go put this up, get the lotion and meet me on the patio?"

"Okay." Separating and going different ways, Calleigh made her way up to the patio. Checking her phone and seeing she had a missed call, she checked to see who it was from. Seeing Tim's number, she sighed and closed it back, not really wanting to talk to anyone else at the moment. Grabbing the lotion off the table, she then moved the lounger some to a better angle and then laid it down fully.

Looking around and not seeing him, she then untied her top, taking it off and setting it under her chair. Laying down onto her stomach, she got comfortable as she waited for his return.

Stowing away the fishing gear, Horatio took a moment to compose himself, the images of her water laden body making it hard for him to concentrate. He knew what he was walking into with this, he just hoped that he could keep his desires contained. Running a stiff hand through his hair, he made way back out to the patio, seeing her lying on her stomach. A quick perusal of the area revealed that she was now topless and he steeled himself against the onslaught of images that now bombarded him.

Clearing his throat as so not to startle her, he smiled, "Starting without the lotion?"

"No, just thought I'd get myself ready for the lotion," she replied as she turned her head and looked up at him some. "You sure you don't mind?"

His brow wrinkled slightly as his eyes ran over her body, taking in the slender back that led to the shapely legs that were made strong by her daily runs and shook himself quickly, "Ah….no, I don't mind in the least bit." Moving closer to her, he reached for the lotion and then sat down, smiling, "Ready?"

"Yeah…" she said as she turned her head back and laid down fully. Closing her eyes, she smiled, "It's been awhile since I've been able to sunbathe."

"Well, I haven't applied lotion on anyone, so if I do something wrong, please…let me know." Opening the lotion, Horatio squeezed some into the palm of his hand and then rubbed them together, eying her back. He never thought that a back could be sexy, but as evidenced by the quick resurgence of his lustful desires, he was obviously wrong. Pushing those thoughts away, he warned, "Remember, I've never done this before."

"I'm sure you'll do just fine, Horatio." Glancing back at him, she nodded, "It's okay, I won't break."

Giving her a slight nod, Horatio's hands hovered right at her shoulders for a second before placing them down gently. The feeling of the warmth exuding from her skin was pleasant and he relaxed slightly, beginning to rub the lotion downward. Applying pressure somewhat, he swept over the broad planes of her shoulders, and then down her spine, stopping midway to grab the bottle of lotion. Applying more, he finished right at the top of her thong, gulping hard at the scantily there material. For long seconds, he stared before bringing himself back and then hesitating, knowing he would have to touch her lower.

"Calleigh…"

Keeping her eyes closed, Calleigh sighed, "You're doing great Horatio…but you need to get my legs and all too so they don't burn."

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Horatio applied more lotion to his hand and rubbed his hands together. The hesitation was longer this time, but before she could lift her head in question, Horatio's hands began to smooth the lotion over her firm globes, the feeling of her soft skin under his hand testing his threshold.

Moving quickly over them, he came to the middle of her thigh and stopped to gather more lotion. He stared at her body as he squeezed the bottle, seeing that she was completely at rest. The slow, rhythmic movement of her upper body was a sign that she was nearing a nap if not already there. Slathering on the lotion he slowly smeared the concoction over each of her legs, taking his time to go over every inch of them, relishing the feel of her tight muscles. Licking his lips, he breathed in deeply and then let them out at the completion, his hand lingering on her skin. Glancing back up to her, he could see that she was truly resting and he got up slowly as not to interrupt her.