Title: Late night conversations

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: see part one

It was nearly five by the time Abby rinsed the tea pot out and placed it in the sink. Despite the lack of sleep Abby felt good. Not exactly wired like too much caffeine but well just good she couldn't really explain it. She knew part of it was the chemistry between her and Buck. Actually that was probably a lot of it. They just clicked and enjoyed each other's company. She returned to the small table and sat studying Buck. He'd been quiet the last ten minutes or so. It looked like he was a million miles away and she wondered if he was reliving the plane crash rescue. It'd been hard enough on her end with Annie and her husband who hadn't survived. Being in the water had to have been hell.

"I've listened to that recording since the crash."Abby stated breaking the silence. "It still breaks my heart."

"You brought him comfort you know."Buck responded seemingly to shake his reviere. "He got to say goodbye not a lot get to do that."

"I know."Abby replied quietly. "It's just..."

"Sad."Buck finished.

Abby nodded. After a moment Buck glanced at the clock and stood.

"I should head home."Buck stated quietly. "I've taken up enough of your time."

Abby hugged him.

"That's what I'm here for."The 911 operator said with a smile.

Buck saw a stray hair had caught around Abby's glasses. He gently reached over and freed it tucking it behind her right ear. Buck allowed himself to let his hand feather her right cheek. He smiled seeing her close her eyes at the touch. It was too tempting; he had to kiss her. He'd deal with the consequences later. Buck leaned down and captured Abby's lips with his. He gave her a chance to pull away and was happy when she did not. Buck deepened the kiss and wrapped his arms around Abby pulling her into an embrace. He wasn't sure how long they stood there kissing until he heard footsteps behind them.

"I can come back in half an hour."Carla commented. "Or later."

Buck laughed as he and Abby broke apart.

"Morning Carla."Buck said as he stepped away from Abby and pulled his jacket off the back of the chair.

"Hi Carla."Abby said.

"I see you two had a good morning."Carla stated with a grin as Abby blushed. "I'll just go check on Patricia."

"Thanks."Abby said with a smile then glanced at Buck. "I'll walk you out."

Once outside Abby was surprised that the awkwardness that had been there when they were interupted was gone. She thought they'd be like two teenagers after a first kiss but that wasn't there. For that Abby was grateful.

"I don't regret that."Buck commented quietly.

"I don't either."Abby replied as she reached up to lightly touch Buck's right cheek. "I just don't know what do to with this thing between us."

Buck kissed Abby softly and then stepped back pulling out the keys to his jeep.

"We can see where it goes."Buck said with a wide smile as he stepped onto the sidewalk.

Abby pulled her robe tighter around herself against the predawn chill. She watched as Buck got into the jeep and drove away. Closing her eyes Abby let her head fall back against the door. She might as well admit to herself that she was falling for Buck despite her best efforts not to. With a sigh Abby opened her eyes turned around and went back inside.

end