Gibbs' suggestion—"getting away from it all…"-was perfectly coordinated. To the surprise of the team, Gibbs informed that he was going out of town the evening before the trip. Suzanne, he noticed, deserved a much needed break from both work and school. The suggestion was just for his "girl." He planned little for the excursion, just a dinner in town and enjoyable walks in the fall foliage. Instinctively, Gibbs detected something "hinky," as Abby would say. He developed one theory but was uncertain. Besides, he was certain that he finally met his challenge in feminine form. She followed rules of conduct, just like Gibbs. Suzanne possessed discipline with guidance from observing the team and her own father. Another admirable but frustrating quality: intimacy. She never really let her guard down for anyone.

The goal was to learn more about Suzanne—emotionally and physically. Gibbs remembered a song lyric that succinctly summarized the two: "the best is yet to come." Maybe the weekend getaway at his cabin would convince her to trust him.

Gibbs arrived at Suzanne's place promptly at 11. Instead of driving the treasured muscle car restored by his father, the pickup truck was the better choice for a cabin retreat. It was also cozier because of its one long bucket seat. They sat an appropriate distance from another while in the area. Once the two left for rural roads, Gibbs' right hand cupped Suzanne's shoulder throughout the ride, eventually pulling her towards him. He slipped a CD inside the player, not knowing if Suzanne enjoyed his music, let alone recognize the artists. The ride was so quiet that Suzanne fell asleep on his shoulder! He recognized a song and sang along at the key part, gently stroking her hair.

"Someone like you make it all worthwhile. Someone like you, make me satisfied; someone exactly like you." Gibbs pulled into the rocky driveway. He tenderly kissed her forehead. Suzanne's eyes opened.

Hi, there, Sleepyhead." He chuckled. "We're here."

Gibbs came to Suzanne's side and opened her car door. He took her hand and assisted her out. Suzanne stood and looked while Gibbs removed items from the bed. She realized the cabin was a big deal. Once, she overheard Tim and Tony reminisce of the time they lured Gibbs back to command and chuckled at their description—a truly rural cabin. "There's nothing for miles!" It was simple, handmade and tended. No cable antenna, no internet service. The woods surrounded the cabin, close to a creek. The brown and yellow leaves falling from the sky only complimented its beauty.

"Your thoughts?" Gibbs walked behind Suzanne, pulling her in closely, his hands wrapped around her waist. From her hair and throughout her body, she smelled of lavender.

"It's beautiful."

"Not quite." Gibbs turned Suzanne around. "You're beautiful." Suzanne coped with compliments in her fashion—not taking them well. She looked down. Gibbs tilted her face to meet his. The mid-afternoon sunlight complimented her earth tone brown skin and hair. He affectionately stroked her cheek and hair. "I wish you could believe it for yourself, Suz." Gibbs kissed her lips briefly. Afterwards, he smiled.

Hand in hand, Gibbs and Suzanne walked towards the cabin. For a moment, they listened to the silence. It was the first in their courtship: the whispering of sweet nothings. Was saying that a mistake? Gibbs questioned his gut. Then again, what type of girl doesn't like a compliment? Her silence didn't help at all. If I could tell by her face…

Gibbs turned and noticed a down her face. Midway to the cabin, she stopped.

"I need to take a walk...alone." She let go of Gibbs' hand.

"Suz?"

"I'll be fine." Suzanne walked towards the water alone. The tears increased as she walked; Suzanne realized she was falling for Special Agent Gibbs. There was no turning back.

Though not an everyday cook, he took the initiative of cooking dinner during the time. With some ingredients, he created a homemade stew.

"Looks good…" Gibbs commented. He waved the aroma towards his nose. "Smells okay, not as great as hers..." For two hours, Gibbs merely watched from the cabin. He chuckled at the fact that woman opened his senses. She was, indeed, special. Gibbs felt romantic. He discovered it was him humming a love song, cooking a dinner for two.

The coolness of the fall came at sunset, and her only warmth was a sheer long-sleeved shirt. Her jacket was inside the truck. Gibbs walked towards the dock, placing his jacket around her. He embraced Suzanne, stroking her hair.

"I never had anyone call me beautiful and meant it…" Suzanne whispered.

"Except your daddy."

Suzanne nodded. "I always thought there was a catch with men."

"Not with real men." Gibbs looked in Suzanne's eyes. "And there's no catch." He kissed her sweetly, tenderly on the cheek. There was a slight twinkle in his blue eyes, inspecting every inch of Suzanne. Her shyness kicked in, causing her to bury her face in his chest. Gibbs gently lifted her head.

"It's whenever you're ready…for more." Gibbs whispered. "I realize you have a lot on your plate."

"Thanks, Gibbs." Suzanne smiled.

Gibbs extended his hand to hold Suzanne's. The two walked towards the cabin. The friendly banter that first ignited their interest returned.

"Now, you need to think of a nickname for me, since I'm your boyfriend…"

"You're not my boyfriend!" Suzanne laughed. "You're my friend, but you're a man."

"Uh huh." Gibbs answered. "I was thinking of calling you 'Sugar'."

"How about I just call you Gibbs?"

"You've always called me Gibbs!" He laughed. I guess it's better than 'that bastard.'"

Gibbs and Suzanne laughed. They continued their walk towards the cabin. The weekend forecast for the two: plenty of laughter and sharing. So far, so good, they both thought.