Nine months later…
Jethro broke up with Hollis after she invaded his privacy and found out about Shannon and Kelly. The fact that she was pushing him into a relationship he wasn't sure he wanted didn't help either. Soon after the breakup Jethro met Maddie Tyler, Kelly's childhood best friend. While underwater he heard his daughter urging him to go back and live and that's what he decided to do. Jethro called up Naomi and asked her for an official date.
Naomi had completed numerous rape counseling sessions which helped her. She also had consultations with her physician regarding her surgeries to repair the damage. All of her surgeries went well; Jethro was there for each one and although Naomi said he didn't need to be, he was. She had one surgery left and it was a crucial one but it wasn't scheduled for a while so she didn't say anything to Jethro about it.
It was the day of her date with Jethro. Naomi entered her store feeling better then she had for quite a while and she was looking forward to an official date with him. She was ready for the day to begin and after a few minutes she had her first customer.
"I don't know if you remember me," the woman noted.
"Yes," Naomi replied, "You were the one from the church, Fiona Logan, correct?"
"Yes," Fiona replied. "You have a good memory."
"Well," Naomi leaned against the counter and studied the woman. "Considering that," she looked at the woman.
"What honey?" Fiona looked at her.
"My mother's name was Fiona," Naomi looked at her, "But my father said she died."
"Your father," Fiona looked at her, "Was a really difficult man."
"You know my father," Naomi was stunned.
"Of course," Fiona removed a picture from her wallet, "Does this look familiar?"
Naomi looked at the picture. She let her fingers run across the picture and looked at the woman standing before her. "I don't," Naomi looked at Fiona, "Excuse me." She ran down the hall to her office leaving Fiona standing there with Paula at the counter. Naomi dialed a number and waited.
"Yeah Gibbs," his booming voice made her feel comfortable.
"Hi," Naomi sighed.
"You're not cancelling are you?" Jethro asked.
"No," Naomi replied, "I uh."
"What's wrong," Jethro was on alert.
"Can you do a background check on someone without getting in trouble?" Naomi questioned.
"Why?" Jethro leaned forward in his chair.
"It's a long story," Naomi stated, "I will explain tonight."
"I have time now," Jethro was not only concerned but curious.
Naomi let out a nervous laugh. "Apparently I have a mother."
"Don't we all?" He replied, "Although mine died a long time ago."
"I thought mine did too," Naomi stated, "But she was in my store five minutes ago."
"Name," Jethro removed his pen from his pocket. "Fiona Logan, I will have McGee do a check for you. I will see you tonight."
"Have a safe day," Naomi stated as she disconnected the call.
Jethro greeted Naomi with a kiss that left her weak in the knees, "Someone had a good day," she smiled.
"Just looking forward to seeing you," Jethro replied.
Naomi placed a hand on his cheek and gave him another gentle kiss, "I have too." She looked in his eyes and smiled, "Jethro."
"What?" Jethro grinned pulling her close, "I can't help it I like you in my arms." He gave her another kiss. "Here," he pulled something from his pocket. "You might not like it."
"She's my mother," Naomi stated.
"Looks like it," Jethro looked at Naomi, "Did she ever say why she left?"
"I didn't ask," Naomi looked at him, "I saw the picture and walked away. All my life my father said that she had died."
Jethro sat next to her, "Talk to her see what she has to say."
"I don't know if I want to," Naomi fiddled with the paper, "I don't know that I can."
"You are the strongest woman I know," Jethro kissed her forehead, "You can handle this." He looked at his watch, "Ready for dinner?"
"Please," she stated. As they stood up she turned Jethro to her and placed her hands on his chest, "I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for being there."
"You're welcome." He kissed her "You've always been there for me too." Jethro caressed her cheek. "We'd better go."
"You're right," Naomi smiled holding hands as they walked to the door.
Jethro took Naomi to a small romantic restaurant. He was a perfect gentleman holding out her seat for her. They ate their dinner, sipped their wine and enjoyed each others company. Naomi looked around the restaurant and watched a few of the other patrons dancing. She didn't know how Jethro felt about dancing but she took a guess and the small frown crossed her face.
"What's the matter?" Jethro questioned.
"Nothing," Naomi looked at him.
"Yes there is," he squeezed her hand.
"Do you want to dance?" Naomi asked knowing his answer.
"What here?" Jethro looked around.
"They are," Naomi nodded in the direction of the other patrons.
"No," Jethro leaned in close, "I don't dance."
"With anyone other then Shannon," Naomi replied softly remembering their conversation on the beach.
"I don't dance," Jethro stated, "My feet aren't as coordinated as the rest of me."
Naomi didn't respond but just nodded. She wanted to dance and have Jethro be the one holding her but it wasn't going to happen. She sipped her wine not speaking.
"Naomi," Jethro waived a hand in front of her face, "You were a million miles away."
"Sorry," she did her best to smile.
"Thinking about your mom," He asked.
"No," She noted. "I'm a bit tired I guess."
Jethro saw the pain and hurt in her eyes. "Let's go," Jethro stated as he paid the bill.
"Jethro," Naomi replied hoping that he wasn't angry.
He pulled out her chair as she stood up. Jethro held open the door of the restaurant and the car. Naomi slid in the car worried about what was going to happen. She watched as he removed his jacket and entered the car. He turned to face her, "Naomi I care about you. You know that right?"
"Yes," Naomi swallowed hard.
"There are something's that,"
Naomi covered his mouth, "Don't say it please." She fought back the tears. "Just take me home, please."
Jethro started the car and drove to Naomi's home. She didn't wait for him to help her. She placed her key in the lock when she felt his hand on hers. "It's best we end it Jethro."
"End what?" He turned her to face him, "The date or us?"
"Whichever," Naomi turned away.
"Wait," Jethro pinned her against the door. "You want to end this because I won't dance with you."
"You won't dance with me, you won't curl up on the couch and watch a movie, you won't," he covered her mouth and looked into her eyes.
"I can't dance," he pecked her cheek, "At all. When we actually have time we will watch a movie together." Jethro kissed her passionately. "Better?" he grinned.
"I just thought that," Naomi breathed deeply, "You only did those things with Shannon and,"
"No," Jethro held her, "There's something we need to talk about."
"What?" Naomi questioned as she opened her door.
"A while back," Jethro noted as he placed his coat on the chair and followed her into the kitchen, "I was," he wondered how he would explain it to her, "Underwater."
"Underwater?" Naomi looked at him oddly as she made the coffee. He explained how he helped Maddie, ended up under water in a car and how Tony had to rescue them. "I saw Shannon and Kelly. My daughter," he cleared his throat, "Told me to go back, to live." Jethro watched Naomi's expression change and he pulled her close. "I have my memories with them, I always will." He lifted her face to his, "But we can make our own memories."
"We?" she could hardly speak, "Really?" Naomi smiled.
Jethro realized a while ago, when he interrogated the suspect in Naomi's rape, that he cared about her more then he ever expected to. "Yes," he pulled a mug from her cabinet, "Coffee smells good." He leaned against her counter sipping his coffee. "Do you think that you might want to get away for the weekend?"
"Weekend," Naomi walked slowly to Jethro, "Alone, just the two of us." She smiled, "I'd like that." She wrapped her arms around him and began kissing his neck, "Where should we go?"
Her kisses were driving him crazy, "Anywhere," he tried to speak, "You want."
Naomi began nibbling on his ear, "Anywhere I want," she whispered sending a surge through him, "How about a cabin in the woods."
"Uh huh," Jethro stated enjoying her sensual torture.
"Or a weekend at the beach," she let her lips slide across his jaw line, "Maybe we can escape to," Naomi stopped and pulled away. "What am I thinking?"
"What's wrong," he asked seeing her a bit upset.
"We can't," Naomi sighed, "You know be together until after the surgery."
"We don't have to have sex Naomi," Jethro tried to encourage her. "I just want time alone with you." He looked at her and before she could respond, "Yes I do want you but we can wait."
"I don't want to wait," Naomi stated, "I want to make love to you." She pounded her fist on the counter, "I hate this."
"Hey," Jethro reached for her but she pulled away.
"You don't understand," Naomi yelled, she sat on the couch. "I can have sex right now but I don't know if I wouldn't feel anything." She looked at him, "Anything." Naomi looked at him as he tried to register what she was saying. "I won't be able to feel," Naomi's face turned red, "You,"
"I get it," Jethro pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head. "We can wait until you're ready."
"Ready?" Naomi began to feel things crash around her, "I have one more surgery but," She looked at him with an expression he couldn't read, "If it doesn't work I will never be able to," she openly cried.
Jethro felt helpless. He had always been able to have sex and never gave much thought about the idea of not being able to feel the pleasure of it. "What can I do?"
She looked at him as the tears streamed down her face, "I don't know." She wiped her eyes, "I want so badly to." Naomi stood up as though an idea crossed her mind, "I'll be right back."
Jethro sat quietly on the couch aching for her. He wanted to jump right in and rescue her but this time he couldn't. He watched as Naomi walked towards him clutching something in her arms. "What's that?"
"Promise that you won't laugh," Naomi sat on the couch facing him.
"I promise," Jethro stated.
"I wrote this," Naomi handed him the book. "I want you to read it and tell me what you think."
"Sure," Jethro smiled. He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. Jethro looked at Naomi, "Now?" he questioned seeing something in her eyes.
"No," Naomi sat next to him. "Just be real honest."
"Of course," Jethro gave her a peck on the cheek. He looked at his watch, "It's getting late and I have an early day tomorrow."
Naomi watched him leave clutching the pages of her book as though they were his prized possession. She cleaned out the coffee pot, did a little work on her cards and went to bed.
Jethro crawled under the covers and removed his glasses from the end table. He positioned himself so that he could read Naomi's book.
He smiled at the dedication page: dedicated to my friend, my support, my protector and my love – J. L. Gibbs – thank you for everything. He looked at the words and one in particular stood out, love. She did love him. Normally that would make him shy away but it didn't maybe because deep down he felt the same way about her.
He opened the book and began reading. He thought maybe it was a book about a detective or some other work of fiction. It wasn't.
"I will never forget that night it changed my life forever." She wrote. "It was the night I was raped. The man invaded my home, did things to me that were unspeakable and yet I survived." He ran his fingers along the words, "I survived. He took away my ability to have sex leaving me unable to feel and unable to know when, well I shouldn't say anymore on that. What I can tell you is that when it was over I was alive."
Jethro continued to read the words on the pages and would occasionally wipe away a tear reading about her pain and her experiences. Jethro continued to read not wanting to put the book down.
"If you were ever sexually assaulted get help. Seek out counseling to help you get through this traumatic event. Allow others to help you but remember no matter what anyone says they don't know how you feel unless they have been there themselves."
"My boyfriend is a great man, he really is and he deals with real scumbags on a daily basis but he is clueless as to how I felt being raped. He wasn't there and he doesn't understand. He does, however, listen to me and comforts me when he can. I remember just after I was raped I was unable to sleep for very long and he would lay there next to me and just hold me; that made me feel safe. Knowing her was there for me gave me the courage to keep going. Granted we all can't have armed federal agents as our boyfriends (or husbands) but having that support is crucial."
Jethro read through the book and was amazed at what a great writer she was and despite the vulnerability she showed proved she was a very strong woman. He closed the book, removed his glasses and scooted down to a laying position.
Jethro lay there thinking about Naomi and let a smile cross his lips;"Admit it Gunny you care about her more then you expected to." Jethro rested his head on one arm while the other lay on his abdomen. "She's certainly got you in knots," he sighed. He replayed the events of the night and sighed heavily. He hated to admit it but he wanted her and wanting to take her away for the weekend would've meant sex. Not just sex, but sex with her. Jethro closed his eyes and pictured her in his mind, "Don't go there," he muttered, "Or you will have to figure out a way to ease the ache." He turned on his side hoping that would help him sleep but it didn't. He turned onto his back again becoming restless. "Damn," he said sitting up, "Another sleepless night." Jethro threw back the covers and was about to get up when he heard footsteps on his stairs. He reached for his gun and waited. Jethro saw a figure in the door way and was ready to make his move when he heard a familiar voice.
"Didn't your mother ever tell you that guns are dangerous?" Naomi questioned.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He asked placing his gun on the nightstand.
Naomi watched as Jethro turned on the small light by the bed. She walked towards the bed. "I couldn't sleep."
"So you thought you would break into my house in the middle of the night?" There was a bit of playfulness in his voice.
"I didn't break in," Naomi sat on the bed next to him smiling brightly, "You gave me a key remember," she held it up.
"So it's just entering," He smiled.
Naomi leaned in close and gave him a gentle kiss, "Yes." She placed a hand on his chest. "I also had something happen tonight I thought I might share."
"What's that," he looked at her.
"Well," Naomi smiled, "I was taking a shower and," she saw the look on Jethro's face, "I'm flattered but that's not why I am here." She turned and faced him. "I can feel." Jethro looked at her still not registering what she was saying. Naomi stood up and removed her coat.
Jethro looked at her and smiled, "Red," He ran his hand along the material, "Lace." It dawned on him, "You can,"
"Yes," She smiled, "That's why I am here. That is unless you're too tired."
"Me, tired," he questioned, "Naw." Jethro gave her a gentle kiss and pulled her close. They began making love both collapsing afterwards from pure bliss.
Jethro discreetly removed the condom as Naomi positioned herself next to him on the bed. She rested her head on his shoulder as she entwined her fingers in his chest hair, "That was absolutely incredible," she noted as she looked up at him.
"I didn't know you were that flexible," Jethro noted remembering a particular move.
"I didn't know," she kissed his chest, "That you could do that one little move and make me quiver like that." Naomi looked at the scars on his body, "I guess I'm not the only one that has scars." Naomi traced the scar on his left shoulder.
"Columbia, a grenade went off while we were on a recovery mission," Jethro stated with no emotion in his voice. Before she asked he shared the other scars with her.
Naomi scooted her body across his and kissed the wound on his left shoulder where Ari shot him. She then kissed his waist where he was shot in Europe then worked her way to his left knee. She could see by the look in his eye that it was bothering him. "You're hurting."
"A little," he replied not letting her know it was very painful.
"Just a minute," Naomi leaned over the bed exposing her back side as she reached for her bag. She laughed hearing Jethro let out a 'hoorah' as he touched her tattoos. She turned back to him holding a small bottle grinning. Naomi scooted herself to his lower body and grabbed his knee gently. She sat there rubbing something on his knee complete exposed and not concerned or embarrassed about it.
"God you're beautiful," he mentioned as he stared as her body.
"No I'm not but thanks," she looked at him.
"You're beautiful to me," Jethro smiled. "What is that stuff."
"Secret remedy," Naomi stated as she continued to massage his knee. She bent his leg to rub under the knee when she heard Jethro groan. "That hurt," she asked.
"Yes and no," He replied.
Naomi scanned his body and blushed. She noticed his arousal and giggled, "I see you can't be in that much pain." Naomi tried to ignore his moans as she rubbed his knee, "If I would've known that this turned you on I would've done it a long time ago." She continued to gently massage his knee then placed his leg flat along the bed. Naomi turned herself around on the bed and leaned in to place the salve on the nightstand when she felt his arm pull her to him.
"What are you doing," she asked as felt his arms around her.
"How does round two sound," Jethro kissed her neck as he pressed his chest against her back.
"Now," Naomi looked at the clock, "I guess it's not that late."
This time their love making had a lot more passion as their hands and lips explored their bodies. Jethro liked it when Beth was on top because he could see just how much she was enjoying it. Beth let out a sound as she climaxed that Jethro thought was that of a kitten purring. He let a guttural moan out as she collapsed on top of him both completely spent.
Jethro gently laid Naomi on her back as he pulled out of her. Naomi rolled onto her side as Jethro went to the bathroom to dispose of the condoms and to shower. A brief while later he leaned against the door jam wrapped in a towel as he watched Naomi sleep. The sheet barely covered her body and what did cover her made her look like an angel.
"You're watching me sleep," Naomi noted as she turned onto her back. She exposed her upper body but didn't seem to care, "Do you like what you see?"
"Yes," Jethro stated, "Always."
Naomi smiled and crawled out of the bed. She stood in front of him completely naked, "I will take a shower now." She started to walk away when she turned around. "Would you do me a favor?"
"Of course," Jethro smiled.
"I have a hard time washing my back and," Naomi looked away a bit disappointed, "Oh you've already showered."
"So," Jethro grabbed her hand and walked her to the bathroom. He sat her on the toilet seat as he ran the water, testing the water temperature as Naomi looked on. She wondered what he was up to when he turned to her. Jethro picked her up and lifted her into the shower, "Sit."
"A bath," Naomi looked at him.
"Yes," He replied smiling, "I want to do this for you." Jethro helped Naomi sit down in the tub as he dipped the washcloth in the water. Jethro removed his towel and crawled in behind her. He put some soap on the cloth and began washing Naomi's back. He turned her face to his when he heard something. "Are you okay?"
"No one has ever done this before," She cried. "I thought you would just wait until I needed my back washed but a bath."
Jethro pulled her close and kissed her cheek, "This is the least I can do." He let out a sigh, "Naomi," his voice was gentle and soft, "I read your book. It's very good."
"You liked it," she asked as he washed her back.
"Yes," Jethro cleared his throat, "I read the dedication page."
"Jethro I," Naomi heard him quiet her.
He seemed to whisper in her ear, "I know I do care for you very deeply more then I have for someone in a very long time." He kissed the top of her head. "You of all people know how hard it is."
Naomi turned her face to his and placed her hand over his mouth, "I love you. Those three words have always been hard for me to say." She looked at him with big eyes, "I don't expect you to say or feel the same way at the same time." She turned around and wrapped her legs around his waist. "Do you know why I left Mexico when I did?" Jethro nodded, "Because I was feeling things for you that I didn't have a right to. If I had stayed we wouldn't have healed." She placed her hands on his chest, "You needed to heal and I needed to walk away."
"Naomi," Jethro replied, "I do care you know that."
"I know," She leaned in and kissed his neck, "You just don't love me."
He lifted his face to hers and looked deep into her eyes, "I do."
"I guess those two words will have to do," She smiled feeling very secure about their relationship. "Now finish my back."
"Yes ma'am," he stated as he washed her back. Jethro lay back in the tub holding Naomi as she rested against his chest. He liked the feel of her body against his. Jethro ran his hands along her arms as he listened to Naomi breathe.
"Have you ever done it in the tub before?" Naomi asked as though it was just another question.
"No can't say that I have," Jethro noted.
"Me neither," she noted, "Doesn't seem like it would be too comfortable." She let out a sigh, "Where is the weirdest place that you ever had sex?"
"The back seat of my dad's car," Jethro replied matter of factly.
"Coat closet," Naomi giggled.
Naomi rolled over and seemed to float on her stomach. She blew a couple of bubbles in the water as her rich hazel eyes looked at him. He was exquisite even for a man in his late forties. His body was still very firm especially his stomach. Even though his hair was starting to silver there was still enough black in his hair to know he was still young. She took her hands and pushed her way up to his lips. Naomi kissed him simply at first then let her tongue tease his lips wanting entry into his mouth.
Jethro obliged kissing her passionately as he pulled her close. He felt her hands caress his body as he held her at the small of her back. He moaned as he felt her hand on his appendage making him hard. Naomi wrapped her legs around him as he entered her. They began to move in unison splashing water against the tub. Naomi seemed to be possessed as she rode him. He could hear her moan as they continued to make love. Jethro buried his face in her chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck. They could feel the end near. Naomi held his neck tight as he made her climax feeling her body shake with release.
"Now I can say," Naomi replied breathless, "That I have done it in a bathtub."
Jethro let out a hearty laugh, "Me too."
Naomi was the first out of the tub wrapping a towel around her. She pulled the lever to release the water as Jethro made his way out of the tub then walked into his bedroom. "It's late," Naomi looked at the clock. "I'd better go."
"Stay," Jethro replied, "I get up early I will wake you."
"Are you sure?" she looked at him. "I know that sometimes after sex men just want to be alone."
"We didn't have sex," Jethro smiled, "We made love and I am not your average man. I like you next to me."
"Okay then," Naomi stated as she removed the towel and lay on the bed. She threw the sheet over her then patted his side of the bed, "Well," she asked as he stood for a moment.
"Promise me," Jethro walked slowly to his side of the bed, "No more tonight I am spent."
"I promise," Naomi stated. She turned on her side as Jethro got under the covers. He reached for her but she seemed to pull away. He hoped he didn't hurt her feelings so he waited a few minutes before trying again. He touched Naomi's arm and she rolled over and flung an arm onto his chest as her leg rested in between his. She rested her head on his chest breathing deep as she slept. Jethro feeling her body against his closed his eyes and slept as well.
"Coffee," Jethro stated as he awoke to the smell of the hot brew.
"Yes," Naomi stated as she carried a tray towards him. "I made you breakfast."
"Smells incredible sweetheart," Jethro replied.
"Sweetheart," Naomi giggled, "I like the sound of that." She placed the tray in front of him as he sat up. "I hope you like omelets," she replied.
"I do," he smiled, "This is a real treat."
Naomi sat on the edge of the bed, "I have to go." She smiled, "Thank you for making me feel special."
"You are special," Jethro replied as he sipped his coffee. He looked at his watch, "O five hundred."
"I let you sleep in an extra half hour," she ran her fingers through his hair, "Don't be mad. You've already showered and I figured you got enough exercise last night."
"I'm not mad," he noted stretching, "This is great," he smiled as he cut into the omelet. "Do you really have to go?" Jethro looked at her, "Did you at least eat something."
"Yes I have to go," she sighed, "No I didn't eat. I will grab a bite later."
"No you will eat now," He put a small piece of the omelet on a fork and put it to her lips. Naomi knew he wouldn't give up so she took a bite. Jethro shared his breakfast with her alternating bites. After their meal was done Jethro removed the tray and threw back the covers exposing his muscular frame. Naomi was surprised that he was comfortable being completely exposed in front of her. "What?" he questioned as he looked at her.
"Nothing," Naomi smiled, "I'm just amazed at how comfortable you are being nude considering you're such a private person."
"I am very private with my life," he kissed her cheek as he sat next to her; "My body is a different story besides I am comfortable with you."
"I'm comfortable with you too," Naomi noted, "I have a confession."
"What's that," Jethro asked as he sipped his coffee.
"I am a bit of a closet nymph," she spoke softly. Naomi let a grin slide across her face, "Does that surprise you?"
"No," Jethro replied not being phased by what she said. "After last night I would have to agree." She playfully slapped his arm, "Ouch," he joked.
"I have to go," Naomi stood up then leaned in to kiss him. As she bent over Jethro was able to see down her negligee. She smiled as she traced where his eyes were focused. "That should keep you going for most of the day."
"Yeah," Jethro cleared his throat and quickly threw the covers over his slight erection.
Naomi smiled glad she had an effect on him. "Call me later," she asked.
"Of course," Jethro stated. He grabbed his boxers and quickly threw them on as Naomi grabbed her things. "I'll walk you out." Jethro unlocked the front door and then turned to Naomi. "Drive careful," he leaned in to kiss her.
"Please be safe," She placed a hand on his cheek. There was something in her eyes and he couldn't tell if it was worry, concern or fear.
"I will," he kissed her hand.
Jethro walked into the squad room a short while later carrying his coffee. He turned the corner and saw Jen at the top of the stairs. She motioned for him to come up. After removing his coat Jethro grabbed his coffee and bound up the stairs. He entered her office feeling like he owned the world. "You're in early. What did you need," Jethro asked wondering why she needed him.
"Doug Miller was killed," Jen let a grin slide across her face.
"How" Jethro asked.
"Apparently he was on his way to the laundry and," she smiled.
"Naomi will be happy," Jethro stated.
"You and she," Jen questioned.
"Yes," Jethro replied. He looked at Jen, "You promised you wouldn't interfere."
"I'm not," Jen noted, "I just want to make sure that you are happy."
"I am Jen," Jethro replied. There was a look on his face.
"I'm glad that she makes you happy," Jen smiled. "How is she by the way?"
"Good," Jethro noted, "She wrote a book about her experience and she has one more surgery."
"A book" Jen questioned. "I would like to read it."
"I'll ask her," Jethro replied. "Thanks for the information on Miller. I will let Naomi know."