Chapter 4

For Lisbon, the week wasn't going so slow. She found herself busy almost everyday, going out to catch up with old friends and to get to know new ones. Over the years working, she had forgotten what it was like to have a life besides work. She spent almost all of her time working on their cases, leaving almost no time for a social life besides for the ones she had with her colleagues. The problem was that even though her days were busy, she still found that she had nights all to herself, leaving her to her thoughts.

Though she didn't want to admit it, she couldn't help but think how the days dragged on before Jane came onto the team and even now when her days were ridiculously busy, they still dragged on without the blond-haired, blue-eyed man by her side. She was now actually coming to realize how much she enjoyed Jane's presence throughout the workday. Not only that, but how she felt like something was missing without Jane there with her. She mentally slapped herself for thinking these kinds of things considering she was his boss, but she couldn't help wondering if there was something deeper she was starting to feel for the pain-in-the-ass consultant.

Getting up from her spot on the couch, Lisbon made her way to the kitchen and took out a package of popcorn. Tonight was her Friday movie night and what was a movie without popcorn? While she waited for the popcorn to finish, she paced around her kitchen wondering what Jane was doing at this very moment. Then something broke her train of thought. It took her a second to realize it was the phone and without checking the caller ID, she picked it up. "Hello?"

"Lisbon. I need your help."

"Jane?" She ran over the words her boss had said to her. For her to not have any contact with her agents or any of the other agents in the CBI building. Luckily enough for her, Jane wasn't an agent. He was only their consultant. "What's wrong?"

"I'm a tad in over my head and I need some help."

She shook her head with a smirk playing on her lips. Only Jane would be in over his head without her guidance for a week. Well, looks like movie night is cancelled, she thought as she listened to the consultant on the phone.

Earlier that evening

Susan sat across from Jane in a fancy Italian restaurant. Not exactly what Jane was going for, but oh well. He was watching her lips as he thought about what he was getting himself into. Realizing finally that she was talking, he figured it would only be polite to listen to what his "boss" was saying to him.

"So, do you think I'm doing good as the replacement?"

"Yeah, you're doing great. Do you like working with the team?"

"Yes, very much so. I think we've clicked well, don't you think?"

"Mhm. Not bad at all. What are you going to do when Lisbon gets back?"

"Oh, I don't have anywhere to go exactly. I just wait for another position to open up for a replacement job."

"That must be tiring."

"I guess, only I don't like it so much. I want to be on a team pretty badly, or even lead my own team. I just haven't found any team that has liked me enough."

"Well, we like you enough, it's just that we have such a great team leader right now. But if anything should happen where we don't have our dear Lisbon in charge, then we would be glad to have you."

"Well thank you. I'll take that as a very high compliment for a man who doesn't always tend to like people. How good do you think I am in comparison to her?"

"Not bad. She's just a tad stricter about things. Lisbon is a by-the-books lady, if you know what I mean."

"So, she wouldn't wear anything or do anything like this?" she asked gesturing to her curly blond hair done up gracefully and navy blue halter dress that brought out her eyes.

"Not really her thing." She noticed how he didn't really react to her outfit, which held tight to her curves. She suddenly thought of one thing that could get his attention on her body. Slowly, she adjusted the front of her dress, revealing more cleavage. Watching him as she moved around, she was happy to see a reaction. Jane's eyes moved from her own down to her breasts as he gulped silently. She kept her face unreadable as his eyes met hers once more. He gave her a small smile and she returned it enthusiastically, making him blush.

"Oh, I see. She must be hard to work with then."

"Not at all. She's actually great to work with and I have to say it does brighten my day getting a rise out of her," he mentioned with a wistful look in his eyes. She was not what she wanted to hear.

"Well, we should definitely do this again."

"Yeah and have the team come along. They would love a night out like this."

"Or it could be just the two of us," she whispered with her eyes concentrating on his. She moved her hand and placed it on Jane's, causing him to still under his touch.

Getting uncomfortable, he knew he had to get out of there fast, but how? Trying to seem normal and calm, he squeezed her hand and responded with, "That would be great. Can you just excuse me for a minute? I have to use the bathroom." And with a quick smile he took off for the nearest men's room.

Pulling out his phone, he searched for Lisbon's number and dialed quickly, impatiently waiting for her to pick up. He didn't want to seem suspicious by taking to long. Luckily she picked up on the second ring.

"Hello?" He could hear the popcorn popping in the background. Friday movie night. He smiled realizing how much he missed his Lisbon.

"Lisbon. I need your help."

"Jane? What's wrong?" She sounded nervous since Jane never really needed her help.

"I'm a tad in over my head and I need some help."

"Okay. What do you need help with?"

"Before I tell you, I need to know whether or not you know Susan Mitchell, your replacement."

"Well, I've never met her face to face, but I know of her."

"Perfect. Okay, here's what I need you to do."

Author's note: What do you think? Sorry to leave it with such a cliffie, but it had to be done. Please review!

Thanks for reading!

hol