CHAPTER 10: Cake

"Sara?" he asked. Gil nudged Sara. They had been wrapped around each other in bed for almost an hour after their first love-making. The skin to skin contact provided a new level of comfort and safety for Sara. "It's a little too early to sleep, do you want to get up and migrate to the couch?"

"Okay," she replied.

Sara rolled out of bed and slipped on her robe. She rummaged through her own drawer in Grissom's dresser and fished out some lingerie and a top. "I'll meet you on the couch."

Grissom came out into the living room wearing a loose pair of jeans, a flannel shirt, and socks. He checked the tv for movies they could watch and found a Bond flick starting in ten minutes. He had made a chocolate cake the day before, so he put on some coffee and cut two slices of cake.

Sara came out wearing her robe and slipper socks. "Cake, when did you have time to make a cake?"

"I have had a little extra time on my hands lately," he remarked.

Sara was not sure how much energy Gil had left, but she intended to find out before the night (morning) was over. For now, she was content to sit on the couch enjoying her coffee and cake, and curled into her lover. As the movie ended and another started, Sara began playing with the button on Gil's shirt. He was half aware of what she was doing until she sucked on his nipple through his shirt and stroked the other one with her fingers. She had never been free to just explore Gil's body and she decided to take time now to do just that. He was stretched out on the couch, cradling her body next to his, letting her fingers and mouth explore his beard, neck, shoulders, hands, and chest. He resisted the temptation to open Sara's robe. She had his shirt open and his chest exposed while she slowly plied kisses down his abdomen. When she reached his jeans, she took her time alternately unbuttoning and kissing as she went. Gil stopped her with a gentle pull back up to his chest. He let Sara roam freely above his waist, but he seemed suddenly shy. She could feel his body respond to her touch. As much as she wanted to explore Gil with her mouth, she slowed her response and looked into his eyes.

"Bed?" she asked, standing up and taking him by the hand.

He nodded.

In the safety of the bedroom, Sara backed Gil onto the bed. She worked his jeans off and opened his shirt, letting it hang at his sides. She hovered over him and allowed him to begin to undress her. They each took their time, using kisses and fingers to explore. Grissom was surprised when he realized the lingerie that Sara had worn hidden beneath her robe featured openings in various, convenient places. Neither engaged in oral sex, but their slow deliberate moves heightened this make out experience to a new level. When Gil couldn't stand it any longer, he reached for one of the condoms on his night stand. They climaxed together with Sara riding the wave of her orgasm and pinning his arms above his head. They each got up briefly to clean up and then fell into a deep sleep.

They were awakened around ten a.m. by Grissom's cell phone.

"Hey Nick, he answered. "Tonight? I think I can make it. I will call you back to confirm for sure."

Grissom relayed the message to Sara. Nick was having a BBQ at his home today around 6 p.m. and was inviting him. Grissom did not want to say yes unless it was OK with Sara. A few minutes later, Sara's cell phone rang out from the kitchen counter. She made a dash to grab it and told Nick that she would be happy to attend. Sara set her alarm for 2 p.m. and they fell back asleep.

When they woke, Grissom called Nick to say he would be attending and asked what he could bring. Nick also told him that Greg, Sara, Brass, and Warrick would be there along with his sister. Catherine and Lindsay were at a birthday party. As much as Sara wanted to attend, she told Gil that it would be hard to disguise her feelings for him considering that they had just made love all night long. He laughed, but was a bit concerned too.

They ate some leftover Chinese food, took separate showers, and were dressed and ready to go at 5:30. Grissom had pulled off all the sheets and was putting fresh sheets on his bed when Sara came out. She had to disguise few traces of beard rash with make up, so it took her longer to get ready.

"I should probably leave a little ahead of you," she said. "Are you okay to drive?"

Grissom nodded and told Sara that he was going to pick up some drinks at the store on the way over. He would arrive just a little after her. Grissom had been leaning against the kitchen counter and Sara came over and pulled him in for a deep, sensuous kiss.

"I am going to have some trouble keeping my distance tonight," he said.

"That goes double for me," she replied.

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By the time Grissom, arrived at Nick's house, Sara was opening the front door.

"The lab just caught a case at Lake Mead and they are short staffed," she reported. "I have been asked to come in and work it. I apologized to Nick. I am sorry Grissom."

"I understand," he replied. He lowered his voice and told her that he would call her later.

Grissom enjoyed the party. Nick cooked a mean Texas BBQ and his sister baked a delicious cake. Grissom thought of Sara the whole time, except when he accidentally walked in on Warrick and his girlfriend Tina, making out in Nick's living room. Then it made him want Sara even more. He said good bye to the team around nine, reassuring Greg that he would be back at the lab Monday night.

He called Sara as soon as he got in his car, but her cell phone was out of range and she did not hear it ring. He headed home and worked on the Sunday crossword, until she called him back.

A/N: Sorry for the delay in updating. I had too many versions of this chapter and I could not figure out the best direction to take. Thanks for reading!