DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!

Ladies' Man

Ch 4

Parking in his usual spot, Tony quickly jumped out of the car to assist Maryann. He gently held her hand as he watched her step from her seat, catching an appreciative view of her thighs.

He placed her arm in the crook of his elbow and led her up the stairs to his door. He let her enter first. He was thankful that he'd cleaned the place the night before.

She glanced around taking in his astonishing collection of DVDs that filled an entire book shelf next to the television. The couch looked very comfortable with its plush cushions and numerous throw pillows. A kitchenette was hidden behind a small wall. Two doors led off a short hallway from the living room.

"I'd like to freshen up," she said softly.

Tony pointed to the door to the right. "Bathroom is through that door," he directed.

He watched her walk and shook his head, 'Okay DiNozzo. Let's do this your way." He went into his kitchen and found a bottle of wine he'd been saving for such a time as this, two wine glasses and placed them on the coffee table in front of the couch.

He chose a DVD and put it in the player. He poured the wine and sat back into the couch, his arm lying across the back with his left leg resting on his right knee.

When Maryann appeared he called her over with his hand smiling invitingly. She slinked over and sat delicately next to him settling into his side.

Using the remote Tony started the movie. He reached forward and handed her a glass then took his own. He clinked them lightly together in a mock toast. He pulled her close to his side and rubbed his hand down her arm.

"Do you treat all your lady friends this way?" Maryann teased.

Tony adjusted his hold around her to look into her face, 'Don't you like the movie?" he smirked. "Or is it the wine?" he asked wondering if he should've chosen something else to serve.

"Oh, no. They're both fine," she soothed. "I guess I was expecting more," she smiled flirtatiously.

Taking the wine glasses and setting them back on the table, Tony pulled her in close for another kiss. Again he felt himself wanting to give into his baser desires, but he really wanted this to be more than a one night stand.

Breaking off the kiss, he watched her struggle to keep things in motion. "Look Maryann," he tried to slow his heart rate, "I've been trying to figure out who you are for months. Now that we've finally met, I'd like to know who you are. And why you've been playing the evasion game with me."

It was her turn to smirk. "I wanted you to search me out. To know that you were that interested in me," she explained simply.

"So now that I have, you want to just skip everything and jump right into the action?"he asked curiously. Something in his gut was telling him this was more than it appeared.

Running her finger down the front of his shirt, she peered through her long eyelashes at him. "You have a problem with that?" she asked coyly.

Looking down then up to the ceiling Tony fought to find the words. Sure, normally he'd have carnal knowledge of his date. He almost discovered that on the dance floor. But he'd been enamored by her presence at the crime scenes, so he wanted more from her than a quick romp in the sack.

Maybe the problem was she didn't want anything but that. Could Tim have been right? She was just turned on by the cases and cared nothing about him? If so, he definitely wanted to find out. No woman was going to use him, unless he was a willing participant.

Sitting back on the couch Tony put a little distance between them. "Why don't you tell me about your work?" he asked nonchalantly.

She narrowed her eyes quizzically. "Seriously? You want to know what I do?" she seemed puzzled and a bit off balance at his questioning.

He looked at her waiting for an answer.

"Okay," she began, "I've been writing fashion articles for the Post for the past year. Before that I had an editorial in my town's own newspaper. It only had a circulation of about 100, so I moved out this way to make a go at something bigger."

"You enjoy fashion?" Tony asked. She was certainly a looker, but he sensed you had loftier goals.

"It's a foot in the door. I'm hoping to write up some more meaningful pieces and get a position as a staff reporter," she admitted honestly.

Tony contemplated the words and the determination set on her persona. His eyes glinted as he examined her more closely. "You want to use me for your gain?" he accused. He shook his head. "Of course," he said dejectedly.

"Now wait, Tony. If all I wanted was a patsy to get information off of, I could've chosen your coworker McGee."

Tony stood up in defense of his partner. "Tim's no 'pansy'! You'd be wise to refrain from saying anything more." He left her sitting there stunned as he went to get an ice water to help calm down.

It was taking him longer than she had the patience for, so she went to the kitchen to find him. "Look Tony. I'm sorry. It all came out wrong."

He looked at her filled with hurt and disbelief. He could really pick them.

"I mean it. I don't care if you talk about your job or not, though it does fascinate me. I'm attracted to you. Is that a crime Agent DiNozzo?" she tried to get him back to his less serious self.

"How can I know, Maryann? You played your game to get me to chase you and now you want to take the prize. At what cost?"

"Have I asked you for anything? Other than to take me places tonight?" she questioned him. "I've had married men flirt with me from a distance. Some times even closer in the night clubs. A girl has to be careful who she pairs up with."

"That's true," Tony conceded. "But I don't see what the rush for tonight has to be then."

Maryann blushed, "You turn me on. Your smile, your eyes, your hair," she stepped closer running her hand from the top of his head down to his jaw. "I've wanted to be with you since I first saw you months ago. I wasn't sure that you really felt the same way. I figured if you came to me and found me, the feelings would be mutual," she reasoned.

Tony chewed on her words weighing them for truth. His gut had eased up. Could he trust her?

"Okay Maryann. It's like this. I'm willing to believe you. Tonight I'd like to take you home and we'll make plans for later in the week. I need to absorb everything you said." He watched as her face fell, but she nodded in understanding.

"Whatever you need to do Tony," she relinquished. "I will let you lead this to wherever it lands us."

Tony gave her a genuine smile, "Very well. Let's get you home then."