Ch 16 Back to Work
Alex stopped short, eyeing Birkhoff's computer lab with shock and disbelief. Everything had been cleared out, the shelves and workstations gone and the place where his sofa and video console had stood empty. Overwhelmed by a sudden feeling of loss, it dawned on her that no longer could she look forward to seeing him or hearing his voice at any given point of her workday. He was gone, and by the looks of things it seemed Division was eager to move on without him. Ever since signing in at the gate she'd noticed how busy things had gotten here, even overhearing two recruits complain how boring their new computer teacher was without even mentioning or questioning Birkhoff's absence. Operations seemed to be running smoothly in the hands of his co-workers, but her first stop there was cold and lifeless without him. She'd wanted to cry out in protest "what's the matter with you people?" and chastise the powers that be for how they'd treated him. Instead she'd held her tongue, fearful of arousing any suspicion concerning her feelings for him.
Forget it, a voice warned within her. He's your husband now, and tonight he's picking you up to take you home with him.
She glanced over at the place where he'd sat pounding his brow in frustration as he worked on the problem with the black boxes. Echoes of his conversation with the engineer reverberated in her mind, though the silence of the cavernous room was broken only by the quiet hum of his dorm refrigerator. This was where she'd spied on them, and eventually seen Birkhoff's face transform with a sudden wide smile that had taken her breath away. Yet when she thought of what had happened to the engineer and how he'd reacted she shuddered at the memory.
Switching her thoughts to their goodbye this morning, she smiled at a much more pleasant memory of watching him sleep, his expression relaxed and making him look much younger. In the pre-dawn light she'd bent to kiss him gently on the lips, but he'd stirred and smiled up at her with a sleepy expression. While he'd stretched she'd stood watching, overcome with a joy that was foreign to her. In that moment she'd realized that they were a family now, and that they belonged to each other—which had made it even harder to leave him for work. He'd caught her hand and held it, closing his eyes with a sigh while she barely resisted the urge to lie back down next to him.
"See you Friday," he'd whispered, a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. She'd planted her hand upon his bare chest and kissed him again, whispering "til then" before straightening and turning to leave.
Sighing softly, she wondered how she'd make it through the rest of the week until she could meet him. Just a few days spent with him had changed her forever, and she didn't know how to readjust.
"I see you found your way down," Amanda stated, startling her. Turning abruptly, she stared at her new boss' face, unlit behind a cold smile.
"Yeah, after a few wrong turns," she stated with a shrug. "The guard's directions weren't very accurate."
Amanda frowned. "What guard?" she demanded softly, tilting her head to study her. "This is a restricted area, off limits even to Security. I expected you to pull up the blueprints on your monitor and find your way without anyone else knowing."
"I'm sorry, I was running a little late—traffic, you know," she lied, hoping she wasn't blushing at the memory of what she and her new husband had done an hour before she had to leave for work.
"Which guard directed you here?" Amanda repeated, her mouth still pinched in disapproval.
"The one manning Operations," she answered, trying not to flinch beneath that cold gaze. "I figured he was ok to ask, so I explained the fact that you wanted me to meet you here in the clean lab. He said he'd never heard of it, but if it really existed it must be on sublevel C, and here I am," she smiled, holding up her hands in surrender, "reporting for duty as usual."
"I see," Amanda mused, her eyes firing with banked emotion before her gaze swept the room. "Well as you can see we've made some changes here at Division."
"I see that."
Amanda eyed her suspiciously. "I assume you've heard of Percy's unfortunate demise?"
She nodded. "Yeah, it was running in a loop on the flat screen in the lobby—do you know who did it?"
Amanda shrugged. "That, I'm afraid, is something no one will ever know. He had many enemies so your guess is as good as mine. But I'm in charge now, and I've begun overhauling everything, including staff—which leads me to the point of our little meeting..."
Alex studied her expression, trying not to be intimidated by the fact that Amanda towered over her on her 4" heels. "What's on your mind?"
Amanda smiled in such as way as to make her skin crawl. "A new personnel policy, for one thing. You see, unlike Percy I'm much more interested in interpersonal relationships. One glaring discrepancy which I'm intending to correct is management's relationship with Operations. I've decided to work more closely with Birkhoff from now on, hence the move of this lab up to the same level as Operations. When he returns from leave I'm calling a meeting with all Operations staff to go over the changes."
Telling herself to act normal she frowned in response. "Birkhoff's on leave again?" she complained, shaking her head. If she feels guilty about what she did to help Percy whip him, it sure didn't show.
"He needed it," Amanda explained. "Percy never understood him, I'm afraid. Just because Birkhoff has advanced intelligence and skill doesn't mean he's a machine. All that stress and lack of rest takes its toll on a person."
"I'll bet," she croaked, managing to keep the bitterness from her tone. Turning away so that Amanda couldn't see how angry she felt, she walked toward the refrigerator and bent to open it. Empty. "So why meet here if the place is going to be empty?"
"Ah but it's not going to stay that way," Amanda smiled, coming to her side. "I'd like to redesign it, and I've decided to have you head up a committee of recruits to plan and decorate a rec hall. You know, a place where they can relax and have some fun during free time. As you can see, it's quite a large space and offers a home away from home so to speak. Your operating budget will be substantial, if that makes the job any more appealing."
"But I'm living off-site now, scheduled for field ops," she sighed, glancing around the room as if interested in the project. "I'm not sure how I'd find the time."
"You can begin by holding interviews," Amanda encouraged. "I've already run a background data search and have a list of the most creative and qualified recruits. All you have to do is choose the committee, appoint a chairperson and oversee the work from time to time. I can keep watch myself, but I really feel that putting you in this mentoring role will be beneficial for all. The recruits respond well to you and it could be a creative outlet for you. Certainly your field work will take priority after your new position in Operations of course."
Alex eyed her closely. "What new position?"
Amanda crossed her arms and smiled. "I want you to be Birkhoff's executive assistant while I oversee things. I plan on being very closely attuned with Operations from now on. His lab is already in the process of being set up next to Operations, so that he won't have to come all the way down here for performing diagnostics and analyses. We'll all work together in closer proximity. Furthermore, in his absence I need you to take charge."
Horrified at the changes in her status now that she was planning on getting out, Alex shook her head. "I really think you need to get someone more qualified for the job. I have to be honest about that."
Amanda stiffened a bit though she smiled coolly. "Birkhoff trained you and recommended you very highly to me, as did the other techs in Operations."
"But I've only worked there a few days—"
"Don't worry, once Birkhoff's rested and back on the job he'll continue your training. You'll see, things will run much more smoothly," Amanda reassured her. "By the way I think it was very unfortunate that Percy canceled the engineer—he and Birkhoff had already forging what seemed to be a solid friendship, one that could have benefitted Division immensely. I believe friendship has been sorely lacking here, although you and Birkhoff seem to work well together. I'd like to encourage cooperative interactions and friendships among staff and so benefit Division and everyone who is part of it."
"He is a friend," Alex admitted carefully. "I do have one question though, knowing how particular he is about his equipment. Won't he rather have been in charge of the move, and this kind of change?"
"Oh I'm not worried about how he'll react," Amanda smiled. "Granted, he may be upset at first that he wasn't here to supervise—he does have a bit of a temper, which I'm sure you've noticed."
She nodded. "Yeah, especially when he's teaching class."
"I'm sure he'll adjust given time. You can help him make the transition, Alex, as his friend. But let's worry about that when it comes up. We need to get back upstairs so that I can announce your promotion to the others in Operations."
"Fine," she sighed, following her toward the door. "I don't have any field work scheduled for this week."
"Well that may change," Amanda stated, pulling open the door. "By the way, how's the new apartment?"
"Fine…I love it," she smiled, picturing instead her new husband sleeping naked in their hotel suite. "I still need more time to organize things and finish unpacking."
"Of course—in fact, finish out the week and take Monday and Tuesday off," Amanda ordered with a smile as they started down the hall. "Don't worry—you'll be busy with field work soon enough."
"Really? I can take the time off?"
Amanda eyed the elevators and nodded. "Of course—Birkhoff should be back that Wednesday as well."
"Thanks," Alex smiled, suddenly inspired. "You know, I always thought you should be running Division, instead of Percy."
Amanda eyed her, looking pleased. "Really?" she breathed, her expression softening. "That's nice to hear, Alex."
"This place needs a woman's touch," she added, leaning forward to press the Up button. "You've always made me feel at home here," she lied.
"I'm glad you feel that way, Alex," she nodded as the chimes pinged and the doors opened. They stepped inside and stood shoulder to shoulder, watching the doors close before they started up.
"Division has a whole new future," Amanda stated, eyeing her. "Percy was out of control, always going off on tangents and distracted by his greed for power. I on the other hand intend to steer Division back into its safe harbor. I think everyone will be much more satisfied, don't you?"
Alex forced a smile and glanced back up at the floor indicators. "I'm sure they will."
Speeding toward Operations they waited in silence, Alex reminding herself that this was only temporary. In just a few nights she would rendezvous with Birkhoff at a midtown parking garage, where he'd pick her up and take her to their new home. Then she would finally be free of Division, if their plans went accordingly. Her spirits lifted in anticipation, though she missed him even more than she had imagined. It was going to be wonderful, staring a new life together—a life of freedom, for a change.
Birkhoff planted his hands on his hips, sighing as he took final inventory. Two days had passed since he'd passed papers and taken ownership of the house. All orders had been placed and delivery of all their furnishings had been accomplished. He'd set up the security system and installed the components for Shadownet and Shadowbox until full operations were already humming. But he'd slept poorly and caught himself talking to himself, so Alex's return couldn't come too soon for him. Exhausted and missing his new wife, he could hardly wait to pick her up in the city and bring her back home with him tonight—for good.
"Wait till you see this place, Princess," he murmured, strolling toward the windows to enjoy the view. Squinting into the sunlight, he noticed streaks of pollen along the upper edges of the bulletproof glass and made a mental note to put in a call to have them washed. Interrupted by the angry growl of his stomach, he realized he hadn't eaten since early morning and turned to grab the phone. Strolling into the kitchen area, he picked it up and punched out the number of the cleaning service.
"Ah yeah, this is Daniel Cahn," he stated, amazed that they'd answered in person. "Yes, the new client… yeah, the place looks great. I did happen to notice that the windows need a good washing—you do exteriors?"
He listened to the pause, wincing when he was quoted the price. "Ah, that's a little high…no one else in the area, huh?...ok fine—let's do it. When do you think you can get here? …No tomorrow morning's too late. It's gotta be today."
Don't want anything interrupting our reunion, he thought with a smile. After all, they were technically still on their honeymoon. Bad enough that Alex still had to report in to Division the rest of the week.
He listened to the suggested dates, sighing in relief when they promised to come and leave before dark.
"Good. I appreciate it…yes, I'll be waiting. See you soon."
Signing off, he glanced back at the dark forest beyond their floor-to-ceiling windows. Just then his stomach growled again. "Ok I need to eat, and I don't suppose anyone will be delivering up here," he realized, regretting that one inconvenience of living far above the town. "Guess it's time to check out the buttery."
Pulling open the refrigerator door, he reached for a bottle of ale and unscrewed the cap, quenching his thirst with a few swallows as he eyed the sparse supplies he'd picked up after getting the house keys.
"Scrambled eggs it is," he declared, taking out the egg carton and margarine container. Opening the sliding drawer he pulled out a package of grated extra sharp cheddar and the milk, setting everything on the counter. Turning on the burner, he set out the omelet pan and searing it with a bit of margarine, mixing the ingredients while it warmed up.
As he prepared his one meal he noted the silence of the house, feeling lonely again when normally it wouldn't have bothered him. He'd been single for so long it surprised him that Alex's absence bothered him so much. But now that he'd tasted the nectar of her kiss and made love to her he was hooked. It had been hard to sleep alone since enjoying the pleasures of married life, though Alex called him every night since they'd been separated, talking long into the night until her voice sounded too sleepy. She said she missed him too, and he had to admit the sound of her voice had been somewhat of a comfort. But he had also been a frustrating, its arousing huskiness making him toss and turn for hours afterward. Maybe they shouldn't have exchanged so many ideas on how to demonstrate how much they'd missed each other once they were back together again.
Clearing his throat and forcing his mind to the present, he slid the eggs onto a plate and reached for a fork. Strolling toward the windows he started eating his lonely dinner, picturing her working for Amanda and heading up operations in his presumed temporary absence. The thought of her being there, even with Percy gone, made him worry and pray that she'd finally get out safe without anybody suspecting their connection. He'd made sure that her new identity remained hidden and uncompromised, her old one prematurely entered into the canceled agents list but coded until he unblocked its security. The false tracker he'd sent into the mainframe was operating from the watch he'd given her, into which he'd embedded a new signaling code to cover her while at Division and prevent anyone from discovering that she was in reality offline. When her first op came up she'd make a break for it, never returning. They had yet to plan her so-called demise while out in the field. He only hoped they'd send her to some less sophisticated intelligence community and make it easier.
"We'll get you covered, Princess," he whispered, setting aside his plate as he saw the van drive up to the gate. Pressing the buzzer, he opened it and stepped out onto the deck to watch their approach. The van pulled up and stopped while he watched. Two college-aged guys climbed out, looking up to salute him before climbing up to unhook their ladders. They'd need scaffolding to reach the higher level, but judging by their quick movements it wouldn't take them long. He waved backhandedly and went back inside to clean up. As soon as they finished he'd start out, eager to collect Alex and bring her home.
Nikita stared at her monitor, hardly believing what she was seeing. Her heart thumped wildly as she smiled and slowly got up. Blindly reaching for her cell phone, she felt for the speed dial number and hit it, waiting as he eyes scanned the breadth of the monitor. The ringing stopped after two rings, then clicked to transfer to voice mail.
Frowning and pulling the phone from her ear, she stared at the number displayed on its screen, listening to his bored-tone outgoing message.
"Dammit!" she hissed, smiling despite herself at his message.
"You've reached Shadownet—yeah right, just kidding—this is Birkhoff. If you are so inclined leave a message and I might get back to you, depending on my current mood. Telemarketers be warned: if you have a recorded message for me or speak with background static you will experience a reverse call deletion tone, happily blocking you from calling this number ever again. Adios amigos!"
"Ok Nerd, now that you've had your fun call me back," she ordered good-naturedly. "And don't ignore me again—we've been trying to reach you for almost a week and no kidding—I will track you down if you don't."
Hanging up, she sighed and leaned both hands on the edge of the desk, studying the poor quality motion-capture image with a surge of hope. "I've got some work for you to do, Seymour and trust me you'll find it very rewarding."
Owen had met with her briefly just this morning, stating he had a hunch about who was going to replace Percy, now that the guardians were without a direct supervisor. They were scheduled to meet tomorrow night, making contact with a legal representative who held in hand Percy's last will and testament. Owen was sure that his replacement would be named, and no doubt it would be one of the members of Operations. He also suspected Roan of being the hit man, especially since the cleaner had more or less disappeared from the face of the earth without a trace despite the guardian's efforts to locate him.
Michael was finishing his last day at Division before flying to Istanbul on field op, and would be calling her before his flight. She tried picturing him at the new Division, no doubt suffering through one of Amanda's lectures right about now. Shaking her head, she decided not to risk contacting him until things had settled down there. Alex had been in touch with her via the shell program, gushing on and on about Birkhoff's surprisingly good qualities as a husband, which only made her feel weird and old. But she was happy for her and hoped she got safely to his new house without attracting any attention. Now all she had to do was get that address, which so far neither of them was willing to share.
"But this is our chance to find out who's involved with Operations," she whispered, enhancing the video until it was suitable to print. No, she wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by even if it meant disturbing the newlyweds and not having Michael's help.
Hitting the Print button, she glanced out the windows in surprise, not having noticed the sun was setting. Had she been searching that long on the computer? Noting the time, she glanced at her silent phone and prayed Birkhoff would call back. Or else she'd have to find out where he was picking Alex up and barge in on their reunion.
Alex smiled happily, hitting the lock on her car while walking toward the black BMW parked in the indicated space. The headlights shone on her, making her a little self-conscious as she approached the car. The dark tinted window rolled down and she saw his face, eyes locked with hers and his lips threatening a smile. Veering around the front, she stopped at the passenger side and pulled open the door. He waited while she climbed in and shut it, turning to face him with a sigh of relief.
"Hi there," he said huskily, his eyes darkening as the interior lights faded. She felt his hand grasp hers tightly as she leaned toward him, lifting her other hand to grip his shoulder. Then she was kissing him, sliding her fingers into his hair as he released her hand and cupped her jaw. They kissed and kissed until she was completely out of breath and pulled back to look at him.
"Hi yourself," she whispered, feeling his hand touch her knee.
"God, I missed you," he groaned, kissing her again.
"Me too," she admitted to him, kissing him back and laughing. "I can't believe it's only been three days."
"Longest three days I've ever lived through," he chuckled, leaning his head back on the headrest but still turned toward her. "You made it through almost a week of the New Division," he sighed, his eyes devouring her features.
"Let's get out of here," she breathed, fastening her seatbelt as he lifted his head and shifted into gear.
"Good idea," he agreed, glancing back over at her. "I'll have my work cut out for me, trying to keep my eyes on the road."
She laughed softly, leaning toward him and resting her head on his shoulder. "I love your car, but almost wish it didn't have bucket seats."
He reached for her hand, holding it atop his thigh as he pulled out onto the street. "Unfortunately it's built mostly for speed, comfort second." He gasped when she slid her hand down his thigh and leaned closer.
"Can we go somewhere?" she breathed against his ear, eager to feel his arms around her and his body against hers.
"I'm sorely tempted, my love," he sighed, glancing her way. "But it might be better to christen our cozy little home which awaits your arrival."
"But I can't wait that long," she teased, smoothing her hand across his lower abdomen.
He grabbed it and lifted it to his lips, kissing her knuckles as he drove toward the highway. "We'll be home in less than two hours—that is if I make it at all, given your current method of torture."
She smiled, sliding her hand up his chest before pulling it back. "Don't think of it as torture, think of it as foreplay," she said just above a whisper.
He choked back a laugh, pressing the accelerator and speeding onto the interstate. "I'm afraid we've been apart too long for that to be needed," he admitted, glancing her way with a lecherous grin. "But I know exactly how you feel."
She leaned back, studying his profile. "You look tired, but delicious nonetheless."
He shook his head. "I couldn't sleep, thanks to you. Telephone sex might help next time."
"Daniel!" she gawked, laughing anyway. "Actually, we came pretty close to it a few times."
"Yeah well it wasn't quite enough to do anything but cause more frustration," he stated, veering off onto toward the connecting overpass.
They drove on, weaving through heavy traffic as he avoided getting near the 18 wheelers. As they headed north the traffic spread out and they settled into a comfortable silence, though he reached for her hand and squeezed it. She wound her fingers through his and held on, her eyes tracing the beloved outlines of his profile.
"Two hours, huh?"
"That's right," he sighed, glancing at her a moment. "Trust me, it'll be worth the wait—you'll see."
"Ok, if you say so," she replied, sliding her fingers over his muscled thigh, "why don't you tell me about the house?"
He smiled, transferring her wandering hand back to his knee. "Only if you promise not to distract me like that," he said.
"I'm sorry," she said without really meaning it. "I can't seem to help myself, Daniel."
"Sweetheart, you have no idea what I'm keeping myself from doing," he teased.
"Yeah but you're older and more diligent with self-control."
He shouted out a laugh, glancing at her. "You kidding? It's because I'm older that I'm having a harder time. Don't be fooled by my iron will, Princess."
"Stop that!" she cried, slapping his knee. "You're always saying how old and decrepit you are—"
"Ah but I am, child!" he laughed, grabbing her hand. To her surprise he swerved into the next lane and quickly drove down the exit ramp. "In fact, I feel my time is running out."
"Birkhoff what are you doing?" she croaked, holding onto the handrail as he put on the brakes at the end of the ramp, then turned right abruptly.
"I have a sudden urge to get out of the car," he warned, an evil smile curling his lips.
"Where are we going? I thought you said we needed to get to the house—"
"Just a quick stop," he reassured her, pulling into a plaza and parking the car. "Trust me, you'll thank me later."
"But I don't have to go to the bathroom," she smiled when he came around to her side and opened the door for her.
"Surely you'd like something to drink, for the road?" he said politely, helping her out and locking the car.
She followed him into a small restaurant and looked around at the half-full dining room. A hostess came up to them with a smile.
"Dinner for two?" she asked, picking up two menus.
"Actually I'd like to order something to go," he smiled, stunning her with his charm.
"That's fine," she nodded, nodding toward the waiting area in the foyer as he glanced at the menu.
Leaning toward her, he whispered something about trusting him and checked if meatless lasagna would be ok. She nodded, feeling a rush of heat at his closeness. "Can we get raspberry iced tea?"
"Of course," he whispered, gesturing toward the girl. "We'd like two vegetarian lasagna dinners, with a side of garlic bread, please."
She scribbled into her book and glanced up. "Drinks?"
"One raspberry iced tea and one diet ginger ale," he added.
"Ok, but it will take at least 20 minutes," she warned with a smile. "Make yourselves at home—I'll let you know when it's ready."
"Great," he breathed, taking her hand and walking down the hall to the waiting area. Glancing around, he noted the restroom sign and nodded toward it. "Ok we've got 20 minutes—let's go."
A bit distracted by his devilish smile, she followed him down another hall which opened into a foyer, men's, women's and family changing rooms adjacent to it.
"I'll wait here while you check it out," he said quietly, nodding toward the ladies' room and releasing her hand.
"But I don't have to—"
"It's our only chance, Princess," he said, bending to kiss her cheek. There was a teasing glint in his eye, and she felt herself blush.
"You don't mean," she whispered back just as someone came out of the ladies' room. He smiled enigmatically, his eyes following the woman's retreat and returning to hers meaningfully.
"Alright, but if we get caught you're doing the talking," she whispered, shoving open the door.
"I'll be waiting," he answered, shoving his hands in his pockets as he strolled toward the telephone, his eyes on hers.
She shook her head and went in, finding a remarkably clean restroom with 12 stalls, the far one a handicapped one. With a glance at herself in the mirror, she started back toward the door. "I can't believe I'm actually doing this," she murmured, opening it and gesturing toward him.
He glanced around before ducking inside. She led toward the far end as he hooked his arm around her waist. Pushing the stall door open, she went in and turned to watch as he locked it behind them. His arms pulled her close as he kissed her with sudden intent. Grasping his lapels, she felt his arm lower to her hips as he pulled her up against him, taking her breath away. His other hand parted her coat and slid inside, his mouth claiming hers as he touched her with blind intent, making her burn with hunger for his possession. There was a small sink in the large unit, which he lifted her back onto before stepping close. She pulled up his shirt and ran her hands up his back, feeling the scars as she kissed him back.
"I've dreamt of this moment," he whispered between kisses, "but without the mundane setting."
She laughed, gripping his waist and welcoming his advances. "I don't care—just come inside."
When he did they stilled, gasping in wonder and delight. Passion flooded her gut with an instant burst of satisfaction as she held him in her arms. His lips touched the side of her neck as she threw her head back and gripped him tight. Her back pressed into the faucet but she didn't care, so overwhelmed by his skillful handling of her that she could only rejoice. Then his mouth was on hers again and she lost all coherent thought. After what must have been a quarter of an hour she lifted his head, stared into his eyes and smiled.
"That was exciting," she choked, loving the peace she saw in his expression and thinking he was the most attractive man in the world.
"Thought you'd like it," he half groaned, half laughed as they began to come back to the surface of reality. "Frankly I couldn't wait either."
She giggled softly, watching him tuck his shirt back into his waistband as she straightened her own clothes. He helped her down from the sink, steadying her with his arm as she wobbled a bit on her heels. "I must say I've never done that before."
"Me neither," he chuckled, his eyes glowing with what looked like love. "This opens up a whole new realm of exploration—libraries, museums, truck stops, telephone booths—"
"Shhh!" she laughed, peering out the crack of the opened door. "Someone's coming!"
They froze, listening to the sound of teenage girls as they blew in and hit the stall doors, thankfully the ones closer to the door. Alex tugged him until he realized what she wanted, then sat on the sink counter so that only one set of feet showed in case anyone checked.
It took another five minutes before they'd washed their hands, fixed their lipstick and combed out their hair all the while jabbering about some boy and girl who'd just started going out. Alex hugged him as he dropped his head to her shoulder, his arms loosely holding her as they waited.
When silence followed their departure, they snuck out of the stall, neared the door and waited while she checked the foyer. Waving for him to follow, they walked nonchalantly back toward the dining room, the hostess looking up when she saw them. Her eyes traveled quickly over their faces and clothing before a tiny smile appeared on her lips.
"Your order is ready," she stated, patting the large brown paper bag she took from the warming bag. "That'll be $25 plus tax."
She watched as he pulled out his wallet and took out $40, handing it to the hostess. "Keep the change," he said in a more subdued voice, nodding to her as he lifted the take out bag. "Thanks."
She smiled happily, her eyes resting on Alex's embarrassed grin. "Thank you," she replied, folding her arms as she watched them head toward the door.
Alex pushed it open and they were outside again, breathing a sigh of relief. She laughed, watching him balance the bag and pull out his keys. "Let me hold it."
"No, I've got it," he smiled, hitting the unlock button as she opened her door. Climbing in, she accepted the bag and held it until he climbed in.
"That was close," she laughed, watching him insert the key to warm up the car.
"You can say that again," he chuckled, eyeing her meaningfully. "But fun, don't ya think?"
She leaned toward him, meeting his lips for a tentative kiss. "Thoroughly enjoyable," she sighed, leaning back and opening the bag. "I think I can manage the rest of the trip now."
"Good," he agreed, taking the bottle of ginger ale from her and opening it for a swallow. "Want to eat here?"
"No, let's get going," she decided, setting aside her bottle of iced tea. "I can feed you while you drive."
He stared at her a moment, then smiled broadly. "Now that sounds like fun."
"I promise not to spill anything on you, or on your new car," she stated, prying open the foil covering the garlic bread. Inhaling slowly, she offered him a piece.
He took it, waving it toward her. "That's our new car," he corrected before taking a bite.
She unwrapped the fork and cut into the pasta, lifting it toward him. "You don't mind sharing, do you?"
"Not at all," he smiled devilishly, "from now on we share everything, get it?"
She watched him chew the food and buckle up. "I get it," she smiled back, clipping her own belt beneath the bag. "Everything."
c. 2012 by Christine Levitt
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