CHAPTER V

Sunday mornings were a favorite time for Gibbs to hang out in his basement. The morning light was streaming in from the high windows, the world was silent except for the chirping of the birds and he could lose himself in the simple task of working on his boat. It was his time to unwind, sip some coffee, put his hands to work while his mind drifted to whatever topic popped into his head. This morning, he had a lot to think about... Kate and everything that happened last night.

He is slowly running the hand sander up over the curved edge of the hull's frame, losing himself in the scrape over the wood as his mind drifts to the bar. Kate had come in with that gorilla, but she was definitely not enjoying herself. When Gibbs saw her across the bar, his jealous anger had flared, but he'd kept his seat. Then when it became clear that guy wasn't taking no for an answer, Gibbs had flown across the room and stepped in. Maybe he hadn't had to lay the guy out like that, but... well he needed to be taught a lesson. She'd been understandably upset... having that happen in a public place with so many people watching. But he was pretty sure she was more upset that he'd seen it happen. She was pretty emotional and she'd had a bit too much to drink, but Kate had actually talked to him... really talked to him for the first time.

He suddenly stops the sanding motion when he realizes the grit is gone from the paper attached to the sanding bar in his hand. He heads towards his work bench and sets it down, taking a long sip of his coffee before he reaches for a new sheet of sanding paper. He is occupied with the task of removing the old, shredded paper and replacing it with the new one, when he becomes aware that he is no longer alone. He hears the floorboards creak in the hallway above and remains still, sipping his coffee as he waits for the visitor to make their appearance known.

Kate had awakened on the sofa alone, covered with a blanket. Her memory was a bit fuzzy, but she clearly recalled what happened in the bar after she looked at her reflection in the mirror. The bruise was not terrible, but the bluish haze on her cheek would need some extra make-up to cover come Monday morning. She recalled being driven home by Gibbs and parts of their conversation, but that's where things got hazy... had he really said the things she thought he had? Or was it just some dream she had after he left, because she'd been so emotionally charged last night? That was why she had decided she had to confront Gibbs about it right away, on this Sunday morning. She didn't want there to be any misunderstandings between them when they returned to work... and after what Gibbs had witnessed, she was certain she had some work to do in repairing her image in his eyes.

Now, standing in his kitchen, listening to him moving around downstairs in the basement, her courage suddenly falters. Was this really such a good idea? She had intended to come here, clarify what he had actually said to her last night and then see if they could put the whole incident behind them and pretend it never happened. But was that really what she wanted? If he really had said those things... really had held her in his arms, stroked her hair, kissed her brow so tenderly... did she really want to pretend that nothing had happened? Before she can decide a voice from below startles her mental debate.

"You just gonna stand up there and watch me or did you have something you wanted to say?"

Kate realizes she can't turn back now that he knows she is there and takes a deep calming breath as she steps out onto the platform at the top of the steps. Gibbs has his back to her and she wonders how he knew she was there. She hesitates, but when he makes no attempt to turn around, she comes slowly down the stairs until she is on the lower landing. "Hi, Gibbs."

"Hello, Caitlin." He still doesn't turn around as he finishes replacing the sand paper on the hand bar.

"I just stopped by... ahh... to thank you."

"Not necessary, but you're welcome." He drinks down the last of his coffee and as he is setting his cup down, her next question makes his hand hesitate, stopping in mid-air for a half-beat before continuing down.

"I did have... one question."

Gibbs finally turns around to face her, leaning back on the work bench as he now gives her his full attention. He scans her cheek, but can't see any sign of the injury she received last night. He watches as she now comes down the remaining three steps so she is on the ground level with him. She seems hesitant so he simply waits and watches as she now walks over to the hull of his boat, examining the workmanship, gently running her hand up and down the curved beams. He reaches behind him and grabs a rag, using it to wipe his hands and shirt front to remove as much saw dust as possible.

"This is amazing... I mean really... you're building a sailboat in your basement."

He looks up from his t-shirt at her words, knowing she is nervous and using this conversation as a diversion. He remains where he is and simply responds, "Yep."

Kate still can't bring herself to look at him, keeping her eyes on the smoothly sanded beams as she runs her hand gently over one as she tries to think of how to bring up what she really wants to talk about. Instead she settles for another diversionary comment. "It's so smooth... polished almost. You did all this with only hand tools?"

"Was that what you wanted to ask me, Kate?" He sees her tense at his question and once again waits for her to get to the point of her visit.

She picks up a hand tool sitting on the table supporting the boat's frame and examines it before she sighs and admits, "No... I... I just wanted to clarify... since I had a little bit too much to drink last night..." Gibbs can feel her tension across the room and wonders exactly what she has on her mind. "Did you really say you check out my ass when no one is looking?"

Gibbs had been doing exactly that. His eyes had strayed down to admire how her slacks hugged her rear and showed it off perfectly. As she voices her question his eyes snap back up to her face and he chuckles as he wonders if she'd taken up that position on purpose. "Ahh... yea, I did."

"And when I asked you why I couldn't meet a nice guy like you... did you really say I'd already met one?" She is gaining confidence as each question leaves her lips, realizing he isn't laughing at her or angry about last night's events.

"Yep." Again he keeps his voice low and controlled, even though his pulse has begun to race a bit faster at her line of questioning. He realizes that he needs to see her eyes, needs to see what she is thinking for himself and silently moves away from the work bench. He comes to stand directly behind her, so close, but not touching as he adds, "I also said, I'm right here, Kate."

Feeling his presence, so close that his breath ruffles the hair over her ear, Kate is suddenly nervous and tenses. She is trapped between him and the boat's frame so she uses a diversionary tactic. She holds up the hand tool she had been looking at and asks, "What exactly is this thing?"

Gibbs grins behind her, knowing she is nervous about where their conversation is headed. He decides to play with her a bit as he steps a fraction closer and his hands come out to encircle her from behind. He hears her slight gasp, but ignores it as his hands cover hers and he moves them to the beam, folded over the tool in her hand, as he explains. "It's a hand planer. Let me show you."

He slowly guides her hands up the beam slowly, allowing the blade to gently scrape along the wood's surface. Then he guides their hands back down, only to do it again and again. Kate is mesmerized, not so much by the tool, but by his nearness as he seems to be wrapped all around her, yet not actually touching her yet. He has his mouth next to her ear and can hear her shallow breathing as he stills the motion of their hands and huskily orders, "Close your eyes."

She can't hold back the tremor that races down her spine to the pit of her being, and then slowly allows her eyes to close as she follows his command. Gibbs glances at her face, ensuring her eyes are closed before he once again begins to move the planer slowly up and down the beam. Guiding her hands in a simple motion, he now moves his body in to press against hers, rocking their bodies together as their arms extend up the beam. He does this for several seconds and with each extension, he presses his hips a bit harder against her ass, letting her feel his hard erection as he nuzzles her throat and whispers, "Feel the wood?"

She is panting softly now and gasps as his husky voice oozes into her ear, just as his hips thrust firmly against her. She feels the hard ridge of his manhood nestle into the crease of her ass and gasps softly and nods. He nips her ear gently and adds, "You can't get a feeling like this with a power tool." He presses into her harder and she stifles a moan as his meaning becomes clear... they are no longer talking about the boat. She turns her head to look at him and his eyes are intensely blue as she grins at him. He chuckles and once again raises their arms along the beam, but this time, he doesn't bring them down. He has her stretched along the beam, pressed between the beam and his body as he holds her gaze for a long, intense moment.

Then he slowly leans in to kiss her gently. He lingers a moment, then pulls back just far enough to look at her... to ensure she wanted this as much as he did. Her eyes are so dark they appear solid black as she smiles and tilts her head to bring her lips back under his. He sighs and takes her in a series of slow, soft kisses as they explore this new level of their relationship. Gibbs wants to savor every moment and not rush it and for the first time in a long time, he's found a woman who understands the art of making love slowly.

Not only does Kate understand it, she is spiraling into an intense desire that she's never experienced before. No man has ever made her feel this way just from a few touches and some kisses. But then again, this was Gibbs and she somehow always knew he would be a master at seduction... his kisses were hot, wet, demanding as if he couldn't get enough of her. That alone had her heart pounding out of control, but as Gibbs continues to grind slowly against her ass, pressing his manhood against her like he was making love to her. She moans softly as another shiver of pleasure courses through her and she knows she is close to losing control right now.

Gibbs tries to control his own desire, having waited two years for this moment, but her soft moans and tremors to his every touch have him impatient for more. One hand remains over hers on the planer, while his free hand roams slowly up her body. His fingers glide over her belly, across her ribs to claim the satin covered mound of her left breast. She moans again, her hands gripping so tightly that her knuckles are white as she tries to hold back the tidal wave of desire washing over her. Wanting to use both hands to explore her sweet body, he breaks the kiss, nipping at her jaw as he softly whispers, "Let go, Katie."

His husky words send another shiver down her spine and her hips buck back against his, rubbing harder as her whole world is rocked by an intense orgasm. She moans huskily as her body trembles uncontrollably for several seconds. Her head comes back to rest against his shoulder as she gasps and then stands there panting as Gibbs holds her close, nuzzling her throat until the sensations slowly fade away. When she can speak, she finally rolls her head to look at him with a smile, "Wow."

Gibbs groans huskily and kisses her as his hips press firmly into her rear. Having enjoyed her orgasm almost as much as she did. He taps his fingers over her hand, that is still tightly gripping the planer and teases, "I meant... your hand, Katie... but thank you."

She can't help but laugh at his playful grin and releases her grip on the hand tool. Gibbs chuckles also and takes the tool, setting it down on the table before them. With his hands free now, he gently urges her to turn around and face him, but doesn't give up the closeness they share. Her back is now leaning against the boat's frame while Gibbs leans into her. She is thankful because at the moment her knees were still too weak to hold her up. He holds her gaze for a long moment and the lazy satisfaction he sees there makes him smile. He takes a moment to gently examine her cheek, seeing now at this close range that there is a bruise under the skillfully applied make-up.

His fingers slide tenderly over it and Kate doesn't move. She allows him to continue his slow, gentle exploration of her face, tracing her lips, her eyes... always with a gentle kiss following where his fingers touch. She feels her pulse stutter at his tenderness and huskily whispers, "Mmnn, Jethro..."

In between kisses along the edge of her mouth, he responds, "Jethro, huh? First time... you've ever... called me... by my... first name..." His last kiss finds the mark as his hand curves around behind her head to draw her in for a deep, intense kiss. His tongue skids along her lip as his thumb presses into her jaw, easing her mouth open as he groans deep in his chest and deepens the kiss. Each kiss blends into the next as his tongue delves deeply in search of her soul and Kate is lost to everything except this man.

When he finally pulls back, she is panting and desperate for the release only he can give her once more. Her mind struggles to focus as she nibbles at his rough chin and breathlessly admits, "I... I've never... letting go like that... was a first for me too. I've never had a man excite me like that... so easily, so completely..."

"Yea, well, driving you crazy was kinda the idea... but the way you feel in my arms... your sweet kisses..." He lowers his mouth to hers again, needing to feel her tongue sparring with his again. They are soon lost in a world where only they exist as one kiss blends into the next. His world has shifted, moving in slow motion, yet at the same time it seems to be speeding by too fast. Gibbs wants to savor this first time, enjoy every moment, every inch of the woman in his arms, but he knows his limitations. He's been fantasizing about this moment for two years and now that it's here... it's not right... something keeps nagging at his gut.

Her arms curl possessively around him, drawing him against her as she slowly rolls her hips against his. Drowning in his slow, hungry kisses Kate gives herself to him completely, her body molded against him and throbbing for every touch as his hands glide possessively over her. His hand once again comes up to cup her breast, kneading its fullness as his thumb drags slowly back and forth across her sensitive nipple until it is hard and aching. Then his hand stills, his mouth leaves hers and they stand together, brow to brow, softly gasping for breath as a bit of sanity returns to them. His eyes open to look into hers and she can see his worry, doubt... something was wrong.

Gibbs holds her gaze for a long moment, knowing he can't do this... not now... not like this. His body is screaming at him to move... and move fast; take what she was offering... what he's wanted for so long, but he can't. That would make him just like that creep last night... just like all the other men who wanted only one thing from Kate. He couldn't do that to her... not after their talk last night when he so gallantly told her he wasn't like those other guys. Shit! Was he like them? Was he just as single minded as the men he detested? He sighs heavily, knowing it wasn't true... he had principles and he lived by them. "I... I can't do this, Kate... I'm sorry..."

To say she was shocked would not have even come close to the crushing disappointment she felt when she heard those words. Her heart was pounding, her body humming with excitement and with those few words, it was like ice water poured on her soul. What couldn't he do? Had he suddenly realized he was making out with his employee? What about all those things he'd said? She is instantly filled with her old self-doubts, she could do everything right, everything by the book and still, relationships never worked out for her. What had she done to turn him away?

"Gibbs? What is it? I... what's wrong?"

He sees the doubt in her eyes and realizes his words may have been misinterpreted. He gently strokes his thumb over her lips, silencing her nervous questions as he shakes his head and then sighs sadly. "No, Kate... it's not you... it's me. I've wanted this to happen for so long... but now... I don't want you to think..."

"Think what? That my incredibly sexy boss has been fantasizing about me? That you haven't been secretly admiring my ass all this time? That you haven't drop kicked every man who got a little out of line with me?" Her attempt at humor, trying to salvage the mood between them causes Gibbs to smile in acknowledgement of her accusations.

"No." Then it suddenly dawns on him that all the things she just said are true, and that makes him just like DiNozzo... or worse, because he was her boss. His smile fades away and he again strokes her jaw as he admits, "I don't want you to think... I'm like that guy... last night. I'm not like that, Kate."

"So... all those things you said? The past half hour... where you just rocked my world... that's not you? Gibbs, I can't believe..." He drops a gentle kiss on her lips, stopping her words.

"Stop... yes, this is me... and God, I want you right now... but, it's not right."

She gently rubs her hips across the hard ridge of his desire, causing him to groan softly as he fights to control his desire. "It doesn't get any more right than this."

His hands drop to still her hips, knowing his resolve will disintegrate quickly if she doesn't stop. He tries again to make her understand, "Honey, I want this to happen more than you will ever know... but not like this. Not after last night... when you're rebounding from what happened. I won't take advantage of you like that... I told you I have principles that I live by and simple respect is one of them." He forces himself to step back a bit, putting space between their bodies as his hands gently cup her face. He kisses her gently several times and then sighs with obvious regret. "I... we need time to think about this... I don't want to rush you. Go home, Kate... I'll call you later."

He steps back and watches the play of emotions racing across her face. Shock, worry and anger? He can't be sure, but he hopes that isn't how she sees his actions. He was only doing this so she won't see him like all those other guys that she's been fending off lately. Kate stands there, numb for several seconds, unsure if she should demand to stay, throw herself at him, or just concede that once again she's done something wrong and another man has decided she isn't worth getting involved with. Finally she turns and heads up the stairs, filled with regret.

I hope you liked this chapter... please let me know. I will try to get chapter 6 out before I leave on vacation...