Author's Note: Many, many thank you's to each reviewer and reader. I wrote pieces of this chapter several times over and with lonstanissima's encouragement this was the final result, of course after Roni's beta work—thank you!

Kiss Me

Chapter 9

Sharon exhaled a long breath as she watched her sister hurry out of the closet and into the bathroom for what felt like the hundredth time. She continued sitting stubbornly at the edge of the bed. An agreement to go out dancing had been scheduled two nights ago and although exciting was the word she had used then, she was refusing to go. Just thirty minutes ago, once she was dressed, her sister had updated her about the surprise arrangements. Andy and also Abby's friend Leo were joining them. Her sister had set her up on a blind date, a group date, and she was refusing. She couldn't do this, watch her sister in Andy's arms as they danced.

Abby walked into the bedroom and huffed when she saw Sharon was still rooted. Then dropped on the bed beside her, kissing her cheek.

"It is time you go out with someone, Shari, it doesn't mean you need to bring him to your bed tonight. Just have a conversation with him. Have fun, enjoy his company." She placed a pair of earrings in her palm before she pushed up. "Andy and I will be there, so it shouldn't be awkward in the least bit." Then Abigail turned to face her sister. "Right?"

Sharon's head was lowered as she stared at the pearls in her hand, missing the analyzing and questioning glare Abby was darting at her. She had grown suspicious of the relationship between the Lieutenant and her sister. She was hoping tonight would allow her to see what was truly brewing. Sharon drew in a thin, shuddering breath and let it out slowly. After just a moment she gathered the toughened façade she had been wearing the last several days and nodded her head.

"But you should have told me about this beforehand, Abby." Her voice was shaky and frustrated.

Her sister sighed as she entered the closet again. "You would have refused."

Sharon took a moment to let her thoughts settle, there was no way she could get out of this. Reluctantly, she pushed up and walked over to the vanity in the bathroom. Minutes ago she'd felt good about the way she looked, but she suddenly became alarmingly aware of the lines forming around her eyes, how Abby's loaned dress was tighter and more revealing than she normally wore. Most startling was the fear and pain staring back at her; she let out a shuddering breath.

She felt broken.

The entire situation between her sister and the Lieutenant had revealed feelings she thought were long ago in the past. The ability to feel and love. Sharon drew away from the mirror and nervously began to pace. She typically hid her emotions behind masks - the risk for Rusty's safety, Stroh returning, leading her team adequately, her children - and the list grew longer day by day. The past couple of days she had allowed herself to drop one wall, permit herself to linger in the painful feeling of losing Andy. He gave her hope, made her laugh, filled her with warmth, and brought joy to her life. Spending time with him was the only moment when she was free to feel everything, the bad and the good without being afraid. She stopped walking back and forth when Abby stepped into the bathroom.

She needed to be honest. It was time. It could cause some confusion between them, possibly hurt. However, she had never lied to her sister, they shared everything. Continuing with the farce would end up tearing them apart. In love might not be where she was yet, but there was a possibility, and knowing now that she could be getting there was enough to help gain some courage to speak up. She wouldn't run to Andy hoping he would greet her with open arms, she was doing it for Abby, the person she had always been closest to and always gave her support, and didn't deserve to be lied to.

She called out weakly but determined, "Abby," Her sister turned to her with a small hum. "I need to tell you something." Abigail nodded, giving her full attention. "I should have told…" The doorbell rang interrupting them. Sharon closed her mouth, that wasn't the moment.

"What is it?" Abby asked. Sharon shook her head walking to the vanity again. Her sister examined her with genuine concern. This wasn't who they were, they usually spoke about everything. "I'll get the door," she said solemnly. Sharon forced a smile as she nodded, Abby looked at her carefully before exiting the bathroom.

Andy shifted nervously at the door and straightened his collar. An invitation for a group outing had been offered to him by Abby. He tried to refuse, was determined to speak to Sharon about it. He loathed picturing her with another man and approaching her meant he hadn't understood her definite Never.

Brown eyes met blue ones as the door opened; they change with my outfit she had told him before. He smiled at her and stepped inside the condo. She was wearing a skin tight light blue dress that sat high along her thigh and flattered her body and skin tone. She smiled after closing the door behind them.

"You look dashing," Abby whispered playfully.

Before he could respond he caught Rusty watching them curiously from the couch. The Lieutenant offered a smile, but the boy only shook his head before he looked back at the television screen. Andy's eyes drifted in the direction of the approaching steps.

"Abby, you'll hate me, but I rather wear my own clothes than something of yours…" Sharon trailed off when she spotted Andy standing by the door. He wore grey slacks and a black button down shirt, it was stylish yet much more casual than his suits for work. He looks as handsome as ever.

He smiled taking in her nervous look and admired the black dress she was wearing with the nude pumps that always made her legs look magnificent. Andy swept his eyes up from her toned, bronzed legs to the curve of her hips and quickly but unashamedly appreciated the delicate cut of her dress against her chest. Piercing green eyes met his, glasses missing. A familiar knowing smile reached her lips and he returned it with a small smirk.

"Whatever you like. I'm going to grab our coats." Abby called as she walked to the bedroom leaving the two of them just feet away from each other.

An awkward moment lingered, something that never existed between them. Her mind swirled with the truth she was ready to share, but was afraid. Andy had moved on and who was she to come asking him to give her a second chance? It was selfish. For so many years her focus outside of work had been raising her children, cleaning up the mess Jack had left her in, then Rusty. It had been a long time since Sharon had felt such a deep connection with someone. This feeling of having him there for her, patiently waiting, agreeing to only friendship, a person who was dependable when she needed support, who was not intimidated by her status at work, who was always a phone call away. How could she have pushed him away?

The tension broke with a new but familiar voice. "You guys are going out on a double date?" They both looked over at the teenager lounging on the couch who wore a confused expression.

"Not a date kid, just going out." Andy voiced quickly.

"In pairs, two couples? You with Abby and Sharon with another guy?" He asked jumbled. Sharon walked over to him with a patient and motherly look, feeling his misunderstanding. By the appearance of it, he was not entirely happy about the situation. Andy began walking over to him too. The young man had been disappointed by men his entire life, it was his job to prove to him he could be trusted.

"Alright, Andy," he stopped in his tracks as Abigail came around to him. "Do you have a preference for little black dresses, because I can change?" Abby asked jokingly. She smiled at him, her eyes drifting over to where Andy was staring moments ago. Sharon was sitting beside Rusty and speaking to him softly. She looked at the man suspiciously. "I don't have that number, but I have something similar." Her finger pointed over at Sharon with a small perceptive smile.

Andy looked at the younger sister and shook his head. "Uh, no." He chuckled nervously. "You look great Abby." She flashed one of her hypnotizing smiles. "Are we ready?" Andy asked cautiously, not knowing exactly how things were planned. The fourth companion was nowhere to be seen, silently he hoped he wouldn't come at all.

Abby nodded, handing Sharon her coat as she walked over to them. "Leo is going to meet us at the bar. So we are all driving together."

"Bar?" Sharon frowned looking down at herself, she was over dressed. "You said…"

Abigail sighed impatiently, her sister wasn't going to make it easy "And then we will walk over to the club. Hm? That way we can make introductions without the noise." She turned to Andy as he opened the door and thanked him.

"Rusty, you'll be alright?" Sharon called at her son. He pushed up and uncomfortably walked over to them. He promised to keep his phone on and keep all doors locked. Sharon thanked him before giving him a hug and following the other two.

As the door closed she waited to hear Rusty bolt it and slide the lock. She turned in the precise moment Andy was helping Abby into her coat, her mouth went sour at their broad smiles. She couldn't sit through a drive of them flirting and of Andy checking out her sister.

"I think I should take my own car." She stated more for herself turning back to the door, she had only brought the condo keys with her.

Andy looked over at her as she grabbed her keys and started unlocking the door. She stopped when his hand landed on hers, it was warm and tentative. It did more to her than it should. Her skin rose with chills and bumps. She turned and looked at him sadly, putting on a mask for him was too hard. He took in a breath at the unfamiliar look she was giving him. Then seized the keys from her trembling fingers and pulled his hand away, afraid that his closeness was causing her to react that way.

Then he spoke softly, "Sharon, we are all going to the same place." Her eyes remained on him as he looked down and slipped the keys into her coat pocket, making a jingle as they hit bottom. He smiled at her when he met her eyes again. Andy wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked, to stroke the lose curl back behind her ear. Instead he tilted his head toward the elevators and Abby. "Come on," He said encouragingly, tugging on the pocket of her coat playfully. She smiled uncertainly, following him.

The first thing Sharon noted was that Leo was good-looking. He was dark, tall, and his caramel eyes were inviting. She liked the casual way he dressed, not trying too hard to impress, and his smell was spellbindingly unique. His smile was perfect and grew as soon as he saw her, flashing perfect white teeth. How he brazenly focused solely on her as soon as introductions had been made didn't go unnoticed, giving back the confidence she had lost earlier. Being a gentleman was listed as they made their way to the club. His warm, tentative hand landed on the middle of her back, he opened doors, led her around cracks in the pavement, but was not overconfident. They danced, he excused himself for being clumsy, but she gave him points for trying. He shifted back into the seat with a second glass of wine for her and a non-alcoholic beverage for him. I'm driving, was his excuse and she believed him. He was ruggedly handsome and it intrigued her. Their conversation was filled with mutual interest, laughter and sincere smiles. They sat close. She caught her fingers brushing his arm when they leaned into each other because of the loud music. The idea of asking him back to the bar for a more comfortable conversation had striked her several times.

Then her eyes landed on the man in front of her and she felt her body respond to his glances, the way he moved on the dance floor. His smile and laugher. Like expected seeing him dance with Abby twisted something in the pit of her stomach. Jealousy, she couldn't deny it anymore. She wished it was Andy sitting beside her, whispering soft words and leading her to the dance floor.

Across the table Andy noticed Sharon had gotten more comfortable like she usually did after a glass of wine. She touched her companion's arm as she laughed, was more relaxed when she danced. He had the urge to interrupt every time the man leaned in to her - he was sure Leo lingered longer than necessary - but remembered Sharon had agreed to it, she was on a date. It sent a fury through him, his hand running over his sobriety ring trying to calm himself. He noticed Abby growing curious every time he lost track of the conversation that was transpiring between them. He danced with her, was genuine about enjoying his time in her company. Yet his eyes were drawn to the brunette that had broken something inside of him. He went breathless by her beauty, then reminded himself to inhale again. He felt a tug on his earlobe and smiled at Abby when he realized she was trying to get his attention.

"Why don't you ask her to dance?" She whispered, grinning up at him with a meaningful look that surprised him. He wanted to apologize, but she shook her head before he could say a word and nudged him with her shoulder. "Go on." She said sincerely.

Sharon looked up when Andy stood at her side, instantly filled with a bit of disbelief and nervousness. They both smiled hesitantly. He leaned down, his hand brushing hers as he placed it on the table beside hers. She closed her eyes as his breath brushed against her neck forgetting that they weren't alone.

"Will you dance with me?" It was husky and enticing.

He pulled back and held out his hand in front of her. In that moment there was nothing she wanted more. She slowly but confidently slipped her hand into his, her tongue peeking out to moisten her lips. Her legs uncrossed under the table nudging Leo. She turned and smiled, apologizing before looking back at Andy. As soon as she was out of her seat Andy's arm came around her waist eagerly and welcomed by Sharon. She leaned into his touch as he led her deep into the crowd. The music's pace had slowed, which they were both grateful for.

He took her hand again, afraid of letting her go and someone swooping in and taking her from him once more. Her other hand smoothed over his shoulder as she faced him. He was rendered speechless at feeling her so close and froze when he saw something in her eyes he never expected, want. When he realized he was motionless he swiftly moved his hand to her hip drawing her closer. A warm smile spread across her face and she relaxed in his arms. He graciously guided her along the dance floor.

Sharon closed her eyes allowing herself to trust him completely. His body heating her own, with every turn or step he trembled against her. His fingers sliding from her hip, then assertively to the small of her back pressing them closer. She shuddered against him. When he brushed against someone or maneuvered them around the others, her hand slipped higher - from his shoulder, the soft material of his shirt bunched under her palm - up to the heated skin of his neck, holding him tighter and closer. His breathing was warm and even against her cheek, making her breath catch in her throat.

"You look beautiful tonight." He whispered. Her fingernails unconsciously brushed the nape of his neck, sending a smile to his lips. Her head settled against his jaw and her eyes fell shut again. A soft hum caroled in her chest.

"In all honesty, I changed for you." Her heart was strumming rapidly in excitement.

"Yeah?" He asked as he opened and closed his fingers on her back.

A lengthy hum escaped her she was filled with pleasure, content and a warm awareness of that moment being perfect. "I think Abby's little red number would have been too much for you to handle."

He grinned, letting his mind wander, then groaned weakly. She smirked biting her bottom lip. His hand squeezed hers. They flirted, but this was a whole new step. Neither one hiding the interest they had for the other.

"You have no idea what you're doing to me." He said gruffly with so much sincerity. Her stomach did that flipping thing it did around him and her body shivered eagerly.

She hummed before she whispered. "I could say the same thing about you, you look really handsome."

He didn't know what gave him the courage, but he pressed his mouth softly against her cheek, then again as she leaned into the touch. He left a tingling feeling on her skin, one she longed for against her lips.

Sharon loved it, the way her body felt against his, how their bodies moved in unison, how it felt safe and comfortable. When the song was coming to an end, she made a small noise in the back of her throat, unsatisfied with their short time together. She wasn't ready to let go.

Her words were soft. "One more?" It was barely audible.

He hated the hesitation she used and before she could pull back his hands joined around her small waist, pressed against the curve of her back.

"I only want to dance with you," his lips brushed against her ear, her eyes falling closed with the confession. A finger slipped into the back collar of his shirt, swiping beneath it and sending his hair standing on end. In that moment they were open to one another. She felt light. Free!

Sharon leaned forward, her nose close to his ear. "You changed your cologne." She spoke disappointedly.

"You don't like it?"

"I have a preference to the other…" He felt her inhale, then exhale small breaths through her nose against his neck, and shivered at the feeling of her fingers curling into his hair. "...but it's nice." She practically purred.

The air surrounding them felt thicker, maybe it was just more difficult for her to catch her breath while being held by Andy. She could feel the heat of his skin warming her where his hand remained along her back, where his body was pressed along hers; his touch lingered, heat travelling along her body. Forcing herself not think about how much she enjoyed the contact brought a flush along her skin.

She was so close. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. She was the most beautiful woman in the room and he knew Sharon had no idea. Something that he both found endearing and attracted him to her more. His eyes dropped down to her mouth. Red lips that were so alluring and kissable. He could see the lines that formed at the corners when they curved and could tell where she had smudged her lipstick with her glass of wine.

His eyes drifted up and met piercing green. Beautiful, he thought.

"You look so beautiful," he couldn't contain himself. She smiled automatically and seeing her cheeks go pink made it worth it.

He moved them to the pace of the music, farther away from the others, consciously wanting to be with her and only her. To steal her away from the night and let that moment be theirs.

He was so close. Her stomach tightened, she wanted to say something, anything, her mind swirled with so much, but was unable to do anything but stare into his soft brown eyes. The pleading in them made her heart beat quicker. Several moments went by without them looking away from one another. They were alone at the back corner of the dance floor, only swaying softly to the music. Bodies joined, closer than they had ever been before, heated and burning in desire. His breath was hot against her skin and she fleetingly lost all willpower as she saw his head tilt forward—please—she inhaled and waited anxiously for his lips to be pressed to hers.

She closed her eyes and it was an instant rush that sparked through them as their lips met. She wasn't prepared for the way her heart stopped and then started beating so quickly and enthusiastically against his chest. Her back arched and he leaned his body into hers, the musky scent that filled her senses was overwhelming, she hadn't known how much she wanted it. His hand made her tremble as it drifted up her back and into the nape of her neck. She sighed, one hand coming to the side of his head and the other opening and closing against his neck as she moved her lips against his.

He responded instantly. His mouth gently and tenderly brushed against her soft and delicate lips. She hummed, he tasted like cranberry juice and the arm around her waist pulled her impossibly tighter as they both savored the taste of one another. His fingers slipped into her hair - smooth and silky, just like he had imagined - as she sweetly bit down on his bottom lip. It spurred him to brush his tongue across her bottom lip, before pulling away slowly.

The kiss was better than either of them had ever imagined. It ended too quickly, his lips lingering close to hers. She opened her eyes to a flushed Andy and feeling a warm afterglow of pleasure around herself.

His hand took hers from his cheek and he turned his head, pressing wet kisses to her palm, she held back the whimper threatening to escape. How could she have ever said no to this? To be held and by him. A longing sigh escaped her. The music's tempo changed, bringing her back to the present.

Abby.

Panic and anxiety took over and she spoke reluctantly and apologetically, "I can't do this," her voice shook and was broken. She came face-to-face with confused and wounded brown eyes. She shook her head again, mortified when his hands eased away from her. His fingers slipping from hers. She felt cold and empty and wanted nothing more than for him to hold her again. To press her lips to his again. To explain. Tears stung at her eyes, but she slowly leaned forward as he looked away from her - obviously and rightfully hurt - and kissed his jaw lingering for a moment. She whispered the only thing she could, "I am so sorry," before she stepped away from him and gained the strength to walk through the dance floor, away from him.

He followed her, moved past the other bodies and saw her at their table. He stopped and watched her gather her coat and clutch. What had happened? She'd looked as if she had wanted it. He would have never pushed otherwise. One moment she was trembling against him and the next... gone.

Abby looked up to her sister as she spoke, "Just wait for Andy, we can go together." Something had happened, but she wasn't letting her sister leave alone, or Andy. She held tightly onto Sharon's wrist and searched for the Lieutenant, her eyes landed on him as he slowly approached them.

"I can drive you." Leo offered, concern etched on his face when he saw her shaking and the tears in her eyes. Sharon nodded and thanked him.

There was imploring in Abby's eyes, but Andy could do nothing. Sharon had made her choice again. He dropped his eyes down to where he was wringing his hands after he saw Sharon leaving with Leo.

It hurt. It stung.

It was what never felt like.