I am not sure I like this one as much but please read and review. I love all your comments. Thanks so much to everyone who reads this.

The following morning I was extremely anxious to get out of the hospital. There was a knock at the door as I answered "Come in." "Morning McNally how are you?" Best asked me. "Well I would be better if I wasn't here. My dad should be coming to get me soon." "Well Shaw told me that you prefer to keep this as a private matter. Though that may be difficult I assure you this matter will not be brought to anyone's attention. If I can avoid it." "Thank you Sir, I really appreciate it. Um…how long do I have to stay out of work for?" "With your bruises and bruised ribs. I would say at least two weeks. You will be on desk until your doctor clears you for active duty." Two weeks! WHAT THE HELL! I was screaming inside my head but obviously I couldn't yell at my superior. "Oh, okay. If…um anyone need to get a hold of me I will be going to a friends to stay with. Since I have to stay with someone for a few days." I said, I was really hoping he could keep this to himself. Oliver however I am not so sure. He and Sam are such great friends I have a feeling it won't take long for Sam to get it out of him.

"Okay McNally. Do you think you are able to give your statement now?" he asked me. "Um…yeah I guess so." I said nervously. "It's okay McNally just take your time." he said quietly. He was using that tone. The same tone we used on victims. Is that what I am some stupid weak woman, who can't defend herself. "Okay…" I sat there in that hospital bed I hate with every fiber of my being and relayed what happened to me the best I could. The thing that pissed me off the most is I couldn't remember his face. I couldn't really see it.

I went slow, trying to breath. The last thing I wanted was to have a breakdown in front of my Staff Sergeant or anyone really.

When I got to my dad's I laid there in my old room trying to sleep, but it was no use. I wanted Sam. But no stupid stubborn pride ran deep within me. I just hoped Sam wouldn't hate me or be too angry at me.

Then I realized I hadn't texted him or called him. I painfully got up in search of my cell. I found I had a couple from Traci and the rest were from Sam. It was the last one that really made me feel terrible.

Andy please where are you? I need to see you. Best said you were going to be gone for two weeks. Please call me. Love Sam

Love? Sam Swarek loves me? God okay now I really feel like shit. I wanted to text him back just so he would know I was okay.

Sam please don't worry. I will talk to you when I get back. Please Don't be angry. Love Andy

Once again I just laid there and cried myself into exhaustion. Not for myself. But for Sam. For the man that loved me for some unknown reason.

At The Black Penny…. Sam POV

"Hey brother how are ya?" Oliver asked me. "Been better I guess." I said. I couldn't exactly say…I am a total and utter mess, because the woman I love so much is missing. I don't understand what went wrong. I wondered if something happened to her to make her back away from me. This is killing me. "Whoa brother you look like shit!" Jerry said to me. "Gee thanks." I said. "Are getting all grumpy on me. Traci has been acting almost as bad with McNally doing her disappearing act!" he said. "You mean she hasn't seen her either?" I asked curiously. Okay something is really wrong when even Andy's best friend doesn't know anything. Those two are practically attached at the hip. "Don't worry Sammy I'm sure she's fine. She'll be back just in time to get cut loose. She wouldn't miss that." Oliver said, not looking me in the eye. He had been acting funny all day. I was beginning to think he knew something.

"Hey Ollie…can I um ask you something?" I asked "Sure" he was still avoiding eye contact with me, yup he definitely knew something. Something he did not want to tell me. "You seen McNally?" I asked. "No why?" "Oliver come with me outside for a minute?" "Ummm….I really can't Sammy I gotta go." He said trying to leave. I wasn't about to let that happen. I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him outside. "WHERE THE HELL IS MCNALLY! I KNOW YOU OLLIE…DAMN IT WHERE THE HELL IS SHE!" I yelled. I started pacing back and forth like a crazy person. "Listen Sam all I know is that I promised her I wouldn't tell anyone. She assured me she would talk to you. You know her and her stupid pride. Kinda like someone else I know. Just think long and hard about who you haven't asked about her whereabouts. Of all the people that she knows personally. That's all I can say. I am sorry brother" he said as he walked away from me.

What the hell did he mean? What the hell has she gotten herself into? I have got to find her. Her Dad's was next on the list. Not seeing her, her smile, hearing her laugh was making me go insane.

I awoke the next day to someone knocking at my dad's door. Dad must have been either sleeping or gone. I got up slowly to go answer it. "Trac? What are you doing here?" I asked. I looked at the expression on her face and it made me realize how horrible I must have looked. "Andy what the hell happened? Why didn't you call me?! You know Swarek is going nuts! He even called in today and took a personal day" she said. I felt so horrible that I was hurting my friends and especially Sam. "Traci I am so sorry, I just couldn't have people looking at me like that. Especially not Swarek." I said. I tried be somewhat professional about Sam, but there really wasn't much point to it.

"Andy do you want to tell me what happened?" she asked, in that nice motherly tone of hers. "Okay fine I will tell you. Just don't interrupt me until I am done. "Okay I promise." Once again I had to sit there and rehash what had happened. I was sick of talking about, thinking about and people asking me questions.

When I was done she said "Oh my god Andy I am so sorry you had to go through that." She gave me a big hug a little too much "Ow ow ow….my ribs" I said. "I am sorry I forgot." she apologized. "That's okay don't worry about it." "Andy Look I know you don't want to get into trouble or anything, but I know there is something going between you and Sam. He would not be acting this way if he didn't care for you as more than a training officer. Obviously you care too. By the look on your face when I told you about how he was acting. Please Andy, just call him and talk to him. He would want to be here for you too." "I know you're right Trac, but I just can't see him not like this. I feel like such a failure…" " A failure? A failure at what?" she asked me. "A cop! What kind of a cop can't even defend herself. I don't want Sam or anyone looking at me like some weak, pathetic woman who can't take care of herself. I just…feel so ashamed." "Andy! What happened does not make you any less of a cop okay! What you're feeling is normal and you can't deal with this alone. Let us be here for you. One more thing. You might want to talk to Sam. It is not going to take him long to figure out where you are." she said. "Fine I will call him later, but I am really tired." "Okay you go back to sleep. I am going to hang here for a bit if that's alright with you?" "Yeah okay Trac. Thank you." I said giving her a hug.

I went and laid back down. I slept more easily knowing Traci was in the next room. When I wake up I would have to call Sam and face the music. It's not that I didn't want to see him. I just hated being weak and vulnerable in front him so much. He had already been there for me during that whole mess with Luke.

About an hour later I heard Traci talking to someone. About less that a minute later I heard the door open. "Andy McNally! You have some explaining to do!" It was Sam and he was not happy. I laid there with my back turned to him, I wasn't sure if I was ready for him to see the bruises and cuts on my face. "Andy turn over and Look at me! I know you are not sleeping!" he said still yelling. "Sam I will explain everything but please stop yelling at me…please." I heard him sigh "Okay fine but please just look at me." I felt him sit beside me on the bed. I slowly, but painfully rolled over.

I will never forget the look he had on his face. It was a mixture of fear, worry, concern. I could almost swear I his eyes mist up a little. He gently cupped both hands on my face "Andy…my god what happened? Who did this to you?" he said a little shaky. "Sam…" was all I got out before he placed a tender kiss on my lips. "Please sweetheart tell me what happened. I am here and I am not going anywhere."

I took a deep breath and said "I was at The Penny with everyone and Traci offered me a ride home. I told her I wanted to walk and about halfway there I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around and saw someone, but I couldn't make out his face very well, even though he was right in front me. I tried to run…but he grabbed me. Put his hand over my mouth so I couldn't scream. I kicked him and he got very angry. He punched me and kicked me several times. Then I saw flashing lights…"

I couldn't take it anymore. I just started crying as Sam took me gently in his arms. "It's okay Andy. Shhh…it's okay. We're gonna get him. If it's the last thing I do! I just need to know something. Why didn't you tell me from the beginning?" I couldn't even look at him, when I explained my reasons for not telling him or calling him. "I'm so sorry Sam….I…I didn't mean to hurt anyone, especially you I just feel so ashamed!" He rocked me in his arms and I winced a little, since my ribs were still hurting. "I'm sorry baby, did I hurt you?" "No, no Sam my ribs still hurt a bit. It's okay. You didn't hurt me." I said trying to assure him I was okay.

"Andy there is nothing to be ashamed of. You are an incredible, brave and wonderful woman and cop. Don't ever doubt that. I have said it before and I will keep saying it until you believe me. I am here and am not going anywhere. I Love you Andy McNally." I couldn't help the tears that escaped my eyes. He wiped them away and kissed both my cheeks. He loves me, really loves me. All I could say was "I Love you Sam Swarek" I kissed him on the lips.

I just laid there in Sam's arms and my world was complete. I never wanted him to let go. "Andy?" "Hmmm…" "Will you come stay with me at least till you're better." "Are you sure you can stand me?" I said giggling a little. "Always." he said. He was so sweet how could I resist. "Yes Sam I would like that" I said laying my head back down on his chest.

Later that day Sam helped packed my stuff. We said goodbye to my Dad and headed over to my Sam's. I had called Traci to let her know everything was alright. But to keep the stuff about Sam to herself. I had to also tell her not to tell Jerry since he could be somewhat gossipy.

Sam helped me out of the truck and up into his house. "Ummm….Sam I forgot to ask. Where exactly am I sleeping?" I asked. I really wanted to share a bed with him and sleep laying next to him. But knew what that would lead to. "Anywhere you like. If you don't feel comfortable sleeping in my room. I have a spare room if you want." I pulled him over to the couch to sit with me. "Sam I want to sleep with you." "Andy we don't have to do anything but sleep okay. I told you I can wait for the other stuff until after you get cut loose. Okay?" he said. "Sam you're so…" "Awesome. Yeah I know I am." he said dimples in full force. I rolled my eyes at him and we both laughed.

"Are you hungry?" he asked me. "Maybe a little" I said. "Alright I don't have much, but how about couple sandwiches or take-out" "Sandwiches are fine Sam." I said smiling at him. I couldn't stop staring at him. What a fool I was for not telling him about what happened. He was so understanding and sweet. Now here he was taking care of me and doing his best to comfort me. I don't know what I would do without him. He handed me my sandwich and we ate together in comfortable silence.

"So…do you want to watch something or are you too tired?" "I just want to go to bed. I am really tired." I said yawning. He nodded at me took my hand and lead me to the bedroom. "The bathroom is over there. You can change in there and do whatever you need to do." I put my arms around his waist and hugged him. I leaned up gave him a quick kiss on the lips and headed to the bathroom.

It took me a little longer to get changed than I though it would. It was hard with my ribs hurting me. I went to go to bed and saw Sam laying there waiting for me with a sweet smile on his face. He lifted up the covers for me as I slid into bed and rested my head on his chest. His hand traced circles on back lulling me to sleep. "Sam…" I whispered. "Hmmm…" "Thank you." "For what?" "For being here." I said looking up at him. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else". He kissed the top of my head and laid my head back down on his chest falling asleep.

I slowly opened my eyes I saw the beautiful man next to me. My head still on his chest and his arm was snuggly wrapped around me. I unconsciously put my hand on his stomach, just under his shirt. I could feel the hair that ran up to his chest. I started moving my hand up and down his chest, then I felt his muscles tense up. I must have woken him up "McNally I am doing my best to behave here." he mumbled. "What? I'm not doing anything." I said innocently grinning up at him. I couldn't help but enjoy every muscle from his abs all the way up his chest. His hand covered mine stopping my movements. He kissed me lightly at first. I ran my fingers through his hair and pulled him toward me deepening the kiss.

Then out of nowhere he got up and jumped off the bed. "Okay I am going to make coffee. Do you want the shower first?" "You're mean" "Yeah but you love it." he said as he left the room. "You are gonna pay for that Swarek!" I yelled. "I look forward to it" he said. God he was driving me crazy! I was starting to think this whole no sex thing was a bad idea. I wasn't sure how much longer I could wait. Although with my ribs being so sore there wasn't a whole lot I could do about it right now. I groaned and went to take a shower. When I got out I went in search of coffee and Sam. "Hey, I gotta get ready for work. But here's some coffee." he gave me a quick peck on the lips as he went to take his shower.

I decided just go back in the bedroom and relax with my coffee and newspaper. A few minutes later I heard the shower shut off and moments later the bathroom door opened. I am not even sure how long but I was extremely distracting by what I saw. It was Sam with just a towel wrapped barely snug around his waist and nothing else. There was still water dripping from his hair trickling down his chest all the way south. I swallowed hard as I didn't even realize how long I had been staring. Until I looked up and saw him smirking at me. I immediately felt the burning in my cheeks.

It's not like I had never seen a man half naked or even naked. But Sam's body was indescribable. I never wanted a man in my life as much as I wanted him. "See something you like McNally?" he said with a cocky grin. "Oh shut up! Don't you have to go to work or something?" I asked looking back down at the newspaper. I had been caught basically drooling over him. I had never been more embarrassed. "What's the matter Andy? Something bothering you?" he said slowly walking towards me. I could feel him sit on the bed, but I kept looking at the paper attempting to avoid looking at him. "Nope" I said still not looking at him.

He leaned in, taking the newspaper away from me. " Sam what are…." I didn't get to finish. He pressed his lips against mine hard. I gasped when I felt his tongue swipe across my lips. I allowed him to deepen the kiss.

I wrapped my arms around his damp neck. I could hear him moan as I caressed his tongue with mine. He hovered over me pushing my head down into the pillows. God help me I did not want to stop. I just wanted to give in.

Then my cellphone started to ring. Damn phone! Sam pulled away and looked into my eyes and I noticed his were a lot darker than before. "I…uh better get that." I said. "Later?" he asked. "Later." I said grinning like a fool. He gave me a quick peck on the lips and went to grab his clothes to get dressed, in the bathroom thank goodness. I grabbed my phone and saw it was Traci calling.

"Hey Trac what's up?" I said. "Hey you sound out of breath. Did I interrupt something? Hmm" "What no…um I just got up." "Yeah right. I was just calling to see how you are feeling." "I am feeling a little better. Listen Trac I wanted to say I am so sorry for not telling you. I am so lucky you put up with me." "Don't worry about it Andy. Now you go get some rest, get better fast and get your ass back to work" "Yes Ma'am." I said laughing.

I hung up with her just as Sam came out of the bathroom. Fully dressed this time. "Hey, I gotta get going. But I'll see you when I get home. Okay?" "Sam you don't have to come straight home. You can go have a drink with your friends. I mean I don't expect you to give up everything just because of me." I said. "Andy…I want to be here with you. I don't feel obligated. So stop it." "Okay. You better go before you're late." "I'll see you later. Take it easy. That's an order!" He said sternly. "Geez we're not even at work and you're using your T.O. voice on me" I said laughing. "Yep. See you tonight." "Bye." He started to leave the room and quickly turned around "Oh and by the way I love you" he said sincerely. "I love you Sam" he turned around and left. He said it with so much emotion it almost brought tears to my eyes.

A week later I was feeling much better, but I was still staying with Sam. My bruises were just about gone. I had my appointment with the doctor today and hoped he would clear me, so I could at least go on desk duty.

Sam and I discussed things after that morning and decided we could hold out a little longer. Even though it would be hard on both of us. We also agreed to be clothed around each other.

Sam and I sat at the kitchen table eating breakfast together. I could feel him looking at me. "What?" "Nothing I was just thinking. Do you feel up to going to The Penny tonight? I know your friends miss you and you haven't left the house. So…um what do you say?" "Sure why not. Oh by the way I won't be around this afternoon I have my doctors appointment. I just hope he says I am cleared for at least desk duty." "Do you want me to take you to the doctors?" "No Sam you have to work. Traci is going to take me she has the day off."

I was so relieved when the doctor told me I was cleared to go back to work. I was in the car with Traci and I decided to text Sam to let him know the good news I coming back to work tomorrow. Yay! See you tonight. Love you.

He texted me back a few minutes later Good I'll be happy to have my partner back! Miss you. Love you too sweetheart.

I loved it when he said sweet things to me like that. However it always made me blush and I was smiling so much I couldn't stop. "Andy? Earth to Andy! Did you hear what I just said?" Traci said. I was busy thinking about Sam I must have missed something she said. "Sorry Trac. What did you say?" "I said are you coming out tonight to celebrate?" "Absolutely! I just have to remember to stay away from Sam. I can't wait until I am cut loose. I can't stand this." "Yeah, speaking of that. Have you finally put him out of his misery yet?" she asked. Yeah I wish! He wasn't the only one in misery here. "No we agreed to wait until after my being cut loose. I can not wait! He is driving me crazy!" She just laughed at me and said "I probably won't see you for a week. You two have been waiting for months. You have got a hell of a lot of willpower girl!" "Tell me about it"

Before Traci could pull away from Sam's after dropping me off I reminded her that she had to pick me up. We didn't want anyone to get to suspicious, even though I am pretty sure everyone knew anyway.

"Andy? Andy I'm home" he said. "I'll be out in a minute!" I yelled from the bathroom. I was getting ready for The Penny and was excited to see my friends. I came walking out "Hey are almost rea…" he stopped mid sentence. He continued staring at me. "Andy! What the hell! You can not wear that!" he said raising his voice. I was wearing a red tank and a black skirt that came down to an inch or two above my knees. "What you don't like it?" I said trying to play stupid. "Andy you can not wear something like that and expect me not to touch you. So could you please go and change. Otherwise we will not be going anywhere other than the bedroom" My heart started racing and felt the butterflies in my stomach. I walked over to him and kissed him. When he pulled away his he leaned his forehead on to mine. "Okay, Okay…I'll put some jeans on." I turned around to go change and he smacked my ass. I just giggled and left the room.

I was having a great time at the Penny. It was so good to have fun with my friends. No one questioned me and were very happy that I was finally coming back to work. Sam and I occasionally stole glances from across the room. "Hey guys I'll be back." I left to go to the bathroom. When I came out there was a tall man in front me, blocking my exit. He seemed familiar but I couldn't place him. I had terrible feeling and was about to yell for Sam. When he grabbed me and shoved a gun to my side. "If you know what's good for you, you'll keep your mouth shut" he said. "What you don't remember me Officer McNally. I just want to finish what we started that night." I wanted to puke this was the man that attacked me! "YOU SON OF A BITCH! LET ME GO!" "SHUT UP! Move now!" he breathed.

Another cliffhanger…. Will update in a day or two. Can Andy get out of this one without getting hurt? Thoughts? Considering doing an M rated scene for Sam and Andy, not sure yet though. Thanks again.