She should tell him to go. To walk away and return this to being just friends. It's the safer option in the long run. But she's tired of loving only the job. Because on the cold nights, when the darkness seems sinister. When everything makes her low, the Job doesn't pick her up again, it doesn't give her butterflies in her belly or a warm tingling across her senses. But Jane does.

"I love you. I know that isn't what you want me to say. But I can't lie. Not like this. I want you."

He let out a soft groan and pressed his forehead against hers. Her eyes fluttered closed, unable to take the pain she could see in his face. as soon as her eyes closed her other senses went into overdrive. she could smell the clean fresh scent of the rain mixed in with the barest hint of expensive cologne. His breath has a hint of peppermint and a sudden insight told her that he'd probably had a cup to calm his nerves before seeking her out. it's what he did in stressful situations after all.

"Teresa."

His voice was soft with a harsh edge. But in it was something warm.

"if we do this. I'll be by you all the time. I can't lose you." He paused then, his entire body tightened, as if preparing himself to fight off some unpleasant thing. he continued hoarsely, " I won't lose you. So it means I'll be paranoid about your safety. I'll protect you with everything I am. Which means I'm probably going to be an ass."

She chuckled, "How is that different from normal?"

"My protecting you?, or my being an ass?"

"You being an ass."

"that wont change. In fact, it may even get worse." He chuckled, and his breath washed over her face. She wanted to open her eyes and see his face, but she feared seeing the pain on it.

"I'm a big girl Jane. I can look after myself. Have done for years. I look after you most days, which is much more difficult. Considering that you seem to pick a fight with every rich slightly obnoxious guy we meet."

Another laugh, but this one was warmer. And when he spoke next it was back to the gentle refined teasing voice she adored.

"They irk me."

She grinned and completed, "they're irksome."

He pulled back slightly, and she took that cue to open her eyes.

"Last chance. Back out now."

She had a better answer. Her hands came up and grabbed his head, pulling it back to hers and holding it there so she could plant a kiss on his mouth. He groaned and sunk into her, letting his body press her against the fridge again.

This kiss was shorter though, broken apart by his shivering that had nothing to do with lust, and everything to do with the soaked clothes he was wearing. She stared up into his eyes, noting how the pupils had dilated, almost eclipsing the iris. He wanted her. Patrick Jane, the ever irritating unobtainable con man, really did want her. It was a heady thing to realize.

"You're going to catch a cold if you stay in those sopping clothes."

"Agent Lisbon, are you asking me to strip?"

She grinned impishly at him, stroking his face with her fingers before pressing lightly. The slight increase in pressure directed him backwards. He obeyed and she stepped out of his grip, taking a few steps towards her stairs before throwing him a teasing smile over her shoulder, "I'm going to have a shower. I might be convinced to allow you to join me."

His reaction was unexpected. In two great steps he was by her side, a second later he literally picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder. She let out a startled yelp and would have berated him, but her laughter came up first, bubbling out of her lips before she could stop it.

"Damn it Jane! Put me down this instant!"

"no, I don't think I will." His tone was gently teasing as he bounded up the stairs.

"I mean it! put me down! Or I swear I'll spank you."

"promises, promises." He purred back, his laughter reverberating through her.

Her fingers slid across his back, just above the pant line. She heard his breath hitch, "I wouldn't. You'll regret it."

"Put me down then."

"Nope."

So she let her hand raise and fall, landing with a solid smack across his ass. He let out an almost undignified yelp and skipped a step. "You little-" he cut himself off before quickening his pace.

When they entered the bathroom, she was confused. Then when he walked into the shower, still fully clothed. It clicked, and she began to struggle in earnest. "Don't be stupid Patrick! Let me go!"

He chuckled and with one hand turned the shower knob. She screeched as the ice cold water tumbled over her. Soaking her almost instantly. He laughed as she struggled, eventually letting her slide down to her feet in front of him. She looked up realising, not for the first time, how much taller he was to her. He turned so that his back bore the brunt of the warmer water, keeping it from splashing into her eyes.

His hands rubbed up and down her arms, helping her warm up a little. the steam began to rise as the water struck the cool tile, turning the air warmer with each passing second. But she could see from the ever so slightly smug smile on his face what was really going through his mind.

"You may as well say it. You won't be happy until you do."

His grin got wider, "Told you so."

It was drawn out, in a kind of sing song voice.

She just shook her head.

Evil man.

Authors note: I'm having a lot of fun with writing this, so i'm glad you guys are enjoying it as well :D Please keep letting me know what you think i absolutely adore getting reviews.

Ta for now,

Madam Red