A/N: I just want to thank everyone for the positive response to this little story. Some of you requested more, and it turned out there was a little more I wanted to share. This chapter picks up immediately after the end of the first. Hopefully, nobody minds a little more Christmas.
Chapter Two
A key turned in the lock of the front door, and Jessica came in with Jack. Penelope moved a little away from Aaron, and he stood up to go meet his son.
"Hey, Buddy, did you have a good time?" he asked, giving Jack a hug.
"Yeah. I got lots of cool things, and we had food, and I got to have some hot chocolate."
"Wow, sounds like fun. Thanks for bringing him back tonight, Jess."
Aaron hugged Jessica and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"I promised I'd get him home tonight. Thanks for letting him spend the evening with the family. Oh, hi Penelope. Did you two have a nice evening?"
Jessica smirked at Aaron.
"We had a lovely time," Penelope said. She joined them at the front door. "Hey Jack, can't wait to see all your cool stuff."
Jack looked from his dad to Penelope, raising his brows in a question.
"I guess I'd better get going," Jessica said. "Merry Christmas, Aaron. Penelope, good to see you again. Night, Jack, thanks for coming over."
Everyone said their goodbyes, and Aaron watched until Jessica got safely in her car and pulled away.
Turning back toward the living room, Aaron saw Jack looking between him and Penelope.
"Well, Dad, come on, did you ask her?"
Aaron ruffle his son's hair, then walked over to stand beside Penelope. Putting his arm around her, he turned back to Jack.
"Yes, I asked her. She said yes."
"Yes! I knew it. It's what I was hoping for."
"You talked it over together?" Penelope asked.
"Of course. Much as I wanted this, I couldn't move forward till I knew how Jack felt. He's my first priority. But I knew he liked ya, so I wasn't too worried about his reaction."
"Course I like you, Penelope," Jack said. "You're fun. You know all kinds of cool things about well, all kinds of things. And you always make Dad smile."
"Oh. Thanks, Jack."
"Okay, Buddy, how about you tell Penelope goodnight and then get ready for bed. You'll see her at Uncle Dave's tomorrow."
"Ah, Dad."
"Don't ah Dad me."
"All right, all right. Goodnight, Penelope."
"Are you too old for hugs, Jack?"
"Well, not from you, I guess."
Penelope laughed. She took Jack in a big hug and kissed his cheek.
"Thanks for making me feel so welcome in your lives," she said. Smiling down at the boy, she hugged him again and released him. "Better go get ready for bed. The quicker you go to sleep, the quicker Christmas morning will be here!"
Jack looked over at the Christmas tree with the presents scattered under it.
"Wow. Can I open just one, dad?"
"You already opened some at Granma's. Quite a few, if that pile in the entry is anything to go on."
Shrugging, Jack started for the stairs.
"I'll be right up," Aaron called after him.
"Okay."
"I'd better get going," Penelope said. "It's late, and I need to get my beauty sleep as they say."
Aaron chuckled softly. The sound sent a thrill through Penelope.
"You know, you have the sexiest chuckle, Aaron."
"Oh, do I?"
"Mmm, yes."
Taking her in his arms, Aaron smiled into her eyes.
"You've always given me reasons to smile and laugh. From the beginning."
He kissed her softly.
"I've always wanted to make you laugh. You never did it enough."
They stood, just holding each other for another moment. Then Jack called from his room, and Aaron stepped away.
"I'll be right up, Jack."
Taking her hand, Aaron walked Penelope to the door.
"Want us to pick you up tomorrow, for Dave's?"
"Sure. That would be nice."
"Isn't the whole team gonna be there?"
"Um, yes, I think so. Reid was going to Vegas, but his mom's doctor said it wasn't a good time, so he'll be there, and I know JJ was bringing her family. Not sure about anyone else. Oh, I think Morgan and his family are coming."
"You okay with us telling everyone at once?"
"Of course. I'm not the sort to hide my feelings, so if we didn't tell them tomorrow, they know the first time they saw us together anyway."
"You're probably right about that. That's what happens when you work with a bunch of profilers."
"No kidding."
Penelope shook her head and laughed.
"Well, drive safely. We'll be there around 2:00, I guess."
"Okay. Kiss me goodnight?"
"Mmmm."
He pulled her against him, pressing their bodies to each other as tight as he could. The kiss began soft, but as Penelope responded eagerly, he deepened the kiss, tangling their tongues together, letting her feel his desire for her.
"I love you, Penelope," he said. He stroked her hair away from her face. "Call me when you get home."
"I will. Goodnight, Aaron."
"Goodnight."
He stood watching her walk toward her car. Making sure she got in safely and drove away. His arms felt empty. He wanted to ask her to stay, but he felt it was too soon. It was Christmas night after all, and this night should be for Jack. But soon, he hoped he would have the chance soon to make love to Penelope and show her all the ways he could love her. When he could no longer see her car, he locked the door and ran up to Jack, grinning. How long had it been since he'd felt such unrestrained joy?
The next morning, following the mayhem of present opening and breakfast, Aaron called Dave Rossi.
"Morning, Aaron, Merry Christmas," Dave said when he answered the phone. "You're not calling to cancel or anything?"
"No, no, we'll be there. I wanted to ask you something."
"Okay. Well, whatever it is, yes."
Aaron laughed.
"Don't say yes till you hear the question. Um, I was wondering something."
He broke off. Why did he feel nervous?
"C'mon, I've got stuff to do in the kitchen. It's not like you to hesitate. Spit it out, Aaron." "
"I'd like you to become Garcia's supervisor."
Rossi nearly dropped the phone in his surprise.
"You want me to what?"
"I want you to supervise Garcia at work. It's either that, or she has to transfer to another team. And I am not going to lose her. We depend on her too much; she's responsible for a great many of our successes."
"Aaron? Have you finally gotten off your ass and done it?"
"Done what?"
"You've asked Penelope to start dating you officially, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have."
Rossi smiled gleefully.
"Atta boy. I'm so proud. And yes, I'll be her supervisor. I'm happy for you. She's been good for you since you started seeing each other. How did Jack take it?"
"He's all for it."
Dave went to the kitchen, preparing to slice some vegetables. Getting out the cutting board and his favorite paring knife, he continued talking to Aaron.
"Are you going to tell the team?"
"She coming to your house with Jack and me," Aaron answered, "so I guess everyone will know. She can't hide her feelings anyway, and it's not a secret I want to keep. It will affect the team."
"They'll all be happy for both of you." Rossi smiled, thinking of the reactions of the team.
"I hear you chopping, so I'd better let you go. I just wanted to ask you about this before we get there later."
"We'll see you all this afternoon then."
"Thanks, again, Dave. I appreciate it."
"Any time, Aaron."
When Aaron and Jack arrived, Penelope was ready to go. She was wearing another long skirt with a sparkling sweater, her Christmas tree earrings. As she saw Aaron walking toward her door, Jack at his side, she took a minute to gaze at him before opening the door. She loved seeing Aaron in his suits every day at work, but there was something about seeing him in tight jeans and a casual shirt that made her stomach go all funny, butterflies bouncing around in there, and a feeling of fierce desire in her core. He was a gorgeous man, and now, he was all hers.
Settle down, Penelope," she said aloud, leaving the window to open the door. "You can't jump him with Jack right there."
Giggling at her thoughts, she opened the door.
"Well, hello, boys. Don't you both look nice this afternoon? Love that sweater, Jack, and Aaron, well there are just no words for how much I like those jeans on you."
Aaron fought back a blush. Penelope never held back her thoughts, one of the many things he loved about her, but she sure could embarrass him, in the best ways.
"Hello, Penelope."
He bent to kiss her. She pressed against him, meeting his kiss with her own, sharing his passion.
Standing behind them, Jack rolled his eyes and began making kissing sounds.
Breaking away from each other, Aaron and Penelope laughed at him.
"Okay, Okay. Let me grab my things, and we can leave."
Penelope hurried to pick up the bags she'd filled with gifts. Turning back to the door, she saw Aaron bending down to talk to Jack and stopped to admire the view.
Mmm, she thought, that ass, those hips, oh, that flat stomach, as he stands up and looks at me, those eyes, those dimples. Yummy. And what he must be able to do with those hands! Oh my. And those lips, mmm, oh my.
"Uh, Penelope, are you going to stare all day?"
"I just might."
He laughed.
"Well, I don't mind, as long as you don't mind if I do a bit of it myself. Of course, Jack might explode if we don't hurry up."
Offering his arm, Aaron took some of her bags in the other hand. Jack raced ahead and climbed into the back seat. Aaron opened Penelope's door, dropping a quick kiss on the top of her head. Opening the back door, he placed her bags on the seat next to his son.
"Here, Jack, keep these bags with you."
"No peeking young man," Penelope said.
"Oh, all right."
"How do ya think we should tell everyone about us?" Penelope asked. She enjoyed driving with Aaron. She always had. She knew that he and Derek were the fastest wildest drivers of the bunch, but she'd always found it exciting and just plain fun when either of them put on the gas. Now, watching him drive, she felt twist in her stomach. Damn, did every little normal thing he did have to be so sexy? She wanted him, and it seemed that she wanted him all the time, no matter what was going on. Patience, Penelope, she thought. She sighed.
Aaron took her hand.
"Something wrong?" he asked, squeezing her hand.
"Oh no, nothing. I just was thinking something. Not bad, promise, just, um, PG 13, if you know what I mean."
He grinned.
"Oh, I understand." He squeezed her hand again. "We have time for that. As for telling everyone, I don't have a plan. Just thought I'd let it happen when it happens. If not before, we can tell them when we're all sitting down for dinner. That way everyone'll be in one place at the same time."
"That could work."
Secretly, she sort of hoped he'd be more spontaneous than that, but this was Aaron, and he did few things without fully thinking them over and planning them. Patience, Penelope, she thought again.
"I think you should just kiss her, Dad, right in front of everybody. You know, when everyone's all there and together, just go for it."
"Oh, that's what you think, huh, buddy?"
Aaron chuckled. Sometimes, it seemed like Jack was in his head. He'd just been thinking that was what he'd really like to do, just kiss her and let everyone think whatever they were going to think.
"Yep." Jack started giggling.
"That would sure get their attention." Penelope said.
"It sure would." Aaron answered, smiling. Glancing over at Penelope, he saw a sparkle in her eyes, and he knew she'd love it if he did something so impulsive.
They arrived at Rossi's as Reid was pulling up. They all exchanged greetings and walked to the door together. Rossi opened the door just as Jack was reaching to ring the doorbell.
"Welcome, welcome," Rossi said, waving them in. "It's cold, come on inside. I've got the fire going and appetizers and drinks ready."
Rossi kissed Penelope on the cheek, waved at Reid and gave Aaron a half hug.
"So glad you all could make it. Help yourselves. Jack, you can put the gifts over there under the tree."
Reid went to help Jack and spent the next few minutes explaining the history of the Christmas tree tradition. It gave Rossi a chance to talk quietly to Aaron and Penelope.
"You two are practically glowing. I'm so glad for all of you. You ready for the craziness when you tell the rest of the team?"
"We're ready, aren't we, Penelope?" Aaron said.
"That's good, because looks like JJ and company just arrived. And there's Morgan and his family."
The next hour was filled with talking and laughter, as the friends interacting, as if they hadn't seen each other in months. It had been a while since they'd seen Morgan, and everyone gathered around him and his family to hear all their news.
During a lull in the conversation, Aaron excused himself to get another drink. Penelope followed. Aaron was a magnet, and she just needed to follow.
"Could you pour me a glass of red?" she asked, standing close, taking his hand.
"Anything for you."
She smiled.
"Are you having a good time?" he asked.
"Of course. It's good to see everyone."
"I love watching you with everyone. Whenever you're near them, they all smile, no matter who it is. I love that about you, Penelope."
He handed her a glass of wine, and they stood there, just gazing at each other.
"Come here," he said. "It's been far too long since I kissed you."
Setting her glass on the counter, she went into his arms, lifting her face to his. He bent to her, kissing her passionately, not caring who walked in and saw them together. She tasted of wine and of Penelope. She kissed back as hard and with as much passion and desire as he. He tasted of whiskey and that indefinable thing that was just Aaron. Neither of them wanted to stop. Arms clinging, tongues tangling, they stood there for a long time.
"I wish we were alone right now," she said, breathless.
"So do I."
He pulled her back to him and continued the kiss. Running his hands over her back, pressing her as hard against him as he could. They forgot that there was a world around them, forgot they were in a house full of their friends.
Someone gasped. Aaron and Penelope broke apart. He kept his arm around her, pulling her against his side. Turning together, they faced JJ, standing in the doorway and gaping at them.
"Hotch? Penelope? What's going on?"
"Exactly what you think," Penelope answered. "You know, Aaron and I have been seeing each other outside work for a while now. We made it official last night."
"You—you're dating?"
"Yes, we are, JJ." Aaron tightened his arm around Penelope.
"Wow! I'm so happy for you both!"
Rushing across the room, JJ flung an arm around each of them, hugging hard.
"This is the best news. Congratulations to you both. What about work?"
"We've got that all arranged," Penelope answered.
"Yes, Dave is going to become Penelope's supervisor," Aaron took up the explanation. "She rarely goes to the field with us, and when she does, she's always at the stations or wherever our headquarters are. She's not dealing with the unsubs, as the rest of us are."
"Can I tell people?" JJ asked.
"Sure. We're not keeping it secret," Aaron said.
"We just didn't know how to announce it," Penelope said. "It just didn't seem quite the thing to say, Merry Christmas, we're in love and we're dating."
JJ laughed.
"Guess not, now that you mention it."
"Let's go join the others," Aaron said.
Offering his arm to Penelope, he led the way back to the living room. He walked over to the couch, and as he sat down, impulsively, he pulled Penelope to sit on his lap. The several ongoing conversations broke off, and everyone stared. Rossi was grinning and JJ was smiling. The rest were shocked.
"Hotch? Garcia? What the hell?" Morgan was the first to break the stunned silence. "Is this a joke?"
"No joke, Morgan," Aaron said. "Penelope and I are together."
"Yes we are, my chocolate thunder. Are ya gonna congratulate us?"
"Wow, just wow." Morgan seemed to be at a complete loss for words.
"Look at that," savannah said, "I think you finally found a way to shut him up."
Everyone laughed.
"Congrats you two," Reid said. "I think it's great."
"But!"
"It's great news," Rossi came into the room and interrupted Morgan's sputtering. "For those of you worried about the job, I'll be Penelope's supervisor, so there won't be any conflict with Aaron being her boss. We've already discussed it. And now, dinner is ready."
Everyone got up and followed Rossi to the dining room. Aaron pulled out Penelope's chair and then settled himself beside her, taking her hand. Once everyone was seated, Rossi rose, glass in hand.
"This is a special day. I'm so glad you could all be here. We're still family, though some of us have moved on, as family does. Here's to family. And Here's to Aaron and Penelope. May they have only happy days ahead. God knows, they both deserve."
"Hear, hear."
They all clinked glasses, most smiling at the new couple.
"Dig in," Rossi sat down and began passing platters of food around the table.
Throughout the meal, the women asked Penelope how it all happened. What did he say; what did you say; what happened then? Reid talked about the latest course he was studying for another PHD. Jack talked to Henry about all his gifts. Rossi and Aaron talked to Will about the courses he was teaching at the police academy. The only person not speaking at all was Morgan. He ate the food but didn't seem to notice what was on his plate. He alternated between staring at Penelope and glaring at Aaron. Savannah elbowed him in the ribs, bringing his attention back to the conversation.
When the meal was finished, and people began rising to help clear the table, Morgan made a beeline for Aaron.
"Can we talk for a few minutes?" he asked.
"Sure. They made their way to Rossi's study.
"What's on your mind, Morgan?" Aaron knew very well what was on his mind, but he was determined to make Morgan voice it. Morgan had always been particularly protective of Penelope. Aaron knew he was about to get the "big brother" lecture.
"Hotch, what the hell are you doing, man?"
"What the hell am I doing about what?"
"Damn it, you know what I mean. What are you doing with Penelope?"
Aaron shrugged.
"I'm not doing anything with her that she doesn't want or hasn't agreed to. We've been good friends for a long time, and it's become more. She feels the same."
"It's not right. You know it isn't. What about the job? Is this just because you're lonely since Beth left?"
"You know, this isn't really any of your business. It's between Penelope and me and Jack. That's all."
"The hell it's not my business." Morgan slammed his fist on Rossi's desk. "She's like a sister to me. You're too complicated for her."
"What is that supposed to mean? You're not implying she's too simple to deal with me?"
"Of course not! Damn it, man, I mean you have too much baggage. You're hard. You don't smile. You keep all your feelings tight inside you and don't like to let anything show. Not unless it has to do with Jack. You're not right for her."
"I'd guess that's for her to decide, wouldn't you? I never knew you thought so little of me."
Morgan sighed.
"Look, Hotch, I trust you. I know you'd always have my back. I know you're honest and have loads of integrity. I just think Penelope needs someone funny and light and joyful. Like she is. You're just too solemn, too dark in your soul for her. You've been through too much, seen too much. I don't know how to say it, but you're not right for her. This was a really bad move on your part."
"And who are you to decide who's right or not for me, Derek Morgan?"
Penelope stood in the door, looking daggers at Morgan.
"Uh, Baby Girl, I didn't see you there."
"Don't you Baby Girl me. This is not your business. How dare you corner Aaron and give him this crap. I'm a grown woman and I make my own decisions."
She walked up to stand by Aaron, wrapping her arm around his waist and putting her head on his shoulder for a moment. Then she stood up straight and glared at Morgan.
"It's insulting to both Aaron and me to say we don't know what we're doing. Did it ever occur to you that I may have loved him for a long time? Well, I have. I might even have been a little in love with him from that first time we met. He walked it, cool as you please, so hot in that suit. He took my pink stationery resume like it was an everyday occurrence. I would have followed him anywhere."
Arron turned to her. He smiled and put his arms around her.
"I didn't know you felt something way back then."
"I did. Oh sure, I loved Kevin and there was Sam, but you were always special, Aaron. You accepted me the way I am, and that's damn sexy to me."
They smiled at each other. Aaron gave her a quick kiss, and then they turned back to Morgan.
"I don't need your big brother routine, Derek," Penelope said. Releasing Aaron, she walked to Morgan and placed her hands on his shoulders.
"You're my best friend, you know that," she said. "But this is my life, my choice. I'm a big girl, and I went into this relationship with full knowledge and understanding of who he is, who I am, and what I want. And what I want is Aaron, all the way, 100 percent. You can either accept that or not. It doesn't matter to me. But as my best friend, I'd rather have you accept it, since you'll be seeing us together all the time now. But it's your choice."
Morgan sighed. He pressed his cheek to hers.
"Okay, you win, Penelope." He said. "All I ever want is for you to be happy. If Hotch makes you happy, I guess I'm an idiot to argue with that."
"You are an idiot." She punched his shoulder. "Now are you going to behave yourself?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Morgan walked to Aaron and offered his hand.
"I'm really sorry, man. I know you'd never hurt Penelope. I don't know what got into me. You both have my full support."
"Thanks, Derek."
The two men shook hands. Penelope beamed at them both.
"Okay, my two favorite men in the world, let's return to the party."
She put an arm through Aaron's and the other through Morgan's, and the three of them rejoined the others.
As they walked back in, Rossi looked at them questioning. Aaron nodded and shrugged and Rossi shrugged.
"I think these kiddos have waited long enough. Don't you all think it's time for presents?" Rossi smiled at Jack and Henry. "Come on, boys, help me pass out all this stuff. Amazing that Santa knew to leave these things here."
Presents were opened and dessert was eaten. The adults sat around the table chatting. Looking over at Jack, Aaron saw that the boy was falling asleep in his slice of pie. Chuckling, he stood up.
"You ready to go?" Penelope asked.
"Look at Jack. And Henry for that matter."
"Oh, boy, they're gonna crash soon."
"Yeah, he was up late last night and then up at dawn this morning. I'd better get him home."
JJ and Will were getting ready to go as well. They all said their goodbyes, thanking Rossi for the wonderful food and the day of being together. Jack shuffled out to the car.
"You're practically asleep on your foot," Aaron said, helping his son get his seatbelt fastened.
"Am not. I'm wide awake."
"Sure you are, buddy."
He helped Penelope into her seat and hurried around the car to get in and start the heater.
"I hate to take you home so early, but I wouldn't want to have to wake Jack up again to drive you home. Do you mind?"
"No, not at all. Not as long as we're gonna get together tomorrow."
"Sure we are. Just come over and hang with us for the day. We don't usually do much the day after Christmas."
"That sounds like a perfect day."
When they reached her house, Aaron parked in the driveway, so he could walk Penelope to her door and still be able to see Jack, asleep in the back seat. His job made him extra cautious he supposed, but he liked to be where he could always see Jack.
"Let me get your door," he told Penelope.
"Such a gentleman. Must be that southern upbringing."
"Yes, it is."
Swiftly, he walked around the car, opening her door and giving her his hand to help her stand up.
"Jack is going to be spending a couple days at a friend's house next weekend," he said, walking hand in hand, "I was wondering if you would like to come and spend the weekend with me. "
"Just you and me?"
"Yes."
"I'd like that."
"Normally, I'd take you somewhere special or something, but I'd like to be home, in case Jack wants to come home in the middle of his weekend."
"Of course. You don't need to impress me by taking me anywhere special. Not yet, anyway."
She looked up at him through her eyelashes, and he grinned.
"I am a man of many surprises and talents, I'll have you know." His voice was soft and sultry, and Penelope felt it all through her body.
"I have no doubt of that," she said.
Stopping at her door, Aaron took her in his arms.
"I hate to let you go tonight, Penelope."
"I hate it too."
"We'll plan better next time."
"We did just fine today." She melted against him, her head on his chest.
"Yes, we did."
The rumble of his voice made her shiver.
He took her chin in his hand, tipping her face up and kissed her.
"Do you know what I have planned for next weekend?" he asked between kisses.
"Hmmm?"
"I plan to make love to you all weekend long."
She gasped. Desire filled her core, and those butterflies were dancing around in her stomach again.
"What do you think of that plan?" he asked against her lips.
"Oh, Aaron, I like the sound of that very much."
'Do you now?"
"Um hum."
They kissed again.
At last Aaron stepped back.
"I'd better get Jack home. See you tomorrow?"
"I'll be there. How about if I bring breakfast?"
"Sounds good."
"What's Jack like?"
"Oh anything. He's not a picky eater."
"Okay. Kiss me goodnight then. The sooner we all go to sleep, the sooner tomorrow will come."
They kissed one more time and then broke away, panting.
"Goodnight, Penelope. I love you."
"I love you. Goodnight, Aaron. Merry Christmas."
"You've definitely made it a merry one for me. Goodnight."
Standing on her porch, Penelope watched him run back to the car. He waved. She stood there watching, until he turned the corner, heading toward his home. He glanced back one time and smiled at her.
As he headed home, as she got ready to go to bed, they thought how lucky they were to have found this thing that was between them. It had been the best Christmas either had known in a long time. And this was just the beginning, the beginning of something special, something each hoped would never end.
The end