13
Jackson Pov
I have been with my son for the last 2 hours and he hasn't said one word. Just slammed stuff around muttered quietly to himself.
"Ok Leroy, quit stalling." Handing him a beer. I love my son but I might just kill him if he keeps this up. "What's in your mind?"
"Dad I screwed up."
"I figured that out already son. I'm not as naive as you think I am."
" we had an amazing afternoon and she still went on a date with the loser."
"You had to know that one day Katherine might meet someone and that'd be it. Jethro, unless you tell her how you feel. She won't know. Did you honestly think that she wouldn't meet someone?"
" Dad, you're not listening. I told her I loved her. We spent the afternoon in bed. I went on a coffee run and never went back to work. If DiNozzo did that, he'd be on desk duty for a year."
Jethro POV
Why do parents always ask the most difficult questions? Of course I love her. Of course I knew she would meet someone. Hell I'm supposed to be with somebody else too. Stephanie. Although I haven't seen her or returned her calls in about a week.
I feel like an idiot. She knows I'm avoiding her. Probably even knows why. You can only call out the wrong name in the middle of sex so many times before she gets suspicious.
"I blindsided her." I say randomly after a long silence sipping beer. "I guess we got swept up in the passion. -"
"Is there any other way with you two?" Dad asks laughing lightly at our expense.
Katherine pov
Dinner was lively enough. He complimented me in all right places at all the right times. Was very gentlemanly but something feels off. My thoughts shift to L-J and kisses we've shared in the last week or so.
"How about a walk along the esplanade?" Nick asks as we leave the restaurant.
"Sorry, but I really need to get home." I smile.
Somehow, I can't see a second date. There's just no zing. L-J has been on my mind all night. I can't get the man out of my head. He is driving me crazy.
Nick POV
"Katherine, we won't be having a second date. Will we?" I suddenly ask breaking the silence and interrupting some thoughts Katherine was having.
"Huh?"
"If you didn't want to date me, why say yes? Don't insult my intelligence. You called me L-J twice through dinner and clearly your mind is elsewhere." I pulled over to the curb. "I think you should get out. I'm not going out of my way for you anymore. I seriously thought you would be different." She just glares at me. "I mean it. While you're at it find another dentist for your ratbag kids. The little monsters constantly give me grief and to be blunt I hate them." That ought to teach the tease!
"Screw you Jerk!"
Katherine POV
The jerk practically threw me outta the car. My bags still there, along with my phone and purse. Crap! I'm stuck in the middle of silver springs with no money and no phone.
Looking around I spy a coffee shop closing up for the night. Banging on the door I still don't get any attention from the guy behind the counter.
"Can I help you?" A man asks as he slows his jog to a stop. He's in his late 20's, kinda nerdy looking.
"Can I borrow your phone? My date dumped me here and he has my purse, keys and phone."
"Sure you can." Handing it over. I stare blankly at the screen. "Everything ok?" He asks tentatively touching my arm gently. "If it makes you a little more relaxed my name is Timothy McGee. I am a probationary special agent at NCIS." He says showing me his ID.
"Dr Katherine Fitzgerald." I smile. "Trying to remember my ex's cell phone number to call for help. He works for NCIS, if I call switch can they connect me?"
"Sure, here let me. What's his name?" Tim asks as I hand the phone back.
"Leroy Jethro Gibbs"
Timothy McGee POV
Ah crap! This woman is my bosses ex. And I have to call him. On our weekend off! Double crap.
"No need to call switch, he is speed dial 2." She looks at me puzzled. " he is my boss. I think you better call him." She smiles widely at me.
"You're scared of him right?" She laughs a little. " it's ok, I got this."
She hits speed dial two, clicks loudspeaker and it immediately connects.
"Yeah McGee, I told you we've got the weekend off." He sounds pissed.
"Actually it's me, Kat! Nick dumped me here. I'm in silver springs. "
"Kat hun, what happened?"
"Can you come get me? I'll explain in the car."
"Ok hun, I'll be right there. Where are you?" She looks at me completely lost.
"Boss, I'll take her back to my apartment. Meet us there."
"Ah, um. I-" Gibbs interrupts her. She seems weary of me.
"Go with McGee, it's not the safest neighbourhood. You'll be safe. I'll be there soon."
Katherine POV
"Thank you again for your help." I say as we enter his apartment building in the middle of the next block. "Sorry, for disrupting your workout."
"No need to be sorry. I'm glad it was me who stumbled upon you and not one of the street kids. Can I get you a coffee?"
"A cup of tea would be great." I smile noting he locked the dOor.
"Sorry, I know never assume. I just gathered since you and Gibbs -"
"Don't ask. Don't tell. I'm sure he will tell you this."