Chapter 3 - Lee's Apartment 1st night

After parking Lee's car, Amanda got out and reached for her bag. She swung it over her shoulder. Lee watched as she headed towards the trunk to gather up her groceries. Lee stopped her and said " Amanda let me carry those. Come on. I can carry a few groceries….that won't mess up my five days of rest!" Amanda raised her eyebrows at him and said " Lee…please. You need to rest." Lee took the bags from her and headed towards the front door. "You can turn me in for not listening…I don't care. You are not carrying them. I got this." He turned around to look at her "Well boss, are you coming inside or not?" Amanda shook her head and said "Okay Stetson. I will let you off the hook for now. Since you are being a gentleman. But its gonna cost you…" Her eyes were twinkling and she had a smirk on her face. Lee smiled back at her and walked towards her shortening the distance between them. Amanda could feel Lee's warm breath on her cheek as he leaned in and whispered "How much Mrs. King? " Amanda could barely breathe. She knew he was getting to her. He knew it as well. She was intoxicating to him. How did he never see it before. Amanda smiled back at him and it sent shivers down his back. Just by a look. Damn Stetson. I so want to kiss her. I need to kiss her. Is it finally our time? Lee's thoughts were all over the place when Amanda leaned in and whispered "Well Scarecrow…I am thinking it's time for you to go lay down and rest. No excuses. No whining. For at least 4 hours while I make your soup. Deal?"

Lee beamed at her and lightly kissed her cheek. He drew back and said."What ever the lady requests." He took her hand as they made their way to the elevator.

True to his word Lee stayed in his bed and rested while Amanda worked on their dinner. He woke up from his nap feeling better. He didn't want to admit it but he was glad for the time off. It seemed like they were always thrown into some sort of espionage every week. This time away from the Agency would be good.. for both of them.

Lee slowly walked to the double doors of his bedroom and he could overhear Amanda talking.

"Yes Mother. I will be gone for a week. I am sorry it's such short notice. With being out due to his accident they need me to go over the shooting scenes. Yes Mother. I know. He's a very nice man and he's getting better. I can almost guarantee it that he's resting." Lee heard Amanda chuckle and she continued "Please tell the boys I love them. I will call when I can and check in. Okay Mother. Talk to you soon. Love you too. Bye bye"

Amanda hung up the phone and she sighed. She didn't even hear Lee come up behind her. He put his arms around her and whispered. "Did I pass my first test Mrs. King?"

Amanda shuddered at being in Lee's arms and she leaned back against him "You know Stetson….I hate it when you do that!"

Lee chuckled against her. It was driving him crazy being so close to her. Amanda continued "Its just weird when you come up behind me and scare me. Sometimes I think you do it just to irritate me!"

Lee kissed the top of her head. "Manda…okay maybe you caught me. It's just fun to see you jump. Even after three years…"

Amanda laughed and turned around. She was still in his arms and they were both very aware of one another. She changed the subject quickly. "So did you finally get some rest? I checked on you about an hour ago and you were out."

"Oh..now who's being a super spy? I never even heard you come in!"

"Well I did learn from the best. Can't fault a girl for practicing."

Lee laughed and this time kissed her forehead. Amanda relaxed in his arms and thought A girl could definitely get used to this much attention from Lee Stetson! Wow! She took a deep breath and asked "So are you hungry?"

Lee nodded "Actually I am starved. Did you manage to whip up some of your homemade chicken soup? "

Amanda walked out of the embrace and they both felt a bit empty. She headed towards the kitchen and called out "Come on and sit at the table. It's ready. Let me dish it out for you."

Lee followed her to the dining room table and he sat down. Amanda had already set the table for their dinner. He was amazed at what she could accomplish in just a few hours. He smiled at her as she brought out two bowls if piping hot soup. She rambled " Well, I managed to also bake a chocolate cake while I was working on the soup. So we will have something for dessert. Just no wine for you..not until you are off your meds."

Lee stared at her in complete amazement. "Amanda…chocolate cake? You have been busy! I wish I knew how you do it all. Work at the Agency, lying to your mother and the boys, running a household, cooking and cleaning….and taking the time to take care of me. You are something special Amanda King." He reached over and took her hand. His thumb grazing over the back of her hand. He squeezed her hand and added. " I don't think I tell you enough how grateful I am. Really. You do way to much for me…sometimes I don't deserve it. So thank you. It means a lot."

Amanda smiled as she looked down at their hands. She had so much to tell him..but hesitated. Was he ready? And more importantly was she? She looked at him and said" Well, thank you Lee. That means a lot. I…" she couldn't say anything else. She watched as his thumb ran back and forth across her hand. They sat there for a moment both realizing how their relationship was changing. More importantly how they were feeling towards one another. Lee broke eye contact first and took a deep breath.

"Well, let's eat and then we'll pick out a movie to watch? No shop talk and just enjoy the night .. whaddya say?"

Amanda nodded and said "You're on Stetson!" They laughed and started chatting away as they ate dinner.

Lee stopped the movie and glanced over at his partner. She was leaning against the end of the couch and was sound asleep. He reached over to the back of the couch and grabbed the blanket. He draped it across Amanda and tucked her in. He played with her hair and brushed a strand off her face. She snuggled deeper into the couch and in her subconscious whispered "Lee…"

He smiled at her and reached over and kissed her forehead. He whispered "Good Night…my Amanda" He stood up and headed towards his bedroom. He turned back and looked at Amanda and smiled. He ran his hands through his hair and opened his bedroom door. He knew he wouldn't sleep much…his thoughts would be full of Amanda King.