Author's Note: This is the next mini-fic in a series. To follow the series from the beginning here's the order of stories: The Dream Pt 1, The Dream Pt 2, The Date, The Fight, The Discovery.
Baker is not married and has no children in this alternate universe of mine.
THE INNER SANCTUM
Abigail Baker spoke in hushed tones even though she and the Commissioner were in the Inner Sanctum. A soundproof room that looked like his own private office.
It was one of the only places they could talk without being overheard, seen, or found out.
"So, what did you have on your mind, Sir?" she spoke to the Commissioner in her formal tone as she still greatly respected and admired him for being firstmost her boss.
He chose a different approach.
"Abigail," he looked at her with a touch of seriousness on his face. Which was certainly not unusual for him.
"Look, I'm sorry that things are the way they are," he waved his hand around as if to emphasize what he was trying to say.
She looked at him comprehending, but waiting for him.
"I mean we are not normal people. These are not normal hours we keep –"
"This is not a normal job.." she finished for him.
"Right." He looked at her nodding. "We are just people who -"
"Finish each others' sentences," she smiled up at him warmly.
Frank Reagan felt his heart swell for her at that.
She understood him. She GOT him. Most women would never be able to see it this way. How the job controlled him.
He kept going, "I appreciate you, Abigail. These moments with you are very treasured. I want you to know that. And it means a lot to me that you're so understanding about all of this 'keeping up appearances'."
"I know, Sir. I've been by your side for 9 years now…" she said quietly.
Frank looked down at her his eyes studying her.
"Yes, yes you have," he trailed off softly and put a large hand to her cheek.
She leaned into it, looking up at him in that 'Baker sort of way'.
Adoration.
She put her hand over his that was cupping her cheek and slowly moved his hand to her lips, kissing the inside of his palm.
Frank felt a shiver go down his spine.
Her skin looked glowing despite the harsh lighting in his Inner Sanctum.
Her compelling gaze kept his eyes fixated on hers.
Had it really been 9 years? Why had it taken him so long to realize what was developing under the surface between them?
Sure there were the personal tragedies that had struck in his life…but he realized that whatever THIS was between them…it meant an enormous amount to him.
He couldn't hold back anymore and like a moth to a flame he was drawn to her.
He brought his head down to hers and softly kissed her expectant lips.
Abigail took over and with both hands behind his head deepened the kiss more forcefully.
Her tongue found his and for a brief moment, Frank Reagan forgot who he was.
Forgot his title. Forgot his background. Forgot his name even.
And just enjoyed having this beautiful woman in his arms.
Unexpectedly, it was Abigail who pulled away but she kept her forehead leaned against his, breathing in deeply to catch her breath.
They held each other that way, eyes locked in.
His blue-green sea foam eyes staring into her ice cold blue ones.
Abigail was the first to speak, "Shall we get back to work, Commissioner?" she grinned at him.
His eyes twinkled back at her, "Yes Baker. Let's do this morning meeting already."
She let go of his arms but one hand held onto his.
A moment frozen in time.
She squeezed his right hand tightly and finally let it go.
The Commissioner cleared his throat as he felt something welling up inside of him.
But he said nothing and merely followed her out of the room to go join Garrett and Sid for their morning meeting.