Chapter 2:
It was about a week later. Calleigh and Eric had just finished processing a scene and after taking some evidence found to trace, they decided to go grab something to eat in the break room. It was already way past noon and they had even skipped breakfast having had the early call for the day, which immediately led them to Coconut Grove to find a dead body of a man in his thirties they presumed, who was left for dead after a hit and run. They had found some form of liquid as well as some tire threads which Eric had already identified the type of vehicle so Tripp was working on that.
'I am so hungry' Calleigh told him as she took out the bowl of salad from the refrigerator. Eric chuckled as he looked at what she had in her hand while he was already opening up the piece of foil to take out a huge piece of bread 'What's so funny?' she asked him.
'Just lunch comparison' he replied as he took a bite of his bread and Calleigh rolled her eyes and shook her head.
'There is no way I would eat that much. It's too filling and well not good for the figure' she replied with a wink as she sat down in front of him. Eric couldn't help the boyish grin that spread across his face knowing full well the figure she had. He could still see her naked, feel her skin against his hands, against his body.
'Earth to Eric' she called out and Eric smiled having been caught. Calleigh was sure she knew where his mind had drifted off, and she couldn't help the slight blush that filled her cheeks. That was when Wolfe and Natalia walked into the room, ready to have their lunch. They had been on a different case on the other side of Miami.
'Oh look who's here' Natalia said with a smile. Her and Ryan had just been talking about them, knowing the rumors they had just heard were of particular interest to them.
'Just the people we were hoping to see' Ryan said not wasting any time as he took a seat next to them while Natalia got their lunches.
'Oh really? Why is that Wolfe?' Eric asked him, interested in what his colleague and friend was going to come up with. He had this look on his face that told him whatever this was, had to be interesting.
'I just heard that the fraternization rule is being lifted' Wolfe informed them and Eric stopped midway of biting into his bread as automatically his eyes locked on Calleigh who was frozen with her fork in her salad staring at him before dragging his eyes and turned his attention back on Wolfe.
'Didn't hear anything' Eric replied, although if it was true, Ryan was right. This was of major importance for him and Calleigh. They might not be together at the moment, but when the time finally comes for them to reunite, then with this rule being lifted, there would be nothing to stand in their way.
'They're saying that the new guy replacing Stetler, has particular interest in removing it, just like Stetler implemented the rule after his failed relationship with Yelenia just so that H wouldn't be able to start something with her' Wolfe explained.
'Asshole' Calleigh said out of nowhere and Eric couldn't help the grin that spread on his face.
'You got that right. That man used to give me the creeps' Natalia replied shivering at the thought of Rick Stetler.
'I don't think there was any other case that gave me so much satisfaction after we found out that he was the mastermind behind everything' Eric said although his eyes captured Calleigh's knowing that that was also the case that ruined their relationship 'It was the only good thing that came out of the damn case' he continued just to clear exactly what he meant, and Calleigh knew because everything else that came up with that case ruined one person or the other. Nevins ended up dead, Sully ended up being shot and arrested for his involvement, Wolfe got arrested and humiliated in front of everyone in the department but then released thanks to Eric, and Calleigh and Eric's relationship along with their friendship got destroyed. Maybe it was not destroyed on the spot, but the uncertainties and the bitter taste it left behind, had been too much for Calleigh to continue with Eric without needing space to clear her mind and her heart.
'Can we change subject please?' Calleigh asked as she played with the salad in front of her.
'Yeah besides, we came here to spread the good news. Fraternization is being pulled off' Wolfe cheered.
'Is there something you are not telling us?' Calleigh teased trying to lighten the mood again, and Eric and Natalia chuckled.
'Well not exactly but now there is nothing holding us from being with whoever we want' Wolfe replied with a wink and Calleigh smiled knowingly, before she looked at Eric who was looking at her with a hopeful but sexy look. Calleigh laughed, grabbed her napkin and through it in his face, making everyone laugh.
'Oh oh I remembered something' Natalia called out 'Are you guys attending the New Year's Eve gala party they are organizing?' she asked.
'I'm in' Wolfe told her, raising his hand.
'Me too, if you're all going' Calleigh said.
'I'm in' Eric replied immediately. The truth was, he knew about the party but he wasn't sure what he was going to do. In reality it always depended on whether Calleigh was attending or not. They may not have made any plans, and are not back together, but at least like this they can celebrate the ending of the year and the beginning of a new one together, hopefully bringing them together to start the new year on a positive note.
'Awesome' Natalia said 'Well that means you and I need to go shopping' she told Calleigh and the ladies raised their hands and high-fived.
'After work?' Calleigh asked 'There is this dress that I saw, I really hope they have my size' she told her, forgetting for a moment that the guys were present, and most importantly, Eric was present and listening.
'Sure I'm game' Natalia replied 'I can't wait for the shift to be over' she said and Calleigh nodded. That's when her phone beeped signaling a new message.
'Well looks like my break is finished. Results are in' Calleigh told them so she got up and cleared her stuff just like Eric. They were working the same case after all 'We'll talk later Nat' Calleigh told her and with that Calleigh and Eric headed out of the room, leaving Natalia and Ryan alone.
'You think it will be the night they finally get together?' Wolfe asked.
'I certainly hope so' she replied.
oooOOOooo
It was the day they had been waiting for. In the morning they had to work but the cases weren't too big and complicated, for once they were quite straight forward and they had managed to close the cases and make the arrests on the same day, leaving them enough time to head home a bit early. They were all planning at what time they had to meet and then they started leaving one by one until only Eric and Calleigh remained in the locker room. It had been like they had been stalling on purpose and when they were sure that it was just the two of them, Eric had closed the locker and grabbed his bag before making his way over to her.
'Can I pick you up tonight?' he asked her, daring to cup one cheek, looking straight in her eyes.
She was looking up into his brown orbs seeing the hope and love in his eyes, that same love that never wavered no matter how much space she needed or how much she had hurt him by asking for space. She really didn't want to break his heart or put him down, but she had other plans.
'Actually...I will meet you there' she told him and his face fell and his hand was going to drop but Calleigh was quick and covered his hand with hers, holding it in place against her cheek 'I'm not turning you down Eric. I just want you to be there when I come...that's all' she told him.
'Should I take it as a good sign?' he asked, not sure, because why wouldn't she want him to pick her up?
'Sure' she replied.
'Okay' he replied, not sure if he should be feeling defeated that she turned down his request or anxious to find out what she was up to.
'Let me know when you arrive okay' Calleigh told him with a smile, her green eyes never leaving his.
'Okay I will' he told her.
She kept looking at him, her hand dropping from his and then his hand dropped, but Calleigh took his hand in hers, cupped his cheek with her free hand and kissed his right cheek 'I will see you tonight' she told him smiling and with that, she grabbed her bag and went on her way, leaving him speechless alone in the locker room.
oooOOOooo
The party had started when the team had started arriving one by one. Wolfe had asked Natalia if she wanted him to pick her up and Natalia had smiled and nodded, happy that for once she looked like she had a date for a staff party. After her marriage had ended and her brief relationship with Eric had come to an end as well, Natalia and Ryan had gotten quite closer. They had become really good friends. She trusted him and knew that he would always be there for her. He had become the one person she could really rely on, so when he had asked her if he could pick her up, she had immediately agreed. Walter, Horatio and Tripp were there as well when Eric arrived, and just like he had assumed, they were all expecting him and Calleigh to arrive together, so when he arrived on his own, they all started looking at one another confused, well except for Natalia who already knew what Calleigh was up to.
'Where is she?' Wolfe asked.
'You didn't screw this up, didn't you?' Walter asked him almost annoyed, and Eric rolled his eyes and chuckled at their silliness. It was so obvious that their friends wanted them to get together, it was almost funny.
'Chill guys, chill' Eric told them 'She said she wanted me here when she arrives. I just have to text her' Eric explained.
'Well that is interesting' Walter noted and Wolfe nodded making his usual facial expression when he was in agreement but no words were needed. In the meantime, Eric had pulled out his phone and started typing the message.
'Just arrived. Where are you?' he asked her and pressed sent.
Eric moved a couple of steps to hug Natalia and let her know she looked beautiful and then went to shake Tripp's and Horatio's hand. He was starting to feel a bit anxious. Calleigh was the only one that was not here yet, and he wanted to see her. He had a feeling tonight was going to be the night that things finally happen. With the fraternization rule being lifted, which was already quite obvious at the party, with fellow colleagues holding hands with others and making it obvious that there had been other couples who had tried to keep things under the radar, there was really nothing to keep them apart unless Calleigh changes her mind, which Eric hoped she wouldn't. From how things had been looking as of late, well these last few weeks really, she looked like she was opening up to him. She was even flirting with him, just like she did when they had gone out to that rooftop club and she came dressed in black leather leggings and an off-shoulder wrap around top. She had been right out flirting with him, right in front of their friends.
'I need a drink' Eric told them and they all smiled at that 'Anyone else needs one?' he asked. Some shook their head, others raised their full glass, so Eric started making his way towards the bar. He was still on his way when he saw people turning around, so Eric stopped to check what the commotion was about.
'She's here' Natalia told them having spotted her friend since they were on the higher platform. She could see Wolfe and Walter's mouth open wide as they waited to see if Eric was going to see her, because it was clear that he hadn't yet but he had stopped to check who had arrived, because it was quite obvious that someone had just arrived. He saw the officers stepping aside, make way and then...then he saw her and his heart stopped, his lips parted and his eyes connected with hers. He watched her, a full smile on her face walking towards him, completely ignoring everyone else, while Eric stood there, that boyish grin she loved so much spreading across his face...and then she stopped in front of him, staring in his chocolate brown eyes, her heart pounding savagely in her chest.
'Hi' she told him.
'Hey' he said completely aware of the people around them, still looking at them 'You look...gorgeous' he told her as he reached out one hand, and pushed her hair behind her ear. He loved doing that, she always noticed that. It gave him a chance to caress her cheek and touch her skin and her hair at the same time.
'Thanks' she replied 'You like it?' she asked looking down at her dress, letting her hand run over ghosted wrinkles. She was wearing a black tight fitted dress, with a low cut on her back and fitted scalloped cups on her breast, exposing most of the cleavage and scalloped trims on the strips off her shoulders, as the dress stopped just above her knees. No one at work had ever seen Calleigh Duquesne dressed like that, no wonder everyone had been staring at her when she arrived.
'Like it? I love it' he replied 'You want to go grab a drink? I was just on my way' he told her.
'Sure' she replied. She felt him slide his hand into hers as they made their way towards the bar. They ordered their drinks and then headed back to where their friends where waiting for them. Walter was the first one to whistle which made Calleigh blush but smiled.
'Damn Calleigh...you look...stunning' Wolfe told her while Natalia was beaming at her giving her two thumbs up. She could feel Eric's hand slide up her back as if reminding her who her man was and Calleigh couldn't help but smile. She heard him growl from under his breath, and Eric was on the verge of reminding Ryan that she was his, so hands off CSI Wolfe.
'Thanks guys' she replied before she moved to greet Horatio and Tripp.
'Ma'am' Horatio greeted before he leaned in and kissed her cheeks.
'Well what can I say...Delko is one lucky man' Tripp told her and Calleigh hit him playfully in his chest before they hugged. Tripp did notice that she didn't object to any part of what he said and that told the detective, that he was right on the money. The boys, Walter, Ryan and Frank had made a bet that tonight Calleigh and Delko would be reuniting, and from how things were looking, they were definitely right.
The party progressed as they all enjoyed themselves. Talking, drinking, swaying along the music that was playing in the background while secret glances had been passing from one side to the other. The party was in full swing and other couples were in the middle of the dance floor making it quite obvious that they were together. His eyes were on her most of the time, he just couldn't help it. She looked too beautiful for his eyes to look the other way. He kept imagining running his hands up and down her sides, tracing his fingers up and down her bare back. He closed his eyes, trying to push the images away, now not being the best place to ridicule himself. Maybe if things go the way he hoped they would, maybe he would have her in his arms tonight.
He felt a hand go up his arm, and Eric turned to look at her, knowing immediately that it was her, so Eric pushed his thoughts aside and turned his focus on her, his smile widening as her face beamed at him.
'Are you alright?' she asked him.
'Of course' he replied 'Having fun?' he asked her.
'Yeah' she replied before taking a sip from her drink, her eyes staring into his.
'You wanna dance?' he asked her. He needed to hold her, have her for himself for a few minutes, away from their friends and colleagues were everyone seemed to have something to tell her tonight, not to mention how his hands were itching.
'I thought you were never going to ask' she told him and Eric smiled. They slipped away without saying a word to anybody, leaving their drinks on a nearby table, as Eric held her hand and led the way to the dance floor. He wrapped her arms around her lower back as she slipped her arms around his neck.
'You look...so beautiful' he started telling her as they swayed slowly along the tune.
'Thanks' she replied 'You look quite ravishing yourself' she told him as one hand slid down to straighten the lapels of his black jacket, before sliding back up.
'Well thank you' he told her 'Everyone was looking at you when you arrived' Eric told her. Calleigh smiled and rolled her eyes.
'I didn't notice. I could only see you' she replied and Eric thought his heart was going to stop. They were looking into each other's eyes, just swaying, not saying a word. She could tell that her words had an effect on him, that he was holding his breath, waiting for her and Calleigh couldn't wait any longer 'Eric' she whispered looking straight in his eyes.
'Yeah?' he replied.
'I want you back' she simply told him 'I miss you Eric and I want you back in my life not just at work...back in my arms...in my bed' she told him 'I will not say my heart because you have always been there, never left' she confessed.
'Cal' he whispered cupping one cheek now as he looked straight in her eyes, his thumb stroking her cheek.
'Will you take me back Eric?' she asked him.
Eric had stopped swaying since the moment she started talking, and now both hands were on her cheeks, cupping her face 'Of course I'll take you back' he told her before he placed his forehead against his trying to contain himself because all he wanted to do in this moment, was lock his lips with hers and kiss her, but they were at a staff party and Eric wasn't sure how much more open she wanted to be.
'Kiss me' she told him in a whisper that only he could hear. Looking in her eyes, his hands on her face, he leaned down and closed the gap between them as she grabbed his lapels and pulled him to her. Parting their lips, they deepened the kiss even if they kept at a slow pace knowing they were in public, amongst a lot of colleagues. What they couldn't see, were their friends cheering and high-fiving as they watched them finally reunite.
'This calls for a toast' Wolfe said out loud and they all nodded, raising their glasses 'To Calleigh and Eric. May they never be apart' he said and everyone clinked their glasses together.
'Are we missing something here?' Eric asked his face beaming, while he held onto Calleigh's hand. She was giving them her brightest smile, those perfect teeth on full display as she leaned into Eric.
'We were just toasting to you two finally getting back together' Natalia told them.
'Amen to that' Eric replied, and then he realized that they didn't have anything to drink 'I'll go get us something to drink' he told Calleigh and she nodded before he leaned down and kissed her lips. She sighed happily as she watched him walk away, and then felt a hand on her arm. She turned to find Natalia smiling at her.
'I'm so happy for you two' she told her just before the ladies hugged.
'Thanks Nat. Me too' Calleigh replied.
'Love this dress by the way, and Eric definitely loves it' she chuckled.
'Yeah he does' Calleigh replied, remembering how he was looking at her when she arrived at the party.
Not long after, Eric showed up with two flutes of champagne, immediately stepping next to Calleigh 'I got us some champagne as it is almost midnight' he told her, just before the DJ's voice was heard as he announced that it was countdown time. The group got closer to one another, as Eric wrapped one arm around Calleigh's waist and then it started 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Happy New Year everyone cheered, as people hugged, other's raised their glasses, and others kissed.
'Happy New Year everyone' Walter shouted.
'Happy New Year' the gang shouted back before they started going to one another and hug.
'Happy New Year Cal' Eric told her.
'Happy New Year Eric' Calleigh replied 'We're starting the New year right' she said.
'That we are' he replied before he leaned down and captured her lips again in a slow long kiss that seemed to last forever.
'I love you Eric' she told him.
'I love you too baby' he told her before kissing her again. It had been one hell of a year, in every sense of the word but at least, they ended it and started another in the best possible way.
Together.