Chapter Four

-"He ventured downstairs to ask if he could purchase some plumeria flowers and rose petals. They said there was a Hawaii gift shop in the next corridor, and if he wanted, they could get some rose petals and perhaps put them over the bed, spelling out I love you, and she smiled. How did you know? Sir, this is Vegas, the wedding capital of the world. We have done this many times before. Thank you, and yes, that is what I want. How soon? As soon as you can, she will be getting home by 5, so I want it by then. We can add it to the bill if you like. No, I will pay for it now, and he gave her his credit card.

-"Now to get that plumeria flower. He purchases a couple and heads back to the room. Around 1530 he heard a knock. It was the hotel person with the rose petals setup. Come in, and the guy had it done in no time and the shape of a heart. Thank you, and he tips him. He had everything set.

-"Another text from Lynn. He blocked her and said enough is enough. Danny also texted, saying he was rude to him early and knew something else is going on and to call him. He apologized later, but now his focus was on Catherine.

-"Catherine couldn't wait to finish training today so she could head home and see Steve. She opened the door, and he somehow had a table set up with candlelight and wine chilling. She didn't see any food. He was just getting out of the shower. Steve, I am home; she walks into her room and sees him drying himself. Dave had already headed back to Langley. He had texted her and said he missed and loved her. She knew she would need to let him know they could only be friends. She would wait till she was back to tell him in person.

-"Damn, she had missed that hot body. Hey, I didn't hear you he told her. Sorry, I let you finish getting dressed. You can stay and nothing you haven't seen before, and he winked. I know, but it has been a really long time. She blushed and then noticed the rose petal spelling out I love you in a heart shape.

-"OMG. Steve, it is beautiful, and without thinking, she ran to his arm, and the towel he had around his hips fell. He didn't care because the woman he loved was in his arms. He kissed her with everything he had, and they both felt it through their soul.

-"Catherine said sorry I got carried away, and if we don't stop, we both know where we end up.

-" Lieutenant, what am I going to do with this he looked down at his huge erection with a pout.

-"Catherine patty it and said sorry, big boy, but I promise when the time is right, I'll show how much I miss you and she went into the bathroom.

-"Not fair, young lady,he shakes his head.

-" Catherine hops in and takes a Navy shower. She gets out and wraps a towel around her.

-"Steve said, put on something fancy for dinner. Why?

-"I have something special planned for you.

-"Okay. She put on a nice low-cut purple dress and curled her hair.

-"Steve had put on a nice pair of pants and adress shirt. Dinner arrived while she was getting dressed.

-"Catherine came out, and he said you look beautiful. He put a plumeria flower put it over her left ear. Do you remember the first time I gave you one?

-"Yeah, when you met me for another favor, and she smiled.

-"Yeah, but you put it over your right ear, and I wasn't happy.

-"I know, but we didn't define our relationship back then, and I didn't want you to think I was saying you were mine. I didn't want to assume.

-"I am sorry, Cath, I had a hard time telling you how much I love you from day one.

-"So how is Danny taking you not coming back for 30 days?

-"Nosey at ever and trying to figure out what going on. You know him, he thinks he has to know everything I am doing. Enough about Danno.

-"Thank you Steve, and you remember our Mumbai dinner. All my favorites.

-"I remember everything about that trip. We didn't leave the room a whole lot, but I want to make sure I took you out for at least dinner on our last night. I was lucky this hotel had Indian food on the menu.

-" I was worried you weren't going to come. Why?

-"She bit her lip, and I know we just talked about Lorie when I came for my Valentine's trip. Before that, it was when I had to leave for my TDY. When I saw her looking at you, I wonder how long you would want to be in a long-distance relationship when you work with her every day. I was jealous.

-" Cath, I told you I never thought of Lorie that way, just a team member. I couldn't wait for my trip and was praying no major case came up.

-" So I heard from Joeyou got the 30 days leave.

-"Catherine screamed for real!

-"Yeah for real, and she was so happy she jumped up and sat in his lap and kissed him passionately. Sorry, she said, and he said I am not. This is great, Steve.

-"Steve said, uh, he also had some news about the meeting with the Director. She is not going to be able to meet with us in DC.

-" Oh no Steve. I am going to have to go back after my 30 days, and she starts to cry.

-"He wipes her tears. Joe did say she could meet us here in Vegas next week, and he smirked.

-" She hit his arm, you suck.

-" He kissed her. I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you cry. I was just saving the best news for last. Joe said they were having some convention here, and this was the only place and time she would agree to meet with us. I think this is so much better. We get to spend two weeks in Vegas and hopefully go home afterward.

-"Catherine said yeah, yeah that would be great.

-" Steve could tell something was wrong by the look on her face. What is it Cath?

-" Steve I am not sure about going back to Oahu. It just seeing you there with Lynn and knowing you were with her in our bed. I know it is my fault, and I am sure in time, I get over it, but I don't think I can just yet. We need time to rebuild what we had and with no interruption.

-" Steve didn't like what she said, but he understood he had hurt her with Lynn. I understand, Cath. How about this? I find us an Airbnb to rent, maybe in a private location. We can stay there for at least 30 days or more if needed. I am not going back without you Cath.

-" She sniffled and said okay. She could tell by his eyes he was serious and came from a place of love.

-" Let's look online now. He pecks her lips.

-" I will go get my tablet, and we can look together. After looking for about an hour, they found the perfect one. It was in a remote area, with three bedrooms and three baths, a game room with a pool table, a pool, a hot tub, and a beautiful view of the lake. They also had two horses in a nearby barn. All the reviews were great; the owner spared no expense to remodel and install up-to-date appliances. Steve told Cath that the bathroom and jacuzzi were huge. He thought about what he would do to her in it and the walk-in shower. She was going to put her credit card in. He said No, Cath. I got it, and there is no debate. He booked it for 30 days and emailed an owner asking if he needed it longer if that would be a problem. He was willing to pay extra. He laughed because Danny would say you must be dying because you offer to pay more for something and where the crowbar you use to pry open your wallet.

-" We're all set, Lieutenant. We stay here until Monday. We stop and get groceries. I forgot to text Adam to ask him to pick up more clothes from the house. He sent Adam a quick text. So, could I possibly talk you into letting me sleep next to you? She gave him a curious look. I promise I will be good Cath, as he whispered in her ear.

-" Uh, uh, her mind was elsewhere. She always had this reaction to him when he was so close. Yeah, yeah, that will be okay.

-"They got ready for bed. Catherine in his seal shirt and panties. Steve in his boxer. He decided he would spoon her from behind and rub his nose on her tattoo. Good night Cath, night Steve.

AN: I have one more chapter to post today. One of our favorite bad guys turned good will make an appearance.