"Well, I'm heading home. You guys have a good night." Jim Brass laid a bill on the table and rose to leave.

"Good night."

"Take it easy, Jim." Catherine watched their mutual friend head towards the restaurant's exit then turned toward Gil, a slight smirk hovering over her drink. "So…?"

Gil cocked his head and studied her for a moment. "You want another drink?" He pointed to the nearly empty cosmopolitan in her hand.

"Sure," came her slightly surprised reply. She had expected Gil to say he was tired, or that he had to get back to the lab. It had been a while since they'd gone out for drinks, and even longer since drinks had actually been `drinks' and not `drink.' This night was turning out to be pleasantly surprising. Gil signaled their waitress for another round then turned to his companion.

"So Catherine, if you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?"

"Are we pretending that I might actually get some time off?" Her eyebrows rose as she shrugged. "I don't know, I've been meaning to take Lindsey somewhere. I guess she's a little old for Disneyland, but—"

"You're never too old for Disneyland," Gil interjected with a smile.

She rolled her eyes and returned his smile. "I would expect that response from a middle-aged man who enjoys rollercoasters. No, I was thinking she might like to see the Grand Canyon. It's close and I remember going there with my family when I was little. It would be nice to see it again."

"That's all well and good, but what I want to know is where you want to go. Just you," he countered.

She looked away, pausing to reflect. "Well I don't think I'd want to go anywhere with just me. I don't really do the solitary vacation thing."

Gil raised an eyebrow. "Ok, let's say you're not alone then."

"Well, who am I with?"

He shrugged. "Does it matter?"

"Of course it matters. Let's say I'm with Nancy, then I'd want to go somewhere we could spend quality time together, go shopping, see museums, things like that." She paused. "But if I was with, say, a significant other, I might want to go somewhere I could show off my new bikini." She sipped her drink and smirked mischievously while he chuckled.

"Ok, we'll pretend you're with a significant other. Where would you go?" His tone was slightly exasperated but amused.

"Umm…the Virgin Islands. Great beaches but not too commercial. From what I hear anyway." She raised an eyebrow. "Why, where would you go?"

"The Virgin Islands sounds quite appealing, actually. Who knows, maybe I'll run into you and your significant other. Hopefully while you're wearing that new bikini," he finished, his eyes twinkling as a smirk played in the corner of his lips.

Her smirk grew into a grin as she laughed heartily. "What's gotten into you tonight? If I didn't know better, I'd think you were flirting with me, Gil."

Gil feigned indignation. "Me? You're the one that brought up bikinis." He smiled as she continued to chuckle, enjoying the moment and feeling himself loosen up with the alcohol and the pleasure of her company.

She stopped laughing, put down her drink and rested her chin on her elbow, eyes still smiling. "This is what I missed."

"What, flirting with me?" he teased her playfully.

"Yeah, actually. Just seeing you lighten up and have a little fun, it makes my day, Gil."

"Me too, Cath." They smiled at each other for a minute, letting the warmth of the moment wash over them. Gil broke the silence after draining his drink. "You ready to hit the road?"

"Yeah, sure."

They stood together and Gil paid the tab. As they turned to leave Catherine felt a touch on her arm. "Forgetting something?"

He reached around to her chair and retrieved the light jacket she had brought, holding it up for her to slip into. "Thanks," she murmured, enjoying the feel of his warm hands on her shoulders.

"You're welcome," he whispered, his breath just barely tickling her ear. Catherine suppressed a shudder. They walked towards the exit, he slightly behind her, guiding her with the barest touch of his knuckles to the small of her back. Emerging into the cool night, they paused.

"Well I'm parked over here, so…" Catherine gestured in the direction of her Tahoe. Turning to Gil, she saw that he hadn't been listening. He was looking beyond her, down the street in the opposite direction. "Gil?"

"You want some ice cream?" he asked, pointing down the street.

Catherine's eyebrows shot towards her hairline. "Uh, sure."

He grinned, clearly pleased. "M'lady," he quipped, offering his elbow.

"Thank you, kind sir," she replied, taking his arm and grinning. This was different. He was being different. Well, not exactly different, but more…physical, her mind supplied. It wasn't that Gil never touched her. He did, quite often in fact. But never so much in one night. Her mind worked over the last few weeks. It had been hard when Ecklie had split them up. She missed the team, and she especially missed Gil, but she hadn't realized how much until tonight. She brought her right arm across her body to join her left resting on Gil's forearm. Maybe he was being more affectionate because he needed to feel her close to him, to feel like there wasn't so much distance between them. Maybe they both did.

She glanced at him and saw a faraway look in his eyes as they strolled leisurely down the street. Leaning into him, she slid her right hand up to his bicep and squeezed gently until he looked down at her. "You ok?" she asked, concern etching her features.

"Better than ok," he returned with a soft smile. They reached their destination and Catherine untangled herself from Gil as he opened the door for her to precede him. The gelato café was quaint and fashionable. A few customers were scattered around the room, mostly couples engaged in conversation. They stepped up to the counter and viewed the selection of sweet delights. Gil's hand rested on her back then began rubbing slowly up and down, his fingers tracing her spine and eliciting a shiver from Catherine.

"Cold?" he asked her. He stepped behind her and placed another hand on her back, sliding them both up over her shoulders as he peered over her left side.

Catherine shivered again. "Gil," she intoned, "What makes you think I'm shivering because I'm cold?" She glanced back at him with a raised eyebrow.

His expression was unreadable as his roaming hands stopped, only to slide down to rest lightly on either side of her hips. "So, what are you going to get?" he asked, his chin hovering just above her left shoulder.

"Well I was thinking about the chocolate mocha. You?" she turned her head slightly so that their noses almost touched. His brow was furrowed as he examined his choices, and he turned to her, the tips of their noses momentarily brushing together.

"That sounds pretty good. Mind if we just share?" he asked innocently.

What was he playing at? Their close proximity was making her mind reel, and now he wanted to share her ice cream? She rebuked herself, embarrassed at how he could ruffle her so easily. She was just so…aware of him. His hands on her hips, the gentle puff of his breath on her cheek, and the heat from his chest warming her back. She turned away slightly and focused her attention on their server.

"Sure, that'll work. Can we get a large chocolate mocha with two spoons, please?" She turned back to Gil. "Why don't you find us a table and I'll get this." He nodded slightly and smiled, moving off to the corner table and leaving her feeling cold. She watched as he sat down and spread his hands in a flourish, raising his eyebrows in silent question. She giggled and nodded her approval, then turned to the young man behind the counter and handed him a few bills in exchange for their tasty treat. She grabbed the cup and walked toward their table, almost blushing as his eyes followed her. There it was again, that awareness of him. Of his eyes on her. He surprised her again by standing at her approach and pulling out the chair to his left. She took her seat and gave him a quizzical look.

"What?" he asked, seeing her look.

"Nothing, it's just…you're being so…attentive," she finished lamely.

"I'm not usually attentive?" He seemed honestly puzzled.

"No, it's not that, you're just—" she broke off suddenly, a thought occurring to her. Could he simply not realize that he was acting differently? She supposed it was possible. Most of their interaction occurred in a professional setting, and his mind was usually occupied by more pressing matters than being chivalrous.

"Catherine? I'm just what?" he prompted, looking at her expectantly.

"You're just more attentive than usual," she said quietly, meeting his gaze.

"Good," he replied just as quietly. "Now, let's see what we have here, shall we?" He grabbed one of the two plastic spoons and scooped a generous amount of ice cream onto it. "Will you do the honors?" he asked, smiling and offering her the spoon.

Catherine surprised herself; instead of taking the spoon from him, she leaned forward and took the proffered bite as he smirked at her. She made a dramatic show of rubbing her tummy and making low moans of delight. "Delicious," she remarked finally. His chuckle reached her ears as she grabbed the other spoon and swiped another bite on her own.

"Hey, hey!" he exclaimed, grabbing her wrist before it could reach her mouth. "You can't contaminate both spoons. You have to stick with the one you lick." He couldn't hide the mirth in his eyes.

She raised an eyebrow. "Where'd you get that little adage? You do realize that we're sharing this ice cream and either way my germs are going to end up in your mouth." She laughed at the unintentional double entendre and saw Gil raise his eyebrows. "Ok fine, here." She held out the spoon, her elbow resting on the table and his fingers still lightly holding her wrist. Her eyes held a challenge.

The corner of his mouth twitched as he tugged lightly on her wrist, bringing it towards him. Leaning forward, he kept his eyes on her as he ate from the spoon. Catherine swore she could feel his low rumble of pleasure reverberate along her spine. His fingers were still splayed across her wrist, and she wondered briefly if he could feel the rapid beating of her heart in her pulse point.

Finally the pressure was gone and she returned her elbow to the tabletop. They smiled at each other and exchanged spoons, then continued to attack the remaining ice cream in silence. Under the table their knees brushed together occasionally until Catherine moved her leg behind Gil's calf and rested it there.

What was going on? Was she actually sitting at a table playing "footsies" with Gil Grissom? She laughed to her herself. What the hell, she thought, just go with it.

Gil picked up on her amusement. "What's so funny?" he asked.

Catherine shook her head as she smiled. "Nothing's funny. Just being here with you, I'm having fun."

"So am I." He returned her smile and shifted his leg so that their calves rubbed together.

"You ready?" she asked, indicating the empty ice cream dish.

"Yeah," he answered, rising as she gathered her purse and once again helping her into her jacket. Taking her elbow, he led her to the exit. When they reached the street his fingers slipped past her elbow and took her hand in his.

"This was nice, Gil. I had a great time, really," she said, squeezing his hand for emphasis.

"Me too," he replied, squeezing back. "Hey, look." He pointed to a clothing boutique along the sidewalk. "Want to see if there's anything in there Lindsey might like?"

Catherine pulled her hand out from his. "Gil, are you sure you're ok?"

"Why do you keep asking me that?"

"Because you just offered to go shopping for my daughter," she intoned dryly.

"Your sarcasm is noted. C'mon, it'll be fun," he enticed, grabbing her hand again and pulling her toward the door.

Fun? She repeated in her mind. Gil thought shopping for an 11-year-old girl was fun? Well, far be it from her to naysay such endearing naiveté.

It was actually a very nice store, and Catherine found her feminine instincts kicking in as she looked around at the merchandise. The style was more hers than Lindsey's, really. She began looking through the rack nearest her, then realized she hadn't even seen where Gil had gone. She turned to call for him but swallowed it as she spotted him behind her a few yards with his head tilted, studying her intensely with that look that made her toes want to curl.

"What?" she asked, wiping her mouth to check for rogue ice cream remnants.

"I really missed you, Cath," he said simply.

She smiled. "I missed you too. Hey what do you think of this—" Her words were cut short as Gil pulled her gently but forcibly toward the back of the store. He looked around then, and with his left hand still grasping her elbow, he splayed his right hand across her stomach and pushed her firmly into the solitary dressing room behind her until her back hit the wall. Gil reached back and yanked the curtain of the small room closed.

Finally Catherine's surprised expression found a voice. "Gil, what the hell—" He cut her off by placing a hand over her lips. The hand that grasped her elbow was removed and he placed his forearm on the wall over her head and leaned into her.

"I need you to listen for a minute. I need you to really hear me." He waited while she nodded, then removed his hand from her lips. "I missed you. I really, really missed you. I missed your mind and how it works." His fingers came up to touch her temple. "I missed your heart and the compassion you show everyone around you." He rested his hand over her chest, feeling her heart thumping. "I missed your face, your smile." His hand cupped her cheek as his thumb swept across her cheekbone. His voice dropped to a husky timbre. "I haven't been able to keep my hands off you all night because I needed to feel you. I forgot how good it feels just to be close to you. I hate that I forgot. I hate that I don't get to see your face every day. Anyway," he began to falter, dropping his hand from her face and resting it on her hip before meeting her eyes again. "I just thought you should know that you're missed."

Catherine stared. God, how she loved this man. She reached up and cupped his cheek. "Thank you, Gil. You know, you're missed too." She leaned up and brushed her lips to his in a soft, chaste kiss. She waited for his eyes to open and smiled. Now it was her turn. She placed both her hands on his chest and walked him to the opposite wall of the room. Pressing herself against him, she began to speak.

"I missed your mind." She reached around to the back of his head and pulled him down to place a lingering kiss on his forehead. "I missed your heart." She kissed the spot next to where her hand lay upon his chest. "I missed your face and your smile." Each corner of his mouth was given a quick peck. She pulled back and paused, a puckish smirk on her lips. "And, uh, I missed your tush, too." She reached behind to pinch him, grinning as he yelped.

"Cath!"

She gave him a cheshire smile and continued. "As for not being able to keep your hands off me, do you know how crazy you've been driving me all night?"

He paused, giving her a puzzled look. "I've been driving you crazy? You mean, in a good way, right?"

She bit her lip to keep from giggling at the look on his face. Drawing herself up on her toes, she brought her lips close to his ear. "Yes, Gil, in a very, very good way." She smiled against as she felt him shudder.

Wrapping his arms around her to clasp together on her lower back, he pulled her closer. "Good." He unclasped his hands and slid them up her sides to cup her face, drawing her towards him. "Catherine?" he asked, when their lips were inches away.

"Yes?" Her voice was husky and low.

"I'm going to kiss you now," he said, tracing her bottom lip with his thumb.

"You damn well better," she returned breathily, slipping her eyes shut as his lips grazed hers, nipping and teasing. She moaned in frustration as he continued to tease her with short, soft kisses. Enough of this bullshit, she thought to herself, grasping the back of his neck and slanting her lips over his forcefully. She swallowed his surprised gasp and swiped her tongue across his lower lip. After several bruising seconds she softened the kiss, dancing her tongue on the underside of his front teeth. Having recovered himself, Gil touched the tip of his tongue to her, causing an electric jolt to run through her body as their tongues massaged each other. After several minutes they broke apart slightly, chests heaving and foreheads touching.

"Jesus, Cath," Gil breathed, his hands massaging the back of her neck.

Catherine grinned and kissed her way down his face, following the line of his jaw to the cleft in his chin, then moving to its underside, nipping at the soft flesh she found there and relishing the scrape of his beard.

"Oh, Cath, you're killing me," he moaned. He felt her smile against his neck. Grasping her shoulders he pushed, returning her to their former position against the opposite wall. The look in her eyes was almost his undoing. The desire he saw beneath her hooded lids went straight to his groin. Her hair was tousled from his hands, her lips swollen from his kisses, and she had never looked more sexy. "I've never seen you look so beautiful," he breathed, leaning down to capture her lips in another sensual kiss.

"God, Gil, I want you," she whispered against his lips, then leaned her head back as he slid his lips down the slope of her neck. He gave an annoyed grunt.

"Why is it that you tease me with low-cut shirts almost every day, but on the night we decide to make out you dress like a nun?" he whined.

Her laugh was low and throaty. "Oh, Gil, if you think all we're doing tonight is making out, you've got another think coming, pal." He responded by nipping his way up to her ear and placing open-mouthed kisses to the sensitive skin he found there.

"Believe me, my dear, you're coming home with me if I have to carry you over my shoulder," he growled before taking her earlobe into his mouth and alternately nipping and sucking. His hand worked its way under her shirt, wrapping around her waist and pulling her hips flush against his arousal.

She bit her lip to suppress a moan. "Gil," she whispered breathily. "We can't do this here."

His head came up level with her eyes. "Why not?"

"Because," she gasped as he kneaded her ass. "That saleslady is probably wondering where we've been for the last twenty minutes, and I really don't want her walking in on us." He paused and placed a fingertip to the corner of his mouth, pretending to contemplate her point. Catherine, however, would have none of it. "For God's sake, Gil, take me home!" she cried in exasperation at his antics.

Grinning and leaning in for a gentle kiss, he sobered. "Are you sure, Catherine?"

Her face was incredulous. "Hell, yes, I'm sure! And if you think for one second I'm letting you go home alone—"

He cut her off with a kiss. "I know, I know, I've got another think coming. C'mon, let's get the hell out of here," he quipped, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the dressing room toward the front of the store. They bid a polite goodnight to the salesclerk, who gave them a reproachful look.

Heading down the street, it was all they could do not to run to Gil's car. Stopping short, Gil yanked her hand toward him, effectively pulling her against him. He tangled his unoccupied hand into her strawberry blonde locks and brought her lips to his in a hungry kiss. Catherine was left breathless but recovered quickly and tugged on his hand.

"Look, Romeo, the faster we get to your car, the faster we get to your place," she added dryly. Turning back to flash him a smirk, she caught her breath at the glazed look of desire in his eyes. Yes, she thought, he was definitely being different.

END