It wasn't the footsteps that alerted me to her presence. God knows I haven't been high on acuity lately.

But it was as if I could feel her coming. There's no other explanation for this tingly feeling unsettling my senses.

She's getting nearer.. Quick, do something! I stood up and fiddled with my tie a few seconds before Catherine knocked on the door.

"Hello."

I was gunning for "hey gorgeous" and perhaps a "missed you." Fat chance. Cat got my tongue at "Hey."

She's still standing by the doorway. I try not to stare. At her lightly bronzed skin, low cut blouse, form-fitting jeans. And that part where shirt and jeans were supposed to meet.

God, the woman looks good in anything. Hey, I said I'd *try* not staring.

"Nice tan."

Great. Genius-level crosswords and that's all you could say. I sit down instead.

"Nice suit."

Oh, I almost forgot my lil outfit.

"Yeah, well, I knew you were coming back today, so I dressed up."

Yeah, go right ahead. Sugarcoat the truth and thinly disguise it as a lie. Maybe she wouldn't notice.

Heh. This is Catherine you're talking about. Of course she'll notice! Well, you could hope that she'll let it slide.

"Yeah. Riiight."

Or not.

"Really."

And I quickly look away. Fearing that she'll hear my eyes do the talking, I pretended to read the files I had in my folder.

Not a chance. Not with her gaze searing my skin like that. So I had to interrupt her inventory.

"What?"

She actually looks flustered. Or maybe it's just me talking.

"Nothing. It's just ... unusual.. to see you dressed.. like that."

Whew. I almost sagged with relief. She bought my little *lie*.. Good.

"I had to go to the Chief's funeral."

Damn. I inwardly cringe at my slip. She knows how I hate going to funerals. No way I can hide the big lie now.

"Missed me that much, huh?"

I tried for my best poker-faced look, now fully realizing how a cornered animal feels like.

Her last statement was still ringing in my ears as she made her way to the door.

And I wonder if she knows just how much..

And then she looks over her shoulder and gives me the look.

Oh yeah, she *knows.*

A hair flip later and she's gone. And I let go of the chuckle I didn't even realize I was holding back.

But Catherine's head popped back in.

"Oh and Gil? Your folder.. It's upside down."