Gil Grissom had to admit though he loved his work of forensic investigation, this particular crime scene had him questioning that dedication. Tromping through a wet muddy field battered by drizzling rain would 'wash' anyone's enthusiasm away.

LVPD called in CSI assistance late on Gil Grissom's shift. A body was discovered dumped on the outskirts of town. He and Catherine were the only CSI pair available to respond to Jim Brass's call since the rest of his team was out working on other cases. So grudgingly they both left dry shelter to crawl around in wet miserable conditions. By the time the scene was processed he was chilled to the bone and thoroughly soaked. He would be paying for it later in potent coin by the protest of his rubbery legs. A strong desire for a soothing hot shower and decent meal surpassed any rewarded accomplishment in resolving this morning's case.

"Cath," he asked his red haired partner as he loaded the back of the SUV with their muddy field kits. "How about breakfast at my place? I need a sympathetic ear to complain to about the merits of forensic science this morning."

"Fine with me," she agreed with a whimsical grin. "As long as I can return the complaints over eggs and pancakes."

"You got a deal. I'll drop you off at the lab so you can change out of those wet clothes." Getting in the SUV he peered at his bedraggled reflection in the rear view mirror and groaned at what he saw. "I better go straight home from there and grab a quick shower before you arrive. Can't serve breakfast with caked mud all over my face."

Trying to keep a straight face, she picked a piece of mud off his nose and crumbled it with her fingers. "Wouldn't go with pancakes to well. Let's get out of here."

He just laughed and started the SUV. At least this early morning would end on a better note.

****

Her cell phone rang when she was halfway to Grissom's townhouse. Rummaging through her purse she pulled the phone out and answered, "Willows."

"Cath, it's me," said an irritated voice in her ear. I'm sorry but breakfast is off."

"Bummer! Why?" A burst of static interrupted the cell's transmission for a few seconds. She turned the volume up to clearly hear what Gil was ranting about.

"…complex completely lost power. The storm must have knocked down several power lines last night. It will be hours before it's restored. I can't even take a damned shower. I'm heading back to the lab."

"Oh no you aren't!" She put the receiver closer to her mouth to make her point. "Come over to my place to clean up and have breakfast. You're not hanging around your office all day. You can sleep here. What good will you be to the rest of us tonight without a decent day's rest? Don't be stupid!"

"Ok," he reluctantly agreed. "Let me pack a few things and change into some dry clothes. I'll be there in about a half hour. Thanks Cath, I appreciate this."

"Anytime Gil, see you then." Her lips curled up in a big grin.

Grissom for the day. That would be a challenge worth her salt. Recently he had been attempting to become closer to her personally. Considering how elusive the man had been in the past, it was up to her to come up with a game plan that gives him that chance. A leisurely breakfast would be an excellent start.

She saw Lindsey off on the school bus and just finished mixing the pancake mix when she heard his SUV pull up. Her nerves started jumping big time with the knowledge who would be walking in as soon as she opened the door. At the first attempted knock she let him in. He was quite a vision in pressed blue jeans, cream-colored shirt, and black leather jacket.

He greeted her with a smile, dropping his over night bag on the floor. "Do I smell coffee?"

"Just made it. Take off your jacket and put your things in the spare bedroom," she told him walking back in the kitchen. She just poured two cups of coffee when he joined her, sitting down at the breakfast table.

"Just what the doctor ordered," he sighed taking a sip of the hot beverage. "Thanks again Cath. Without power I have no hot water or heat. It's fun trying to clean mud off your face with just cold water. I couldn't stay there. "Looking around he asked, "has Lindsey gone to school already?"

"Just missed her, she'll be home about six. She wants to go shopping with my sister after school. You will see her later. She is looking forward to seeing her Uncle Gil."

"Too bad I missed her." He watched her pouring the pancake batter, yearning to run his hands down her slender butt and thighs. He could feel his pants tightening with his rising arousal and shifted uncomfortably in his chair. To distract his little damnable voice of desire he asked, "want some help?"

"Sure you can set the table. You know where everything is." She pointed at the refrigerator. "Start by getting out the OJ."

With a sigh of relief he got up and did what he was told.

Breakfast was a success as far as appeasing his hunger. But he was still aroused from his sexual thoughts about her and sore from this morning's escapade. Uncomfortable from the pressure, he started squirming around on the chair. She noticed and asked him what was wrong.

His cheeks flushed in embarrassment at her question so he rubbed his right calf to divert her curiosity. "Just sore from crawling around in the mud. Too much exercise all at once."

"Got just the thing. How about a good hot bath? It relaxes the muscles and helps you sleep." She stood up and removed the dishes from the table.

"Cath a shower would do." His left calf at that point started stiffening so he wound up rubbing that leg too. Catching her amused expression, he gave in. "OK your right, a bath will help. I will just help you here and get my stuff."

"Ok you can start loading the dishwasher. Be right back." She grinned at the annoyed look on his face as he slowly stood up and shook his left leg. "You alright?"

"I'm fine. She heard him grumbling about how much he hated the rain as she went to run the bath. It wasn't the rain that was bothering him with that apparent bulge in his jeans she noticed. His body's lustful statement made her decision final on what she was going to do about it.

On the spur of the moment she added some vanilla bubble bath oil. It would help relax him and the scent was mild enough not to be overpowering.

Going back to the kitchen she helped Gil finish up with the clean up and told him the bath was about ready. She reentered the bathroom and shut off the faucet savoring the delicate vanilla aroma rising up from the steaming water.

She turned seeing an astonished Grissom staring at the tub. "Bubble bath? Cath, I have not taken a bubble bath since I was a kid. What's up here?"

"Loosen up Gil, It will do you wonders," she laughed at his dismay. "Trust me."

Not wanting to offend her kind hospitality, he thought it better not to protest. Maybe a bubble bath would help ease his sore muscles and one other immediate problem. "Alright Cath, I surrender."

Scooting around him she left him alone to his privacy….for awhile.. Left blissfully ignorant of her immediate plans, he was about to discover a bathing companion armed with a dazzling smile and back scrubber. Catherine Willows had a mission and zero hour had arrived.

****

Sweet scented vanilla steam rose up gently cleansing his skin. He laid back in the bathtub soaking up the heat, soothing away the soreness in every protesting joint and muscle. Holding up a lazy hand he studied the translucent bubble bath trailing down his fingers. Memories of early childhood came back to him, as he watched the bubbles rise off the water, breaking sparkle like in the air above him. His mind delved in those memories as he relaxed surrounded by the fragrant water. Drifting off in a tranquil twilight, his senses never registered the abrupt invasion of footsteps entering the bathroom.

She opened the door to see him dozing in the bathtub. Bubbles were sprinkled along his chest slowly creeping down under the water. Her heart went out to him seeing the small boy he once was in the man. His expression appeared dreamy, inwardly seeing something caught and savored in a long ago memory. She paused touching him and just admired his nude form barely distinguishable under the bubbly water. He was not slim in build as other men she'd dated, but rather stocky and firm. The solid stability of a mountain would describe his countenance, his love more permanent than just for a fleeting moment.

He felt a hand touch his face. Opening his eyes he focused on Catherine's beautiful face, alight with a smile and flushed with desire. She was dressed in a loose terry robe, holding a long handled brush in her right hand.

"Cath!" he squawked in shock at her presence. He sat up quickly trying to hide his nudity with his hands. "What are you doing here?"

She gave him a bold smile, her face alight with her brashness. "I came to wash your back. Want me to leave?"

"Yes…please," he stammered. Seeing her hurt expression as she preepared to go, he pleaded, "no…. wait,….stay. Ah hell, I don't know ww what I mean!"

Turning back to look at him her features was pensive. Did she make a mistake? She was sure he wanted her. With a firm tone she asked, "do you want me to stay or not?"

"Yes, I do. Please come here." He beckoned her over with a hurried gesture. With a reassuring smile he tried to convince her to stay. "You just surprised me. That's all. It's not every day a beautiful women sees me naked."

"Any beautiful woman Gil, or just me?" Her deep blue eyes were all pupil, expressing words left unsaid as she kneeled down in front of him.

"Just you. The only woman I want is you if I'm naked or clothed. For a long time now." He took her hand and pulled her down to him, taking her mouth in a long hungry open mouth kiss. His wet fingers ran through her hair, dripping water down her neck.

He broke away from the kiss barely breathing, not believing what just happened. His desire ran through him fiercely, stiffening his manhood until it throbbed. Trying to squelch the impulse to ravish her on the spot, he pushed her slightly away from him.

He took a few deep breaths and swallowed. In a deep husky voice he asked, "Wash…my back? I can't reach it."

Still reeling from the kiss, she nodded and dipped the brush in the water. She grabbed the soap off the side of the tub and lathered the soft bristles into a thick lather. Laying the brush gently on his back, she started working in slow circular motions starting at his left shoulder. "Tilt your head forward."

He obeyed her request by resting his chin on his up drawn knees. He sighed in contentment at her gentle scrubbing. It felt wonderful. His mind kept telling him to take it slow, let her set the pace. This was her gig.

"You wanted me?" Her quiet question shot out like a bullet, seeking validation on what he just said before. Her robe had slipped off of one slim shoulder as she leaned closer to hear his answer.

"Yes I do. I love you Cath. I always did from almost the first time I saw you." He spoke in a low tone reflecting on what he said next. "I..was afraid to approach you. Why would a beautiful talented woman as you want me? I thought I had nothing to offer you Cath."

Shaking her head, she whispered, "You have more to offer than you know, Gil. You care and have a warm heart. I always loved you but I wasn't sure how you felt. Do I have to say more this moment?"

"No…no you don't." He closed his eyes as she scrubbed the small oof his back. The sight of her flawless skin revealed by the slipping robe had his groin burning hot with temptation. He wanted to explore every nook and curve of her sculptured body. Control had a finite balance.

He opened his eyes looking into deep ocean blue ones as his own. "Join me, let me bathe you."

She smiled and dropped the brush in the bathroom sink. Untying her robe, she let it slip to the tiled floor revealing her beauty he glimpsed only in dreams. Her figure reminded him of an elongated hourglass, sleek and crystal sharp. She had firm breasts jutting out sensually tipped with rosy nipples. A small graceful waist met well-rounded hips as if sculptured by an artist's hands. Shapely legs any man would kill for connected to delicate feet.

With bated breath he held out his hand to help her into the tub. His dearest fantasy had finally been made real.

****

She watched his eyes turn liquid soft, almost black in the muted light. He stretched his legs out straight, parting his limbs so she could sit down. Roughened hands traced lazy lines around her shoulders, exploring the silkiness of her skin. With timid fingers he felt one voluptuous breast cupping it in his hand. His curious touching continued as she ran her hands up his legs under the water. She stopped at his hips, his hands joining hers.

This was not the hard foreplay of a sexual union for either of them. The first preliminary stage of lovemaking was the delightful communion of exploring and discovery. Both yearned just to touch, learn, and memorize each other's physical attributes.

Picking up the soap, he lathered a washcloth and glided it up and down her neck and breasts. In turn, she ran soapy hands down his chest to his knees. This ancient ritual of sharing continued until both were clean, the sweet scent of vanilla oil hanging in the steamy air. Laughter echoed around the small bathroom when she dumped shampoo over his curly hair. Looking ridiculous with lather smeared all over his head he retaliated doing the same thing to her. The game ended with Catherine draining the tub and a playful rinsing for both under the shower.

She got out of the tub and handed a towel over to her newfound lover. As he started to dry himself she finally got a good look at him from head to toe. He appeared taller in the nude, well defined, and moderately toned. His softer body lines delineated gentleness that added to his attractiveness. Overall a handsome package in her eyes as she glanced at his demanding arousal.

For all his intelligence and fronted self-assurance there was so much underlying doubt. Why did he think less of himself? Did he ever notice the way women gravitated to him? She had to admit his lack of self-confidence incorporated the uniqueness that was Gil Grissom and why he was so appealing. All that mattered was he loved her.

"Here let me do that." She took the towel and rubbed down his back and firm buttocks. He stifled a laugh when she got to his ticklish feet. Jerking his foot out of her hands, he pulled her up and kissed her.

"My turn." Taking a fresh towel he draped it over her wet hair catching the dripping water. Slowly taking his time he ran the soft cloth over her breasts and stomach. Her satisfied groan motivated him to dry her soft folds and smiled at her trembling reaction. Teasing her inner thighs with butterfly kisses, he gently ran his fingers across her hips to her rear cheeks, kneading the fleshy muscles.

Before he could totally break her down in uncontrollable desire, she grabbed his hands and pulled them in front of her. Urging him to stand up she kissed his lips, her tongue demanding entrance. He instinctively complied, letting her tongue wrap around his. With a muffled groan he leaned into her kiss, dropping the towel he held on the floor forgotten. So absorbed in the intensity of her seeking lips, he jumped in surprise when she started fondling his hard erection. When her hands wrapped around his long length methodically stroking him, he lost himself into the intense tingling whipping away at his nerve endings overwhelming him. Throwing his head back he screwed his eyes shut forcing himself not to thrust into her hand. If this kept up he would take her on the bathroom floor.

Putting his hand over hers he implied by gesture for her to stop. She did as he asked and ceased.

"Cath," he breathed. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I could not be more positive than I am now. Why don't we continue this elsewhere?" She gave him that dazzling smile he so loved and led him to the bedroom.

****

The bedroom shimmered bright with late morning light as she pulled back the comforter on the bed and sat down. Exhaling slowly to calm his escalating anticipation, he joined her no longer hesitant of this long awaited destiny. As they laid down side by side, his heart proclaimed it was time.

Her soft lips nibbled his ear tasting and searching the outer shell sending chills down his back that made him shudder. He growled and pressed himself into her, feeling the silkiness of her skin. He turned his head and attacked her lips taking her tongue deep within his mouth feeling the grainy texture slide over his teeth. Playing the kiss with tender attentiveness, his hands moved to her breasts flicking the soft nipples with his fingertips until he felt them pebble. She arched her back and moaned, shifting her legs to press his erection into her thigh. He broke the kiss with a low groan and nipped her neck, running his tongue along the top of her shoulder. Her fingers found his hard shaft and squeezed the sensitive head causing him to whimper and jerk uncontrollably into her hand. He could not take much more of her teasing being so aroused from the play in the bath. Taking her hand away from his sensitive groin, he shook his head. Looking into her passion filled eyes he took control. This was about pleasing her, and showing her his love.

Starting at her breasts, he lightly bit each nipple, running his tongue along the outer circumference of the darkened flesh. Hearing her impassioned moans, he smiled and attacked her firm abdomen, gently sucking her navel. Holding her tight, he got her attention and rolled her flat on her back. He directed her to put her legs over his shoulders. This left her soft wet core exposed so he could lower his head to taste her sweet essence.

She never felt so euphoric with any other man. He lovingly used his fingers and tongue to stimulate her as he explored her womanhood. His hungry lips stretched over her swollen vulva and beyond. Never knowing where he was going to strike next, she writhed under him as he tickled her clitoris and tender opening with his fingers and tongue. In a small span of time he brought her to the brink of climax causing her loins to burn with a feral greedy need.

"Gil," she pleaded, "I can't take much more of this. Please!" She saw him look up at her with lustful blazing eyes.

He took position above her with his forearms sinking in the mattress on each side of her head to help support some of his weight. She took his engorged penis and brought it to her slick opening. Feeling him enter her, they both groaned as his heated flesh slid in. He felt so deliciously hot inside of her as her delicate muscles trembled to adjust to his girth.

He rose up slightly so she could wrap her legs around his waist. Taking deep breaths to calm himself he started to slowly pump into her. She matched his thrusting movements urging him on with her hands pressed hard against his butt. This excited her more so he quickened their rocking rhythm driving her frantically toward orgasm.

Emitting a loud moan, he kissed her and lowered his head in her hair. He could feel his approaching orgasm unleash deep within his belly. His control was faltering and he prayed she was close. She moaned now with every panting breath and her hips started bucking wildly against him. Then with a strangled cry she stiffened and came, her body shaking beneath him. He rammed his hips into her several more times then with a throaty primal groan he climaxed, feeling his body vibrate with jerking spasms as his seed flowed out of him. His awareness shrunk down to a pinpoint of only driven ecstasy and release. The next thing he felt were caressing hands running down his sweaty back. Too exhausted to move a muscle, he just laid heavily on top of Catherine struggling to slow his racing heart. As he cooled down, a funny thought came to him.

She just held him close until he moved and chuckled. With a puzzled look on her face she asked, "what on earth could be so funny?"

"I found a way…to ease sore muscles." Hearing her amused snort he lifted his head and grinned at her. "Well I did!"

"Was it the bath or great sex?" At his wide-eyed innocent expression she had to laugh. "It was the sex, right?"

"No," he replied. "It was you….with the bath and sex thrown in. He cocked his head and added, "It's not sex with you Cath. It was making love."

"Your right, we made love and it was great." She smiled and kissed his cheek. "I do love you even though you're a silly fool at times"

He hugged her and nibbled at her nose. "Well dear lady it's your fault that brings out my silliness and I love you for that. Vanilla bubble bath out of all things! The new aphrodisiac Cath?"

"You will never know. I won't tell!" She laughed and nudged him in the shoulder. "Your getting heavy Grissom....off! We better get some sleep."

He gently withdrew from her and rolled onto his side. Feeling a chill, she pulled the comforter over both of them. She cuddled against him wrapping her long legs around his. Nothing more needed to be said to each other. Communication settled down to the unspoken physical enjoyment of snuggling together as they settled in for a well-deserved rest.

He put his arm around her waist and burrowed deeper under the comforter. Feeling warm and secure he drifted off to sleep grateful to the freak accident that left his home without power. Murphy's law not always twisted situations to a disastrous result. Sometimes it was a blessing.

**FINIS**