Title:    All For Love 
Author:   RPcrazy 
Category: DRR 
Rating:   NC-17 sexual situations 
Key words: Doggett POV, Reyes POV, angst, RST 

Summary:  For the first time since they met over a decade ago 
John has asked Monica to spend the New Year with him in New 
York. Eager to go she is beset with obstacles that make her trip 
harder than usual to pull off. Will she make it in time to see the 
ball drop in Times Square making it the perfect excuse for a first 
kiss?

Notes: A big thank you to Muskrat for being the inspiration here. 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 

Chapter One 
Mexico City, December 30, 5am

He hovered above her, his solid body perched mere centimeters 
from hers. Her eyes closed as his lips lightly kissed her over and 
over until she could bear no more and pulled him in for a deeper 
more fulfilling embrace.

The flutter in her chest be! ! came pounding as he continued the 
kisses down over her shoulder bringing with him the strap of her 
midnight blue satin slip. Ever so slowly and sexily he pulled on the 
band until it just uncovered one nipple. The anticipation of what he 
would do to her body made her muscles weak and numb. He had 
told her to lie there, to let him make love to her.

Hot breath made its trail along the thin lace line of her sleepwear 
until she felt more than heat on her nipple. As he circled his prey 
with his tongue, fingers hooked the other strap gradually moving it 
over down over her shoulder until both breasts were exposed and 
vulnerable to his carnivorous appetite.

Fingers absently splayed through his hair and down his neck 
urging him on as he sucked and nibbled each breast in turn. 
Leaving no doubt where he was headed his hands little by little 
pulled down the thin, soft fabric, exposing excited velvet flesh as 
he progressed.

Kissing between her breasts his mouth made a searing pathway 
downwards lingering around her navel, running spirals around its 
circumference.

"Mmmm, tasty," his voice buzzed from below sending minute 
shockwaves rippling over the skin of her abdomen. She was 
helpless. Her body too energized to move as he peeled the last 
piece of material over her legs then off her toes. "Mmmm, 
beautiful." Through closed eyelids she could see him admiring her 
body before moving back down and running tantalizing tongue 
strokes along her bare thighs.

With small pushes he enticed her legs apart, his hot tongue getting 
nearer to its projected destination.

"John," For the first time she groaned his name wanting 
desperately to feel his hot breath on her core.

"You like this." He growled as his hands pushed her knees wider. 
"Beg me."

"Please," she implored, aching for his touch. Light kisses were felt 
on her inner thigh, moving upward just millimeters from ! 
promised fulfilment. Then her heart thudded more uncontrollably 
as his fingers opened her wide and a tongue felt over her ultimate 
desire for him.

Hips ground into the mattress of her bed as her fists clenched and 
unclenched the sheets as his tongue over and over stroked her 
ready need. The hot, wetness from his oral actions and his fingers 
playing with the skin of her upper thighs was all too much to hold 
back what she required to express. Her whole body craved this 
man and was beginning to demonstrate her love physically.

The more she pulsed the more he fondled as she bodily articulated 
multiple cascades of pure emotion. As she lay there heaving as 
though having run twice around the block he smiled at the way he 
could get her to such heights.

"Monica?" Through the haze she thought she heard her name 
called. "Monica?" It wasn't until the second time that she quickly 
opened her eyes and sat up in bed. There was a faint glow from ! 
the moonl! ight through the window coating surfaces with its 
silvery fingers. "You were dreaming."

"What?" Monica shook her head in dismay. Moments ago it had all 
seemed so real. Sitting on the bed next to her daughter her mother 
pulled up the lone slip strap that had strayed off a shoulder.

"You were dreaming about him again." Her voice was soft and 
caring.

Monica's immediate reaction was to say no but she could never lie 
to her mother. She could never lie to anyone.

"Mama!" Monica was not often embarrassed but somehow her 
mother knowing her deepest thoughts made her want to hide.

"Whoever he is you should go to him and tell him how you feel." 
She lightly stroked her daughter's hand.

"Mama, it's not like that." She moved the blanket to cover more of 
her body.

"I know you Monnie, you have deep feelings for this man. Even if 
you believe he would say no, you must try." She st! opped stroki! 
ng but took her daughter's hand in hers and squeezed. "This past 
week it has been clear that your thoughts have been elsewhere. 
Follow your heart, even for your mama and papa's sakes." Monica 
just nodded lightly. It was all too confusing to explain to her mom. 
"I'll let you get a little more sleep before heading for New York 
today." She displayed a reassuring smile as she left the room.

Turning on the bedside lamp, Monica reached for the printout of 
the email she had received the previous day and reread it quietly.

Dear Monica, It's been two weeks and I'm missing you. Come 
spend New Year with me in New York? We can go to Times 
Square for the final countdown. Love John

What did it mean? Was she reading too much into it? He was 
missing her.

Chapter Two 
New York City December 30, 9am

"She should be heading for the airport by now." John called from 
in front of the computer s! creen checking ! his email. "Says here 
she's taking the twelve o'clock flight from Mexico City. Means 
after all the stop overs she should be here this evening."

"That's good dear." John's mother walked into the study wiping her 
hands on a towel after having insisted she wash the breakfast 
dishes alone. "Why is she coming again?"

"Mom! She's my partner, I've known her for over ten years and 
we've never spent Christmas together let alone New Year's." John 
chuckled as he had already told her twice before.

"So you like her romantically, is that it?" Was she probing or did 
she just want to hear him say it?

"Mom! It's not like that. We just work together." Well that's what 
he wanted her to know for then. Especially over the last couple of 
years his feelings had developed for his partner but with work 
ethics in mind and his personal convictions about mixing a career 
and romance he had not acted upon them.

There h! ad been an incr! easing number of occasions when he 
could have swept her into his arms and physically demonstrated his 
growing affection but there was always something that held him 
back. Was it a fear of making a commitment with one person again 
like Barbara and it all going wrong? Perhaps it was how it would 
be perceived in the bureau. More importantly he really just didn't 
know how she'd react. He couldn't go through any more rejection 
in life.

So that was it. The mucho, strong exterior had an interior of mush! 
Perhaps inviting her to stay with him and his parents over New 
Year was a way to apologize for being such a romantic wimp for 
the past years. It would certainly be a chance to spend some quality 
friendship time with her and to get a reaction from his parents.

"So where will she sleep? You know our home is small." Mom 
called from the kitchen where she was replacing the towel.

"We've talked about this." John shook his head and sm! iled as he 
shut ! down his lap top computer and followed his mother to the 
kitchen. "Monica can take my room and I'll sleep on the couch." 
He rummaged through the cupboard for two coffee mugs.

"I don't think I like that." His mother confided.

"Why not?" After pouring two steaming cups he made for the milk 
to add to one of the mugs.

"I don't want a son of mine sleeping on the couch when he comes 
to visit." From her son she took the latte coffee with a thank you.

"Well Monica can sleep there or better still we can just share my 
bed." John smiled into his mug as he heard what sounded like a 
small gasp from his mother.

Just then there was a voice at the door and a tall man with short 
white spiky hair appeared having just showered.

"What's this I hear about you sleeping with someone?" John's 
father questioned.

John just shook his head and snorted.

"Coffee, Dad?" He tu! rned to secure an e! xtra mug.

"Three sugars this time. I'm too old to count calories," he grumbled 
as he went to sit on one of the tall breakfast stools beside the 
kitchen bench. After the first two sips John's father seemed more 
amenable. The other occupants of the room seemed to predict this 
so waited until he'd calmed. "So when's this lady friend of yours 
getting here?"

"Her name is Monica and you've met her several times before." 
John reminded. "I'm picking her up from Kennedy late this 
afternoon."

"Forecast says we're in for a big dump of snow today." Mr. 
Doggett took a few more sips. "Might have to close the airports."

"Dad, you're being a naysayer. Everything will be fine." The male 
agent went for the morning newspaper and also sat on another of 
the stools. On the front page was a picture of Times Square and 
last year's ball lowering and the subsequent fireworks.

"I'm taking Monica to the ball dropping tomorrow night." He faced 
the paper towards his dad and with an index finger tapped the 
picture.

"Looks crowded and cold."

"We'll dress warmly and the crowd is all part of the atmosphere for 
New Year's countdown." No wonder John Doggett had grown up 
skeptical with a father who mainly saw the drawbacks and not so 
much the good. He had learned to live with it and was probably the 
stronger for it. He forgave his father though. Being a NYPD cop 
was hard work especially the years he was in the force, a lot earlier 
than his son. "And no need to wait up for us. I'm planning on 
taking her for a little tour of the NY night time sights after that."

"So you know what they do at the stroke of midnight." His mother 
reminded with a wink.

"Mom!" John lowered his eyes fearing his mother saw him flush 
pink. That was the main reason he wanted to take his partner to the 
end of year celebration. That way there would be an excuse for a 
first kiss with the possible promise of many more.

Chapter Three 
Mexico City Airport, 12.05pm

"But I have a connecting flight at LAX, I'll miss that too." Monica 
was more mad with herself than the airport desk clerk. Leaving 
John's parents' address back at her own parents' place meant she 
had to return to retrieve it wasting valuable commuting time. 
Incorrectly estimating the time it would take in traffic and then for 
her parents to find a car park meant that she had missed her flight 
by only five minutes.

"We have a flight at 2pm and we can make the necessary 
arrangements for connections as long as there is availability." The 
clerk was genuinely trying the best she could to help the situation.

"Yes please," Monica was a little more at ease as the attendant 
tapped away at her computer. "I'm sorry Mama, Papa to put you 
both through this."

Papa Reyes just laughed.

"I thought it ! might be a way of fate! telling us we could keep you 
in our clutches a little longer."

"No Cirro, she has a man now other than just you." Maria Reyes 
nudged her husband's arm and chuckled.

"Mama!" Monica flushed. "He's my partner, just that."

Maria leant in towards her daughter and whispered, "So you tell 
me who else has sensual dreams about their work partner unless it's 
something more?"  How did she know? "Early this morning I 
heard you call out his name in your sleep."

"You must be mistaken." No matter what Monica said, her mother 
was a lot more perceptive than some. She took after her mother in 
many ways and her natural ability to read people was one.

"You have been too long without a man Monnie. John Doggett is a 
good catch. You have to admit he's respectable, intelligent and 
mighty fine looking and most importantly he's available."

"Don't go marrying her off and having a family too ! soon now 
Maria." Cirro commented. "I'm too young to be a grandfather."

"Will you two stop it!" Monica was beginning to smile at how her 
parents really did love her and wanted the best for her. This was 
the first time she had felt a little pressure from them to settle down. 
Usually they just accepted that she would find her own path. She 
had to admit if roles were reversed and she saw her daughter sitting 
back and waiting so long for her knight to make a move then she 
would react the same way.

"Senorita, the bookings have been altered." The clerk handed 
Monica her ticket. "The connecting flight at LAX should get you 
to New York by 8 pm tonight." Monica watched as her single 
suitcase was checked in and safely moving along the conveyer 
belt.

"Muchas gracias." She took the ticket with some relief. It was 
uncharacteristic of Monica to feel anxiety but she knew it was 
more than just a missed flight. Normally she would shrug it off 
saying what's! done is done ! but there was more to it than that.


"You need to get in touch with your friend to let him know you 
will be later than expected." Maria Reyes began to walk with her 
daughter and husband towards a row of seating. In comfort they 
would need to discuss their next move.

"I could call him now." From her carry bag Monica retrieved her 
cell phone and began to enter the string of numbers she had 
memorized. As she listened nervously to the dial tone a nearby 
television was displaying the country's weather forecast and the 
three found themselves particularly focused on the weather in New 
York.

It did not look promising. There was a forecast of a storm coming 
from the east, one that could dump a good deal of snow onto the 
city and also possibly affecting airplane arrivals and departures.

"Joe di Pincus," came the unfamiliar voice on the other end making 
Monica sit up taller. Was that a friend of John's parents?

"Hello, is John Doggett there?" She said rather tentatively knowing 
the answer even before she'd finished the question.

"You must have the wrong number," came the expected reply.

"Okay, thank you." Monica clicked off her phone and went for her 
notebook to check the number. "I've written it down incorrectly." 
She shook her head with disbelief. She was usually so careful with 
copying down facts such as that.

"Never mind, when we get home we can find his number for you 
and give him a call on your behalf." Maria comforted. "You just 
relax back and enjoy your vacation time."

After saying her farewells to her parents and eventually boarding a 
plane to LAX all she could think about was the bad luck she was 
having. Monica Reyes was usually one to experience good karma. 
Were all the things going wrong telling her that maybe she was 
making a mistake and it was all too soon to think about trying to g! 
o the next step in her relationship with her partner?

~~~~~

"What you reading?" The woman beside her on the flight from Los 
Angeles to New York had been fairly quiet after initial 
introductions. That's the way Monica had wanted it. It left her time 
to think about what she was getting herself into. The more the time 
approached when she would be seeing her partner the more the 
butterflies in her stomach were becoming carnivorous.

It was one thing to share New Year's celebrations if they were in 
DC but he had asked her to fly thousands of miles to be with him 
and not on her territory but his parents'. What did he have in mind 
apart from spending their first New Year's together? Knowing John 
Doggett he wouldn't have an ulterior motive except to perhaps help 
strengthen their already sturdy friendship and partnership.

It took the woman next to her another question before Monica 
registered exactly what she said.

"Whatever it is it mustn't be that interesting."

"Huh? Oh, this book?" She displayed the title as 'Has Earth Had 
Visitors?' by Theresa Porter. "Hi, I'm Monica." She smiled and 
held her hand out for shaking.

"Rebecca," the woman in her early thirties returned the handshake. 
"I'm also into science fiction, have been from an early age."

"Me not so much but I'm becoming more in tune," Monica 
mentioned. "This book is non-fiction discussing whether aliens 
have really visited Earth and the demonstrating evidence both 
ways.  If they have then why is the government keeping it all under 
wraps? Should we the public have a right to know as something as 
important as proof that beings other than us exist in the universe?"

"Good question. I think we do have a right to know about anything 
extraordinary that happens in our world so the fact that we don't 
probably suggests that it's all in our imaginations.! What people 
see as UFOs could really be explained in ph! ysical terms, we just 
need the knowledge to understand them." Rebecca offered her 
fascinating thoughts. "What's your view?"

"I'm swaying either way," Monica responded. "There are just too 
many accounts of UFO sightings and alien abductions for people to 
just go making it up from their imaginations. I tend to trust people. 
If they say something happened to them and can go into detail then 
I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt."

Rebecca nodded seeing her neighbor's point of view.

At that moment there was a crackle from the communication 
system and, who appeared to be the captain, began an 
announcement.

"As you may have heard there have been some storms over New 
York and the North-East coast that have dumped a good deal of 
snow. As it has not been as much as forecast we can expect to land 
at JFK in approximately one hour. Sit back, relax and enjoy the 
rest of ! your flight." The intercom clicked off and Monica rested 
ba! ck in her seat a little relieved. Perhaps the run of bad luck had 
been left behind in Mexico.

"Live in the big apple?" Rebecca spoke, breaking the moment's 
silence.

"No, DC, I'm meeting a good friend for New Year's." She decided 
not to bring into the conversation that he was her FBI work 
partner. She had come to realize it was better if her profession was 
not a matter of casual conversation.

"I can tell you're in love." Rebecca leant over and spoke more 
quietly.

"What?" Monica was not used to people except her mother being 
able to read her intentions.

"The way you've been reading that book on and off, you have 
something on your mind and it's not aliens versus earthlings."

"He's just a friend." Monica smiled as she closed her eyes and laid 
her head back on the headrest. She'd been saying that a lot lately, 
almost as though she was convincing herself of the fact. Only her 
dreams revealed her true ! self. A wave of pleasant endorphins 
spread throughout her body as she remembered dreaming about the 
touch of his lips all over her body. Would it really be like that? 
Would she ever get to find out?

"Well you know what they say about midnight New Year's Eve." 
They were Rebecca's last words before Monica drifted off into 
sleep.

When she awoke it was to her neighbour lightly shaking her.

"Monica, wake up!"

It took a while for her to reorientate herself.

"Are we there?" Monica sat up and stretched her cramped muscles. 
What she heard next she couldn't believe.

"You missed it all?" Rebecca conveyed the surprising news. 
"We're in Norfolk, Virginia."

~~~~~ 
Chapter Four 
JFK Airport, NY, 10pm

John Doggett looked at his watch. Monica's plane had landed and 
she would be alighting shortly. Originally she was going to make 
her own way from the airport to ! John's parents' home in Long 
Island but he had decided he would surprise her and save her an 
expensive cab fare.

For the past hours, like someone about to walk down the aisle of 
his wedding, he was having last minute jitters. Was it the right 
decision to take the big step and ask Monica to fly all this way just 
to be with him for the New Year period? Would it all flop and 
when he went to kiss her as the Times Square ball fully dropped 
would she politely refuse? He had lived with enough pain in his 
life that another rejection was nothing he couldn't handle. Monica 
was different somehow. Rejection from her would make the refusal 
compounding. They would be there amongst the noisy, excited 
revelers, two people in a sea of celebration. There would be many 
families, friends and certainly lovers all shouting, hugging and 
embracing. Would the excitement of the moment rub off onto his 
partner?

John stood as the first passengers were disembarking. His chest 
tightened with expectation. Never before had he felt so nervous 
about seeing his partner once more. There had been many a break 
from work where they had gone their separate ways seemingly 
never giving each other a passing thought.   On returning to work 
they would smile and appropriately greet each other, exchange a 
few vacation details and then just as quickly get back into business.

Their mutual rapport had grown over the two years they had been 
X- Files associates. The bureau saw them as the perfect 
partnership, coming at cases from different angles, professional 
and above all they got the job done.

Normally agents like that would keep their association strictly 
professional but it was becoming slowly evident that the vast 
amount of time they spent together at work and the increasing time 
they spent together in leisure activities was a sign tha! t he was 
falling for her.

About a third of the passengers had disembarked but there w! as 
yet no sign of his partner.

He found himself looking forward to seeing her angelic face. That 
smile he had come to anticipate fondly as he entered the basement 
office each morning. That smile he had seen more of lately, 
demonstrating their emergent comfort in each other's company.

He still didn't understand what she would see in his crotchety 
manner and his sometimes off beat treatment of her. Hopefully she 
would understand that it wasn't a reflection of his attitude to her 
but his approach to his job.

With growing unease John watched as the passenger line began to 
thin and still no Monica. He began to wonder if she had changed 
her mind and couldn't reach him to express her change of plans. 
That thought became larger in his mind as the last of the 
passengers trickled out.

"Excuse me Ma'am?" He approached the flight atten! dant's desk. 
"I was expecting someone on that flight."

"All right Sir, what's the name?"! With a pleasant smile the blond 
haired young woman clicked a few keys on her computer 
keyboard.

"Monica Reyes." He spelt her surname and waited with both hands 
firmly on the dais trying to appear as though he wasn't about to 
walk behind the desk and look for himself.

"I'm sorry Sir but Ms. Reyes had been on the passenger list but it 
seems she cancelled at the last moment." The attendant offered.

"Cancelled? Would she have taken another flight?" He was 
becoming more worried.

"That information Sir I cannot give you." She looked up 
apologetically.

"Um, thank you anyway." John was just short of producing his FBI 
badge but he knew he had no right to use the authority that way.

Moving away from the growing crowd that was to be leaving on 
the next departure he found a quiet place to contact her o! n his cell 
phone.

With frustration and concern he shoved the apparatus back in his 
pocket ! when he found her phone to be temporarily disconnected.

Once again looking forward to something had produced only 
disappointment. Not knowing what was happening was making 
him exceedingly restless. Taking out his cell phone again together 
with a small notebook he flipped through the pages until he rested 
on Monica's parents' phone number.

"Due to difficulties affected by today's inclement weather the 
service to this region is temporarily interrupted."

"Damn!" Forcing both articles into the one jacket pocket he looked 
for his next avenue of investigation. Finding an airport Internet 
port he immediately went to work sending Monica an email. 
Hopefully she would get the message and reply. He had already 
decided to wait for the next arrival from LA just in case she had 
missed the earlier flight. It was highly unlike Monica to do so but! 
he felt he had no other choice.

No sooner had he pressed the 'send' button than sirens were s! 
ounding throughout the airport and an urgent message came over 
the intercom.

"Please remain calm. We need people to leave the airport as 
quickly as possible. We have a situation. I repeat - we have a 
situation. Please leave the building and remain calm."

~~~~~

"What's going on?" Immediately in agent mode John smartly 
walked up to a security guard.

"Sir, I have to ask you to calmly leave the building." The burly 
guard duplicated the message that was being repeated over the 
public address system.

"I'm Agent John Doggett with the FBI," He produced his badge 
that he often kept in his jacket pocket, ever the protective person 
he was even in his leisure time.

"We've had a bomb scare. Maybe nothing but as you know it's 
normal procedure to take every precaution." The guard confided as 
he direc! ted worried people out the main door of the airport main 
building.

"What about flight arrivals?! How will this affect those?" He still 
hoped Monica was on the following flight.

"They've been rerouted to nearby airports until the fuss dies 
down." He redirected his words towards anxious clients. "It'll be 
okay ma'am, just a formality. Just follow the others to the parking 
garage. We'll let you know when it's safe to return."

John was aching to find out what had happened to the flight on 
which Monica was a possible passenger but he would have to wait. 
There was more urgency in the current threat.

"What can I do to help?" At least helping out with the situation 
would take his mind off his partner's plight.

"Head of Security over there." He pointed to a group of officers 
with only one in a jacket. That must have been the man in charge.

"Agent John Doggett FBI," Once again he produced his badge ! to 
the man in charge. "How can I help?"

Before he spoke he sent the group of guards scattering in diff! 
erent directions clearly destined to do their job of locating a 
possible bomb.

"Agent Doggett, good timing. I'm Ben Nevis, the security chief 
here. Come this way." John followed the imposing man as he made 
a path to the main security camp. "It's good to see the FBI in on 
this so fast."

"Well I'm DC based, here in New York visiting my parents and 
just happened to be here waiting for a friend but I'm happy to help 
out." The male agent was obliged to admit.

"We could use any expertise we can get our hands on right now. 
We have an airport to get back into business." He ushered John 
into the main security room.

The area was filled with every sort of technical gadget necessary to 
carry out efficient security of such a major airport.

"How did you find out about the possible bomb?" John's brow furr! 
owed with deliberation as he leant over a bench sporting multiple 
security screens.

"Here," the guard p! ushed a button on what seemed to be some 
sort of high tech sound recorder. The voice was muffled but was 
clearly a threat that unless the airport paid the million-dollar 
ransom the bomb would be detonated within twenty-four hours.

Agent Doggett nodded as he hung on every word.

"I need not tell you how many bomb threats there are at major 
airports each year." John had done his research and had to add his 
thoughts. "This could all be a hoax."

"Yes it could be and probably is but in the light of two years ago 
we must go on heightened alert especially so close to New Year's 
Eve." The imposing man pushed the stop button. "We get many 
people coming here from around the country for the Times Square 
festivities tomorrow night. This twenty-four hour period given by 
the extortionist brings us mighty close to countdown to New 
Year."

Just the memory of the following night and how he wanted to 
spend it with Monica sent momentary pain ! to the pit of his 
stomach. The uncertainty of it all was all too much.

As he was contemplating his discomfort and trying to dull the 
thought a call came in.

"Barker here Sir." Came the clear voice over the security boss' 
radio.

"Yes Barker, what is it?"

"We've found it sir. Men's rest rooms upper level east."

"We're on it!" Together with four other guards, the chief and Agent 
Doggett hurriedly made tracks to where the bomb had been 
located.

"Bomb squad on their way sir." A young technician looked up 
from the complicated looking device.

"Well let's clear the area of as many bodies as we can until this 
thing is disarmed." The boss' second in command gave jobs to the 
excess guards that were standing around just looking at the 
contraption.

"Agent Doggett, have you any expertise with disarming bombs?" 
John just shook his head. He liked to solve mechanical problems b! 
ut when it came to that level of intricacy he left it to the 
professionals. "Then perhaps you could look into the threats? Until 
this bomb is disarmed and the hazard null and void only then can 
we begin letting flights back in here."

~~~~~
Chapter Five
Norfolk, Virginia Airport Hotel
December 30 11.50pm

Monica Reyes lay on the bed of her Norfolk, Virginia hotel room 
looking up at the ceiling and thinking about December 30 being 
the unluckiest day of her life. She didn't really believe in so called 
luck but that everything happened for a reason. Many other people 
would be dwelling on the negative but Monica was one to accept 
the present and make the best of what she could do to change 
things.

As she sank into the bed she remembered back to how she came to 
be ! there lying in a bed where two hours ago she had no idea she'd 
be.

The aircraft Captain had apologetically announced, "Welcome to 
Norfolk,! Virginia International Airport. JFK Airport is currently 
indefinitely closed due to a possible bomb threat. You are welcome 
to wait in the reception area or take advantage of our offer to put 
you up overnight in the Ramada Inn Airport Hotel." There had 
been quiet in the cabin as each passenger mulled over his or her 
choices. "If the airport is not open by morning the airline will 
organise some buses from here to New York. The crew and myself 
all assure you that you'll be there in plenty of time for any New 
Year's activities."

"I'm going to take up vigil in reception. I have my family waiting 
for me in Queens and want to get there as soon as possible," 
Rebecca had mentioned as she reached for her belongings in the 
overhead locker. "I'll catch a few winks in one of the chairs if I 
have to."

"Well in ! my job I've spent many an hour waiting like that," 
Monica had laughed quietly. " I think I'll take the easy option this 
time."

Both ladies had ! shaken hands and wished each other luck before 
going their separate ways promising to look for each other at New 
Year's festivities.

A shuttle bus had transported the Ramada Inn contenders together 
with their luggage.

As sleep lapped at her body she pondered the fact that if she hadn't 
missed her initial flight then she would be with John right at that 
moment. What would it be like lying in a bed at his parents' house? 
The thought of being in his bed made her blush even though no 
one was there to see. She smiled and sighed imagining his warm 
body lying next to hers. His arm would be underneath her, 
wrapped around her shoulders as she nestled into his chest. Her 
arm would be securely clutching him proving he was really with 
her. Light fingers would tantalize her arm.

Even though ! she could imagine that their first time sleeping 
together would be just that, sleeping, she could also see that his 
every move would add to her keen sexual desi! re for him, making 
it almost impossible to just sleep.

His parents would be in their bedroom oblivious to the loving 
going on between she and their son. The thought of them opening 
the door of John's room in the morning to be surprised by the sight 
of a woman sleeping in his arms was making her desire go sky 
high.

The reality of it was that she would be in one bed and he in another 
in different rooms but her thoughts were all she had to comfort her. 
In no way would she violate the rules of the Doggett household.

As she nodded off, the last thoughts were of intending to get in 
contact with John. Her body craved sleep so she was content in the 
fact that her parents would have contacted him letting him know 
she was on a later flight. Also knowing him he would have rung 
the airport an! d found out about the bomb scare and where her 
flight had been diverted.

It was her fateful day not his.

~~~~~
JFK Airport, NY
Main Security Room 3.30am

"Found anything yet?" The large security boss walked over to 
where John Doggett had once again been checking out the tape of 
the extortionist's demands. "The airport authorities are getting 
restless about this."

"I know and I'm so close," John confided. "It just has to be 
someone who works here or has an exceptional knowledge of the 
plan of the place." He stood upright to face the man in authority.

"An employee?" His eyes spanned the room watching the three 
technicians in nightshift attendance.

"That's what I figure. To be able to plant the device where he did 
he would have needed to go through a security checkpoint. To take 
something as large the bomb it would have probably been pushed 
on a trolley and covered over. Why! did no one ask to check it 
out?"

"Good point. Anything else?"

"Yes," John nodded as he spoke. "I did a trace on the call ! that you 
have recorded here and it came up from a payphone in this 
building."

"Where?" Mr. Nevis was certainly impressed with the efficiency of 
the investigator.

"We'll get to that. Listen to this again and tell me exactly what you 
hear." John once again pushed the button to the audio playback 
device but stopped it again when a radio call came through to the 
security chief.

"Sir? The bomb has been defused but there's growing concern 
among the flanks that it was too easy." Came the voice from the 
radio.

"What are you saying? There could be another bomb?" His eyes 
rolled in frustration but calmed enough to give more orders. "Then 
get on with it! Send a team out to search the whole place. Get back 
to me as soon as you've found anything."

"I don't think there ! is another bomb." John said plainly as the 
Chief Nevis signed off.

"What?" He frowned with curiosity.

"Who was that on the rad! io just then?" John inquired.

"That was Lillis. He's in charge of what we call E sector. Why?"

"Listen to this." John once again flicked the play button to hear the 
muffled voice of the extortionist.

"What am I meant to be listening for?" Nevis was confused.

"I went to take a look at the payphone in question and it's near a 
window that looks out to the tarmac. The window is covered with a 
light curtain. That's what the assailant used to disguise his voice. 
He placed the material over his mouth."

"How does that let us catch this guy?"

"Look, I'm no technician but I've seen enough of these done to 
have a go myself. See here?" The male agent pointed to an 
oscilloscope screen that showed the soundwaves of the person 
talking on the phone.! "Here." His finger traced along one line that 
seemed out of place to the others. "I had a go of removing that 
distortion myself and this is what I came up with."

John pushed another switch and then the play button again. This 
time the tone sounded quite normal.

"I recognize that voice." Nevis slowly comprehended and John 
nodded acknowledgement. "You're a good man." He immediately 
picked up the radio and selected a secure channel. "Hodgens, are 
you there?"

"Hodgens here Sir," came the speedy reply.

"It's Lillis, I want you to send a team and go find him. Apprehend 
that bastard!" He signed off and then called to anyone in the room 
who would listen. "Call the NYPD and tell them we have him. 
Then ring management to tell them the good news. The airport can 
be reopened as soon as we have the son of a bitch." He turned to 
the agent, a gratified look on his face. "Thank you man. You saved 
the day for us. To get someone to do that ! sort of analysis at this 
time of night would have been hard going."

John just nodded. It was all in a day's work for him. He thrived! on 
keeping his brain and body active even if it was in the small hours 
of the morning.

"I'd like to ask you one favor in return if that's okay." John was 
confident his wish would be granted given the circumstances.

"Go ahead, anything."

"That friend I was waiting on? I need to know if she was on an 
incoming flight when this happened and where she could be now."

"You heard the man," Nevis pointed to one of the technicians then 
turned back to John. "Give Johnson the details and he'll find out for 
you." Smiling, he held his hand out and both men shook with 
energy. "Agent Doggett, keep in touch." Before leaving the room 
he gave a confident thumbs up sign to the FBI agent.

Faintly he heard Nevis' radio and that Lillis was in airport security 
custody. 

Chapter Six
Norfolk, Virginia Airport
December 31, 8am

"Why can't I get on a flight?" Monica Reyes was not! a happy 
woman. "I heard that the threat has passed the airport is open 
now."

"I can book you into a flight but the next available time will be ten 
tonight." The attendant mentioned apologetically still watching her 
computer monitor looking for any cancellations.

It was no use arguing with the facts but Monica had to say one last 
word if only to let the tension out.

"But I'm due to meet my friend for New Year's in Times Square."

"I'm truly sorry ma'am for the inconvenience but you must see our 
side. We have a backlog of passengers and besides, this time of 
year most flights are thoroughly booked even with no bomb 
threat." The attendant looked truly remorseful and Monica didn't 
have the heart to throw at her all the frustration that had built since 
t! he previous morning when event after event began to go wrong 
in her life. "Look, there is a bus service outside that will get you 
into New York today. The next departure is in th! irty minutes but 
you may find it also booked out unless you hurry."

Lugging her heavy suitcase, refusing a trolley because she felt the 
need to punish herself further, she made her way to the bus 
booking office.

"Sorry ma'am, this departure is fully booked." It seemed as though 
this mission of hers was doomed to failure. When she heard those 
words they really came as no surprise. "There is one seat left on 
the twelve noon departure. That should get you into New York 
about ten tonight."

"Where would it let me off?" Monica was clasping at straws but 
she wanted to make it there before midnight or not at all. "42nd 
Street at the Port Authority Bus Depot, not far from Times 
Square."

"Okay, I'll take it." That would give her two hours to find John! , 
plenty of time especially if she could get in touch with him 
beforehand to organize a meeting place. She had so wanted to 
spend the whole day with him, to see the sights of Manhatt! an 
with him by her side. They would have exchanged laughs and 
anecdotes of their vacations apart. It had seemed like a lifetime 
since she had visited the city. The tall buildings were so oversized 
when she was a girl. Would they still look massive as she looked 
skyward?

After receiving her ticket she thought about how she was going to 
fill in the hours until the bus' time of departure.

First priority was to find some breakfast and then some way to 
contact her partner. She would then ring her parents. Talking to 
them would be a way to let off her steam. Her mom especially had 
always been a listening ear to her frustrations when growing up.

With a fruit and frozen yoghurt cup she sat eating and reading the 
morning news. A little food in her stomach was making ! it settle 
and finally adding a rosy glow to life. How could she have been so 
uptight? Life and love have many hurdles but each can be 
overcome without there being lifelong damage. Now! that she was 
secure in the fact that in three hours she would be on her final leg 
of her journey to see John she could sit back and relax a little.

'BOMB THREAT DEFUSED' was the main headline. Taking a 
spoonful of the sweet, creamy mixture she read on. 'New York's 
George Lillis today confessed to all charges relating to threats, 
extortion and planting an active bomb at JFK Airport last night.

All incoming and departing flights were cancelled or redirected to 
other airports until the threat was resolved. It has been said that the 
FBI was finally responsible for solving the case leading to the 
arrest of the now former airport security guard.

JFK is trying to cope with a backlog of flights but is more or less 
running to schedule today. More on P.3.'

Before turn! ing the page Monica's eyes caught sight of a small 
advertisement for individual tarot card appraisals. She smiled at 
how ironic it would be if she got a reading. Shaking her head she i! 
nwardly laughed as she thought about the cards telling her that the 
road on which she was headed was not a safe one and to turn back. 
No way would she turn back now. Monica Reyes was a determined 
woman, all the more motivated by what lay ahead for her in New 
York.

She failed to see someone on the next table actually reading page 
three, a large photo of the FBI hero Special Agent John Doggett 
displayed clearly in the center of the article.

.....

"Can I have directory assistance please?" Monica held her cell 
phone to her ear until she heard a response. "The number for a Joe 
and Martha Doggett of Long Island, New York."

With the other hand she held her notebook open, her pencil poised 
between her fingers.

"013." She reiterated t! he final digits in the John's parents' home 
phone number as she wrote them down.

"You may find some difficulty getting through due to cable 
damage from the storm," reminde! d the operator.

"Thank you so much for your help." Monica hung up and just as 
quickly began dialling the number she had written down.

There were a few rings before she heard someone answer. The line 
was indeed quite bad but she tried to soldier on.

"Hello? John, is that you?" The crackly line made it difficult to 
hear but she assumed it must have been John's dad answering. 
"This is Monica Reyes, John's partner. Can I speak with him?"

"He's ..... now, .....message," was all she could make out from the 
interference. Maybe he was out?

"Hello Mr. Doggett. It's good to hear you." She was a polite person 
by nature. "Would you please give him an urgent message from 
me?"

"Wait......., ...and pen." She got the idea tha! t he was going to 
write down the memo and waited for his return. "......ready....".

"Would you tell him that I couldn't get on a flight." She waited 
wishing she could be! talking to John instead.

"Say.....again." Monica was not sure what he meant but knew that 
her communication was also distorted his end.

"I'm in Norfolk, Virginia. There were no flights to New York." 
This time she hoped he understood. "I'm taking the bus." She 
spoke slowly hoping he could hear and then scribe the whole 
message. "I'll meet him tonight on the corner of 42nd Street and 
Broadway." After that the interference was just too much to 
understand anything. All she could do was hope he could relay the 
message.

She sighed but was otherwise happy that at least John would know 
she was okay and could still meet her in time for New Year's 
countdown in Times Square. They would have to make up for her 
lateness the following days of her stay until eventually! going back 
home to her Bennett Street, DC apartment.

~~~~~
Chapter Seven
Long Island, NY, 12 noon

"Son, good morning." John's father ! was reading the New York 
Times and had the page open at the prominent picture of Special 
Agent John Doggett the hero of the night.

"It's almost afternoon Dad." He scratched his tousled hair and 
yawned as he stretched his rested limbs. It had been six am when 
he had finally got to bed after all the interviews about the events of 
the previous night. "What's that?"

"My son the hero." Mr. Doggett had been proud about many things 
his son had done but no prouder than when there was a photo in the 
newspaper, rewarding his efforts as an FBI investigator.

"Just doing my job Dad." He went over to the coffee pot and added 
the remaining three centimeters of black liquid to a cup, took a few 
sips and then proceeded to prepare the contraption for a fresh brew.

"Well your 'job' just saved lives and relieved a big headache for the 
New York Air Authority." He began snipping out the article no 
doubt to add it to his pile of Doggett memo! rabilia he had first 
started collecting when in the NYPD.

"Well, I'm off for a shower." John Doggett was not one to bask in 
glory. To him it was still all just part of what he was trained to do. 
"I'll pour us a fresh coffee when I'm out."

He began walking towards the door when his father stopped him.

"John, there was a telephone message for you." He finished 
snipping out the article and closed the rest of the newspaper. "I 
wrote it down, near the phone."

"Who's it from?" He was already on his way. "Was it from 
Monica?" He'd been told that she was indeed on the following 
flight from the one she had planned but it had been redirected to 
Norfolk, Virginia. After that the airline records had no more 
information. It had heart! ened John that she had not changed her 
mind after all. The reason she was not in New York then was 
because of a little bad luck.

He had checked any return emails from her but there was nothin! 
g. Maybe she just didn't have Internet access. Her cell phone was 
still not responding even though he'd called her on several 
occasions. He put it down to possible line interference from the 
storm they'd had the previous day.

Picking up the note and reading its contents left him empty inside 
and disappointed. With silence he left the room for his 'morning' 
shower, his father calling after him,

"I'm sorry son."

........

He couldn't believe it! After all his hopes, the communication, the 
anticipation, she was not coming. Letting the hot water run down 
over his face and then down his back he let the pounding rivulets 
try to soak away his deep regrets.

The note had read that there were no free flights to New Y! ork and 
that she'd decided to go home to DC. Even if she had chosen to 
drive from DC there could just be enough time to make it by 
midnight but the roads were surely brimming with traffic with that 
exact tho! ught in mind.

When would he get another chance to show his attraction for her 
with something as simple as a kiss for the New Year? If she truly 
cared for him she would try to make it no matter what. So he 
thought. Perhaps she would wait until the rush had died down and 
then fly up but he was due back home in three days. Would she 
think it all worth it?

All those times he thought she was becoming more interested in 
him was it all just pity? Had he misread her signals?

By the end of his shower he had decided to lock it all away in his 
heart. He was so practised at doing just that. For years the pain of 
his son Luke's untimely demise were also locked away. They 
would surface every so often with cases on which he had worked, 
especially ! child related ones, but he was always able to put them 
all back in the box and lock the padlock.

He would try ringing her again in the morning. Until then he would 
just attempt to enjoy his time! away from work. It wasn't often he 
would get to see his parents. Perhaps he would take up their offer 
to accompany them to their friends' New Year's Eve party. The 
daughter was around his age and had also been divorced for a few 
years. They had grown up together. Some female company for 
New Year's was better than none at all.

Chapter Eight
New York City limits,
New Year's Eve, 10 pm

It had been an extensive, tiring bus trip but Monica had once again 
met someone she could talk with making the journey seem not so 
long. Andy had been great company. It was easy talking to him, 
just as easy as an acquaintance she had known all her life.

He was travelling to New York on a similar quest. He was also 
going ! to meet his partner for the final countdown. Both lived 
together in Norfolk, Virginia but his other half had arrived a day 
earlier to meet up with some old school friends.

Monica was not usually ! one to discuss her feelings with a 
stranger but Andy had a way of drawing it out of her. They 
exchanged stories of love and disappointment. He had urged her 
that no matter if loving her partner was not encouraged in her 
work, love was more enduring and important than career and to 
follow her heart. 'Do it all for love,' he had said. Those words were 
to stay with her for longer than expected, making her smile every 
time she ran over them in her mind.

The bus driver had made good progress until they had hit the 
traffic of New York. That's when Monica had begun to think that 
she might not make it in time to meet up with John and see the 
final descent of the crystal ball.

All the way along, the driver had ensured the crowded bus that h! e 
would get them there in time for the final countdown to the New 
Year even if he had to drive over car roofs to get there. It had made 
the passengers laugh and feel a little more at ease. Even if they 
didn't ma! ke it in time Monica was pleased that she was finally 
reaching her destination. Her pleasure at being determined to reach 
her goal made her feel proud.

When they reached their final destination with only fifteen minutes 
to spare Monica was resigned to the fact that neither of them would 
find their respective partners in time.

"Come on, never say never," urged Andy. With protest he took her 
heavy bag from her, leaving him with his backpack and her with 
her small shoulder bag. The cold hit them as they alighted the bus. 
The snow was piled up against the road still showing some white 
of having relatively recently fallen. Monica had foreseen the 
temperature and donned a thick coat, scarf and gloves.

"I haven't been here in so long,"! she mentioned as she followed 
him along 42nd street on the way to Broadway. For approaching 
midnight the streets were very crowded but she knew that the 
surrounds of Times Square would be even more so. Stopping at 
crossroads gave her a chance to see the enormity of the city. It was 
truly imposing with its busy traffic, streams of visitors and the 
taller than tall buildings. Even though bitterly cold the excitement 
itself gave her a warm feeling in her heart.

"Come, we have ten minutes," Andy urged with excited gestures. It 
seemed the city was getting to him too. Just then some uniformed 
security men stopped them in their tracks.

"Excuse me, but you cannot take those bags any further."

"What? We've just come by bus from Virginia." Andy commented.

"I don't care if you've come from the White House, the rules are no 
bags beyond this point." They were not going to be swayed, rules 
were rules. Especially after the happenings! of 9/11 she understood 
the precautions precisely. A million thoughts raced through 
Monica's mind. She was so close to where she had arranged to 
meet John and there was so little time left. There were two choic! 
es, stay with her bag or leave it behind.

Andy had already made his choice. Placing his wallet and other 
essentials in his pocket he left his backpack against the wall of the 
nearby building. Biting the bullet she also placed her bag next to 
Andy's. Possessions could be easily replaced. True love was not so 
ephemeral.

"Andy, where were you meeting your partner?" Monica realized 
that if he was accompanying her then he might miss the countdown 
with his own friend.

"Monica, I am already involved, you two are just beginning." He 
took her hand leading her onto Broadway. His unselfish attitude 
gave her an admiration for this selfless person.

The beating of her heart was almost louder than the crowd noise as 
she reached t! he meeting corner. The loud speakers were 
announcing that Shoshana Johnson and New York City Lord 
Mayor Michael Bloomberg were just about to press the button for 
the final sixty-second descent of the crystal ball! and the seeing in 
of the New Year.

The large illuminated ball could be seen atop a building a number 
of streets up.

Anxiously Monica looked around at the crowd but John was 
nowhere to be seen.

.......

Wending their way through crowds Andy followed Monica 
through the longest sixty seconds of her life. She had made it this 
far, if she didn't find John then that would just top off the bad luck 
she had endured for the past two days. There were too many faces. 
How was she to find him in time?

The ball was half way down and the cheering deafening as she 
raced through, dodging bodies. To top it all off a light rain was 
falling. By the last fifteen seconds and seemingly having searched 
the whole crow! ded intersection her hopes were fading that she 
would find him in time or if he was even there.

Perhaps he was also searching for her and they were missing each 
other.

The final countdown h! ad started and as if in slow motion Monica 
did a final sweep of the crowd.

That's when she saw the familiar adorable face, his features 
illuminated by the lights of Times Square.

Amidst boisterous crowd noises she turned to give Andy a thankful 
hug and a kiss on the cheek before turning to see that he had 
noticed her and Andy. His face was solemn and a little sad but 
there was no way she was going to let him stay that way.

With five seconds to go she was running over to him and faced 
him, letting him gaze into her eyes.

'4...3...2....1...' They stayed just staring into each other's eye. 
'Happy New Year!' was the announcement over the loudspeaker 
system and the subsequent cheers were almost noiseless as! the 
couple were then the only ones in the world.

The rapport between them, the unspoken thought, the vibes all 
spoke a history of an unresolved sexual tension that was about to 
be broken.

"! Happy New Year, John." Monica mouthed and smiled as she 
slowly moved in towards his lips, never diverting her eyes from 
his. He willingly accepted her approach and closed his eyes as their 
soft, warm flesh touched for the very first time. His arms in slow 
motion encircled her body and held her with enough firmness not 
to detract from the kiss that was still soft but slow and sensual.

John smiled, really smiled for the first time since missing Monica 
at the airport the previous day. How could he ever have doubted 
that she would be there for him? He was the most contented he had 
been as far back as he could remember. The kiss continued as 
Monica's arms clung to her suitor's body and they moved in slow 
circles as though dancing to an inner waltz.

The crowd seemed to give them room as they moved sensuously in 
each other's hold.

Monica also closed her eyes and tilted her head to make the kiss a 
little firmer. She took in his wonderful scent an! d allowed herself 
to her hips closer so she could feel his firm body pressed against 
hers. With arms loosening their grip a little and their lips 
momentarily unlocking there was time for John to return the 
salutation,

"Happy New Year to you too Monica," John again smiled one of 
his smiles that had her always wanting to feel it with her lips. They 
had survived their first kiss and each of them knew immediately it 
was instant magic.

The revelling continued around them permitting them more time 
for themselves.

"I didn't think you'd be here," John spoke into her ear. It was still 
difficult to hear with all the merriment around them.

"For a moment I didn't think so either," she spoke back, sti! ll 
holding him tightly. "Wanna go somewhere quieter?" She took his 
hand and he readily accepted it as she retraced the steps she had 
come with Andy not long before.

On the corner of one building she smiled as she saw Andy wit! h 
what must have been his partner. They were embracing and 
dancing. He deserved to have his happiness too.

~~~~~

It wasn't until they had reached the building where Monica and 
Andy had left their bags that it was quiet enough to be able to have 
a conversation.

Looking down she saw that her suitcase had gone but she smiled 
hoping it had gone to a worthy cause. She would have been very 
surprised if it had still been there. All she had with her was what 
she was wearing. Thankfully she had everything she really needed 
in her shoulder bag that was under her think coat. Even without 
that she still would have been the happiest woman alive at that 
moment.

"So, you hungry?" John asked as ! he kept his hand in hers and 
started walking up 8th Avenue.

"I haven't eaten since about two," Monica mentioned. "We were 
going to stop for dinner but it was either that or be late here." John 
just nodded as they strolled along the ! street. The rain had turned 
to feathery snow with the promise of new snowfall over night.

"There's a small Italian place in 57th Street near where I parked my 
truck." They briefly locked eyes as he spoke. It was still too good 
to me true. It was the New Year and they were together, holding 
hands, with nowhere to go except where they both decided. "When 
I went in for a soda they said they'd be open tonight as long as 
there were customers."

"I'd like that." Her face was holding back exploding from smiling 
too much. She wanted to show him how much she cared but there 
was plenty of time for more loving caresses. Taking it slowly was 
more important at the start of a new relationship, especially one 
where they had! known each other as friends and work colleagues 
for so long.

As they walked the long stretch of street they passed many 
nighttime revellers. Some looked up as they passed but many more 
than Monica noticed. She just had eyes for John.

"So what did you mean about thinking I wouldn't be here?" 
Monica remembered back to his statement in the crowd. "You got 
my message?"

"I got the message where you had decided to go back home." John 
looked across to her with the same solemn expression she had first 
seen that night.

"That wasn't at all what I said to your father." Monica mused and 
chuckled. "The line was pretty bad. Sorry John, it's a long story but 
we can talk about that later. Then how did you know where to meet 
me?"

"Just putting two and two together." As they waited at the traffic 
lights of 49th street John turned to face his partner. "I thought if 
you'd decided to come to New York after all, the flights wou! ld be 
all booked out so you'd take the bus. The main bus station is in 
42nd street and you'd make your way along towards Broadway. 
Just A to B to C." He grinned and then looked up to see it was 
okay to cross the road."

"Th! at's why I love working with you John." Their gloved hands 
were still locked and she found herself imagining how it would 
feel flesh against flesh. "You think logically." Once again he 
smiled and nodded, taking the accolade for what it was worth.

"So who was that you were with tonight?" John asked the question 
Monica had expected to come up.

"That was Andy. We sat together on the bus and he listened to all 
my woes."

"I wouldn't have thought someone like you had woes." John 
laughed as they crossed 50th street with a stream of others. Monica 
just smiled. A comment like that was not a conversation she 
wanted to continue right then. There would be plenty of time later 
to get into the book she could write abou! t her epic journey from 
Mexico City to New York.

Crossing the next few streets they were quiet as they watched 
passers- by and all the nightlife of the famous city. Even this late at 
night the city seemed alive and ticking a! long. It was exciting. 
Monica experienced freedom like she had rarely felt before. She 
was on vacation and with the man she had more than anything 
wanted to be with just at that time.

There were no accusing eyes watching them. They were at liberty 
to use their constitutional right of free will.

As they walked closer to their destination Monica kept wondering 
how the night would turn out. Would there be another chance to 
kiss without it being forced? His lips had felt so good on hers that 
she couldn't leave it just at one. Hopefully he felt the same way or 
he probably might not have been continually holding her hand.

They crossed 57th street and turned right.

"So where's this place?" By! that stage the snow was a little more 
prominent. They would need shelter soon.

"Just a little further, two more streets." John comforted. "So 
where's your luggage?"

"You only just noticed?" Monica chuckled.

...........

"I imagined you would have left it somewhere and would go back 
for it." John spoke commonsense.

"Well you're right. I left it somewhere and went back for it." They 
stopped at the lights about to cross the final street. "Security was 
tight and wouldn't let me take it further than the corner of 8th 
avenue so it was either leave it there and meet you or stay with it 
and not meet you."

John snorted and shook his head,

"So you have no spare clothes."

"I'm going to have to sleep in my underwear tonight." She was 
going to say 'naked' but it could give John images that were most 
likely not the right timing.

"We'll need to do something about that."! The lights went to green 
and they crossed. "Stores will be closed tomorrow though."

Monica had images of John sharing his clothes with her and liked 
what she saw.

"Is this the place?" Monica ! was halted outside a brightly lit 
Italian eatery that looked well and truly open.

"This is it." He took her inside and they both took off their coats 
and placed them on the coat stand provided.

"Table for two?" asked the decidedly New York accent. As if she 
was expecting Italian. "This way." The couple were taken through 
a beaded curtain into a more dimly lit section of the eatery.

As they were sitting the man stopped John.

"I know you." He pointed a wavy finger towards him.

"Excuse me?" John looked up as he got comfortable in his seat and 
gave a menu to Monica.

"You were in the newspaper today."

Monica's eyes widened and she saw John's eyes go a little 
uncomfortable.

"John?" She began taking off her gloves out of habit but was very 
curious why her partner would be in the news.

"The FBI guy." The waiter held out his hand and John shook it 
firml! y to be polite. Many other eyes also looked and a buzz 
developed around the room. "It's an honor to meet you. What can I 
get you, anything, it's on the house for you and your lady."

"John, what's going on?" Monica spoke softly not wanting to cause 
him any embarrassment.

"That's okay man, just doing my duty as a Federal officer." He 
looked across to Monica but not at her. She could see he had some 
explaining to do.

"The Toto's special is good today. All fresh ingredients." The 
waiter mentioned as John looked across for Monica's approval.

"Sounds good," Monica agreed.

"Four slices and a beer each." John took charge but checked 
Monica's face for approval.

Excitedly t! he man moved away leaving the couple in relatively 
enough peace to have the much-needed chat.

"Did you have something to do with helping find the airport 
extortionist?" It was Monica's turn to add two and two.

"I was just there at the right time," he explained. "I was waiting for 
your flight and when you weren't on it I was going to wait for the 
next. It just happened."

"So you're the hero all these people have been talking about? You 
found the assailant?" Monica was amazed but understood that she 
would do the same in similar circumstances. They were trained 
that way.

"Monica, you and me both know it's no big deal." His voice was 
quiet as he looked around to see if anyone else was listening in. "I 
was doing my job, you know that."

"Here you go Toto's Special and two beers. Enjoy." The waiter 
kept his wide beam as he gave the couple some peace.

It smelt so good that they both had to take a f! ew bites of the pizza 
before continuing their conversation. After finishing one piece 
each and half their beer they sat back a little to talk.

"John, I'm so proud of you." She placed a hand on his and he 
automatically linke! d fingers with hers. It was another magic 
moments as the skin on skin contact sent more messages to their 
bodies than outwardly apparent. "How did you do it?" She found 
herself saying but thinking what she would like him to do to her at 
that moment.

"I'll tell you later." He looked around the room indicating to her 
that he would prefer to explain it privately rather than with many 
listening ears.

"I'm full." Monica used her napkin and sat back quietly waiting for 
John to finish. Taking random sips of her beer she watched him as 
he completed his meal. They had been in that same situation when 
on away cases where they would eat a meal together but this was 
all so different. The evening on cases would be all planned. The! 
y'd finish up work for the night and then say goodnight and go to 
sleep in their separate beds in usually adjoining rooms.

Monica couldn't see them sleeping together at his parents' home 
either. Even though they were both well! over the age of consent it 
was just not the done thing to sleep with someone's son under the 
same roof as his parents. Although it would be highly erotic 
staying quiet enough for them not to hear.

Monica mentally scolded herself for jumping to conclusions. One 
kiss did not mean they would suddenly jump into bed. Even though 
she would accept, he would need to be the one to initiate such 
intimacy.

"Ready to go?" John dabbed at his mouth with his napkin and then 
drank the dregs of his beer.

As they passed the counter there were excited goodbye waves from 
all the staff. John thanked them with some handshakes and grabbed 
both their coats from the rack. "Glad to get outta there." John 
laughed as they! both donned their overcoats in the snowfall.

"What now?" Monica followed John down the slight incline of the 
street to his truck that was parked halfway down the block.

"Well." He leant up against the door of his truc! k and held out 
both arms to entice Monica into them. Naturally she obliged with a 
grin and once again accepted his strong arms around her. "We can 
either go back to my parents' place or.....," he paused showing it 
was perfect timing for another kiss.

That time it was even better than the first. Their lips barely touched 
at the start as if teasing but then became closer. John's mouth 
opened as he took her ready lips. They were French kissing before 
long, Monica's body pressing into his with an urgency that 
probably required a private room. His hands wandered over her 
back but not yet going lower even though Monica willed him to do 
so.

Her arms circled his neck as the kiss continued, neither of them 
wanting! to stop.

It wasn't until they heard an *ahem* from a passer-by that they 
stopped and saw where they were.

"Or? What was the other option John?" She still held him close 
hoping he would suggest what she wanted him to.

"Or we could stay overnight in a hotel." His gaze went to the hotel 
a little down the street. "I've already made a booking."

~~~~~

"You made a booking for us?" Monica's heart was racing like a 
Grand Prix driver.

"It could be for us." His clear blue eyes seemed pleading and she 
knew that even if she hadn't turned up that night he was going to 
stay in the city overnight anyway. "The Salisbury. It's not five star 
but it's elegant, spacious and friendly."

"Okay, let's do it." Even though she had been looking forward to 
meeting his parents again it could wait. He grinned and then went 
to the trunk of his vehicle and produced an overnight bag. Taking 
her hand he led ! her out of the snow and into the lobby of the 
hotel.

"Ah Mr. Doggett," It seemed his reputation had preceded him yet 
again. "Your room is ready. Will the lady be staying with you?"

"This is Monica Reyes and she! will be staying with me." He 
seemed proud to introduce her. "She has been unfortunate enough 
to have had to abandon her luggage because of New Year's 
security."

"We'll see what we can do." No further explanation was needed. 
"Leave your keys with Ralph our Valet over there and he'll take 
care of your vehicle.

With no more talk John collected the room key and taking 
Monica's hand once more led her to the elevator. She had been 
speechless the whole time concerned that her numb tongue would 
say something unintelligible and make her look foolish. He was 
really taking her up to his room and to his bed.

The climb to the fifth floor was silent as it was shared with three 
others. All the time John was fondli! ng his partner's fingers 
making her body scream out the be touched all over the same way.

As he unlocked the door he gave a small smile and then ushered 
her inside first.

It was a very spacious double room with o! ld world hues and 
furnishings. The window looked out onto a West 57th Street below 
that was slowly becoming white.

John disappeared into the next room and Monica followed to see 
him placing his overnight bag on a seat near the bed.

"Come on," he went to help her off with her coat and then took 
both garments next door to place on the coat stand. As Monica 
took off her gloves and scarf she looked around the room and 
especially focused on the double bed.

When John came back she couldn't believe how good he looked. 
He wore a dark green ribbed sweater and jeans that looked new.

"John I...." She wanted to say something about wanting just that 
situation for way too long but it would have s! ounded lame.

His hands went to her shoulders and he looked deeply into her 
eyes, "We will only do this if you want it." How could she say no 
when he asked so caringly and with such a sexy voice?

"John, I want this." ! She began to slowly take off her sweater 
leaving her silk camisole underneath. "I've wanted this for a long 
time." John tried hard not to focus on her chest but she smiled at 
his controlled reaction.

"Good, so have I." He also took off his sweater revealing his 
characteristic white well-fitted T-shirt.

Moving closer, Monica decided that she wanted to make more 
contact. Undoing his belt she noticed his eyes closing and his chest 
heave at her touch.

"Let's take this slow." She reached a hand behind his neck and 
drew him down into another kiss. This time his hands felt over her 
back but also went lower drawing her hips towards his. She 
couldn't help but grind into him and feel how already he was ! 
prepared to make love to her. Her hands pulled out the T-shirt from 
the rim of his jeans and meandered over his bare back. As she 
pulled out the rest of the top and moved over his chest he deepened 
the kiss until they were in a heated embrace that cou! ld have 
melted a street of snow.

Monica ached for him to remove her clothes, to experience his 
fingers lightly grazing her skin. As if reading her mind his hands 
moved under her camisole and began undoing her bra. With a swift 
motion both her bra and top were removed leaving him to watch 
the gift that unfolded. For the very first time he saw her naked 
breasts and had to touch them. With cupped gentle hands he 
massaged them as Monica's eyes closed in the ecstasy of the 
moment.

"You still want this?" he asked in a breathy voice that teased her 
left cheek. Always the gentleman, his attitude made her even hotter 
for him. It was a redundant question as she lifted his T-shirt up and 
over his head leaving them b! oth naked from the waist up.

Sitting on the bed she patiently let him take off her socks shoes and 
then his own before he straddled her in an embrace that had their 
tongues slow dancing.

With her jean clad legs open he re! sted his crotch on hers and 
gently ground into her as they both kissed more deeply then ever. 
His hardness for her was more than evident making her ache for 
his length to be free of its constriction and deeply wedged inside 
her.

It was all too perfect, the setting, the timing, the person. He was 
doing this for her, to her timing, her notion of perfection. It made 
her wonder if he had ever had wet dreams envisioning her like she 
did about him. He must have known that to do this for the first 
time at his parents' place would not be so memorable.

To help the session along further she moved her hands between 
them to undo the fasteners of his jeans. He stopped kissing and 
slipped closed his lids as she deliber! ately felt over his erection 
while taking down his pants. It was solid and hot, needing freedom 
from its restriction. With his jeans resting over his upper thighs she 
slipped his briefs down letting his manhood spring free.

He let out aud! ible gasps as she took both garments further down 
his body letting his erection deliberately touch her body as often as 
possible. Once around his knees he took over the removal of the 
garments letting them rest on the floor.

He was on her mouth again as Monica's hand encircled what would 
soon be inside her. It felt huge and alive to the touch as she moved 
her hand slowly up and down its rigid length.

"Monica," he breathed into her mouth. "Let me love you."

They were the perfect words for the perfect moment.

"Please do," she whispered on his cheek as she undid the button of 
her jeans and began pulling them over her hips. His head bent 
down to look as she slowly revealed h! erself to him.

"Oh Monica," He was a ball of sexual self-discipline as he helped 
her off with both garments at once. The way he looked at her was 
with pride rather than lust, which was ideal for the moment. She 
wanted him to show he liked! what he saw not that she was just 
any female who was going to make love to him.

She let his erection find its own way rubbing between her legs as 
they kissed again.

"Just do it John, I want you." Her insides called out for him to 
enter her threshold. With one hand she helped guide his solidity 
into her for the very first time. It was big and needed to move in 
slowly even though she was well lubricated. Their hips moved in 
counter motion letting him take his time entering her.

When in deeply they both took a moment to experience the 
ultimate. It was the most amazing feeling, to be loved by a most 
amazing person. The union was unique and sizzling hot.

For ages they just move! d with each other, kissing, fondling, 
getting to intimately know the bodies that would continue to also 
engage in such sweet entertainment in the future. Instead of just 
dreaming, John was really there and in reality making the kind of 
love to her that s! he had only envisaged.

Monica was the one to come first. The most wonderful experience 
of her life was coming with this man inside her. He smiled on her 
mouth as he felt her pulsate on him and her head move back to 
endure the thick pleasure. The dream of the morning before came 
back to mind but the orgasm with the real man was so much more 
intense. It seemed to endure, wave after pleasurable wave as he 
kept moving and kissing lightly over the curve of her neck.

"Come for me," she whispered as her orgasm trailed off into 
sleepiness, giving him permission to release inside her.

John didn't need any more encouragement. With a few chesty 
grunts she felt his warmth fill her and experienced a serenity that 
was far more effective than any yoga class. The following 
moments were pure heaven as they lay together, John lightly 
laying his naked weight on her until gently pulling out and lying 
beside her.

"They're going to know we mad! e love," John chuckled as they 
both lay naked on top of the bed.

"I think they knew that well before we crumpled their bedspread." 
Monica joined in the light-heartedness.

"It was that obvious?" He joked.

"A handsome hero bringing a mute female to his hotel room, you 
tell me!" She turned her body to look into his eyes.

"For a mute girl you sure spoke heaps just then with your body." 
His eyebrows rose with his revelation.

"Come on," She got up and began finally taking the bedcovers off 
so they could slip between the sheets. John complied and turned 
off the bedside light letting the room fall into semidarkness. "You 
still have some explaining to do Mr! . Hero Man."

With both their spooned bodies facing the window and John's arm 
draped over his new lover, they watched the gentle snow fall 
outside, thankful they were comfortable with each other both 
emotionally and physically.

Chapter Nine
The Salisbury Hotel, NYC
New Years Day, 8am

"Mom, I'm okay really." John spoke quietly not wanting to wake 
his sleeping partner in the other room. After a shower and pulling 
on some clean boxers he had gently closed the bedroom door to 
keep out most of the distractions of the phone call home. "Yes, I 
stayed over night in a hotel." He switched the phone to the other 
ear and sat on one of the lounge chairs in front of the large screen 
television that was on but with the audio set on mute. "Yes, I'm 
with her. 'Her' by the way is Monica."

John lay back on the couch with his feet elevated and free arm 
lying along the head of the seat.

"Mom, would you ha! ve minded if I'd shared a bed with her at 
your place?" He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I thought 
not." He crossed his ankles. "Okay I lied. I do have feelings for 
her. No wonder I became an investigator Mom, I learnt the third 
degree skills from you." He laughed.

"John?" A still sleepy Monica appeared at the bedroom door and 
then waved and went back into the bedroom when she realized he 
was on the phone.

"Mom, I have to go." He stood and began walking towards the 
telephone cradle. "We should be there mid afternoon. You don't 
think it's wise? Mom! Can we have this conversation later? Bye, 
love you too." He bent over, the phone still at his ear all the way 
down. "Mom, her name's Monica and you'll love her too, I 
promise." He hung up and blew out a puff of air in relief.

He had wanted Monica and him to wake up together but being the 
early riser that he was he just couldn't go back to sleep after being 
ready for the day at seven. In a ! way, if they had made love that 
morning it was probably too soon. He wanted to keep the memory 
of the previous night intact. It was all so wonderful.

"Who was that?" With a hotel towel around her middle Monica 
began picking up the clothes! that had been strewn on the floor, the 
testament to a night of lovemaking.

"I just rang home, Mom worries." He stood there a little awkward 
hoping his lover wouldn't see the small amount of unease. He had 
more or less told his mother he had slept with a woman. What 
would she think after all the years of being single?

"So she knows?" With an armful of clothes Monica proceeded to 
the bathroom and then turned and waited when she reached the 
door. John just nodded almost imperceptibly. He really didn't want 
to go into any more details. "So your parents are happy for me to 
stay with them?"

"They're okay with it." He didn't lie, just played down their 
seemingly indifference.

"Ju! st okay?" Monica moved into the bathroom with her partner 
on her heels. "John I really don't want to be a burden. I can stay at 
a hotel."

"You're not a burden." After she placed the clothes on a nearby 
chair he was there before her, looking ! at her intently, wanting her 
to see that it didn't matter what anyone else thought, he wanted to 
be with her and that's what really counted. "And you're staying, no 
questions asked."

"The sleeping arrangements?" She smiled and raised her eyebrows 
eliciting a small chuckle from her male friend.

"Monica," he moved in closer and ran a hand softly up one arm. 
"Before me, my father was a NYPD cop, my mother spent her 
career as a nurse in the US army until us kids came along. I was 
brought up in a strict household. Just because I'm forty something 
doesn't give me liberties to fool around under their roof."

"I know John," she spoke softly and with acceptance. "And that's 
part of who you are to! o. I understand."

"Then you'll also understand that I'll be dreaming about being with 
you." His other hand also made a move. He wanted so badly to kiss 
her but didn't want it forced.

"Last night was wonderful John." Her arms ! lifted and moved over 
his shoulders, her fingers lightly touching his neck, sending instant 
messages to the pleasure center of is brain.

"Yes, it was." A thumb played with the ridge on one ear, as she 
seemed to gauge his readiness for more fun. "Monica, I....."

"You don't want to do this?" There she went reading him again but 
naturally his apprehension didn't seem to worry her. "We have a 
hotel room and a large shower we need to make use of."

"It's just that," His head turned slightly away looking inwardly. "I 
didn't ask you to New York to have sex with you." He looked back 
into her eyes, conversing with more than just words. "Don't get me 
wrong. I wanted to make a move, to kiss you! and I thought last 
night was the perfect opportunity." She was just smiling. Why 
didn't she say anything? "For a while now I've wanted us to be 
closer but the timing was all off. Here in New York, away from 
home, it seemed easier to make that first move. I j! ust hoped you 
might have wanted it too."

By the time he had finished his speech her face was glowing and 
with a hint of tears. At that moment he knew he had said 
something right.

"Me too John. I've also wanted this, us." Her hands traversed 
gently over his bare shoulders and then fingers wandered over the 
well defined shape of his chest. "I've just been waiting until you 
were ready." Didn't she know that what she was doing with her 
hands was driving him wild? "Now I know." Her voice trailed off 
as her fingernails grazed his abdomen just above the rim of his 
boxers. "And I want more."

........

It was the perfect moment for another kiss, one that would 
probably! lead to the inevitable again.

They moved in together, he sliding his hands over her towel and 
pulling her body in close and she feeling over his back and then 
down over the slippery material of his boxers.

The kiss was slow and meas! ured and erotic. Each of them had all 
morning for themselves if they so wished. Her lips were warm and 
soft yet her body and arms displayed a strength that showed she 
didn't want to let him go. He was hers for that moment, free do to 
with him what she willed.

"Make love in the shower?" It really wasn't a question as she 
slipped her fingers under the rim of his boxers and began tugging 
them from his hips, still kissing breathlessly. As the fabric slipped 
to his ankles he flicked them off. Continuing the barrage of kisses 
his hands went for her towel and let it also fall to the floor leaving 
them both completely bare and vulnerable to each other's whims.

The shower was a separate cubicle with ! a glass door and big 
enough for two amorous people. John reached in and turned the 
faucet letting a torrent of steaming water hit the base. The 
temperature was just right as John ushered his lover inside and 
then followed, immediately madly kissing again but this ti! me 
under the hot steady spray of water.

"How are we going to do this?" His smile felt over her mouth as 
his arms enclosed her hot body not caring that he was declaring his 
readiness to immediately pin her against the wall.

"You want me to give you a love lesson John Doggett?" She licked 
over his lips then attacked his mouth again this time also letting her 
hands slip to rub over his butt.

"I don't want to hurt you." His said gently enough not to alarm her. 
Looking at him with that famous mischievous smile she twisted in 
his arms until she faced the wall and then bent forward moving her 
ass in just the right spot on his ready body.

It would have been sexy eno! ugh out of the shower but with the 
water running down their bodies making the skin glisten added to 
the eroticism. His hands found their way to her dripping hair, then 
fingers felt over her neck, across her shoulders, over her breasts 
then made their way down her curve! s, admiring his prize all the 
way down to her hips.

"John," it came out as one big breath as he pushed his length into 
her from behind. She tilted her head so he could see her face, her 
forearms leaning against the tiles for support.

The look of simple pleasure his lover wore and the feel of her hot 
skin to his touch made him want to go full force inside her but 
learnt by years of self-restraint he held back. Holding her hips 
steady with his hands he slowly built up momentum just 
mesmerized about making love to the woman he so desired.

At that point he never wanted to go home but stay at the hotel 
indefinitely. There they would be in their own world, discovering 
each othe! r in a whole new way without the intervention of 
outside influences. He only wanted to know what his parents 
thought if it was good but they had only met Monica a couple of 
times and she hadn't been introduced as his girlfriend. Way at the 
back of his mind was what ! the couple would do when they were 
back at work. It was something however that they would need to 
discuss beforehand.

Watching how Monica responded to his movement inside her and 
his hands caressing her back and hips there was no doubt that the 
previous evening and that morning were turning points in their 
relationship. There was no returning to old ways. He had wondered 
where a simple kiss would lead but really had not thought it would 
go as far as making love in the shower the morning after.

The way she groaned pleasure and expressed her deep contentment 
in her face made the moment even more special. He watched her as 
they both reached the highly pleasurable ultimate and caught her 
when! she almost slipped. He had always desired to be there to 
catch her in the past and vowed at that moment to be always there 
in the future. To him making love to a woman was making a 
statement of commitment that should never be taken lightly.

"Hold me! John." She turned again in his arms and he could tell 
that her footing was unstable. "That was something!" Her smile 
touched his lips and they kissed again as the water covered their 
easing bodies.

They had almost finished helping each other soap and rinse their 
bodies when Monica heard something outside.

.....

"What is it?" John quickly rinsed the remainder of the lather and 
stepped out of the shower, reaching for a clean towel.

"I just think it was the front door." Monica peered out as John was 
wrapping the towel around his waist.

There was another soft knock as he headed out of the bedroom and 
into the lounge area of the suite.

"Oh Mr. Doggett, I'm sorry if I caught you at a bad time." There 
was a smartly dressed woman at the door and her eyes were clearly 
trying not to look at the half clad still wet man before her. Her 
timing could have been a little more apt.

"Yes?" He lo! oked down to what she carried in her hand and 
looked up puzzled.

"I'm Mary Miller the joint owner of the hotel. I believe this belongs 
to your lady friend." She handed over the largish suitcase to a still 
confused John. "When you said she had to leave her bag behind we 
did some digging around. The security guard must have taken a 
liking to your friend because he took it to the local Police station."

"Thank you. She'll be relieved." He was about to close the door 
when he saw she had something else to say.

"This also came for you. It's a phone message. Your mother 
insisted, when your phone wasn't answering." She looked a little 
apologetic as she quickly looked down his bod! y clearly showing 
she knew where he had been to not hear the phone ring. "Sorry 
again for the bad timing."

This time he was able to close the door. It was becoming a little 
chilly standing there with only a towel.

"John?" Monica came out also j! ust dressed in a towel.

"Looks like your luck is turning Monica." He smiled as he placed 
the suitcase on the bench provided.

"Wow, it sure is." She looked at him to explain.

"Security took it to the local PD. Just as well or you might have 
had to wear men's clothes for today." He nudged her as he passed, 
heading for the bedroom to get dressed.

"What's that?" Monica noticed the paper in his hand.

"It's a message from Mom." He opened it as he spoke and then 
read, his eyes and mouth going steely.

"Okay." Not wanting to pry into what was probably private she 
went to find some fresh clothes to wear.

He moved up to! wards Monica with a mixture of annoyance and 
regret.

"Mom and Dad want us there for lunch at one. Apparently they've 
invited someone over." Monica swept past him and into the 
bedroom with her clothes in her hand. "I'll ring back and say we 
can't make it."

"No John, that's okay. We still have a couple of days here for you 
to show me around." Dropping her towel she began clothing 
herself in her underwear, much to John's distraction. "You can 
show me the city another day."

He went quiet, which made her stop and look at him for answers.

"Mom always does this. Testing me." Slowly he made his way to 
his overnight bag and began pulling out some clothing.

"Testing you?" Monica resumed dressing herself in a clean pair of 
jeans and a ribbed V-neck sweater. Sitting on the bed she 
proceeded to pull on socks.

"Mandy Chisholm was an old flame of mine in senior high. We 
could have made a go of it but I was! too young and had my sights 
set on joining the Marines."

"So you loved her?" Monica rummaged around the floor for her 
Nikes and found them under the bed.

"I suppose I loved her but what is love when you're that young?" 
John pulle! d a T-shirt over his head. "Mandy married not long 
after that. I always thought it could have been me and for a while I 
did regret not staying with her." He gave a chuckle and added, "We 
could have had a bunch of kids by now." He then went thoughtful 
as he pulled up his jeans and zipped and buttoned.

"So Mandy's going to be there for lunch and you think your Mom 
deliberately invited her to add a fly to the ointment?" Monica 
finished tying her laces and stood and opened her handbag for her 
hairbrush. He didn't need to answer for her to understand. Moving 
up closer she rested a light hand on his arm. "Really John, if it's 
going to be too awkward for your parents I won't stay there. I 
really don't mind."

"Damn it Monica! If anything I should be the one to move out with 
you." He heavily sat on the bed to put on his socks and shoes. "But 
that's bailing out. It's not the way to handle Mom. She's a strong 
woman but she also can accept when I've made a dec! ision." With 
just his socks he stood and held onto Monica's hands. "If you want 
to be with me then I'm prepared to show her that my ties are with 
you."

He waited until she made a sign that her intentions were longer 
plan.

"I can't imagine myself being with anyone but you John." She 
sweetly smiled and looked into his eyes that spoke unending 
gratitude. "Let's get some breakfast. I'm starving." Monica almost 
pulled him out the door without his footwear.

Chapter Ten
Long Island
January 1, 12.55pm

"This is the house you grew up in?" Monica looked across at the 
double fronted smallish dwelling with a colourful garden even tho! 
ugh there was a thin covering of fresh snow. "It's so sweet."

"Cosy, you might call it." John switched off the engine and pulled 
out the keys and just sat there looking at his childhood house and 
then Monica. "Mom and Dad could afford a bigger place but 
they've always! liked the area and all their friends live here."

"Oh I understand John." Monica reached out her hand to hold his. 
"I can't believe our parents are so similar that way. They lead the 
simple life, I admire that."

"How far from here is where you lived when you were married?" 
Monica took off her seatbelt but was in no hurry to get out of the 
car.

"Oh, about two miles thataway, east." He nodded the direction 
with his head. "Barbara's and my families grew up attending the 
same church. That's how I knew her."

"I didn't know your family was that religious." Monica smiled and 
sat back more in the seat.

John chucked before replying, "Oh yea! h, every Sunday 
religiously."

Monica could tell it wasn't the time to delve into the man that was 
the younger John Doggett or they would be there all afternoon. She 
had remembered the time on one case when he'd said he'd slept 
through his share of Sunday Schools. Sh! e smiled and snorted 
imagining what it would have been like to know him then.

"So are you ready?"

John took a renewed breath and got out of the truck. Monica 
waited for him to open her door knowing that's what he wanted to 
do the first time as a couple at his parents' home.

"Monica. I can't believe we're going to do this."

"Trust me John," As she stood Monica gave him a kiss on the 
cheek. "It's the best way for your parents to stop testing you."

As they approached the front door it opened and as if my magic an 
elderly couple stood there to greet them.

"Mom, Dad, you remember Monica." John looked from them to 
his pa! rtner as though showing off a prize but all Monica could 
see was their body language. She had been wondering whether it 
was a ritual in the Doggett family to give a hug and kiss as a 
greeting but from their manner it did not seem that way.

"Come and meet our guest," w! as all his mother said after giving 
Monica a nod of acknowledgement. Had John noticed how his 
mother had more or less brushed off his friend's presence?

The remaining three just stood still for a moment not sure of how 
to react.

"Well Monica," John's dad spoke up and held out his hand to shake 
hers. " I hope you enjoy your stay with us." At least he made her 
feel a little welcome.  She felt John's hand on her back urging her 
in the direction in which his mother had taken. Moving into the 
dining room, in the center a table was adorning with all the 
trimmings for the expected meal.

Also standing behind one chair was an attractive smiling woman 
possibly in ! her late thirties. She stood a little taller than Martha 
Doggett who was grinning by her side.

"John, you remember Mandy Chisholm. Seeing you couldn't make 
it last night I thought I'd bring her here to meet you."

Mandy moved around the table to give J! ohn a greeting hug to 
which he politely responded.

"How long has it been now?" Her soft voice questioned.

"About three years." John replied, a smile across his face. "We 
must catch up over lunch." Being left to conclude the introductions 
he turned to Monica.

"This is Monica Reyes. She's my work partner."

"Oh, I've heard about you." Both ladies shook hands. "You're the 
one who was meant to help John with the airport case but got in 
too late." Monica's jaw dropped at the unexpected utterance.

........

Before anyone could verbally react, John's mother was organizing 
people to sit so she and her husband could serve the meal.

This was not the way for Monica to feel welcome. Beginning to 
regret having set foot into the house, she sat anyway wondering 
how she was going to explain all and still furnish acceptance.

"Actually Mandy, I asked Monica here as a friend." It w! as about 
time John stepped in. "She was staying with her family over 
Christmas in Mexico and I invited her here for the New Year.

"So you made it after all." Joe Doggett chimed in reminding the 
agents of his initial blunder with the telephone message.

"Dad, you got the message wrong. She couldn't get a flight but 
took the bus instead." John glowered at his father but it made no 
difference. Like a man who wouldn't accept blame, he was 
steadfast.

"So John, what plans do you have for the next few days while here 
in New York?" Mandy clearly looked hopeful that he would have 
time for her, making Monica wonder just what John's mother had 
told her. Martha knew! John and she had spent the night together 
in a hotel and in the same bed.

"Here it is. Dad, would you mind carving?" Martha brought the 
roast turkey out on a large platter. The smell was wonderful 
reminding her she hadn't eaten since breakfast. "Mandy, I'm sure 
John would fi! nd the time to meet you for a coffee and maybe a 
meal."

"Mom, I can make my own arrangements, thanks." John tried to 
say politely but Monica could see he was irritated. He immediately 
stood and began walking towards the kitchen. "I'll help with the 
rest of the food." Monica sighed knowing John would be talking 
with his mother about what was transpiring. She didn't want to 
come straight out with her being in love with John but they were 
going to have to know sometime.

"I'll help too." John's father stood leaving the two women to talk, 
and for Monica to continue the carving of the meat.

Monica prided herself on knowing John's character fairly well and 
kn! ew he would not be swayed by his mother's actions. Also if he 
were in any way romantically attracted to the other woman in the 
room he probably would have already acted upon it. It had taken 
him years to admit his feelings for Monica and she could only see 
him as a one woman man.

"So how long have you known John?" In her eyes Monica could 
see that Mandy was beginning to understand what was happening.

"I worked a case with him here in New York ten years ago. That's 
when we first met." She decided not to mention the painful nature 
of the case. "And you?"

"John and myself go way back. As a boy my older brother was his 
best friend at school. He would often come to our house to play." 
She smiled as she reminisced, sending Monica into a wave of pity. 
Did his mother know that by asking Mandy to lunch it was giving 
her false hope?

Monica was just about to tell her that she and John were more than 
just partners when the others ! came back into the room with a 
platter each.

"Here we go," John's mother announced. "Mashed potatoes, peas, 
carrots, gravy."

Monica by then had placed some meat on each of the five plates 
before her. Handing them out to the others she sat and waited for 
the bowls of vegetables to be passed around.

There was a buzz of conversation over the meal, all talking about 
their Christmases and then New Year's resolutions.

"So John," As the meal was subsiding Mandy got his attention as 
well as the whole table. "Did you make a New Year's resolution.?"

Monica watched his reaction wondering whether he would pluck 
up enough courage to go ahead with their plan. It was perfect 
timing. He placed his cutlery on his plate and dabbed at his mouth 
with a napkin.

"Mom, Dad," He looked at Mandy but it was really an 
announcement directed to his parents. "I've come to a decision that 
I have been single for far too long.! Work has come first to the 
exclusion of a love life." Monica could see John's parents on 
tenterhooks and tried not to show the emotion that was brimming 
within.

"Son, what are you trying to say?"

"Dad, I'm saying that I've fallen for someone at work." He ! tried 
not to glance at Mandy as he spoke which was a good thing 
because her look of remorse could have distracted him from what 
he needed to publicize. "I've thought long and hard about this and 
if she is willing I would like to marry her as soon as possible."

"John, are you sure about this?" His mother showed a worry for 
someone too young to make up his own mind but her son at his age 
was more than capable of doing that.

He and Monica exchanged sweet smiles trying to keep their 
emotions in check for their plan to be foolproof. For more effect he 
took Monica's hand in his before continuing to the captivated 
audience, "Never been surer. Monica here supports me on this and! 
that's part of the reason I asked her to New York as a partner and 
friend." He gave her hand a squeeze. "Mom, Dad, Monica, if she'll 
have me I want to marry Dana Scully."

........

"What?" John's parents echoed each other's confusion.

"She's the one wh! o gave away her child." Martha was trying to 
fathom his decision.

"And I could have a son again if there is any way to get William 
back." John was doing a remarkable job seeing it was all acting but 
Monica had seen his impressive work badgering witnesses to get to 
the truth.

"I thought she was with that Mulder guy?" Joe Doggett questioned.

"Mulder is always running off. I could convince her that with me 
she could have a stable life again." His hand was still squeezing his 
partner's, all for effect.

"So she doesn't necessarily feel the same way?" Was that a little 
relief in Martha Doggett's expression?

"I think I could conv! ince her that marrying me would be 
beneficial." John finally looked across to Mandy who was still 
dumbstruck. "Monica here said she'd support me to the end."

"That's what partners are for." Monica nodded to each member of 
the table. She then did something that had been plann! ed but 
needed perfect timing to work. Standing and placing her napkin on 
her finished plate, she moved closer to her partner and gave him a 
kiss on the lips. It wasn't just the kiss of friendship. Even though it 
was a light touch of the lips the kiss lingered just barely over the 
realm of alliance, long enough for the room's occupants to be even 
more puzzled. "Now, if you'll excuse me I need to visit the 
bathroom. John would you mind directing me there?"

John quickly stood and ushered his partner from the room. All the 
way to the end of the hall the house was quiet, the three they had 
left were clearly stunned.

...........

John opened the bathroom door and the! y both went inside, 
Monica barely able to keep her control.

"I've never seen Mom and Dad look that shocked before." John 
shook his head and snorted.

"You were perfect John, it'll get them thinking. What do you think 
they're talking about now?" Monica spoke first.

"Have I lost my mind? Pity is no reason to marry someone, it 
should be for mutual love." John responded.

"If he wants a child he could have his own, he's still young 
enough." Monica found herself wanting to touch him again.

"He's getting himself into another doomed marriage if you tell 
me." He mimicked his mother's voice.

"They'd be thinking but not saying out loud about why it is that 
you're sleeping with me when you love and want to marry 
someone else."

"I think they'd be in denial over that one, Monica."

"John, I think I hear someone. Part Two!" Immediately they lightly 
held each other and began a ! gentle kiss. It lingered but, for effect, 
was never meant to get any deeper.

"John?" They chose to ignore the soft voice that came from behind 
the half closed door. The kiss was a little too good to keep light but 
it was necessary for the play. "Your mom said that d! essert's 
ready. John?"

There was a gasp at the door and an apology before the couple 
unlocked lips to see the open doorway empty. Mandy had fled the 
scene of the crime.

"Do you think she'll tell?" Monica asked still keeping the man in 
her arms.

"Even if she doesn't then we still have Part Three right?"

"And am I looking forward to that one!" Monica gave him another 
quick kiss and on the way out of the bathroom flushed the toilet for 
effect. "Coming?"

Chapter Eleven
Doggett senior residence,
January 2, 2am

"John, you still want to do this?" Monica lightly touched her 
partner's arm, as he lay ! asleep on the couch in the darkened 
lounge room. He woke slowly to her stroking his cheek. "John, 
Part Three remember?"

"Yeah, I remember. Didn't mean to fall asleep for that long." He 
stirred and then sat up dressed in sleeping T-shirt and boxers, 
getting his bearings.

"Come on, meet me back in your bed." She tiptoed out of the room 
with John lazily following still not fully awake. There was no way 
in the past he would have entertained the thought of a woman in 
his bed under his parents' roof. Not just that it was not something 
they would tolerate but that he would have also felt a little uneasy.

When he had witnessed his parents' reaction to having a woman by 
his side and especially after his mom's 'talk' that afternoon, that 
was when he knew he and Monica needed to do something to 
convince his parents that Monica was indeed an ideal match for 
their son.

Still a little sleepy he slipped under the covers beside a warm 
Monic! a. It was a cosy fit in the single bed, each of them having to 
lay close linking limbs.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," John whispered as Monica rested 
her head on his shoulder and began skimming her hand down his 
side and underneath his top. One le! g lay lightly along his.

"Why not John? Even you agreed it would be a way for your 
parents to see who you really wanted to be with, particularly who 
you were sexually compatible with." She sat up a little and began 
taking off her satin slip. "Come on, we agreed to leave our clothes 
on the floor."

Reluctantly but with understanding John also took off his T-shirt 
and boxers and dropped them to the floor near his partner's night 
attire.

Settling back in a warm embrace they each knew just how natural 
it felt. To be naked in bed seemed as though it had always been.

"I still can't believe I'm actually here, you are here." John 
continued to whisper as his hand followe! d suit and moved to hold 
her closer.

"No regrets?" Monica kissed his chest as she spoke and then 
moved her head to see his face in the semi dark room.

"That's just the thing. You know me Monica." John continued to 
whisper. "Would I ki! ss someone and then sleep with them so 
soon afterwards?"

"Only me," she giggled and went to run her hand over his cheek. 
There hadn't often been the opportunity to be that close. The 
silence between them belied the thoughts that raced through their 
minds as they just watched each other, smiling.

"What'll we do when we get home?" John's voice was more than a 
whisper but then quickly decreased the volume when he realized 
his parents could possibly hear.

"I couldn't go behind people's backs either John." Her fingers 
combed through his hair and over his ear to his neck. "Let's not 
think about that now. We have our current case to consider." Her 
body climbed lightly on his and fel! t him begin to come more 
alive beneath her.

"I thought we were just going to sleep?" John accepted her mouth 
on his because the temptation was too great. A naked female 
draped over any man would be enticement enough let alone one he 
had desired to! be closer to.

She let him reconsider the statement as they continued a kiss that 
couldn't stop at one.

"John," she paused just millimetres from his lips. "Have you ever 
fantasized about having sex in this bed?"

"Monica, I...." The words caught in his throat. "We were going to 
sleep. I don't want my parents hearing anything."

"We can be quiet. Come on, tell me what you've dreamed about." 
As she spoke she moved her body on his just enough to indicate 
that she couldn't just stop at a kiss.

"You're a tease Monica Reyes," he whispered and then swiftly 
rolled her over so that he was in the dominant position. "You don't 
know how many times I've wanted yo! u just like this."

"So you've dreamt about me in this bed with you?" Intently she 
watched as his eyes filled with desire.

"I've had plenty of time over the last two weeks." He kissed her 
once and then let her talk.

"! So that's why you asked me to New York? You've been 
fanaticizing about me?" Monica made the most of the intimate 
moment and began running a hand slowly down his bare back to 
rest on his ass.

"Maybe a little," John chuckled, having given himself away.

"So tell me, what have you imagined doing to me?" Both of them 
knew exactly where all the talk would lead as gradually their 
bodies were becoming more impassioned.

"Monica, it's hard for me to discuss these things, even with you." 
His voice was low, his parents' bedroom across the hall from his.

"So let me help you." Her arm encircled his body and she gave a 
lingering kiss before she spoke. "Did it have anything to do! with 
tasting me?"

"Might have." John whispered as he kissed her softly on the lips 
and then across her cheek to her ear where he licked along the 
ridge.

"Hmm," she purred approval. "Where else did you taste me?"

"If I sh! owed you would you promise to keep your voice down?" 
His voice buzzed sexily in her ear.

.............

"No promises until I know what you're doing." She murmured as 
he perched on an angle above her, running small kisses over her 
face and to her lips.

"Then I'll show you." With one hand he touched her body, over a 
shoulder and down one arm then up over her thigh to a breast. As 
if practised he lightly managed her soft mound as his mouth 
explored hers more fully.

Monica was willing him to do what she had dreamt about back in 
Mexico City, to touch every part of her with his mouth. As if on 
signal he smiled before shifting his body to straddle hers, still 
under the bed ! covers. With his wonderful face he watched her 
first before moving down to a breast. The hot, wet feel as his 
tongue gently touched a nipple almost caused her to loudly sigh 
but she kept it in, simply relinquishing a few quick breaths.

"John," she whispere! d slowly as he licked a line to her other 
breast leaving the first to cool off in the night air. Her back curved 
and her arms stretched high above her head stifling a deep moan as 
he suckled her.

"We shouldn't be doing this here," he tried to justify but smiled and 
softly chuckled as he planted small kisses all the way to her belly.

Monica couldn't even moan a reaction as his fingers placed a little 
pressure on her inner thighs giving the response of moving her legs 
apart. If that wasn't enough to let her know what he had planned, 
his hot breath was already between her legs.

"No we shouldn't," she heavily sighed as kisses moved along her 
inner thighs.

"S! hhh," he quietly reminded and then blew hot air between her 
legs. Holding onto the bed head behind her for support she bit her 
lip to stifle any escaping sound as he began exquisitely licking and 
sucking her. To dream about him doing just that was erotic enough 
but the actu! al feel of his tongue wandering over her impassioned 
bud was highly stimulating. She was on the verge of letting herself 
lose control when she felt a thick finger push inside stimulating yet 
another pleasure node.

She couldn't help let a low groan escape her throat as his lips, 
tongue and finger moved her into ecstasy land. It was the most 
delectable orgasm she had experienced. Letting her muscles relax 
she allowed wave after wave of pure bliss to coat her body.

"John." The appreciation she felt for his actions could not be 
translated but could be rewarded. "I want you inside me." Her 
fingers traced through his hair as his face looked to hers with 
satisfaction.

Her ha! nds leaving the bed head went to his body, pulling him 
closer until his hips were aligned with hers.

"I don't know," John teasingly whispered but Monica moved her 
hand down and found overwhelming evidence that he also needed 
release. Shifting her legs to link ! around his hips her strong thighs 
brought him closer, motioning for him once again to couple with 
her.

As he pressed inside, his eyes slid closed and Monica could see the 
raw gratification he expressed on his face. It must have been so 
foreign for him to make love in that bed but it was also the most 
natural thing in the world. After all the time of waiting for the right 
time he was making love to her. The three times they had joined 
was testament enough that they were sexually attuned. What they 
had gone through as work partners and what they were prepared to 
endure as lovers was sign enough that, even though poles apart in 
attitude to various topics, they were indeed well-matched.

Pulling herself to sit on his lap gave her the chance to hold him as 
they made love. Her hands lightly scratched down his back as they 
rocked the bed. Thankfully there were no creaks from the bouncing 
bed frame as he pushed in deeper and harder. His hands cupped her 
ass ch! eeks drawing her in even nearer into his hot body.

Just as she felt the sparks of a second orgasm he whispered in her 
ear,

"You feel so good." The way he tilted his hips giving a few more 
thrusts, all the time his breath teasing her ear, kick started her into 
feeling the paradise all over again. How could that man do to her 
what no other man had?

As they both sat on the bed staying linked they heard something 
outside the room. Immediately John put a finger lightly against 
Monica's lips. Footsteps could be heard along the hallway giving 
the lovers a chance to unlink and get back under the covers.

They both stayed stil! l just listening, Monica on the verge of 
laughing. John wasn't so light hearted.

"Do you think they heard?" Monica asked but in a way didn't mind 
if they had. It had all been part of the plan to get caught in bed 
together but in the morning rather than post coital during the night.

"Monica, are you all right?" John's mother's voice could be heard 
outside the door. Again John placed a finger on her mouth letting 
Monica know that silence was better than her answering when she 
was meant to be in a deep sleep. Eventually the main bedroom 
door closed letting them let out the breaths they had both been 
holding.

.....

John's bedroom, 8am

Monica was spooned up to John's warm naked body as they both 
slept peacefully. The golden light in the room hinted at the glorious 
sunrise outside. As usual John had woken at seven but decided that 
he would just lie there enjoying holding his woman. Together with 
the temperature o! f two bodies under the covers and the warmth 
he felt emotionally he had drifted back to sleep.

She hadn't heard the soft knock at the door and the female voice 
until she was woken suddenly by what appeared to be a gasp. 
Quickly sitting up in bed holding the sheet to he! r bare breasts she 
remembered that the situation was exactly what they had planned. 
As the door closed she got the swift glimpse of John's mother.

John was just stirring from sleep as his lover got out of bed and 
dressed in the satin slip that Mrs. Doggett must have seen on the 
floor with her son's night attire, demonstrating just how naked they 
were under together the covers.

Quickly extracting the robe from a stand by the door she donned it 
as she headed out the door. Looking back, John was still stirring 
and stretching but she left, time was of the essence.

"Mrs. Doggett," Monica found her in the kitchen slumped over the 
sink, her hands supporting her ! body. She stayed there collecting 
her thoughts. "I'm sorry you saw that. It was my fault." Monica 
tried to be the most empathic she had for a while at the same time 
playing out what they had planned. John's mom remained there 
shaking her head slightly while Monica moved up closer tempte! d 
to rest a hand on her shoulder.

"It takes two Monica," she finally commented.

"I know it takes two but I was the one to ask him to sleep with 
me." She quickly continued. "I know it was insensitive of me 
under your roof but he had intentions of being back on the sofa 
when the household woke."

"You really don't need to hide anything from us Monica." She 
turned, still with the weight of her body on one hip against the 
sink. "I just don't understand. Explain to me all this nonsense about 
marrying Dana Scully."

"He feels he's doing the right thing by her." Monica spoke gently. 
"She's lonely and sad when Mulder isn't around. Maybe he can 
give he! r a life that Mulder couldn't. I support him no matter 
what."

"That's bullshit and you know it!" The use of the expletive 
emphasized her feelings on the plan. "How can he offer to marry 
her when he's sleeping with you? I assume this has happened more 
than once." Monica just! nodded somewhat. Mrs. Doggett moved 
over to the coffee machine and began preparing it for the morning. 
"That's not how marriage works. Have you been married, 
Monica?"

"No, I haven't," she replied simply.

"Joe and myself have been happily married for fifty years now. We 
have two boys and a girl from that union." She placed the 
machine's filter paper in the slot and poured in the fresh coffee. 
"You know why we are still together?"

"Why?" Monica was pleased John's mom was doing all the talking.

"Because we made a commitment between just us. There were no 
lovers on the side that could complicate things." After pouring in 
the water she flicked! the on switch. "I have to tell you Monica, as 
much as I also support my son, I can't see him throwing the rest of 
his life away like this."

As the machine began gurgling she reached for four coffee mugs 
and then crossed to the fridge for some milk. Monica tried to stay 
out! of the conversation as much as possible. It was far better for 
Mrs. Doggett to verbalize her feelings than for Monica to suggest 
them.

"Tell me Monica, you seem a girl with her head screwed on right. 
At your stage in life for you to sleep with someone you would have 
to love them right?" She reached up to a cupboard for the sugar 
and then leant against the kitchen bench. "Do you love my son?"

"Mom, Monica?" John stood at the door, his hair tousled, dressed 
again in boxers and t-shirt. "What's going on? Coffee smells good."

"John, your mom found us in bed together." As she spoke, John 
moved up closer to be by his partner's side.

"Oh sorry ! Mom. It was my fault." He found it difficult not to 
smile. "I only meant to stay there for a short time."

"The fact that you were in bed at all with a woman when you're 
planning on marrying another, doesn't that seem incongruous to 
you?" Mom went up to her son and took both! his hands in hers. 
"Look me in the eye and tell me you still want to propose to Dana 
Scully."

"I...," he looked suitably hesitant. "No I don't." Mrs. Doggett 
showed a sigh of relief and went back to the coffee machine. As 
his mother's back was turned was a suitable chance to do what they 
had planned just at that time.

Smelling near victory John moved in to face his lover and wrapped 
his arms around her. Monica reciprocated feeling total love for the 
man in her arms.

"I love you John Doggett," she whispered just enough for his 
mother to hear and turn to see them lightly kissing. At that precise 
moment his father also entered the kitchen. The timing co! uldn't 
have been more perfect.

"What's this?" came the gruff morning voice. The two just smiled 
into each other's eyes as they let the Doggett parents piece together 
the puzzle.

"I think they been having us on Joe Doggett." Martha poured a 
coffee for her hus! band and spooned out three sugars, and added 
the cream. "Our son had no intention of marrying Dana Scully."

"That the heavens above!" He took a few sips as he found a seat.

Monica and John stood side by side and hand in hand, smiling their 
satisfaction that finally they had shown their intentions.

The real moment of acceptance then came from John's mother as 
she approached Monica with her arms out. Monica accepted the 
warm hug all the time smiling, a special peace forming in her 
heart.

"Welcome to our family Monica." As Martha Doggett embraced 
her son's accepted lady friend, Monica noticed John's dad smiling 
and nodding acceptance also.! At last she was accepted. She could 
see John's beaming face beside the picture of his mom's turnaround 
in thinking.

Chapter Twelve
New York City
January 3, 12 noon

The air was chilly but the scenery was spectacular. It had snowed 
over nigh! t but most of it had melted from the sun that peeked 
every so often through scattered clouds. As they walked hand in 
hand through Central Park on their last day before heading back to 
DC they reflected on their time together over the previous few 
days.

"How long until we meet Andy, Rebecca and Mandy and her new 
boyfriend?" John wasn't used to walking that slowly but the past 
few days spent with Monica had taught him that there were 
moments in life to treasure. Their relationship was not one to 
quickly solve the case but to slow down and enjoy the time they 
had for themselves. Back in DC would be so different.

"Long enough to take our time. If we walk just this pace! it'll get us 
there at the time we arranged." Monica noticed her first squirrel 
scurry down from a tree. "Oh it's so cute."

"Don't stare or it'll keep following us." John chuckled but Monica 
stopped and bent down to entice it over. It just watched as though 
saying, 'You gotta! be kidding me lady. I don't see any food.'

"What do they eat?" Monica stood upright when she knew the 
creature would come no closer.

"Don't concern yourself Monica. The squirrels in this park get 
enough to eat." He held out his hand to urge her along. "Apart 
from the food given by visitors here I think they eat a variety of 
plant material including roots, stems and bark."

"You know a lot about these squirrels." She accepted his hand and 
they moved onward.

"Probably every kid brought up in New York has fed the famous 
Central Park squirrels." For the next few minutes they were quiet 
as they took in their surroundings. It was bitterly co! ld but 
somehow being hand in hand together made them as warm as toast.

"One thing has been puzzling me." Through thick gloves Monica 
squeezed his hand. "If you were brought up in New York then how 
did you come to be born in Democrat Springs, Georgia?"

"Each o! f us Doggett kids was born there." John returned the 
squeeze and smiled. "The water in the region was thought to have 
healing properties amongst other things." He rolled his eyes. "My 
parents said a number of women would go there to give birth 
believing it brought long life to them and their offspring."

"So I have a long lifetime to look forward to with you John 
Doggett." The timing was perfect to express her feelings that she 
never wanted to leave him, that he was the one.

"If you can put up with me that long." They'd reached the edge of 
the park and stood on the pavement face to face while waiting for 
the traffic lights to indicate it was safe to cross. Monica sli! pped 
her arms under his heavy coat and he also enveloped her in his 
embrace.

"Hmmm, warm," she purred. "I wish we could be like this forever. 
It's been like a storybook for the past few days. I still can't believe 
your parents let us sleep together in your bed after playing! that 
prank on them."

"I think they were just relieved I wasn't going into a marriage that 
was doomed from the start." John noticed the green light. "Come 
on." Reluctantly Monica stood upright and walked across the road 
with him. "They really like you Monica." He spoke more softly 
and smiled.

"Everyone wants to be liked John," she returned his sweet smile. 
"But I was prepared to earn their acceptance of me if I had to."

"Talking about parents, you rang your mom and dad in Mexico, 
right?" Hand in hand the couple made their way along Broadway 
towards the theater district of the city.

"They apologized for not being able to get through to you ! about 
my rearranged flight plans." Monica paused a moment waiting for 
John to ask the question that she noticed on his lips.

"You told them about us?" John looked across to his partner with a 
half smile. He would have agreed with Monica's thoughts about 
having to earn acc! eptance but it certainly helped if there was 
some there in the first place.

"She squealed so loudly on the phone I was almost deaf for the 
next hour," Monica giggled. "I would have told you then but I saw 
you in deep conversation with your father."

"They like me that much." John nodded and humbly grinned.

"Put it this way, yes they like you John, but also their little girl has 
finally found a man who she can love and who will be good to her 
in return." She had constantly been with him for the last few days. 
They had made love in his bed on numerous occasions. They had 
shared stories, laughs, meals, tours and caresses and yet she 
wanted to touch and love h! im then, in a busy New York street.

"Just good?" They stood at another set of lights not far from their 
destination. "I can be more than good." The sexy whisper next to 
her ear sent sparkles over her skin.

"And you've certainly shown me that John." She let o! ut a rush of 
air thinking about how wonderful he had been in bed. Not just how 
his naked body felt against hers and how he held her close all night 
but also how he idolized her with his touch. No words could 
express what he did with his body to articulate his love for her.

As they stood outside the entrance to the Marriot Marquise Hotel 
ready to meet Andy, Rebecca and friends in the Atrium 
delicatessen they had one final discussion.

"Back in DC can't be like here Monica." He stopped her beside the 
entrance. "We're back at work tomorrow morning."

"I know, and in a way I don't want this to end. I want New York to 
last a lifetime." She held both his hands. ! "We don't have to make 
any work decisions now, John. It's not as though when we're back 
in the office that all we would think about is sex."

"Talk for yourself." John chuckled and moved in to give her a brief 
kiss, one that would not attract too much attention but also show h! 
e cared deeply for her.

"No really John, you'll see. What I'm trying to say is let's enjoy the 
little time left we have here and when we're back at work we can 
concern ourselves with how we combine our jobs and love lives." 
She could see a slight smile, one that showed he trusted her. 
Maybe he couldn't see then how it would all pan out but he did 
have faith in his partner that if she said so then there would be 
hope.

"Okay," he said minimally and nodded.

"Come on," Monica took his hand and led him through the stately 
front entrance doors into the hotel lobby. "Our friends await. Let's 
find out what they also endured, all for love."

The End