Chapter 1
Stephanie rolled over on top of Sky. His tousled blonde hair hung in his face, and his gleaming white smile beamed at her. Just seeing him relaxed and at ease gave her butterflies. She didn’t know where their relationship was going, and usually she pushed that thought aside. It kept creeping its way back into her thoughts,though, no matter how hard she tried to block it out. So, she found herself thinking of it more often than she thought necessary.
In the distance she heard the phone ring, and rolled off of her wonderful man. Before she could swing her legs over the edge of the bed, he placed a hand on hers. “Where do you think you’re going?” The question had a playful tone, which made her laugh and her green eyes glow.
“The phone’s ringing.”
“Let the machine get it, and come back to bed with me.”
Her laughter fluttered out before she could catch it. “It could be the Commander.”
“On New Year’s? You’re dreamin’ sister.” She shot him a look. “What? Do I not please you anymore?” He asked, making his bottom lip puff out.
Her laughter rang through the room again. “How can I resist that face?” She heard the answering machine click on and the Commander’s voice bark through.
“I know you two are there damn it! Pick up your Gosh damn phone!” She gave him an “I told you so” glance, and ran to snatch the phone. “I’m sorry Commander.”
“I bet you are. Now get your act together and grab your partner. You’ve got a case.”
“Where are we supposed to go and when are we supposed to be there?” Her sigh was heavy and deep.
“400 West Manhattan, now!” A faint click notified her that he had hung up.
“You gotta get up, Slick.”
“I’m already there.” He had jeans on, but no shirt, so she could see his muscles. In his burly hands he held two cups of coffee, and hanging over his shoulder were his shirt, and her shirt and jeans.
She smiled and kissed him loudly.
*
She didn’t pay attention to the house’s details as she stalked up to the yellow tape that was surrounding the premises, and ducked under it. Sky was right behind her, enjoying the way she looked. He found that when she’s annoyed and fueled with caffeine, she looks sexy as hell.
“Stop staring at my ass, and get working!” She scolded.
“Why? It’s a nice ass.” He was getting ready to spin her around and plant one on her lips, when Matt Derman, the coroner, came out.
“What do you have for us, Matty?”
“You know I hate it when you call me that, Detective.”
“Yeah, well you better get used to it.”
“I already have.” Stephanie smiled when he said that.
“Okay you two love-birds.” Sky stopped their game.
“You’re just jealous 'cus I can flirt with your woman so easily.”
As a response, Sky scooped Stephanie up and kissed her loudly and fiercely. “But, she’s still my woman.”
Annoyed now, she scowled. “Will you grow up?”
“Nope, and that’s why you love me.” When he said that word her face paled.
“What’s the news Matt?” She turned to him without another word to Sky. He didn’t mind though, and as Matt gave her the information he found, a smile played across his lips. She knew he loved her, and he knew she loved him just as much, but she was afraid to admit it. She’s stubborn as hell, but by March the two will be engaged. That was his plan at least.
*
“Execution style, huh? That’s the way to go if you ask me.” Sky commented as Stephanie sat at his small oak wood table with her wet hair down, soaking her t-shirt. She looked beautiful, her green eyes glazed with sleep, as she sat there absorbed in her work. He could feel himself grow hard. How the hell could one woman make him feel like that, so damn fast and so damn long?
“Do you even care?”
“We’re supposed to be on vacation. Chill out, relax, have sex all night, sleep in, and then have more sex.”
“We have a case!”
“We can put the case away for an hour.” He reached across the table and closed the manila folder, a coy smile playing across his lips.
