Solid State

It isn't a very popular job with any cop ~ forgetting to fill out a simple piece of paper could lead to the criminal walking on a technicality so it's imperative to say the least. It's late and Naomi sits at her desk, the only one dimly lit by her stingy desk lamp. Fatigued, she stretches in the uncomfortable chair and yawns. She smiles to herself, proud of being able to take down such a notorious family with zero officer fatalities. Maybe she'd take a vacation and go see her father in Florida.

Sean finishes giving his report and walks out of Easton's office to find Naomi still at her desk.

"Hey Big Shot!" Sean calls out catching her attention, she smilonteontently at him. He goes to her desk and sits on the edge.

"How about a party at my house tomorrow, to celebrate." He asks

"You must of read my mind, I'll bring the champagne" she let's him know.

"Deal" he extends his hand and she shakes it.

"Go home, get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow" he winks at her and goes out the door.

The next day Naomi shows up early presuming Sean would need some help with the cooking. She finds him and Demetri in the kitchen, cutting and seasoning the meats. After placing the bottles of champagne in the refrigerator she takes out the meat to the grill. Candice arrives 20 minutes after dropping Rachel off with Demetri's mother. She comes in carrying a huge cake, placing it on the Kitchen Island; she calls Naomi over to see it. She opens the box and the cake is decorated as a man behind bars ~ a ritual they created long ago. The guests arrive including sergeant Easton and Sexy, normal they didn't get along but Sean keeps the peace. Easton entertains the guest with some rookie stories about Sean and Demetri always nods co-signing everything he says.

"I can't believe it, these two are ganging up on me" Sean complains. They step outside, to join in some games. The men are playing football and the women volleyball. Overall, they have a good time. As the night nears the guest depart, leaving only Candice, Demetri, Sean and Naomi.

The men help the women clean up; Demetri and Sean compile the garbage bags and take them outside. Candice plops down on the beach lounge, exhausted.

"It's been a while since I had fun like that." She confesses.

"Yeah, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves." Naomi withholds, but Candice is aware.

"He enjoys your company... It's been a rough road for him." The tenderness of her words touch Naomi, she sits besides her, looking inside.

"I uhm, don't know how to say this but, sometimes I look at him as more than my colleague, you know, and it's wrong I know but..." Candice moves up and touches her hand.

"There's nothing wrong with two people caring for each other Naomi. I watched you two tonight; you guys get along so well. He likes you, a lot. I've known him all my life. There's only one other person he looked at in that way." Candice needs not to mention whom it had been, Naomi knows. The guys open the glass door, both carrying a beer for the women.

"Look at that!" Demetri says amazed.

"It's beautiful." Naomi gasps, watching the sunset. Candice motions for Demetri to follow her inside, leaving Sean and Naomi alone. Sean sits next to her on the sand.

"No matter how many times I've seen it, it still takes my breath away." Sean admits. Naomi looks over to him ~ he meets her eyes. The stare sends goosebumps all over Naomi's skin. She opens her mouth to say something but nothing comes out, instead she takes a deep breath. He looks at her confused, wondering why she changed her mind to speak. Naomi senses his query and explains

"Some things are better left unsaid" she gives him a loving smile. Sean understands ~ both of them want to say so much, but sitting there, no words were needed. Sean puts his arm around her and she scoots over to him ~ not feeling awkward or shy, she places her head on his shoulder, both staring out into to the sea. Sean plays with her hair, noticing how easily it could camouflage with the reds emerging from the sunset. The effect this woman has on him is exciting. She's tough, smart and gorgeous. The first time he'd seen her she'd astonished him with her looks. She doesn't look like a cop ~ neither does he for that matter. The Sarge had been right, she's good at what she does and they are a good team. On their first sling she'd saved his life, the woman is intriguing. "˜So why is it so hard for you to tell her how you feel?' he asks himself. She'd grown on him, which isn't going to make him leaving her any easier. Sean doesn't even notice he's caressing the top of her head, on impulse he pulls her head back carefully to meet her eyes. Just as quick their lips meet, Sean feels a quick resistance from his part, but her lips are intoxicating. Naomi cups his face with her hands. The feel of her hands on his skin is long awaited. Sean takes his time exploring her mouth, savoring her taste. Naomi is lost in his touch, his smell, and his taste. "˜His delicious' she thinks. Pulling away slowly, neither wanting to really brake the kiss up, but aware of their surroundings. Naomi's eyes take a while to open back up, she's still responding to the kiss. Sean nuzzles her nose, still grabbing the nape of her neck. Both breathing heavily from the energy the kiss took away from them. They stare deeply in each other's eyes; Naomi licks her lips, searching for his taste.

" I shouldn't have done that" Sean expresses.

"Don't apologize. I've wanted to do that since I met you." She confesses ~ they're still holding each other.

"Naomi, I'm..." Naomi interrupts him by placing her index finger on his lips.

"Let's just enjoy the sunset, OK?" she pleads, not wanting the moment ruined. Sean wants to confess his plans of transferring but has to admit, the moment is perfect and he doesn't want it ruined either. He nods and holds her a little tighter, appreciating the moment.

To be continued...