Hoshi closed her eyes as she savored the morsel in her mouth. It was 0200 hours and she couldn’t sleep. The events of the day had her wound up. The negotiations between the Vulcans and the Andorians had lasted into the midnight hour. But that wasn’t what had her nerves frayed.

Trip.

When the Andorian battle cruisers had headed for the Vulcans she couldn’t believe he ordered Travis to put them in the middle. He stood there with his back ramrod stiff, unflinching. She actually thought she saw Malcolm grin from ear to ear, but on second glance it looked more like a grimace.

Trip had been so forceful, so in control… so un-Trip like. It was quite a change from the ‘I’ll get back ta ya’ Trip that was in command while Captain Archer, Travis and T’Pol were away.

She had barely seen Trip in any unofficial capacity since that day in the observation lounge. She went there frequently, hoping to relive the encounter. She would have done things so differently. For one, she would have made sure he knew she was interested in him.

Oh well! She closed her eyes and savored the sweetness of the pecan pie. Yes, it wasn’t her favorite. But it made her feel better about her relationship with Trip, or lack thereof.

He would never forget the look of panic on Hoshi’s face as he ordered Travis to fly between the two races. He would never forget what her body pressed up against his felt like either. He still dreamt about it. He had taken to eatin’ and relaxin’ when and where he knew Hoshi wouldn’t be. He didn’t want her feelin’ awkward toward him, especially since he had gotten a woody right in front of her.

Sheesh Trip! It wasn’t like you were in high school again! She just has that affect on ya.

Trip stopped dead in his tracks as he entered the mess hall. It was a little after 0200 and there she was sitting by the far window with food in her mouth and an orgasmic expression. “Down boy!” Trip thought to himself.

Might as well get this over with. “Hi Hoshi…” That is as far as Trip got because Hoshi startled and started turning a most peculiar shade of blue. “Oh crap!” Trip pulled Hoshi up by her midsection and lifted her off the ground. He breathed a sigh of relief as he heard her intake of breath.

“Are you okay?” Trip pulled his welcome arms from her body.

“Yes, yes… I’m fine.” Hoshi said as she sat down and took a quick sip of her milk.

Trip just stood there.

“Look, Hoshi… I just… um… want to ‘pologize about the other day. I didn’t mean ta…”

“Apology accepted. Now why don’t you join me?” Hoshi just wanted to keep things simple. If they got anymore complicated her head would explode.

Trip walked away toward the serving area, relieved that she was being more gracious than she should be toward him. He perused the desserts, looking for HIS pie. “Dangit! Somebody got the last piece of pecan pie!”

Hoshi placed her napkin over the evidence not wanting him to think she was eating pecan pie because of him. She was known for her fondness for cheesecake, not pecan pie. Yikes!

“What ya got there?” Trip motioned toward her plate.

“Um, cheesecake.” Hoshi hoped he didn’t lift the napkin.

Of course he would lift the napkin. Dammit!

“So, you’ve been beatin’ me to my pie the last few nights!” Trip tried to look taken aback, but didn’t succeed.

Hoshi blushed at his teasing. She pushed the plate his way, not meeting his eye. “Would you like a taste?”

“As a matter of fact I would.” He closed the distance between them and touched his lips to hers, hesitant at first, giving her the opportunity to refuse him.

Hoshi shuddered and leaned in, her senses on overload.

That was all the encouragement Trip needed as he closed his large hands around her heart-shaped face. He ran his tongue along her lips, indeed getting the taste he craved.

TBC

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