Sara
Sara gathered her magazine and sweater as the plane came to a halt and the forward passengers began moving off. She was glad to be home.
The conference had been rewarding. The numerous opportunities to learn new techniques and network with personnel from other labs across the country were sure to benefit not only her, but the rest of the lab as well. The workshop on fingerprint conservation had been especially enlightening. Sara was anxious to write up a report and share it with the rest of the lab.
It had been tough being away for a whole week. She missed Grissom infinitely more than she had expected. Not so much during the days. The lectures and workshops were engaging. The evenings weren�t so bad, either. She went out with other conference attendees, learning much about procedures and protocols in other jurisdictions. But the nights�.
She had tried not to call him. Her self-control lasted four hours, since she broke down and called him as soon as she checked into her room. His resolve not to call her lasted until he didn�t get his usual communication from her during a conference break on her third day away. When they realized that Sara was missing some opportunities at the conference, they agreed not to call anymore unless there was something important to communicate.
The first hours away from home were practically unbearable, as evidenced by her fingers fondling the telephone as if it were a life line with each call placed. But when she was no longer occupied by the phone during every break, people began talking to her. She met some interesting colleagues. The evenings were spent getting to know them better and learning a lot about similar departments across the country. At one point, she had been encouraged to host a gathering in Vegas to showcase the lab and was considering it.
She and Grissom hadn�t talked again until this morning, when she called to verify that he was picking her up at the airport. She was gratified to hear that he sounded as excited as she felt. Now, exiting the ramp, she scanned the crowd anxiously, afraid he was running late or had been delayed at the lab. Her need to see him was intense.
There he was. He had already seen her and was smiling broadly. Her heart skipped a beat. She squelched the desire to throw herself at him. The airport was entirely too crowded for such an exhibition. Grissom was very demonstrative when they were alone. But when they were in public, he discouraged any displays of affection.
�Hey,� she said.
�Hey,� he replied. �How was the conference?� He took her carry-on from her hand as they walked toward baggage claim.
�Amazing! I�ve got tons of stuff to share with the lab. I�m going to write up a report and issue it department-wide. Actually, I should do a series of reports, one on each of the workshops. Maybe even develop a workshop for the staff. With your approval, of course.� Although she was feeling much more a full partner in their personal relationship, Sara was still cognizant of Grissom�s position of authority when it came to the lab.
�Of course. I�m anxious to read it.� Grissom couldn�t seem to keep his eyes off her. She was aware of it because she couldn�t take her eyes off him.
As they waited for her luggage to arrive on the carousel, Grissom caught her up on what had been happening at the lab. It had been a relatively slow week with several burglaries, two homicides, and an attempted rape. When the bags arrived, each of them picked up one of Sara�s suitcases and headed for the car.
A busy departure schedule had necessitated that Grissom park in the farther regions of the short term lot. Sara took her carry-on from Grissom so he would have a free hand to open the trunk remotely as they finally reached his vehicle and headed toward the back to deposit the bags. After bending over to deposit the bags she was carrying next to the one Grissom had already placed in the trunk, Sara then backed away and stood upright. As soon as she did, Grissom grabbed her around the waist with his free hand and pulled her to him, kissing her with gusto.
�I�ve missed you,� he declared when they came up for air. He looked around to see if anyone was near.
�I can tell,� she responded breathlessly.
Anxious to get home, they released their grip on one another. Grissom then quickly secured the trunk latch. Each then moved to opposite sides of the car and climbed in. Once Grissom had maneuvered out of the airport onto Tropicana, he reached across the console and took Sara�s hand in his. Sara was pleasantly surprised. He rarely showed such affection except in the intimacy of their homes. She squeezed his hand in response.
�So what did you do with your time while I was gone?� inquired Sara.
�I caught up on a lot of paperwork. You will be amazed at my desk. It is empty and in order. As are my file cabinets and work table. You�ll be very proud of this new and improved Gil Grissom.� Grissom displayed an assumed air of pride as he watched the road.
�I�ve always been proud of the old Gil Grissom,� Sara said, looking at him affectionately.
Surprised, Grissom turned his head to look at Sara. Needing to lighten the mood, he said, �You don�t have to butter me up, you know. You can have your way with me as soon as we get home without it.�
Sara burst into laughter and Grissom soon followed. They were still laughing when the car pulled into the parking lot at Sara�s apartment. After pulling the bags from the trunk, Sara urged Grissom up the stairs to her apartment. She danced at the door as she put her key into the lock.
�I have to go to the bathroom,� she whispered. �I�m surprised I didn�t wet my pants with all the laughing.� As the door swung open, she dropped the bag just inside the door and ran through the bedroom into the bathroom. Grissom kicked the door closed as he carried the bags he had to the bedroom. He returned to pick up the bag that Sara had dropped and carried it into the bedroom as well.
The toilet flushed as he set the bag on the floor. He turned as the bathroom door opened and a very naked Sara Sidle walked out and seductively wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him with ardor. He wrapped his arms around her waist and joined in with zeal.