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“Are you excited for your conference in San Francisco in a few weeks?” Lucy asks shortly after Tim has begun their patrol route. The conference is to teach those in leadership roles to learn new effective methods in leading their charges. Not exactly Tim’s interest, especially if some of the seminars focus on proper communication and trust falls or whatnot. But Sergeant Grey recommended him because it is a chance to meet with the higher brass which will be helpful for promotions. Not that Tim is too concerned about rising high in the ranks, but Grey also mentioned it would be helpful for when he wants Tim to take over the Watch Commander position when Grey is ready to retire. The thought of taking over as Watch Commander and that Grey personally wants Tim to have the job is enough for Tim to suffer through a week of boring lectures.
Even if he does have to live with Lucy teasing him about it for the next few weeks. And probably for the next several weeks after. She practically bounced in her seat when he first mentioned it. And she’s been reading all the website information about the lectures. Making suggestions about which ones he should attend. He wants to avoid them all, but she’ll probably ask about them so he should go to one. Though he won’t be paying attention.
“Haven’t given it much thought really. Though I am worried about boarding Kojo. The last time was only for a weekend, and he was despondent the entire day after I picked him up.” Not that he can blame the poor guy. Probably brought back some feelings of being shipped around to various foster homes. No one was able to keep him for more than a couple of weeks. And no one had made an effort to adopt him until Tim. Which is the reason Lucy felt so guilty with just the thought of sending him back. And why Tim offered to take Kojo in the first place. He couldn’t stand the thought of disappointing either Lucy or Kojo. “I don’t want to think of what he’ll be like after a week.”
“I can watch him for you if you want.” She seems genuinely excited by the idea of having Kojo to herself for a week, and Tim is tempted to easily agree.
“But what if he destroys your apartment again?” Tim has done wonders with Kojo’s training, and he doesn’t believe the dog would actually exhibit that kind of behavior again. But he is more comfortable in his own home. With his own backyard to run around in. Going back to Lucy’s apartment even for only a week wouldn’t be fair.
“You’re right. He’d probably be more comfortable in his own place.” Lucy’s already on the same page as Tim without even having to ask. “What if I stay with him for the week?”
“I thought that’s what we were talking about.”
“No, I mean what if I stay at your place for the week.” She explains. “That way Kojo is more comfortable, and it doesn’t mess with his routine. And more importantly you won’t have to deal with a sad dog when you get back.” No, he’ll probably have to deal with a dog who has been fed too many treats and given a mountain of new chew toys to play with.
But he can tell the idea makes Lucy really happy. And he knows Kojo will be happy with the arrangement. Which in turn makes him happy. “Okay, you can stay at my place while you dog sit Kojo.”
The thought of Lucy living in his home for a week makes Tim’s heart beat in a way he’s not willing to contemplate yet. But now he has even less of a desire to attend this conference.
***
Before Tim left for San Francisco, he and Lucy made a plan for him to call her on Zoom each night so he can see Kojo, and Kojo can see him as clearly as possible. And if he also wants a clear view of his house so he can see if Lucy is letting Kojo destroy it, well she doesn’t need to know that.
After confirming that she is ready for the call, when Lucy appears on the screen standing in his kitchen he is a little surprised. He didn’t expect her to be making dinner when she answers. “Hey, I thought you’d have Kojo ready and waiting in front of the screen to assure me he is still alive, and you haven’t ruined all his training.”
“He is perfectly fine and happy. And I promise your rigorous training is all intact. Hold on.” She turns her laptop around and slowly shows him the living room. As if she knows he wants to make sure it is still clean. The image is a little wobbly as she moves her laptop around to show him where Kojo is currently eating out of his food bowl.
Once he is done eating, Lucy kneels down so Tim can be eye to eye with Kojo. “Hey buddy! Who’s a good boy? Are you having fun with Lucy?” Kojo sniffs the screen, barks once, and then leaves to sit in his dog bed in the corner of the room.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Tim rolls his eyes at his dog’s antics and Lucy’s laughter. She turns the screen back around and stands back up to head back to the kitchen. All while the screen is now focused on Lucy’s chest. And Tim does his best not to comment or think about that too much. Or pout when Lucy finally has her laptop back on the kitchen island, and he can see her in full view again. Tim coughs to clear his throat along with his thoughts. “So I see you are taking a full advantage of my kitchen.”
“Yes! It would be a crime to have access to this kitchen and not use it.” Lucy smiles as she continues chopping vegetables. “We wouldn’t want you to have to arrest me.”
Great, now he has an image of Lucy in handcuffs in his kitchen as he takes full advantage of her. More coughing. Hopefully, Lucy thinks he has a cold. “No… no, we wouldn’t.” He would. He most definitely would.
He needs to move on. Think of anything else. “You’re welcome to make yourself at home.” Well, that thought doesn’t help. Because the thought of Lucy at home in his home fills him with even more desire. Think about something else. Think, Tim, think! “So what are you making?”
“Homemade baked ziti. It freezes well, so I’m saving you some for when you get back.”
“Thanks.” Even though the point of the call is to check on Kojo, Tim is loathe to stop speaking with Lucy. He wants a reason to keep her talking, but he can’t simply ask her. She’d never let him hear the end of it. “Could you show me how to make it? So I’ll know for later.”
She smiles brightly like he just said he wanted her to take a lead on one of their cases. She gets really into showing him the steps, and answering any questions he has. Repeating a step if necessary. Tim finds he really loves the domesticity of it all. Imagining coming home to Lucy cooking a meal for them. Or him cooking for her. Even better: the idea of them making dinner together. And then breakfast the next morning.
Lucy, happy in his kitchen, conjures both warmth and sadness because he can’t be there with her.
He is homesick in a way he never has been before. Certainly not when he had sleepovers away from his childhood home. Not when he was overseas. Not even when he was home alone while Isabel worked undercover. And then he got used to being alone after she left. Even when he started dating again.
But one day away from Lucy and Kojo, and he immediately wants to be back. Which is strange because Kojo is fine. Tim knows his dog will be excited to see him when he gets back, but for now Kojo is happy being loved by Lucy.
And Lucy… well, he should not be thinking all the things he is thinking about his friend. And sort of partner. She’s been working less and less as his aide lately. Taking on cases with Angela after she decided she wanted to take the more traditional detective route. And he’s been happy for her and encouraging. Not the least because he feels better knowing she is safer working homicide than UC. He trusts Angela to have her back almost as much as he trusts himself.
The only drawback is working with her less, thereby seeing her less. But that could all change if they hung out on a more personal basis. Maybe now the timing is right to see if Lucy wants that. They’ve both been single for months now. He is ready to date again, and he thinks Lucy is ready. But he’s a little afraid to dive right in. Worried she would not be as open to the idea. So maybe they can start hanging outside of work more and see where it goes.
But first he has to make it through this week before he can ask. That night he dreams of Lucy teaching him hands on how to make her baked ziti. It quickly evolves into Tim enjoying Lucy in the kitchen instead of the dinner.
***
The next night when Lucy answers the call, Tim is certain she is purposely torturing him. She wears a light silk robe which does nothing to cover the camisole underneath. Making him quite aware that she lowered the air conditioner setting in his house. And the shorts she wears barely cover the tops of her legs. He gets quite the view of the expanse of her thighs and tanned legs as she props her feet up to paint her toenails.
His throat has gone dry as he tries to concentrate on anything else. Finally, he notices Kojo sitting next to her on the sofa. “He’s not allowed on the furniture.”
“Says who?”
“Says me. House rules.” Like anyone else would have a say.
“Those are your house rules. But you said I could make myself at home. And my house rules are Kojo is allowed on the furniture.” She smirks daring him to challenge her. As if he even could while he is hours away in another city.
Maybe it’s the thought of how easily Lucy considers his house her home. Maybe it’s the visual of Lucy relaxing on his sofa with Kojo resting comfortably beside her. Maybe he really wishes he could be sitting next to her right now. Instead he is sitting at a small desk in a generic hotel room miles away from where he wants to be.
At any rate, he won’t correct her. But he also won’t mention that sometimes he allows Kojo on his bed. “Fine. Hey Kojo!” Upon hearing his name, Kojo lifts his head. Tonight he seems a little more excited to see Tim than he was last night. But after a quick inspection of the screen, he settles back on the sofa. Planting his head down in Lucy’s lap.
Tim has never been more jealous of a dog in his life.
Though the volume is lowered, he can hear the TV on in the background. “So what are you two watching?”
“Forensic Files. There’s a marathon.” He resists rolling his eyes because as far as true crime documentary television goes, the show at least focuses on the science and procedural aspects of police work. Instead of the more salacious aspects that true crime documentaries typically exploit. After flipping the channel to HLN and muting it with captions, he settles down on the bed. Intent on marathoning a couple of episodes with Lucy.
They trade their thoughts on the case. By the end of the first episode, Tim already knows he wants to have another night like this with Lucy. But one where he is on his sofa next to her. Letting her put her legs across his lap. Rubbing his hands back and forth over her warm skin. Dipping where her thighs meet. Leaving them there before he slowly begins to tease her with gentle strokes.
If he keeps thinking those type of thoughts, he’ll have to cut the call short and take a cold shower. He manages to keep himself calm through two more episodes before Lucy calls it a night. As soon as the screen goes blank, he closes his laptop and heads straight to the bathroom. The image of Lucy’s gorgeous thighs wrapped around him as he pounds into her gets him off more quickly than he’d rather be comfortable admitting.
He seriously considers only texting her tomorrow to check in. Not sure if he can even handle listening to her voice, let alone the visual that will surely haunt him.
***
Turns out when it comes to Lucy, Tim is not willing to resist the temptation. And this night doesn’t disappoint.
Because the first image on his screen is Kojo lying on his side of the bed. However, before he can comment on that, Lucy turns the laptop to show that she is lying on the other side of his bed.
And that’s when Tim’s brain breaks.
Logically, he knew Lucy had to be sleeping in his bed the last couple of nights. His spare bedroom is still set up as an office slash gym. He didn’t expect her to sleep on the sofa again. Therefore the only place for her to sleep would be in his bed.
But knowing it and seeing it are two very different things.
And now he’s upset that the first time she slept in his bed, he wasn’t there with her. Though Kojo probably was.
He really needs to stop being jealous of his dog.
In attempt to distract himself from thinking about where she’s been sleeping the last couple of nights (and how perfect it is that they sleep on opposite sides), he asks her about work. She launches into a story about helping Angela with a big case this past week. Sergeant Caradine complimented on her help and indicated that when she passes the detective’s exam, he’d be happy to have her in his department. It’s still a little early, but her and Angela are already discussing what a badass team they could make. They even have plans to convince Nyla to give up patrol and join them so they can become a squad. He laughs along as she tells him more about her exuberant ideas. But in truth he is convinced that if any women could make it happen, these three could.
Once again, he wants to be there with Lucy. Lying next to her in bed while she talks about her day. Kojo lying at the foot of their bed. Because he knows that even if he insists Kojo must sleep on his own dog bed in the corner of the bedroom, Lucy will allow him on the bed. Better he sleeps across the end of the bed than snuggled between them in the middle.
They talk a few more hours. With him telling her about the lectures he has been attending. Listening to her laugh about a story involving a trust exercise he had been forced to participate in. He’d tell her a thousand more embarrassing stories to keep hearing her laugh. Eventually she yawns, and he has to let her get some sleep.
When he settles down to sleep, the last image on his mind is of Lucy sleeping peacefully in his bed. He allows that thought to comfort him through his dreams.
***
On the fourth night, Tim determines that Lucy Chen is pure evil.
Or pure sin.
Definitely one of those.
They set the call for a little later than normal because of late lectures, and then he went out to drinks with some of the brass. So when he makes his nightly call to Lucy, she is preparing for bed again.
Only this time instead of the pajamas she wore last night, she wears one of Tim’s LAPD t-shirts. He knows its his because she is practically swimming in it. The shirt nearly falls to her knees, and he can’t tell if she has underwear on underneath. He’s not sure which answer will make him feel better.
He made those observations first, and the fact that ‘Bradford’ is written across the right side of her chest afterwards. Sue him. He can’t have cop eyes all the time.
Lucy must have set her laptop on his bed because she’s walking around the room setting up whatever she needs in the morning. Charging her phone. Placing a glass of water on her bedside table. And yes, it’s hers now. That’s already been decided. He watches her as she works. Only after she has settled down on top of the covers; legs stretched out with his shirt riding up a little on her thighs, does she smile and offer him a hello.
He needs a moment for his brain to return back to coherent thought. There is a reason he made this call, and it wasn’t to stare at Lucy.
Well, it wasn’t only to stare at Lucy.
Kojo! He’s calling for Kojo. “Where’s Kojo? Finally listening to me about not letting him sleep on the furniture?” See, he can do this. He can think in complete sentences.
“I had the day off so we went for an early morning hike. And then later in the day, I took him to the park. After dinner he zonked out on his doggy bed in the living room and hasn’t moved since.” She smiles sweetly. “I can go get him if you like. Or take the laptop to him.”
“No, no. That’s fine. Let the boy sleep. Sounds like he earned it.” He tries to keep his eyes on Lucy’s face, but knows his gaze keeps drifting down to her legs where she is currently resting a hand against her hip.
She has to be doing this on purpose. And if she’s not going to play fair, then neither will he. “You don’t mind if I get comfortable for bed, do you?” As soon as she starts shaking her head, he begins removing his shirt. Enjoys the sharp intake of breath Lucy has upon seeing him lying on the hotel bed in only his boxers.
Not bothering to keep the smirk off his face as Lucy blatantly eyes his naked chest, he inquires more about her week. “Have you been enjoying your time in my home?”
“I have. Your decorating style could use a little more color, but you know I’m completely envious of your kitchen. I’ll never be satisfied with my poor, sad kitchen again.” She frowns like the thought really bothers her.
“We can’t have you left unsatisfied.” He coughs as he catches the twinkle in her eyes at his meaning. “You can come over whenever you like if you need… to be fulfilled.” God, please don’t let him sound like an idiot.
If he does, then Lucy is kind enough not to say so. “I’ll be sure to take you up on that. But fair warning, you might not be able to get rid of me.”
Like he’d want to. “Haven’t been able to shake you for years now. I’ve accepted you’re a permanent fixture in my life.” He’s being equal parts humorous and serious. And however Lucy takes that, he gets the desired result of seeing her blush.
Maybe that’s why he decides to be bold. “So is it only my kitchen you’ve been enjoying? Because you seem pretty happy to be in my bed.”
She gives him a full smile now. “It has been rather nice. Really comfortable.” She stretches out her hand to run along the bed as if inviting him to join her. Oh, how he wishes he could. “I’ve had some of the best night’s sleep this week.”
“And um...” He swallows to gather his courage. Once he starts this, there is no going back. Begs any higher power he can think of that she won’t end the call, file an HR complaint tomorrow, and walk out of his life forever. And probably take his dog with her. “Is sleeping all you’ve been doing in my bed?”
“Yes.” He can’t hide his disappointment. At least she is still smiling so there is hope he hasn’t ruined their friendship forever.
And then she continues, “I’ve only been getting myself off in your shower.”
He eyes widen at her admission. He knows he started this conversation, but on some level he didn’t expect her to answer. Not so truthfully. And not with an answer he wanted to hear.
“What?” She grins smugly. Happy to have caught him off guard. “That pulsating, detachable shower head you have is really good for reaching all my spots. Might be a toss up what I love more: your kitchen or your shower.”
She is trying to kill him. There is no doubt in his mind now. There is no spot of his home that he’ll ever be able to think about without thinking of Lucy. And what he wants to do with Lucy there. Now every time he takes a shower, he’ll have the image of Lucy pleasuring herself.
So not much will change really.
“Lucy, you can’t say things like that when I’m not there to take full advantage.” He’s practically whining, but he doesn’t care. He really wants to be home with her right now.
“You started it.” He did. He only has himself to blame. “So do you want to finish?” He does. He really does.
“Show me what you do when you’re alone in your bed. What I know you’ve been wanting to do in my bed. Show me what you want me to do to you when I get home.” Because they will be having sex as soon as he gets home. Lucy will not be leaving his bed. Not for a while.
Lucy runs a hand teasingly along her legs. Up her thighs and back down again. Tracing the edge where Tim’s shirt meets her skin. Dipping beneath where he can’t see her hand but knows she is touching herself. Then she seductively lifts his shirt as she moves her hand up her body. He watches it tauntingly rise inch by inch. Revealing more of her delectable form along the way. Confirming his theory that she isn’t wearing underwear.
She parts her legs to share a peek of her pussy. Already wet in anticipation. But she doesn’t touch herself there. Not yet. Not for him. Instead her hand keeps rising. Skimming along her hip, her belly, and stopping just beneath her breasts. Showing him only a hint of what he’s longing to see.
“Lucy… baby… be kind.” She laughs, and he loves knowing they’ll be having lots of fun in the bedroom. Finally, she rewards by lifting his shirt above her breasts. Allowing him to see her amazing tits in full view. But she keeps his shirt on. So he can be there with her in some physical way.
His aches to touch her. Already half hard, he presses his palm to his cock still clothed by his boxers. “You’re so beautiful. I can’t wait to touch you. Rub your breasts, honey. Pretend it’s me.”
She takes one breast in hand and begins massaging it in slow circles. Flicking and pinching her nipple to tighten the bud. “I’ve thought about your hands on me, Tim. How much better your large hands would feel on me than my own.” She moves to her other breast. “Mine are never enough. I need more.”
“I know. Show me where you need me.” Lucy leaves one hand on her breast while the other travels back down the path to her cunt. Opening her legs wide so Tim can see everything. She circles the outer edges of her pussy before dipping one finger inside. Gathers some of her slick to trace along the rim again.
“What are you thinking about, Lucy? My hands or my tongue?” Tim pushes his boxers down further to take hold of his cock. Using his precum as he begins pumping himself. Now fully hard at the sight of Lucy touching herself below.
“Your tongue. You like to take your time. Drive me wild.” She flattens her palm against her cunt. Trying to relieve some of the throbbing ache she must be feeling. But she seems to be waiting for Tim’s orders to go further.
“I’m going to. I’m going to spread you beneath me, and take my time. Explore the path along both your thighs before I touch your pussy. When you’re begging me to taste you, I’ll lick you slowly. Dip my tongue inside and pull out. Flick your clit. And start the process all over again. Then, I’ll add my fingers. You want my fingers too, yes?”
“Yes! Please, Tim.” When he gives her the go ahead, she slips first one and then another inside her. Begins pumping her fingers inside her. She looks at Tim pumping his cock in his fist. Moving in time with her. Licking her lips, she adds, “I don’t think it’s enough. You’re so big.”
“Add another finger. Imagine it’s my cock stretching you, baby. Filling your little cunt. You’ll be so full that all you can think about is me.” He keeps pumping himself, but he feels the same way as she does. It’s not enough. “I can’t wait to feel you around me, Lucy. Your wet, tight heat is going to feel so good around my cock. Thrusting inside you. Pressing you into my bed. Flipping us over so you can bounce above me. Whatever you want. It’s gonna be so good the only thing you’ll remember is my name.” He pumps faster as he imagines Lucy coming for him. He wants to see it. “Come for me, baby. Let me hear you scream my name. Be a good girl for me.”
Throughout it all, Lucy has been pushing her fingers inside her as she runs her thumb along her clit. Tim’s voice must be what helps send her over the edge because soon she is moaning. Coming hard, screaming his name as she continues to finger herself. As Tim watches her come, he follows shortly after.
Fuck, that felt so good. When they finally have sex in person, his brain may very well break. But it will be worth it.
As they begin to calm down after their highs, they open their eyes to really look at each other. Smiles form on both their faces. Neither regrets anything.
Tim looks down at his body. “I need to clean up.”
“Yeah, I should probably wash my hands,” Lucy agrees.
“You’re not ending the call though, right? I’ll be right back.” There might be a slight tremor in his voice, but to hell with it. He wants her to stick around, and he wants her to know that he wants her to.
She smiles. One of her brightest Lucy smiles. “Yeah, I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” He smiles in return. Feeling the need to revert to some authority though, he adds, “And don’t you dare take off my shirt.”
“Wasn’t planning on it.” She winks before heading towards his bathroom.
Tim quickly washes himself with a hotel towel and changes into a different pair of boxers. He doesn’t put his own shirt back on. Wants to provide Lucy with the image of him before she goes to sleep.
When he returns, Lucy is still wearing his shirt as promised. But now she is under the covers so he can only see the top half of her body. His disappoint is quickly covered by how comfortable she looks in his bed. Completely sated with a smile on her face. He wants to fall asleep to that image every night.
“I hate that I still have one more day of seminars and meetings here.” If it wasn’t absolutely necessary that he attend, he’d hop on a flight tonight just so he could fall asleep with Lucy in his arms.
“So do I, but you’ll be home Saturday.” Lucy reminds him. The hopeful look on her face is enough to get him through tomorrow and the flight home.
“You’ll be there when I get back?” Damn the sappiness he feels when she nods her head. “And you’ll stay the night?”
“Absolutely. You’ve made me a lot of promises tonight, and I’m holding you to them.” She smirks, and he knows he is done for because he will give Lucy whatever she asks.
He can’t wait to get home.
***
The first thing Tim does when he steps inside his home is kiss Lucy like he’s been wanting to do for the longest time. Longer than he has been willing to admit. Probably far longer than either of them know.
The next thing he does is gets down on his knees to pet Kojo who has been barking happily since Tim made his entrance. Glad to know that despite appearances, his dog did miss him this week.
Once Kojo is settled, Tim pulls Lucy into his bedroom where he makes good on all his promises and then some.
Much later that night, he makes her dinner. And breakfast the next morning.
Lucy doesn’t return to her apartment until a few days later.
Less than a month later, she permanently moves into their home.
Tim, Lucy, and Kojo have never been happier.