Screen Captures Courtesy of Swoopes

For personal use and select distribution only © July 2003 by Amber Stockton

Prescription: Amanda

(aka: The Eyes Have It - Day 3)

 

Amanda hit the button to turn off her alarm and threw back the covers. A part of her wanted to snuggle back into the downy softness of the comforter, but thoughts of her current assignment brought her senses to full alert. Spending another day with Lee caused heat to suffuse her face, but she couldn't deny the anticipation that coursed through her. The soft carpet cushioned her bare feet as she padded to the bathroom for a quick shower.

As she toweled herself dry then got dressed, she went through the list of items she'd need to take with her when she headed to Lee's apartment this morning. While applying her makeup, she wondered how her patient was fairing without the use of his car. She could imagine how frustrated he might become at the prolonged confinement and was grateful the assignment only lasted five days. Any longer, and Lee might do something drastic. Even last night, with two days down, he showed signs of getting restless. With any luck, she'd convince him that the Agency wasn't going to fall apart without him there, and that he should take advantage of the carefree time while he had it.

"Who am I kidding?" Amanda made her bed and hung up her nightgown in the closet, all the while talking out loud. "Lee hates not having anything to do. It's in his blood to stay busy." She shrugged and made the decision to make the best of it. After shutting out the light in her bedroom, Amanda went downstairs to start the coffee maker and breakfast.

Thirty minutes later, the stampede on the stairs alerted her to the presence of her two boys moments before they made their appearance in the kitchen. She placed two plates with eggs, bacon and sausage on the counter. Philip and Jamie fought for the seat in front of the plate they thought had the bigger portions.

"Hey, now. Settle down, guys!" Amanda turned around with the spatula in her hand and pointed it in their direction. The other hand she planted on her hip. "Both plates have the same amount, and if they don't, there's more in the pans over here. So, take your seats and eat."

"Sorry, Mom," Jamie said.

"Yeah. Sorry." Philip gave her a rueful smile, then picked up his fork and dug into the meal in front of him.

Amanda smiled and reached into the cabinets for two glasses. Filling them both with milk, she set them in front of Philip and Jamie. Dotty came down the stairs a moment later and walked to the coffee pot.

"Good morning, Mother!"

"Good morning, Amanda." Dotty tilted her cheek to receive Amanda's kiss, then gave one to each of her grandsons. "Ah, good. You have coffee hot and ready. I can't start my mornings without it!"

"I do my best to have it ready every morning, Mother."

"Yes, when you're here."

Amanda sighed and closed her eyes. She turned to her mother with an apologetic look on her face. "Mother, you know I do my best, but my work with IFF sometimes has me keeping late hours."

Dotty stirred the sugar into her coffee, then set the spoon in the sink and turned to face her. "But I thought you were helping a friend this week."

"I am, and that's why I'm here every morning." She scooped some eggs and meat onto a plate for her mother and herself, double-checked the burners to be certain they were off, then walked to the counter to join her sons. "But, sometimes, I can't be."

Her mother joined them and nodded. "I know, dear." She paused and took a bite of egg. "So, how is this friend of yours?"

Amanda took a drink of coffee, then set down her mug. "Things are going as well as can be, I suppose. It's not easy helping someone who doesn't like to be put on five days of forced rest and relaxation."

"So, are we going to be told this gentleman friend's name or be kept in the dark?"

Amanda looked across the counter at her mother, then caught the curious glances of her two boys, who had remained quiet up to this point. She knew by the way her mother's lips pursed and one eyebrow quirked there was no way to get out of this. With a sigh, she finished the last of her eggs and rose from the stool to set her dishes in the sink. In an attempt to sound nonchalant, she busied herself with cleaning the kitchen.

"What makes you think it's a he, Mother?"

"Amanda, you might be able to fool me in some things, but when you refuse to provide the name of a friend you're helping and avoid every attempt of mine to get a straight answer from you by answering questions with questions, I know you're hiding something."

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the knowing grins Philip and Jamie exchanged at their mother being grilled. No doubt, they found it amusing to see the tables turned on her. Amanda had to admit, she didn't like the way her own mother made her uncomfortable with her questions. She could understand why Philip and Jamie reacted the same way and knew where she had learned her interrogation techniques. That thought brought to mind a certain agent and the times Lee pointed out her evasive maneuvers.

Dotty appeared to her left and placed her own dishes in the sink. "You don't have to keep secrets, Amanda. If this friend would rather not be named, that's fine. Just say so."

Amanda looked over her shoulder at her mother. By the look in her eyes, her mother was giving her an out. Why, Amanda didn't know, but she intended to take advantage of it. With a nod and slight grin, she turned back to her task at the sink. "You're right, Mother. I apologize. He does like to keep his life private." She turned to her sons. "All right, boys, finish up and brush your teeth. You're going to miss the bus."

Philip and Jamie guzzled the last of their milk and brought their dishes to the sink, then raced each other up the stairs to the bathroom. The sounds of their arguments over who was going to stand in front of the mirror floated down to her as she rinsed everything and placed them in the dishwasher.

After a final swipe of the counters, Amanda hung the dish towel on the bar across the oven door, then retrieved a paper bag for the items she'd need to prepare today's meals for herself and Lee. Dotty left to finish getting ready, and by the time Amanda had everything gathered, her family reappeared downstairs. Philip and Jamie grabbed their backpacks just as the horn on the bus sounded outside.

"Aren't you boys forgetting something?" Amanda tapped both of her cheeks and smiled.

The boys bounded back to the foot of the steps. Each placed a kiss on her cheeks and called, "Bye, Mom!" as they raced outside. Dotty grabbed her purse and keys and turned to face Amanda.

"Mrs. Gilstrap is meeting me at her house and we're going to run some errands today. We both need some new mulch and vegetables for our gardens, and I might pick up some new flowers to plant underneath the kitchen window. I just don't understand why they don't seem to stay alive for very long. I wonder if it's that mangy mutt next door that goes traipsing through them." She waved her hands in the air. "Oh well. You have a good day, dear."

"I will, Mother." Dotty approached and Amanda kissed her mother's cheek. "And I'll be back in time to get supper for the boys."

"Enjoy your time with your friend." She stepped toward the front door and grabbed the knob, then glanced over her shoulder with a wink. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Her mother closed the door behind her, cutting off any reply.

Amanda sighed and shook her head. No time for woolgathering. She had to get moving. As soon as she had everything she needed, she grabbed her purse and stepped into the foyer. The phone rang just as she slipped one arm into the sleeve of her jacket.

"Oh, bother! Who could that be?"

She rushed back to the kitchen. Grabbing the phone on the third ring, she shifted it to her shoulder as she slipped her arm into the other sleeve of her jacket. "Hello?"

"Amanda! Good, I'm glad I caught you before you left."

"Oh! Good morning, sir!" Amanda straightened at the sound of Mr. Melrose's voice on the other end, then chuckled when she realized he couldn't see her. "Is there a problem?"

"Well, not a big one, but two of the ladies from the steno pool called in sick today, and I've got some tapes that need to be transcribed before noon." He paused. "Would you be able to come in this morning and do them?"

"Oh, sir, I don't know. I have to--"

"I know you've been assigned to make sure Lee stays put, but I think he can do without you for one morning."

Amanda thought about Lee's car at the Agency and realized if he was going to go anywhere, it would have to be on foot. A part of her got pleasure from knowing he'd be stranded even longer if she agreed to go into the Agency. With a smile, she nodded. "Yes, sir. I can do it. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

"Thank you, Amanda. I'll see you then."

The phone clicked in her ear, and Amanda returned the receiver to its place on the wall. "Well, Lee. Looks like you'll have to make do without me for another morning."

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Shifting the paper bag against her hip, Amanda knocked and waited for Lee to answer. The door opened a second later, revealing a somewhat distraught Lee.

"What took you so long?"

Taken back by his abrupt tone, Amanda couldn't think of an immediate reply. She blinked and shook her head. "I ... I was at the Agency. Mr. Melrose called this morning and had an emergency job for me to do." Lee stepped aside, and she brushed past him. Devilment crept in, and she grinned. "Didn't know you'd miss me that much."

"I didn't. I was just worried since you didn't call."

Amanda couldn't see his face, so she didn't know if he was serious or teasing her in return and avoiding the truth. She heard the door close behind her as she walked to the kitchen and unpacked the contents for yet another day with Lee.

"So, what's on the agenda for today?"

She turned and looked over her shoulder at Lee who stood propped against the doorjamb to the small kitchen. A fluttering in her stomach at his boyish good looks made her take a few deep breaths. He could be quite charming when he tried, despite a disheveled appearance. In fact, that's when she found him the most relaxed and normal.

And the most dangerous.

In an effort to redirect her thoughts, Amanda turned her attention back to the bag and pulled out two video cassette tapes. Then, she turned the knob on the oven and set the temperature.

"Well, I thought we could watch a movie after lunch. I brought Star Wars and Indiana Jones, so you can take your pick."

He raised one eyebrow. "I thought you hated those types of movies."

"Oh, not really. The boys do watch them a lot, but they have their enjoyable parts too."

Lee crossed his arms and pinned her with a knowing look. "Are you sure you're not just trying to bring something you know I'd want to watch for the sake of argument?"

Amanda ducked her head as the heat stole into her cheeks. "You're the one who's recuperating. I just thought you should watch what you want." She handed him the tapes, then turned to unpack the remaining items. "It's not like I'd have much luck convincing you otherwise, anyway."

"You've got a point there." She smiled when Lee didn't even bother to disagree. "Can I help with something?"

"No, actually." She turned around and pointed a finger at him. "You should be resting."

"Amanda!"

She rolled her eyes at the typical way he drew out her name whenever he disagreed with something she said or wanted to get her to stop doing something.

"I've had it up to here," he raised his hand above his head and made a chopping motion, "with resting and relaxing and doing nothing all day long! So, why don't we talk?"

"Talk?"

"Yeah, you know, I say something. You say something. I reply. Then it's your turn." He paused and grinned. "Sort of like a conversation."

"Very funny, Lee." Amanda turned back around. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"Well, for starters, what kind of tapes did Billy have you transcribing this morning?"

"Oh no!" She wagged her index finger over her shoulder at him. "No shop talk." She pulled out the pan of meatloaf from the bag along with the bowl of fresh vegetables.

"Come on, Amanda. I've gotta know what's going on at the Agency."

"No, you don't, Lee. Mr. Melrose ordered complete rest for five days, and that means not getting involved with whatever is happening at work." She retrieved a frying pan from next to the stove and placed it on the burner, turning the knob and producing the flame underneath. "The Agency isn't going anywhere and they can manage just fine without you." After pouring oil into the pan, she left it to simmer and sizzle. "So, what other topics did you have in mind?"

"Anybody ever tell you that you can be a real test on someone's patience?"

"Many times," she said without turning around. A grin formed on her lips as she removed the lid from the bowl and prepared to dump the vegetables in the pan.

Lee sighed, and she could picture him running his hand through his hair. "All right, fine. Since you won't talk about work, how about what's happening at your house? What's your mother think about you spending all this time helping a ... 'friend'?"

Amanda smiled at the inflection in his voice as he said that last word. He of all people understood what it was like to keep certain aspects of their relationship a secret, especially from her family. Not that there was any relationship between them other than as partners. Then again, with the way things had been going lately, Amanda thought there might be something more. No time to think about that now, though. Lee awaited her reply.

"Oh, she was suspicious as always, but I said as little as I could and still managed to pacify her." She dumped the vegetables in the pan and opened the door to the oven. After placing the meatloaf on the rack to heat, she closed the door and straightened again to stir their side dish. "The oddest thing happened this morning, though."

"What's that?"

"Well, Mother figured out that you're a 'he' and not a 'she,' but instead of her usual remarks about me and relationships, she actually gave me an out from explaining the details of our relationship."

"Is this the same Dotty I've seen and heard for the past two-and-a-half years? The one who makes up wild stories about your assignments and the work you do and who always wants a full explanation before she's satisfied?"

Amanda glanced over her shoulder. "Who knows? Maybe she's finally getting used to what I do."

"Yeah, and maybe you and Francine are the best of friends."

Amanda whipped around at Lee's remark to see his wide smile and a glint in his eyes. She couldn't prevent the answering one that tugged at her lips anymore than she could stop the flutter in her stomach as she gazed upon her partner. Dangerous waters threatened to consume her. She needed to keep her wits about her or risk drowning in the sea of enhanced attraction. Although a somewhat appealing alternative, it was one she knew she wasn't ready to handle -- not yet.

With determination, she once again focused her attention on their meal, keeping her back to Lee. If the awareness on his face was any indication, the temptation of attraction had just as strong a pull on him. That knowledge offered a modicum of comfort and strengthened Amanda's resolve.

"Well, Mother might not believe the stories I tell, but at least she's giving me my space."

"You've got a point there."

Amanda tossed the vegetables in the pan a few times, then reached back and shut off the flame. She grabbed oven mitts and opened the door to remove the meat loaf, then set the pan on the stove. With a satisfied sigh, she dropped the mitts on the counter. "All right, lunch is ready." She reached into the cupboard and retrieved two plates, along with cups and silverware. "Why don't you take the movie into the other room and get it set. I'll bring out our meals."

Lee nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

Once settled on the couch with plate in hand, Amanda allowed herself to relax. Lee seemed to be enjoying himself, and he had plenty of compliments about her cooking, not to mention the way he savored the three pieces of homemade bread she'd brought. She might as well lay aside any concerns and savor the time they have together without interruptions. Opportunities like this don't happen very often in their lives.

About halfway through the movie, their plates were empty, and Amanda stacked them together on the coffee table. Lee propped up his feet on the same table, and she turned her head to see he had also extended his arm along the backside of the couch. His unspoken invitation once again set her heart racing. She hesitated only a moment. Once settled against him with her own feet propped next to his, Amanda realized how right it felt. Lee lowered his hand to her shoulder and pulled her closer.

Worries could take a back seat.

She was going to relish this moment and milk it for all it was worth. Even watching something she'd seen at least a dozen times took on new facets. Amanda knew the company made all the difference. She laid her head on Lee's shoulder and settled in to enjoy the rest of the movie.

An hour later, the final credits rolled up the screen. Lee removed his arm to grab the remote and stop the tape, then turned off the television. Amanda almost shivered from the loss of warmth, but held her immediate reaction at bay.

"So, what's next on the agenda, boss?"

Amanda smiled at the way he enunciated the last word. She crossed her arms, more to replace the loss of Lee's arm around her than as a gesture of superiority. "Do I detect a little sarcasm in your voice, Scarecrow?"

Lee also crossed his arms. "What would make you say that, Mrs. King?"

Unable to contain her mirth, Amanda snatched a throw pillow and shoved it in his direction. "Oh, you!"

Moving with the quick-on-his-feet action that had earned him his respected position at the Agency, Lee warded off the playful attack and grabbed her wrists to thwart her movements. She struggled, but to no avail. His grip proved to be a staying force. Amanda looked up at him. The pillow fell to her lap as their eyes locked.

Awareness zipped through her like a lightning bolt.

She swallowed several times in an attempt to speak, but couldn't find her voice. Lee's thumbs moved in tantalizing slow motion across the tender area of her skin, leaving a tingling sensation in their wake. Amanda's muscles tightened in reflexive response. She moistened her dry lips and swallowed again. His eyes darted down to watch her mouth, and his grip on her wrists increased. Just as Lee leaned closer, Amanda stiffened and pulled her hands free.

"I...I think I should...go...now." Her breath came in spurts, and she had to struggle to pull away from the whirlpool that threatened to trap her.

Lee shook his head as if snapping out of his own trance. He cleared his throat and looked away. "Yeah, that's, uh...probably a good idea."

Amanda stood and gathered their plates. Anything to take her mind off of tumultuous emotions waging war within her. As she walked into the kitchen, she released a long sigh, thankful to be away from those eyes. Eyes that drew her into their depths without warning. Eyes she could drown in if she wasn't careful. She hadn't felt like that since...

With a shake of her head, Amanda warded off those thoughts and turned her attention to putting the kitchen back in order. Unable to resist, she crept to the doorway and peered around the corner into the living room. Lee hadn't moved from where she'd left him on the couch. His elbows rested on his knees, and his fingers splayed out across his face, holding his head captive. She almost felt guilty for watching him, but something about his demeanor brought a hint of comfort to her. At least she wasn't the only one struggling with raging feelings.

She ducked back into the kitchen and finished her task, then made a loud show of returning to the other room. At first, Lee was nowhere to be seen. The she saw him. He stood near the door, holding out her purse. Amanda walked toward him and slung it over her shoulder, reaching inside to retrieve her keys.

"Amanda...I--"

"Lee, don't." She placed a finger over his lips. "Let's just pretend it never happened and move on."

He placed his hands at her elbows. "That's just it, Amanda. I don't want to do that. I..."

Amanda watched him struggle to find the words. Empathy lodged itself in her heart and overpowered her resolve to ignore her feelings. "Then, why don't we set it aside for now and come back to it later? I have to get home to make sure the boys have dinner tonight, but I'll come back after they're fed and we can talk then."

Lee hesitated, the lines on his forehead indicative of his pondering. Amanda held her breath as she waited. After several moments, he nodded. "All right." He released her and reached for the door to open it. "Until this evening, then."

"You be sure to get some rest. You've probably got about four hours, so you should take advantage of it with a nap." She turned to leave, then stopped. "In your own bed. Not on the couch. You'll rest better there."

He rolled his eyes. "Amanda! How many times do I have to tell you? I don't need you to mother me. I am perfectly capable of resting when I need it. Besides, it's not like I have much else to do." He made a sweeping gesture with his left hand. "You made sure of that with my car still at the Agency, remember?"

"It's for your own good, Lee." She pinned him with the same look she gave her boys when she wanted to let them know she meant business. "Now, promise me you'll get some rest?"

Lee sighed. "I promise." He gave her a light shove toward the hall. "Now, you'd better get home or the natives are gonna get restless when they find out their dinner's going to be late."

Amanda smiled at the wink he gave her. "I'll see you later tonight. Goodbye, Lee."

"Goodbye, Amanda."

She walked down the hall and heard the door close behind her. As she waited for the elevator, Amanda thought about how much she enjoyed tending to Lee and caring for him. In some ways, it scared her to realize how much she had come to need him in her life, like he filled a hole she hadn't even known existed. For years, she'd convinced herself that her boys and being a mother were enough. Now, she knew otherwise. However, just as much as it alarmed her, it also soothed her. The knowledge that she had met someone else she could trust with her innermost thoughts and feelings gave her a sense of comfort.

The only question was where they would go from here.

Perhaps they'd figure that out tonight. With that thought in mind, Amanda stepped into the now open elevator and pressed the button for the lobby. The time would pass soon enough. In the meantime, she had a family and a home that needed tending. Lee would have to wait his turn.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

A flutter in her stomach made Amanda pause before she knocked on the door to Lee's apartment later that evening. She had found extra things at home to keep her busy longer than necessary. After everyone had eaten, and the kitchen was cleaned, Amanda busied herself with tasks that had already been completed earlier in the week. Unwilling to admit that hesitation over the conversation she and Lee had agreed would take place tonight was the reason for her delay, Amanda took a deep breath and straightened. She forced a bright smile and wrapped several times on the door.

Lee stood before her almost before she finished knocking. Amanda almost took a step back at the abrupt way he had opened the door, but instead forced herself to remain calm. As she met his gaze though, all thoughts of staying in control flew from her mind. Instead, the warmth in his hazel eyes held her captive.

He was the first to break the spell, clearing his throat and stepping to the side. "Uh...sorry, Amanda. Come on in."

With a smile, Amanda ducked her head and walked past him, willing her heartbeat to return to normal and the butterflies in her stomach to settle down. Her eyes took in the clean apartment. Once again, she found herself impressed. Lee seemed to have turned a new leaf. A part of her wondered if she had anything to do with it. That thought alone brought a flush of pleasure to her face.

She heard the door close.

"So...uh...did everyone get their dinner on time?"

Amanda turned to see Lee still positioned in the entryway, his hand on the doorknob. "Yes. I got home just in time to get everything done and the natives didn't find a single reason to complain." She smiled in an attempt to relieve the tension. When Lee smiled, she relaxed even more.

"Good. Good." He nodded, then glanced down at the floor and hesitated, the smile disappearing from his lips. "So, uh..."

It brought Amanda some semblance of relief to realize Lee might be as uncomfortable as she. [i]This is ridiculous![/i] She mentally chastised her behavior. It was Lee. She couldn't understand why she would act this way with her best friend, someone with whom she had engaged in countless conversations about every topic imaginable. Someone who had been there on more than one occasion to save her life. Someone who, despite a rough-around-the-edges approach, believed in her, even when it went against his training to do so.

Amanda expelled a long breath. Lee lifted his head, and their gazes met. She smiled. "So, are we going to get started on those games on Gin, or are we going to stand here engaging in idle small talk all evening?"

After a moment, Lee smiled and shook his head. With that action, he appeared to have regained control of everything and transformed once again to the self-assured agent she had come to know. "Yeah, you want some coffee or something? Decaf, of course."

"That would be nice." She gestured toward the living room furniture. "So, where do you keep the cards? I can get everything set up while you get our coffee."

"In the top drawer of the desk over there." He pointed to the walnut rolltop against the far wall, its glossy top coat reflecting off the light from the lamp in the corner. "Just set up there at the coffee table. I'll bring our coffee out in a minute."

Lee disappeared into the kitchen. Amanda walked around the sofa and coffee table to the desk. Despite his attempts to keep things organized around the apartment, the desk showed signs of Lee's haphazard filing system. She resisted the urge to straighten the papers and envelopes scattered across the surface and instead reached into the top drawer to retrieve the deck of cards. A smile formed on her lips when she saw the image of an Hawaiian girl wearing a hula skirt, her dance interrupted and frozen in time on the back of the cards.

"Some things never change."

"What was that?"

Amanda started at Lee's voice as he came back into the living room carrying to steaming cups of coffee. "Nice cards," she replied with a grin.

Lee shrugged. "Yeah, well I picked them up during one of our many stays at the Hickam Air Force Base on Oahu." His eyes took on a faraway look and a smirk appeared on his lips. "Got a lot of mileage out of those cards."

"I bet you did!"

He snapped out of his musings and focused his attention back on her. Clearing his throat, Lee stepped toward the table and placed their mugs on the glass surface. "So, are we going to play or not?"

"Only waiting on you." Amanda held out the deck toward him. "Are we playing Gin or Gin Rummy?"

"Well, I don't want to lay all my cards on the table, so let's play Gin." He took the cards and settled down in front of the table. "Guess I'm dealing?"

Amanda sat cross-legged on the other side. "It's the only way I get to go first."

Lee smiled as he opened the box and extracted the cards. "And if you play Gin anywhere near like you play Roulette, I better watch myself."

"Only time will tell." She grinned. "You might want to be on your guard though."

He split the deck and shuffled the cards like a pro. "Certainly don't want to miss out on something obvious."

"No, you don't. It could mean the difference between winning and losing."

"Sometimes, you have to take that risk."

Amanda took the cards as Lee dealt them, arranging them in her hand. "Even if it means you might end up trying something you've never tried before?"

Lee arranged his own cards and nodded. "Even then." He flipped over the first card. "Your turn."

As she looked over her cards and planned out a strategy, Amanda got the feeling their conversation wasn't just about playing Gin. Amazed at how well they had slipped back into their customary banter, she settled in to enjoy the evening, but kept her mind alert to the game.

Throughout several hands, they went back and forth, each one gaining the advantage over the other on the score sheet. Over an hour passed before Amanda finally reached five hundred points. Lee only trailed by less than fifty points though. She leaned back and stretched the muscles in her back.

"Looks like the cards were in your favor with that set."

"Guess so." Lee dropped the pen on the pad of paper and picked up the deck once more. "Care to sweeten the pot a bit?"

Amanda narrowed her eyes. "In what way?"

"How about the loser after this set has to cook the winner his or her favorite meal?"

She caught the smug look on Lee's face and wondered for a moment if he had a few tricks up his sleeve. A playful thought entered her mind. "Sounds good to me! After all the meals I've been preparing for you these past three days, it will be a nice change to have a break."

"And who says you're going to win?"

"I already am."

"We'll see about that."

Once again, their focus returned to the game. Idle chatter ensued about various topics ranging from what Lee had done during the times Amanda was occupied with work or family to discussion about the things that had kept Amanda busy. As the scores crept near five hundred, Amanda's confidence strengthened.

Lee finally discarded, and she looked down to find the one card she needed. She picked it up from the pile and placed it in her hand. With a flourish and a smile, she laid down the cards. "Gin!"

"No way!" Lee leaned across the table to get a better look at what Amanda had just laid down. "How'd you get that so fast?"

Amanda crossed her arms and shrugged. "Guess you held all the cards and had everything I needed."

Lee had started to document the score that would put Amanda over five hundred and establish her as the final winner, but at her remark, he dropped the pen and stared at her. His eyes darkened as he pinned her with his gaze. She felt herself get lost in the depths and relaxed her arms to rest in her lap. A myriad of emotions played across his face. Amanda was mesmerized by the rapid change in Lee's demeanor.

In an attempt to break the spell that had fallen over them both, Amanda cleared her throat and willed her eyes to break away from his. With great effort, she managed to look down at the table, then reached for their empty coffee mugs. "I'll take these to the kitchen while you get the cards put back."

Standing with more urgency than necessary, Amanda rushed to the kitchen like a fire licked at her heels. Once hidden behind the wall and away from Lee's penetrating gaze, she took a deep breath. Placing the mugs in the sink and running water into them, she then placed a hand to her chest and felt her pounding heartbeat. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the refrigerator. How had things gotten so awkward all of a sudden? What had she said to trigger that kind of response from Lee?

She thought back to their conversation and once again realized the words they spoke seemed to be about more than the card game they played. A shiver passed down her spine at the memory of the tingling sensation Lee's intense gaze caused.

"Did you get lost in there?"

Amanda started at Lee's voice. After another deep breath the calm the fluttering in her stomach, she closed her eyes and bolstered her strength to return to the living room. Pasting a smile on her face, she joined Lee once again. With slow steps, she approached. His eyes remained fixed on her every move, making it more and more difficult to take each step. When she stood in front of him, the pounding of heart once again resumed, and her mouth became dry. She swallowed several times in an attempt to remedy that, but to no avail.

The only consolation was that Lee appeared to be struggling just as much.

He cleared his throat. "Shall we...uh..."

Amanda picked up on what he couldn't manage to say and joined him on the couch. She faced him with her left leg crooked and her right planted on the floor. Lee almost mirrored her position, but his right leg dangled over the edge. He extended his arm across the back and gave her a nervous smile. She waited with baited breath for him to speak, since she knew she wouldn't be able to get any words past the lump lodged in her throat.

"Ah, hell, Amanda. This is ridiculous!"

Her eyes widened at his declaration. He reached out to take both of her hands in his.

"What's the matter with us all of a sudden? We've outsmarted the KGB, survived attempts on both of our lives, cracked cases wide open for the Agency, gone undercover more than once as a couple, and talked about every possible topic you could imagine." His thumbs began to stroke the backs of her hands. "Yet, here we are, and we can't manage to even engage in polite conversation."

Amanda laughed and hoped he wouldn't be able to detect the tremor in her voice. "I know. Funny, isn't it?"

"Yeah. So, why don't we stop all this and get back to that conversation you promised me earlier today?"

She swallowed and took a deep breath. "Lee, I--"

Lee released one of her hands and placed a finger over her lips, then clasped her hand once again. "Amanda, I meant what I said earlier. I don't want to pretend that there's nothing between us."

"Neither do I, Lee."

"I don't know what it is, but it's there. I know you feel it too."

Amanda glanced down at their joined hands and willed her heart to stop pounding. She was sure Lee could hear it. "Yes," she whispered.

"The real question is where we go from here." Lee paused as he formulated the words he would speak next. Amanda didn't attempt to say anything, knowing she couldn't. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. He raised his head and looked her straight in the eyes. "Amanda, I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you've done for me along the way. There've been times when I've been unfair to you and downright mean, but you stuck by me. That means a lot to me."

"Lee--"

"No, don't try to explain it away. You've done that too many times, and I admit I started to believe it wasn't all that important. But, it is. You've risked quite a bit to help me, even when I wasn't very grateful." He leaned forward. "But, I want you to know now I am grateful. I don't know how you've done it, but you've become an important part of my life in a lot of ways. You're my best friend, and I know I can tell you anything."

"I feel the same way, Lee."

He lifted her hands a little then relaxed them on her knees. "So, what now?"

Amanda paused, then chewed on her lower lip as she pondered what to say. She didn't want to trivialize all that Lee had just confessed to her, but she also didn't want to say something more than either of them could handle at this tender stage in their blossoming relationship. A delicate balance. No doubt about it. With a sigh, she licked her lips and gave Lee's hands a reassuring squeeze.

"Lee... I'm as unsure as you about all of this. So, how about we take it one step at a time and see what happens? We'll do our best to not dwell too much on whatever this is and let the cards fall as they will."

Lee peered into her eyes and stared for several moments. Amanda fought against the discomfort at his gaze, but realized he wasn't fully focused on her. Finally, he released a sigh and nodded. "I think that sounds like an excellent plan." A twinkle of merriment danced in his eyes and a smirk appeared on his lips. He lifted first one hand then the other to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of each one of hers. "Thank you, Amanda."

"For what?" Her voice cracked, and she mentally scolded herself for not keeping her emotions under control.

His grin turned to a full-fledged smile. He raised her left hand to his lips once again. "For being you."

Heat crept into her face and she ducked her head. "Thank you, Lee."

"My pleasure." He stood and drew her up with him. "Now, why don't you head on home. I think the stress of playing Gin with you has gotten to me." Lee grinned. "Made my brain tired."

Amanda smiled and squeezed his hands once more. "All right, Lee. I'll be back bright and early tomorrow morning. Maybe we can head to the store to get the ingredients for my favorite meal that you'll be cooking me." Lee opened his mouth to protest, but Amanda cut him off. "I won fair and square. No arguments."

He sighed. "It would be pointless, anyway. I wouldn't win."

"You're right."

Lee shook his head, then turned and walked toward the door, pulling Amanda behind him. He stopped when they reached the entryway, then held out her purse toward her. She took it from him and slung it over her shoulder then waited for him to open the door.

"Don't stay up too late."

"Yes, ma'am," Lee drawled, then yawned in an exaggerated fashion.

Amanda couldn't hide the answering grin, but a part of her found something about Lee's words and actions not quite matching what she saw in his eyes. Truth be told, she needed to get away from him for a while anyway. Today taxed her more than she realized, despite her attempts to play down her reactions and emotions. She knew she wasn't alone either. Another reason why Lee's words and actions didn't quite ring true for her. However, the more she tarried, the more potential for a situation to develop she wasn't sure she could avoid.

She placed her left hand on Lee's chest and stepped toward the hallway. "Good night, Lee."

He covered her hand with his and smiled. "Good night, Amanda."

She pulled her hand free and left his apartment, a smile on her face and lightness in her step.

(go to day 4...)

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