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 5)

 

Amanda waved goodbye to her boys and watched the bus drive away. She closed the door and stepped back into the other room where her mother sat on the couch, reading the paper and drinking her morning coffee.

"Mother, I'm going to stop by IFF to drop off some typing I completed the other day, then visit my friend." She grabbed the items she'd packed for the day and slung her purse over her shoulder, making sure she had her keys and everything else she needed.

"How much longer is this friend supposed to be recovering?"

"This is his last day, Mother. Then, it's back to work as normal with IFF."

"I sure hope this friend appreciates all you've done for him this week. If he doesn't, shame on him."

"I'm sure he does, Mother. In fact, he told me so just yesterday." Amanda paused and thought about the past four days, smiling at all that had happened and anticipating the day they'd share today. She had planned something extra special for them and hoped Lee would be a willing participant.

"Amanda, did you hear a word I said?"

"What?" She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Mother. Could you repeat that, please?"

"Sometimes, I worry about you, dear. If you're not acting strange and performing one of your disappearing acts, your mind is off in neverland." Dotty took her glasses off and slid them up to rest on top of her head as she turned around and extended one arm across the back of the sofa. "Honestly, Amanda, you'd think you were leading a double life or something.

Amanda swallowed and turned away from her mother's probing gaze. "Well, I've told you that my work at IFF has me going all sorts of places for the documentaries they produce. Can I help it if I'm often preoccupied?"

Dotty sighed. "I suppose not. What I said was that Joe called yesterday and asked if he could take the boys out for dinner tonight. I also made a date for tonight, so you won't have to worry about any of us being around. You'll be able to enjoy a nice peaceful night at home, all by yourself." Dotty raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips. "Unless of course you'll be somewhere else."

"Mother, I don't have any plans, and I don't intend to make any plans. After the week I've had, I'll probably come home and soak in a hot bath for an hour, then curl up with a good book and relax." Amanda shifted her load in her arms. "Now, I really do have to go." She walked over to the couch and leaned down to place a kiss on her mother's cheek. "Goodbye, Mother."

"Goodbye, Amanda. Have a good day!"

"I will, Mother. Enjoy your evening, and I'll see you when you get home."

"Don't wait up for me, Amanda."

Amanda heard her mother as she opened the front door, but didn't reply. No use continuing that conversation, anyway. Besides, if she was going to get everything done and still get to Lee's on time, she'd better get moving.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

"Well, it's about time you got here! What took you so long?"

Amanda ignored his impatience and stepped into Lee's apartment, juggling the items she carried in her arms. "It's only quarter after nine, Lee. I stopped by the Agency to drop off some typing for Mr. Melrose."

"Here, let me take some of that." He took the grocery bag and canvas backpack slung over her shoulder. "What is all this anyway?" he asked as she set his load on the dining room table. "You look like you've packed for a week!"

"Oh, just a few things I brought from the house." Amanda started unpacking the grocery bag and kept her eyes averted. "I thought we could make our last day on this assignment one to remember."
Lee lifted the handles on the basket Amanda had set there. "With a picnic?"

Amanda turned to catch his raised eyebrows and incredulous expression. "Well, why not? We've stayed inside all week, following orders ... for the most part." She pinned him with one of her incriminating looks. He only grinned and winked. "I thought we could get outside today and spend time in Rock Creek Park."

Lee appeared to consider her suggestion, fingering the picnic basket and casting a glance over the other items on the table. Finally, he shrugged. "Sure, why not? I can adapt my plans for today to work with yours."

She reached into the bag to pull out the remaining items, then paused and looked back at him. "Your plans?"

"Yeah."

"And what might those be?"

He winked. "You'll find out."

She grinned. "I can hardly wait!"

"Well, you don't have a choice." Lee lifted the lid of the picnic basket. "So, what's in here?"

Amanda slapped at his hand. "No peeking. If you're allowed to have a surprise, so am I."

He shrugged. "Fair enough."

She stepped into the kitchen to grab the leftover bread from this week and placed it in the picnic basket. Amanda felt Lee's eyes on her as she moved from the kitchen to the dining room and the living room, then back again. With a final check of everything she had brought, she clapped her hands together as if washing them clean and sighed.

"There. Finished."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"So does that mean we're ready to get our special day started?"

"As ready as we'll ever be."

"Good."

Amanda started to lift the canvas bag from the table, but Lee rushed to take it from her.

"Here, let me take that. Why don't you...uh take the picnic basket?"

She peered up at him and hesitated a moment, trying to decipher the odd tone to his voice and the frantic way he insisted on carrying the bag. Then again, why bother with details? Amanda shrugged. "Okay. I'll get the basket. You get the bag." She headed for the front door, then called over her shoulder. "Don't forget your keys."

Lee dangled them from the fingers of his free hand. "Already got them."

"Let's go, then."

He reached the door and held it open for her. "After you."

After the door was locked, Amanda turned and led the way toward down the hall. Lee's hand found its familiar place at the small of her back, and she couldn't ignore the feeling of security and comfort the gesture gave her. As they waited for the elevator then rode down to the ground floor, a contented silence surrounded them. No words necessary, Amanda enjoyed the camaraderie they shared.

As soon as they stepped outside, she closed her eyes and breathed in a breath of fresh spring air. "Mmm, don't you just love the smell of spring? Everything's so vibrant and alive!"

Lee didn't reply, so Amanda opened her eyes and looked up at him, only to find his eyes fixed on her, an odd emotion shining from them. As if her attention broke the spell, he cleared his throat and turned away.

"Yeah, it's great to not have to worry about all that cold winter weather...although finding ways to keep warm does have its advantages."

Amanda felt the heat creep into her face at his wink and the teasing grin on his lips. If he kept this up, she wasn't sure she'd be able to maintain her cool for the entire day, let alone follow through with her plans. Of course, there was also his own surprise to consider. Curious about what it could be, she lifted the picnic basket in her hands to test its weight, trying to decide if he had added anything to it. It felt the same as before. Even the canvas bag didn't appear to be any larger, although Lee's odd insistence that he be the one to carry it set her mind racing with possibilities.

"So, where are we headed, boss?"

She led them down the sidewalk toward the park and smiled at the inflection in his voice as he said that last word. "Boss only for this last day. Think you'll be able to handle the change back to how things were?"

"Ohh, it'll be rough, but...I think I'll manage." Lee lifted one eyebrow and gazed down at her. "How about you?"

Amanda paused and thought about it. As much as she enjoyed the fun of outranking Lee, another part of her liked the idea of working for him even better. Besides, if she wasn't in charge, she could figure out ways to get the upper hand more often. She sighed and glanced across the street. "Oh, I might miss it a little bit, but it'll be nice to get back to normal again."

"You're not kidding!" He backpedaled when she snapped her head back around to look at him. "Don't get me wrong. It's been fun having you around this week, but I wouldn't want all this authority to go to your head." He winked.

"As if it doesn't go to yours?"

"Not at all."

"Uh-huh. And I'm sure you'll also say that the protest you gave when Mr. Melrose announced my temporary promotion was just a part of the act? That it didn't really reflect how you felt?"
"Of course!"

Amanda nodded and bit on the corner of her lower lip. "I see. So, if Mr. Melrose were to promote me again, you wouldn't have a problem with it?"

"Well, I don't know that I'd go that far..."

"Ah-ha! Didn't think so."

They turned a corner and headed down the street that led to Rock Creek Park. Lee paused and Amanda stopped beside him. "Are you trying to tell me that you didn't get the smallest hint of satisfaction at knowing you had been given a higher status than me?"

Amanda turned and started walking again. "What makes you say that?"

"Oh, just the way you made sure to take advantage of your new position by ordering me around within seconds after Billy made the announcement."

"Well, what was I supposed to do? Dr. Scardelli had given you strict orders, and Mr. Melrose had given me orders to make sure they were followed." She shrugged. "I was just doing my job."

"And enjoying every minute of it."

"Don't you?"

"Don't I what?"

"Enjoy your work?"

"Sure I do. Why do you think I've been at it for so long?"

Amanda shifted the picnic basket to her other arm. "So, why is it such a big deal if I do too?"

"It isn't."

"Then, why are we discussing this?"

"You started it."

Amanda shook her head. "I believe it was you who made the first reference to my status as your boss."

Lee sighed. "Amanda..."

She looked up at him with an innocent expression on her face, her eyes wide and her eyebrows raised. "Yes, Lee?"

He groaned and shook his head. "What do you say we stop this pointless discussion and focus more on what we're going to do once we get to the park?"

She smiled. "Sure, Lee."

When he once again shook his head, only this time with a grin, Amanda smiled in return, then picked up the pace of their walk.

As soon as they arrived, she found a somewhat secluded spot in the shade of a large oak tree but far enough away to hopefully avoid the invasion of ants. Lee retrieved the blanket from the canvas bag and spread it out with a flourish on the ground. Amanda set down the basket and paused when Lee gave her a curious look. She drew her eyebrows together and waited as he reached into the bag and pulled out a Frisbee.

"Is this your idea of exercise?"

Amanda shrugged. "I thought it might be fun. Something we've never done before." She gestured with a wide wave of her arm toward the open area in front of them. "And it's a perfect day for it. The wind's not too strong."

"I'm game if you are."

She stood and headed out with him into the small area not crowded with trees. Not an easy feat considering the majority of the park consisted of green foliage in various forms.

Lee's first toss had her chasing the disc into the bushes, but it didn't take long for them to find a rhythm and settle into a rousing game of Frisbee.

The morning passed faster than she'd anticipated. Once they tired of tossing the disc between them, they walked down to the water's edge with some pieces of bread to feed the ducks and enjoy the peace and quiet of their surroundings. Finally, a little after noon, they headed back to their spot for a picnic lunch.

Amanda smiled as she reached into the basket and pulled out two sandwiches. Lee took one and unwrapped it, then grinned.

"Toasted wheat?"

She nodded. "Mm-hm."

"Crisp bacon? Touch of mayo?"

"Just a touch."

"Perfect! Just the way I like my BLT's." He took a bite. "I'm amazed you remembered."

"I pay attention when the information is important."

"And this definitely is."

"I couldn't agree more."

They ate their lunch, complete with fruit and cheese and some homemade oatmeal cookies for dessert.

"You really know how to show a recovering agent a good time," he teased.

"Well, you've been a good patient this week. I figured you deserved it."

Lee swallowed the last bite of his cookie, then slapped his hands together to brush off the crumbs. He reached for the canvas bag and pulled out a bottle of champagne with two wine glasses wrapped in cloths. "I know something else we deserve."

Amanda smiled and shook her head. "I should have known you'd do something like this."

"Are you complaining?"

"Not at all."
"Good." He uncorked the bottle and poured champagne into both glasses.

Amanda took the one he held out to her, amazed at how cold it was. "How did you manage to keep in cold in the bag?"

Lee grinned with smug satisfaction and pulled out two plastic bags of ice wrapped in dishcloths.

"When did you find time to do that?"

"When you were bustling about the apartment, making sure we had everything we needed. I managed to sneak this in the bag without you paying any attention. Almost caught me when you wanted to carry the bag, but glad you didn't."

Amanda swirled the liquid in her glass and watched the light catch the shimmering depths. "Well, I'm glad you did this. Makes for an extra special day." Amanda held up her glass, and Lee did the same. "To friends."

"Best friends."

She smiled and nodded, then clinked glasses with him and took a drink, her eyes never leaving his. A moment later, she set down her glass. "So, why don't we play a bit of backgammon?"

Lee turned his head and spewed his second drink of champagne onto the grass beside them. He managed to choke out a "What?" but even that sounded gravely.

Amanda smiled at the reaction she had fully expected, knowing just where his thoughts were. She leaned toward him and watched his eyes widen, then slowly turned to the side to reach into the bag and pull out the actual game.

"Backgammon."

It took a moment for the realization to dawn on Lee. Amanda found it quite humorous and basked in his discomfort. He took several deep breaths, then another drink of champagne before he was finally able to talk again.

"Oh, that. For a moment, I thought..."

Amanda cocked her head and raised her eyebrows. "You thought what?"

He ran his tongue over his top teeth and narrowed his eyes. "Never mind."

"So, do you want to be white or brown?"

"Brown."

She distributed the pieces and set up the board, all the while fully aware of Lee's gaze on her every move. They started the game and played several rounds. Every once in a while, Amanda would look up and find Lee watching her with a indecipherable expression on his face, but she didn't take the time to ponder over it. No doubt, it was leftover from his original shock at her suggestion; just what she had expected would happen.

Yet another reason why she enjoyed getting the upper hand.

Like the morning, the afternoon passed without their notice. They engaged in another rousing game of Frisbee and took another walk along the Potomac. Finally, as the sun began its descent, they packed up their things and headed back to Lee's apartment.

Once everything was put away and Amanda had packed up the items she had brought with her, an awkward silence settled around them, not comfortable as before. Amanda could sense that Lee didn't want the day to end, and neither did she. After the time they'd shared today, though, staying longer might not be a wise idea.

So, rather than say anything, she gathered up her things and headed for the door. When Lee followed her into the hallway, she turned and looked at him with a question in her eyes.

"I thought I'd help you carry these things to your car."

She shrugged and handed the bag to him. "All right."

Once everything was secure in the back seat, Amanda closed the door and turned to face him. Lee slid his hands into his pockets and rocked back and forth on his heels, appearing like he wanted to say something but not knowing how to say it.

"Amanda...uh..."

"Yes?"

"I know I've said this before, but I had a really great time this week. It's been the best week of recovery I can remember."

She smiled. "Especially since you're normally required to stay in a hospital under other circumstances."

"You're not kidding!" He grinned and a spark of devilment crept into his eyes. "You've made an excellent Bedside Bluebell. The only thing missing to make this recovery complete is a chocolate bar."

At first, Amanda had trouble figuring out what he meant. But, at his raised eyebrows and exaggerated wink, she put two and two together with his remarks and remembered the case where she had been assigned to his oversee his recovery after the brainwashing incident.

She grinned. "A bottle of wine, a woman and a chocolate bar, huh?"

"Exactly."

"Well, perhaps this will help." She reached into her purse and handed him a Chewy Chubby Bar.

Lee took it with a smile. "Looks like I'm not the only one with my mind on other cases."

"Kind of hard to forget that one."

"Yeah, and as I recall, you reprimanded me by saying you were the only woman I was going to get."

Amanda once again felt the heat rush into her face at the suggestive gleam in his eyes. A hint of mischief crept in, and she grinned. "And I meant it. I certainly didn't intend to find you a woman then, and I wasn't about to shirk my duties by passing off my assignment on someone else this week either."

Lee slipped the chocolate bar into his chest pocket of his shirt and reached for her hands. He lowered his voice and held her captive in his gaze. "Well, I'm glad you didn't...then and now."

Amanda battled with the increase in her heartbeat and the fluttering of her stomach at Lee's nearness and the sincere tone of his voice. His thumbs began their habitual stroking of her hands, and Amanda felt her breath catch in her throat. He grinned, and she knew he noticed her reaction. His smug satisfaction almost caused her to react, but her body wouldn't listen.

"You know, there's something we never discussed this week."

She swallowed over the lump in her throat. "Oh?" she squeaked.

"Things are going to be a bit different when we return to work on Monday. I think we've worked out quite a few problems we might have been having lately." He lifted one of her hands to his lips and placed a soft kiss on her fingers. "I think working together won't be such a chore."

"Probably not," she croaked out.

"But, I do know that I'm looking forward to resuming our partnership."

Amanda took a deep breath. "Me too."

"I'm sure Billy will have plenty for us to do after being off for a week. I'm amazed he didn't interrupt my week of rest and relaxation."

"Maybe he didn't want to defy Dr. Scardelli's orders."

"Maybe, but that's never stopped him before." He paused. "Whatever the reason, I'm really glad to have had this week with you."

Amanda smiled, finally starting to regain control of her senses. "Same goes for me."

"So, what are your plans for tonight?"

She shrugged. "Oh, I thought I'd go home and soak in a nice hot bath for an hour, then curl up with a good book."

"No plans with your boys?"

She shook her head. "Joe took them out to eat tonight, and Mother has a date."

A spark of interest flashed in Lee's eyes, and Amanda wondered what he was thinking. Her curiosity didn't stay unquenched for long.

"So, you want to take me back to the Agency to get my car?"

"Tonight?"

"Well, it's either that or I find a way to get there tomorrow. I could call a cab or get Francine—"

"No, no. I'll do it." She folded her arms across her chest and leaned against the car door, crossing one ankle over the other. "Like I said, I don't have any real plans. The boys will probably end up staying with Joe tonight, and Mother won't be home until at least midnight."

"Good." Lee brightened and pulled his hands from his pockets, then gestured over his shoulder. "Just let me run up and grab my keys. Be right back."

"Okay."

Amanda watched Lee take the outside steps two at a time and thought about how easily she agreed to his request. He could have just as easily called Francine or someone else at the Agency to come get him, or like he said, taken a cab. Of course, just the mere mention of Francine had her rushing to eliminate that option. What was it about him that made her so willing to agree to anything he asked?

She thought back over the past five days, amazed at how fast it seemed to have past, even with the occasional awkward moments and her inability to get a good night's sleep. Thoughts of her restless nights this week sent her mind in a direction she preferred to avoid, so she focused her mind back on the situation at hand. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, her attraction to Lee could was like a bear to honey. Not really essential to her life, but a delightful pleasure all the same. Even during his difficult moments - and there were plenty of those - something about him kept her coming back. This week only affirmed that fact.

But, why?

More than anything, Amanda wanted to stop all the denial and admit it. But, she couldn't. Although this week had made some things crystal clear to her, some aspects of her life continued to place obstacles against what her heart told her to do. She knew Lee also struggled in his own way, and she intended to give him the space he needed to make his own decisions.

"All right, let's go!"

Amanda started from her reverie, but recovered before he could see her reaction to his sudden appearance. She needed to be more careful about getting lost in thought when he was around.

"The door should be opened," she said as she opened her own and got in.

Once they had fastened their seat belts, they drove the few miles to the Agency, the silence between them once again comfortable. When they reached the back lot, Lee told her his car had been moved and directed her to the garage. She pulled her wagon behind his car, then put it in park.

Lee jiggled his keys in his hand, then turned to face her. She looked out of the corner of her eye at him, but kept her body turned forward until he reached across and took her hand in his. His gentle tug was all it took for her to turn in her seat.

"Amanda, thank you again. I know I've said it a lot this week, but it means a lot to me that you took the time to make sure I followed orders. I don't think I could have made it this week without you."

"Just doing my job," she almost said, but the look in his eyes silenced any reply of the sort. Instead, she smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. "I admit, at the beginning, I was worried about how difficult the assignment would be." Lee started to protest, but she held up her other hand. "I know how you are when forced to do something you don't want to do. But, this was one assignment I'd do over again. No hesitation."

"As much as I'm sure I'll regret saying this, me too."

Amanda grinned. "I'll remember that the next time."

"Hopefully, there won't be a next time. But, in this business, you never know."

"That's true."

"Anyway, I meant what I said. You made this week bearable."

She nodded. "It was one of the best assignments I've been given."

"You make an excellent nurse."

"And you make an all right patient." She grinned when his eyes widened in surprise at her remark. "Gotcha!"

Lee shook his head and smiled, then sobered. His eyes locked onto hers, and her heart pounded so loud, she swore he could hear it. Slowly, he leaned toward her, and Amanda drifted shut. With baited breath, she waited for his lips to touch hers. A hint of disappointment surfaced when they touched her cheek instead.

She opened her eyes when he pulled away and reached for the door handle. Amanda watched him open the door and hoped her feelings didn't betray her. As the overhead dome light came on, Lee swung one leg out onto the ground and glanced back at her. The devilment in his eyes shone bright in the dim light of the interior.

"Next time I won't miss," he said with a wink, then got out of the car.

It took a moment for his words to register as Amanda stared at the seat where Lee had just been. She almost couldn't believe he'd been so bold, but remembering some of the conversations they'd had recently reminded her of the changes.

They'd both come a long way this week, but still had a long way to go. However, if Lee's actions were any indication, their relationship had taken a turn for the better. Amanda watched Lee unlock the door to the 'Vette. Just before he lowered himself into the car, he gave her a little wave over the hood. She returned the gesture, put her car in reverse and headed out of the garage. When they reached the street level entrance, they headed in opposite directions.

As Amanda drove down the familiar streets toward her home in Arlington, the handsome agent with the compelling hazel eyes wasn't far from her thoughts. She had a feeling he'd remain there in the weeks to come. And maybe, if all went well, it wouldn't be long before her thoughts became reality.

She could only hope.

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