“Talk about looking like something the cat dragged home, Radcliffe.”

        Joe Maxwell stood at the corner of Catherine’s desk watching as she stuffed a hand full of papers
        in her desk drawer.  The look she gave him startled him so much, he unconsciously took a couple
        of steps back.  The comment had been made as a teasing gesture, but it was obvious his co-
        worker was not in a teasing  mood.  He smiled apologetically.

        “Sorry, Cathy.”

Catherine relaxed and offered him her own tired, half-hearted smile of apology. It had been one of  those days.  Actually, it had been one of those weeks, but Joe wasn’t to blame.  It was the job.  Oh, who was she trying to kid anyway?  It wasn’t  just the job and she knew it.

        Catherine smiled to herself and shivered slightly as delightful visions filled her tired mind; long,
        blond hair framing a face her hands ached to touch, exquisite blue eyes she would willingly become
        lost in, and a mouth which, contrary to its owner’s opinion, was just meant to be kissed.  God, she
        needed to  see him.

        “No need to apologize, Joe.  I’m just in a rotten mood.  This has been one of the most miserable
        weeks of my life.  Nothing seems to have gone right.”  She stuffed the last of her papers in the
        briefcase and leaned back in her chair with a long sigh of relief.  “Thank god, it’s over.”  She ran
        her fingers through her long honey colored hair, pinning her boss with a fierce look of
        determination.

        “And believe me, Joe, this week is over.”  She smacked the top of her briefcase sharply for
        emphasis.  “I’m not even going to take this home.”  Standing up, she leaned across the desk to
        make her point.  “In other words, Joe, I’m off duty until Monday morning.”  Her green eyes dared
        him to debate the issue.

        Joe knew better.  He’d seen that look before and knew when not to argue with it.   Besides, she
        probably did need a real break from the stress of the work she did.   Catherine was his best
        investigator and he knew it.  The last thing he needed was  for her to burn herself out by
        overworking.

        “Hey, Radcliffe, no problem.  Even you deserve a break now and then.  You take  your weekend,
        then come back to us fresh and lively on Monday morning.  “Got any special plans? If you don’t
        maybe we could . . .”

        Catherine felt a slight twinge of guilt as she once more had to shoot down the hopeful look she saw
        in Joe’s dark brown eyes.  She knew he felt something more toward her than simple friendship and
        if Vincent weren’t such an important  part of her life, she might be able to return those feelings.
        But Vincent was not  only a part of her life, he was the most important part of her  life.

         “I’m sorry, Joe.”  Her smile was gentle, but firm.  “I do have plans.”

Joe shook his head knowingly, not at all surprised by her answer.  He’d known for a long time there was someone Catherine cared for very much.  Someone that  for some reason had to be kept secret and apart from the rest of her life.

        “Yea, well it was just a thought.  Have a good weekend, Cath.  You deserve it.  I’ll see you on
        Monday.”

        “You, too, Joe.  Bye.”

        Joe watched as Catherine left the office, once more quelling the slight twinge of envy and jealousy
        he felt about the mystery man in his friend’s life.

        On the ride home, Catherine found herself going over all the things that had kept  her and Vincent
        apart for the past week.

        They finally left their secret place behind the falls after making love once more, though Catherine
        wasn’t really sure you could really call what had happened between them making love.  Whatever
        it was, it was great and she wanted more.  Three times in one night had definitely whetted her
        appetite.  Vincent escorted her to their threshold shortly before dawn where they very unwillingly
        said their goodbyes.  He kissed her thoroughly and promised to visit her terrace that evening.
        Catherine then dragged herself up to her apartment to get ready for work when all  she really
        wanted to do was crawl in bed and sleep for a few hours, then spend  the rest of the day in a very
        special place with a very special person.

        The office was involved with an important case, though, and she knew Joe would  have her hide if
        she dared call in sick.  After a quick shower, several cups of  extremely strong coffee and a silent
        prayer that she would not fall asleep during  what she knew was going to be a long and boring
        meeting, Catherine forced  herself to go to the office.

        Several more cups of coffee and a lot of very erotic daydreams involving the previous night kept
        her awake, although Catherine would have been hard put to answer any questions regarding the
        meeting.  Thankfully no one asked any.  Thoughts of Vincent’s pending visit, not to mention the
        pleasures his visit would  hopefully provide kept her going the rest of the day.

        Unfortunately, she arrived home to find a note of apology saying he would be unable to keep their
        date and that he would see her Tuesday night instead.  Disappointed and slightly frustrated,
        Catherine took a shower and crawled into bed exhausted, and fell into a very sound sleep within a
        matter of minutes.  Exhaustion did not keep her from dreaming, however, and far  Below in an
        emergency council meeting, Catherine’s equally disappointed and frustrated  suitor squirmed
        uncomfortably.

        Tuesday dawned dark and stormy.  The clouds opened up shortly before dawn and by the end of
        the work day there seemed to be no let up.  Catherine, greatly concerned about Vincent trying to
        come to her in a monsoon, sent a message saying that since she might have to work late and the
        weather was so hideous that perhaps they should wait and see each other Wednesday night
        instead.  So that her note would not be a lie, she stayed at the office until eleven o’clock and once
        more stumbled into bed exhausted and still frustrated.

        Wednesday the sun was shining, the sky was blue and Catherine went to work with a song in her
        heart, almost giddy knowing they would finally see each other.  She breezed through her work with
        a smile for everyone.  After lunch another  storm hit – this one inside the DA’s office.  Another
        message arrived from Vincent  telling her there was an emergency in one of the lower chambers.
        He would be unable to make it that night either, and to make matters worse, he would be away for
        a while and she shouldn’t expect him until Friday.

        Thursday found Catherine running around at such a hectic pace she really didn’t  have time to
        dwell on her missing lover.  At least not until she arrived home to  face yet another evening alone.
        When she finally settled down to a quiet dinner,  Catherine suddenly remembered what Vincent
        had told her.

        ‘You’re a very emotional woman, my love.’

        Realizing that her emotions of the past few days had probably put quite a strain on him, Catherine
        allowed a somewhat sheepish apology and all her love to flow  through their bond.   As she stood
        on her terrace watching the bright lights and  enjoying the slightly chilly breeze the rain had left
        behind, she felt the tiniest hint  of a caress on her skin as the wind seemed to whisper, ‘I love you,
        too, Catherine.’

Catherine’s heart soared as the disappointment of the past few days faded away.   It was Friday. At last!  Her work day was over and so far no note from Vincent  with any more excuses. She rushed home to shower and change, knowing he  would come to her just as soon as it was dark. She paced the tiny floor of her terrace impatiently and gazed out at the sky as though willing & darkness to hurry.  It seemed to be taking forever.  Just as the last  bit of reddish hue disappeared from the sky, a soft familiar breeze stirred the night air. Catherine turned to see him standing, half hidden in the shadows, and was once more amazed that such a creature as he  existed, and very grateful that he was all hers.

        “I didn’t think night would ever arrive, Catherine.”

        He came to her, wrapping her in his strong embrace.  Catherine burrowed into the  safe haven his
        arms offered, amazed as always, that his voice could at once calm  and arouse her in a way
        nothing before ever had.

“I missed you so much, Vincent.”  She lifted her face to gaze at him and what she  saw took her breath away.  Bathed in soft moonlight, Vincent’s beautifully unique  features were the stuff dreams are made of.  With a trembling hand she touched  his face, whispering softly.

        “My beautiful, golden knight.”  Her eyes devoured him.  “I used to dream about you when I was a
        little girl.”

        Vincent waited patiently for her to continue, his blue eyes filled with curiosity.

        “I had this fantasy knight.  I was eleven or twelve, I think.  He was tall and strong and brave.  I
        called him my golden knight.”  His smile was slightly indulgent.

        “I doubt seriously that your fantasy knight looked anything like me, Catherine.”

        Her fingers continued to explore the deep contours of his face as she shook her head slowly.

“No, but he did have long, flowing tresses, big blue eyes and a voice that could hypnotize.  I used to pretend he would read to me at night until I went to sleep.”  She stroked his hair.  “And here you are.  Bigger than life and twice as beautiful.  Except . . .”  She smiled tenderly, her voice whisper soft.  “You’re not a fantasy are you, Vincent?”

“No, Catherine, I’m not a fantasy.”  Bending over her, Vincent kissed her deeply,  proving beyond any doubt that he was indeed no fantasy.

        The kiss caught her completely off guard.  The emotions she had been trying to hold back came
        rushing out in full force and Catherine knew she was lost.  She hadn’t meant for this to happen so
        soon.  She didn’t want him to think it was all she thought about, but she wanted him so much.
        Catherine’s legs grew weak and she clutched at his cape for support.  From somewhere a
        semblance of rationality broke through her raging passion and she realized that standing was not a
        good idea, given Vincent’s reaction to their lovemaking.

“Vincent, wait.  I think we’d better lie down.”  Wondering vaguely if he would take  her to her bed or perhaps the couch in the living room, Catherine was taken  completely by surprise when instead he released her and turned to lean heavily  against the railing.

“Catherine, I’m sorry.  I cannot . . .”  He turned to look at her, his eyes imploring her to understand. Still somewhat dazed, Catherine could not quite focus on the problem yet.  Was he sorry about what had happened between them?  Was he telling her that he couldn’t do it again?  Or maybe he didn’t really want it to happen again?

“I don’t understand, Vincent.  What’s wrong?  I thought you enjoyed our night together as much as I did.  I thought . . .”  She shook her head, trying to sort her thoughts.  “I’m sorry, Vincent.  I wasn’t trying to force you into something you’re not ready for.”  Panic filled his heart as she turned to leave him.

“No, Catherine, no.”  He pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly as he tried to clear up their misunderstanding.

“I enjoyed our night together very much, Catherine.”  Vincent drew back enough  to trace the outline of her cheek as his eyes bored into hers.  “I would like  nothing more than to enjoy just such another evening with you, but I don’t think I  can.”  He glanced longingly toward the doors leading into her apartment.  “Not  here . . .”

Catherine nodded slowly, trying to reassure him that she understood when in truth she really didn’t,
but once his words registered fully she could only shake her head incredulously.

“Are you telling me that after what happened the other night you still have reservations about
coming into my apartment?  I don’t believe it!”

“I am sorry, Catherine . . .”  His shy smiled made her heart melt.  She stood on tiptoes and kissed
him lightly.

“It’s all right, Vincent.”  She wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled hopefully. “Will you at least stay for a while?  I’ll fix us some tea.  I picked up a new book for  you on my lunch
break yesterday.  You could read to me for a while.  Just like my  fantasy knight.”

        Vincent squeezed her gently, his eyes filled with gratitude.  Soft golden hair brushed her face like
        butterfly wings as he nodded his head slowly in agreement.   Catherine hugged him and turned to
        step into the apartment.

        “Where is the book you mentioned, Catherine?”

        “It’s on the coffee table.  I’ll bring it when I bring the tea.”  Catherine hugged him once more,
        thrilled that he was at long last allowing such intimacy.  She loved touching him.

        “I won’t be long, Vincent.”

        Catherine hummed to herself as she prepared the tea.  From the terrace, Vincent listened and took
        great pride in knowing he was responsible for the strong sense  of contentment and confidence he
        could sense in her.  Glancing in her living room, he saw the book she’d mentioned lying on the
        table and came to a decision.  He could grant Catherine at least one wish tonight.  One she had
        wanted for a very long time.

        Catherine walked into the living room balancing a serving tray containing two cups, a small pot of
        tea and all the necessary accompaniments – and almost dropped everything.  Sitting before her,
        his extra large frame settled as comfortably as possible on her small couch was Vincent, calmly
        leafing through his new book.  Catherine was so surprised that for a moment she couldn’t move.
        She could barely breathe.  Then, just when she thought nothing else could  surprise her, Vincent
        turned to her, his azure eyes filled with exaggerated innocence as he spoke.

        “Do you need help with that tray, Catherine?”  Somehow, she managed to find her voice.

        “Oh, no!  Thank you!  I’m fine.”  She set the tray on the table and poured the tea.  His teasing gaze
        met hers as handed him a cup.

        “I decided that you were right, Catherine.  It does seem silly for me to still be nervous about
        crossing your threshold after the evening we shared.  I thought we  could sit here while I read to
        you.”

        Catherine nodded her head silently, her green eyes sparkling with hope.  Another  barrier crossed!
        Tonight the living room, tomorrow . . .  ‘One of these days,’ she  thought to herself as she
        squeezed next to him and made herself comfortable.   As Vincent wrapped his arm around her
        Catherine rested her head against his  chest and quickly decided there was something to be said
        about ridiculously  small couches.

        Much later, Catherine noticed that Vincent’s voice had grown even softer than usual and he
        sounded a bit hoarse.  One quick glance told her just how tired he was.  Quietly, she reached over
        and took the book from his hands.

        “I think it’s time to call it a night, Vincent.  You’re tired and so am I.  It’s been a very busy week for
        both of us.”

        Catherine pulled him to his feet and wrapped her arms around him before he could make his
        getaway onto the terrace.  She would not try to entice him to stay,  but no way was he leaving her
        living room without a little physical contact.  A  milestone such as this should be marked with at
        least a hug and possibly a kiss  or two.  Happily, she discovered that Vincent seemed to be  of the
        same mind as  he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her slowly.  Several times!

        On the terrace, Vincent stood for a few moments looking out over the bright city lights, his arm
        wrapped around her, and Catherine knew he, too, wished they did  not have to part. Suddenly, he
        turned to her and asked what he would have once,  before their night of passion, considered to be
        a selfish question, but now seemed very right.

        “Catherine, do you have plans for tomorrow?”

        “Not a one.”  She cuddled close.  “At least not yet.”  It was a hint, and not a very subtle one at that.
        Vincent realized that she had planned all along on spending some time, and probably a lot of it,
        with him over the weekend.  She was only waiting to be asked. course, if you have no plans for
        Sunday.”

        Catherine gave him her sexiest smile and cuddled closer, whispering, “Vincent,  are you asking me
        to spend the night with you?”  She stifled a giggle at the look in his eyes when he realized how his
        invitation must have sounded.

        “It’s all right, Vincent.  I would love to come Below and be with you.  Your plans sound lovely.”  She
        traced the outline of his exotic mouth slowly.  “Just promise me we can visit the falls again.
        Please?”

        As her long fingernail teased the split above his upper lip very gently, Vincent’s breath went
        somewhere and refused to come back, and when he tried to respond  to her question, he
        discovered his ability to speak had followed it.  All he could  manage was a shy, affirmative nod of
        his head.  No one in his entire life had ever  dared touch him in such a way!  Somehow he  knew
        that no one but Catherine  would ever attempt it, nor would he ever allow anyone but her to do so.

        “Good!  What time would you like me to come tomorrow?  Is eleven o’clock okay?” Once more all
        Vincent could do was nod.  Tilting her head slightly, Catherine smiled up at him a bit wickedly,
        thoroughly enjoying the affect she was  having on him.

        “Are you all right, Vincent?  You’re awfully quiet.  Cat got your tongue?”  Leaning up on tiptoes,
        she kissed him, tenderly probing and tasting until her tongue found his, sweet, moist and eager.
        She pulled back to look at him, her eyes filled with fiery passion.  “No, it’s still there.”

        Vincent remained silent, trying to bring his raging emotions under control before  e attempted the
        climb down.  After another minute, he took a deep breath and  pushed her firmly, though
        reluctantly, away.

        “Yes, Catherine, I’m . . . all right.  I think I should leave.  I’ll meet you at our threshold at eleven
        o’clock tomorrow morning.”

        “Vincent, are you sure you’re all right to make the climb down?  I don’t want you   to get hurt.
        Maybe you should wait a few more minutes.”

        Her voice was full of genuine concern for his safety, but her eyes still teased him unmercifully and
        with sudden clarity Vincent realized that she was very much  enjoying the fact that she could fluster
        him so.  His eyes narrowed as he felt a  slightly selfish feeling emanating through their bond.
        Catherine was feeling very  pleased with herself.  In one swift move he left the ledge and took her
        in his arms.

        “Yes, Catherine, I am all right.  You needn’t worry yourself.”  Leaning down, Vincent captured her
        mouth in a slow, delicious, mind reeling kiss that left Catherine completely shaken. Pulling back,
        he smiled down at her glassy expression and chuckled softly.

        “Good night, Catherine.  Sleep well.”

        Catherine watched in stunned silence as Vincent bolted gracefully over the ledge to make his way
        home.  She stood for several more minutes staring in amazement  at the darkness that had
        engulfed him.  She’d been teasing him and he had  teased her in return.  And he’d done a very
        good job of it.