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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:35:43 GMT -5
Later that afternoon, Gus, Harley and Zach walked into the Bauer’s backyard. Zach quickly joined the other kids and Gus and Harley made their way around the crowd and said their hellos. Zach came over and tugged on Harley’s shorts, wanting to go swimming right away. Gus was talking to Ross, so she told him she was going in the pool with Zach.
“Hey,” Phillip said to Harley and Zach as he and James got in the pool.
“Hi,” Harley replied politely as Zach reached the other end of the shallow end and turned around to swim back to her.
“I can’t believe how well he swims now,” Phillip said.
“Yeah, those swim classes are definitely paying off,” Harley replied as Zach reached her and wrapped his arms around her neck.
“I see Gus is back from DC. I thought you said he wasn’t going to be back until tomorrow.”
“He wasn’t. He got an early flight this morning though,” Harley replied.
“That’s nice. Do you want to go? I mean, Zach can stay here with me, so you can spend some time with Gus.”
Harley looked at Phillip skeptically, “What’s the catch?”
Phillip laughed, “There’s no catch, Harley. I know he’s been gone all week, I thought you would like to spend today with him, not all day in the pool.”
“Thank you,” Harley replied as Zach popped up from underwater. “Hey, Mommy’s going to get out. Do you want to stay here with Daddy?” she asked Zach and he nodded. “Okay, be careful and stay out of the deep end,” she warned him.
“Oh, Harley, there is one thing,” Phillip said as she turned to get out of the pool.
Harley nodded, “What’s that?”
“I don’t think it would be a good thing if someone saw someone else wake up at your house,” he said carefully.
“What are you saying? Gus isn’t allowed to be there if Zach is?” she asked quietly.
“I just think it could be very confusing for him,” Phillip replied.
“Beth waking up at your house isn’t confusing for him,” Harley shot back.
“That’s different.”
“Oh really? How?” Harley asked, her hands on her hips.
“I just don’t want him to see things he shouldn’t.”
Harley scoffed as she shook her head, “Whatever,” she said. “And for the record, just so you don’t think you have any control over this, Gus and I have already decided that he doesn’t stay unless Zach isn’t there. At least for now,” she finished as she turned around and got out of the pool.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:36:10 GMT -5
Gus was only half listening to Ross as he saw Harley climb up the steps and out of the pool. Blake noticed Gus’s attention was on the blonde in the red bikini and not on Ross, so she nudged him to stop rambling. Gus’s eyes followed Harley as she stopped and talked to Rick for a little bit, then made her way over to him, Ross and Blake. Both Gus and Harley got huge smiles on their faces as their eyes met and soon Harley was on Gus’s lap.
“Hi,” she said as she kissed him, “Whatcha doing?” she asked.
“I was just talking to…” Gus started then realized he had been ignoring Ross and Blake, “Sorry guys,” he apologized but Ross waved him off.
“Don’t worry about it,” Ross replied
“What did Phillip do?” Gus asked, “I saw your hands on your hips. It couldn’t have been good.”
Harley laughed as Gus played with the side of her bikini bottoms, “He wanted to let me know that he didn’t think it was a good idea if you spent the night when Zach was there. Because it’s so totally unlike Beth living with him.”
Blake rolled her eyes at Harley’s answer, “That’s so Phillip,” she noted and Harley nodded.
“Did you tell him thanks for the advice, but we had already decided that?” Gus asked.
“Yes,” Harley replied as she wrapped her arms around Gus’s neck and leaned against his chest.
Ross continued with what he was talking with earlier as Harley took Gus’s beer bottle and drank some. As she was handing it back to him, Buzz, Frank, Ed and Rick came up to them.
“Come on, it’s the Coopers versus the Marlers and Bauers in volleyball,” Buzz announced.
“Dad, that’s three of us against four of them,” Frank protested.
“What are you talking about three? Gus is with us,” Buzz replied. “He might as well be a Cooper,” he continued as Frank let out a heavy sigh and Gus and Harley raised their eyebrows at each other.
“Alright then, let’s go,” Ross said as he and Blake got up and followed Buzz, Rick and Ed to the side yard where the volleyball net was set up.
“Are you guys coming?” Frank asked Gus and Harley impatiently.
“Yeah, we’ll be right there,” Harley replied as Frank walked away and she leaned her forehead against Gus’s. “Did you hear that?” she asked.
Gus nodded, “I did. At least Buzz likes me. Frank…well, we’ll have to work on him.”
Harley sighed then leaned in and gave Gus a long deep kiss. She got off of Gus’s lap and put a pair of shorts on as he took off his t-shirt and then they joined the others in the yard.
They took their place on the side of the net where Buzz and Frank were waiting and Buzz tossed the ball to Gus so he could serve first. They volleyed for a little bit and soon the score was 12-0 in favor of the Coopers.
“I don’t think we should keep score anymore,” Rick protested, “Let’s just play for fun.”
“That’s just because you’re losing,” Frank laughed.
“Well…okay. How about we switch it up a little?” Rick suggested. “We’ll give you Blake for Gus.”
Blake scoffed, “Hello! I’m standing right here.”
“You just want him because he’s the one scoring all the points,” Buzz replied.
“Alright, alright,” Ed broke in, “I’ll go over there. Gus you come over here so Rick will stop whining.”
Gus shrugged and ducked under the net and took his place across from Harley. While Rick and Frank argued over whose turn it was to serve, Harley motioned Gus over and retied the drawstring on his shorts that was coming loose as she gave him a quick kiss through the net.
“Hey, hey, no hanky panky on the court,” Ed interrupted.
“I was tying them!” Harley insisted and after she teased his skin above the shorts with her fingers, he kissed her again and went back to his spot.
They decided it was Harley’s turn to serve, so she moved to the back row and served the ball over the net. They volleyed it back and forth a few times then Rick set up Gus for a great spike but instead of hitting it hard over the net, he gently hit it in Harley’s direction and when it got back to the other side, Blake bumped it out of bounds.
“Ugh! I want Dad back,” Rick complained, “Now this one’s going easy on his girlfriend. You know, I could look just as cute in a bikini,” he teased.
“I think we would win by default then because that would make the other team run away screaming,” Gus teased back.
“Eh, forget about it, I’m hungry anyway. Let’s get some of those Bauer burgers on the grill,” Buzz said and Ed followed him back into the backyard.
“I would look good in that bikini,” Rick insisted again.
“Yes, Rick you would,” Frank appeased him as he patted Rick on the back.
“Then Gus could be eyeing you up,” Harley added.
“No offense Rick, but my eyes are staying on this one,” Gus replied as he bent down, grabbed Harley by the legs and swung her over his shoulder.
“Ahh! Gus!” Harley shrieked as the blood rushed to her head.
Gus ignored her cries and started spinning in a circle.
“If I throw up it’s gonna be all over you!” she yelled as she reached down and playfully slapped his butt.
Gus stopped spinning, “Ooh, I liked that,” he teased and set her down.
“You’re crazy,” she laughed as she tried to regain her balance and threw her arms around his neck.
“Uh huh,” he agreed as he nuzzled into her neck and lifted her off the ground and squeezed her tight.
“Alright you two lovebirds, let’s go eat,” Blake said as she, Ross, Rick and Frank headed back to the backyard.
When Gus and Harley got back to where everyone else was, Gus went to get them drinks and Harley joined Blake at a picnic table.
“You guys are so cute,” Blake gushed.
Harley laughed, “He’s so much fun.”
“It’s good to see you smile like this again,” Blake said.
“It’s good to be smiling again,” Harley replied, “He just makes me so happy. He knows how to make me smile.”
“He adores you,” Blake said with a smile.
Harley nodded, “I know. Don’t say anything to anyone, but I need to talk to someone about this,” she began and Blake leaned in closer to hear the juicy news.
“Spill,” she said.
Harley looked around, then continued, “This morning, Gus told me that he was offered a job for the FBI in DC, but he turned them down.”
“Wow, really?”
“Yes, and I can’t help but feel really bad that he won’t take this job. I mean, if it wasn’t for me, he would have accepted in a second, I know he would love to work for the FBI again. But I can’t say I’m not ecstatic that he turned them down, because I just can’t imagine losing him now.”
“So…he wants to be with you, so he turned down the offer. You don’t want him to leave, and he’s not,” Blake repeated, “What’s the problem?”
Harley sighed, “I just wish there was a way we could be together and him still take the job.”
“You could always move to DC with him,” Blake suggested.
“You know what’s crazy? I’ve actually already thought of that,” Harley replied. “But there is no way Phillip would agree to that.”
“If he would agree, would you? Would you follow him halfway across the country?”
Harley thought for a moment, then answered, “I don’t know. I’ve thought about it. But you know, there’s part of me that thought, ‘are you crazy? You’re thinking about moving for this guy who may or may not break your heart someday?’ I don’t know what I would do.”
“So then let Gus make the decision. Obviously you are more important to him than this job is.”
Harley nodded, “I know…”
“So then be happy that he made the right choice,” Blake told her as she saw Gus and Ross coming over to the table.
Gus handed Harley a beer and then they sat across from the girls.
“You ladies look like your deep in discussion about something,” he observed.
“We were just talking about the wedding,” Harley covered.
“You’re coming, right Gus?” Blake asked.
“So I’ve been told,” he winked, “Yes I will be there.”
“Oh good,” she replied. “We’ve saved a great seat for you right next to Frank,” she teased.
“Very funny,” he replied with a fake laugh.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:36:56 GMT -5
Later that night, after it got dark, the fireworks started from the city park and everyone gathered around to watch them. Harley and Gus sat on the big swing in the yard and Buzz squeezed in beside them. Zach started out on the ground in front of them with the rest of the kids, but after the first boom, he ended up in their laps, his head buried in Gus’s chest. Harley grabbed Gus’s hand and threaded her fingers through his as she rubbed Zach’s back with her other hand. Harley laid her head on Gus’s shoulder and he kissed her forehead as the sky lit up above them.
After the fireworks were over, Gus and Harley stayed on the swing because Zach was close to falling asleep. As they rocked back and forth, Zach’s eyes finally closed and when Gus looked down, he noticed that Harley’s eyes were closed too.
“Hey, you falling asleep on me too?” he asked quietly.
Harley picked up her head and yawned, “Sorry, but someone woke me up early this morning.”
“Well, that someone also caught a 3:30 flight this morning to come see you,” he replied.
“I know,” she said as she kissed his cheek, “And I thought I did a pretty good job of thanking you this morning.”
“You did, but I think I need some more appreciation. You’ll have to thank me again tonight,” he teased.
“I think I can do that,” she replied quietly as Phillip walked over to them.
“Is he asleep? I’ll take him inside,” he said as he reached for Zach.
“Thanks,” Harley replied as he headed into the house and Gus put his arm around Harley.
“Hey, hot tub’s free,” Blake said as she and Ross rushed over towards them, “You guys go save it, we’re going to change,” she added and they followed Phillip into the house.
“Better get it before the teenagers find it empty,” Gus said as he stood up and pulled Harley with him.
After they got in, Harley took advantage of the empty hot tub, strattled Gus’s lap and gave him a kiss that made a chill go down his body even in the hot water.
“What was that for?” he asked quietly as he ran his hands down her back.
“That was just a preview of what’s going to happen when we get home,” she teased as she ran kisses up his jawbone to his earlobe.
He took her head in his hands and leaned in and kissed her gently, “You’re making me not want to wait until tonight,” he said quietly, then she covered his lips with hers and pushed her tongue through their lips until it found his.
“Ahem,” Blake cleared her throat a few minutes later and Gus and Harley finished their kiss before even acknowledging her.
“Are we interrupting something?” Blake teased.
“Yes,” Harley replied as they joined them in the hot tub.
Harley slid off of Gus’s lap and sat on the seat beside him as Rick and Mel also joined them in the hot tub. A few minutes later, Phillip and Beth walked up to the hot tub.
“Mind if we join you?” he asked.
“Come on in,” Rick welcomed them and they took the two remaining seats.
“So Gus, I hear you are in high demand these days,” Ross brought up to break the silence in the hot tub.
“Oh really? I wonder where you heard that from,” he replied as he looked at Harley who shot Blake a dirty look.
“Sorry,” Harley apologized as she looked up at him.
“That’s okay, I’m sure pretty soon everyone would have heard the big news,” he replied.
“What big news?” Beth asked.
“The FBI offered me another job in DC,” he answered.
“Really? I didn’t realize they gave bad agents their jobs back,” Phillip commented and Harley felt Gus’s grip on her thigh get tighter so she put her arm around his back.
“That’s great Gus, I mean, that doesn’t happen every day, does it?” Rick asked.
“No, it’s kind of a one time deal, you know.”
“So when are you leaving town? I’ll be sure and throw a party,” Phillip smirked and Harley glared at him. “I hope you don’t think you’ll be going with him and taking my son,” he added.
“Um, no,” Gus laughed at how red Phillip’s face got within a few seconds, “Harley and Zach aren’t going anywhere because I turned them down.”
“You turned them down?” Rick asked.
“That was pretty stupid,” Phillip added.
“Well, see Spaulding that’s where you and I differ. Because the stupidest thing you never did is the smartest thing I’ll ever do,” Gus said.
“Oh yeah, what’s that?” Phillip asked.
“I think we all know what that is,” Gus replied as he stared down Phillip.
“Uh, Beth,” Michelle hesitantly walked up to the hot tub, “James is awake and he’s asking for you.”
“Oh okay,” Beth replied as she started getting out of the tub but Phillip pulled her back.
“I’ll get him. I don’t there’s enough room in here for all of us and Aitoro’s ego,” he said as he climbed out of the hot tub and followed Michelle into the house.
“Sorry,” Gus apologized to everyone.
Rick waved him off, “What’s a holiday without a little tension between exes?” he joked and Mel hit him.
A few minutes later, Harley rested her chin on Gus’s shoulder. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
“Sorry about that,” he replied, “But I meant it. I will not make the same mistake he did. You will always be first with me. Always,” he added as he kissed her nose.
Harley sighed, “Are you sure you made the right decision about the job?”
“I am positive. Now stop bugging me about it,” Gus teased and Harley laughed as she settled back in her seat close to him.
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“Let me carry him out to the car,” Harley said as she picked Zach up off the couch in the living room. “Rick are you sure you guys don’t need help cleaning up?” she asked.
“Nope, we have it all under control,” he replied. “Good night guys.”
Gus grabbed the bag of wet swimsuits and Zach’s toys and followed Harley, Phillip and Beth outside. He went to Harley’s car and threw the bag in the backseat as she put Zach, who was still sleeping in the backseat of Phillip and Beth’s car.
“I’ll call tomorrow and we can figure out pick-up arrangements for Monday,” Harley said as she kissed Zach’s forehead then shut the door and headed to her car.
When she got into the car, Gus looked over at her, “Everything okay?” he asked.
“Yep, Phillip has Zach until Monday,” she replied as she started the car and leaned over and kissed him.
About half the way home, Harley noticed Gus was being awfully quiet and when she looked over, she realized he was sound asleep, leaning against the door. It took everything in her not to lean over and kiss his lips that were parted slightly. She kept driving and when she pulled into her driveway and shut the car off, she called his name to wake him up but he kept on sleeping.
“Honey,” she said as she moved over, ran her hand down his arm and kissed his neck.
When he stirred, he looked over at her and smiled, “Sorry,” he yawned, “I guess I’m not very good company.”
Harley smiled, “Let’s go inside,” she said as she grabbed the bag out of the backseat and they went straight upstairs.
She went into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth first and when she came out, Gus went in. When he came out of the bathroom, she was putting on a pink lace camisole and boy shorts. He came up behind her and kissed her cheek.
“Why did you put more clothes on?” he asked as his hands ran down the sides of her body and teased the bare skin of her stomach between the two pieces of fabric.
“Honey, you are exhausted, I’m tired. Let’s just go to bed,” she said as she turned around. “We don’t need to make love tonight, I just want to feel your arms around me,” she added as she helped him out of his shorts and they crawled into bed.
“I’m so glad you came home early,” she said as she rested her head on his chest.
“Me too. Today was fun.”
“It was,” she agreed. “Oh, Reva invited us for brunch tomorrow.”
Gus let out a little groan, “What time?”
“Ten.”
“Oh that’s not too bad,” he replied, “I have to go to the motel tomorrow and do laundry too sometime.”
“Why? I mean, why do you have to do it there. Why don’t you do it here for free,” Harley suggested.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Are you going to stay tomorrow night?”
“I was planning on it,” he replied.
“Good,” she said as she found his hand and threaded her fingers through his. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear, followed by a soft kiss.
“I love you too, baby. Good night,” he said as they both closed their eyes and fell asleep in each other’s arms.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:37:43 GMT -5
The next morning, before joining Gus in the shower, Harley ran downstairs and threw a load of her clothes in the washer so that when they got home from Reva and Josh’s Gus could do his.
After they left Reva and Josh’s later that morning, they stopped by Gus’s hotel and got his dirty clothes. Back at Harley’s house, while Gus was trying to separate the colors like Harley instructed him, she took her basket of dry clothes into to the living room. When she got back into the laundry room, Gus was still sifting through his bags of laundry.
“You have a lot of clothes,” Harley commented as she jumped up onto the top of the dryer and poured the detergent into the washer for him.
He started throwing clothes in and when he reached the bottom of his pile, Harley pulled him over in front of her and started taking off his shirt.
“You might as well wash this while you’re at it,” she said as she threw it in the washer and kissed his chest.
“And these, you might as well toss these in the dark pile too,” she said as she reached over and unbuttoned his jeans.
“Mmm, okay,” Gus said as she pushed them down and he kissed her.
“What about you? Don’t you want your clothes washed too?” he asked as he slid her shirt up and over her head and tossed her bra away in a flash.
He ran his hands down her bare back and pulled her closer to him so that their chests were touching and he crashed his lips on hers. He stepped back and pulled her off the dryer and they stumbled into the living room. Gus started heading towards the steps, but Harley pulled him down on the couch with her.
“Here?” he asked breathlessly as she wrestled her pants off of her.
“Here,” she insisted as they both quickly got rid of their underwear and finally joined together.
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“I’m going to do my laundry here all the time from now on,” Gus teased as he nuzzled into her neck when they finally caught their breath from the workout.
Harley laughed as she pulled the blanket from the back of the couch over them. They laid there for a while talking and kissing until Harley got up to put the clothes in the washer. When she came back into the living room, Gus was sitting on the couch folding the clothes in the basket Harley had brought in earlier.
She stood beside the couch and looked at him.
“What?” he asked, “Is this turning you on?” he teased.
“You sitting on my couch in nothing but a blanket folding my underwear? Yeah, just a little,” she said as she pushed the basket out of the way, dropped her blanket and joined him back on the couch under his.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:38:58 GMT -5
“What do you mean he turned you down?” Justin yelled into his cell phone on his way into the station Monday morning. “You offered him any department, right? And he still said no. Idiot,” he cursed as he walked through the front door. “Well, what did he say?”
“He said what he had back in Springfield was better than anything we could ever offer him,” the man on the other end of the line said.
“Is he crazy? That was the best damn offer that louse would ever get!” Justin shot back angrily, trying to be quiet.
“I don’t think he meant a job. He mentioned his girlfriend and her son or something,” the man replied.
Justin exhaled the breath he had been holding, “I thought for sure this would work.”
“What would work? Campbell, what are you trying to do?” the man asked.
“Nevermind, I have to go,” Justin said and quickly hung up as he saw Gus and Harley come into the station.
“Morning Justin,” Harley said cheerfully and noticed Justin’s angry expression, “What’s wrong?”
“Oh nothing, you know, stubborn informants,” he covered. “Welcome back Aitoro,” he said half-heartedly.
“Thanks,” Gus said with a smile on his face, oblivious to Justin’s tone.
“Oh Aitoro, good you’re here. Can I see you in my office?” Chief Franklin asked as he came out of his office.
“Sure can, Chief,” Gus replied then followed him back into his office, whistling.
“He’s in a good mood,” Justin commented to Harley.
“Must be glad to be home,” Harley replied casually as she went to get a cup of coffee.
“So what did he need to go to DC for? Did he tell you? Was he looking for a job?” Justin asked.
“No, he wasn’t looking for a job,” Harley answered.
“Well, that did they want him for?”
“Umm…I don’t think it’s my place to tell you,” she replied and went to her desk.
“What’s up Chief?” Gus asked as he took a seat across from Franklin’s desk.
“I got a phone call this morning.”
“Okay…” Gus said not knowing where this was going.
“From Charlie Sheffield in DC,” Franklin continued.
“Oh.”
“They offered you a job?”
“Yes.”
“And you turned them down?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, first of all, I’m glad that you are staying here with us instead of going back to the FBI and I am flattered that this job is keeping you from taking the other one. You’re a good detective and a great asset to this department. Second of all, I hope you don’t think this is going to get you a raise. And thirdly, are you crazy? You turned down a job with the FBI for us?” Franklin said unbelievably.
Gus let out a little laugh, “Well, sir, don’t flatter yourself too much. I didn’t refuse the position because of my glorious job here. At least, that wasn’t the only reason.”
“Then why did you turn it down?” he asked confused.
Gus leaned back in his chair and turned his head to look out the window Harley who was sitting at her desk, then looked back at Franklin with a sly smile, “Don’t ask, don’t tell, remember?”
Franklin nodded knowingly but with a surprised look on his face. He sat back in his chair and let out a sigh. “I’m serious about that raise,” he finally said.
“We’ll talk about that some other time,” Gus joked as he stood up and left the office.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:40:19 GMT -5
“I think you tricked me into leaving my stuff here this morning just so you could get me into bed,” Gus teased as he sat on the side of the bed and reached on the floor for his underwear.
“It worked, didn’t it?” Harley asked as she rolled over and pulled the sheet up over her. “Where you going?”
“I’m getting dressed, as should you. Phillip is bringing Zach over soon,” he replied.
“In a half an hour,” Harley said, “Come here.”
“We both know if I get back in that bed, I will never want to leave,” Gus said as he stood up and put his pants back on. “We can cuddle downstairs, dressed.”
Harley groaned as she rolled out of bed and put some clothes on. Gus picked up his duffel bag and got his garment bag out of the closet and they went downstairs. He set down his bags by the laundry basket that was full of his clothes that was sitting by the loveseat, then fell onto the couch and pulled Harley down on top of him and kissed her.
“I am not ready to leave you yet,” he sighed as he kissed her forehead as she moved between the back of the couch and Gus.
“Then don’t go,” Harley replied, “Stay as long as you want. Stay all night,” she said as she kissed his neck.
“Come on baby, we talked about this. Not when Zach is here.”
“Okay, well, Zach is always here. So how long is this going to go on?” Harley asked. “In five years, are you still not going to be spending the night because Zach is here?”
“Of course not,” he replied, “I just think for now, it’s best if we take this slowly. I mean, Zach seeing Mommy and Gus kissing on the couch is one thing, but seeing them in bed together is another.”
Harley sighed as she laid her head back on his chest, “I know you’re right. I just hate you having to leave all the time.”
“I know,” Gus said as he found her hand. “Five years? I figured you thought I would break your heart long before that,” Gus teased.
Harley laughed, “Maybe I used to,” she said, “But now it’s different. And I don’t think I’m going to let you go.”
“Well, you’re not going to hear any complaints from me,” Gus said as he lifted her chin and kissed her deeply.
As soon as Harley settled back into his chest, the doorbell rang. She looked at her watch and groaned.
“They’re early,” she said as she pushed herself off of Gus and got up to answer the door.
When she opened it, she didn’t see Phillip and Zach, however, she saw Frank.
“Frank! Hey,” Harley said when she saw him. “Come on in.”
“Hey sis!” he said as he kissed her cheek and walked in the house. “Oh, I thought you would be alone,” he added as he saw Gus sitting on the couch.
There was an awkward silence between the three until Gus finally stood up.
“Well, I think it’s time for me to go,” he said as he looked around for his shoes.
Harley started to protest, but knew Frank came over for a reason and Gus being there would strain whatever he had to say.
“Where are my shoes?” Gus asked as he looked under the pillows of the couch.
“Upstairs, maybe?” Harley suggested and Gus started up the stairs to Harley’s bedroom to look.
When he got upstairs, Harley turned to Frank, “So what’s up?” she asked as she continued looking for Gus’s shoes.
“Well, I just wanted to talk to you. We haven’t gotten to talk all weekend,” he replied as he moved around out of Harley’s way as she searched the living room.
“Here they are,” she said as she pulled Gus’s shoes from behind the love seat. “Honey, they’re down here,” she yelled up the stairs.
“We talked on Saturday,” she said to Frank.
“Yeah, but not really,” he replied. “It’s like once Aitoro got back I lost you.”
“Frank…” she began, but stopped when Gus came back downstairs.
“Thanks,” he said as he took his shoes from her and put them on.
He threw his duffel bag over his shoulder and laid his garment bag over the laundry basket and put it in his other arm. He suddenly put down the basket and started patting his pockets.
“Keys?” Harley asked and he nodded.
She looked on the little table by the door and held up his keys. He picked up the basket and kissed her then took his keys.
“Thank you. Tell Zach I said hi. I’ll call you tonight,” he said as she opened the door.
“Okay,” Harley replied as she grabbed him by the collar and gave him a deep, but quick kiss. “Bye.”
“Bye,” Gus smiled, then nodded in Frank’s direction, “Later, Frank.”
With a smile on her face, Harley turned back to Frank who had taken a seat on the couch.
“So what’s up?” she asked as she sat on the couch beside him.
“Is he living here now?” Frank asked.
“What?”
“The shoes upstairs, the laundry…”
“No, he’s not living here. He stayed here this weekend and I told him to do his laundry here instead of going to the Laundromat. It’s not a big deal, Frank.”
“I heard about the job,” Frank said.
“Yeah,” Harley replied, wondering where he was headed.
“I just found it interesting, that’s all.”
“Yeah, well you know what? So did I Frank. I know you think that he will break my heart, and I did too. I mean, really, since we got together, I’ve just been waiting for the ball to drop, but it hasn’t. And when he turned that job down for me, that said so much. He loves me, Frank, and I love him.”
Frank shifted uncomfortably in his seat, “But for how long, Harley? I mean do you really see yourself with him in five years?”
Harley thought back to the conversation she and Gus had just before Frank got there and smiled confidently at Frank, “Yes I do.”
Frank let out a disappointed smile, “He is not the right guy for you,” he said shaking his head.
“Why not? Because he loves me and Zach and gave up his dream job so he could be with us? I know, he’s just a horrible man,” Harley said rolling her eyes.
“Because he’s Gus Aitoro, Harley. Remember, the guy who came to Springfield hell bent on getting revenge on the Santos family. The guy who fabricated evidence against Danny?”
“That was a long time ago, Frank,” Harley protested.
“It wasn’t that long ago, Harley.”
“You don’t know him like I do,” she replied quietly.
“Maybe you don’t know him like I do,” Frank shot back, “You see what you want to see.”
“So do you! Don’t tell me I see what I want to see when for months, I pushed him away, trying not to see the kind of man that he is.”
“Harley, I’m just trying to protect you. I don’t want to see you get hurt again,” Frank assured her.
“And I don’t want to be hurt again, but I’m not going to spend my life running from anyone or anything that could hurt me. And I know you are trying to protect me, and I love you for that. You’ve always been the one person I could count on, and I can’t even begin to thank you for that. But you don’t have to protect me from Gus. I’m not asking you to like him. I’m just asking you to be happy for me. Please,” she pleaded as she stood up. “I love you, but I’m not going to give up Gus just because you don’t like him.”
Before Frank had a chance to respond, the doorbell rang.
“That’s Phillip with Zach,” Harley said as she turned to go answer the door.
Zach jumped into Harley’s arms when the door opened and she carried him into the living while Phillip followed with Zach’s stuff.
“Hi, Uncle Frank!” Zach said as he jumped up on the couch.
“Hey buddy,” Frank said as he reached over and gave Zach a noogie sending him into a fit of laughter.
“How was he?” Harley asked Phillip.
“Good, like always. You have him this coming weekend, right?” he asked.
“Yeah. And next weekend, are you able to take him Friday night? Because I have to do stuff with Blake, and I’m not sure what you have planned with Ross and Ed. If you can’t take him, Dad can watch him.”
“No, I can take him, that’s fine. Then he’ll just stay with me all weekend?”
“Sure,” Harley replied.
“Good. I have to go,” Phillip said as he went over and picked Zach up and gave him a kiss. “I’ll see you later, okay, buddy?”
Zach nodded and wriggled out of Phillip’s arms back to the couch with Frank.
“Thanks for bringing him over,” Harley said as she walked Phillip to the door.
After he left, Harley turned back to Frank and Zach.
“Hey, Zach, why don’t you take your stuff upstairs?” she suggested and Zach grabbed his bag and rushed up the stairs.
“Were we finished?” she asked Frank when Zach got out of earshot.
“I guess we were because nothing you have said has changed my mind, and it probably never will,” Frank replied as he stood up.
“Well, then that’s your problem,” Harley said as Frank’s pager went off.
He looked at it, then back at Harley, “I have to go. We’ll talk more later,” he said.
“You know what, I really don’t want to,” she replied as she opened the door for him.
Frank sighed as Zach came back downstairs.
“Bye Zacheroo,” he said as he waved to him.
“Bye Uncle Frank!” Zach replied as he pulled some toys out of his toybox in the corner.
“Bye,” he said to Harley before he left.
After she shut the door, Harley put her head in her hands and let out an exasperated sigh.
“Come on sweetie, let’s find something for dinner,” she said as Zach picked up a toy truck and followed her into the kitchen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:42:41 GMT -5
Later that night after she put Zach to bed, Harley rushed downstairs to answer the ringing phone before it woke him up.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Hey,” she heard Gus’s voice on the other end and a smile immediately came to her face.
“Hi,” she replied, “I’m so glad it’s you.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” he asked. “Did something happen with Phillip when he brought Zach home?”
“No, not Phillip,” Harley replied with a little laugh, “It’s Frank, but it’s not a big deal.”
“Yeah right, do you want to talk about it?”
“Can you come over?” she asked.
“Yeah, if you want me to,” he replied.
“I do.”
“Okay, I’ll be over in a little bit,” Gus said then they hung up.
When Gus knocked on the door fifteen minutes later, Harley opened it up and immediately she was in his arms.
“Baby, what happened?” he asked as he stroked her hair.
“I just need to know that you’re the man I think you are,” she replied as she reached up and kissed him softly.
“Is that what this is about? Me?” he asked.
Harley took his hand and led him over to the couch where they sat down.
“Did I do something? Honey, talk to me,” Gus said, confused as to what Harley was so upset about.
“No, you didn’t do anything. It’s not you. Frank was just…I don’t know what he was trying to do.”
“But it was about me?”
Harley nodded, “He was saying that I see what I want to see when it comes to you and that you’re not the right guy for me.”
“Oh,” Gus replied, “I…I don’t know what to say to that.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I know he’s wrong. I know you. And if making me smile and laugh and feel the way that I feel when I’m with you makes you the wrong guy for me, then you know what, I don’t want the right guy. I just want you,” she said as she leaned over and kissed him.
“Should I talk to him?” Gus asked.
“No,” Harley answered quickly, “I mean, I know you think you would be helping, but it probably wouldn’t. It doesn’t matter, I’m not going to let him get between us.”
“But I don’t want to get between you and him. Harley, he’s your brother.”
“I know, but he’ll get over this, eventually.”
“I’m sorry,” Gus said quietly as Harley leaned back against his chest.
“For what?”
“For not being the kind of man that your family can feel good about,” he answered.
“Don’t…” Harley said quietly. “I feel good about you. That’s all I care about.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A few days later when Harley walked into the station, she saw another bouquet of flowers on her desk. She shook her head and smiled as she pulled out the card.
Thinking about you… was all it said.
She looked around for Gus, but he wasn’t in yet, so she just sat down and started working.
A few minutes later, while Harley was out in the hallway talking to another officer, Gus showed up. He smiled at her and started walking past her but she reached out and stopped him.
“Aitoro, wait a second,” she said, then finished up her conversation with the other officer then he went back to work.
“What’s up?” Gus asked.
“Thank you,” she said as she smiled up at him.
“For what?” he asked.
“For the flowers, they’re beautiful.”
“What flowers?”
Harley laughed, “What do you mean, ‘What flowers’? The flowers that you sent me. They were here this morning when I came in.”
“Harley, I didn’t buy you flowers,” he said quietly as they walked towards their desks.
“Then who did?” she asked.
“That’s a good question,” he said as she showed him the card and he looked at her.
“These really aren’t from you?”
“No, they’re really not,” he assured her as Justin came into the station and watched them deep in quiet conversation.
“Maybe they were meant for someone else,” Harley thought outloud, then turned to Patrick who was sitting at his desk working.
“Hey Patrick, were you here when these came?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Who delivered them?”
“Some florist place, I’m not really sure.”
“Are you sure they were for me?” Harley asked.
“Yeah, the delivery guy asked for you specifically, unless there’s another Harley Cooper here somewhere.”
“Okay, thanks,” Harley replied, then threw the flowers in the garbage can.
“What are you doing?” Gus asked her.
“Well, I don’t want them if they’re not from you,” she replied.
“Maybe they’re from Frank or your dad,” he suggested.
“Thinking about you? Come on, it’s not from them,” she replied.
Gus shrugged and they both went to work and forgot all about the mysterious flowers.
Later that day, after they came back from lunch, there were more flowers on Harley’s desk.
“Okay, this is getting weird,” she said as they looked at the card.
This one said Still thinking about you…
“You must have a secret admirer,” Gus teased.
“I don’t want a secret admirer,” Harley replied as she tossed the flowers into the trash with the ones from earlier and walked away.
Justin came over to where Gus was standing by Harley’s desk and pointed to the garbage can.
“They from you?” he asked Gus.
“What? Why would they be from me?” Gus asked.
“It’s okay, I know you two are together,” Justin told him.
Gus looked at him without a reaction for awhile. “How did you know?” he asked.
“I saw you guys at Company one day and I put two and two together. It’s fine, I’m really happy for you guys,” he assured Gus.
“Thanks,” Gus cautiously replied.
“So are they from you? If they are, you must have done something wrong if she’s throwing them away,” Justin said.
“No, they’re not from me,” Gus replied.
“Oh. Then who are they from?”
“We don’t know.”
“Your girlfriend gets flowers that aren’t from you?” Justin asked with his eyebrows raised. “I don’t know…” he added as he walked away leaving Gus standing at Harley’s desk with the latest card in his hand, wondering.
Less than an hour later, a delivery man walked into the station with another bunch of flowers. He headed straight for Harley’s desk since he had been there before, but this time, Harley was at her desk. When she saw them, she stood up.
“You have got to be kidding me,” she said. “Can you tell me who is sending these flowers?” she asked the delivery man.
“I’m sorry, but the order was anonymous,” the man replied.
“How were they paid for?” Gus asked.
“Cash. The order was in the mailbox this morning for the three bouquets.”
“Okay, from now on, I don’t want anymore flowers. So don’t take anymore orders for flowers for me unless the person gives a name,” Harley insisted.
The man hesitated, “I’m not sure I can do that…”
“Consider it an official police request,” she said firmly.
The man nodded and set the flowers on the desk.
“So what does the card say this time?” she asked as Gus pulled it out of the arrangement and opened it.
He looked at it, but didn’t say anything.
“What does it say?” she asked.
He looked up at her, “Last week was great. Hope we can do it again sometime,” he read from the card then handed it to her.
“What?” she asked as she grabbed it and looked for herself. It said exactly what Gus had told her.
When she looked up, Gus was still looking at her.
“Are you sure you don’t know who these are from?” he asked quietly.
Harley looked at him in shock, “What are you asking me?”
Gus didn’t say anything, but kept looking at her.
“Come with me,” she said quietly then turned away and walked down the hallway and outside.
When they got outside, they went around the corner of the building.
“I don’t know who the flowers are from,” she said firmly. “The only person who should be sending me flowers is you. And that is the truth.”
Gus looked down at the ground and let out a big breath.
“I know,” he said as he reached over and pulled her into his arms, “I’m sorry.”
She looked up and kissed him softly on the lips then hit him playfully.
“And why aren’t you the one sending me flowers?”
Gus laughed, “Sorry, I’ll send you some tomorrow.”
“I think I’ve seen enough flowers to last me the rest of my life,” she replied. “Are we okay?”
“Yes, of course. I’m sorry,” Gus apologized again and they started back into the station.
“Oh, Justin knows about us, by the way,” he informed her.
“What? How did he find out?” she asked.
“He said he saw us at Company. But he’s happy for us. He’s a nice guy,” Gus replied.
“Yeah, he is,” Harley replied as they went back to their desks and she threw the third bunch of flowers in the garbage can.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:44:49 GMT -5
Two weeks later, both Gus and Harley have basically forgotten about the strange flowers Harley got. It’s the day of Blake and Ross’s wedding. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After the ceremony, Gus looked around for Harley, but everytime he found her and started to make his way towards her, she would move somewhere else.
Harley looked through the crowd for Gus. Finally, she saw him, but it looked like he was looking for someone. She hoped it was her he was looking for and started walking towards him, but Cassie grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the crowd.
“Come on, we have to go get pictures,” she said.
Harley started to protest, but before she could get a word out, she was in the limo with Cassie, Ed, Phillip, Zach and Clarissa. Blake and Ross soon joined them and the limo was off to the park where they would get pictures taken.
Gus watched as the limo pulled away and knew he would have to wait until the reception to see Harley.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Gus went to the bar with Frank to get a drink while they were waiting for the wedding party to show up. Things had been more strained between them than usual since Harley and Frank’s argument a few weeks ago. Even their relationship was tense because of it. Gus had hoped that maybe they could work things out tonight, so he took the opportunity to buddy up to Frank. He started out on a common ground.
“So do you think we’ll get this Carson case wrapped up anytime soon?” he asked.
“I hope so. I’m getting sick of working with you,” Frank replied as he took his drink from the bartender.
“Yeah, okay,” Gus said as he took a sip of his scotch. This was not going like he wanted it to. He looked around the room and saw someone he really didn’t want to see.
“Is that the Commissioner?” he asked Frank.
“Yes it is,” Frank said as he looked at the man sitting beside Chief Franklin.
“Fabulous,” Gus said under his breath. If the Commissioner was going to be there, he and Harley would have to be careful about their public displays of affection. Careful to the point of not having any.
Gus sighed as he threw back the rest of his drink and set the empty glass on the bar.
“Ruins your plans for the evening, doesn’t it?” Frank asked, not hiding his glee well.
“Look, Frank, I know that you don’t like me. I know that you think I’m going to hurt Harley, and that’s fine. I obviously can’t make you think otherwise. But I’ve seen Harley these past couple of weeks and it really hurts her that you don’t trust her. I love your sister, and I have no intentions on hurting her, and you can believe it or not believe it, but it’s the truth. Just don’t blame me if you drive her away,” Gus said then left Frank standing at the bar while he wandered over to the table that Franklin and the Commissioner were sitting at.
“Chief Franklin, Commissioner Johnson, Campbell, are you all enjoying yourselves?” he asked them.
“Aitoro,” Franklin greeted.
“Detective Aitoro,” the Commissioner said after he downed his glass of scotch, “I didn’t think you would be here.”
“At the wedding of the future DA? Where else would I be?”
“I guess that’s true. Rumor has it you passed up a fabulous offer for our little department.”
“Well, there were a lot of factors that contributed to my decision to stay, but I made the right choice,” Gus replied.
“And we’re glad you did,” he said as he got up and patted Gus on the back before he staggered over to the bar for another drink.
“Is he going to be here long?” Gus asked Franklin.
“Nah, I’ll put him in a cab after dinner and a few more drinks. Just keep your pants on until then,” Franklin replied with a sly grin.
Gus let out a little laugh and went back to his table with Buzz, Frank, Reva, Josh, Billy, Holly and Richard. As he sat down, the bandleader went up to the microphone and announced that the wedding party had arrived if everyone would take their seats. He announced Zach and Clarissa who came down the stairs and stood at the bottom like Harley and Blake had instructed them. Then he announced Cassie and Phillip and Harley and Ed. Gus’s eyes went right to the entrance at the top of the stairs when he heard Harley’s name and he smiled as he saw her walk down the stairs on Ed’s arm. Finally, the bandleader asked everyone to stand and announced Ross and Blake. Gus knew the bride was supposed to be the most beautiful woman at the wedding, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of Harley. Blake was in a stunning slim fitting strapless gown, and Harley and Cassie were in matching gold dresses with halter necks and low backs. Finally after they all sat down and Ed gave his toast, as the waiters began bringing the food around, they locked eyes and smiled at each other. Gus motioned his head towards Franklin and the Commissioner and Harley followed it and saw what he was pointing out. She looked back at him with a disappointed look on her face and he motioned that the Commissioner had been drinking and she started laughing as a waiter set a plate in front of her. Gus put his fingers to his lips and blew her a little kiss before she began eating.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:46:18 GMT -5
By the time Harley had finished her dinner, Gus’s table had just gotten theirs. After she saw Franklin escort Commissioner Johnson out of the room and come back in alone, Harley got up and went to the bar and got herself a glass of champagne and since she knew he liked a drink after he was done eating, a scotch for Gus. She walked up behind him, wrapped her arms around his neck, set his drink on the table and kissed his cheek.
He immediately pushed his plate away and put his hands on his arms and leaned his head back against her.
“Hi guys,” she greeted everyone as Gus pulled her around, pushed out his chair and pulled her into his lap.
Everyone at the table greeted Harley then went back to their dinners and conversations.
“Hi,” Harley said quietly to Gus.
“Hi yourself,” Gus replied.
“Johnson’s gone,” she informed him and leaned in for a kiss. “I brought you a drink.”
“I see that. Thank you,” Gus replied then leaned his forehead against hers. “You look beautiful,” he whispered and she felt his breath move across her chest.
“So do you,” she smiled as she played with his bowtie. “But this dress is so itchy! And my feet already hurt from these shoes,” she whined.
“Take them off, then. The shoes I mean,” Gus replied as he played with a piece of hair that was hanging down from her up-do.
“I probably will after the first dance with Ed,” she replied with a quick kiss. “I’m going to let you eat and I’ll go mingle,” she continued as she stood up.
“Alright,” Gus replied as she started to walk away. “Harley,” he called after her and she turned around and came back. “I get the second dance.”
Harley ran her hand down his cheek, “Of course,” she said as she leaned down and kissed him.
Gus went back to his dinner and Harley headed over to the table that Rick, Mel, Michelle, Danny, Meta and Ray were sitting at. She stood and talked to them for a little bit until Danny’s cell phone rang. He excused himself and started walking outside. Harley also excused herself and followed him on the way over to the table where most of the police department was sitting.
“I told you, I want no parts of this. And I told you not to call me,” Harley heard Danny say angrily into his phone.
Harley rolled her eyes and hoped this wasn’t anything she would have to deal with later and greeted her fellow officers.
After everyone had finished eating, the bandleader once again announced Blake and Ross and they had their first dance. Harley and Ed and Cassie and Phillip joined them on the dancefloor. Even Zach and Clarissa gave slow dancing a chance, which provided for some cute Kodak moments, but they ended up chasing each other around the room after a few minutes.
Pretty soon, Holly came and cut in on Ed and Harley and left Harley without a dancing partner in the middle of the dance floor. Gus had been watching her with Ed and as soon as he saw she was free, he headed over to join her. As soon as Holly took Ed away, Harley turned around to look for Gus and she saw him walking towards her. When he got to her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, lifted her off the floor and twirled her around in a tight embrace.
“You got over here quick,” she observed.
“Can’t let someone as beautiful as you alone out here too long. Someone might come by and steal you away,” he replied as he nuzzled into her neck.
“Not a chance,” she assured him as she ran her hand through his hair.
“I missed you,” he said quietly.
“I know. I’m so used to seeing you every day. The past two days without you have been weird,” she agreed.
They danced until a faster song came on and Gus suggested they go get a drink. When they got back to the table it was full, so Harley sat on Gus’s lap. She crossed her legs and the slit in her skirt revealed the length of her leg from ankle to mid thigh. Gus couldn’t resist running his hand up her leg from her knee and kept it rested on her thigh.
“Harley, what day did you say you were having Zach’s party?” Cassie asked.
“The first,” Harley answered.
“It’s at your house?”
“Yep. I hope it doesn’t rain, I can’t imagine all those kids running through my house!”
“What should I bring?” Cassie asked.
“Nothing,” Harley replied. “I’ve already put these three on grill duty,” she said motioning to Gus, Buzz and Frank. “They’re going to cook hamburgers and hot dogs and it’s just going to be picnic stuff.”
“Are you doing anything on his birthday?” Frank asked.
“Yeah, we’re taking him to his first Cubs game,” she answered.
“We?” Frank wondered.
Harley shot him a look, “We,” she replied, pointing to herself and Gus.
“Oh,” Frank replied and an awkward silence fell over the table.
Gus interrupted the silence and Harley’s glare at Frank by whispering in her ear.
“I’m gonna go smoke,” he said.
“I’ll go with you,” she replied as she stood up and they headed out to the patio.
On the way out, they passed Justin who was on his cell phone.
“Hey Campbell,” Gus said as he patted him on the back, “It’s your night off. Forget about police work for awhile.”
Justin hit the end button on his phone and turned to see Gus standing in front of him with Harley at his side.
“Hey. Yeah, I know, old habits,” he replied.
“Why don’t you go find a pretty girl and go dance,” Gus suggested.
Justin looked at Harley, “Can I maybe dance with you first?” he asked, “I mean, I already know you, that way I can get warmed up.”
“Maybe later,” Harley replied, “we’re going to go outside for a little bit.”
Justin nodded, “Later?” he asked.
Harley nodded and she and Gus continued on to the patio. Justin watched them walk away with Gus’s hand on Harley’s back and her arm around his waist. After they got outside, Justin made another call on his cell phone.
“Did you do it?” he asked.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s done,” the voice on the other end assured him and he hung up.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:47:46 GMT -5
Harley and Gus found a dark corner of the patio and before Gus could get his pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, Harley had him pushed up against the wall in a kiss.
“What was that for?” he asked breathless.
“I’ve been wanting to do that all night,” Harley replied. “And I wanted to do it before you stuck one of those in your mouth,” she continued as she pointed to the pack of cigarettes he had pulled out. “I thought you told me you were going to quit.”
“I’m cutting back,” he corrected her. “I haven’t had one since like noon,” he continued.
“Right,” Harley said as she sat in the one of the patio chairs as Gus lit his cigarette. “So how was work?” she asked as Gus sat in the chair across from her, took off his jacket and handed it to her to put on.
“Boring. This case is driving me crazy. We know it’s one of the Chicago crime families, we just don’t have any proof,” he replied.
“Hmm…” she mused as she put her arms through the sleeves of his jacket.
“What?”
“It’s probably nothing, but I heard Danny talking on the phone earlier. It struck me as weird,” she explained.
“What was he saying?”
“He was saying he didn’t want any parts of it, whatever it is, and that whoever he was talking to wasn’t supposed to call him.”
Gus processed what she just told him, but didn’t say anything.
“Gus, is there anything that connects the Santos family to this murder?” she asked quietly after she looked around to make sure no one was around.
“No,” he replied, “at least nothing more than we have on any of the other families.”
“What about Carson? Any new info on him?”
“Oh yeah, he used to be a beat cop in Chicago. It was a long time ago though, he quit the force about 20 years ago,” he caught her up.
“So it would make sense if it was one of the families.”
“Yeah, it would,” Gus replied softly as he put out his cigarette in a nearby ashtray, “perfect sense.”
Harley reached over and put her hand on Gus’s knee, “Did he know your dad?” she asked.
Gus shrugged, “I don’t know. He might have.”
“Do you think that has something to do with this?”
“I don’t think so. That was almost 25 years ago,” he replied as they both stood up.
He reached over and pulled out a pack of gum from the inside pocket of his jacket that Harley was still wearing.
She looked up at him as he put a piece of gum in his mouth and put the pack back in his pocket.
“That’s an interesting way to cop a feel,” she teased.
“It’s gotta last me until the night’s over,” he replied as he pulled her close and kissed her.
“Let’s go back inside, it’s been too long without Frank giving me dirty looks,” Gus joked as he put his arm around Harley and led her inside.
When they got back inside, Ross called Gus over to where he was talking to Josh, Billy and Richard. Harley saw the girls over at the bar, so she gave Gus his jacket back and joined them.
“Hey, where were you?” Blake asked.
“We were outside. What’s up?”
“Tequila,” Cassie replied as she handed her a full shot glass.
“Bottom’s up,” Reva winked and all four women shot back their alcohol.
“I needed that,” Harley said as she put the empty shot glass back on the bar.
“Why? What’s wrong?” Cassie asked.
“Frank,” Harley answered simply, “he hates Gus, can’t stand Gus, refuses to acknowledge the fact that I love Gus.”
“He’ll get over it,” Blake said.
“When?” Harley whined.
“Forget about Frank,” Cassie said, “Someone has a birthday coming up!”
Reva turned to Harley, “You’ll be twenty-nine right?”
Harley smiled, “That’s right. I will be twenty-nine, again,” she laughed.
“I’ve been twenty-nine for over a decade,” Reva joked.
“So what are you doing for your birthday?” Blake asked.
“Um, I don’t really know yet,” she replied.
“Gus hasn’t made huge plans for the two of you?” Cassie wondered.
“He hasn’t said anything.”
“Did he forget?” Reva asked.
“I don’t know,” Harley shrugged.
“Well, I’m sure he didn’t forget,” Blake assured her, “Maybe he just hasn’t had time to bring it up. Oh by the way, I’m aiming the bouquet at you, so make sure you catch it.”
“Me? Yikes!”
“Yes you, so get ready to dive if necessary,” Blake finished as Gus came over to them.
“Honey, why don’t you go dance with Justin,” he suggested as he looked over to where Justin looked bored to death at the table with Franklin and the current DA.
“Are you sure?” she asked, “You’re not going to be jealous?”
“Should I be?” Gus asked then shook his head, “I know who’s going home with you,” he added as he kissed her.
“One dance, and then I get you again,” she said as she went to get Justin.
Justin quickly accepted her invitation to a dance and they found an empty spot towards the middle of the dance floor.
Blake grabbed Gus’s arm, “You do know that Harley’s birthday is next Friday, right?” she asked.
“Of course,” he replied, “Why?”
“Well, are you doing anything?” Cassie asked.
“Yes,” Gus answered.
“What?”
“Well, I want it to be a surprise, so I am sure as hell not telling you, Blake,” he said with a smile.
While they danced, Justin and Harley made small talk. He asked about Zach and they talked a little about work. When the song was over, Harley thanked Justin for the dance and pulled away.
“Aitoro’s a lucky guy,” he said as he kissed her cheek.
Harley smiled, “Thank you,” she said then went to find Gus and pulled him back on the dance floor.
Pretty soon, Blake called all the single women out on the floor for the bouquet toss and winked at Harley. Sure enough, the bouquet came right to Harley and she didn’t even have to try to catch it. She rolled her eyes, smiled politely and joined Gus on the edge of the dance floor while Ross took off Blake’s garter. Harley surveyed the single guys in the room and the only ones she knew well were Buzz, Frank, Justin, Phillip, Billy, Ed, Tony and Bill. Well, she definitely didn’t want her father, brother, ex-husband, or Justin sliding the garter up her leg. She grabbed Gus’s collar as he headed out onto the dance floor for the garter toss.
“You better catch that garter if it kills you,” she warned with a smile.
“It’s mine,” he promised and joined the rest of the guys.
The fight for the garter was a little more physical than the bouquet toss was. Ross ended up tossing it towards Justin, so Gus quickly moved towards him and reached up to grab it. Justin wasn’t giving up easily and stuck his hand up over Gus’s since he was taller. At the last minute, the garter stopped and fell into Gus’s hand and he smiled at Harley triumphantly.
“Told you it was mine,” he whispered into Harley’s ear as he pulled her with him over to the chair that was set up for them.
“I don’t want to overshadow the newlyweds, so I’ll do this quickly,” he said as he knelt down in front of her and looked at her with a smile.
He slipped the garter over her bare foot and up her leg, over her knee and up her thigh above where the slit in her dress ended.
“What is it they say about the people who catch the bouquet and the garter? They’re the next to get married?” Gus asked with a sly smile as his rough fingers trailed up the smooth skin of her leg.
“That’s what they say,” she replied back.
Gus grabbed her hand and kissed it then pulled her out of the chair.
“Think they’re right?” he asked as she wrapped her arms around his neck while they danced.
“You never know,” she replied as she kissed him and rested her head on his shoulder.
Gus buried his face in her neck and covered it with kisses, “I love you,” he whispered in her ear.
“I love you too,” she replied as she lifted her head and looked into his sparkling eyes.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:48:02 GMT -5
“What a long day,” Harley sighed as she fell onto the couch when she and Gus got back to her house. She looked over at the phone and saw the message light blinking.
She went over and pressed the play button and let the messages play. One was from Gus from that morning when he called to say good morning, but missed her. She looked back at him sitting on the couch and smiled as the second message began. For a few seconds, there was nothing but silence, but soon a male voice began talking.
“Hi babe, I just wanted to call and say what a great time I had last night and that I’m thinking about you,” the voice said then hung up.
When Gus heard the message, he stood up and joined Harley at the phone.
“Who was that?” he asked.
Harley turned and looked at him shocked, “I don’t know.”
Neither of them said anything for a little while and Harley broke the silence, “Gus you don’t believe this, do you?” she asked, her voice shaky.
“No,” he shook his head, “No, of course not. It’s just weird. You weren’t with anyone last night?” he asked.
“No? Blake was here all night,” she replied. “Gus, this is the same person who sent me all those flowers, it has to be.”
“Do you recognize the voice?” he asked and she shook her head. “You know what they’re trying to do, right? They’re trying to make me think you’re cheating on me. Who would do that Coop?”
“I don’t know. It’s like they are trying to get us to not trust each other. Why would anyone want that?” she asked then answered her own question even though she didn’t believe what came out of her mouth, “Frank.”
“Frank? Come on, Harley. If this was Frank, he would make it look like I was cheating on you, not the other way around.”
“You’re right, and Frank wouldn’t do this. This is creepy,” she replied, “This guy knows my phone number, he knows where I live, he knows where I work.”
“Do you think this is serious?” Gus asked, worried.
“I don’t know. Maybe someone has the wrong number or something, I don’t know.”
“Well, maybe he’ll call back, and we can get a trace on the number,” Gus said. “Don’t worry,” he said as he pulled Harley over to the couch and held her tight.
Not long after they settled on the couch and Harley’s heartbeat got back to normal, the phone rang and Harley looked at Gus.
“Will you get that?” she asked and he quickly got up and answered the phone.
“Hello?”
“Uh, hi,” the female voice on the other end said, “you must be Gus.”
Gus looked over at Harley, “Must I?”
“Well, if you’re not, I’m wondering what other guy is answering my mother’s phone at almost midnight.”
“You must be Susan then,” he replied with a smile and Harley jumped off the couch at the mention of her daughter’s name.
“Yes, can I please speak to Harley?” Susan asked.
“Of course, here she is,” Gus said as he passed the phone to Harley.
“Susan! What’s wrong? Why are you calling so late?” Harley asked hurriedly.
“Don’t worry, nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to let you know that I’m coming home for Zach’s birthday. I’ll be home that Friday and my flight back isn’t until Wednesday, so I’ll be home for awhile,” she answered.
“Oh good! Zach will be so excited,” Harley said, “and of course I am too.”
“Yeah, and I can finally meet this Gus I keep hearing about.”
“Yes, that too,” Harley said, “We’re taking Zach to the Cubs game Monday night? Did you want to come?”
“Yeah that sounds great,” Susan replied.
“Good,” Harley said and they talked for a little while longer and all thoughts of the message on Harley’s machine left her mind.
After she hung up with Susan, she pulled Gus off the couch and led him upstairs.
“Susan’s coming home for Zach’s birthday,” she told him.
“That’s what I gathered. I can’t wait to meet her. I’ll get an extra ticket for the game.”
“I can’t wait for you two to meet. She’s going to love you,” Harley said as they walked into her room.
“That’s great, but right now, I just want you to love me,” Gus teased as he took off his jacket and began unbuttoning his shirt.
Pretty soon, they were both out of their clothes and tangled up in each other in bed.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:48:15 GMT -5
The next Friday came and Gus still hadn’t said anything to Harley about her birthday. She even reminded him that she wouldn’t be working that day and he had just brushed it off. She got out of bed with a sigh thinking what a lousy birthday it was bound to be if her boyfriend didn’t even remember it. She got up and showered and dressed and looked in on Zach who was still fast asleep.
Not long after she got downstairs, the doorbell rang and she went to answer it. Cassie was standing on the other side and had a big smile on her face.
“Happy Birthday!” she exclaimed, “I wanted to bring alcohol, but it’s really early, so I brought coffee instead,” she said as she held up two coffees. “What’s wrong?” she asked when she saw the disappointed look on Harley’s face.
“It’s nothing, come on in,” Harley said.
“Hmm…I think your mood will change if you look behind me,” Cassie said as she moved out of the way.
Behind Cassie on the bench across from the door was a brown stuffed teddy bear holding a bouquet of yellow roses. The bear was probably four feet tall and had a red and white checkered bow tie around its neck. In it’s lap by the roses was an envelope with Harley’s name on it.
Harley’s disappointed frown turned into a huge smile as she reached over for the letter and opened it.
I bet you thought I forgot, didn’t you? I didn’t- I just wanted to surprise you. I hope you have a smile on your face and you don’t want to kill me. So here’s part one of your surprise: Phillip is picking Zach up at 10 and he’s keeping him for the weekend. I’m picking you up at 1:30 and I’m keeping YOU for the weekend. Pack a bag with a dress for tonight and clothes for tomorrow and Sunday. Oh, and bring some warm clothes with you too. I’ll see you later, baby. Happy Birthday!
Harley smiled and passed the letter to Cassie as she walked over to the bench and looked at the huge bear. She bent over and smelled the yellow roses it was holding.
“Oh my gosh,” she exclaimed as her nose picked up a scent that didn’t belong to the flowers.
“What?” Cassie wondered.
“He sprayed the bear with his cologne! He knows I love that smell,” Harley replied as she picked up the bear and smelled its fur then held it out for Cassie to smell.
“I’ve never noticed Gus’s cologne before,” Cassie said.
“He doesn’t wear very much,” she replied, “you have to be pretty close to smell it. What time is it?” she asked.
“Almost nine-thirty,” Cassie answered.
“I have to get Zach up and ready,” she said as they went back into the house and Harley set the bear on the couch and set the flowers on the coffee table.
“Do you have a vase? I’ll put the flowers in water,” Cassie asked as Harley started upstairs.
“Oh yeah, in the kitchen under the sink. Thanks,” Harley replied then went to Zach’s room to get him up and ready.
When they came downstairs, Zach’s eyes grew big when he saw the huge bear on the couch. He jumped up beside it and hugged it then looked up at Harley with a smile on his face.
“It smells like Gus!” he exclaimed.
“I know,” Harley smiled back, “Gus gave it to me for my birthday.”
“Cool!” Zach said, “It’s as big as me!” he added as the doorbell rang.
“That’s daddy,” Harley said as she went to answer the door and let Phillip in.
“Hey Zach! You ready to go?” he asked and Zach nodded.
“Thanks for taking him this weekend,” Harley said.
“Oh sure. Happy Birthday, by the way. I was kind of surprised when Aitoro called me,” Phillip said as he helped Zach put on his shoes.
“Yeah, me too,” Harley replied.
“Do you know where you’re going?” Phillip asked.
“Nope. But I’ll have my cell phone with me and I’ll give you Gus’s number too,” she said as she looked for a piece of paper.
“Oh that’s okay. Gus gave me all the numbers. I was just wondering if he told you where you were going.”
Harley looked at him surprised, “Oh. No, he didn’t tell me.”
“Well, have a good weekend,” he replied.
“Thanks,” Harley said, still surprised as she hugged and kissed Zach then he and Phillip left.
Harley looked strangely at Cassie after she shut the door.
“Gus told Phillip where we were going?”
Cassie shrugged, “I guess so.”
“Do you know where we’re going?” Harley asked accusingly.
“No, I really don’t. I mean, I knew he was planning a surprise for you, but he wouldn’t tell us where. One thing he has learned is that Blake has a big mouth,” Cassie laughed.
“Oh just Blake, huh? Like you’re so good at keeping your big mouth shut,” Harley replied, also laughing, “Come help me pick out some clothes,” she said and they went upstairs.
The first thing they picked out was the dress that Harley would wear that night. After some deliberation, they decided on a little black dress. Harley found a pair of strappy black heels to wear with it, and threw them on the bed with her suitcase.
While Harley was in the bathroom getting things together, Cassie looked through her closet.
“Where did all this lingerie come from?” she asked.
“Oh, I’ve been shopping a lot the past month or so,” Harley replied.
“They all have the tags on still,” Cassie noted.
“Yeah, well. I don’t really get a chance to wear them,” Harley said as she came out of the bathroom with a bag of makeup. “I mean, we get to spend the night together so rarely, who wants to waste time undressing and putting on more clothes just to get undressed again?”
Cassie shrugged, “I guess.”
“And besides, it’s not like I ever have to seduce him,” Harley laughed.
Cassie sighed as she picked out a black lace slip from the closet and held it up. “You’re wearing your black dress right?” she asked and Harley nodded, “Wear this under it.”
“That won’t work. The dress doesn’t have a back. I can’t wear anything under it,” Harley replied.
“Oh. Well take it anyway,” Cassie said.
“Actually I was thinking about the pink one,” Harley said as she pulled it out of her closet, “Even though I probably won’t wear it.”
“You should put it on to sleep though. The last thing you want is for the hotel to catch on fire and you end up having to run outside naked. Take the black one too. You’ll be there for two nights.”
Harley shrugged and tossed them on the bed with the rest of her clothes for the weekend.
“I just wish I knew what we were going to be doing, where we were going, anything. I can’t pack if I don’t know what clothes I need,” she complained as she started packing her suitcase.
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An hour later, Harley was pretty much packed and was just waiting for Gus to come pick her up. She looked at her watch and saw that she still had over two hours before he would be there, so she decided to go to Company to tell Buzz she would be gone somewhere all weekend.
When she walked in, Company was packed with the lunch crowd, she went straight to the bar and called out to Buzz who was making coffee.
“Hey kiddo! Happy Birthday!” he said as he leaned across the bar and kissed her.
“Thanks Daddy,” she said. “Listen, I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be gone this weekend.”
“Yeah, I know,” Buzz replied.
“You know too? So then you know where we’re going?” she asked cautiously.
“Nice try,” she heard Gus say as he came up behind her and she spun around at the sound of his voice.
“Hi!” she said innocently.
“Hi,” Gus replied, “You just can’t wait and be surprised, can you?”
“Nope,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and Buzz went back to the kitchen, realizing she had lost all interest in him.
“I take it you got my note?” Gus asked.
“Yes I got your note, and the flowers, and the huge bear! Thank you,” she said as she kissed him.
“Happy Birthday,” Gus replied as he kissed her back. “Did you think I forgot?”
“I did,” Harley admitted.
“Well, I didn’t. What are you doing here? Why aren’t you home packing?” he asked.
“I’m all packed,” she replied as they walked back to the booth Gus was sitting at before she came in.
“Wow, already?”
“Yep, so where are we going?” she asked again and Gus shook his head.
“You’re not even going to give me a hint?”
“Nope,” Gus said proudly as he finished his cup of coffee. “I have to go back to work for a little bit. I will be at your house in a few hours,” he said as he stood up.
“Hey,” she called out to him and put her finger to her lips motioning for a kiss.
He came back and gave her a quick peck on the lips which quickly turned into a full kiss.
“Bye,” she smiled as he walked away again.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:49:18 GMT -5
At exactly 1:30 that afternoon, Harley’s doorbell rang and she quickly answered it.
“Ready for the second part of your surprise?” he asked and she nodded excitedly.
“Well, don’t get too excited. This part is kinda lame,” he warned. “Where’s your suitcase?”
Harley pointed to where her suitcase was sitting by the steps.
“You are bringing that big suitcase for two days?” Gus exclaimed.
“Well, you wouldn’t tell what we were doing, so I had to bring stuff for any occasion,” Harley justified.
“I promise you that you won’t even wear half the clothes you brought,” he teased and picked up the suitcase. “Ready?”
“Yes I am,” she said as she picked up the garment bag with her dress in it and followed him out the door.
A half an hour later, Harley noticed they were headed towards Chicago.
“So are we going to Chicago or the airport?” she asked.
Gus looked over at her and let out a little laugh, “Just Chicago. I told you it was lame,” he said.
“It’s not lame,” she said as she leaned over and kissed him.
When they finally got to Chicago, Gus pulled up to the Four Seasons Hotel and opened Harley’s door, then handed his car keys to a valet who got their suitcases out of the car and sent them inside with a bellboy while he parked Gus’s car.
“Are you kidding me?” Harley asked in amazement as they walked into the lobby. “Gus, you can’t afford this!”
“Don’t worry about what I can afford,” he said as they went to the front desk and got their reservations.
They were escorted up to the 32nd floor and let into their room. The walls were painted a dark red color and the room was elegantly decorated. There was a king sized bed in the middle of the room with a couch and chair in a little sitting area. Gus gave the bellboy a tip, and they explored the room after he left. Their bathroom had a big bathtub in one corner and a large shower stall in the other.
“Gus, this is beautiful,” she said as she pulled him close and kissed him.
“Well this isn’t all of it,” he said when they broke off the kiss, “I plan on spoiling you all weekend. And first thing is dinner tonight, and our reservations are in an hour at six. So do whatever you need to do to be ready by quarter till.”
“This is when I need the dress?” she asked.
“Yep. So you can have the bathroom, I just need to change,” Gus said as he sat on the couch and flipped the channels on the TV.
Harley rolled her eyes at how much of a guy Gus could be at times. “You know, you could shave,” she suggested and he looked back at her.
“Oh. So that means I should?”
“Right,” Harley nodded. “I’m going to take a quick shower,” she added then went into the bathroom.
By the time Gus had gotten up and into the bathroom and lathered up, Harley was almost done with her shower. When she stepped out and grabbed a towel off the shelf and wrapped it around herself, Gus was patting his face dry. She came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist as she kissed his bare shoulder. He turned around and hugged her tightly as she rubbed her cheek against his.
“Nice and smooth,” she said as she kissed his cheek.
“I thought you like my stubble.”
“I do. But sometimes it’s nice to just feel your skin,” she replied, “Now get out of here so I can get ready,” she demanded and he left the bathroom after a quick kiss.
Twenty minutes later when Harley came out of the bathroom ready to go, Gus was tying his tie.
When he saw her he whistled.
“You look amazing,” he said as he walked toward her.
He reached for her hand and she twirled around so he could get a full view. She was wearing a black cocktail dress with a draped neckline. The back was open except for two thin spaghetti straps that crisscrossed between her shoulder blades. She had the sides of her hair pinned up and let the back fall straight down the back of her neck.
“We match really well,” Harley observed as she tightened Gus’s silver necktie and he put on his black suit jacket.
Gus wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and led her into the bathroom in front of the full length mirror.
“We look so good together,” he said as he rested his chin on her shoulder and kissed her cheek.
Harley reached up and put her arm behind his neck, “We sure do,” she agreed as she leaned back against him.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“I’m starving, let’s go,” she said and soon they were out the door.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:49:57 GMT -5
Harley looked over at Gus and smiled at the waiter poured them champagne. After the waiter took their orders, Harley reached across the table for Gus’s hand and motioned him to the dance floor.
“Did you ever get the feeling that all eyes in the room are on you?” Harley asked.
“Do you have that feeling now?” Gus asked, “So do I. They’re probably asking themselves who this dashing young man is and what this gorgeous blonde is doing with the likes of him.”
Harley wrapped her arms around Gus’s neck and whispered into his ear, “Having the time of her life. And not just tonight.”
Gus kissed her shoulder as she continued, “Thank you. This is the best birthday.”
“It’s barely begun,” he reminded her.
“But I’m with you, just you, so that makes it the best.”
“Oh, so then I can return your gifts?” Gus teased.
“I didn’t say that,” Harley laughed. “I get more gifts?”
“Of course. Well, one of them is where we’re going next.”
“Which is?”
“I got us tickets to The Producers because I know you’ve been saying you wanted to see it,” Gus began.
“Are you serious? That’s so great, thank you,” Harley replied as she kissed him.
“Yeah, but that’s only your first gift.”
“What’s the second?” Harley asked.
“It’s a surprise,” he teased and after pouting a little bit, she smiled and kissed him.
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Gus watched in awe as Harley walked back toward their table from the ladies room. She had curves in all the right places and he loved running his hands through her long golden hair. He almost suggested skipping the play and just going back to the hotel, but he knew Harley had been wanted to see this play. He could wait, they had all weekend.
As she got back to the table, Gus stood up and pulled her close to him and kissed her.
“What was that for?” she asked.
“I just wanted to kiss you,” he replied as he leaned in for another kiss.
Their kiss soon turned deep and passionate and Harley moved her arms from around Gus’s neck and ran her hand down the side of his body then up the back of his leg. As Gus let out a slight moan and her hand ran over his back pocket, she stopped suddenly and pulled away from Gus. As soon as he looked at her, he knew why she stopped. She found her gift in his back pocket. Harley’s eyes filled with hesitant fear as she pulled out a black velvet box and looked up at Gus.
Gus was disappointed to see the look in her eyes and motioned for her to sit down as he pulled his chair closer to hers and sat down. “Gus…” Harley began but Gus stopped her.
“Before you say anything, it’s not what you think it is,” Gus assured her as he took the box from her.
He opened the box for her and when she saw what was in it, she touched his hand and ran her finger over the piece of jewelry. It was a gold locket with two overlapping hearts engraved on the front and surrounded by swirls. She let go of his hand and pulled the necklace out of the box and opened it. On the inside was a picture of her and Gus from when they went to the beach on one side and on the other side was engraved I’ll love you forever.
“Oh, Gus, it’s beautiful, thank you,” she said as she leaned over and kissed him.
Gus smiled at her, “You’re welcome.”
“Will you help me put it on?”
“It doesn’t match your dress,” he said.
“I don’t care,” she said and he leaned over and reached behind her neck to clasp the necklace.
“You really like it?” he asked as he ran his finger down the chain along her neck.
“I love it,” she reaffirmed and kissed him again.
Their dinners came and as they ate, each of them realized the other was quieter than usual. Neither of them wanted to bring up what just happened, so they ignored it and made small talk.
When they left the restaurant, they still had plenty of time until they needed to be at the theater so Gus led Harley into a small park near the theater. They sat down on a bench and Harley laid her head on Gus’s shoulder and they were silent for a long time.
“Okay, let’s talk about it,” Gus broke the silence.
“About what?” Harley asked cautiously.
“You know what about. You thought I was going to propose back there and you were terrified! Am I right?”
Harley hesitated then without looking up at him, “Yes.”
Gus sighed, “Why? Why did that scare you? I must be doing something wrong if you’re afraid that I was going to ask you to marry me.”
“It’s not you, honey. And I’m not afraid of you asking me, I’m afraid of doing it again and then screwing it up again.”
“And why are you so sure it would get screwed up?”
“Because it always has,” she replied, her voice wavering.
Gus tipped her chin up with his finger and kissed her softly. “What do I need to do to take that fear away?”
“I wish I knew,” she replied quietly.
“Will there ever be a day when you’ll say yes if I really ask you to marry me?”
“Yes,” Harley said confidently, “But it’s not now. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry for the way that you feel. Just talk to me about these things from now on, please? I mean, I’m not a mind reader. Here I am thinking that things are going great and you’re scared to death.”
“Things are going great. I love you, Gus and I love us, and I really love where we are right now. It’s thinking about where we might be in the future that gets me a little queasy.”
“Oh, honey, you know just the right things to say to a guy,” Gus teased as he kissed the side of her head and she laughed. “So then let’s get rid of that queasy feeling together.”
“I don’t know how,” she replied.
“Neither do I, but we’ll figure it out,” he promised as he pulled her close. “You a little stressed out now?” he asked.
“A little.”
“Well, that will work out well later then.”
“What? Why?”
“You’ll see,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.
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After the play was over and while they were waiting for the theater to empty out a little bit, Harley turned to Gus and kissed him.
“That was great, thank you. I have had the best time tonight, but please tell me we’re going back to the hotel now,” she said as she kissed his neck.
Gus smiled, shifted in his seat and cleared his throat, “Yes, we’re going back to the hotel, but I have something else for you.”
“Oh honey, no more gifts, come on, it’s too much,” Harley protested.
“This is a different kind of gift,” he winked.
“Oooh, I think I’ll like it,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
“I hope so,” he said as he noticed an older couple looking at them in disgust. “I don’t think they like our display of affection. Let’s get out of here,” Gus said as he stood up and grabbed her hand.
“Okay,” Harley said excitedly and followed him up the aisle and out of the theater.
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Post by Jen on Jul 12, 2004 22:50:54 GMT -5
When they got back to their room, Gus unlocked the door and led Harley into the room. Their bed had been remade with ivory satin sheets and the ivory comforter was covered in deep red rose petals. There were unlit candles scattered throughout the room and on the table was a bottle of champagne. Harley gasped when she saw the changes to their room.
“Did you plan this?” she asked.
“Of course,” Gus replied.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” she said as she kissed him.
While Gus poured them champagne, Harley went to reach down to unbuckle her strappy shoes, but Gus stopped her. He put his hands on her hips and pushed her backwards to the bed and sat down beside her. He pulled her feet into his lap and slowly took off her shoes. Harley sighed and laid back on the bed. She reached up, grabbed Gus by the collar and pulled him down beside her. He covered her mouth with his and rolled over so that she was on top of him.
She lifted herself off of him and hovered above him.
“What’s my next gift?” she asked as he pushed her hair behind her shoulder and loosened his tie.
“Sit up,” he directed and he sat up and pulled her into his lap with her back to him.
“I’m going to give you a massage,” he said as he kissed her shoulder.
“Really?” she asked as she stood up. “Honey, you really don’t have to do that,” she continued, remembering that she hated when Gus would try to rub her back. He was so bad at it.
Gus stood up too and put his arms around her from behind.
“I know that you don’t like it when I rub your back, even though you pretend to. But this isn’t a back rub, it’s a sensual massage,” he breathed into her ear.
“Oh,” Harley replied quietly.
“Why don’t you drink some champagne, while I get everything ready,” Gus said as he handed her a glass of champagne.
“Everything?” she asked nervously as Gus picked up a duffel bag that was sitting by their luggage.
He pulled the satin comforter to the end of the bed and spread out a plain cotton sheet on the bed. Then he pulled out a few bottles of oils and lotions and put them on the nightstand.
“My, you’re prepared,” Harley teased.
“I bought a book,” he informed her as he went around and lit the candles and dimmed the lights in the room.
“You what? You bought a book?”
“Yes I did,” he smiled proudly as he threw the duffel bag off to the side and joined Harley at the foot of the bed.
“I’m impressed,” she said as he took her glass from her and cupped her face in his hands.
“Just wait until I’m done,” he said as he kissed her softly.
“Okay,” Harley said hesitantly as he kissed her neck and ran his hands down her back.
She melted beneath his touches and reached up and got rid of his tie. His shirt soon followed and his hands pulled the tight black fabric of her dress up her body.
“Why don’t we just skip the massage?” she suggested as she reached over and undid his pants.
“Nice try,” he teased as he stepped out of his pants and pulled her into his arms.
Harley threw her head back and opened her neck to Gus’s kisses as his fingers teased her back. He hooked his fingers around the sides of her thong and pulled it down.
“Why don’t we go over to the bed,” Gus said as he grabbed her hand and led her to the bed.
She laid down on her stomach and Gus straddled her legs as he grabbed a bottle of oil from the nightstand. He poured some oil into his hands and rubbed them together to get them warm.
He started at the top of her back and rubbed her shoulders a bit, then ran his fingers down her back and ran both hands up her back in long strokes, spreading the oil out. As he ran his hands over her back, he could feel her tense up.
“Come on baby, you don’t get this tense when I touch you when we’re making love,” Gus said as he felt Harley stiffen at his touch.
“Well, you’re not trying to give me a massage then,” she replied.
“Then just think of this as very relaxing foreplay,” he said as he leaned down and kissed her neck. “If I do something you don’t like, I’ll stop. But I promise you won’t want me to stop,” he said as he sat back up and stroked her back with his oiled hands.
The more Gus touched her, varying where and how he touched her, the more relaxed she got. Less than two minutes after Gus had made his promise, she was letting out sighs of pleasure at the feel of his hands on her skin.
“I always keep my promises,” he whispered as he trailed kisses down her back.
Harley shivered as she felt his breath hit her bare skin. “Is that oil flavored?” she asked as she turned her head to the side.
“Chocolate,” Gus answered as he moved up and planted a kiss on her lips.
“Mmm, I should have known,” Harley laughed as Gus moved to the side of her and ran his hands down her back to her legs and massaged her calves.
“Oh my God, you massage my feet and I will love you forever. Those shoes are killers,” she said and he soon made his way to her feet.
“I keep my promises too,” she said after he was done with her feet and after planting soft kissed on them, moved back up her legs.
Keeping one hand rubbing her back, Gus leaned forward and blew across the nape of her neck. She shivered and he kissed her neck and teased her ear with his breath and tongue.
After he had massage every inch of her back, he whispered into her ear, “Ready to turn over?” and she nodded.
He helped her roll over and poured some more oil into his hands. Harley closed her eyes and settled into the bed as he stroked her chest. Gus leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
“Open your eyes,” he whispered and she opened them as she smiled up at him.
He caressed her breasts with his oily hands and teased her nipples with his tongue. Harley squirmed below him as she let out a little moan and he moved his hands down to her stomach. He stroked her skin below her belly button and she tried to reach up and touch his face, but found her arms were too relaxed and she couldn’t pick them up. She sighed as he moved down her hips to her thighs.
Gus was purposely avoided the area between her legs, knowing it was driving her crazy. But he would get there later. He massaged the insides of her thighs and moved down to her feet and back up. He enjoyed watching what he was doing to her, and knew it would work out well for him later too.
As he worked his way back up her body, he used his mouth instead of his hands and covered her body in kisses. When he got back up to her neck, he covered her mouth with his and she finally got her arms to move and pulled him down next to her. She reached down and pulled at his underwear and he quickly got rid of them and joined her again.
“Keep touching me,” she whispered as he moved closer to her and kissed her.
He happily obliged and it wasn’t long before Harley rolled from her side to her back and pulled Gus on top of her. As he thrust into her, he raised her arms above her head and pinned her hands to the bed covered with his.
They moved together until they both cried out in release and Gus rolled off of her, pulling her with him so she was cradled next to him in his arms. He kissed the top of her head as she covered his chest in kisses.
“You are amazing,” Harley breathed, “I had no idea.”
“No idea?” he asked confused.
Harley laughed, “I meant you give an amazing massage. You’re always amazing at the other,” she teased as she kissed his neck.
“I told you that you would love it.”
“You were right, I did,” Harley said as she laid her head on his chest. “Thank you, tonight was wonderful. All of it.”
“You are very welcome. I would do anything for you. Do you know that?”
Harley nodded against his chest and looked up at him, “I do know. I love you,” she said.
“I love you too,” he replied as he hugged her tightly.
“You’re still a little oily, and so am I, do you want to get a shower?” Gus asked a little while later.
“How about a bath?” Harley suggested.
“Okay, I’ll go get it started,” Gus said as he kissed her and crawled out of the bed.
A few minutes later when she still heard the water running, Harley got out of the bed and wrapped the sheet around herself and went into the bathroom. She stood at the doorway as Gus poured some bubbles under the running water.
He turned and saw her at the door and smiled, “Are you being shy now?” he asked as he walked over to her.
“No, I was just cold without you,” she answered as she dropped the sheet and he pulled her into the bath tub.
They sat in the bathtub for a long time, holding and kissing each other until they got all the oil off of their bodies. When Harley yawned and laid her head back against his chest and closed her eyes, Gus suggested they get out and go back to bed. She nodded and they got out and dried off.
Gus put a pair of briefs on and Harley picked the black slip out of her suitcase and put it on. They got into bed and Gus pulled up the sheet and comforter and covered them.
“Happy Birthday baby,” he whispered as he kissed Harley and they finally fell asleep.
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