32. Chapter 32

Hey guys, sorry I haven't posted all week. I've been working extra hours at work this week so have had very little writing time. However, I did have yesterday off so I wrote this longer chapter. I hope you enjoy. Please read and review. Your comments, good or bad, really do inspire me to continue so keep them coming. Thanks!

P.S. how good does the crossover look? And the episode after the crossover sounds pretty Linstead friendly too. Can't wait!

Chapter 31

Jay was sitting at his desk, checking his emails when Tony popped his head through his office door. "Hey Kingston, Amy's been on my case...she said she invited you and her wife to her Christmas ball and she still hasn't got an RSVP." Tony said.

"Is that the same Christmas ball asking for $10,000 per couple?" Jay shot back, giving Tony and knowing look. Tony should know that the police department would not pay out that type of money.

Tony stepped into the office, closing the door behind him. "Yeah, I thought that might be the issue so I've taken care of the money." Tony stated. "I told Amy you give me your RSVP and I forgot to pass it on."

"Thanks man." Jay replied.

"C'mon, we're a team...I scratch your back, you scratch mine." Tony stated.

"Where exactly am I scratching?" Jay asked, folding his arms.

Tony took a seat on the edge of Jay's desk. "Some of the guys told me you've been asking some strange questions at some of the clubs." Tony replied.

"I'm head of security, it's my job." Jay stated.

"Some of the guys are worried that you won't turn a blind eye to their extracurricular activities." Tony said.

"You mean their drug dealing?" Jay shot back.

"They're worried you may be looking for a bigger cut." Tony said.

"And I already told them I don't want a cut." Jay retorted.

"I know that...but I need some reassurances." Tony stated.

"Reassurances?" Jay asked.

"I know who you really are Jay...I know what you're capable of and I know your resistance is nothing to do with your cut." Tony replied.

"I won't bust your guys." Jay answered.

"That's all I needed." Tony said. He stood up. Jay stood up too and led him towards the door. Jay opened the door. Tony paused for a moment and looked up at the door frame. There was mistletoe hanging. "Nice mistletoe."

"I guess my assistant hung it." Jay stated.

Tony glanced over at Jay's assistant Lara's desk. She was sitting at the desk in a short navy skirt and a light blue fitted button down shirt with the first few buttons open; giving a quick peek at cleavage. "Yeah those assistants...always causing mischief." Tony laughed. He reached out and shook Jay's hand. "As always, it's a pleasure doing business Jay."

"You too Tony." Jay muttered through gritted teeth. Tony left the office and Jay walked towards his desk, making a mental note not to go near the door when Lara was close. The last thing he needed was Erin hearing he got caught under the mistletoe with Lara.

Erin wandered around the department store, looking for inspiration. It was looking more and more likely that she'd be on this operation for Christmas, which was probably a good thing saying she had no presents bought for Voight, Nadia or Burgess. She hadn't even bought a present for Jay yet but she knew she had to get him something; she just didn't know what.

Last year it had been so easy. They had only been partners for a couple of months so she had bought him a pair of driving gloves – for all the driving he wouldn't be doing. It was a joke present but it was effective; it summed up their partnership.

Erin found herself grinning as she recalled the look of his face as she presented him with his present. She could see the panic in his eyes; he didn't realise they'd be exchanging gifts. He tried to cover it, heading straight to his desk drawer and pulling out a deactivated grenade. He told her it was a paper weight. It wasn't his fault; he was a guy; he didn't expect to be exchanging gifts after two months; he usually did his Christmas shopping on the 23rd of December.

So Erin smiled and graciously accepted his 'gift' and kept it at her desk. To her though, after varying experiences on cases; it had become more than a paper weight; it had become her good luck charm. So much so that she had to bring it with her on this operation; kept hidden in her underwear drawer.

This year however; their partnership was so different; they had come so far; gone through so much; a joke present wouldn't cut it. She had shared so much of herself with him in the space of the year; and in return so had he; they had moved on. Now, she didn't know how to sum up their partnership with a present and she normally prided herself on her gift buying skills.

Her thoughts were interrupted when her cell phone began to ring. She grabbed her phone out of her purse and inwardly groaned as Amy's name flashed up in the screen. Every since Jay had told her that he thought she was Amy's prize, she had felt uneasy and unsure of how to act with her.

She forced herself to smile and think positive thoughts before answering the call. "Hi Amy!" She said.

"Hey Erin, sweetie." Amy's cheerful voice sang down the phone. "I hope I'm not interrupting you but I just wanted to remind you about the charity luncheon tomorrow."

"Oh yeah, of course." Erin replied. "How could I forget? I'm an usher!" The truth was she had forgotten.

"We all have to start somewhere Erin, it could be worse...you could have the catering." Amy stated. "I swear, Poppy really did leave me with the worst job. Trying to find good caterers a little over a week before Christmas is a task...unlike being in charge of invites."

Erin smiled; Amy was still fuming at her role assignment from Poppy; of course Poppy took the easier option...Erin would have done the same and she was sure Amy would have too. "Poppy entrusted you with the catering because she knows you're the best." Erin soothed her ego.

"True." Amy said, forgetting her rant. "At least I was well prepared for the Christmas Ball and booked the best caterers early."

"Yeah um, the Christmas Ball..." Erin muttered; trying to avoid engaging in conversation about it. She had never RSVPed. It was too much money to try and pass as an expense. She had hoped Amy would be too distracted to notice they weren't attending.

"By the way, I got your RSVP." Amy stated. "I almost thought you were going to ignore my invite but then Tony remembered that Jay gave him your RSVP a few days ago."

"He did?" Erin questioned before quickly recovering. "He told me he gave it directly to you...can't trust a man to do anything right huh?"

"So I hope you have your ball gown selected." Amy said. "Mine is midnight blue so please keep that in mind."

"Of course." Erin replied; her mind whirling; Jay RSVPed? Where did the money come from? What the hell was she going to wear? Where the hell would she get a ball gown for little or no money?

"Erin, I have to go." Amy said. "See you soon, possibly tonight?"

"We'll see." Erin nervously laughed before Amy hung up. Erin sighed as she slipped her phone back in her purse. What the hell had just happened? Now shopping for Jay's Christmas present was the least of her worries.

Erin stepped out of the elevator and began walking down the long corridor towards Jay's office. She hoped he wouldn't be too annoyed at her stopping by but he wasn't answering his phone and she needed answers.

As she rounded the corner towards her office, she paused; her eyes catching sight of him through a window. He was in his office; leaning back in his chair; laughing. She could see Lara perched on the edge of his desk; her legs grazing his; her finger twirled her hair while her free hand moved animatedly as she talked. Jay's eyes were on her; his grin widening as he laughed.

Erin looked through the window; her heart was racing and she could feel a rush of blood to her head. She took a deep breath, trying to control herself. Once she felt she had regained control again, she reached for the door handle and opened the door.

"Hey sweetie, I hope I'm not interrupting anything!" She said; trying to sound as bright and as happy as possible.

Both Jay and Lara looked towards the door. Lara jumped off the desk while Jay straightened up in his chair but kept the grin on his face. "Hey babe, I didn't know you were stopping by." He replied; his tone matching Erin's.

Erin glanced at Jay, then at Lara before returning to Jay. "Obviously." Erin stated.

"I was just telling Jay...I mean Mr Kingston about my disastrous date late night." Lara tried to explain, her eyes never leaving Erin.

"Bad experience was it?" Erin retorted, crossing her arms as her eyes focused on Lara. Lara shifted her weight; desperately wanting to get out of the room.

"Let's just say I'm glad my dating days are done." Jay stated, trying to keep the energy in the office light hearted. "And you would be too if you heard Lara's stories. We're lucky we found each other."

"I guess we are." Erin muttered.

"I better return to my work." Lara said. "Thank you for listening Mr Kingston. Can I um, get you a cinnamon latte Mrs Kingston?"

"No, I won't be staying long." Erin replied. "I just need to talk to my husband." Erin's eyes focused on Jay. Lara nodded and quickly exited the office, closing the door behind her.

"Was that attitude really necessary?" Jay asked as Erin sat down before him.

"Jay, do you think any wife would be happy with what she just saw?" Erin shot back.

"She would if she trusted her husband." Jay retorted. "And I thought you trusted me."

"Yeah, with my life...not with flirts like her!" Erin exclaimed.

"You need to stop being so jealous." Jay stated.

"I'm just playing a part." Erin assured him.

"Of course you are." He muttered sarcastically. Erin shot him a look. He knew it was time to change the subject. "So what do I owe the honour of this visit?"

"I wouldn't have had to visit if you'd answer your cell phone." Erin said.

"I had it on silent when I was in a meeting. I guess I forgot to reset it." Jay replied, glancing at his phone to see her two missed calls. "And I'm glad you stopped by."

"Why?" Erin asked, fighting the urge to smile.

"Well Connor and Tony have been telling all the other guys how hot my wife is...now they can see for themselves." Jay replied.

"Only Connor and Tony?" Erin teased.

"Well I would back them up but you won't let me brag so..." Jay shot back.

"Don't try to charm yourself out of trouble Jay." Erin said with a smirk. "It won't work on me...I'm not your average girl."

"Don't I know it!" Jay sighed, causing Erin to let a giggle escape her lips. Jay's grin grew wider. "So what do we need to talk about?"

"We need to talk about the Christmas Ball we're suddenly attending." Erin replied. "At $10,000 per couple..."

"Yeah um...Tony is putting up the money." Jay replied.

"Why would he do that?" Erin asked.

"He wanted to make sure I won't arrest his security guys for dealing." Jay replied.

"You gave up a drugs bust for a Christmas Ball?" Erin exclaimed. "Voight will be pissed."

"I just assured him that I wouldn't bust his guys." Jay replied. "I didn't say anything about narcotics." Erin nodded knowingly. "Did I not do the right thing? He said Amy was busting him about us..."

"No, you did the right thing." Erin reassured him. "I just need to get a gown."

"Maybe Atwater will have a connection?" Jay replied. "He's hooking me up with a tux...I already set it up through Al."

"Atwater? Ball gowns?" Erin scoffed.

"It's worth a try." Jay replied. "I mean, the guy is connected."

"Okay." Erin sighed, standing up. "I guess I'll go home and give my friend at the base Sarah a call." She was referring to Burgess.

"You do that." Jay said, also standing up to show Erin to the door. He opened the door for her.

Erin paused under the door frame and carefully placed her hand on his chest. She looked him right in the eyes. "I do trust you, you know." She softly said.

"Yeah, I think I know." Jay softly replied.

"Aw, look at the Kingstons getting caught under the mistletoe." Connor Banks teased as he passed the door, heading towards his own office.

Both Erin and Jay looked up; they were standing directly under the mistletoe. Erin quickly glanced out in the hallway; a few a Jay's colleagues were beginning to gather.

"You have mistletoe in your office?" She quietly questioned.

"All the offices do." Jay lied. He had completely forgotten about the mistletoe.

"Well are you gonna kiss or what?" Some one of Jay's colleagues called.

Erin looked up at Jay, who was doing everything to avoid her eyes; finally, he looked down at her; his eyes almost apologising. Erin gave him a half smile, trying to reassure him that it was okay. She lightly gripped his shirt and stretched onto her tiptoes, waiting for impact. She felt Jay's hands cup her face. She held her breath and he moved in; her eyes focused on his lips. Suddenly, Jay's lips completely bypassed her mouth and he leaned in and kissed the top of her head.

He quickly backed away and turned his attention back to the crowd while Erin tried to gather her thoughts. "Okay guys...back to work!" He called, trying to laugh it off. "I don't need you lot perving on me and my wife." He looked back at Erin; her eyes were focused on the ground. He reached out and gently stroked her arm. "I'll be back at 6pm."

Erin nodded; avoiding his gaze as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She was completely confused about what just happened. "Of course." She muttered before exiting the office; pushing her way through the crowd that was slowly dispersing.

Jay groaned and ran his hand through his hair as he watched her go; he knew she was upset and embarrassed. He just hoped she would understand his reasons.

Jay stepped into the apartment, tossing his grey suit jacket onto the sofa. "Erin, I'm back." Jay called, looking around from her. She did not respond but he could hear her heels clicking against the hardwood floor in the bedroom.

He walked into the bedroom. Erin was standing in front of the full length mirror, struggling to pull up the zip of her flower print tea dress. He stepped behind her and automatically placed his hands on her back, beginning to pull up the zip; his hands lingering on the top of her shoulders as he studied her reflection in the mirror. She was avoiding his gaze; her lips were pursed together.

"Thanks." She reluctantly muttered, before shaking off his hands on her shoulders and turning to walk away from him.

"Erin..." He sighed, reaching out to take hold of her arm as she passed him; forcing her to turn around and face him. He could tell that she was angry and possibly upset. She pulled her arm back out of his hold and crossed her arms as she finally looked at him. "I guess you have a lot of questions about what happened in my office today."

"No questions." Erin shot back. "I mean a kiss with your wife under the mistletoe is completely inappropriate in the workplace but hey, knock yourself out with your assistant." He could tell she was being sarcastic.

"Erin, it was not like that!" Jay retorted, his eyes pleading with her. "I have completely avoided the mistletoe, especially when it comes to Lara. I just forgot about it when I walked you to the door."

"Jay, it was just a kiss under the mistletoe with your wife." Erin stated.

"But you're not my wife." Jay tried to reason.

"Your colleagues don't know that!" Erin snapped, throwing her hands up. "And now that platonic kiss on the head probably has them asking questions we really don't want them to ask. How could you do something like that? It was humiliating!"

"Erin, I just think we should avoid kissing on the mouth if possible." Jay said, desperately trying to explain his behaviour. "I mean, it's very personal and probably inappropriate for this type of operation anyway."

"Oh my God!" Erin exclaimed, throwing up her hands to cover her face, before looking directly at Jay. "Did you just Pretty Woman me? Is this suddenly my fault for making you watch those Julia Roberts classics lately?"

"Erin..." Jay sighed.

"Because let me tell you Halstead..." She began to rant; stepping towards him, pointing her finger. "...we're playing husband and wife in an underground sex club! We passed inappropriate a long time ago! So you better start being truthful with me or so help me..."

"Fine! You want the truth? I'll give you the truth!" Jay finally barked, leaning into Erin so their faces were only centimetres apart. He paused as he watched Erin swallow hard. "I didn't want to kiss you because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to stop. Happy now?"

Erin struggled to find the words, her eyes searching his for answers. Before she could response, Jay walked away from her and out of the bedroom. She heard the apartment door slam behind him. "Maybe I wouldn't have wanted you to stop." She finally responded, in a quiet whisper; her mind racing with what had just happened as she looked over her shoulder; her eyes focused on the apartment door.

To be continued...