Cat414 - As you said, there had to be one more, right? Thanks for your kind words. And to the others that follow or favorite Shady and her stories - thanks to you, too! Hadley

Lee Christmas pulled the car up to a house that was in serious need of a paint job…and mowing…and gardening. Shady looked at him but said nothing. He responded, "Don't say anything yet." She quirked a brow but got out of the car and followed him up to the front porch that was illuminated by one sad light.

He put the key in the lock, stood back and let her enter, closing the door and locking it behind them. Shady didn't move until he flipped the switch, subtly lighting the living room. "So, this is where I've been for the last week. When I landed and checked the messages, the realtor had let me know I won the bid and had to close quickly. Here we are."

"You own this?" Shady's tone said everything.

"C'mon," he didn't rise to the challenge. "This room is not so bad but I'm going to knock out that wall." He pointed directly in front of them, "Behind it is a smaller den and fireplace." He pointed towards the hallway to the left, "There are two bedrooms that way; one should make a great office space. There's also a full bath and a basement that I'm thinking of making a wine cellar."

"A wine cellar?"

He shrugged, "Something I've wanted." Lee took her hand and pulled her towards the other hallway. "The kitchen is in great shape; the appliances are all brand new. He pointed towards one door, indicating it led to the garage. Another door led to the laundry room and out to the backyard. They continued towards the back of the house, passing another bedroom and half-bath along the way. He finally got her into the last rooms. "This is the master. Closet is big enough to park my motorcycle." She peeked in and couldn't argue. "The master bath, however, will need a complete makeover. Knock out the wall, take in some of the yard, expand the shower, add a tub and make it a large counter with double sinks."

Shady was amused by the pride in his voice. He had already moved a few pieces of furniture into the home, including his bed. Well, it was really just a king size mattress on the frame. His smile was so sincere. "What do you think?"

"I think it can be amazing," she finally answered.

"Good because I want you to move in with me," he handed her a key. Her face showed her confusion. "What? You don't want to live together?"

"No, it's not that. I just…" Shady hesitated.

"Look, I know the guys know we're in a relationship but it still feels damn awkward climbing up those stairs in the bar to see you. And, well, I like the idea of coming home," he finished shyly, "to you and those special greetings."

Boots dropped down on the corner of the bed. Her face still registered the shock and surprise of everything he had said. He joined her, trailing a finger down her arm. Lee heard her chuckle. She smiled ruefully, "Of all things I thought you were going to say to me, to move in with you was the last on the list. If it was even on the list!"

"What did you think this was about?"

"Honestly? I thought you brought me here to tell me we were done." Now it was Lee's turn to register shock.

"Why the hell would you think that?" He was angry.

"We haven't really been on the same page much the last month. You've been gone. We haven't had a lot of time. And this mission," Shady was serious, "well, we never seemed to be together. Also, there's Bri…I mean Wren."

"What about her?"

Boots scoffed, "Lee, come on. She's beautiful, smart, funny, obviously fearless. How could you not be attracted to her?"

Now, he laughed. "Do you realize you just described yourself?" She spoke his name as a threat then tried to stand. He quickly grabbed her wrist, keeping her pinned to his side. His fingers caressed her cheek, forcing her to look into his eyes. "Why would I want a cheap imitation when I have the original?" And he wouldn't let her answer, kissing her instead. When he felt her respond, he broke the kiss, whispering, "Now, not that you don't look nice but I think it's time to get you out of this."

She giggled and did his bidding while he disrobed as well, joining Powell in the bed. He kissed her again but sensed her reluctance to continue. He propped his head up on an elbow, pinning her with his gaze instead, "Something else?"

Shady nodded. Pursing her lips, she contemplated how best to proceed. Finally, she settled on, "So, you know, Barney threatened to bench me?" When he didn't respond, she continued, "You wouldn't have let him do that, right?"

"You know this sounds suspiciously like you might be crying to me."

She slapped at her former husband, "You knew."

"Hell, yes, I knew. And he didn't threaten to bench you, he threatened to fire you. And, you should know, darling," he straddled her, pinning her beneath him, "not only would I have let him, I would have encouraged him."

"Lee…"

"Don't 'Lee' me," his tone took that command edge that actually made Shady flinch. This was the voice of the mercenary and former SAS commanding officer that brokered no refusals. "Your little stunt nearly brought me and my best friend to blows." She looked abashed but didn't interrupt, "I love you, Shady Powell, but so help me, don't you ever put me in that position again. Are we clear?"

She swallowed, finding her voice. "Yes, sir. Never again."

"Now," still holding her pinned down to the bed, "I haven't heard your answer."

Shady's smile lit the room and, in turn, Lee Christmas' heart, "Yes, Lee, I would love to move in with you." He kissed her to seal the deal.

"So, tell me something," he asked, leaning back. "Were you jealous of Wren Anthony?"

"No," she answered, a little too quickly. He smiled arrogantly. "Why would I be jealous?" He crossed his arms over his chest as he rolled to his back on the bed. She slapped at him, "I wasn't."

In one swift motion, Christmas grabbed Boots, pulling her on top, "Shady, you never need to be jealous. I want you. Only you. That's why I bought this house. For us. Someday, when we're ready, I hope we'll build a life together. This is just the start."

She sighed, happy and content. And before kissing him senseless, whispered, "Lee Christmas, you always say the sweetest things."