A/N: Thanks too all of you who have taken time out to read/review this story. It is much appreciated!

Chapter Six

Maybe it was the ambiance in the room or the way her eyes glittered as they connected with his that had him completely mesmerized. Jenny Shepard was a beautiful woman on a normal day but even after all her vulnerability; dressed down in jeans and a t-shirt, hair flattened by the rain, she was breathtaking. And as he watched her place her drink on the table and crawl over to him like a tigress ready to pounce, it took everything in him not to take what she was offering and damn the consequences. He swallowed back a moan when he felt her hand on his chest, her breath mingling with his own. She licked her lips and it was almost his undoing when she leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "kiss me, Jethro," before placing feather-light kisses along his jaw line, stopping as she reached his lips.

He pulled back slightly, his pulse racing at her nearness, and tried to put an end to this. "Jen..."

She rolled her eyes, making a frustrated sound in the back of her throat before she slammed her lips into his, effectively shutting him up. He might have found this situation humorous had he had time to think about it. He might have pushed her away, told her he knew this wasn't what she wanted. But as her tongue explored his mouth, teased his lips and demanded his attention in return, the only option was to comply. It wasn't a good idea but he was only a man with a very attractive, very desirable woman practically sitting in his lap. All he could think to do in that moment was give her back what she thought she wanted.

They remained like that for several moments, kissing and caressing, trying to capture the passion they'd shared all those years ago. And while Gibbs enjoyed having her in his arms again, something was different. They'd never had to work hard to make the passion soar between the two of them. Granted they were both older now but he knew the sexual chemistry was still as alive now as it was then. Under the right circumstances, Gibbs had no doubt that him and Jen would be sensational together.

But not tonight.

And it was only a matter of seconds before she realized it too. He could tell by the desperation in her kisses that this wasn't about them but more about her need to escape, to forget; and it was either going to be him or the bourbon.

He'd won.

Gibbs felt her withdrawal the minute it happened; her body became stiff as she tried to pull away, breathing hard. He held her for a minute, trying to get a grip on his own breathing. She wouldn't look at him, instead twisting her hand in his shirt and leaning her forehead against his chest.

"I can't do this," she mumbled into his shirt.

"I know," he said softly.

Jenny lifted her head and raised her eyes up to his, cupping his face in the palm of her hand before giving him a watery smile. She went to push off of him, losing her balance her hand landed in his lap and Gibbs gasped. Jenny jerked away, heat rising to her face as she realized he was semi-aroused. Her eyes widened as she looked at him, embarrassed that she'd done that to him and left him in that state.

"Jethro, I'm so…"

"No," he said covering her mouth with his forefinger. "No apologies Jen."

"God, Jethro, I feel like such a tease," she said walking away from him.

"That's one word for it," he replied lightly. Jenny just glared at him.

"Jen," he said walking over to her, tilting her head up so that she would meet his eyes. "This is nothing. This can happen just by you walking in the room."

Even in the dim candlelight he saw her blush. He resisted the urge to smile again, knowing it would only make her more embarrassed. Instead, he took her hand in his, his blue eyes staring at her intently as he spoke. "I don't want you to worry about this Jen or feel bad about tonight. It's just not the right time," he told her quietly. "When we do make love, it'll be because it's about us and how we feel about each other, not because you're trying to avoid dealing with these flashbacks."

She smirked. "When we make love? Not if?" She made a tsking sound, "You sound awfully sure of yourself, Agent Gibbs."

He smiled arrogantly at her, his eyes twinkling. "That's because I am, Director."

A/N (again) I am debating whether this story should end here or if there should be an additional chapter explaining/discussing the flashbacks. I'm feeling like I'm leaving a piece of the puzzle unanswered but then again I don't want to lose readers by over-doing this story. So I'm asking you kind folks to give me your opinion when you review (please). Should the story end here or should I post one more chapter giving more info on the flashback? Thanks in advance for your feedback!