Author's Notes: First of all, I would like to apologize for not posting this earlier today, I was out writing earlier then my son took over the other computer. Second, thanks to everyone who reviewed the story, I really appreciate it. Seeing all these reviews has been so much fun, I have 87 now for such a little story, it just boggles my mind.

Part 14

"We are such different people though, Rick."

"Kate, we are partners. Don't you think if two such different people can learn to work so well together, it might just work out for us?"

"But, Rick, that's such a big risk."

"I could be but think of it this way. You risk your life in the line of duty every day but never your heart. Don't you think it's time to take that risk?"

"I did, or at least I tried to last year," she said softly turning her back to him.

"Josh?" he asked wincing at thinking of her giving her heart to Motorcycle Boy.

"No. And it wasn't Tom either."

"Then who?" he asked confused.

She turned to look into his clear blue eyes. He was confused when he saw the hurt in her eyes and wanting to comfort her in any way that he could, his hand lightly touched her cheek.

"What happened, Kate?"

"Gina showed up."

"Gina?" he asked as she nodded her head. Suddenly he understood. "You weren't just trying to wish me a good summer were you?"

She shook her head no before he pulled her into his arms.

"No wonder you were all so pissed when I got back."

"No, we were pissed that you left for the summer and never thought to call or text and didn't even let us know you were back."

"I am very sorry about that and I did learn my lesson."

"I know. You've been good keeping in contact with us since then. It's just we've gotten used to you at the precinct."

"Just at the precinct?"

"No. I've gotten used to you too."

They stood there wrapped in the other's arms for a while neither speaking.

"I can't promise I'll never do anything stupid or dangerous again. Actually, I probably will but I can promise I will do whatever I can to never hurt you like that again."

"Rick," she said still in his arms.

"I know we will fight, it will happen." He pulled back slightly to look at her. "But I also know that we will make up. We just need to be able to talk about anything and this will work. Relationships aren't always easy but I think that the good will far outweigh the bad. We work well together, my family is crazy about you, we have a lot of the same friends, a lot of similar views on important issues and we have great chemistry together."

"I know we have good chemistry but I just don't know if it's worth it to risk what all we have."

"Good chemistry?" His eyebrow shot up. "Try great, that kiss just about knocked my socks off."

He smiled as she rolled her eyes at him even as she blushed just a bit.

"Kate, what can you get if you take a big risk?"

"A big heartbreak."

"Or a big payoff. I have to think positive here, Kate. I don't want to lose you, you mean too much to me."

"I don't want to lose you either," she finally admitted as she looked back up at him watching as his face relaxed into a gentle smile.

"So, will you go out with me again?" he asked as he caressed her cheek.

"Yes," she said simply.

Rick let his hand slip behind her head and as he leaned down, her arms wrapped tighter around him as they finally kissed.

Fin

Author's Notes: Once again I would like to thank everyone for reading, reviewing and putting the story on alerts. I doubt that I'll ever get paid money for my writing but feedback and reviews such as I've gotten here sure are a good payment.