~Crimes, Paybacks, and Rewards~

Part 2... set during New Year's weekend.

As Sharon Raydor stepped into the shower she let out a groan at the aches in her body. The hot water felt wonderful as it hit her back and shoulders. She stood there with her back to the spray and let the heat work its magic. When she tilted her head under the strong stream of water to get the rest of her hair wet her neck protested to the movement, maybe it was time for her to admit she was getting a bit too old for this. Though she knew she never would. She loved what she did and wouldn't change it.

There had been rumors floating around LAPD about a promotion for her and if she was a gambling woman, which she was absolutely was not but if she were she'd bet that the promotion would be for the long ago promised Commander. The problem with that would come having to leave Major Crimes and Sharon didn't think she would want to do that, now. The team had become her second family. If she were offered a new job a few years ago she would have taken it in a heartbeat. She would have happily left Major Crimes and they would have been even happier to see her leave, though if she would have made her feel a little down.

She would have missed out on so much if she had changed divisions. Years ago, Sharon had thought long and hard about taking the job offer for security work at the LA convention center. What she had told Pope and Taylor was the truth, about wanting to work with people that actually liked her. Sharon ran her fingers through her wet hair and moved it out of her eyes. It was nice to have a moment relax even if she should be hurrying up and getting ready, but she couldn't help but reflect on last few days.

It had turned out to be a long week. In true holiday fashion, they had caught a case. Even after so many years on the force it still got to her that it seemed people couldn't go a holiday without committing a major crime. It ended up that she hadn't had time alone with Andy since their shared heated moment in his daughter's bathroom during Nicole's Christmas dinner. They had been pulling all-nighters, much to Assistant Chief Taylor's dismay, to catch a duo of serial killers. The trails of bodies in front of them were showing that they were getting farther and farther behind. That was until one of the team's brainstorming sessions as they were all going over the evidence with Dr. Morales, they had found a connection in an older body that ended up being the first victim. This victim was personal and had shed a new light on all the murders.

After catching the killers who happened to be brothers that lived a harsh childhood and were out killing happy families having happy holidays, that they never got to have. Taylor had ordered them home. Robbery/Homicide would pick up any cases that came in. As their boss had said it was New Year's Eve after all. Though the team knew it wasn't to be nice but to save money in overtime. That had been yesterday. When Sharon had gotten home she took a short nap to have enough energy for tonight before she got ready to go out. Not that she really wanted to go, Gavin had insisted. Over the years she had learned there was no way to tell her best friend no. The lawyer had stopped by the office earlier in the week to bring her lunch, though Sharon knew it was more to check out Andy Flynn since it seems that he could never stop talking about her lieutenant. Gavin flat out told her he wouldn't accept no for an answer. He would not allow her to stay home on New Year's Eve and to make sure she brought the handsome silver-fox with her.

At least this year she would be bringing a date, instead of standing alone at his party and pretending to be having a good time. Sharon smiled as she thought about the great time she did have last night. Rolling her shoulders as the water massaged them, Sharon could feel her tight muscles start to relax. It felt good to just stand there under the hot water and let it rain down on her. It had been a long night and she was tired, worn out and completely spent.

Since it was the last night of the old year she had done a little bit of celebrating. Though 2015 had been a great year for her she was looking forward to what 2016 has in store for her. Sharon's life had been changing but most of it was for the good. For a person of routine and regulations change usually didn't come easy for her but since the storm named Rusty came into her life. She's adapted to life's changes more and more and was open to them now than any other time in her life.

Sharon turned in the shower to let the hot water rush over the rest of her body. She squeezed out some shampoo into the palm of her hand and started to lather it through her hair. She let out a small groan from the aches those movements caused. It wasn't as if she was hung-over, she was far from that. Sharon didn't drink much last night, only having a celebratory glass of champagne at Gavin's. She had given her best friend a kiss on the check at the stroke of midnight. He was whom she was standing by at the time. It was Gavin's huge annual bring in the New Year in style party and the place was packed. About a half hour to midnight she had lost Andy somewhere in the crowd. So as 2015 was winding down Sharon stayed close to her friend. She knew a lot of the people there they were mostly lawyers. Though there were a few LAPD officers there too. She assumed they were clients Gavin had helped win their lawsuits. She didn't feel like being too social with anyone actually. She had one person in mind and he was nowhere to be found.

As Sharon received a kiss and huge hug from the host of the party her eyes scanned the room. With each toll of the clock, she was giving up hope of bringing in the New Year kissing the man she was in love with. Then suddenly she has spun around and was being kissed just as the clock chimed the last stroke of midnight. The passionate kiss lasted well into the next year. As her tongue battled his her mind thoughts, yes she was ready for whatever 2016 would throw at her. When they parted and were breathing heavy, having to hold on to one another for support, she breathlessly said through a smile, "hello."

She received a lopsided smile and a "hey," in return.

"I wasn't sure if I'd get that New Year's kiss from you," Sharon admitted her worry to Andy. I hadn't seen you in…" She looked at her watch, "well, it was way too long."

Her fingers were playing with his purple silk tie as he confessed. "Sorry about that, I have to admit I was staying away from you on purpose." Her green eyes looked up at Andy with confusion in them. He placed a quick kiss on her pouting lips. "I was staying away, but my eyes never left you." This time Sharon's head tilted as she was about to ask why, but before she could he took her hand that was now playing with the buttons on his shirt to stop their movements. "Sharon, you are going to be the death of me you know that, right?"

In the back of her mind, she wondered why earlier Andy didn't come back after going to get their drinks, but she let it go for now. "That would be a crime, wouldn't it?" Sharon said in a higher flirty voice. She really had missed him. When he had left her side, she had gotten bombarded with drink requests and asked to dance over and over. All she really wanted was to be with Andy. So she has tried to make nice excuse to say no, then slowly made her way to Gavin, until she could find her date.

What Sharon didn't know was on the other side of the room Andy was heading back to Sharon with their drinks refilled when he noticed she was surrounded by men offering her a drink or asking for a dance. He had backed up into the shadows unnoticed and watched. He hadn't meant to leave her for that long it was unintentionally, but the line for drinks was long. As he stood in the back, there was no jealousy. It was more admiration at the fact that she was his or more so that he was hers. Andy still had a hard time believing that the beautiful, intelligent and strong Sharon Raydor had picked him.

He sipped his cranberry and soda as he watched her make small talk, then one by one the men would sadly walk away. Andy couldn't blame them all for trying, Sharon looked amazing in that deep purple wrap dress. It was low cut but not too revealing. Just enough to make someone wonder what the tie of her dress was concealing. He watched her look around the room, then at her watch, before making her way over to Gavin. Realizing what time it was Andy set the drinks down and worked his way around the room until he was right behind Sharon. There was no way he was going to bring in the New Year without having the woman he loved in his arms.

The way she said, "it would be a crime" and the ghost of a smile she gave him, that said she knew exactly what she was doing. Caused an electric shock to course through his body. He always did find her irresistible. With that Andy just shook his head and tugged her with him as he moved them to the door. "Andy, we can't leave without saying goodbye to the host. It's just rude." She dug her heels in to stop him.

Andy turned back to her and smugly explained, "Oh, don't worry about that. I told Gavin the minute we got here I was taking you away after the last stroke of midnight."

Confused and getting a bit mad. Sharon put her free hand on her hip and firmly asked, "And just why would you tell him that?"

"Um, have you seen the way you look?" She stood there bewildered what was he talking about? Did he really not want to be seen with her a moment longer than he had to? She then looked down at her dress. Was there something wrong with the way she was dressed? Sharon had thought Andy had liked it. At least from his reaction when he picked her up and the way he had kissed her, told her he did. The dress was silk, tight and purple to match his tie and suspenders. Andy watched Sharon, as she looked herself up and down. When their eyes met again he said, "Exactly, see what I'm talking about? You look absolutely beyond gorgeous and I have to get you out of here before one of Gavin's upper crust friends gets you to come to your senses and has you realizing I'm not good enough for you."

Sharon's eyes widened in shock. He wasn't trying to get her out of there because he was embarrassed to be seen with her, but because he thought someone could steal her away from him. Though in her mind that would never, ever happen. You can't stop the heart from wanting want it wants and she wanted Andy. She was completely in love with this man, but he did drive her crazy. Sharon gave him a soft glare as she quietly said, "Andy, get me out of here now."

Great, he thought now she was ticked at him. He had screwed up once again. Andy let go of Sharon's hand as he gave up, trying to figure out how to fix what he had messed up and headed the last few steps to the door and held it open for her. It was a quiet and quick walk to the elevators. He was rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, thinking on how he could right this New Years evening. Andy didn't want to start off 2016 fighting or single. In fact, he knew very well he didn't want to be single ever again. He couldn't see not being with Sharon for as many new years as she would give him.

The doors opened to the empty elevator when Sharon didn't move, Andy entered it first. He turned and was about to try and talk himself out of the dust-up he created when Sharon glared at him and put both her hands on her hips. With two steps forward she had him backed up against the elevator wall. In her Darth Raydor voice, she asked, "Andrew Flynn, don't you know me by now, the fact that none of that matters to me? I have the right to like who I want to like and I also have the right to love who I want to love." They both stood, their eyes wide and silent. Had she just said what she thought she said? Crap, that was not how she had wanted to tell Andy she loved him, but he had her so mad that she had let it slip out.

The stare off was broken when the elevator doors opened and a group of very happy partiers crowded into the small space. Sharon's still shocked green eyes broke contact first to step beside Andy to give the others room. She shook her head as she let out a deep sigh, what had she just done. Her breath hitched when she felt Andy's left arm slip behind her and intertwine with her hand, holding on tight. Andy was relieved she wasn't too mad at him and wasn't breaking off what they had. He used the amount of people as an excuse to have her as near to him as he could get her. Holding on tight to his hand too she pulled their joined hands up to her heart. Instinctively she leaned into his shoulder. She shivered as he whispered into her ear, "Sharon, I love you too."

That had been last night and Sharon's mind was constantly repeating the words Andy had said to her and body was remembering how amazingly they had brought in the New Year. She was humming as she showered and was sure 2016 was going to be a great year. Through her haze of thinking about Andy, she heard the bathroom door open, but with the shampoo in her eyes she couldn't see, but she knew who it was. "Andy? Why are you back already? I was just getting…" she stopped speaking when she felt a cool breeze hit her body causing it to react to the chill and a shiver ran over her. Then as Sharon was about to rinse the shampoo out of her hair and out of her eyes to see, she couldn't feel the hot stream anymore. Still hearing the water running she peeked through the shampoo suds and jumped a little to see Andy standing in front of her.

Sharon wasn't expecting him back already and especially not to have joined her in the shower. After all, they were in a hurry. She guessed this New Year was going to be filled with a lot of firsts for the two of them. He slowly stepped closer to her. Putting his hands on her hips, Andy pivoted them both so she could rinse her hair out under the fall of the water. Functionally, her shower was large enough for them both to have room but she had no desire to move. Sharon just wanted Andy to stay pressed up against her. She didn't dare move to give him any more room. If he wanted in here he'd just have to share her space. He obviously didn't need or want to be separated any more than she did as his chest slid against hers causing Sharon to inhale deeply. The things just a touch from this man could do to her brought her shivers.

After he helped her get all the shampoo out, much to her disappointment he turned her around. Sharon was thinking he was done, but she smiled as she saw Andy reach for her conditioner, then felt him work it into her hair. She couldn't help but let out a moan from the way his fingers made her head tingle. They went through the rest of the combined shower working the body soap and also their bodies up into a lather.

Knowing that Andy would be willing to take this farther in the steam of the hot water. Sharon, on the other hand, had no desire to have to explain to a 911 operator or her team how they slipped in the shower. She had spent enough time in a hospital and she was absolutely sure Andy had too. So she reached around him and turned the water off.

Not wanting it to end but Andy understood that it would be too risky to try such things in the shower with a wet floor. With a frown he opened the glass door, letting the heat out and the cold in. Sharon wasn't sure if it was the chill in the air that made her shiver or the thought of what was about to come next. She used one towel to wrap around her upper body then attempted to take another towel and dry off. Sharon had it halfway up her leg before Andy took it from her hands and lowly said, "allow me the honors, please." Just because they didn't continue what they both wanted in the shower didn't mean he couldn't follow throughout here.

She had noticed that Andy had wrapped a towel around his lower half, making it hard to take her eyes off his bare chest. As he was leaning over her Sharon watched a drop of water make it way down Andy's neck, over his shoulder blade to slowly snake a trail down his back to disappear under the edge of the towel. She long that to be her hand instead. Sharon swallowed hard and tried to talk. "Um…I..." trying to focus her thoughts and make words she started again, "I was getting ready to meet the team at the office. I thought the plan was, you were going back home after the crime scene to get a shower and to get out of your old clothes." Sharon tried to keep her voice a steady as possible, which wasn't easy as the towel in his hands was working over her legs.

Without looking up at her Andy replied, "false alarm the person on duty forgot about not call our division but Robbery/Homicide instead so by the time I got there a grumpy Provenza had chewed everyone out for messing with his days off." Andy noticed her stiffen and added quickly, "don't worry he said if there was another mix up like this in the next two days, that we are supposed to have off by command of the Assistant Chief of the LAPD..." Andy stopped as he stood up he looked her in the eyes and tried not to think about what the towel was barely covering. Sometimes it was hard to be a gentleman when he had Sharon Raydor in his arms, especially when all he wanted to do was look up and down her beautiful practically naked wet body.

He knew he needed to finish telling her all that his partner had said, Andy, laughed and hoped Sharon would see the humor in it as the team had, "Provenza said if it happened again that he would have the Wicked Witch fly in on her broomstick and make flying monkeys out of them all." She groaned as she leaned into Andy and hid her face in his chest. He ran his fingers through her wet hair and laughed again, "oh and I'm pretty sure those were Louie's exact words." He reluctantly held her away from him, "Now to finish what I started." He took a new towel to dry the ends of her hair.

Andy was working on drying it, in which he was causing it to go wild. Sharon didn't mind, she would deal with the unruly mess after she got out of bed much later in the day. As he moved the warm fluffy towel down to dry her arms, she allowed the towel that was around her chest fall. She felt Andy stopped, smiled at her then let the towel he was using on her to drop to the floor too, replaced the towel with his hands. Granted his touch was much less effective at drying her skin but it made feeling her body that much better. He happened to glance up into her eyes and saw the look she was giving him Andy took one last look then pulled his eyes from her still wet glistening body. "You do know it's a crime to look this gorgeous? Also, I'm sure there's a rule or a law written somewhere stating it's a felony the way you looked in that dress last night." His eyes traveled slowly down then back up before saying, "Every man in that room wished he was me."

Seeing Sharon blush as he spoke. He couldn't believe she had no idea on the effect she had on anyone that saw her. Andy's bold eyes were locked on her sparkling green ones but his hands were still working their way along her now chilling skin. Intertwining his fingers with hers, he led her out the bathroom, into her room and over to the bed. With his free hand, Andy pushed off all the pillows and threw back the covers. Tugging on their joined hands he firmly said, "you're getting chilly, get in."

Sharon made no attempt to move, only gripped Andy's hand tighter. Finally daring to step forward, trying to look confident but feeling less than sure, she stood in front of him. She never had a problem being forceful or asserting her authority but it wasn't that easy for her when she was standing naked in front of the one man she wanted in her life for as long as he would have her. Looking into his dark brown eyes, in a husky voice

Sharon barely recognized she said, "Only if you join me."

Not hesitating a second Andy quickly settled in bed laying on his back with his hands folded behind his head. He smirked as he said, "So Sharon, did my payback last night or more like this morning feeling as if you had a fair sentence for your crime of cheating? At a kids card game, I might add. There's also the little problem of you committing a felony for looking so beautiful."

Laughing beside him as she lay with her head in the crook of his shoulder. Sharon matter-a-factually mentioned, "for one thing, a sentence? As I said at Nicole's last week…"

"Oh, you mean while we were in the bathroom getting that stain out of your shirt?" Andy smugly said as he ran his hand along her spine.

Sharon gave him a light smack on his chest. She was still embarrassed about losing control in his daughter's house, while

Andy seemed very proud of himself. Two can play at paybacks she thought, then continued what she was pointing out, "yes, then. First off as I had been saying then, it felt more like a reward. For two, I can guarantee you there is no such law in the entire LAPD about being too pretty or too handsome, I might add myself." Sharon used his words then leaned up kissing him as she slowly crawled her way onto Andy, straddling him. "Now, I'll be happy to show you a thing or two about crimes, paybacks…" she leaned down and gave him a long passionate kiss. When they separated she licked her lips adding, "and rewards."

Andy reached up and tucked a few thick wild strands behind her ear and smiled saying, "Sharon, I think I like your kind of paybacks." Then he pulled her back to him for another earth-shattering kiss.

~The End~

Thanks to some amazing friends that helped me get motivated when this chapter stalled at the smexy parts. (smut/sexy) Without you, it would still be sitting incomplete.

Also, a thank you to the reviewers on the first chapter they are very much appreciated ;)