Chapter 8

The next week, Ziva sat in her apartment waiting impatiently. She stood and paced; then, sat down again, only to start pacing two seconds later. She walked to the bathroom and checked herself out in the mirror for the fifth time. Even she had to admit that she looked good. It had taken hours, but she was satisfied with the result. Her hair was freely flowing, and her dress was flattering to say the least. She smiled. This ought to get Tim's attention. Finally, the doorbell rang. She forced herself to walk demurely to the door. As she looked through the peephole, she laughed at Tim's obvious nervousness. They had set up this date while he was still laying in the hospital. No doubt he was worrying that she had second thoughts. She opened the door.

"Hello, Tim."

Tim's jaw dropped open and for a few seconds, he couldn't get any words out.

"How are you doing, Tim?" she asked wryly.

"Fine. You, you look... wow. You look great." Tim was captivated.

"Thank you. You are not so bad yourself." His arm was still in a sling, but Tim was dressed in a snazzy suit and in spite of his fidgeting, looked good.

"Thanks. Um, are you ready?"

"Do I not look ready?"

"Oh, yeah." Tim cleared his throat. "Yes, you look ready."

"Tim?"

"Yes?"

"Relax."

Tim took a deep breath and smiled. "I kept expecting you to call and back out." He grimaced. "Abby said I was crazy."

Ziva smiled. "Abby is just jealous that you asked me. I would never back out." She hesitated and then admitted, "I have been looking forward to this all week."

"So have I." Tim hesitated as well, and then leaned in and kissed Ziva on the cheek. He blushed as he stood back and said, "Shall we go?" He held out his arm.

Ziva took his arm. "Yes."

As they walked out to Tim's car, Ziva stopped suddenly.

"Did you forget something?" Tim asked.

"Yes."

"What?"

Ziva moved closer to Tim. "This." She kissed him deeply on the lips.

"Wow," Tim breathed as they broke apart. He stared into her eyes. "Ziva?"

"Yes, Tim?"

"I wouldn't trade what happened last week for the world."

"Not even getting shot and almost dying?" she asked playfully.

"Not even that," Tim said as they continued to his car.

"Neither would I."