(Most characters are part of the Burn Notice universe)

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BURN NOTICE

A Twist of Nate

Chapter 1

Miami, Florida is a place filled with happy tourists, beautiful sunbathers, and A-list night clubbers.

But it is also a place filled with kidnappers, arms dealers, and drug traffickers.

And Michael Westen belonged to both worlds.

But today as Michael and Sam Axe sat outside the patio of Cafe Carlitos, they were enjoying the more desirable side of Miami, namely, the part that consisted of gorgeous people, sandy beaches and sun-kissed skies.

For even spies needed a break.

Especially when they were celebrating.

"Here's to another successful mission accomplished," Sam raised his glass and clinked it with Michael's.

"Sam…I couldn't have done it without you," Michael smiled, in one of his rare good moods.

He knew happy times like these were usually short-lived.

It wasn't that Michael was a cynic. From experience, he knew that a sense of happiness might only last as long as it took to empty his drink. It was just a matter of time before someone would be in need of his "special" talents. And that time was usually more sooner than later.

For a spy, trouble could begin with something as simple as a quick glance or a warm greeting. Whether he is meeting with a stranger, a past acquaintance, or a friend, a spy knows any one of them could connect him to a situation known as danger.

But Sam Axe was not of the same mind. Under the clear skies of Miami, he took another gulp of his drink as he languidly watched the world go by. His thoughts were of relaxation as he expounded another one of his famous Sam Axe proverbs.

"I tell you, Mikey, life is about getting a beer, sitting your keester down, and enjoying the view."

As Sam continued taking in the Miami ambiance, something, or rather someone caught his attention.

"…And, Mikey, speaking of enjoying the view, check out over to your right, at three o-clock. Wowza!"

Michael slightly turned his head in the direction indicated, knowing that for Sam, "the view" meant another beautiful, anonymous female.

While Michael was not one to "check out the ladies", a quick glance told him that admittedly, Sam was right this time. Even from here, Michael could see that the lone woman reading a novel was stunning.

Sitting at the last table in the patio was a blonde haired woman who could easily have been the model on the cover of the Sports Illlustrated swimsuit edition. With gorgeous blonde locks that tumbled well past her shoulders, it served as an attractive frame that emphasized the sensual loveliness of her features. This included a perfect nose, large eyes and ripe-looking full lips.

Voluptuously fit, she wore a striped tee shirt with a boat-neck collar over tight jeans. Although modestly dressed, she easily stood out among the teeny-weeny bikini-wearing young females.

At that same moment, the woman happened to look up from her book in Michael's direction. Even with his sunglasses on, Michael felt the intensity of that gaze striking him. He could not break off the stare although it sent a ripple of unease throughout his body.

Sam also noticed the woman looking their way and gave an obvious welcome wave. They watched as she looked away to her side, lifted her index finger, and summoned the waitress over. She scribbled something down on a scrap of paper and handed it over to the waitress.

The waitress was heading their way with the note.

"Mikey, I think she just passed us a note in study hall!" Sam grinned and rubbed his hands together in happy anticipation.

When the waitress arrived, Sam leaned forward in his seat, but she instead reached out with the note towards Michael.

Michael scowled slightly, not sure what to make of the situation.

"Okay...sure..." acquiesced Sam to the waitress, "I've already had my fill of love notes this morning, so, yeah, go ahead and pass that one over to my buddy there."

"You're Michael Westen, right?" the waitress asked Michael, "The lady at that last table requested I give this note only to you."

Michael stared at the note and contemplated whether he should accept it. How did the blonde female know his name? The waitress stood there, patiently waiting. Removing his sunglasses, Michael hesitantly reached out for the note and unfolded it:

Mike,

Please help me.

XOXO

Sam leaned over to view the contents of the note.

"Whoa! Have you been keeping a secret from me, 'ol buddy?" Sam asked, "You seem to know this woman."

Michael turned over the paper. Blank. Flipping it back, he stared hard at the writing on the paper.

"Sam, believe me, "Michael stated, looking over at his friend, "Her, I would remember."

"Well, she obviously knows you," said Sam, "After all, people do not 'x-o-x-o' complete strangers. Think back. Maybe in the past some 'wango tango' occurred between the two of you."

Although Michael remained composed on the outside, internally, his mind was reeling, trying to recall something that had not been etched in the recesses of his mind.

Barely moving his head, he glanced her way and his stomach did a flip at the knowledge that she had been staring intently at him the entire time. Hoping to break off her gaze, he gave a slight nod to acknowledge receipt of the note.

A dazzling smile appeared on her face as she interpreted Michael's nod for an invitation to join them. She shut her novel, stood up and ambled their way.

Uh-oh. Not the reaction he was expecting.

"Put this in the 'win' column for us, buddy; she's headed our way!" announced Sam, looking pleased.

Quite a few heads turned as she approached Michael and Sam at where they sat. Her body effortlessly maneuvered around the patio's tables and chairs, with an ease that showed she was used to having all eyes focused on her. She reached Michael and Sam in no time.

The entire situation was happening too quickly for Michael.

"Hello, Mike," She greeted him warmly, "it's wonderful to see you again!"

Her tone was casual, almost perky as she took it upon herself to sit down. As she adjusted herself on the chair, it gave Michael the opportunity to observe her unobtrusively and he came to one conclusion.

She was absolutely gorgeous.

Michael was positive he had not met her before.

Who was she?

"Have…we…met before?" Michael asked.

Internally Michael kicked himself for asking the typical bar pick-up line, especially since he was at a bar. He had not meant to word it that way. Next, she'll expect him to ask for her astrological sign.

She leaned forward to say something, her eyes lingering a little too long on Michael. He was mesmerized by her closeness. Whatever fragrance she was wearing spoke of light floral femininity. Michael tried not to look as flustered as he felt.

"I'm disappointed you don't recognize me, Mike, " she looked chagrin, "especially since you were my first."

Michael was already prepared with different scenarios on what she might say, but he certainly did not expect her to say that.

Throughout this time, Sam had been casually taking in the scene as he enjoyed his beer. Her last remark, however, brought a convulsion of coughs from Sam as he choked on his beer.

Michael had no comeback as he used all his spy training to force his facial muscles to remain impassive. But he wasn't totally successful as his eyes opened slightly at the stunning statement.

Memories from long ago entered his mind as Michael recalled that in high school, his "first" had been Gina De Luca. This definitely was not her. Michael looked at Sam for help.

Sam's coughing had subsided by now, so he spoke up.

"Whoa. We haven't been formally introduced, but I feel a need to jump in here." Sam seemed careful with his next words,"So what you're saying...if I heard you right…is that you were the first to…uh…butter Mikey's toast?"

This time it was Michael's turn to cough.

Sam was going to be burnt toast when Michael gets through with him.

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Please note: this story takes place pre-season five.

I'm sooo happy to be back with a new story!

I know there is no Nate in this chapter...but story-wise, he is waiting on the sidelines!

(This is a sequel to "Mom's the Word", but it is not necessary to read that story to understand this one.)

Let me know what you think! Please review.