Josh heard the click of his radio, and a local radio station come on through the haze of sleep. At the same time, he became accutely aware of the entangled state he was in, and could not help but smile as the memories of last night came flooding back. With his free hand, he reached out and hit the snooze button, in the vain hope of not disturbing Kate. As his free hand dropped back to where it'd previously lain, he felt Kate stir. Kate's eyelids fluttered open, taking a moment to focus. In that moment, Josh grazed a gentle kiss across her lips.

"Morning. I hope that didn't wake you?", he said, an apologetic look on his face.

"No, I was just about to wake up anyway!", said Kate playfully.

"Just waiting for an opportunity to do it without disturbing you! Of course, if I'd known you would be awake...", she said huskily as her she was distracted by the seductive circles he was tracing on her hip.

Gently they kissed again, this time the hunger and passion which had been evident last night refreshed and revitalised. After a moment, Josh broke the kiss before he relinquished control and conceded to the temptation.

"Duty calls, huh?", asked Kate, fully aware of his conflict.

"Unfortunately", answered Josh, the regret evident on his face and in his voice.

"In that case, I'll just have to shelve my ideas until another time then, won't I?", she retorted, with a seductive glint in her eye.

Josh kissed Kate hungrily one final time, then untangled himself. Grabbing some clothes from his cupboard, he glanced one final time in Kate's direction, obviously torn, then headed into the bathroom. Kate heard the water start running, and smiled, as a thought came to mind, which she acted upon.

As Josh let the water cascade over him, his thoughts turned to the woman who lay in his bed, and had captivated him in the short time he'd known her. He was so deep in his thoughts, that he did not hear the bathroom door open and close, nor did he feel the gentle draft that accompanied it. He was so caught up in his thoughts that it wasn't until he felt the gentle hand trying to wrest the bar of soap from his hands that he became aware of the second presence in the room. Turning, he was greeted by a face that had become very familiar in the last 24 hours, a michievous grin plastered on her face.

"I thought that, as loyal government workers, it might pay for us to find a way to help conserve water, especially with the threat of a water shortage ths summer."

"Who am I to argue, as a loyal government worker!", said Josh, closing the shower curtain behind her and taking the soap from her hand.

**************************************************************

Sometime later, Josh moved about the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Glancing at the clock, he knew he had no chance of arriving on time, but it was one of the few times he would be late. He'd rung in and informed them he'd be a little late. Thankfully, Suzanne hadn't arrived in yet, so he'd avoided the 20 questions. But, there'd be no avoiding it later.

Kate glided into the kitchen, her wet hair wrapped in a towel, Josh's robe encompassing her, much like he had not so long ago. A smile crossed his face as he remembered, but was quickly vanquished as the bacon and eggs he was preparing sizzled to gain his attention.

"Hmm...something smells good!"

"I hope it tastes as good!", he retorted. "Juice?"

"Sure, but you handle those. I'll get it!"

Kate went to the refrigerator, opening it and almost gasping in surprise. The refrigerator, in contrast to what she expected, was filled with regular groceries. Guessing that Josh walked long hours frequently, she'd expected it to be full of microwave dinners and the like.

"Just because I work long hours, doesn't mean I go for tv dinners and the like. I find cooking is a good way to relax. That, and it gives me an excuse to get out and about occassionally. Surprised?", asked Josh, knowing the answer.

"A little. I'd never have expected it. But then, it's not the first time you've surprised me!", she retorted as he approached with two plates.

They both sat down, surprised just how hungry they were. But then, with their efforts both last night and this morning, it was hardly a surprise. They hungrily consumed the meal, no encouragement needed.

"My compliments to the chef!", said Kate, finishing her last mouthful.

"'Tis a pleasure, madame!"

"So, busy day for you?", asked Kate as Josh tidied up.

"Oh, the usual. Dealing with recruits and keeping a handle on things. Nothing unusual. In contrast to some of us who are off to their case this afternoon! Sounds like it's going to be intriguing, to say the least!"

"How do you know about...."

"I'm a Director, remember? Plus, I was curious to see what you'd be doing! Add to that the fact I need to know for assignment purposes, and it covers everything perfectly well."

Kate shook her head at him, playfully, of course. Why did she feel like she'd almost been set up? But, deep down, she knew that it wasn't a set up. His interest had been just that. There was nothing sinister about it. But, a cloud of concern crossed her face, which Josh didn't miss. Where to from here? Was there a direction from here? Josh came from where he was putting dishes away, turned Kate to face him and put his arms reassuringly around her.

"Care to let me in to the storm?", he asked, second guessing her concerns.

"No, it's nothing. It's just...I'm wondering where to from here?"

Kate looked up into his eyes, the insecurity blatantly obvious. Both of them had made a big leap of faith last night and she, for one, now wanted reassurance that that leap of faith hadn't been for nothing.

"Well, I'm heading for the office, and you've got a case. But, as for the real answer, the only possible answer I can offer is forward? Let's just take it a step at a time, day by day, and see where it leads. How fast or slow depends on what feels right, but I know that I want this to work. That, and you mentioned some ideas you had that you'd like to try out at some time!", he teased.

"But seriously, I want this to work. I don't make a habit out of flirting with trainees, wooing them and them chalking them up on a scoreboard. And I think I'd be right in saying that you don't either. It was a big step for each of us, but I'm not walking away now. I don't make those sort of leaps of faith and then run."

Before he could say anymore, Kate closed the gap between them, kissing Josh tenderly.

"Thankyou Josh!"

"Don't worry, we're both a little unsure about this. But I think you want to see where it goes as well. Now, I have to get going, otherwise I'll really be late."

"Ah, Josh...what about locking up?"

"Take your time", he said, reaching into a draw and producing a spare key. "Take as long as you need! And, I'd like to think you'll consider keeping this, just in case?"

"I'll consider it. We'll see what happens!"

She listened as he finished getting ready, looking at the key on a short chain he'd passed to her. Josh saw the way she was looking at it when he returned, ready for work.

"It's no pressure on my part. Just practical, because I have to get going. If you're not sure, you can leave it in the letterbox downstairs. Now...", he began, stopping, knowing it was time to leave. "I have to go. Duty calls. I...that is...", he began, but had absolutely no idea what to say. Kate stopped him by gently kissing him.

"Me too. I'll see you when I get back! Now, you better get going!"

Josh kissed her one more time, sure that the tables had just been turned on him. But, knowing he didn't have time to dwell on it, he left, heading back to the office. Kate was right, duty did call!"

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