Alternative

(3/7)

Ziva had spent the rest of the ride to the restaurant questioning Gibb’s about his personal life, making sure that she knew enough about him to convince everyone that they indeed had been dating for quite some time. And in turn, he had done the same to her. Both learning quite a few things about the other that they would have never known otherwise, no matter how many times they may have peaked at the other‘s files.

Curious. She pondered. He hadn’t removed her hand until they’d arrived, even then making it seem like he’d only done it regrettably so.

"So, how is it that we met?" She asked as they got out of the car and walked through the parking lot toward the restaurant’s main entrance.

"What?"

"You know, us, the couple?"

He tentatively set his palm on her lower back as they walked, curling it to cup her hip subconsciously when she didn’t break his arm for touching her in such a fashion.

"Why don’t we just stick with, we met at work."

"It’s safe." She agreed, a pleasant tingle coursing through her body as he pulled her just a bit closer to him when another man walked by. "What about our first date? In the movies the unknowing people that the fake couple are duping always ask where they went and what they did."

He smirked. "How about, Chinese and then out for a beer after a case?"

She nodded as he held the front door open for her, and lead her into the main lobby.

Ziva studied his face carefully as they waited for the hostess to come to the front. "Are you going to be alright?"

He stepped closer to her, his chest touching the length of her arm as he spotted David across the room. "I’ll be fine. But, there’s one more thing that I need you to do for me while we’re here."

She looked up at him, her breath quickening as it brought their faces closer together. "And, what’s that?"

Gibbs reached over and brushed a few stray curls away from her forehead, trailing his fingers down her cheek, before cupping it with his palm. He inched forward, leaving only a few centimeters between them, his hot breath mixing with her own.

"This." He whispered, just before his mouth fluttered daringly across hers.

A pang of desire flooded her abdomen as his soft lips moved gently but insistently against hers, trying to coax her into doing the same. She hesitated but complied, fully aware that actually kissing him, was much different than just planning on doing it.

They were walking a fine line, playing with fire, tempting the fates; basically asking for anything that could go wrong to do so. And they knew it.

Yet, her fingers grasped the front of his shirt tighter as his tongue swiped stealthily along her lower lip, and she opened her mouth to allow him entrance. But, much to her disdain, before their kiss could deepen any further he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers.

"I’ve always been very affectionate with my women. If I didn’t touch you," he said as he ran a hand down her back. "or kiss you," he pecked her lips, lingering for a moment. "they’d know something was wrong."

Someone cleared their throat, and they both turned to see a waitress standing next to them carrying a reservation book with her.

"Can I help you two?" She asked politely, wearing a knowing smile.

Ziva felt him pull back, goosebumps trailing along her skin as he wrapped his arm familiarly around her waist.

"We’re here to meet some friends."

The teenage girl lit up in recognition. "Are you Mr. Gibbs?"

He cringed momentarily, his fingers gripping Ziva’s hip a little more tightly, and was glad when she decided to answer for him. "Yes, are they here already?"

The girl nodded, and began walking toward the back of the restaurant. "Follow me right this way, please."

Ziva began moving, but he stayed where he was. She looked back at him, brow raised in question, and grabbed his hand squeezing it reassuringly as she began pulling him toward the girl waiting behind them.

He fell in step with her, appreciating the way she seemed to realize that he needed a buffer this evening if it was going to turn out alright. He hated showing such venerability around her, or anyone really, but he trusted her and at least that gave him a little security.

His stomach churned as she turned to him after spotting his ex at a table not far away; her red hair predictably standing out in the crowd.

She grinned, playing the part, and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "It will be over before you know it."

He smiled back halfheartedly, counting every inch of the last ten feet before they came to a stop. The waitress passed them their menus, saying something about bringing them ice water, and Gibbs shifted uncomfortably under the gaze of the three people seated in front of them.

Shelia smiled at him, her husband watching him wearily from the corner.

Great. He thought, hoping desperately that Ziva was right; he wanted this evening finished quickly and quietly.

To Be Continued…

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