Part 3

Amanda and Lee enjoyed visiting with the Sullivans. In their line of work, they rarely had the opportunity to follow up on any of the people they had come in contact with during the assignment.

Lee was still exceedingly pleased with himself. Just before they had arrived at the Sullivans' boat, his unexpected kiss had left Amanda speechless. His Amanda who could talk faster than anyone he'd ever met. His Amanda who could cram five subjects into one sentence. His Amanda who could babble incessantly on any and all topics. His Amanda who was never at a loss for words.

Of course, Amanda hadn't been speechless for long. Seeing Elizabeth and her family hadn't given her time to ponder Lee's spontaneous gesture, and within seconds she was catching up with her friend.

But Lee's jubilance animated his conversation with the Sullivans and he was still gloating as they said their goodbyes. As they left the boat, his enthusiasm was infectous and the spring in Amanda's gait soon matched his. He was thrilled to see that Amanda was genuinely happy. With his hand once again on the small of her back to guide her, he almost forgot that they were walking back to separate cars and that she was leaving him to be alone for the weekend. But he didn't forget that he wanted to invite her to lunch. He hoped that she would be ready to confide in him. He didn't like to see her unhappy. At least if he knew what was bothering her, he could try to make it better.

"Amanda, it's a beautiful day. Why don't we take the opportunity to relax and have lunch at one of these fabulous restaurants - just you and me, no interruptions, no shop talk? We don't spend enough time together away from the Agency."

Amanda felt trapped. She quickly scrambled to find a reason to say no without hurting his feelings. She really cared for Lee; she was just beginning to uncover the depth of those feelings. If only they had had this conversation a week ago. So much had changed. Lee had someone else now.

They stopped walking. She could see Lee's expectant face. She knew he was waiting for her answer. She couldn't bear to see him hurt. She treasured the smiling face in front of her.

"Lee, I can't..." Her heart stopped as his smile faded. She hadn't meant to say anything more, but the sight of his disappointment caused her to babble. "Lee, if you think about, we spend a lot of time together that has nothing to do with our jobs. Lately I've been thinking that it maybe too much time. You're the one who is always telling me that agents should keep things strictly professional, no emotional ties. You always keep things so black and white. But I don't see things that way, most of the world isn't that cut and dried to me. Over the past two years, you've become very special to me. Maybe too special. I can't just separate myself from my job like that. I mean, I don't know if I can, but I think now's a good time to start trying." Even as she spoke, Amanda regretted her words. She watched as Lee's expression changed from hurt to surprise to shock. His hands swept through his hair as he sputtered, "Why would you want to do something like that?"

Amanda was stunned by the intensity of Lee's response. She found herself speechless for the second time in less than an hour.

"Amanda...?" Lee tentatively reached for her. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Amanda could no longer meet his gaze. Lee swore he saw tears sparkling in her eyes as she bent her head. Slowly, he drew her to him. Amanda snuggled closer as his arms gently enfolded her.

Lee really hated not being in control of any situation. When it came to today, he was clueless. Amanda seemed to be speaking a totally different language. He thought they had resolved their differences and were getting closer. He'd done everything he could to let her know that it was over with Leslie and that he wanted to spend more time with her. He'd climbed her trellis in the middle of the night for forgiveness and she'd said she forgave him. He'd asked her out on a date and she had said no. He had spent the morning scheming to get her to spend the day with him anyway, and he was sure their plans would eventually include dinner. Now she was admitting that he was special to her too, but she wanted to maintain a strictly professional relationship. If they were both honest, they had never really had a strictly professional relationship.

Out of control and totally clueless, Lee followed his natural instincts. He decided to take charge. "Amanda, we need to talk. We are going to find a quiet restaurant to have lunch. And you are going to be totally honest with me."

Amanda was too emotionally tired to argue. The situation was particularly difficult because Lee was her best friend. She needed to talk to someone about her conflicting emotions. And in any other situation, she would talk to him. She tried to gauge his reaction if she was honest with him. Would he laugh? No, he cared about her. They were friends. Would he be angry? What was there to be angry about? She wasn't asking anything of him. And if their partnership couldn't continue, didn't he have a right to know why? Maybe he would be more tolerant and understanding of her turmoil as she tried to resolve her conflicting emotions. If their relationship wasn't going to succeed, it wasn't going to succeed. But maybe honesty would give it a chance. The way things stood now, both their friendship and their partnership were going downhill.

As Lee steered her into a small Chinese restaurant on the waterfront, Amanda resolved to be cautiously honest.

While they were eating, Lee kept the conversation safe. He asked about her family. They talked about the weather. They discussed the Sullivans. They even discussed the flower arrangement on the table. It was important to Lee that she felt comfortable and secure. Lee waited until the plates were cleared to broach THE subject. Amanda almost thought he had forgotten or changed his mind. She didn't know if she was relieved or disappointed.

His voice penetrated her thoughts. "Amanda, I need you to help me understand what happened this morning. I thought we had resolved our differences last night. I know I hurt you yesterday." Lee grasp both of her hands to emphasize his point. "I never meant to imply that you are unimportant. You are very important to me." Amanda squeezed his hands and raised her eyes to meet his. Lee continued, "Lately, I've begun to realize just how important you are to me. I'd like to explore that idea."

Amanda couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her heart was pounding in her chest. "Lee...?"

"Uhm..."

Amanda struggled for words. She had to know. She thought, but she was afraid to believe. Suddenly, being sure was the most important thing in the world. "Are you saying that...Isn't this where you usually give me the speech about agents...When you say explore that idea..."

Lee smiled at her confusion. Amanda began to smile back. His heart leaped. Now his Amanda was back. He saw it in her eyes.

Amanda settled back in her seat. There was only one nagging doubt in her mind. "What about Leslie? How does she fit into your idea?"

Lee laughed. "Why Amanda King, and to think that you once told me that I was sounding like a jealous person. Leslie is not a factor. And neither is anyone else. If I had wanted to be with Leslie, I wouldn't have been on your trellis last night. I wouldn't have asked you out for tonight, and I wouldn't be with you having this conversation right now."

Amanda blushed furiously. Luckily she was saved a response when the waiter placed two fortune cookies on the table. Lee brought her hand slowly to his mouth and kissed it before sharing his fortune, "ACCEPT THE NEXT PROPOSITION THAT YOU ARE OFFERED."

Amanda read hers silently, "THE LONGEST JOURNEY STARTS WITH JUST ONE STEP." Lee watched her thoughtful expression turn into a mischievious grin.

"Lee, what time would you like to pick me up for dinner tonight?"

(FYI: Kim has written a wonderful story, Limits 2/2, that includes a fantastic dinner scene.)

THE END