Chapter 81 - Late Start

Cate had just stepped out of her Mustang when she saw Jon’s SUV pull into the parking lot. She saw him wave at her through the windshield, and she gave him a small smile in return. She closed her car door and waited for Jon as he guided his rental into a spot at the back of the lot.

By the time Cate had made it home last night, she was thoroughly exhausted. The emotional rollercoaster she had been on all day yesterday, coupled with her nocturnal lifestyle of the weekend, had finally caught up with her. She had barely been able to keep her eyes open long enough to take a quick shower.

When she finally collapsed into bed, she slept soundly. And when her alarm sounded this morning, she did something she rarely did. She re-set the clock for an extra hour of sleep, not caring that she would make it to the office late.

As a result here she was, just arriving at work a mere half-hour before she and Jon were to be at the bomb range. But she did feel a little better than she did yesterday. And she would need all the energy she could muster for today’s training. It was going to be a long day.

Cate watched Jon as he climbed out of the SUV, grabbed his bag, and closed the door. He walked toward her, the gravel crunching under his feet as he crossed the lot. As he approached, Cate saw that he looked tired. She couldn’t see his eyes behind the dark lenses of his sunglasses, but she was sure they were weary.

Damn, we sure are rough on each other, Cate mused, a little smirk coming to her lips. Maybe it will be a good thing when he leaves. We’ll both get some sleep. Immediately her heart gave a throb of protest at the thought.

“Morning, Cate,” Jon said quietly, stopping in front of her. “How are you?” His voice was gentle, but his words were formal. He was obviously trying to play the part of the professional.

Cate felt a little twinge of disappointment at the absence of a more familiar greeting. But this is how it should be, she reminded herself firmly.

“I’m okay. A little tired, but okay. How about you?” Cate gave him a little smile. “You look tired, too.”

Jon shrugged. “I’m alright. Didn’t get much sleep last night. I was up working pretty late.”

Cate nodded. She often wondered how Jon kept up with all the different projects he had going on at one time. It stood to reason that he would have to burn some midnight oil. She hoped work was the only reason he hadn’t slept well.

Cate was relieved that Jon didn’t mention their parting of the night before. She knew he had been upset when he left the range, after she had pushed him away. She had been miserable, too. She had stood there in the armory, crying on Danny’s shoulder, for God knows how long.

“Well, we’re gonna have a long day,” she replied. “Hopefully you can make up for your lost zees tonight.”

Jon gave an ironic chuckle. “We’ll see,” he answered. Not if I can convince you to stay with me tonight…

Cate and Jon walked together into the FTB building, then into Cate’s office. Dropping his bag on Cate’s couch, Jon went to the break room to procure coffee for the two of them while Cate turned on her computer and checked her voicemail.

He returned a few minutes later and handed Cate her stainless steel travel mug refilled with perfectly-mixed chocolate-caramel coffee. Cate hummed in appreciation as she sipped from the cup. “Thanks, Jon,” she said with a little smile.

He met her gaze with a little smirk. “Not gonna tell me you love me this time?” he said softly. Cate heard the gentle tease in his voice as he referred to her spontaneous utterance from Sunday, when he had brought her coffee in the bathroom of his villa.

Cate blushed slightly. “Well, it’s good coffee, but… no. Sorry.”

Jon sighed. “That’s too bad,” he said quietly. They were both silent for a moment, sipping their beverages. Then Jon saw Cate glance at the clock. “Time to go?” he asked.

“Yeah, we need to roll. We’re supposed to be on the bomb range in fifteen, and it’s on the other side of the Center.” She took another drink from her mug, then picked up her bag from beside her desk. “C’mon. I’ll drive.”

Jon stepped over to the couch and picked up his bag, then followed Cate out the door.