Love and Litigation - An Alex Cabot/Law and Order SVU fanfiction

Chapter 24

Alex and Luke pulled up to the station, returning from their short trip. Ever the gentleman, he once again opened her door and helped her out. Her eyes vigilantly scanned the area for the possibility of prying eyes.

"I'd better get going. It's late." 

"Of course." He agreed, opening her car door and shutting it after she climbed inside. 

She looked up at him, the street lamp casting him in a half shadow. Fighting the urges threatening to overcome her, she hoped that he would make a move towards her.

But he didn't. 

They both bid each other goodnight, and she watched him from her rearview mirror as she drove away. She hadn't known what to make of his admissions that evening. The fact that they were having the same feelings was mind-blowing to her. But did she really want a relationship that she'd have to hide from everyone she knew? Admittedly, the idea kind of excited her. The adrenaline that came with sneaking around was hot, and it made the whole thing fun. But how long could they keep it up? And was it worth both of them risking their careers? So many questions with not nearly enough answers. 

After she arrived home, she set her things on the dining room table and changed clothes. Slipping into bed that night she wondered if the morning might bring more clarity. 
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The next day:
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Since waking up feeling rested and refreshed, Alex was satisfied with a productive day at work. Luke had surprised her by coming into her office and telling her not to make plans that night. Thus, she'd spent most of the day wondering what he was up to. 

In an effort to not arouse suspicion, he texted her the address to meet him at and they drove there separately. She pulled up to a remote location and wondered immediately if she was at the right place. That is, until she spotted Luke leaned up against his truck waiting for her.

"Where in the world have you summoned me to?" She laughed, as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. 

"It's great, right?" He said, looking up at the star-filled sky. 

She took in the area around her. It was similar to where he'd taken her the night before. Mostly secluded with few trees, overlooking the city skyline. A slight breeze in the air made it a bit brisk but not uncomfortable. Suddenly, he surprised her by making a move towards his truck and lowering the tailgate. Housed in the bed were thick blankets and a bottle of white wine with two glasses.

"Luke Dawson, are you trying to woo me?" 

"Is it working?" 

"Maybe a little." 

After helping Alex in, Luke jumped in beside her and uncorked the bottle of wine. Pouring them each a glass, he held his midway in the air. 

"To no one finding out about this." 

She laughed heartily, and they each took a generous sip of their wine.

He made certain of her comfort, covering her lap with a blanket. Watching him in the element of his upbringing, she realized how differently they'd grown up. She was a city girl from a well-off family. He was a country boy from little means. What was beginning to unfold between them was almost poetic. 

"I take it you've done this before." 

His eyes flashed over to hers. 

"Only with the women I'm trying to impress." 

She grinned and felt as her face turned blush.

"I can't believe I've never asked you this before, but what made you move here?" 

"The short version? When I came back from Iraq, I didn't know what to do with my life. I knew my life of service hadn't ended. I still wanted to help people." 

"So you became a cop." 

He nodded, holding his wine glass by the stem. 

"After my medical clearance, I enrolled in the academy. I worked on the beat for about five years before a friend of mine called me. He said there was an opening for a detective in Manhattan with Special Victims. I didn't want to stay, there was nothing keeping me here. By that time, my mom was dead and my sister wasn't speaking to me so I drove up here for an interview. And I haven't been back to South Carolina since." 

"That must've taken a lot of courage, leaving everything you've known behind." 

He smiled before looking back down. 

"I feel more at home here than I ever did back there. I finally feel like I belong." 

She could sense a pain behind his eyes but didn't press further. Instead she grabbed his hand, interlacing her fingers with his. 

"Well, I'm glad you came here." 

"Me too." He agreed softly, blatantly lost in the depths of her eyes. 

With the privacy came freedom as she went in to kiss him. And, as their lips crashed against each other's, she found herself wondering why they hadn't done this sooner. Was it due to the constraints of their jobs? Fear of ruining the friendship they had fostered for over a decade? Whatever the reason, she suddenly had fewer reservations. When she was with him, it felt as though they could handle whatever obstacles may come their way.