Justice and Crime

Chapter 3

The elevators opened onto the bustling scene. A week later I was returning to White Collar. I had some more files to go over with Peter before I could take the foundation owner to court. I strode into the office only to be met by Neal Caffrey who was chatting aimlessly with an agent at his desk. An unfamiliar fluttering in my stomach was quickly pushed out by the task at hand.
    His blue eyes instantly lit up, "Alexa!" he called. 
"I would chat, but I have actual work to do," I answered playfully and continued walking.
30 minutes later I was walking out of the building again.
"Now can you talk?" Neal asked hat in hand as he reached for the door.
"You seem rather adamant to, so yes." A bright smile flashed over his face.
We sat on a picturesque bench in Central Park, coffee, New York's lifeblood in hand. The biting cold was almost gone, signalling the coming of spring.
"You should come down to White Collar more often," Neal inquired drawing closer to me, our thighs touching.
"Crime doesn't stop," I instantly felt distant, drawing further and further from my reality.
"That felt vaguely personal," Neal's lighthearted chuckle pulled me back.
"It wasn't supposed to be, but maybe you're planning your long awaited escape from New York as we speak," I joked.
"I think the con to try and get you to go to dinner with me is more plausible."
"Is that an offer," I shot him a coy smile.
"It's a date." A pregnant pause ensued.
He leaned in hesitantly our lips inches apart. His hand was on my waist. An enticing force was drawing me closer to him. I could see it, us walking hand in hand, fleeting glances during dinner, gentle kisses over candlelight.
A wave of clarity came over me. I could never be with him, not only because of my job, how could I ever trust him? Battling every emotion I turned my head away, our lips grazing each other.
     "I can't do this Neal. I'm sorry, I like you, but."
He cut me off, "No I'm sorry, for going somewhere you didn't want be. But, I'm not sorry for being attracted to you." He looked hurt as he removed his hand from my waist.
"I have to go," I lied. Neal's blue eyes searched me, an undeniable gloominess evaded his character.
"I meant what I said, Alexa."
"I meant what I said too. Goodbye Neal." I got up, despite his silent protests and walked back into the never ending flow of people.