Liable

Taking in Ryan's kiss again, Alec lets it linger, in no hurry to let go. But when she pulls away, he doesn't stop her. His hands rest on her waist and his eyes boldly lock with hers without fear. "The table has heavy braces," he counters, also catching his breath.

He can tell she's serious about leaving though, and he wasn't going to make her stay. Not only would he get in trouble with Hal or Reese, but if he tried to pull any stunts with Ryan, he knew she would not return.

Surrender flashes in his eyes and he straightens, backing up a step and offering Ryan a hand to slide back off the table. Turning her towards the door, he walks behind her with his arms wrapped around her torso. Stopping at the door, he tilts his head down to her shoulder from behind, taking in the scent of the sweet shampoo that lingered in her hair.

"You better keep that promise about coming back," he whispers as his arms tighten a little bit around her. "Now I'm liable to miss you."

Finally letting her go, he steps back so she can leave.


Scott plays a little bit with the rest of his food on his plate then looks down to see Domino hasn't left. Shaking his head and grinning, he gives her another little piece of turkey. "You're gonna have to go on a diet after this," he warns.

Her more than him - he hadn't eaten much, even though it was Christmas, and even though Hope had helped cook some delicious food. But he knew better than to try eating too much when his mind was in turmoil. He would only wind up making himself sick and that would be worse.

He and Hope had yet to exchange gifts though, so he hoped the rest of their evening would be a peaceful one. He missed being at his parents this year. Though they didn't always get along, Christmas was the one time they could look past their differences and get along and renew their relationships. But not this year. No... not this year.

Pushing his plate aside, he rests his elbows on the table and looks across at Hope, offering her the best smile he could. "Thanks for spending Christmas with me," he comments softly. "I feel like I finally found what's been missing all these years."