As it turned out, Spencer and Lilith's calm morning did not last forever. 20 minutes after the call from Jacob the pair had gotten back to their original morning plan, making out on the kitchen counter.

It was only a few minutes into their second make out session of the morning that Spencer's phone rang for work, groans following when he realized they had an actual case and he couldn't just savour the day with Lilith.

He had rushed to get ready before sprinting out the door, kissing Lilith on the cheek and stating she could stay until he was back if she wanted but there was an extra key in the drawer under the knife rack.

After a rushed drive into the officer Spencer was quick to board the elevator and make his way in, apologizing for his lateness as he took as seat at the roundtable.

His usual clean appearance was now slightly disheveled. His hair was tousled, and there was a noticeable hickey on his neck, only partially concealed by his collar.

The team members already at the table exchanged curious glances, their eyebrows raised in unspoken inquiry.

Morgan, never one to miss an opportunity to tease, was the first to speak up. "Spence, what's going on with your hair? Did you have a wild night out?"

Emily smirked, joining in on the playful banter. "And what's that on your neck? Looks like someone had a bit too much fun."

Rossi, ignoring his appearance but still joining in on the teasing added a comment, "You're also a bit late this morning, Reid. Care to explain?"

Spencer's cheeks flushed slightly as he realized the attention he was garnering. He cleared his throat, his mind racing to come up with a plausible explanation that wouldn't reveal too much.

"Uh, well, you know how I can sometimes get caught up in my research... I lost track of time," he stammered, hoping his teammates would buy his excuse.

JJ, ever perceptive, leaned closer, her voice filled with teasing curiosity. "Research, huh? Is that what they call it now?"

Spencer's face turned even redder as he tried to suppress a nervous chuckle. "It was just a late night. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Garcia, unable to contain her curiosity, chimed in with a knowing smile. "Oh, come on, Spence. Don't leave us hanging. Who's the lucky person responsible for that hickey?"

Spencer was relieved when Hotch entered the room, "Leave Reid alone, Garcia can you please start the briefing?".

Garcia pouted playfully but acquiesced, realizing that Hotch's arrival marked the beginning of business. She cleared her throat and began outlining the details of their new case, an update to the dirty dozen case that had plagued them for so long.

Everyone could tell that Garcia was buzzing with excitement to be done with this dirty dozen thing.

As Garcia detailed the case Spencer did his best to focus on the task at hand. However, his mind kept replaying the lingering feeling of their morning together still fresh on his lips.

As the team got into their discussion, the initial teasing and curiosity about Spencer's appearance were set aside in favor of setting up a plan for Spencer's sit down dinner with one Cat Adams.

Throughout the briefing, Garcia couldn't resist throwing occasional mischievous glances Spencer's way, silently promising to extract more details about his romantic escapades once the case was solved. It made sense, Garcia could channel her energy into this now that she'll be done with this group of hitmen.

Spencer promised himself that going forward he would not brining physical traces of Lilith to work, in his line of business it was far too risky to bring her too deep in.

***

Spencer sat at the table across from one Cat Adams.

Cat had told Spencer that a four-year-old ring would have scratches while his is clearly new, leading to him having a gun pointed at him under the table. She had also gotten JJ and Rossi out of the restaurant.

Cat had agreed to a double or nothing game. Spencer has thirty minutes to answer every question she asks, no lies. If he wins, she goes peacefully, if she wins he will escort her out like a gentleman. After the first game revealed that she and the bomber had planted bombs on the city's gas lines. Which would blow up the whole block.

As a distraction during Cats departure Spencer tells her that he found her dad. Spencer spins a tale of a homeless man in DC, something Cat doesn't believe. Cat's partner was quick to arm the bombs and prepare to detonate it, but Morgan and Lewis were just as quick to stop her before she could do so, which caused Cat to hold Spencer at gunpoint.

Morgan was in the middle of talking Cat down, feeding her claims that her father was outside in an armored van, Spencer pleading with him not to encourage her as needed.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Spencer's mind kept drifting back to Lilith. There was so much he hadn't done with her that he so desperately wanted to.

He couldn't help but be comforted by thoughts of her—the way she smiled, the sound of her laughter, the way she fit perfectly in his arms. Their connection had been instant, and he found himself falling deeper every day.

He had called her before he left the BAU for this dinner, he had promised to be home that night. She promised in return that she would wait up for him.

With his mind on Lilith, Spencer couldn't have been more relived when she dropped the gun, allowing Spencer to escort her out. Spencer had let himself be driven to Morgan's after the case, allowing himself the time to collect himself before heading home to his girl.

They two men had just finished a heart-to-heart, being interrupted by a drunk Garcia and Savannah meeting them outside. Morgan noticed the looking in Spencer's eye when he invited him with the two girls. "Hey, pretty boy, mind sharing what's got you all dreamy-eyed?"

Spencer rolled his eyes, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Nothing, just glad to be going home."

Savannah chimed in with a teasing grin. "Are you sure it doesn't have anything to do with that fading hickey on your neck?"

Spencer chuckled nervously, feeling both the weight of the case and the weight of his growing feelings for Lilith. "No, no. Just thinking tonight."

Morgan raised an eyebrow, unconvinced by Spencer's response. "Uh-huh, sure. Keep telling yourself that, Reid."

"I will thanks, goodnight Morgan".

On his way down the walk way, Spencer couldn't resist the temptation any longer. He reached for his phone and dialed Lilith's number, hoping to hear her voice, if only for a moment. The sound of her greeting sent a surge of warmth through his veins, momentarily easing the weight of the case on his shoulders.

"Hey, it's me," Spencer began, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and longing. "I just wanted to hear your voice and let you know that I'm on my way."

On the other end of the line, Lilith's voice was filled with affection. "Good! I'll put the kettle on."

Spencer couldn't help but smile, grateful for the beautiful girl in his apartment. He was just excited to get home.

***

When Spencer walked though the door of his house he was grateful to see Lilith sitting on his arm chair. She got up as soon as he walked through the door.

Spencer was quick to pick the girl up, letting her wrap her legs around his waist before walking back towards the kitchen counter, lips immediately attaching on hers.

The world around them seemed to fade away as their lips met, igniting a passionate fire within both of them. Lilith's hands tangled themselves in his hair as she settled on the counter, trying to pull him as close as possible.

The world could wait, their words could wait. Right now, all that mattered was the intoxicating pull they felt towards each other.

In between heated kisses, Lilith managed to whisper against Spencer's lips, "Not... Not that I'm not loving this... but... What's brought all this on?"

Spencer's eyes met hers, filled with longing and unbridled desire. Lilith ran her fingers through his tousled hair, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Very rough case today, just want to be with you."

"Well, less pathogens passed this way than with a handshake, so I'm happy" she joked as they reconnected their lips.

That small joke was all it took to erase any lingering thoughts of work from Spencer's mind. He surrendered himself fully to the moment, to the intoxicating whirlwind of sensations and emotions that consumed them both.

Their kisses deepened, growing more urgent and fervent with each passing moment. Their bodies pressed together, fitting like two puzzle pieces finally finding their perfect match. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in a realm of pure bliss, their bodies entwined in a passionate dance.

As Spencer swiftly picked Lilith up against he was quick to move into the bedroom, ready to not be sleeping for quite some time that night.

***

AN: reminder that this story doesn't follow the criminal minds timeline exactly, i'll be pulling episodes that i think fit the story line for various seasons - this will be relevant in a few chapters!

also! Cat will come up again later as the prison plotline is a part of the later chapters of this book - that's why she's being established early!!