Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Hutch. Hutch. Come on, wake up buddy.”

Hutch slowly opened his eyes, as the smiling face of his partner came into focus.

“Hey, there he is. How ya feelin partner?”

“What happened? Where am I?” Hutch squinted, trying to recognize his surroundings.

Starsky sat on the side of Hutch’s bed. “You got shot while we were tracking down a perp. You’re in the hospital.”

“Ah!” Hutch moved and a sharp pain stabbed his right shoulder.

“Take it easy. You got shot in the shoulder.”

“So tell me.” Hutch winced, trying to sit up. “How exactly did I get shot?”

“Well, we were trackin down this drug dealer who sold the shit to kids. During the pursuit, he ran down a dark alley. You were at one end, and I sprinted around the block to the other end. As soon as he saw me, he turned and ran in your direction. I yelled stop or I’ll shoot. I was about to fire, but you beat me to it. You took a stance, pointed your gun, and fired-- dropping him. I ran over to check his pulse, then picked up his gun and put it in my jacket. I holstered my weapon and cuffed him. You holstered yours and started towards me. Suddenly someone appeared behind you, pointing his gun. I yelled to you and pulled mine just as you turned to face him. He fired hitting you and I fired hitting him. I quickly ran to him, checked his pulse, and kicked his gun away. After shoving it in my pocket, I saw you lying on the ground. I rushed to your side, and you were unconscious. I told the onlookers to call an ambulance, as I put pressure on your wound until they showed up.”

“It’s coming back to me now,” Hutch said, rubbing his forehead and closing his eyes. “Didn’t know that scum had a partner.”

“No and neither did Dobey and the guy was holdin.”

“What was it?”

“Blow.”

Hutch’s door slowly opened and Dobey appeared, flowers in hand.

“Speak of the devil, it’s the Cap’n. Hey Cap’.” Starsky grinned.

“What was that Starsky?” Dobey asked, as he passed him.

“Oh nothing.” He smiled, giving Hutch a side eye.

“How are you doing? You look terrible.”

“Thanks Cap’,” Hutch remarked, sardonically.

“What did the doctor have to say?” Dobey asked, placing the bouquet on the bed table.

“Um, he just woke up Cap’, so the doctor hasn’t been in yet,” Starsky explained.

Just then the doctor came in. “Mr. Hutchinson, I’m Dr. Dixon.” He announced, extending his hand and Hutch shaking it with his left. Then the doctor turned to his visitors.

“Oh, Dr. Dixon this is my partner, David Starsky and Captain Dobey. We’re police officers and he’s our captain.”

They exchanged handshakes.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Now, Mr. Hutchinson I’d like to speak with you in private if you won’t mind,” he said, glancing at them.

“It’s okay Doctor, you can speak to me in front of them.”

“Alright. Mr. Hutchinson, you’ve been shot in the right shoulder and you’re an extremely lucky man.

“I am? How so?”

Dr. Dixon had a large envelope with him, and he pulled out an x-ray of Hutch’s shoulder. He held it up to the ceiling lights.

Starsky and Dobey moved closer to see the image as the doctor explained what they were looking at.

“Miraculously, it shows that the bullet apparently skimmed through, missing bones, all major blood vessels, nerves, etc. There also wasn’t any excess debris in the wound, so I won’t need to prescribe an antibiotic. You’ll just end up with a nasty hole that needs stitches.”

“Hutch! That’s great news!” Starsky exclaimed with a big grin.

“Yeah that’s great news doctor.” Hutch winced as he tried to straighten himself.

“We used dissolving stitches, so you won’t need to return to have them removed, but you’re still not out of the woods yet Mr. Hutchinson. You’ll need to take it easy. I’ll keep you here for a few days to monitor you.”

Hutch nodded.

“Don’t worry doctor-- I’ll make sure he does,” Dobey threatened.

“Good. Now if you’ll excuse me,” the doctor said, leaving the room.

“Hutchinson, you continue to get better, and I’ll see you back at the station soon.” Dobey gave him a rare smile, then turned to Starsky.

“I need to speak to you in the hall.”

“Be right there.”

Starsky looked back at Hutch. “I’ll be back soon. You get some rest.” Starsky squeezed his leg and left.

“What’s up, Cap’?”

“The two perps you and Hutch shot were only flunkies for a small-time drug dealer working on the south side. One of the perps is in critical condition and the other one is stable. They’re both in this hospital.”

Starsky walked away.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m gonna question the stable one. That drug dealing scum needs to be taken off the street.” Starsky dashed down the hall and asked the nurse’s station for the room number.

When he found the room, an officer was standing guard. Starsky flashed his badge and the guard stepped aside to let him in. As he walked towards the bed, the nurse came in. She was an attractive middle-aged woman, with shoulder length brown hair.

“This patient can’t receive any visitors,” she warned.

Starsky flashed his badge again. “I need to ask him a few questions.”

“I doubt if he’ll be able to answer any questions at this time.”

“I was told he was stable.”

“Yes he is, but he still may not be up to questioning. He had extensive damage from the bullet entering his thigh and he’s lost a lot of blood. He’s been given pain medication that makes him groggy.”

“Well, let’s find out, shall we.” Starsky leaned down to his ear. “Hey.” After he didn't get a response, he yelled, “Hey!”

The perp slowly opened his eyes.

“I’m Detective Starsky,” he announced showing his badge. “I have a few questions for you.”

“What questions?” he whispered, with a slight Spanish accent.

For the first time, Starsky noticed how young he was. He looked about eighteen or nineteen and was Hispanic, with straight dark hair.

“Questions about tonight?”

He closed his eyes, not answering.

“Fine, you don’t want to answer that one. How about this one? What’s your name?”

He paused for a minute. “Santana.”

“You got a first name, Santana?”

“Raul,” he answered, scowling.

“Okay Raul Santana, what were you doin in the area?”

“Hangin out? Is that a crime?”

“No, but holdin smack is.”

“Man, I dunno know what you talkin about?”

Starsky sat on the side of the bed and looked him straight in the eyes.

“Don’t jive me,” he whispered in a deadly tone. “It was in your pocket. Were you doing a drug deal? Was that why you took off and ran down that alley?”

Santana just looked away, ignoring the questions.

Starsky became incensed, grabbing him by the arm. “You shot my partner! You better tell me what I wanna know...NOW!”

Starsky’s shouting could be heard in the hall. After a few seconds, the nurse rushed in. “What’s going on in here?” She glanced at Starsky. “You can’t shout like this. You need to leave.”

Starsky glanced at the nurse’s name badge. “Rhonda is it?”

“It’s Nurse Rhonda,” she corrected, annoyed.

“Nurse Rhonda, I only have a few more questions. I promise I won’t shout anymore.” Starsky crossed his fingers and his hands across his chest and gave her his best charming smile.

Nurse Rhonda narrowed her eyes. “You better not. I’ll give you five more minutes, then you’re outta here. Understand?”

“Starsky replied, "Yes, ma’am." He turned his attention back to Santana. His smile quickly disappeared, and his eyes were dark and deadly.

Santana saw the look in Starsky’s eyes. “Okay, okay. Yeah, we were doin a deal.”

“For whom? What’s his name?”

“He never told us his name. He just gave us the stuff and told us to deliver it.”

“So you were a mule. Deliver it to who?”

“I can’t man, he’ll kill me.”

“Raul, shooting a cop is a serious offense. You could be put behind bars for a very long time, but if you tell me what I need to know, you’re sentence will be a lot less.”

Suddenly, Santana clutched his chest, breathing heavily. His heart monitor started beeping frantically. Nurse Rhonda rushed in, with a younger nurse. She glared at Starsky, as she went to the bedside. They worked on Santana and the other nurse yelled at Starsky to leave.

Starsky backed away, stunned at this turn of events. He walked into the hall and turned around to see the door slamming shut. He went back to Hutch’s floor and found Dobey still there, sitting on a chair in the hallway.

Dobey stood up as Starsky came towards him. “So what happened? What did he say?”

“How’s Hutch?” Starsky asked with concern.

“Doing fine. Now answer my questions.”

“He didn’t say much Cap’. He said the drug dealer never told him his name. All he did was tell him and his partner to give the drugs to a man.”

“What man?”

“When I asked him, suddenly he couldn’t breath and nurses ran in and kicked me out.” Starsky put his hands on his hips, sighing in frustration.

“Find out who gave them the drugs, then we should be able to track down the man they were going to deliver them to,” Dobey ordered.

“Right Cap’, I’m on it.” Starsky started off down the hall.

“Starsky! Get back here!” Dobey yelled.

Starsky came back. “Shhh, Cap’ we’re in a hospital,” he warned.

“Oh yeah,” Dobey said, embarrassed. “Let’s talk more in my office.”

“Okay. I’ll check in on Hutch first, then I’ll be there.”

Dobey grunted and walked towards the elevator.

Starsky peeked into Hutch’s room and found him asleep, so he quietly closed the door and headed to the station.

**S&H**

Starsky knocked on Dobey’s door.

“Come in.”

Starsky walked in and shut the door with his foot, slamming it.

“Starsky! I’ve told you about that!”

“Sorry Cap’.” He sat down and started to put his feet on Dobey’s desk but thought better of it.

“Starsky, like I said at the hospital, you’re going to have to hit the streets and find the man who gave them the drugs. Once you do, that should lead us to the dealer who’s selling to the kids.”

“I know and I said I’d get right on it,” Starsky reminded him.

“Yes, but you’re not gonna do it alone.”

Starsky frowned, perplexed by the question. “Cap’ my partner is lying in a hospital bed right now.”

“Don’t you think I know that. You’ll be assigned another partner.”

“Come on Cap’. I don’t need another partner.”

“That’s what you thought the last time, but it all worked out in the end, didn’t it?” Dobey smiled, devilishly.

Starsky immediately flashed back to when Hutch got shot before and Dobey assigned Inspector Joan Meredith- a beautiful, black woman to be his temporary partner until Hutch was back on his feet. A smile appeared on Starsky’s handsome features as he began to think of her and the night they spent together “watching a special”.

**My arousal grew as I looked into her large chocolate brown eyes. Her smile was dazzling as she looked at me. I touched the side of her face, and she placed her hand in the center of my chest. I leaned in to kiss her lips and she accepted eagerly. The kiss seemed to last forever until I stopped it to take her jacket off her shoulders. She allowed me to remove the rest of her clothes-- leaving on a sexy black lace bra and black silk panties. Her skin was copper brown, like a windfall autumn leaf.**

“Starsky.”

**She undid the belt on my robe and opened it, revealing my black briefs and the prominent bulge I was sporting. The desire in her eyes was only matched by my own. I gently laid her back on the bed and slowly slid my hands up her smooth, caramel-colored legs-- parting them slightly.**

“Starsky.”

**I placed one hand on the mattress beside her for support and laid my other hand on her belly. I felt her tremble slightly as my hand slid over her groin. I slowly rubbed her clit through her panties with my thumb and watched her arch up, moaning. My fingers slid inside her panties, feeling the moisture from her arousal. I grasped the waistband and pulled it...**

“Starsky!”

Starsky’s head jerked, as he came out of his daydream. “Yes...um...Cap’,” he replied blushing.

“So, are you okay with having another partner now?” Dobey asked, knowing exactly where Starsky’s mind went.

“Yes,” Starsky replied eagerly.

“Do you have anyone in mind?” he asked, as if he didn’t know.

“Well, is...um Inspector Meredith available?”

“Inspector Joan Meredith?”

Starsky nodded.

“I don’t know. Would you like me to find out?”

“Yes sir.”

Dobey gave Starsky an amused smile, as he picked up the phone and started dialing Meredith’s precinct number.

Starsky moved to the edge of his chair, trying to listen in on the conversation.

“Hello. This is Captain Dobey from Bay City’s Ninth Precinct. Can you connect me to the San Francisco Precinct? I’d like to speak to Inspector Meredith please. Oh. Okay. Yes. Please have her call me ASAP, thank you.” Dobey hung up.

“What happened? Is she available?” Starsky’s blue eyes were bright with excitement.

Dobey paused a moment before answering, just to torture him a bit. “She’s on assignment in South Pasadena.”

Starsky was obviously crestfallen.

Dobey watched him for a moment, then added, “But it’ll be over this afternoon.”

Starsky perked up immediately. “Really?”

“Yes, really. She’s going to call me.”

Just then Dobey’s phone rang. “Dobey speaking. Inspector Meredith,” he said, glancing at Starsky. “Thank you for getting back to me so soon. Yes it is. Can you meet me at my office at 8 a.m.? Good, I’ll see you then. What’s that? Yes, you’ll be filling in again for one of my men.”

Starsky jumped up shaking his head and waving his hands wildly.

Dobey watched him, then said, “I’ll give you more details tomorrow. See you then. Good-bye.”

He glanced at Starsky. “What was all of that about?”

“I didn’t want you to tell her it’s me? Does she know it’s me?” Starsky asked, his cobalt eyes showing his anxiety.

“You heard me. I didn’t tell her.”

“Did she ask if it was me?”

“No, she didn’t.”

Starsky looked disappointed.

“Didn’t you just say you didn’t want her to know it was you,” Dobey said, becoming increasingly annoyed with the whole situation.

“I know, but...oh, well, I guess it’s a good thing.”

“And why is that?”

“It would ruin the surprise.”

“You think she’ll be surprised to find out it’s you?” Dobey asked, incredulously.

“Well, yeah.” Starsky shrugged slightly.

“I recall you telling her that if Hutch got shot again you’d ask for her.”

“I don’t think she took that seriously.”

Dobey grunted. “If you say so.”

“Cap’ is that all?” Starsky asked, rising from his chair.

“Yes. Report back here at 8 a.m. sharp.”

“Yes sir.” Starsky saluted and happily walked out of the office.

Dobey shook his head and chuckled to himself. “I bet it’ll be the first time he’ll show up on time.”

**S&H**

As soon as Starsky got home, he called Hutch to tell him the good news. “

“Hey Hutch-- how ya’ doin? How’s the shoulder?”

“They gave me something for the pain, so I’m good.”

“Great! Guess what?”

“What?”

“Guess who’s going to take your place until you come back?”

“Inspector Meredith,” Hutch said, flatly.

“That’s right. How’d ya know?”

“I remember you telling her that if I got shot again, you’d request her.”

“Oh yeah.”

“When is she starting?”

“Dobey has her coming in tomorrow morning so we can fill her in on the case.”

“So, how do you feel about it?”

“Excited and a little nervous, I guess.”

“Why nervous?”

“Well, it has been three years. I don’t know if she’ll still be into me.”

“Oh I’m sure she will be. I saw the way she looked at you.”

“Yeah, but that was then, and this is now.”

“Starsk, that shouldn’t make a difference-- from what you told me, the two of you had something special. I don’t think any amount of time could change that.”

“I hope so.”

“Did Dobey tell her she’d be working with you again?”

“No, but he thinks she has a good idea.”

Hutch yawned. “I’m a bit tired Starsk. Can we talk tomorrow?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll let you know what happened-- have a good night.”

“Sounds great. You too.” Hutch hung of the phone and settled down for a nap.

**S&H**

Starsky sat back on his couch, with his hands behind his head. He smiled, shutting his eyes, and continued where his arousing daydream left off…

**I pulled her panties down the lovely legs and crawled on top of her, placing my hands on either side of her head. I looked into her eyes, and she smiled, then I dove down, capturing her lips in a deep kiss. I felt her squeeze my ass and tug on the waistband of my briefs, pulling them down, exposing my butt and erect cock.**

Starsky’s tight jeans were getting tighter, as he recalled the events of their first time together. He looked down and saw his cock stretching the zipper, so he stood up, unzipped his jeans, and pushed them and his briefs to his ankles. He sat back down, spread his thighs wide and licked his palm. His hand closed around his rigid organ and stroked it. He squeezed the weeping head making himself moan. As his hand moved faster, he began to writhe, lifting his ass off the couch and thrusting into his fist. Soon Starsky felt his balls draw up and he exploded, shooting cum into the air and all over himself.

After a few minutes, he got his breathing under control, coming back to himself. He sat up, kicked his briefs and jeans off his feet, then stood. Naked from the waist down-- except for his socks and sneakers, Starsky went to his bedroom. He took off his sneakers and socks, then pulled his shirt over his head. He padded to the bathroom and took a quick shower, then climbed into bed. He found it difficult to fall asleep, thinking about seeing Meredith again.

**S&H**

At 7:30 a.m. Starsky was already at his desk. He tried to get some paperwork done, maybe read some reports, but he just couldn’t focus. Every time the door opened, his head would snap towards it.

Dobey came out of his office to get some coffee and noticed Starsky sitting at his desk.

“Starsky, what are you…?” Dobey stopped mid-sentence as it dawned on him why he was there so early. He got his coffee and walked over to him.

Starsky’s attention was focused on the door and didn’t notice Dobey standing next to him, so he cleared his throat.

“Oh Cap’, I didn’t know you were there. I’m trying to catch up on my paperwork,” Starsky said, shuffling papers, trying to look busy.

“Catch up on your paperwork, huh?”

“Yep.”

“When have you ever showed up to work early to get paperwork done?” Dobey asked, taking a sip of the hot brew.

“Well, um...there’s always a first time for everything.” He grinned.

“Yeah, right,” Dobey smirked. “Come in my office. I need to talk to you.”

Starsky cast a worried glance towards the door. “But Cap’...ah...what if...um.”

“I don’t care-- get in here now,” he barked, holding the door open for him.

Starsky sighed and reluctantly got up from his desk. He gave Dobey a side eye as he walked pass to enter the office. He immediately noticed that someone was sitting in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

“Officer Starsky, Inspector Meredith. I’m sure you remember one another.” Dobey smiled and sat behind his desk.

Starsky stared wide eyed, as Meredith rose from her chair and turned towards him.

“Hello again Officer Starsky,” she said, giving him the dazzling smile he loved so much.

Starsky sauntered up to her, standing close enough to kiss. “Hello again Inspector Meredith,” he said giving her the charming smile that left her weak in the knees.

Starsky and Meredith stood gazing into each other’s eyes.

Dobey watched them for a while. “If you two are done with the greetings, I’d like to discuss the case.” His voice pulled them back to reality.

“Yes, of course Captain,” Meredith said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“Yes, Cap’.” Starsky pulled out her chair and presented the seat with a wave of his hand.

“Thank you,” she replied, sitting with her legs crossed.

“Um…Cap’” he whispered, glancing at Meredith. “I thought you said the meeting was at 8 a.m.” Starsky wanted to be there waiting for her instead of the other way around.

“I told her to come in earlier so she could read the case file before you got here.”

“Oh,” he said smiling at his new partner.

Dobey began the meeting and Starsky found it hard to listen to what he was saying. Meredith was distracting. She wore a dark green skirt suit with a cream-colored blouse that was opened to just above her breasts. He thought the green blazer looked great with her dark brown eyes. As Dobey spoke, he kept giving her side glances and a few times he caught her doing the same.

**She keeps glancing at me with those big brown eyes and sweet smile. She still looks as amazing as I remembered. I lowered my eyes and caught a glimpse of her legs...legs that felt smooth and silky under my hands. She had her legs crossed and her skirt was short enough for me to catch a glimpse of her thighs…thighs that I parted. When I brought my eyes back to her face, she was watching me.**

It was obvious that Meredith wasn’t listening to Dobey either. She had wondered what it would be like to see Starsky again. He was just as she remembered him-- handsome and charming. His gorgeous curls seemed thicker, and she wanted to grab hold of them right then and there. Also to her delight, he still wore his jeans skintight, with the cobalt blue shirt-- that matched his sapphire eyes. The shirt was open, revealing a bit of his sexy, hairy chest. Seeing him brought back memories of the night she and Starsky had spent together...

**His usually bright blue eyes were hooded with desire, as he gazed into mine. He tenderly touched the side of my face and kissed me, with lips that were soft and sweet as a marshmallow. It took my breath away and I wanted more, but he stopped to remove my clothes, except for my bra and panties. I pushed his robe off his shoulders, and it fell to the floor. He was wearing tiny, little black briefs and a pronounced bulge.**

“Inspector Meredith,” Dobey called.

**He laid me back on his bed, sliding his hands up my legs and spreading them slightly. His hands were surprisingly smooth and his touch gentle. He placed his hand on my crotch and...**

“Meredith,” Starsky said, seeing distance in her eyes.

**I trembled, as he massaged my clit, through the silk of my panties. Oh God, it felt so good. He pushed his fingers inside, making me moan. Then I felt him tug on my panties, pulling them…**

“Inspector Meredith!” Dobey shouted.

“Meredith.” Starsky called to her.

Meredith startled, her face flushed, as she looked into the concerned eyes of her old lover.

“Are you alright?” Dobey asked her.

“Yes. I just need some air, excuse me.” She glanced at them and quickly left the office.

Dobey and Starsky rose from their chairs and exchanged worried glances.

“Go see if she’s alright,” Dobey ordered.

“Yes, Cap’.” Starsky bolted from the room.

Meredith dashed into the nearest bathroom to collect herself. She couldn’t believe how flustered she was by remembering their one night of passion. She pulled a paper towel from the dispenser, ran it under cold water and dabbed her face and neck. She threw it in the trash and looked at her reflection in the mirror, then blew out a breath and exited the bathroom. She sat on a bench in the hallway and saw Starsky rushing towards her.

“Meredith are you okay?” he asked, sitting beside her, instinctively grasping her hand.

She sighed, embarrassed. “I’m fine Starsky. I just…”

“Just what?” He searched her cocoa eyes for an answer.

Meredith looked into his and knew she couldn’t tell him the truth—not here, not now. “Nothing. I’m fine. Let’s go back to the meeting.” She slipped her hand out of his grasp, then got up and walked briskly back to Dobey’s office.

Starsky stood up and watched her, then followed her down the hall.

**S&H**

When Meredith returned to the office, she apologized to Dobey. She sat for the rest of the meeting and tried to ignore the gorgeous man beside her.

Dobey finished up the details of the case. “Well, that’s it. Any questions?” he asked, looking from one to the other.

Starsky and Meredith exchanged glances. Neither one of them was paying much attention to what Dobey was saying, but they weren’t going to admit it.

“No Cap’. We got it,” he said winking at Meredith.

Meredith smiled, then looked at Dobey. “No. I have no questions Captain.”

“Then get going-- we have to nab this guy.”

Starsky stood and assisted Meredith to her feet, then they walked out into the hall.

“How about we go down to the commissary, grab a cup of coffee and catch up?” Starsky suggested.

“Yeah, that sounds good.”

Starsky held out his arm for her to take and they made their way to the commissary.

**S&H**

Starsky chose a table away from the crowd and pulled out Meredith’s chair. “I’m gonna get the coffee and be right back.” He turned back. “Oh, do you want anything else- a danish or a muffin?”

“No, just coffee, thanks.”

Starsky came back to the table and placed Meredith’s coffee in from of her and sat down.

“Thank you.” She smiled, taking a sip.

“So, what have you been up to for three years?” Starsky asked, taking a sip from his cup.

“Well, I was in Chicago working on a really difficult case. It took six years to apprehend this monster. I was assigned to it for the last two.”

“Really? What case was it?”

“The one about the serial killer who assaulted and murdered thirty-three young men and boys and buried their bodies under his house.”

“Are you talkin about the Gacy murders?”

“Yes. John Wayne Gacy. It was all over the news,” Meredith told him.

“Yeah, I know. Wow, you worked on that case?”

Meredith nodded and took another sip.

“That must have been somethin. Did you see or talk to him?” Starsky asked, leaning forward with interest.

“No. I was basically working behind the scenes, not out in the field,” she admitted, with regret.

“But you helped them capture that monster.” Starsky sat back, folding his arms. “I’m really impressed.” He grinned.

Meredith blushed. “Thank you. What about you? What have you been up to?”

Starsky put his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand. “Same old same old. Hutch and I are still on the streets, takin down bad guys. Nothing as exciting as you.”

“How’s Hutch doing?”

“I just spoke to him last night. They pumped him full of pain killers, so he’s feelin no pain.”

Meredith sighed. “I feel so bad. The last time I saw him, we were joking that if he got shot again, we’d get the chance to work together once more. Now here we are together because he got shot.”

“I guess it’s fate.” Starsky grinned.

“Starsky it’s not funny. Hutch could have been killed,” she said, truly disturbed by his remark.

“I’m sorry. I know what could have happened, but it didn’t. Hutch is going to be fine.”

Starsky saw how upset she still was, so he took the back of her hand and gave it a tender kiss. “Meredith, I’m really happy that we have the chance to work together again. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Meredith said shyly lowering her eyes.

“Can I ask you somethin?” Starsky asked.

“Sure.”

“Are you seeing anyone?” Starsky asked in a small voice. He almost didn’t want to ask the question for fear of hearing her answer.

“Well, I was seeing someone about two years ago, but it ended.”

**It ended.**

“So no one now?” Starsky asked just to make sure.

“No one now.” Meredith smiled, knowing his motive for asking.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?”

“He wanted to get married, and I didn’t. I wasn’t really in love with him, so I called it off.”

“Oh.”

“So what about you? Are you seeing anyone?” Meredith inquired.

“There’s been a few here and there.” He smirked, proud of his sexual prowess.

“Here and there, huh?” she asked, amused.

Starsky shrugged.

“Nothing serious?”

Starsky thought about it and his mood turned somber. “There were a couple, but one in particular. I even asked her to marry me.”

“What happened?”

Starsky stared off in the distance, his eyes welling up with tears as he remembered. “She died-- no she was murdered. She was shot in the head, by someone who wanted to get back at me.”

“Oh Starsky. I’m so sorry.” Meredith’s heart broke for him, as she grasped his hand.

Starsky quickly wiped away an errant tear. “It’s okay. I’m good. Really,” he said, trying to convenience her as well as himself.

Meredith waited a beat before speaking. “Starsky, I have something I need to tell you,” she said looking away.

“What is it?”

She met his eyes. “I want to tell you why I ran out of the office.”

“Yeah, what happened? Were you sick?”

“No, nothing like that. I was…um…”

“It’s okay Meredith-- just tell me,” he assured, leaning in, and placing his hand on top of hers.

Meredith took a deep breath. “When Captain Dobey was discussing the case, I was thinking about... you. I was thinking about our time together.”

Starsky began to chuckle.

“Why are you laughing?” Meredith asked, somewhat annoyed.

“I did the same thing yesterday while Dobey was talkin to me.”
“Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack.”

She laughed. “That’s funny. So, um…what were you thinking about?”

**He was thinking about me too. I wonder if it was anything like what I was thinking about him. I need to know. I need to know if we’re on the same page.**

“It was about our night together,” Starsky answered, trying not to say too much.

“You already told me that, but what were you really thinking about?”

“Oh, you want details?” Starsky smiled mischievously.

“Yeah,” she admitted with a twinkle in the cocoa-colored eyes.

Starsky leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear. He described their night together in detail and the things he did that made her moan. She closed her eyes as she listened and relived the moment...

**His hot breath is caressing my ear…his whisper…so sensual. God, I can feel my vagina tingling. His body so close… I can smell him…the unique scent of sandalwood, along with sensual musky leather… that is Starsky. Jesus, I’m getting so turned on. I should have never asked him to tell me-- at least not here, not in a public place like this. What was I thinking? I’m getting all hot and bothered and nothing can be done about it.**

Meredith leaned away from him. “Um…Starsky, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be saying those things here.”

Starsky leaned back, noticing how flushed her face was.

**I must have been really turning her on, but she’s right. I shouldn’t say those things…here.**

“Meredith, you asked me to tell you what I was thinking… in detail so I did. However, maybe I shouldn’t have been so descriptive. It was inappropriate. I’m sorry.”

Meredith saw the sincerity in his cobalt eyes. “I shouldn’t have asked you…not here.”

“Okay, we both agree, so how about a rain check on that conversation, huh?” He winked, with a lopsided smile.

“I’d like that.” Meredith gave him a smile that could light up a room.

“Terrific, then it’s a date. So, how bout we go to the hospital and question Santana again.”

“What if he starts putting on that act again about not being able to breathe?”

“Well, I’ll just have to tell em that if he doesn’t tell us what we want to know, he’ll be breathing prison air for a long time. Come on, let’s go.” He took Meredith’s arm and led her towards the Torino.

**S&H**

Starsky and Meredith arrived on Santana’s floor. They went into his room, and he was eating and watching TV. Starsky reached up and shut it off.

“Hey man! Whatcha doin!”

“Turning off the TV so we can have a little chat,” Starsky said, sitting on the side of his bed.

“I ain’t got nothin else to say to you,” he said, noticing Meredith for the first time.
Santana scowled. “Who’s she?”

“I’m Inspector Meredith.” She showed him her badge and he squinted to read it.

“You a cop? You too pretty to be a pig.” He sneered.

Meredith ignored his comment. “So from what I understand, you and your partner got heroin from a man. Is that true?”

“Yeah, I’m sure that bendejo (asshole) over there already told you that,” Santana said, glaring at Starsky.

Meredith got in his face. “You better watch that mouth of yours. Comprende?” (Understand?)

A feral smile came on Santana’s face. “Una negra que entiende espanol.” (A black woman who understands Spanish.)

“Si es cierto. (Yeah that’s right). “Como se llama el hombre que te las drogas?” (What’s the name of the man who gave you the drugs?) Meredith asked.

Starsky had gotten off the bed and was now leaning against the wall, with his arms folded across his chest and one foot across his ankle. When he heard Meredith speaking Spanish, he raised his eyebrows, smiling broadly.

“Eres sordo? Dije que no te iba a decir nada.”(Are you deaf? I said I wasn't going to tell you anything.)

Meredith was about to respond, when Starsky leaned off the wall and came towards Santana.

“Inspector Meredith, it seems that he’s still not gonna tell us anything.” He glanced at her, and she nodded.

“Well, guess what? You are gonna answer my partner’s question and you know why?” Starsky leaning on the bed, getting in his face.

“Why?” he smirked.

“Because if you don’t, we’re gonna make sure that you’re sent to San Quentin for shooting a cop.”

Santana’s smirk immediately turned into fear, his brown eyes wide.

Meredith stood next to Starsky, the both of them getting in his face.

“Entonces, que va a ser?” (So what’s it going to be?) Meredith asked him.

Santana watched their deadly serious faces for a moment.

“Okay, okay! We got the stuff from a guy who lives in a house on Mateo.”

“Name!” Starsky shouted, not caring if anyone heard.

“Jeff Townsend and that’s all I know, I swear.”

Meredith leaned up and took out her note pad and a pencil. “What’s the house number?”

“582.”

She jotted it down, as Starsky stood next to her and looked down at Santana.

“Good job.” Starsky reached up and turned the TV back on. “Now you can return to your regularly scheduled programming.”

He and Meredith walked towards the door and Starsky turned back.

“Raul,” he said, waiting until Santana was looking at him. “We’ll be seeing you again at your trial. Adios amigo.” He winked, then touched the small of Meredith’s back and escorted her from the room.

Once they were in the hall, Starsky turned towards her grinning.

“What?” she asked.

“I was really impressed in there. When did you learn to speak Spanish so fluently?”

“Well, I figured since I mostly work in Los Angeles, it might come in handy.” She smiled.

“Wow, there’s a lot I don’t know about you,” Starsky admitted, cocking his head to one side, smiling.

“And there’s a lot I don’t know about you either.”

Starsky took a step closer to her. “Would you like to know more about me?” he asked, looking deep into her dark brown eyes.

“Yes, I would,” she grinned, shyly.

“Me too,” he grinned back.

Suddenly, a nurse walked by staring at them.

“Um, maybe we should put this on hold,” Meredith said.

“I agree,” Starsky replied, as they walked down the hall to the elevator and Meredith turned to him. “Are we going to pay a visit to Jeff Townsend now?”

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. I know this great burrito place near here where we can grab some lunch-- my treat,” Starsky beamed.

“That sounds like a great idea, but you’re not going to check on Hutch while you’re here?”

“Nah, I’ll call him later,” he told her, grasping her elbow, as they entered the elevator.

“Okay, then after we eat we’ll check out Townsend,” Meredith said.

“Terrific, let’s go.”

**S&H**

The weather was perfect for an outdoor picnic. It was a typical southern California day- lots of sunshine. Unfortunately, the place where Starsky decided to eat wasn’t so ideal. It was in an underprivileged area, with dilapidated buildings surrounding the small food stand, along with fly strips containing dead flies, hanging from the awning.

When they arrived at the burrito stand, Meredith took a seat at one of the cleaner tables while Starsky ordered their meal. He came over to sit with her until they called him.

“This place might not look great, but their food is terrific.”

“I have no doubt. I remember you took me to Huggy’s place, and the food was good there too.”

“In my opinion it’s editable, but I wouldn’t exactly call it food.” Starsky grinned.

Meredith laughed. “Well, I liked what I had. How’s Huggy? Is he still your informant?”

“Oh yeah. He lives for it.” Starsky toyed with a bottle cap on the table, rolling it back and forth. “I’m not sure if I should tell you this,” he said, keeping his attention on moving the cap.

“Tell me what?”

“Well, right after you left, Huggy couldn’t stop talkin about you,” he admitted, raising his eyes to look at her.

“Really?”

“Really. It was-- Meredith this and Meredith that. He kept saying you were the most beautiful woman he ever saw, and your smile would light up the night’s sky,” Starsky finished, rolling his eyes.

Meredith watched Starsky for a moment. It was apparent that he was jealous. She thought she’d play with him a little. “That’s so nice of him. I thought he was cute and such a gentleman.”

Starsky pouted. “Well I’m cute and I always pull out your chair for you. I would have done it this time, but you’re sittin on a bench.”

Meredith started laughing.

“What? I am gentleman,” Starsky said confidently.

“Yes you are sweetie and you’re very cute too,” she admitted, squeezing his cheeks. “I was just foolin with ya.”

“I knew it. There’s no way you’d choose Huggy over me.”

“Oh yeah? And why is that?”

“Cause I’m a way better dancer than him.” Starsky jumped up and started dancing around the table.

Meredith noticed people were watching and laughing. “Starsky, people are staring at you.” She giggled.

“Let ‘em. They’re starin at the next Travolta.” Just as Starsky was about to do The Travolta up, down point, he heard a ding.

“Order ready for Starsky!”

“Saved by the bell.” Meredith laughed, as Starsky dashed to get their food.

They ate in companionable silence as both were enjoying their meals.
“Starsky, I think this is the most delicious burrito I’ve ever had.”

“I knew you’d like it. It’s the best in town,” he replied, taking a big bite.

When they were done, Starsky drove them to Mateo Street.

**S&H**

Starsky parked the Torino in front of an old tenement building. He and Meredith climbed the broken concrete steps and walked down a long, dingy hallway. Paint was peeling off the walls and trash was lying all over the floor. They didn’t know what apartment Townsend was in, so Meredith went to the first door and knocked. She heard the sound of a peephole sliding open and the voice of a woman.

“Who is it?”

“Police,” Meredith announced, holding her badge up to the opening.

They listened as numerous latches and locks were being unlocked. The door opened a crack and an elderly black woman, peered out.

“Hello ma’am,” Meredith said, showing her badge. “I’m Inspector Meredith and this is my partner, Detective Starsky. Starsky showed her his badge. “We’re looking for a man named Jeff Townsend. Do you know him? We were told he lives at this address.”

“Yeah I know ‘em. He’s a good for nothin drug dealer. I look out my window every day and see em sellin that crap to those kids.”

Starsky stepped forward. “Ma’am, that’s why we’re lookin for him. He needs to be stopped. Can you tell us what apartment he’s in?”

The woman pointed to the apartment at the end of the hallway. “The bastard should be there. He sleeps all day and goes out at night like a damn vampire,” she told them with venom in her voice.

“Thank you.” Meredith smiled, walking away from the door.

“You’ve been a big help ma’am.” Starsky smiled, as the woman shut the door.

No knowing whether or not he was armed, Starsky pulled out his gun and stood next to the door, with the barrel pointing up. Meredith held hers at her side, as she knocked. When no one answered, she knocked again...louder. Finally they heard someone shuffling towards the door.

“Who is it?” A male voice asked, looking through the peephole.

“This is the police. We need to speak to you.” Meredith held up her badge for him to see through the tiny hole.

There was no response.

“Mr. Townsend open the door, we need to talk to you,” Meredith called out again.

When there was still no response, Starsky gestured with his head for Meredith to step back. He jumped in front of the door, kicked it in and ran inside pointing his gun around the room. Meredith was right behind him, with her gun drawn looking for Townsend.

It was a small one-bedroom apartment, with stained walls and garbage all over the floor. Used food containers, cigarette butts and empty beer cans were sitting on the coffee table. Among all of that, were a number of tiny plastic bags containing white powder.

“You see this?” Starsky asked Meredith.

Meredith came closer, peered down at the table, and picked up one of the bags. “It’s Blow.” She looked over at a closed door. “Bedroom,” she said to Starsky.

Starsky went to the door and listened for movement inside. “Townsend! Come out now!”

Meredith stood next to the door with the barrel of her gun pointing up. She watched as Starsky placed his hand on the knob and counted to three. He pushed open the door on three and stepped inside pointing his gun. The shower curtain was drawn, so he approached it carefully and quickly pulled it back. He looked down in the face of a man sitting in the tub with his arms wrapped around his legs.

“Mr. Townsend I presume.” Starsky put his gun in the holster and grabbed the man pulling him out of the tub. “Get outta there!” Starsky yelled, causing the man to fall to the floor. He dragged him into the living room and left him lying on his filthy carpet.

Meredith holstered her gun, glanced at Starsky, then looked down at Townsend. He was a long-haired hippie looking white man. He had on a ratty, brown terry cloth robe that hung open revealing a pair of blue boxer shorts and no shirt or shoes.

Starsky crouched down next to him. “Why were you hiding in the bathtub, huh?” He leaned over to the table and grabbed one of the plastic bags and shoved it in the man’s face.

“Was this why you were hiding? You knew if we found you, we’d haul your ass to jail, huh?”

“It’s not mine!” Townsend yelled.

“If it’s not yours, then what’s it doin on a table in your apartment?” Starsky asked, calmly.

“I don’t know!”

Starsky stood up and watched as Meredith pulled Townsend to his feet by his hair and pushed him on the couch.

“You need to stop lyin! We know you got two kids to be a mule for you! They were caught!” Meredith shouted.

Townsend’s eyes widened.

“Yeah, we caught ‘em.” Starsky loomed over him. “And one of them told us that you gave them the smack to deliver to some guy. We need to know who this guy is.”

Townsend looked from Starsky to Meredith. “I can’t tell ya that.”

“And why not?” Meredith asked, her anger growing.

“Because I don’t know who he is. The kids came to me saying that some guy wanted to buy some smack. He gave ‘em cash, so I gave ‘em a few bags and they were going to deliver it to him.”

“Did they happen to tell you where they were going to deliver it?” Meredith asked.

“I think the guy was gonna meet em on a corner.”

“What corner?” Starsky asked, sitting on the edge of the coffee table.

“The corner of Eastern and Gambier.”

Starsky raised his eyes to the ceiling in thought. “Isn’t that where a middle school is?” He looked at Townsend for confirmation.

Townsend nodded. “El Senero.”

Starsky exchanged irate glances with Meredith.

Starsky got up from the table and pulled his cuffs from the pocket of his jeans. He violently pushed Townsend on his stomach, grabbed his hands, cuffed him, and hauled him to his feet.

“Hey man! Aren’t you gonna let me put some clothes on?” Townsend protested.

“You’re wearin clothes. Come on.” Starsky proceeded to pull Townsend out of his apartment and down the hallway.

Meredith followed and when she got to the door of the woman who told them where to find Townsend, it opened. The woman peered out and Meredith stopped.

“You gonna threw the book at ‘em? Stop him from sellin to all those kids?” the woman asked.

“Yes, ma’am, we’re going to do all we can to keep him off the streets,” Meredith assured her.

“Good,” she said, then closed the door.

When Meredith got outside, Starsky already had Townsend in the backseat and was waiting for her. He pushed the passenger door open, and she got in.

“Everything okay?” Starsky asked, wondering why she had stayed back.

“Yeah. The old woman wanted to be assured that we’re going to take this scum off the street,” she said, glaring at the cuffed man in the backseat.

“Well, we’re gonna do our best,” Starsky replied, starting up the Torino and pulling out into the street.

“That’s exactly what I told her,” Meredith stated.

**S&H**

Starsky and Meredith arrived at the station, and escorted Townsend inside to be processed and booked. Starsky told her to sit at Hutch’s desk until he was done typing up the report.

Meredith felt a little odd being at his partner’s desk. She could just imagine the two of them sitting across from one another.

“I wonder how Hutch is doing?” she asked, knowing that it’s been a whole day since he and Hutch spoke.

Starsky stopped typing to look at her. “I’m sure he’s okay. If he wasn’t they would have called me,” he said, continuing to type.

“But you weren’t by a phone all day. How do you know they weren’t trying to?”

Starsky stopped again and smiled. “You’re tryin to tell me to call em.”

“Yes I am.”

“Okay, just let me finish the report first.”

After typing a few more minutes, Starsky pressed the last key and pulled the paper from the machine dramatically.

“Done. Take a look, then sign it.”

Meredith read and signed it, then handed it back to Starsky. “It looks good.

“Great.” Starsky signed it and put it on Dobey’s desk. He came back and sat on the edge of his desk and looked at his watch. “Five-thirty- it’s too late to go to the school now.”

Meredith shook her head. “Do you think the guy we’re looking for has anything to do with the school? Do you think he bought the drugs there to sell to the students?” she asked, with worry in her beautiful brown eyes.

Starsky sighed. “Probably.”

“I wish we could go there right now and find his ass!” Meredith shouted, loud enough for some of the people in the squad room to hear.

“Hold on there, Tiger.” Starsky smiled. “You’ll get your chance and so will I.”

Starsky’s words and sweet smile defused her anger. “Santana had an accomplice.”

“Yeah. He’s critical. I told the hospital to contact the station if anything changes, but I don’t think he’ll have anything else to tell us anyway.” Starsky stretched and groaned. “It’s been a long day.”

“Yes it has,” Meredith agreed.

“So, how about gettin a bite to eat? Your choice this time.”

“I’ve forgotten what’s in the area. Why don’t you choose?”

“Okay. Whadaya in the mood for?”

Meredith thought about it. “How about Italian? I think I remember hearing that “Giovanni's” was good.”

Starsky frowned, remembering getting shot the last time he and Hutch were there. There was no way he was ever going back. He had to come up with another place.

“I heard nothing but bad things about that place. Let me see. Hey, I know,” Starsky said snapping his fingers. “There’s a great little place called Palermo. It’s on Hillhurst Ave. Why don’t we go there?”

“Okay. I trust you,’ Meredith told him, her eyes sparkling.

That sparkle caused Starsky’s cock to twitch, but he needed to forget about it...for now. He drove them to Palermo.

**S&H**

Meredith sat back. “I’m so full. Starsky, the lasagna was delicious!” she exclaimed, pushing her plate away. “I can’t eat another bite”

On the other hand, Starsky had cleaned his plate of linguine and clams. He slurped up the last noodle and looked at Meredith’s plate.

“You can’t be done. You still have food on your plate.”

“Starsky, did your mother tell you that you had to clean your plate or you wouldn’t get any dessert?”

“As a matter of fact she did,” he admitted, cheerfully.

“Well, then that explains it,” she said, looking at his empty dish. “Ya know, the plate might still have some sauce on it. Why don’t you lick it up?”

“Ha, ha, very funny. Besides, I can think of a lot of other things to do with my tongue,” he said wiggling his eyebrows.

“Oh Starsky.” She slapped him playfully on his arm.

Starsky glanced around and spotted a phone at the back of the restaurant. “I think I’ll call Hutch before it gets too late.” He stood and pushed his hand in the pocket of his jeans, searching for a dime. When he checked every pocket, he looked down at Meredith. Before he could ask, she held up a dime.

“Thanks,” he smiled. “I’ll be right back.”

“Tell Hutch I said, hello.”

“Will do.”

Starsky got to the pay phone and dialed the number for the hospital. “Hello. I’d like to speak to the person in room 259. Yes, Kenneth Hutchinson. Thank you.”

He waited until the operator connected him to Hutch’s room. Suddenly, he heard his partner’s voice.

“Hello.”

“Hello yourself.” Starsky smiled.

“Who is this?”

“Whadaya mean who is this? It’s me, Starsky…your partner.” Starsky frowned.

“Starsky? The only Starsky I know would never have waited this long to call his partner who’s lying in his deathbed, so you must be someone else.”

“Ah come on Hutch. I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner, but we were really involved with the case.”

“You said you’d call and tell me what happened. I’ve been lying here all day waiting.” Hutch tried not to sound as hurt as he was, but it wasn’t working.

Starsky could imagine the pout on his partner’s lips. “Hutch, I said I was sorry. Do you wanna hear about the case?”

“Yes, but not tonight. I’m a bit tired,” Hutch told him honestly.

“Oh. How ya feelin?”

“Thanks for asking,” he said, sarcastically. “They’re giving me painkillers that make me drowsy most of the time, but I’m doin okay. How’s it goin with Meredith?”

“It’s been terrific!” Starsky beamed.

“That’s great Starsk.”

Starsky heard sadness in Hutch’s voice. “But she’s no substitute for you buddy,” he quickly added.

“Yeah, right. So, what are you doing now?”

“We just finished dinner.”

“What did you have?” Hutch asked, trying to live vicariously through him.

“She had lasagna and I had linguine and clams.”

“You didn’t go back to Giovanni’s did you?”

“Oh hell no!” I’ll never go back there, no matter how good the food is.”

“Good, because I’m not there to save your ass again.”

“You didn’t save my ass. I got shot remember?”

“Oh how could I ever forget. I had to be your nursemaid and find a way to get us both out of that shit without getting myself and you killed,” Hutch said, wincing a little as he repositioned himself in the bed.

“And you loved every minute of it.” Starsky grinned.

“If you say so partner.” He smiled. “So, whadaya gonna do after dinner?”

“What’s with all the questions?”

“Starsk, I’ve been lying in this bed with no visitors and the boob tube for entertainment. Hearing about your exploits is all I got,” Hutch admitted, trying not to sound pitiful.

“I get it buddy. Well, I’m gonna suggest she stay at my place until the case is over.”

Starsky couldn’t see Hutch’s surprised expression over the phone-- all he heard was dead silence.

“Hutch? Ya there? Hutch?”

“I’m here. You think she’s going to agree to that?”

“Well yeah-- maybe. I mean she’s been giving me signals all day.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.” Starsky checked his watch. “Hey Hutch, I gotta go. It’s gettin late and I wanna get Meredith to my place.”

Hutch glanced at the clock on the bedside table. “Getting late? It’s only 7:45 p.m. by my clock.”

“I don’t want it to get too late. There are a lot of things that Meredith and I need to...discuss.”

Hutch heard that loud and clear. “Discuss, huh? Okay, but I want to hear all about the case tomorrow. You promise to call me?”

“Yes, I promise. I’ll also let you know how tonight goes.”

“Oh, I can’t wait,” Hutch said, sardonically.

Just before Starsky hung up the phone he remembered something.

“Hutch?”

“Yeah.”

“Meredith told me to tell you hello.”

Hutch smiled sweetly. “Tell her I said hello.”

“Will do. Bye.” Starsky hung up and dashed back to Meredith.

“Hutch says hello.” Starsky looked at the food left on her plate. “So, I guess you’ll need a doggie bag, huh.”

“I can’t. My hotel room doesn’t have a fridge.”

“Well, I was thinkin about that. Why don’t you stay at my place until the case wraps? That way you’ll save money,” Starsky suggested, nodding and grinning.

Meredith observed him for a minute. It was clear that he wanted her to do more than just save money. She looked into his cobalt eyes and felt him grasp her hand.

“Meredith, nothing will happen unless you want it to. Trust me.”

There was sincerity in his eyes and voice. She removed her hand from his and touched the side of his face. “I know,” she said, then continued, “but I also know that you cleaned your plate like a good boy tonight, so I would imagine you’ll be expecting dessert.” Meredith gave him a wicked smile, as she skimmed her fingers along the hairs on his arm.

**I definitely want it too Starsky. I really do. I wanted to jump your gorgeous bones as soon as I saw you again. I wanted to push all the stuff off Dobey’s desk and take you right there. I probably would have if he wasn’t.**

“Yes! Dessert sounds like a terrific idea. Let’s go!” Starsky couldn’t get them up fast enough. He threw the money for their dinner and the tip on the table, completely forgetting her leftover food on the table, then quickly escorted Meredith to the Torino.

**Oh my God. Meredith wants to have sex with me tonight. She was loud and clear. I knew she was still into me. As soon as I came in Dobey’s office and saw her sitting there, I wanted her. I wanted to throw her on his desk and give her the pleasure I gave her three years ago and so much more. If Dobey wasn’t there, I might have.**

Starsky sat behind the wheel for a moment, then glanced over at his beautiful Nubian companion. Like Huggy had said, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

Meredith’s eyes locked with Starsky’s for a moment, and he slowly leaned in and touched his lips to hers. He felt her fingers in his curls, gently moving his head forward, and making the kiss deeper so their tongues could dance.

When Meredith felt Starsky’s hand on her groin, she stopped him. “Starsky, babe, not here.”

Starsky looked astonished for a minute, then realized she was right. “Okay, not here.”

Starsky got back behind the wheel and started the car. They drove to Meredith’s hotel to pick her things and check out, then he put pedal to the medal and got them to his place in record time.

**S&H**

Once they arrived at Starsky’s building, he jumped out of the car and ran around to the passenger side to open Meredith’s door. He picked up her bag, took her arm, and walked her to his front door. The brunette-haired man nervously tried to push the key in the lock, dropping it more than once. He glanced at Meredith feeling a bit mortified to find her giggling. Finally he got the door open and stepped aside for her to enter. After replacing the key over the door, Starsky closed it and faced his beautiful, albeit temporary partner.

“Um, would you like somethin to drink?” he asked jogging to the fridge and peering inside. “I got regular beer, root beer, milk and of course water,” Starsky listed, then looked back for her answer.

“Do you have any wine?” she asked, as she removed her suit jacket and laid it on the couch next to her.

“Yes, of course!” Starsky exclaimed, snapping his fingers, and opening cabinets, searching for the bottle. When he opened the one below the counter he found it. “Is Chianti okay?” he asked, holding it up for her to see.

“Yes, it’s fine.”

“Just like you.” He winked, then went to find some wine glasses. He brought them to the couch where Meredith was sitting and placed them on the coffee table. He poured a glass for her, then himself.

“Here’s to reconnecting with old friends and...lovers,” Starsky said, raising his glass and noticing Meredith wasn’t raising hers. “What’s the matter?”

“Starsky, are you calling me old?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

Starsky blinked, a bit shocked. “I...um…”

Meredith began to laugh. “Starsky, I’m kidding.”

“Oh. Good,” he said, relived.

She clinked her glass to his and they took a sip together. “Starsky, I think you need to take more than a sip. You seem so tense.”

Starsky smiled and took a big gulp of his wine, drinking almost all of it.

Meredith watched him and did the same.

He finished his wine and noticed Meredith had drained hers as well, so he reached for the bottle and filled up their glasses again. They clinked them together and drank.

Soon Meredith was feeling the effects of two glasses of wine, but that was fine with her. She liked the way it made her feel- more relaxed and a bit uninhibited, but she didn’t want to get drunk. In her experience that never led to anything good.

When Starsky was about to pour what’s left of the bottle into her glass, Meredith put her hand over it. “I don’t think I should have anymore. I want to have all my faculties with me tonight.” She smiled demurely.

Starsky nodded, then emptied the rest of the wine into his glass and drank it down.

**The way I see it, I don’t want to have all my facilities tonight. I need to take the edge off and relax. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. It wasn’t like Meredith, and I never had sex before, but for some reason this seem like the first time. I wish I had another bottle.**

*****

**I watched as Starsky quickly downed three glasses of wine. It was obvious that he was nervous, but why? It wasn’t like we hadn’t had sex before, but this did feel different-- almost like it was the first time. I guess three years will do that.**

“Starsky,” she said, touching his knee. “Why so nervous?”

“Is it that obvious?” he asked, sheepishly.

She nodded, smiling.

He sighed, shrugging. “I dunno Meredith-- maybe because it’s been three years.”

She touched the side of his face. “You don’t have to be nervous. Just remember the last time we were together, and everything will happen naturally. First of all, why don’t you take off your jacket and get comfortable?”

Starsky didn’t realize he was still wearing it. He stood, removed it, and threw it on the back of the couch, then sat down.

“That’s much better,” Meredith said, leaning in to give Starsky a tender kiss. When she moved out of it, Starsky was gazing at her-- his lids heavy with arousal. It was the same look he gave her three years ago.

“I’ve really missed you. Lately I’ve been remembering the last time we were together. Now it’s actually happening and I’m…”

Meredith cut him off with a kiss and he moaned into her mouth.

**I’m acting like a nervous inexperienced teenager, and I have nothing to be nervous about.**

Starsky gently pushed her back on the couch and climbed on top of her, placing a hand on either side. He leaned down, kissing her in earnest and without breaking the kiss, he balanced himself on his right hand and moved his left up her inner thigh. Just as it was about to reach its destination, he was interrupted…

“Starsky, babe, let’s take this slow.”

Starsky sat back to look into her face.

Meredith saw how confused he was, so she slid her hands slowly down his fabric covered chest. “I want to feel your naked chest,” she commanded, her voice sensual.

Starsky did as he was told and stood to remove his shirt. He kept his eyes locked with hers, as he unbuttoned each one and opened it to reveal a well-defined, hairy chest and abs. He made a show of taking his shirt off one shoulder, then the other and dropping it in a heap on the floor.

“Good?” he asked.

“Mm hum, very good,” she cooed, slowly moving her hands across his pecs and down his stomach- feeling the soft hairs and hard muscle beneath. She rubbed her thumbs over his nipples, until they felt like tiny little bullets, and he began to moan. She had forgotten how sensitive they were. She toyed with them a little longer, then slid her hands over his shoulders. “I can tell you enjoyed that.”

“I did. Now it’s your turn,” Starsky said, his voice low and husky.

Meredith gave him a seductive smile, then moved her fingers to the buttons on her blouse. She unbuttoned each one slowly, not taking her eyes from his. Her blouse opened to reveal a black lace bra. She slid the blouse off and dropped it on top of Starsky’s shirt.

Starsky lowered his eyes to her lace covered breasts, then looked into her eyes. He waited-- trying to silently convey with a gaze that he wanted her to continue.

Nodding and licking her lips, Meredith put her hands behind her back, undid the hook and held the cups to keep her breasts covered.

Starsky had a broad smile on his handsome features in anticipation of what was to come. It had been a long time since he’d seen them, so it felt like the first time.

Meredith let the bra fall away, exposing two lovely, small brown globes that bounced as they were freed. She felt Starsky’s bright blue eyes become brighter as he took them in.

“Are they as you remembered?” she asked, leisurely caressing her breasts—feeling the wonderful sensation of setting them free.

Starsky blinked as if being awakened from a trance. Her breasts weren’t very large, but still perky and one made a nice hand full. “Oh yeah. They’re even more exquisite now.” He raised his hands. “May I?”

Meredith nodded.

Starsky placed a hand on each breast, squeezing them gently, making sure he wasn’t being too rough, but from the sounds Meredith was making-- he wasn’t. He released her breasts and pinched both nipples, simultaneously. She moaned loudly, throwing her head back and arching. Once her dark nipples were erect, he cupped one breast and leaned down to suck it.

Meredith found it difficult to stay still from the incredible sensation of Starsky’s mouth. She grasped his head of curls, as she rode the euphoria.

He glanced up at her face and with a wicked smile, turned his attention to the other nipple—greedily sucking it until her chest was heaving.

“Starsky…mmm.”

Starsky gave the nipple a lick, then sat back to observe her.

Meredith had her eyes closed and was massaging the soreness out of her wonderfully tortured nipples. When she opened her eyes, she saw Starsky grinning at her.

“You’re pretty proud of yourself aren’t you?” She smiled.

“Shouldn’t I be?”

“Yes you should—it felt so good.” Meredith moved her thumb across Starsky’s lower lip. He opened his mouth, took in her thumb, and sucked it. “You really like to suck things, don’t you?” she asked, amused.

With Meredith’s thumb occupying his mouth, all he could utter was, “Mmm, hmm.” When Starsky released it, he leaned forward to capture her mouth with his and pressed his tongue against her lips to gain entry.

Meredith’s lips parted immediately, and she stuck out her tongue and Starsky captured it right away. Soon their tongues were battling for supremacy.

He moved out of the kiss and looked into her eyes, then at her breasts. “You’re so amazing,” Starsky beamed.

“You ain’t so bad yourself,” she replied, blushing from Starsky’s scrutiny.

“How bout we take this up a notch?” he asked, moving close to kiss the tender skin of her neck.

“What do you have in mind?”

Starsky gave her another parting peck on the lips, then took her hand and led her to his bedroom.

As soon as she saw the bed, she immediately went back to three years ago. The two of them lying on it, enjoying each other’s bodies and the memory brought a smile to her face. She sat on the edge of the bed, gazing up at him.

Starsky stood in front of her. “I want you to undress me,” he said spreading his arms wide.

Meredith stood up, trying to decide where to begin. She looked down at his feet. “I want you to take off your sneakers and socks.”

He quickly toed off his sneakers, removed his socks and threw them to the side and waited.

Meredith grasped his belt buckle and opened it. After pulling it through the loops, she threw it where his socks had landed. Then she opened the snap on his jeans and slid down the zipper. His erect cock looked like it was just about to burst through the cotton confinement of his briefs. She tugged the jeans down his athletic, slightly bowed legs and let him step out of them. Her hands slowly ran up his calves and thighs, stopping a moment to take in the bulge that was in front of her face. She ignored it for now and continued her journey up over his abs, chest, and shoulders, then ended it with a kissed.

“Do you want me to keep going?” she whispered in his ear and stepped back to see his face.

Starsky’s face flushed, and his pupils were dilated, as he nodded and smiled. “Please.”

Meredith put her fingers in the waistband of his briefs, sliding them down and exposing his firm round ass and generous cock that bobbed as he stepped out of them. She got up and took a step back, her eyes drawn to his awakened organ.

“Ya see anything ya like?” he asked, giving her a lop-sided smile, with his hands on his hips.

“Oh yes. I see a lot that I like.” Meredith’s eyes left his cock and took in his entire body. “You’ve been workin out,” she said, quite pleased.

“Yes I have,” Starsky stated proudly, then started doing muscle men poises.

Meredith giggled. He looked so silly, but she found the swaying of his cock very arousing.

Starsky padded towards her and held her face in his hands, kissing her passionately.

The kiss and the heat from his naked body only increased Meredith’s excitement. She reached around and grabbed two hands full of his ass and squeezed it.

Starsky moaned into her mouth and his cock swelled, poking into her belly.

Meredith glanced down and grasped the stiffening organ. She locked eyes with him, as she stroked and slid her hand from the curly pubic hairs to the tip of its weeping head.

Starsky let his head fall back and he bit down on his bottom lip. He placed his hands on Meredith’s shoulders for stability, as her hand moved faster and faster on his rigid member. His breathing became erratic, and he shut his eyes tight, as he felt rapid-fire contractions of his penile muscles and around the base of his anus.

With her hand resting at the base of his cock, Meredith felt Starsky’s balls draw up and he came with a roar, his seed spilling over her hand.

Starsky stood on shaky legs, still holding onto Meredith. His climax was so explosive that he felt his legs would no longer support his weight. Slowly he opened his eyes and saw her lovely face beaming.
Once he was breathing normally again, he smiled. “I guess you’re pleased with yourself too, huh?” he asked, throwing himself on the bed, with a bounce and running his fingers through his sweat dampened curls.

“Shouldn’t I be?” she asked, repeating his words from earlier.

“Yes, you should.” He grinned.

“I’ll be right back,” she said, holding up her semen covered hand and dashing into the bathroom. When she returned, she saw Starsky eyeing her.

His back was against the headboard, with one leg bent. He looked down at his nakedness, then at Meredith. She was naked from the waist up and fully clothed from the waist down.

“What?” she inquired.

“You have entirely too many clothes on missy. C’mere,” he commanded, crooking his finger.

Meredith stood in front of him. “Do you want to undress me?” she asked, coyly.

“Yes, I’d love to.” Starsky’s blue eyes were bright with fervor. He got off the bed and crouched down to take off her shoes and noticed she was wearing pantyhose, so to make it easier to remove, he instructed her to lie down on the bed.

Meredith crawled on the mattress and turned on her back.

Starsky knelt beside her and slid his hands under her skirt. He peeled the nylons down her legs and off her feet, doing the same with her panties. Putting his hand back under her skirt, he found the center of her being and rubbed the sensitive nub with his index finger until Meredith writhed. He watched her face as her arousal increased with every movement of his finger. When he pushed it inside the hot, moist canal, she arched up, and clutched the blanket. Starsky wanted to take off her skirt, so he removed his finger.

“Starsky!” she yelled, sitting up and grabbing his hand to keep it place.
“Please... don’t stop! Make me come!”

Starsky obliged, pushing Meredith’s knees up and spreading them wide. He gave her a lecherous smile, then disappeared under her skirt. He spread her vaginal lips with his thumbs. Now he had total access to her clit, which he sucked, until she was on the verge of cumming, but to prevent it he stopped and let his warm, wet tongue find its way deep inside her.

Not being able to see Starsky only intensified the sensations of his talented tongue. Soon, Meredith became unhinged, her head thrashing from side to side and her moaning became louder and louder. Her juices were pouring out of her now and Starsky lapped up every bit. When he replaced his tongue with his finger and rubbed her clit, she bucked uncontrollably, while his other hand was blindly fondling one breast and pinching the nipple. Now, Starsky had to fight to hold her down, as he continued to violate her in the most wonderful way.

“Oh God...Starsky! I’m gonna come! I’m gonna come!”

“Then come, come for me baby.”

As if on command, Meredith did just that. Her body stiffened and she lifted her pelvis, pressing the back of her head into the mattress, shrieking.

Starsky took his head from under her skirt, licked his lips and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then sat back on his heels to watch her ride the wave of her orgasm.

Meredith’s chest was still heaving, and she was gasping for air, as she opened her beautiful chocolate-colored eyes to see Starsky’s soulful indigo ones…watching her.

“I love lookin at you when you come. Your face a picture of ecstasy and your gorgeous, caramel-colored body, glowing from sweat. You liked that, huh?” He grinned.

Meredith had to laugh at the obvious question. “You really want me to answer that?”

“No, not really. I could tell. Would you say that was the best orgasm you ever had?” Starsky asked, stretching out on his side with his head propped on his hand.

“That’s definitely in the top five,” she said, lying back with her hand under her head.

“Top five?” he asked a bit disappointed. “Was it at least a two?”

Meredith knew Starsky wanted it to be the best climax she ever had and to be honest it really was. She was just messing with him.

“On second thought Starsky, it *was* the best orgasm I ever had,” she corrected, leaning up to stroke the hairs on his chest.

Starsky immediately perked up. “Really? You’re not puttin me on are ya?”

“No I’m not. You have a talented tongue and an incredible finger,” she said, taking his hand, and bringing it to her mouth. She kissed the finger that was inside her a moment ago and opened her mouth, tasting her juices.

Starsky watched and felt his cock stiffening. “Wow, you do that really well.”

Meredith took his finger out of her mouth. “You’re not the only one who can suck.”

Starsky frowned at the harsh sounding comment. “Um...you mean suck like actually sucking something, not the bad suck, right?”

She answered him with a deep, hot kiss that left him breathless.

“Does that answer your question?”

Starsky nodded, licking his lower lip.

Meredith still had her skirt on and Starsky felt it was time for her to be as naked as he was. He pulled the hem of her skirt down, unbuttoned it and pulled down the side zipper. Then pulled it down her bare legs and dropped it to the floor.

Now as naked as he was, Meredith turned on her side and propped her head on her hand.

Starsky took the same posture, facing her and they gazed into each other’s eyes. He let his fingers sensuously traced the curve of her body-- sliding across the hardness of her hip bone, to the tender firmness of her ass cheek, and down the length of her satiny, smooth outer thigh, then back up again.

“I can’t stop touching you. Your skin feels so damn good under my hand,” Starsky confessed, leaning down to place tiny kisses on her thigh.

“Am I your first?” Meredith asked, tracing his lower lip with her finger.

Starsky leaned forward and took the digit into his mouth, then realized that he didn’t understand her question. “Am I your first what?”

“Black woman,” Meredith answered simply.

Starsky combed his fingers through her thick, curls. “No, not really,” he replied, coyly.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, when I played defensive back for my high school football team, there was this Black kid named Warrant, who played on the opposing team. He had a sister, who cheered for his team.”

Starsky’s cobalt eyes brightened at the memory of the girl. “I was seventeen and she was sixteen and gorgeous. She had dazzling, champagne-brown eyes, dimples in her cheeks, kiss-inspiring lips that were pillow soft and she wore her hair in two fluffy Afro puffs. She was wearing a cute little cheerleader’s uniform with a blue and white pleated skirt that showed off her smooth legs. She was also wearing a white sweater, with her school letter stitched on the front, that she filled out pretty well.”

Meredith had to smile at how detailed Starsky’s memory was about this girl that he knew twenty years ago. Apparently she was really special to him. “Wow, you remember a lot about her?” she asked in a matter-of-fact tone.

Starsky realized that he was going on and on about this girl and it was rude and insensitive. “Oh, I’m sorry babe. I didn’t mean to go on and on about her,” he said, cupping the side of her face, with apologetic cobalt eyes.

“Starsky there’s nothing to be sorry about. I’m sure this girl meant something to you, and this is why your memory of her is still so vivid. I think it’s sweet.” Meredith leaned in and gave him a tender kiss on the lips.

Starsky smiled and dived in for a more passionate kiss. After a few seconds, Meredith moved out of it. “Starsky, weren’t you about to tell me about your relationship with this girl?”

“Oh, yeah. I guess I got a little side tracked.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Well, one day after practice, I went over to her and asked her out. She was shy, but I could tell she kinda dug me, so I took her to this burger joint and we shared a shake.”

“Aw, that’s so cute,” Meredith said, pinching one of his cheeks.

“Can I finish, please?” Starsky asked with mock annoyance.

“Of course.” She giggled.

“Um, where was I?”

“The two of you were sharing a milk shake. By the way, what flavor was it? Just curious.”

Starsky thought about it. “I think it was chocolate. She liked chocolate.”

“I’m beginning to think you like chocolate too.” Meredith winked, with a knowing smile.

Starsky snorted and continued, “While we were in there some of her brother’s teammates were watching us and they didn’t look so happy, so Regina and I left. That was her name- Regina.”

“I got that.”

“Yeah, so I took her to this make out area and we made out in the back seat of my car. It was getting really hot and heavy. To my surprise, she pulled my zipper down and pushed her hand inside my jeans, squeezing my cock. In response, I put my hand under her skirt and rubbed her clit through her panties. I asked her if she wanted to go all the way. When she looked into my eyes and nodded, I pulled her panties off and shoved my jeans and briefs down and pulled out my cock.”

Meredith’s eyes were wide, as she listened intently to Starsky’s story. It was apparent that he was a good lover even back then and his retelling of the story was turning her on. She felt a little vaginal fluid escape, soaking the crotch of her silk panties. When he paused to glance at her she urged him on. “Please continue,” she said, trying not to let on how excited she was getting.

Starsky had to smile at her attentiveness. “Well, I was just about to do the deed when someone rapped on the window. We both sat up in shock and quickly got dressed, then climbed into the front seats. Once we looked presentable, I opened the door and was immediately pulled out of the car.”

“Oh no. Was it her brother?” Meredith asked, her brown eyes wide.

“Yeah and he was 6’2” and about 180 lbs. Back then, I wasn’t among the taller or heavier guys, but I was one of the fastest. This guy had me by about 15 lbs., so he drags me out the car, throws me to the ground and starts kicking the shit out of me.”

“Oh my God, Starsky!” Meredith exclaimed with her hand covering her mouth.

“If it wasn’t for his teammates joining in, I could have taken him,” Starsky said, with confidence.

“I’m sure. So what happened after that?” she asked, caressing the side of his face.

“Regina ran out the car and stopped them. And just before Warrant and his thug teammates left, he yelled that I’d better keep away from his sister or else. I was lying on the ground bleeding and in a lot of pain. Regina was at my side and kept apologizing for her brother’s behavior. I told her it was alright and that he wasn’t going to stop us from seeing each other, but she told me that she didn’t want to see me anymore.” Starsky looked away, his eyes full of pain as he remembered the way he felt that night. “I knew she was only saying that because she didn’t want me to get hurt.”

“Do you think he hassled you because you were white or because you were on the opposing team?”

Starsky shrugged. “I dunno-- maybe both.”

“You poor baby, that was a horrible first time with a Black female.” Meredith racked her fingers through his soft dark curls.

“Well, that was then, and this is now,” he growled, pulling her on top of him and devouring her mouth, while his hands slid all over her silky body.

“Wait a minute,” she said, grabbing his shoulders and pushing him back. She raised up on her hands and looked down at him- their groins nestled together. “Don’t you want to ask me if you were my first white guy?”

Starsky frowned, not wanting to be stopped, but he did want to know. “Okay, so was I your first white guy?” he asked, lifting his head to lick the nipples of her dangling breasts.

“Well, I did kiss a white man before, but it didn’t go as far as you did with…”

“Regina,” Starsky offered.

“Yeah, Regina.”

“Why was that? You didn’t want to go any further with him?” Starsky asked, running his hands over her smooth, round buttocks.

“In those days, I didn’t want to. I was taught to wait until marriage, so I never wanted to go all the way with a boy, just a lot of heavy petting,” she admitted, then added,” but the main different between you and him is that you have an incredible ass...for a white boy.” Meredith grinned, then squealed, when Starsky quickly rolled on top of her, raising up on his hands.

“Ya wanna have at this amazing ass?” he asked, looking down at her beautiful face, with a wicked grin.

Meredith didn’t say a word, just placed a hand on each butt-cheek, squeezing until he moaned, then slid her hands up his back and rested them in his hair. Her fingers combed through his soft, thick curls. “You have amazing hair.”

“Just my hair is amazing?”

“Your hair is amazing and the rest of you is…”

“Is what?” Starsky asked, with his eyes roaming all over her pretty face.

“Magnificent.” She smiled radiantly.

“Magnificent, huh?” Starsky kissed that smile, straddled her, and raised her hands over her head.

“Ah, huh,” she uttered, raising her head to capture his mouth.

Their mouths fought for dominance, as Starsky gyrated his hips against hers.

Meredith’s thighs were slightly parted allowing Starsky’s erection to nestle nicely between them.

Impulsively, Starsky started humping, causing his shaft to rub against her vaginal lips and Meredith’s hips started bucking, making her vagina rub against his cock. Soon their movements were in sync and the incredible friction was almost unbearable, but Starsky didn’t want them to come like this. He needed to be inside her, so he released her hands and crawled to the bottom of the bed, spreading her legs wide, then kneeling between them. He kissed his way up her body-- placing a kiss on each inner thigh, her soft bush, and her belly button-- swirling his tongue inside. Next he lapped at each nipple, until they became firm and nuzzled the tender flesh of her neck, ending with a deep kiss on her lips.

When Starsky was done, Meredith was reduced to a puddle of goo. She had never been so turned on. She watched as Starsky leaned over her to retrieve a small bottle from his nightstand. He poured the coconut oil into his palm and stroked himself. After bracing himself on one hand, he took one last look into the beautiful face of arousal and guided his cock inside her tight, moist depths.

Meredith moaned and gripped Starsky’s shoulders, as he thrusted faster, causing her to whimper. She slid her hands down his back, massaging the muscular orbs. As he thrusted into her, Meredith began to squeeze each cheek in rhythm with his thrusts, pushing his cock further into her.

A single sweat drop dangled on the end of Starsky’s nose, and another fell, stinging his eyes. However, he couldn’t take them off the object of his efforts and desire.

Meredith was the picture of ecstasy--her eyes were closed, her mouth was parted, and her tongue was sliding over her kissed puffy lips. She clung to Starsky with her hands clawing his back, as arousal took over every nerve in her body. She was getting closer to Nirvana

“Starsky. Oh God.”

Starsky felt her vaginal muscles tighten, as she came, crying out. It felt like a vice around his cock, and it brought him closer to the edge.

The strength in his arms was just about to give out, but he continued to pound into her until he knew he was ready to burst. He quickly pulled out, grabbed his cock, and sat on his heels. He stroked himself hard and fast until he erupted. When he was depleted, Starsky crawled and collapsed beside her-- both spent, sated, and breathing heavily.

It took a few minutes for them to recover. Starsky recovered first, turning towards her, and propping himself up on his elbow.

“Hey.” He grinned, gazing down into her face. “How ya doin?”

Meredith blew out her breath and placed her hand over her face, then turned her head to look at Starsky’s handsome face. “I’m alive, but barely.” She smiled.

Starsky held the side of her face and gave her a sweet kiss. “You are an incredible woman.” He kissed her soft lips again.

“Thank you.” She lowered her eyes, embarrassed by the compliment.

Meredith turned on her side and pushed Starsky on his back, then rested her head on his shoulder. “Starsky, I think that was even better than the last time.”

“I would definitely agree with you. We seemed to have a whole lot more stamina.”

“I wonder why is that?” she asked, running her hand over his chest, and following the trail of hair on his belly.

“Well, maybe because we got better in three years and are more in shape.” Starsky’s hand slid leisurely over her hip and buttock.

“Yeah-- or absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

“Well, little Davey seems to be ready for a second round and if we don’t get out of bed that somethin’s gonna grow again.” Starsky leaned forward and placed his feet on the floor, his back in full view of Meredith.

Meredith abruptly sat up. “Starsky, what are those marks on your back?” She leaned over to take a closer look. “My God. Are they...bullet holes!” she exclaimed, fingering the three small scars.

Starsky startled and stood up, then swung around. “It’s nothing. It was a long time ago.”

“Starsky, you have three bullet holes in your back. It’s not nothing. What happened?” Meredith’s eyes were wide with concern.

“This guy wanted revenge and shot me, but I’m okay now,” Starsky explained, trying to brush it off.

“Get over here and let me take a look,” she said, reaching out for him.

Reluctantly, he walked to her and turned around. He stood patiently while she inspected the healed wounds. “Do they still hurt?”

Starsky turned and grasped the hand that examined him. He brought it to his lips and gave it a tender kiss on hers. “No they don’t, babe. It happened a long time ago. Please don’t worry about it. I’m fine.”

Meredith looked at him for a long moment, then decided to let it go and gave him a weak smile. “Okay, if you say so.”

Starsky nodded and got up.

Meredith grabbed his hand and pulled him back down on the bed. “Come back to bed. I don’t want this to be over…not yet.”

“Babe, I have to pee really bad. I promise I’m come right back,” Starsky beseeched.

“Okay.”

“I’ll be right back.” Starsky trotted into the bathroom, leaving the door open.

Meredith slid back against the headboard, pulled the sheet around her, and listened to the stream of Starsky’s pee hitting the toilet water.

After flushing, he washed his hands, then came bouncing out and sat at the foot of the bed. He noticed that Meredith had the sheet covering her nakedness.

“I thought about it Starsky and I think we need to get back to our duties,” Meredith said, regretfully. “Dobey called me in to help you on this case, not spend all the time…enjoying ourselves.”

Starsky’s heart sank. “Can’t we do both? I think we’ve been handling the case just fine in between…you know.”

Meredith traced Starsky’s lips with her finger. “I know babe, but I think we need to give the case our full attention. You do want to get that guy off the street don’t you?”

“You know I do.”

“Okay, let’s get this case wrapped, then…” Meredith’s voice trailed off.

“Then what?” Starsky’s blue eyes were bright with anticipation.

“Then we’ll see what happens.” Meredith lowered her eyes and Starsky thought he saw a hint of sorrow in them. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “It’s getting pretty late.”

Starsky looked over at the clock. It was after midnight, and he did want to get to the school early to stake out that guy.

“I guess you’re right.” He sighed. “We should get some sleep, so we could be at the school before it opened.” He rose from the bed and extended his hand. “Come on, let’s get in the shower, then get some much-needed rest.”

Meredith let Starsky pull her up and she left the sheet behind. They walked naked into the bathroom, with their arms wrapped around each other.

“Are we soaping up each other?” she asked, with a raised eyebrow.

“Well what would be the point of showering together if we didn’t? Starsky grinned, opening the shower door.

“Starsky, were you listening to a word I said? We need to put that aside for now.”

“I know, but we’re already here and they say we need to conserve water, so…”

Meredith glared at him, then smiled. “You are too much.”

“I’m glad you think so. I promise after our shower, we’ll go right to bed.”

“To sleep, right?”

“Of course to sleep.” Starsky assured, but the glint in his eye told a different story.

“Ya know what Starsky?”

“What?”

“You are insatiable,” she replied, smiling knowingly.

“You’re just figurin that out.” He winked, then turned on the shower and grabbed the soap.