Oh, Hell, Now What?

A/N: The first idea for this story occurred to me over a year ago, while watching Burn Out again for the 100th time. It has taken this long to figure out and navigate all the twists and turns.

This is the ninth story in the Love's Journey alternate universe. It can be read independently of the others, though you will need to know that Lee and Amanda get married around the end of the 3rd season.

Thanks to CindyDee for going on this co-writing adventure with me and thanks to our betas for their patience during the writing of this story. Cindy and I own any mistakes or errors that might have crept in.

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1

Lee gazed out the small window as the plane began its final descent to the Washington National Airport. Normally the routine of chimes, pilot announcements, and flurry of flight attendants were comforting but now his mind was filled with unease. He'd been in New York for a few days; following up on one of his contacts who was in trouble. This trip was the first one he'd taken out of town alone since his marriage to Amanda and everything had seemed fine when he left; however, by the second night, each conversation they had was more and more uncomfortable.

During their last phone call just that morning, Lee felt as though he'd been the one to move their conversation along when it was usually Amanda who was very vocal—her lengthy long-winded sentences were legendary. He had to admit that when he first met Amanda, this trait was annoying, but now he was used to her 'Amandarambles' and compared to their conversations the last few days, he would much rather have them than the stilted indifference that he had now.

"So, Amanda, did your mother and the boys get away, okay?"

"Yes."

"How was work today?"

"Work? Oh, work was just fine."

"Anything exciting happen?"

"Oh...no...nothing."

"Amanda, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, why do you ask?

"You just seem-" Lee searched for a word, "Less talkative."

"I guess I'm just tired."

"Well, get some rest," Lee interjected.

"I'll try."

"Amanda, I love you!"

After several seconds she responded, "I love you too, Lee."

"I'll see you soon! And, Amanda— " He'd attempted to ask her if she was picking him up, but the phone had gone dead; she'd hung up before he could finish his question.

Lee frowned. He couldn't exactly put his finger on it, but even her "I love you", seemed distracted and half-hearted. Maybe he was reading way too much into the conversation and she was simply tired like she said over the phone.

Lee's return home couldn't have been timed any better because Dotty and the boys were away for the remainder of winter break; they'd left Thursday morning and the three of them would not be home for a week. Dotty was away visiting her sister Lillian, and the boys were in Florida with Joe. With everyone else away and out of the house, he was hoping for some much needed alone time with Amanda. Now, he wasn't so sure if that was going to happen with the way her mood sounded over the phone. Or maybe he was only imagining things. Well, he'd know soon enough.

When Lee got off the plane, he looked up at the sky; not quite dark yet, but the clouds were beginning to fade to grey as the night moved in. Lee entered through the gate and glanced around hoping Amanda was there to pick him up. But since her mood was so strange over the phone; Lee wasn't surprised when he didn't see her. He hoped this wasn't a sign of how the rest of the week was going to be. After looking around the terminal for a few more minutes; Lee walked outside and hailed a taxi.

Upon his arrival home, Lee noticed her car in the driveway. As Lee stepped into the foyer of their house, the mouth-watering aroma of roasted chicken and potatoes greeted him, reminding him that he hadn't eaten yet, but for now, his primary concern was finding Amanda. He reset the security code and dropped his bags by the stairs. A walk through the first floor revealed that she was nowhere to be found but since her car was in the driveway and food was in the oven, Lee figured she must be home.

"Amanda?" Lee called out as he headed up the stairs towards their bedroom.

The bedroom door was cracked, and as Lee walked in; he noticed the perfumed scent of potpourri throughout the room and the bed sheets were turned down. Amanda was sitting on the bed wearing a lavender lace negligee with matching robe and smiled as she watched Lee walk slowly towards the bed. "Lee, I am sorry that I didn't pick you up from the airport. I meant to, but I had a headache. I laid down for a little bit and I must've fallen asleep-" Amanda rambled, standing up.

Lee felt all his worries evaporate with her greeting. "Amanda, it's okay, really. Apparently, you're feeling better." Lee said with a smile. He stopped talking as he looked more closely at what she was wearing. Her robe was sheer and did little to hide the camisole underneath. He appreciated how the feathery lace bodice gently cupped her breasts and his eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of the lace thong. He cleared his throat as he pulled at the knot of his tie which suddenly seemed too tight. And by the way, you look absolutely beautiful!"

"Thank you, Sweetheart. You know, I've heard that sex can be one of the quickest ways to cure a headache." Amanda said saucily looking deeply into Lee's hazel eyes.

"No, I hadn't heard that before," Lee said, his eyes never leaving her. "Of course, you would know that little bit of trivia," Lee teased.

"Do you want to test that theory?" Amanda asked with a sly smile as she stepped closer to Lee and ran her hand up Lee's back.

He slid his hands up the sleeves of the thin silky material. "MMMMMMM, what do you think?" Lee asked. "So, is this your way of making things up to me?"

"Making up?" Amanda's hands stilled, causing Lee's own hands to still as well.

"For being so frosty over the phone."

"Frosty? Was I frosty?" Amanda pulled away from him while raising an eyebrow.

"That's putting it mildly. I've seen icebergs with more warmth."

"Lee! Well, I'm sorry if I was…" she paused. "I guess I was just tired."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure!"

Lee could hear the irritation creeping into Amanda's voice.

He changed tactics. "We don't need to talk about this now." Lee said as he pulled Amanda closer towards him enjoying the feel of her against his body. "Did you miss me?"

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