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It was getting harder to ignore the eyes burning into her back. Penelope had felt them all night as she made her way around the Rossi mansion, greeting each face with her signature smile. Yet every time she turned to find them, they were gone. Taking a moment for herself, she set up camp in the corner of the room, glass clutched to her chest. A warmth settled over her. From the sheer amount of people or alcohol, she didn’t know.
She felt him before she saw him.
He had truly become shameless over the years, allowing his eyes to rake up her body, the beer in his hand long forgotten as he openly ogles her legs. Luke tugged his lower lip into his mouth, before letting out a low whistle that was barely audible amongst the various conversations. His eyes were caught on her stockings–light pink and sheer, the lace at the top just peeking out from under her skirt. She was his own personal temptress, sent purely to drive him insane. And she was doing her job very well.
The swarms of people moving throughout the Rossi mansion had made it difficult for him to reach her, but he’d managed to admire her from afar. His gaze never wavered as she made her rounds, dazzling the cybercrimes unit, or more specifically, Agent Samuel James. The man had been practically glued to his tech analyst all night, monopolising her time… Making her laugh. Bastard. But now she was alone. With one last swig, he slams down his bottle and stalks towards her, holding back a smirk as her chest and cheeks flush under his gaze.
Penelope felt her heart pick up speed as he gained on her, each step sending a wave of nerves down her spine. Despite trying to meet his eye all night, she was doing everything in her power to avoid his predatory gaze. She fiddles with the hem of her cardigan, her usual confidence slipping away as Luke finally slides up beside her.
“I’ve been trying to reach you all night, chica.” His voice rasps against her ear.
“Really? I hadn’t noticed…” she breathes, her grip growing tight on the fabric.
“I wanted to ask you something,” he starts, his eyes sweeping over her side profile. Garcia swallows hard, forcing herself to meet his eyes, gasping at the sheer intensity. “And what would your question be, newbie?” Her voice was almost timid, like she knew what he was about to ask. But there was no way… Right ? In an attempt to remain calm, Luke runs a hand through his hair, giving her a smile he reserved for her eyes only. “Well, if Agent whatever hasn't asked you yet," he said, jealousy lacing his words, "I was hoping you would be my kiss tonight, or rather, that I would be yours?"
The blonde struggled to hold back her smile, dropping her head to chuckle to herself. “You want to kiss me? At midnight?” She glances up through her lashes, “do you honestly think you could handle it?” There she was. Ever since his first day, Penelope had been nothing but snark and wit. It was why he loved her so much. According to Tara, “ it’s super weird that you enjoy being bullied .” He’d shrugged her off that day, reminding her it was part of their banter. Their flirting.
“Oh, I can definitely handle you, Garcia.” He pushes away from the wall, “see you at midnight.” Garcia stares after him, both impressed and terrified by his newfound confidence. But there was no denying the thrill that spread throughout her body, her lips tingling in anticipation. After years of wondering, she was finally going to kiss Luke Alvez– not that she’d been hoping to– and she was going to make sure it was the only thing on his mind for the rest of his life.
Collecting her thoughts, Penelope pushed her way through the throngs of people until she reached the bathroom. With the door locked behind her, she pulls out her emergency make-up bag and eyes herself in the mirror. “You don’t know what’s coming, Alvez.” Satisfied her face was as flawless as ever, the blonde took a moment to psych herself up, pushing up the girls and grinning at herself. She glances at her phone, her nerves reappearing when she notes it’s 11:47. When she finally drags herself out of the bathroom, she’s caught by the cybercrimes agent who had been talking her ear off all night. He launches into another story about himself, and the incredible work he does with his team. Penelope smiles and laughs softly at another joke, her eyes skimming the crowd for her New Year's kiss.
“It’s almost time people!” Rossi shouts, earning a cheer in response, the tv flicking on to display the NYE drop in New York.
And then the countdown starts, with Luke nowhere to be found.
Garcia spins around, searching everywhere, but the count continues.
5… 4… 3… 2…
1 … A hand grips her wrist, spinning her round until she’s flush against someone’s chest. Luke is burying his hand in her hair and pulling her close, his hand settling on her lower back – a quiet “happy new year” falling from his lips before they make contact. Penelope melts against him, fisting his shirt and sighing against his mouth. Luke explores her mouth with reckless abandon, swallowing every whimper and whine that escapes. She slides her hands up his chest until her nails are scraping his scalp, moulding her body against his until she can feel every muscle twitching.
Luke almost dares to drop his hand lower until a familiar wolf whistle rips them apart. Penelope’s cheeks are perfectly crimson as she glances up, very aware of his hands still wrapped around her and the glazed over look on his face.
“Get it, Alvez!” Tara bellowed, cheering with the rest of the team.
“Why don’t we,” she leans up to whisper in his ear, “go somewhere else and do that again?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” Luke can only grin as she drags him away from the rest of the party. Happy New Year indeed.