Title: The CSI Christmas Party
Author: cjacsifan
Pairing: Catherine/Riley
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: CSI is owned by CBS and Jerry Bruckheimer
Summary: Riley get more than gifts at the team's annual Christmas Party.
Spoilers: None

It was near Christmas and everyone at CSI was busy not only with their
cases but with shopping for gifts for everyone of their friends and
family; All except Riley who was kind of down because she was away from
family and really didn't know that much about her co-workers to know
what type of things they liked as Christmas gifts.

Catherine had noticed Riley moping around the office the last couple of
days and went to ask what the matter was, "Hey Riley,why the long face
sweety?"

"Well Catherine, it's Christmas time and my family is away again and I
really don't really know many people here so I guess I will be spending
this Christmas alone."

"Nonsense, the lab Christmas party is next week at my place and you my
dear are coming over, and before you decline because you don't know what
to bring to the party or buy the team for Christmas, I just want you
there to have fun."

Riley's face lit up,"Thanks Cat, sorry Catherine..." remembering the
name rule "I really appreciate the invitation what day and time?"

"Next Saturday at 7;30 pm sharp."

"I'll be there," Riley beams smiling from ear to ear, a smile that
Catherine is beginning to really like...ALOT.

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The week went by fast and it was finally the saturday of the party,
Riley didn't really know if it was the right thing to do, but she bought
everyone coming to the party gift certifcates to the local mall, she
figured it was safer that way not knowing anyone likes or dislikes.

Riley also decided to make her mom's famous appetizer; Ham-Pickle Roll
Ups, so as soon as she finished the Roll Ups she got dressed in a
festive green blouse and black skirt, it took her more than an hour to
get dressed because of her nerves because even though the team knew her
at work they hadn't seen her socially yet, all except Catherine for
their weekly breakfast at the Desert Rose Diner.

As she drove down Catherine's street and found her house, she noticed
that she was the last to arrive, she found a place to park on the street
and walked to the door and was thankfully able to ring the doorbell
without dropping her plate of appetizers.

Catherine answered the door and welcomed Riley in, "Aww Sweety you
didn't have to bring anything to the party, just yourself." Catherine
said as she took the plate laid it on the counter and took Riley's coat,
"Wow Riley you look fantastic, who knew you had such nice legs."
Catherine said to her.

Riley was taken aback by the compliment, especially when she saw
Catherine wink at her, "Thanks Cath...Cat, I wasn't sure how to dress,
and Cat I'm not the only one that looks fantastic...you look amazing,"
Catherine was wearing a low cut red sweater adorned with glitter and a
pair if slacks that highlighted her backside.

As Riley was standing in the entry way she heard Greg yell "Newbie under
the milstletoe," and made a bee line for Riley, but she did her best
matador impression and Greg flew head first into the foyer closet door.
Riley felt terrible about that and when Greg got his balance back she
gave him a sweet kiss, she also allowed Nick, Brass Grissom and Dr.
Robbins to kiss her under the mistletoe.

The party was a great affair everyone was having a blast, Riley was
amazed that Catherine had time to make the appetizers she did, of course
with the help of her daughter Lindsey.

Riley announced that she had gifts for everyone even if they weren't
much of anything, "I bought you all gift certificates from Valley Vista
Mall, not knowing what you liked I figured you can all buy what you
wanted."

Everyone was pleasantly surprised, especially Catherine because Riley
was thoughtful enough to buy one for Lindsey.

The hour was getting late and the party was breaking up, everyone left
except Riley because she wanted to help Catherine clean up, "You don't
have to Riley really I'll just get it in the morning."

"No Cat, I insist you were kind enough to invite me, least I can do is
help you clean the mess I was partially responsible for."

Catherine was pleased to have the help because usually she is on her own
cleaning because Lindsey usually heads for her room when that time of
the evening comes around, she couldn't thank Riley enough not only for
helping her but for the appetizers and the gifts, which she insisted
were not necessary.

The dishes were finished in record time and as Riley was putting away
the last wime glass she heard Catherine say "Newbie under the
mistletoe."

Riley was surprised when she offered her cheek and Catherine turned her
face so the two of them were eye to eye, Catherine then shocked Riley by
kissing her right on the lips, small as it was it was wonderful.

As the two women opened their eyes, they looked deep into each others
eyes and kissed again.

This kiss was deeper and filled with a guarded passion, after that kiss
the two women hugged close.

"Merry Christmas Riley"

"Merry Christmas Cat."