The banquet
The end of the school season was fast approaching, a few weeks away really. The Everett children were busy making their plans for the summer. Professor Harold Everett was looking forward to the slower pace the summer brought. The last months of the school year were always stressful.
This particular day, the Professor was in his office at the University preparing his lessons for the coming days when their newest addition to the staff, Professor Caraway came into his office along with Professor Martin. Professor Caraway was a wonderful addition to the University, even though originally Professor Martin was dead set against hiring him due to his advanced age. Both of these talented educators were now great admirers of one another and Professor Martin actually quite often quoted his colleague and sought out his advice on a regular basis. Hal Everett took more than a little pride in recognizing Professor Caraway's talent and had to give credit to Nanny for allowing Hal to meet Professor Caraway just hours prior to the meeting at which it was evident that this talented man was not going to even be considered.
Now Professor Martin and Professor Caraway were both in his office with what they were both saying was a terrific idea to celebrate the end of the school year. They wanted to make this year especially memorable. The terrific idea was to have a formal banquet with all the bells and whistles. Sit down dinner, a band, dancing and all the spouses of the staff would be included as well.
Initially, Hal was a little hesitant at the mention of spouses being included for the obvious reason. However, Professor Caraway recognized his reticence and added that even though he did not have a spouse, he was looking forward to meeting the rest of the staff and their spouses and dates. Professor Martin, smiled at Hal and said, "So Hal I guess you won't have any lack of dates to choose from"? Professor Caraway looked from Martin to Everett and saw a slight smile from both men. Caraway said, "Well I guess I will be the only guy going stag" "but that is ok, I usually get to do more dancing than the, shall we say attached guys", giving Martin a nudge in the ribs.
Hal Everett said "sounds like a great idea fella's, keep me posted on the details and I will be there with bells on". At that, the other two men, looked at each other and gave a sly smile to Hal. Hal recognized that look, and said "uh oh" – "what"? "Well" Caraway started out by saying, "we haven't yet presented it to the official members of the committee that organizes these events. To which Hal replied "Well I don't see where you would have much trouble selling them on the idea".
Then Martin spoke up, "Well we thought it might be a good idea to have someone who was keen on the idea on the committee to make sure it comes off, so to speak" then Caraway spoke before Hal could voice any objections to the thought they had made very obvious, "and we think you would be just the guy. What do you say?" Hal replied "I say, nice try – but no sale!" "Hal you have to, you see the head of the committee is Marge Bradford and she is not a fan of either one of us for some unknown reason, but she is a big fan of yours!" Martin said very emphatically and with a little joking in his voice.
Hal thought to the times he and Marge had dated, things had moved pretty far along. That is until he decided to stop seeing Marge because things were moving too quickly. With that thought in mind, Hal said, "I think I am the last person Marge would want to serve on a committee with".
Martin knew about their dating history, of course not all the details, and replied, "No Hal you would be the perfect choice, if she says no to you it would be seen as sour grapes on her part". Hal said "well I see what you're saying…" before he could complete his thought, Caraway jumped right in with enthusiasm "Ok, it's all settled then, we'll let Marge know you are all for the banquet idea and are very happy to be part of the planning committee". In unison, both men almost shouted, "Great, thanks Hal, you won't regret this." And they made a hasty retreat. Hal Everett, sat in his office, saying to himself, "I think I already regret this" not sure how he got into this spot.
That evening, while sitting at dinner with Nanny and the children, Professor Everett was still reeling from how he got caught up in the banquet situation. The kids were all very excited about a banquet, and wanted to know what it would entail. Would there be dancing, would there be a band or records, would it be at a restaurant or in the community hall at the university. Of course, Prudence wanted to know if her father would be wearing his tuxedo and would the ladies be dressing up. After all of these questions, Hal Everett was even more annoyed that he had been pulled into this situation. He also had to consider what other complications would come about once he was dealing with Marge with regard to the details.
Nanny, of course, immediately tried to point out the up-side to the situation. "Well Professor, I think it is wonderful that you will be involved with the preparations." The Professor, looked at her and asked "why, would this be a wonderful situation for me, Nanny?" "As I see it, I will have to take time away from the kids and" he looked directly into her eyes and quickly stopped himself just before he said "you". He cleared his throat. Nanny looked at him a little side-long. She continued by saying, "well I am sure the other Professors will appreciate your attention to the details and your very good taste in music and food and of course your knowledge of fine wines will be greatly appreciated as well."
Hal jumped in and said "yeah right Dad, you can put your time in Italy to good use and make all the wine selections." The Professor looked at Hal and said "how do you know about my knowledge of wines?" Hal said, "Oh come on Dad, you spoke about it with Maestro Sciavonni and you and Uncle Bob have talked about it too".
Butch said, "Well, why would anybody want to go to a party where you have to dance with girls?" and he twisted up his face.
Prudence said, "I think it will be great, Daddy". "Will you wear your tuxedo? Who will you take to the dance Daddy?" "I hope you wear your tuxedo, you look so handsome when you wear it." The Professor smiled at his little girl and said with a flourish "Thank you sweetheart".
"I don't know who I will take the dance yet." Now it was his turn to give a side-long look at Nanny, who blushed slightly and looked down at her plate. Young Hal, who was becoming very observant, took notice and smiled to himself.
The next several weeks went by quickly. The children completed their school year, all of them with great happiness. Their summer activities had already started. Nanny was just as busy as when school was in session. Delivering all three children to their respective activities and coordinating play dates on the days they did not have organized activities.
Professor Everett wrapped up his school year as well. He was pleased with how his students did this year. He was looking forward to the summer; however, he was not looking forward to the banquet, less than a week away. He was involved with the planning and was confident it would be a very nice event. However, the time he spent with Marge Bradford had been awkward at best. Marge kept hinting that they might attend the event together. Hal finally told her as clearly as he could, he would be attending alone. She finally stopped the hinting, which made him relieved.
Now that the event was right around the corner he was once again becoming very unsettled. The Everett family was finishing up dinner and had enjoyed the lovely meal Nanny had prepared. Nanny quickly stood up and said "I'll get it" and walked toward the front door. The doorbell rang and the Professor just rolled his eyes. Nanny came back into the kitchen followed by Professor Caraway.
Harold stood and greeted his colleague and introduced them to his children and Nanny. Prudence of course knew Professor Caraway already as he was her best friend Amy's grandfather. Prudence excitedly asked, "Is Amy with you Professor?" Professor Caraway chuckled and said "No, honey, she's at home getting ready for bed". At the mention of getting ready for bed, Nanny said, "well I think that you three need to take your baths and follow Amy's lead." "If you will excuse us Professor", and she herded the children out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
Nanny turned on her heals in the doorway and said "Professor if you and Professor Caraway make yourselves comfortable in the study, I will have coffee and desert ready in no time." Both professors smiled and went to the study.
Professor Caraway explained he was feeling a little guilty about catching Hal off guard with the idea of him serving on the planning committee and hoped he would not hold a grudge. Hal said he had a few awkward moments, hinting at Marge, but said "now that all the plans are in place, I am sure it will be a very nice night".
Professor Caraway then cleared his throat and said "Well that is only part of the reason I came tonight." Hal looked at his colleague and little suspiciously and said "Oh no – now what?" Caraway then, said while he earlier said he was comfortable going to the dance stag, he really was not comfortable with the idea at all. "I was hoping you could give me some insight into which ladies on the staff might be interested in the idea of attending the event with me?" Hal looked at the Professor and realized this must be difficult for his new friend, being so new to the area in addition to the age difference between him and the female staff. Hal then said, "Well I am sure any number of the single female staff members would be a good choice".
At that moment, Nanny came into the study with a tray filled with coffee and cheese cake. When Professor Caraway saw the cheese cake he smiled brightly. Hal took note and said "Let me guess, cheese cake is your favorite." Nanny smiled her most unsuspecting smile at both men. Professor Caraway said "yes it is, but I rarely get to enjoy it, as Amy cannot eat it – what a treat."
"Well I am rarely surprised any more when Nanny somehow knows everyone's favorite foods" Hal said while smiling at Nanny who returned his smile. Hal then said "I bet Nanny would have a solution to your previous problem as well".
Nanny looked at both the men with a question in her eyes "What problem would that be?" she asked. Professor Caraway than explained, that he was hoping not to go to the event stag, and had asked Hal for advice on finding the right companion for the evening.
Both men then took a taste of the cheese cake and made appreciative sounds while eating it. Nanny then said "well Professor Caraway, any woman would be proud to be escorted to the event by such a fine gentleman and I am sure you will very quickly find just the right person". Professor Caraway, taking a moment to stop enjoying his desert, looked at Nanny and suddenly without warning asked "How about you Miss Figalilly, would you be my companion for the evening?"
Nanny was caught off guard, very unusual for her and stammered a little. Hal Everett was very uncomfortable suddenly and did not like this turn of events. Why hadn't he thought to ask Nanny himself? He had been slowly acknowledging to himself his growing attraction toward her. Could this event have been the perfect opportunity to explore the possibilities? Would she have accepted if he had asked? How would that change their very companionable relationship?
While he was ruminating, Professor Caraway, recognizing Hals uncomfortable feelings, apologized and said innocently "unless you are going to attend the event with Hal?" Both Nanny and the Professor quickly said, "No, no" and exchanged a rather long look, both feeling a little uncomfortable. Professor Caraway than continued "Well, Nanny, if you are not completely opposed to the idea, would you consider being my date for the evening?"
Hal looked at Nanny and not wanting her to suspect his ever growing feelings toward her, said "Well I think you would enjoy an evening out Nanny, you so very rarely take an evening for yourself, - and you should go." Nanny, feeling a little embarrassed and a little off kilter, smiled and said, "Are you sure you would not mind having to hire a sitter for the evening Professor Everett?" Hal quickly replied "I am sure Hal would be happy to sit for Butch and Prudence. You should not let that be a deterrent to your having a nice evening out Nanny". Nanny turned to their visitor and said "Well Professor Caraway, thank you, I would be very proud to attend the event with you."
Professor Caraway smiled broadly and thanked Nanny for accepting his invitation and said he was looking forward to the evening's festivities. He thanked Nanny and the Professor for their time, and left to return to his daughter's home.
After the children were asleep, Hal went to look for Nanny and found her straightening up the kitchen and making a cup of tea. "Would you like a cup of tea Professor, I was just making a cup for myself?" Hal nodded indicating that he would like a cup of tea and sat at his usual place at the kitchen table.
Nanny placed their cups of tea on the table and sat in her usual spot. They sat together quietly when Hal finally spoke. "I am sure you will have a very nice time at the banquet Nanny and will find Professor Caraway a very nice date for the evening." Nanny looked at Hal and said, "Well I don't think it will be a date exactly, but I am sure I will find the evening very enjoyable". Hal looked her in the eye and said "Well now I am almost certain I will attend the event alone. That way I can dance with all the ladies freely." He smiled at Nanny who blushed ever so slightly, intuiting his real meaning. After a moment of silence, Nanny cleared her throat and said, "Yes, well – I will say good night Professor." She then cleared away their tea cups and went to her room for the evening. Hal felt a bit of satisfaction at seeing Nanny blush and thought to himself, "Yes I think I will go stag and try to enjoy as many dances with one lady in particular". Hal smiled to himself and retired for the evening.
The week went by very quickly for all of the members of the Everett household. Professor Everett had spent more time finalizing the preparations for the banquet, but was certain that the evening would be very nice. He had decided not to ask any one in particular to the event, and was hoping that he would find more than one opportunity to dance with Nanny that night.
The day prior to the dance, when Nanny had asked who the Professor would be escorting to the dance, he told her that he would be attending alone. "Oh Professor, I am sure any number of the ladies at the University would be very happy to accompany you, why have you not asked anyone?" Hal, looked her directly in the eye and said, "Well, I think I will enjoy the evening more knowing that I can dance with whomever I please." He smiled at Nanny, and she once again blushed ever so slightly, intuiting his meaning.
The next evening, Professor Everett and Professor Caraway were standing in the foyer of the Everett home waiting for Nanny to join them. Hal was sitting for Butch and Prudence that night and had them in the kitchen having a snack. As the gentleman spoke about university business, they heard Nanny descending the stairs and they both looked up at the same time. Professor Caraway went to the bottom of the steps and greeted Nanny and told her how lovely she looked. Nanny thanked him for the compliment and they both turned to look at Professor Everett.
Hal was stunned at the sight of their Nanny. She was dressed in a very slinky, light grey dress that came just above her knees showing off her slender, very shapely legs. The dress was sleeveless and had a wide semi-low cut collar that came to the edge of her shoulders. Her hair was not pulled back, as she usually wore it, but rather it fell over her shoulders. Harold thought they resembled soft rolling waves. Her makeup, for evening, made her eyes look smoky and alluring. She looked beautiful. Hal suddenly noticed both people looking at him and he cleared his throat, and agreed with his colleague that Nanny was lovely.
Hal could barely take his eyes off of Nanny, but was jerked back to reality, when Professor Caraway asked Nanny, "May I call you by your given name this evening Miss Figalilly?" Hal felt as if he had been kicked in the gut, and realized that he was jealous to know another man would be using her name. Nanny smiled at Professor Caraway and said, "Yes you may Professor". Professor Caraway than asked if she would call him Carl and she said she'd be happy to. Professor Everett suddenly felt like he did not want to spend the evening listening to another man calling her Phoebe all night. However, he could not get out of it now, and decided that he would indeed follow through with his initial plans and dance with as many of the other women he could at the banquet, and with one lady in particular as often as he could. Nanny sensed his thoughts and blushed slightly, when she met his gaze. Hal, for once, almost hoped she could read his mind.
Phoebe and Carl went to the banquet in his vehicle, while Professor Everett drove Arabella. On the drive to the hall, Hal was trying to get his feelings under control. He became acutely aware that he was indeed jealous of the man who was escorting Phoebe for the evening. He made up his mind that when they arrived at the hall he would also address her by her lovely first name. He hoped that Phoebe would return the favor and address him as Hal. He found himself hoping for many things that evening.
The banquet hall was decorated with lovely cream colored table clothes and linens that matched the University colors. The band hired for the evening was playing a very good variety of music while the university staff and their dates for the evening were milling around conversing. The tables had not been assigned, instead, the attendees could sit where ever and with whomever they liked. There was an open bar and Hal had personally chosen the wines that would be served.
Hal, Phoebe and Carl entered the hall together and Phoebe acknowledged how lovely everything looked. Hal thanked her, but said most of the benefit had to go to Marge. Carl agreed that the room was lovely and said it looked as if everyone was already having a great time.
The three of them went to a table and sat with Hals other colleague and friend Fred and his wife Alice. Fred and Alice had been true friends to Hal over the years. During his late wife's illness and after her passing they were there in every way to help Hal and the kids. Alice found the first housekeeper that was hired to help the family and offered assistance in supporting Hal through a very sad time in his life. Hal was happy to be sitting with them. He was not as thrilled to see Marge and her date, and Dr. Pulski and his wife also sitting at their table. The history he had with both of these colleagues could be uncomfortable at times. He hoped this would not be the case tonight.
Carl introduced Phoebe to the other couples sitting at their table. Alice and Fred, of course, knew Nanny already. If they had not been made aware previously, they would have been just as surprised as Marge and Pulski were when they made the connection that Carl's date for the evening was also Hal's children's Nanny. While they had heard many of the stories and adventures that Nanny brought about in Hal's home, they had not met the woman. Marge was a little cool in her greeting to Phoebe. Everyone except Phoebe knew the reason behind the coolness. Dr. Pulski and his wife were very gracious and happy to meet the children's Nanny they had heard so much about from their own children.
After enjoying a drink during the cocktail hour, all the attendees sat at their tables to enjoy the meals that had been served. Phoebe was seated next to Carl, but across the table from Hal. As they were eating dinner, Hal could not help but notice that everyone at the table was entranced by Phoebe. She was so skilled at making everyone around her feel so comfortable, that the conversations were intelligent and very light hearted at the same time. Hal found himself, more than once (many times actually) not being able to take his eyes off of Nanny-Phoebe. He had to actually pull himself out of the stares and remind himself that he was not her escort for the evening. Several times, Phoebe would look across the table at Hal and see him staring at her and she would give him a very sweet smile and questioning look.
As the dinner course concluded, couples started to dance to the music that had changed to very familiar dance tunes. Carl asked Phoebe if she would like to dance when the band started to play a Glen Miller song, In the Mood. Phoebe and Carl started to dance the lindy. Carl was a very good dancer and Phoebe was very light on her feet. As Carl was deftly leading Phoebe in the fast pasted dance, Hal could only swallow hard when with one particular twirl; Phoebe's skirts flared out and quite a bit of her shapely legs were exposed.
The couple danced to several songs before returning to their table. Marge complemented Phoebe on her dancing. Alice turned to Hal and asked him why he wasn't dancing. Hal quickly realized he was still distracted by the way Phoebe looked. He quickly recovered and said he was just getting ready to ask Alice to dance with him.
Once Alice and He were dancing, Alice smiled at him and asked him why he hadn't asked Phoebe to dance yet. Hal made some lame excuse that she was here this evening with Carl and seemed to be enjoying dancing with him. Alice looked him straight in the eye and said, "Hal, it is very obvious, even to Carl, that you are attracted to Phoebe." Hal tried to deny this fact, but his dear friend told him to stop trying to kid himself and ask the girl to dance.
When Hal and Alice returned to the table, the band started playing "Here My Heart". Hal worked up his courage and standing behind her chair he asked "Phoebe may I have this dance?" Phoebe found herself affected at hearing him speak her name. As he took her hand as she stood, their eyes met and she found herself very excited to accept the offer to dance with Professor Harold Everett.
As Hal took Phoebe's hand and gently put his other hand around her waist, and she slid her hand up to his shoulder they both felt the spark. They looked into each other's eyes and saw the obvious attraction there. As they danced, the words to the song seemed very poignant to the couple. "Here in my heart I'm alone, I'm so lonely…Here in my heart I just yearn for you only…Here in my arms I long to hold you…Hold you so near, ever close to my heart". It seemed to dawn on both Phoebe and Hal at the same time, that while they shared a life, they were still apart. Could there be more?
The next song the band played was "Near You". As they danced, their eyes met and again the lyrics to the song seem to speak for them. "There's just one place for me, near you…It's like heaven to be near you…Times when we're apart I can't face my heart…Say you'll never stray more than two lips away". Phoebe's breath caught as she saw Hal's eyes move to her lips. Her eyes moved to his and again her breath caught.
When the tempo of the music began to change to the Twist, they started to return to their table when Carl and Alice met them on the edge of the dance floor. Alice convinced Hal to dance with her, while Carl did not have to do as much convincing to get Phoebe to join him. Hal and Alice were doing their best to dance the twist; Phoebe and Carl were really the best on the dance floor. Hal took notice of Phoebe while she was swinging her hips to the song and could barely take his eyes off of her. Carl could not help but notice Hal's attention to Phoebe. He very deftly switched partners with the other couple and Hal and Phoebe were having a great time dancing. The smiles on Phoebe's and Hal's faces were evident to Carl and Alice who exchanged knowing glances. Hal could not help but admire Phoebe's very attractive figure and hoped the music would change back to a slow song so he could take her into his arms and put his hands on those lovely hips.
Hal got his wish and was very glad when he was able to once again feel Phoebe in his arms. What he was unaware of, was Phoebe had the same wish and was just as happy as he was to be back in his arms.
Alice and Carl returned to their table glad that they had kept their two friends on the dance floor.
Just as Phoebe and Hal were returning to their table, Carl had returned from taking an emergency phone call from his daughter. His granddaughter, Amy, was having a severe asthma attack and he was leaving to help his daughter and granddaughter. Hal and Phoebe said they would leave with him, however, Carl insisted that they stay and asked Hal to escort Phoebe home safely in his stead. Hal, of course, agreed. Hal and Phoebe were both reluctant to let their new friend leave by himself, but he once again insisted that they stay and enjoy the rest of the evening ensuring them that Amy would be fine.
Phoebe and Hal continued to dance together and were having a wonderful time. As the evening progressed and with each dance shared, the couple found themselves becoming more and more relaxed in each other's arms. They had spent nearly every day together over the last three years, and during that time barely touched. However, this night they found that they were becoming friends and more than that they were acknowledging the long denied attraction. Several times during the evening they realized they truly liked the other person they were dancing with and wanted more than just a friendship. Could there be more?
As the banquet came to its conclusion, Hal and Phoebe were walking to Arabella for the drive home. It was a lovely warm night, and Hal left the top down on the drive. Hal could not help but notice that Phoebe's hair was blowing in the wind and she looked so completely free and alive. He wanted to touch her hair and have her in his arms again. Instead of driving straight back to the house, Hal asked Phoebe if she would like to look at the stars since it was such a lovely night. Phoebe hesitated at first, then smiled and said she really would like to look at the stars and enjoy the night air.
Hal parked Arabella on a point that allowed them to see the stars very clearly. Phoebe laid her head on the back of her seat to look straight up at the stars. Hal instinctively put his arm across the back of the seat and looked at the sky. Phoebe, without taking her eyes from her skyward glance, said, "This has been a lovely evening, and I have not enjoyed myself like this in a very long time." Hal turned to look at Phoebe, and told her that he had enjoyed himself very much and was glad that she had enjoyed herself.
Phoebe turned to look at Hal, their eyes meeting and again they felt the spark they had experienced while dancing earlier that evening. Hal moved closer to Phoebe and once again told her how beautiful she looked. He gently picked up a piece of her hair from her shoulder and his fingers lightly grazed the silken skin of her shoulder. Phoebe drew in her breath. Hal became very aware of her reaction. He leaned closer to her and he touched his lips to hers in a chased kiss.
When he pulled away Phoebe's eyes were closed, he placed another kiss on her lips. As their kiss deepened they embraced and held each other tightly. Their kisses continued and they let their tongues learn the others mouth. Hal moved his lips along Phoebe's jaw to her neck and down to her shoulders. He placed tiny kisses all along her neck and shoulders. With each kiss, Phoebe sighed and purred. Phoebe turned her head to capture Hals lips once again in another deep kiss. With her hands she massaged the back of his neck, and played with his thick hair with her fingers. Hal moaned deeply and placed a hand on Phoebe's breast. At first, Phoebe, put her hand on his arm, but quickly moved closer to Hal signally she was enjoying his touch. Hal caressed her breast and felt her nipple harden as he continued to touch her.
Phoebe moaned into Hal's mouth and reveled in these feelings and deepened her kiss. Hal once again moved his mouth to her shoulder and neck nibbling along the way. Phoebe tilted her head to expose her throat to his gentle kisses. Hal could feel her pulse racing as he kissed her neck. Phoebe moved her mouth to the hollow of his throat and placed her own gentle kisses there. With a growl deep in his throat Hal placed another deep and passionate kiss on Phoebe's mouth, which she returned just as passionately. They slowly pulled from one another and looked into each other's eyes. They both smiled and knew they had crossed into a new level of their relationship.
Even in the dark, Hal could see Phoebe blush. He started to apologize, but she placed her fingers on his lips. "You do not have to apologize; I wanted this as much as you and I am not sorry." "I have been attracted to you for a very long time, but did not have the courage to express myself." Hal breathed a sigh of relief. He would never want to make this lovely woman, who brought joy and hope back to his family and to him, to feel in anyway uncomfortable in his home. She said, "I know you wouldn't".
He looked into her beautiful eyes and almost in a whisper, said "I have found myself falling in love with you for a long time now. I was so afraid that you would not return my feelings or would feel that I had taken advantage of our situation." "Tonight, when I saw you come down the stairs looking so soft and lovely, I thought I would lose my mind. And when I saw you dancing with Carl I knew I had to have you in my arms." Phoebe, looked down into her lap, she was quiet for a long moment. Just as Hal was starting to panic, she looked into his blue eyes and said, "I am not sure where we should go from here, but I do know that I want to make this journey with you."
Hal let out the breath he did not realize he was holding and said "I want to continue this journey with you too." "I love you Phoebe Figalilly. I know in some ways this seems very sudden, however, in a very real way it feels as if this was meant to be and this is the obvious path we are supposed to follow." "Will you consider marrying me?" Phoebe considered his question very seriously and once again looked into her lap. The panic Hal had started to feel was coming back.
He then realized that her hesitation was possibly due to the fact she was still engaged, betrothed, to Chomley Feathersbown. He started to speak, but Phoebe spoke first, answering his unspoken question. "I am not engaged any longer. Chomley and I ended our betrothal." Hal looked at her with a hundred questions running through his mind. All he could choke out was "When?" "Why?" Phoebe looked up into his eyes again, and smiled she said, a little shyly, "Well we both realized that we had to live our own lives and follow our own hearts". Hal looked into her eyes and said "So you followed your parent's advice, in your mother's letter." Phoebe, still looking into his deep blue eyes, "Well, yes" Hal took Phoebes hand into his own, and asked "and what is your heart telling you to do, if you follow your heart, where would you want it to lead you?" Phoebe smiled, "Don't you know?" "I thought I made my feelings rather obvious a few moments ago."
Hal, looking deep into her eyes, said "I was hoping that was the reason." He lowered his lips to hers again. Phoebe moved her hand behind his neck and her other around his back. She held onto him very tightly as she returned his kisses. She moaned as their tongues plundered the others mouths. Hal started to pull away, but was pleasantly surprised when Phoebe did not release her kiss. He returned his attentions to satisfying her desires. They spent more time in Arabella kissing, petting, and completely falling in love.
Finally, when both Phoebe and Hal were quite breathless, they held each other and continued to look at the stars. They noticed the stars had gone behind some clouds. Phoebe suggested they put the top up on Arabella before they started to head back to the house. Hal laughed and said "Tree frogs again, Phoebe?" She replied "No, storm clouds" pointing up. Hal, smiled at her and laughingly said, "Oh I think we'll make it before it starts raining." Phoebe just smiled and said, "As you wish, Hal." Hal then turned again to look into her eyes and said, "I do wish" and placed another soft kiss on Phoebe's lips. They sighed again, as they both settled into their own seats and began the drive back to the house.
About five minutes away from the house, it started to pour down rain. Hal pulled to the side of the road and tried to put the top up on the convertible. Phoebe was trying from the passenger side, while Hal pulled on the driver's side. Neither one could get the top to budge. Phoebe suggested they continue on their way, at least that way they would soon enough be in the garage and out of the rain. Hal, agreed, and started driving quickly and safely to the house.
They pulled into the garage and turned to one another. They took one look at each other and started to laugh. They were both soaked through to the skin. Phoebe started to laugh at the sight of Hal. His hair was dripping, his face was wet and she noticed that his chest was very visible through his silk shirt.
Hal was making his own observations of Phoebe's condition. Her hair was wet and her face was also dripping and rain water dripping from her hair was sliding down her bare shoulders and along her cleavage. Hal followed the path of the rain drops and couldn't help but notice that the coldness of the garage was causing Phoebes breasts to appear even perkier and her nipples to push enticingly against her dress. Phoebe looked down at herself, and self consciously crossed her hands over her breasts and blushed slightly.
Hal smiled at her, reached across to wipe away a rain drop falling from her nose. He then leaned closer and began kissing her cheeks and face. He then said "You taste lovely in the rain Miss Figalilly." He then placed another kiss on her lips. Phoebe sighed and leaned into his embrace and returned his kiss with her own passion
When Phoebe, shivered in the cold garage, Hal released her from his kisses. He silently climbed out of Arabella and walked to Phoebe's side of the car and opened the door for her and held her hand while assisting her.
They walked through the garage holding hands. Just before he opened the door to the kitchen, he took Phoebe in his arms and pulled her to him. Phoebe slid her arms around his neck and they pressed their bodies closely. Hal could feel her nipples through his own shirt, while Phoebe found she could feel Hals passion against her body as well. They shared this kiss, pressed hard against each other's form and slowly released each others embrace. As they walked into the kitchen, they were able to see each other in the full light of the kitchen, and started to laugh at the look they presented.
Phoebe stepped back into the laundry room to retrieve two towels. She handed one of the towels to Hal. He thanked her as he took his towel and dried his face. As he shook his head he splashed Phoebe. As she laughed, she started to pat her face dry again, Hal took his own towel and started to dry her shoulders for her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her close to his chest. He looked deep into her eyes. Phoebe closed her eyes and parted her lips. Hal swiftly placed his lips over her inviting mouth and they fell into another passionate embrace and kiss. Once again, Phoebe shivered in his arms. Hal, released his embrace and again smiled into her warm eyes, lost in their beauty. They stared into each other eyes for a long moment.
Phoebe placed her hand on his chest and said, "I think we should retire for the evening, so we don't catch cold." Hal smiled at her with a mischievous look and tilt of his head. She quickly added, "Each to our own rooms." Hal smiled warmly at her, and gently kissed her again. Phoebe returned his gentle kiss with hers, leaving her hand against his broad, warm chest. Hal then put his arm around her waist and walked her up the stairs. He walked her to her own room. He whispered "Good night Phoebe, sweet dreams." He gave her another tender kiss which she accepted. Phoebe replied, 'I hope you have pleasant dreams and sleep well Hal". Hal lifted her hand to his lips and placed a kiss in her palm and said, "I know they will be pleasant, but I am not sure how much sleep I will actually get" and smiled at her.
Phoebe blushed slightly as she stepped into her bedroom and closed the door. As she leaned against the closed door, she placed the hand the Hal kissed on her mouth, closing her eyes and reliving the passion that Hal had stirred in her. She realized that she would not do much sleeping either.
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I hope you liked this. I have had this story rattleing around in my brain. I am rating this M for future chapters, which I am tweeking. Please R&R, be kind.
And I suppose I need to add I do not own Nanny and The Professor.