Here is the sequel as promised :)
We begin with a bit of a time leap, but fear not, we will be jumping back in time during each chapter to the important events that occurred during that time. I will not be leaving it all to your imagination like our dear James Duff likes to do.
I hope you all enjoy this as much as you did Kismet. Please leave me some wonderful reviews letting me know what you think.
Thank you IReadAndWriteSometimes, not only for the beta, but for the continuous support, thoughtful feedback, and for 'negotiating' with me to get this chapter done XD
I would also like to thank Stefanie for providing me with the necessary information regarding toothpicks.
CHAPTER ONE
Sharon had just finished up her nightly routine and turned out the bathroom light, when she stopped to take a moment to appreciate the sight before her. She stood leaning against the doorway, a small smile tugging at her lips. While he waited for her, Andy sat up against the headboard reading his book. She lightly bit down on her bottom lip when she noticed the reading glasses. He didn't always wear them, claimed he didn't really need them, so she made sure to take the opportunity to ogle him when he did.
Sharon knew that when she joined him, he would place the book, glasses atop it, on his nightstand on his side of the bed. Thinking about how seamlessly Andy fit into her life had her smiling even more. The time between their first date and the decision to move in together a few months ago, had been a wonderful experience. That wasn't to say that they didn't have a few missteps along the way. With his temper and her stubbornness, it was to be expected. The fact that Andy's stubbornness rivaled her own, and both of them were unwilling to give up so easily, helped them to work through the issues, and come out the other side stronger.
Andy glanced up to find her smiling at him. "What?" he asked with a raised brow.
Sharon pushed herself off the doorframe. "Nothing," she said with a shrug of her shoulder, and walked to her side of the bed.
She watched as he marked his place with his bookmark, a ticket stub from a movie they had seen together, and removed his glasses. As expected, he placed the book, with the glasses atop it, on his nightstand. She laughed softly to herself, as she slipped under the covers next to him. Once he turned to her, she placed a chaste kiss to the corner of his mouth. When it seemed as though he was going to question her again, she leaned in and gave him a longer, deeper kiss.
Not giving into her obvious attempts at distracting him, he leaned back out of her reach. "What has you smiling and laughing?" He reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, cupping her cheek in the process.
"Hmm," she hummed, as she leaned into his touch. "Just thinking about how predictable we've become." When Andy's eyebrows rose in surprise, she added, "And how much I have come to love predictable."
"Have I really become that boring?" Andy asked, with a touch of disappointment in his tone.
Sharon let out a small snort laugh. "No, boring would never be a word I would use to describe you, Andrew Flynn." Smiling affectionately at him, she reached up and grasped the hand that was still cupping her cheek. "We have settled into a nice routine, which isn't always so easily done, but I don't always know what to expect either." She let her hand drop back down to her lap.
"That's good." Andy gave her a roguish grin. "I want to keep you on your toes." He understood what she was getting at though. He released her cheek, and let his hand skim down her arm until he reached her hand. He tugged her closer so she could lean into his side. More seriously, he said, "I also like that we have blended our lives together without much trouble," after a pause, he added, "for the most part."
"Did you ever think we'd be here?" Sharon propped her chin on Andy's shoulder to look at him. "I mean, when you asked me out on that first date, did you think we would be sitting here, in our very own bed, almost a year and a half later?"
"I had hoped," he said genuinely. "When I met you, I knew there was something different about you. I didn't want to screw it up." Andy looked down at her and placed a small kiss on the tip of her nose. "It's why I took some time before asking you out."
"I'm glad you did. It gave me a chance to sort through my thoughts and feelings." Sharon reached up and caressed his chest through his shirt. "You caught me by surprise."
"You don't tend to like surprises," Andy commented knowingly.
"That's because I haven't experienced many good ones." A brief look of sorrow flashed across her face before she smiled warmly at him. "You turned out to be a good surprise," she told him reassuringly.
"Yea? Well, I'm full of surprises," he said flirtatiously.
Sharon rolled her eyes at him, but smiled nonetheless. "When you called that next morning, I was afraid you had decided to not ask me out on a date after all." She turned her head and rested it on his shoulder. "You seemed so nervous."
"Can you blame me?" Andy grunted. "I was nervous. I thought you might change your mind over night, and then you started poking fun at me during that call," he said in exasperation.
Sharon snorted. "You made it so easy."
"It didn't make asking you out on that date easy." Though she wasn't looking at him, he jutted out his bottom lip, pretending to pout.
A YEAR AND A HALF EARLIER
Sharon was sitting on her balcony, enjoying the morning view and the warmth seeping through the mug she had cradled in her hands. After her late night, and combined excitement, she didn't get much sleep, so she forewent her usual tea for coffee. She couldn't contain the smile that crossed her face when she thought back on the night before. To say she was pleased that Andy stopped by, even if it was after the show, would be an understatement.
Sharon laughed to herself when she thought about his commentary on the fire extinguisher. His joke ended up giving her inspiration for the hideous object. She was planning to make a placard to hang next to it, saying, 'You Only Think You're Hot by Andrew Flynn.' Sharon figured if it hung in an art gallery, it might as well be considered art.
She had also been thinking about the orchid he had gifted her. He couldn't know that it was her favorite flower, and that he bought it because it made him think of her, only made it more precious to her. She had made a show of putting it on the front desk, but she was now seriously considering moving it into her office. She spent most of her time in there anyways, and it would be nice to look up every so often and see it.
Sharon was startled from her internal reverie by her phone ringing on the table next to her. She saw Andy's name flash across the screen and her heart rate picked up. She had saved his information when he gave her his business card. He had mentioned calling her today, and even though it was still quite early, she had brought her phone out with her just in case. Now, she was happy that she did.
"Hello?" Sharon answered, hoping the eagerness in her tone would be undetected over the phone.
"Umm, hi. Sharon?" Andy sounded hesitant on the other end of the line.
"Yes." She nodded even though he couldn't see her.
"Hey, uh, this is Andy. Andy Flynn," he stammered. "You know from the restaurant Sicilia, and," he paused and chuckled lightly, "from various other locations around LA," he said, referencing their multiple encounters.
She giggled. "I know who you are, Andy."
"Oh, right." He laughed nervously.
"I was expecting you to call today, though I must say, I didn't think it'd be this early," she said teasingly, hoping to ease his nerves. However, it had the opposite effect.
"Oh, crap. I'm sorry." His voice faded as though he pulled the phone away to check the time. Then his voice appeared much clearer when he asked, "Did I wake you?"
"No, no. I was awake," she said reassuringly.
"I let my excitement get the better of me," Andy admitted. "I wasn't thinking about what time it is," he said sheepishly.
"It's really fine. I'm an early riser." Sharon dropped her head into her hand at her foolishness. "I was just teasing and it backfired."
"Good. That's good. I mean," he stammered again, "not about me being dense and it backfiring-" Andy exhaled a calming breath. "I'm glad I didn't wake you."
Sharon laughed at their awkwardness. Though she found it funny, she also missed the easygoing interactions they had between them the night before.
When Andy remained quiet too long, probably still scolding himself, Sharon politely prodded, "So," she drew out the word, "I'm guessing you called for a reason."
"Right, I did." Andy laughed, but it sounded hollow. He cleared his throat. "I know it's soon and a little last minute, but I was wondering if you had any plans tomorrow, say around late morning or early afternoon."
"Oh," Sharon said surprised. She didn't expect him to want to go out that soon, but she was pleased that he seemed to be just as eager as she was to see each other again. "I don't actually. Do you have something in mind?" Her smile could be heard in her voice.
"I do," Andy confirmed. "I wanted to take you somewhere and grab a bite to eat." More hesitantly he added, "That's if you'd like to go of course."
"I would love to go, Andy," she said, this time not caring if her eagerness was apparent. "What time?"
"Okay, that's great," Andy said excitedly. "Shall I pick you up around 11:00?"
Sharon mentally calculated how long she would need to get back home from mass and factored in the time she would need to change. "That sounds good. I will text you my address." It sounded more like a question than a statement.
"Yes, that would be helpful, wouldn't it?" Andy laughed wryly. He was so pleased that she agreed to go out so soon, he had almost forgotten that he didn't actually know where she lived.
"Any hints about where we're going, so I can plan my attire accordingly," Sharon not so subtly inquired, hoping to get an idea of what kind of restaurant they would be going to.
"Wear something casual and comfortable shoes to walk in," Andy vaguely answered.
"That's a shame. I was hoping to go barefoot," she said lightheartedly. Although, in the back of her mind, she was trying to figure out where he would take her on a first date that would require comfortable walking shoes.
Andy chuckled. "You could do that if you want, but I wouldn't advise it."
"I will keep that in mind. Until then," Sharon's voice had turned soft, "I will see you tomorrow, Andy."
"I'm very much looking forward to it." His smile could be heard in his voice. "Goodbye for now, Sharon."
. . .
Mass had run over by about ten minutes, and Sharon was running a little behind schedule, but she still had plenty of time to change her outfit. She had instructed Andy to text her when he arrived, and she would meet him downstairs. He was insistent on picking her up at her door, but Sharon continued to refuse. She wanted to avoid any potential awkwardness if possible.
Now, she was grateful that she had, for when she informed her daughter on why she couldn't take her to lunch, Emily immediately started in on the questions. Sharon politely shut the bedroom door in her face and locked it, so she could continue getting ready for her date. However, it didn't stop Emily from shouting on the other side of the door. At some point Emily gave up, informing Sharon she was just going to call Nicole and see if she had any information. Sharon had to admit her daughter's persistence was admirable, even when she was being exasperating.
Sharon's phone chimed just as she finished touching up her make-up. Andy said he was downstairs waiting. Sharon let out a small laugh when she saw he had even added a little frowny-face, indicating he was still put out at not being able to meet her at her door.
Sharon grabbed her jacket and exited her bedroom. She could hear Emily talking on the phone with Nicole. From what she could hear from the one-sided conversation, she did not have more information than Emily did. Sharon smiled at the thought that Andy seemed to be just as willing to keep this burgeoning relationship between the two of them for the time being.
Sharon leaned over the back of the couch and placed a kiss on top of her daughter's head. "I'm leaving. Andy is waiting downstairs for me."
Emily looked up at her mother with wide eyes and pulled the phone away from her mouth. "He's not even gentlemanly enough to come to the door?" Emily all but shouted. She then spoke sarcastically into the phone. "What's so wrong with your dad that he can't even knock on a door to pick a lady up for a date?"
Sharon shook her head and smiled coyly at her daughter. "I told Andy not to come up just so he could avoid the likes of you. I did him a huge favor." Her smile widened at the appalled look on Emily's face and when she heard the laughter coming through the phone. "I will be home late. Behave," she called from the front door before closing it.
Once Sharon reached the parking garage, she found Andy next to his car, parked in one of the visitor spaces she had mentioned. He was looking down at his phone, frowning. He looked up and smiled when he heard her approaching.
When Sharon was close enough that she could hear him without shouting, Andy voiced his ongoing complaint from their texts. "I really wish you would've let me come to your door." He straightened from where he was leaning against the car when she stopped right in front of him, and looked at her with a frown. "It just doesn't feel right waiting for you to come down here."
Sharon smiled sweetly at him, and reached out to pat his chest in a placating manner. "If all goes well this afternoon, I will consider letting you walk me to my door afterward."
Andy scoffed. "You have thwarted my chivalrous tendencies once already, I will not allow it a second time." He gave her a stern look, but there was still a twinkle in his eye. "I'm walking you all the way to your door later, even if we both have a miserable time."
Sharon's laughter echoed off the cement walls, causing Andy to smile widely in response. Neither one of them expected the date to go horribly, nor did they have any doubt that they would both part ways with smiles on their faces.
Andy made a production of opening the passenger door for her. He made a swooping gesture with his hand and bowed slightly. "My Lady."
Sharon giggled as she took the proffered seat, and buckled her belt after Andy gently closed the door. She watched as he rounded the front of the car with a huge smile on his face. She thought things were off to a good start, much better than his phone call yesterday.
While Andy took his place in the driver's seat and began buckling his own seatbelt, Sharon quietly admitted why she instructed him to wait. "To be honest, I had you wait down here so you could avoid Emily." She chanced a look at him from the side, and found him smiling curiously at her. "She has been firing a million questions at me, and I thought I would be kind and spare you."
Andy chuckled. "From what I have experienced so far, I like Emily. I wouldn't have minded enduring her interrogation." He gave her a lopsided smile.
"You say that now," Sharon said with a lilt to her tone, "but you may change your mind after I tell you she was talking with Nicole on the phone when I left." She was smiling at him a little too sweetly.
Andy threw his head back in laughter. "That explains how Nicole found out, and why she has blown up my phone with a dozen texts." He lifted his phone for Sharon to see. "She did not listen when I responded to her first one with an 'I'll talk to you later.'"
Sure enough, next to Nicole's name, there was a small number 13. Sharon giggled when she heard Andy's phone chime again, and he groaned in response. Andy quickly turned his phone on silent and placed it in his jacket pocket, before starting the car.
"Emily is a force to be reckoned with on her own." Sharon shook her head in amusement and looked down at where her hands were fidgeting in her lap. "I don't know if we will be able to survive both of our daughters." She looked up again with a small smile and shrugged a single shoulder.
Andy looked over to see Sharon smiling, but he also detected the concern in her gaze. He knew she was wondering if he thought the meddling was too much. He hoped he would be able to alleviate her concerns.
He waved his hand, dismissing the idea, in an attempt to show Sharon he wasn't worried. "I can promise you that the two of them will never come close to the skills of Provenza and Angela. If I've endured the two of them ganging up on me for the past several years," he reached out and grasped one of her hands to give it a squeeze, "I have no doubt we can survive our wayward children." He gave her a wink to punctuate his statement.
Sharon's smile softened at his reassurance. "Though I don't know them as well as you do, after meeting the two of them, I'm sure you are right." She turned her hand over and intertwined their fingers, thankful that he seemed to understand.
Andy was reluctant to do so, but he needed to release her hand in order to drive them to their destination. So he did, but not before he placed a light kiss across her knuckles, and enjoying the light blush that tinted her cheeks in response.
Once they had made it out of the parking garage and onto the main road, Sharon interrupted the comfortable silence in which they found themselves. "So, now will you tell me where we are going?"
Until she had laid eyes on him, Sharon remained uncertain if she was appropriately dressed for the occasion. 'Wear something comfortable' could mean any number of outfits in her closet, because Sharon was not one to wear anything uncomfortable. When she found him wearing jeans and a polo shirt with a leather jacket over it, she internally sighed in relief that her corresponding jeans, light sweater and jacket were the correct choice.
Andy briefly turned to her and grinned playfully, before placing his eyes back on the road. "We are headed to one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. As someone who enjoys cooking, both personally and professionally, I have found this place to be very useful." He noticed the confused expression on Sharon's face when he glanced at her from the side. "Don't worry, you will find out soon. It's not far."
When she had texted him her address the previous day, Andy couldn't believe his luck. Her condo was only about ten minutes away from his house in Silver Lake, and fifteen minutes away from their destination. Add in an extra five minutes for parking, making it a twenty-minute commute. That was short considering LA standards.
Sure enough, ten minutes later, Andy was pulling into a metered parking spot on the side of the road. They had driven from her condo in Los Feliz, to just off of Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. Sharon was looking out the window, trying to determine exactly where they were headed. She could see the roadblocks and several white tents behind them just down the road. As she watched Andy reach into his backseat to gather several reusable shopping bags, it all clicked.
Sharon's eyebrows rose when she looked at Andy. "The Farmers' Market?" she asked, the surprise evident in her tone.
Andy wasn't sure if her surprise was good or bad. "Umm, yea." He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "I love coming here." He began to ramble. "There's a lot of really great stuff, and good food at several of the vendors. I didn't want to wait long enough to make a reservation to take you to a nice restaurant, and," his shoulders lifted briefly, "besides my own kitchen, this is actually one of my favorite places to eat."
Andy continued to gaze at her cautiously. She had turned her gaze from him, back to the blocked off section of the street, and then back to him. He was expecting her to ask him to take her home, when a slow smile spread across her face.
"I haven't been to the Farmers' Market in years," she exclaimed. She reached out and gave his shoulder an excited shake. "This is great, Andy."
Andy's eyebrows rose. He didn't expect this level of excitement from her. "It's just the market, not Disneyland," he said on a chuckle.
"I know that." Sharon gave his shoulder a light shove. "It's just not what I expected for a first date," she admitted. "Usually it's dinner at a restaurant. This is so much simpler, but at the same time," she laughed wryly, feeling a bit irritated with herself for not knowing how to explain it to him, "perfect."
Andy's smirk softened to an understanding smile. "I know what you mean. It kind of takes some of the pressure off, doesn't it?" he asked knowingly.
Sharon sighed in relief. He always seemed to understand. "It does," she said quietly.
Sitting across from someone at a dinner table tended to be formal and forced. There was a feeling of being out on display, a sense of expectation, and it made an already nerve-wracking situation more strenuous. The casual atmosphere of the market relieved much of the external pressure, and would allow them to relax and just simply enjoy each other's company.
"Shall we then?" Andy asked as he placed his hand on the door handle.
"Yes, please." Sharon reached down to grab her purse before exiting the car.
Sharon waited while Andy swiped his card for the parking meter. She wrapped her arm around his, and together they walked toward the white tents just over a block away.
"The last time I went to a Farmers' Market was," she tapped her chin as she thought back," it must've been before Ricky and Emily were in middle school. This one is so much bigger than that one. Though it was in Echo Park."
"I go at least 2-3 times a month, sometimes more if I can. I've brought Nicole's stepsons a couple of times. They only care about getting their faces painted and buying sweets." Andy rolled his eyes. "These same vendors," he indicated toward the direction they were headed, "have been putting this together for years, and they move locations depending on the day of the week. They can also be found in Atwater Village, Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Studio City. I've been to each location, but the one here in Hollywood," he pointed to where they were located, "always has the most vendors at once."
"Do you have a favorite vendor?" Sharon inquired, wanting to know which ones to particularly keep an eye out for.
"Several actually. How about we grab a bite to eat first, then after I will take you by each of my favorite stands, and any you want to see as well," Andy suggested.
Sharon nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan."
The first block they walked down contained all of the stands that sold produce. There was a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Andy had pointed out a stand with a sign saying, 'C and L.' He swore they grew the best strawberries, and was adamant that Sharon could not leave without trying them.
The second block is where all of the food vendors were located. Andy commented this was his favorite block at the market. He typically purchased several specialty ingredients to use in his recipes at home. One of his favorite vendors was Adam's Olive Ranch. He had several bottles of infused cooking oils at home that he had purchased from there.
Sharon found Andy's excitement over various vendors rather adorable. He seemed to be even happier to hear that she was not a particularly picky eater, and was willing to try just about anything. By the time they had reached the end of the block, he had pointed out numerous items that she must sample before they left. She wasn't sure if she would have room for any of it after they ate lunch.
When they reached the end of the block, there was a chef, demonstrating how to make a simple omelet. Sharon nudged Andy. "Have you ever given a cooking lesson here?"
"I have," Andy responded coolly, even though she wasn't asking seriously. " A couple of times actually."
Sharon's eyes widened in surprise. She had only been joking, not expecting him to say yes. "Did you volunteer to do it, or were you asked?"
"Frank," he nodded his head toward the man teaching the lesson, "is an instructor at the New School of Cooking. I met him there years ago when I took some classes to learn some new techniques. He had something come up one weekend, and he asked me to fill in for him," he shrugged his shoulders, "so I did."
"What lesson did you give?" Sharon asked, intrigued.
"Oh you know, just some of the basics. How to boil water and stuff," he said with a straight face.
"Perhaps I should take some lessons from you then." Sharon pressed her lips together, stifling a giggle.
Andy raised his brow in question. "Not one for cooking?"
"I'm not horrible, but I don't particularly enjoy it," Sharon admitted. "When the kids were younger, I generally stuck to a rotation of the same meals." She smiled up at him guiltily. "They would eat at a friend's house any chance they could."
Andy chuckled. "Do you feed Rusty the same meals?"
"No, I do not." Sharon frowned at him, but he could still see the smile in her eyes. "After Ricky and Emily both left for college, I began picking up take-out more frequently. It was convenient and easy." She shrugged. "Rusty has always been a little more self-sufficient, and probably knows his way around the kitchen better than I do."
"I will gladly give you lessons anytime," Andy offered.
Sharon reached out and gave his upper arm a squeeze. "I just might take you up on that," Sharon warned.
Andy gave her a lopsided grin. "Please do." He enjoyed that she seemed to have this compulsion to reach out and touch him. If he was wearing a tie again, he was certain she probably would be tugging at it in this moment. The thought had him fully smiling.
After a few more seconds of smiling at each other, Sharon let her hand slide down his arm before finally letting go. They continued walking the remainder of the block, this time Andy guiding her with a palm placed gently against her lower back. When they reached the end, Andy brought them to a halt.
"Down that way," he jerked his thumb toward the remaining block, "is all of the artisan stands; jewelry, soaps, and other small boutiques." He tucked his hands into his jacket pockets and looked down at her. "Would you like to take a look, or grab a bite to eat?"
She pretended to ponder the question. "Let's eat, if you don't mind." She looked back toward the food stands they had just walked by. "Passing by all this wonderful food has made me hungry."
Andy shook his head. "I don't mind at all. Do you know what you want?"
There were several international cuisines to choose from - Thai, Mexican, German, and Japanese - or they could even get salads, seafood, or a burger and fries.
"I'm thinking I would like to try the enchiladas," Sharon paused and offered a hesitant smile, "and then stop by the homemade ice cream stand for dessert."
Andy gave her a reassuring smile. "Let's go get you those enchiladas then." He held out his arm for her to loop hers through.
They were sitting at one of the small patio tables that were set out, having just finished their lunch. Conversation had flowed easily between the two. There was never a moment of awkward silence, nor a moment where either found themselves hoping for the date to come to an end so they could part ways. They had shared stories about when they were younger, Andy's penchant for getting into trouble, and Sharon's adherence to the rules. He had made her laugh when he told stories about his adventures with Provenza. They were polar opposites in so many ways, but shared similar ideals about life and had much of the same interests when it came to books, movies, and music. They both considered their families to be their top priority, particularly their children. They had further discussed those months that he knew Rusty, before he had gone to live with Sharon, particularly what she had found out from Rusty himself. The topic of their previous marriages had arisen, but only briefly. It was enough to know that they both agreed that mistakes were made the first time around, but more importantly they had learned from them. The more they talked with each other, the more their attraction for each other grew beyond just the physical.
Just over an hour had passed since they had sat down. Andy had gathered their trash and tossed it in one of the nearby garbage cans. When he returned, he had pulled out a plastic toothpick from his pocket and placed it in his mouth.
Sharon had to suppress a groan. He pretty much just guaranteed she would have to actively avoid staring at his mouth and lips for the foreseeable future. It's not like she had been thinking about his lips since that kiss he placed on her cheek outside her gallery on Friday night, or when he gently grazed her knuckles with them in his car earlier.
She let out a sigh, and didn't attempt to refrain herself from asking, "You have a thing for toothpicks, don't you?"
"Yea." He shrugged. "Started carrying them around after I quit drinking." Andy pulled the small object from his mouth, and began rolling it between his fingers. "I need something to keep my hands, and occasionally my mouth, busy." He gave her a crooked grin. "When I'm not cooking, I have these." He held it up, pinned between two fingers. "Does it bother you?"
Sharon wanted to say, 'Bother, no. Distract when it's in your mouth, definitely.' Instead she shook her head and smiled reassuringly. "No, it doesn't." She was sincere. "I was just making an observation."
"Would you like to go get that ice cream now?"
Sharon tilted her head to the side as she considered his question. "Actually, I'm quite full from my enchiladas. Could we just stop by the stands you had pointed out earlier, plus a few others?"
"Of course." Andy stood and held out his hand for her, grinning when she took it without hesitation.
As they walked hand-in-hand back to Andy's car, Sharon made a confession. "You know, after we met that first time at the dance studio, I was rather disappointed I didn't catch your name."
Andy chuckled. "Me, too. I was already smitten and I had no idea who you were."
Sharon turned her head to hide the pleased smile that reached her face. "I didn't dare ask Emily, because that would've opened the flood-gate to questions that I wouldn't have answers to." Sharon laughed nervously. "So I went online to you restaurant's website, hoping there would be something about you. Imagine my surprise when I found it."
Andy stopped walking and let out a boisterous laugh that drew attention their way. When Sharon looked up at him startled, he released her hand and draped his arm over her shoulders, pulling her closer, and began walking again. "I did the same thing."
"You looked me up on the gallery's website?" Sharon asked, stunned, as she wrapped an arm around Andy's waist.
"I did," Andy confirmed with a single nod. He looked down at her and wiggled his eyebrows. "That picture does not do you justice."
She playfully swatted his chest with her free hand. "You're incorrigible." She rolled her eyes, but still smiled, when he seemed to take the comment as a compliment.
The more she talked with Andy, the more she realized that they had been on the same page from the start. The attraction was there, but both were hesitant to act on it.
When they reached his car, Andy removed his arm from around her shoulders to dig his keys out of his jacket pocket. He clicked the button to open the trunk, so he could stow the items they had purchased. After he closed the lid, he walked Sharon around to the passenger side.
Andy opened the car door for her, but just as she was about to take a seat, he blocked her path by bracing his arm against the roof of the car. "Is it too soon to ask if I have earned the right to walk you to your door?"
She looked up at him with a lifted brow, prepared to respond with an equally sarcastic remark, but was stopped short by that knee-weakening smile of his that she was finding harder and harder to resist. Then he shifted that damn toothpick from one side of his mouth to the other, with a flick of his tongue, and she momentarily forgot she was going to say anything at all. She stood there staring at his mouth long enough for him to notice, and his smile only widened. Sharon's eyes narrowed, irritated with herself for allowing him to have the upper hand. Then inspiration struck her, and she knew exactly how she could wipe that cocky smirk off his face. A mischievous smile crossed her lips, and his brows rose in response as he continued to look at her expectantly.
She reached up with one hand and plucked the toothpick from between his lips, while grabbing him by the nape of his neck with the other. She pulled his head toward her, as she lifted on her toes, and captured his lips with her own. This kiss was firm but gentle, and she could taste a hint of the strawberry that he had sampled earlier. Andy seemed to recover from his shock and began to respond just as fervently. Just as he grasped her hip to tug her closer, Sharon gave his bottom lip a teasing sweep with her tongue, and then pulled back.
"What do you think?" Sharon responded brazenly, finally answering his question.
She replaced the toothpick back in his mouth, and ducked beneath his arm to finally take a seat in the car. She couldn't help the satisfied grin that crossed her face when she heard him clear his throat. She buckled her seatbelt and turned to face forward, waiting on Andy to regain his composure and shut her door. She let out a light giggle when she saw him tug at the collar of his shirt as he rounded the front of the car.
When Andy took his seat behind the wheel, he made no move to buckle his belt or start the car. Sharon chanced a sideways look and found him staring at her.
Sharon turned to him with an innocent expression. "You okay?" she asked nonchalantly. Her tongue peeked out to wet her lips, then she pressed them firmly together in an attempt suppress her smile.
Andy's brows rose toward his hairline at her blasé attitude. "Just peachy," he simply replied, before starting the car.
Once he was driving on the main road, Andy reached over and grasped her hand where it sat in her lap. He intertwined their fingers and rested their hands on the console between them. Sharon rested her head black and enjoyed the comfortable silence that had settled between them on the short drive back to her condo.
After they stepped into the elevator and Sharon pushed the button for her floor, she leaned into Andy's side and rested her head on his shoulder, as they waited for the doors to close and begin the ascent. She let out a contented sigh, and it brought a smile to Andy's face. He turned his head slightly and briefly pressed his lips to her hairline.
Sharon sighed again, this one sounding more wistful. "I had a wonderful time today, Andy, thank you."
Andy wrapped an arm around her waist and tucked her more snugly into his side. "It was my pleasure. I had a wonderful time, too." When Sharon responded with an almost inaudible hum, Andy continued on. "I was thinking I would like to cook you dinner one evening. Sometime this week," he paused and ran his thumb nail over his eyebrow, "maybe even tomorrow." Almost on a whisper, he added, "At my place."
Sharon lifted her head from his shoulder and stared at him in surprise. "Tomorrow? At your place?"
It's not that she was opposed to seeing him again, she was rather looking forward to it, but she didn't expect for him to ask for it to be so soon. She also wasn't sure what he expected while having dinner at his place.
"Too soon?" Andy asked sheepishly. "Perhaps later in the week would be better. Or," he paused, dreading even suggesting it, "maybe next week." It was evident in his tone he wasn't keen on waiting so long.
"No, it's not that, well," Sharon laughed nervously and dropped her gaze to the floor, "it is that. I'm just surprised is all." She looked back up at him with uncertainty.
The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival on her floor. When the doors opened, Andy gestured for Sharon to exit first. He placed a hand at the small of her back and followed her lead as she walked toward her door.
"If it's too soon, I understand." He gave a shrug. "I just enjoy spending time with you. And if you don't want to come to my place, I can take you out somewhere, I don't mind."
Sharon's expression softened. She stopped walking and turned toward him. "I enjoy spending time with you, too. Even more than I expected," she admitted quietly. "We have a busy day tomorrow contacting the bidders from the charity event." She shrugged her shoulder. "I don't know when I will be done. But," she reached out and adjusted the collar on his shirt, "if you don't mind postponing for a couple of days, say until Wednesday, I would love for you to cook for me." She paused only briefly before, with a small smile, adding, "at your place."
A huge smile spread across his face. "I don't mind postponing for a couple of days." Hell of a lot better than waiting over a week, he thought. "It just so happens I work the lunch shift on Wednesday and I'm off that evening."
"Okay then," Sharon said with a smile matching his own. "It's a date." She grabbed his hand and led him the remaining distance to her door. She stopped just to the left of her door, just in case prying eyes decided to look out the peephole. "I will be seeing you soon, and hopefully hearing from you sooner."
She released his hand and reached out to grab the bag of items that she had purchased from the market, but Andy didn't immediately release it. He gave the bag a light tug causing her to step closer to him. He reached up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, then slid his hand into the soft tress of her hair, lightly gripping the back of her head. He gently tilted her head until she was looking at him. He locked eyes with her and gazed intently at her as he slowly lowered his head towards hers. Sharon's eyes slipped closed when Andy's lips lightly brushed against her in a soft caress, so soft it could hardly be considered a kiss. He nuzzled her cheek with his nose as he moved his lips right next to her ear.
"You can count on it," he said huskily. The tremor he felt run through her body emboldened him. He placed a lingering kiss right below her ear before stepping back. He smirked at the dazed look in her eyes. She may have caught him off guard at the market, but Andy was certain he had won this round. "Goodbye, Sharon."
His farewell startled her out of her trance and she smiled shyly at him. "Goodbye, Andy." She shook her head as she watched him saunter off toward the elevator, clearly pleased with himself. She laughed quietly as she pulled her keys from her purse and unlocked the door.
Emily stepped around the corner from the kitchen when she heard the front door open. She immediately began bombarding her mother with questions. "How was it? Did you have a good time?" She was firing them off in rapid succession. "Did he walk you to the door? Did he kiss you goodbye?" She asked teasingly.
Sharon just walked past her and into the kitchen without answering a single question. She deposited the bag on the counter, and with her back to her daughter, started to unload it.
When Emily huffed, Sharon smiled to herself. She was going to enjoy tormenting Emily with her lack of sharing.
Emily came up and stood next to her. "What's that?"
Sharon rolled her eyes. "What does it look like? Some strawberries, avocados, and a peach cobbler." She began storing the items away in the appropriate places.
"Groceries?" Emily all but shouted. "He took you to buy groceries?" Her tone matched the appalled look on her face. "Could the guy be any more boring? No wonder it took him so long to ask you out, he has no game." She flung her hand out in the direction of the items her mother just put away. "I can't wait to let Nicole know her dad is a dud." She plopped down on one of the stools.
While Emily was ranting, Sharon had folded up the empty bag and placed it in a drawer. Andy had assured her he had plenty, and didn't need it back anytime soon. When she stood straight again, she smiled sweetly at Emily, effectively ending her tirade. "I had a wonderful time with Andy today, and I look forward to seeing him again." She gave her daughter a pointed look before adding, "You can pass that along to Nicole as well."
She left Emily with a dumbfounded look on her face and headed toward her bedroom.
Emily's shouting had drawn Rusty out of his room. He crossed paths with Sharon in the living room, just outside the kitchen. "What's her problem?" He peered around the corner at Emily where she still stood with a confused look on her face.
Sharon just scoffed and shook her head, indicating she did not intend to elaborate on the matter. "I'm going to go change, you two should pick out a movie for us to watch." She gave his arm a squeeze and left him standing there confused as well.
Rusty entered the kitchen with his hand raised in a questioning gesture. "What's going on?"
Emily let out what could almost be considered a growl. "I can't decide if mom and Andy are the two most boring people on the planet, or if there was more to this date than mom is letting on." She let out a huff before she stood and headed towards the cabinets. She started opening doors with jerky movements, gathering bowls and the popcorn to pop, because she heard her mom mention watching a movie, all the while mumbling something unintelligible under her breath.
Rusty rolled his eyes at his sister's petulance. "I'm pretty sure I don't want to know about anything that involves the words 'mom,' 'Andy', and 'date'." He turned, with a disgusted look on his face, to do as his mother asked and find a movie they would all enjoy.
"I was so nervous about that first date," Andy said wistfully as he scooted down to lay on his back. "It turned out pretty great though."
"It was a wonderful first date," Sharon confirmed. Then she giggled before adding, "Despite what our daughters say." She lowered herself as well to lay next to him, her head pillowed on his shoulder.
"Nicole harangued me for an hour after she talked to Emily. It didn't help that I refused to give her any details." Andy rubbed a hand over his face. "Kids," he huffed. "They just don't understand the power of subtlety."
"Hmm," Sharon hummed in agreement. "Any grand gestures would've been overwhelming for a first date, and a simple dinner at a restaurant would've been," she paused to figure out the right word, "boring," she said teasingly, referencing his earlier concern.
Andy rolled over so that she was beneath him. "And we have already concluded that I'm not boring." He wiggled his eyebrows at her before placing a kiss against her nose.
Sharon giggled. "Don't let it go to your head." She reached up and brushed her fingers through the hair at his temple.
His expression turned more serious. "Finally asking you out was one of the best decisions I ever made."
She smiled warmly at him. "I most definitely agree." She tugged his head down, pressing her lips firmly to his.
-TBC-
