Tony and Jeannie had their arms around each other, kissing passionately. It was the softest, most natural, most beautiful kiss in the world…

Tony gently let go and looked Jeannie deep in her eyes. ."Jeannie, "he whispered, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Master, yes!" Jeannie cried, wrapping her arms around him and lifting him up in the air. They laughed together blissfully.

"Jeannie," Tony began nervously, leaning against his leather-covered sofa, "will you-"

It can't be! Jeannie thought in amazement, Master's proposing to me!

Tony cleared his throat. " I know our relationship is strictly platonic…"

"Oh, of course, Master!" Jeannie exclaimed.

"But lately I have been feeling differently about you."

"Yes, yes," Jeannie said, almost impatiently.

"Will you mar-"Tony broke off as the phone rang. He snatched the receiver up, listened for a moment, and slammed the phone down again.

"Dr Bellows wants to talk to me about some new assignment," Tony told the shining-eyed Jeannie, "I have to go. I won't be home for dinner."

All the love-rapture in Jeannie's eyes faded. Her smile disappeared. ""Yes, Master," she said listlessly.

Unable to resist himself, Tony closed his eyes and leaned in for a last kiss. Nothing happened. He opened his eyes in surprise and saw that Jeannie had disappeared.

"Another almost…" Tony said quietly and sadly to himself. He picked up his briefcase and strode out of the door.