Disclaimer: I own nothing but the words, they are what comes from my warped mind.

I'm a Rossi fan and I love the Rossi/Strauss romance idea to bad the PTB had other ideas. So I'll write what I would have wanted to happen.

Reviews are appreciated.

Chapter: 2

(Present Day) Erin felt Dave shift, she wasn't ready for him to awaken, she was enjoying his closeness and the memories she was playing in her mind. She knew he needed more rest. Kissing his chest softly she snuggled closer as he wrapped an arm around her. Some days she wished there were a way to just climb into his body with him; sometimes she couldn't get close enough. She had thought after two years, she wouldn't still be this addicted to him…but she was. She knew he felt the same; they truly and completely loved one another.

(Memories)It was the day before JJ and Will's wedding. She had just gotten home from a night of paradise with David, and headed for the shower. Her thoughts were about how his hands, lips and body seemed to know what to do to make her feel sensations she'd never felt. She'd told him earlier that she'd never really enjoyed sex, but she had enjoyed sex with him…tremendously. She's never been verbal during sex, but he seemed to bring it out in her. He'd wanted her to scream his name and she didn't disappoint, she'd cried out his name more than once. All the rumors she'd heard about him, were true and more…a whole lot more. The man was a master…he had in one night made her body do and feel things no one else had been able to do. He taught her that her body could feel glorious, she still tingled.

Dressing in jeans, she had a relaxed day planned, a little house cleaning, working on reports and maybe reading some. She hadn't planned on seeing him again until the opera, but then he said he'd call so maybe she would invite him to brunch on Sunday, Friday seemed so far away. Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing her cell, it was the director, a bank robbery in the nation's capital, her alpha team was taking charge, and he wanted her there to supervise. He would be there; this would be the test if they could separate personal from professional.

When she arrived he was standing in the command center with Agent Hotchner. She looked at him as she came in; he looked at her, but once Hotch said her name they both went into FBI agent mode, almost forgetting just a few hours earlier they'd been naked in bed… together. He argued with her when he thought she was wrong, she told him the things she needed to tell him. She yelled when she thought he was mistaken and he questioned her when he felt it needed to be questioned. He was surprised when she did things to buy them extra time when he and Hotch wanted to do something that might go against the director. It was a trying day for all, but other than Will's wound, everyone was safe and unharmed.

After the case was over she spoke with Agent Morgan about how he'd help her when he confronted her about her drinking. Before she could leave Aaron asked if everyone was free, that included her, on Sunday night, Dave had something planned. Once she returned home that night, she took shower, washing off the events of the day. While dressing her cell phone buzzed telling her she had a text.

"Are you home; is it okay if I call you?" It was Dave.

She pulled on yoga pants and an oversized shirt before answering, "Yes, I'm home, and I'd like it very much if you called."

Heading down stairs, she was excited to hear his voice and be able to talk without prying eyes and ears; she was looking forward to talk about non-bureau topics. Reaching the last step Erin smiled as her phone rang, looking at it; she was slightly disappointed when it was her sister and not Dave. Answering it she talked for a couple minutes, until the call waiting beeped, telling the other woman she needed to take the call, she clicked over to him.

"Hello, Agent Rossi." She teased setting on the couch with her legs pulled under her.

"Did you get the message about the wedding for JJ and Will tomorrow night at my house?" He asked getting right to the point. She sighed, and he heard it, "What's wrong, Erin?"

"Nothing, I just don't know if it's a good idea for me to come, you're team doesn't actually care very much for me. It might be more fun for if I'm not there." She said upset at the way the conversation was going.

"It won't be more fun for me, Erin; I want you there. The team doesn't dislike you as much as you think. You earn a lot of respect from them today, I know I was there plus I've talked to them." He commented.

"Why do you say that?"

"Erin, you worked with them, with us today, not against us. You kept us reined in but you let us lead, you let us do our jobs unhindered. Yes, you questioned us when you thought we needed it, but that's okay, we do that with each other. You were a part of the team and everyone noticed. They saw a glimpse of the Erin you've shown me the last few weeks." He was trying to make her understand the team had seen the changes.

"Okay, David, I'll come, I'm still not sure it's a good idea." She almost whispered.

"I think it's a great idea, now that that's settled, are you really tired?" He asked. "You didn't get much sleep last night and then had a full day today."

His last comments made her smile, "Surprisingly enough no I'm not. Maybe last night is what I needed to energize me, though I do have a couple muscles that are screaming today."

"Yeah, so do I, but they can make all the noise they want for the memory of you crying out my name the way you did. For someone who told me they didn't enjoy sex, you seemed to take pleasure in it and were more vocal than I thought you would be." He could almost hear her blush. "You're blushing, Erin."

"It's not like usually talk about my sexual encounters, David"

"You're not talking to the girls at the office, you're talk to me. You know the man who was there with you, the man who enjoyed it as much as you." He wanted her to feel at ease talking to him about anything.

Standing she went into the kitchen for a glass of water. "Well, I guess you just bring out the animal in me." Erin giggled

"Did you just giggle? I never thought I'd hear you giggle, but then you've surprised me a lot this week. You've done several things I never thought you'd do." If she'd been with him, she'd have seen his trademark grin widen.

"I can hear that smile, Rossi! So, what is the man who made me scream last night doing right now?" She asked.

"He's laying on his bed, talking to a very sexy lady and trying to decide if he wants to go downstairs and get something to eat or if I just want to go to bed." He said.

"Have you eaten anything today, David?" She asked grabbing a banana.

"I don't think so, I may have had an apple or something on the way to the bank heist this morning, but nothing since." He said. "I'm just not hungry."

Using her best mother tone, "You need to eat, keep up your strength."

Laughing, "Yes Ma'am, okay babe, I'm going to go to bed. I'll talk to you in the morning?"

"Sure, sleep well. Good Night."

"Good Night, Beautiful." It always made her smile when he called her that. He made her feel beautiful.

It was almost noon, when Erin woke; she didn't realize how tired she was. She wasn't sure if she imagined it or if her phone was ringing. Picking it up she had one missed call. Checking the voicemail, "Erin, where are you? Call me when you get this please." He sounded like he was pleading.

Dialing his number, he answered on the first ring. "David, what's wrong?"

"You have to get over here and save me." He begged. "She's been here less than 2 hours and not only is she driving everyone crazy, I think she just hit on me."

"Slow down and tell me what you're talking about." She said confused.

Taking a deep breath, "JJ's mom, she got here for the wedding a couple hours ago. Instead of going to the hotel like I thought she came here, now she's telling decorators and caters how to do their job."

"She's the mother of the bride; she wants it to be nice." Erin told him.

"That's fine, but have you ever known me not to have the best of everything when it comes to this kind of functions? They're threatening to quit, that's not the worst of it. She keeps touching me; you're the only woman I want touching me."

"Do your best to stay away from her and tell the help to listen to you." She said, "I'll be there in a few hours."

"Okay, but if she keeps it up, I'm going to tell her I have a special lady and damn the consequences." He said she knew he meant it.

"See you in a while, Dave." She hung up, smiling.

Dave did his best to stay away from Sandy Jareau; the woman was driving everyone crazy. He prayed that someone… anyone from the team would get there early. He'd never been happier to see Spencer Reid, when he showed up at 5 PM. Others weren't supposed to be there until 6 with JJ and Will arriving closer to 7. Once Reid arrived she seemed to leave Dave alone. The two guys stayed in the den, while she watched every move the caterer made. Dave had inspected everything earlier, to make sure it was as he asked. His backyard had been transformed beautifully.

Guests started arriving a little before six; Dave stayed in the yard to great them as the hostess met the guests at the door. He'd told her to come get him when Erin arrived. Maggie, the hostess he'd hired, came to him at 5:53 and whispered, "Ms. Strauss is here, sir, I've shown her to the den per your request."

"Thank you," turning to the few who had gathered around him, "Excuse me, I'll be back in a few; I have some things to take care of."

Entering the den, Dave found Erin standing looking at the book case, she turned when she heard the door close. "Wow, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, is there a reason I was brought to your den?" She asked smiling at him, as he grew moved to her.

He pulled her to him, securing his lips to hers in a searing kiss. They both felt the heat, but Erin thought she might melt. "Yeah, I wanted to do that." He said breaking the kiss and hugging her close to him.

"You know we have to be cautious." She said, "I'm not ready for everyone to know we are…well whatever we are."

"I'd like to think we're in a healthy, mutual relationship." Dave told her.

"We've only gone out a couple times; do you think we're ready to call it a relationship?" Stepping out of his arms, and over to sit on the couch she looked at him questioningly.

"I thought this was what you wanted, I thought you wanted to have a relationship, I thought you wanted us to be together and see where it went?" Was he getting mixed signals?

She took his hands in hers, "I do, David. I do want to be with you and see where we go. I'm just not sure I'm ready for the world to know."

"Okay, I understand and I won't do anything that will cause you to be uncomfortable. We'll just take tonight as we've taken the other times we've been out." He said pulling her to her feet and kissing her again. "Oh and if you see that woman, getting to close for too long, please rescue me."

"You got it." She laughed as they joined the rest of the group.

The wedding was beautiful; they had a nice dinner, and there was dancing. Part of the yard had been turned into a dance floor. Everyone seemed to have a good time; she danced mainly with Dave, but also with Aaron and Derek. Dave danced with, JJ, Penelope, Beth and Emily, but his favorite partner was Erin.

Erin and Dave tried not to show just how close they were becoming, but it grew harder as the night went on, they were so comfortable with each other and the way they moved to the music showed.

When Erin was dancing with Hotch, he questioned her. "Can I ask you a question, Erin?" she nodded, "Is there something personal going on between you and Dave?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"Well, I've known Dave a long time, he's my best friend, and he usually tells me when he has a new friend. I've noticed how upbeat he seems this week, plus I've noticed the little looks you two give when you think no one is looking." Hotch stated. Seeing the look on her face, "I don't think the rest of the team has noticed anything, other than a few extra smiles from him when we were on the road and he was texting. I noticed because I want him to be happy and he's actually .happy for the first time in a long time."

"Let's just say we're testing the waters." She told him very quietly, "But please don't let that get out."

"How long have you been testing the waters?" He asked smiling.

Erin blushed, "We had our first official date Wednesday."

"So this is really new, but it's not like you haven't known each other for years." He said.

"Yes it's new, but it's moving somewhat fast."

"You know, you can tell him to slow down, take it at your pace." He said sounding like a father.

Erin laughed, "I'll have you know Agent Hotchner, I perused him, I started it and I think I've set the pace."

Hotch laughed a hearty laugh, "Good for you, Erin. If anyone can one up Dave it's you. I hope you two are happy and I know you'll make it."

"Thank you." She said before returning to Dave's arms.

He saw the look on her face, it was mixed emotions, "What's wrong, Babe?" He whispered.

"Aaron knows," is all she said.

"What, did he say something?" Dave asked looking at his friend and saw Hotch wink at him.

"He knows you too well, David. It's okay, he's your best friend, and he's on board to keep it to himself." She said.

They danced for several hours until people started to leave, being the good host he needed to say good bye to his guests. He leaned in as the final song came to an end, "Please stay." She nodded.

Once all the guests including JJ's mother, had gone, he went to find Erin, she was wondering in the back yard. He smiled at how good she looked in his garden, among the lights, and petals that had been scattered around.

Moving to her, she snuggled into his arms. "Are you okay…with Aaron knowing?"

"Guess I have to be, he knows and there isn't anything we can do." She said. "I don't want to end it before it begins."

"Good, because I'm beginning to genuinely care about you, Erin Strauss," Dave said kissing her, deeply.

The couple walked slowly back to the house, stopping to kiss once in a while along the way. "It was a lovely evening, David. You did a good job and I'm sure JJ and Will appreciate everything you've done for them."

"I want my family and those I care about to be happy." He said pulling her to him, resting one hand on the swell of her hip and the other cupping her face. "I want you to be happy."

"I can honestly tell you, I'm happier than I've been in years, David." She leaned her face into his hand. "Happier than I thought I'd be, and I'm pretty sure you have a great deal to do with it." Strolling into the living room, the pair kissed again. "I should go." She said, leaning into his embrace.

"Don't…don't go." Dave whispered into her hair, "Stay, Erin. Stay the night with me."

She looked up at him, "I don't know if that's a good idea. We both have to work tomorrow and…"

He signed, "its okay, no pressure, we take things at your pace. Come on I'll walk you to your car". Wrapping his arm around her waist, he showed her to the car, opened the door, helped her in, and leaned to give her a kiss. Closing her door he stood in the drive until she was out of sight.

Erin and Dave talked on the phone, texted and had lunch together once the next week, he'd been away most of it and she'd been pretty busy herself.

Thursday, Dave and the team were in the field. They'd spent the last two days in Michigan. They'd planned on flying out Thursday afternoon, but due to a storm, the jet was grounded. The team was sitting in Hotch's room playing cards, watching TV and chatting. Dave listened as Aaron talked to Strauss, telling her about the case and that they would be home once the storm was over, hopefully in the wee hours or first thing in the morning.

Not very long after the unit chief hung up, Dave's phone vibrated. Opening it hitting the message button, "Hey Handsome, how was your day?"

"Same shit, different day, different unsub." He tapped back, looking around the room at his team, each doing something or talking to someone, no one paying attention to him, or so he thought.

"Are we in a bad mood, Agent Rossi?" Was the next text he received.

Dave sighed, he really didn't want to be there, he was tired and wanted to go home. "Maybe, I'm just ready to be away from here." He hit send.

It wasn't long before he got a reply, "what's wrong, David. Talk to me, why don't you call, it will be better than texting. Besides I'd love to hear your voice."

"We're all sitting in Hotch's room. Not really anyway I can get out of here without a shit load of questions, I'd rather not answer." He really did want to talk to her, to hear her voice, but he also know if he excused himself he would be bombarded with questions.

"I understand, if you get a chance and want to call. I'm leaving here in a little while, grabbing take out and going home, I'll be there all evening." He read.

Just as he was about to hit the reply key, Prentiss asked, "Rossi, who you texting with?" Standing she walked toward him, he knew she might try to grab the phone, so he shoved it in his pocket.

"My publisher," he answered. He didn't want them to know yet, he knew if they found out about Erin, he'd get crap, not that it would change the way he felt. He didn't care if they gave it to him, he just didn't want them to come down on her. Even if things were better between Strauss and the team, there were still some things they needed to deal with.

"Yeah right, you know we'll find out." Emily said sitting back down.

Dave didn't answer, just rolled his eyes. Morgan piped up next, "Em, you know what it's like when you start a new relationship."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Dave remarked.

"Guys, leave him alone." Hotch said. Everyone went back to whatever they were doing before the let's tease Rossi session. Dave looked over at his friend and nodded. Hotch smiled and both men found something else to do.

After dinner, Dave and Derek went to the room they shared. Rossi really wanted to call Erin, he just didn't know how with Morgan in the room.

Dave sat on the edge of the bed with his back to Derek and phone in his hand, looking at it. He felt the bed behind him dip, and then he heard, "Call her. I'll go take a shower and give you some privacy."

Looking at his roommate, Dave smiled and nodded. Derek went into the bathroom and shut the door.

Lying back on his bed, Rossi dialed her number. She answered "hello, David" on the first ring.

"Hi, not sure how much time I'll have, Morgan's in the shower."

Erin heard something in his voice, she wasn't sure yet what it was, but she wanted to find out. "Okay, out with it, what's bugging you? I felt it when we texted, and I can hear it in your tone. Talk to me."

"I don't know, I'm tired, ready to come home. I love this team, sometimes there's no privacy. When we were texting earlier, I had to stop and put my phone away to keep Prentiss from taking it, she wanted to know who I was talking too." He said.

"What did you tell her?" Erin asked.

Dave stood and paced. "I told her it was my publisher, which wasn't a lie; I did send her a text while talking to you. Then Derek made some comment about new relationships, Finally Aaron told them to leave it alone. I don't know how they know all this shit."

Erin smiled, "David, you're part of the elite team, they, like you are the best. Even though you aren't supposed to profile each other, they notice even the smallest change in someone. Don't you notice a few extra smiles, spring in a step and even when someone texts when they don't usually?"

"I guess, but I don't usually call them out on it, especially in front of the whole team."

"Like you, Agent Rossi, they are board, they want to be home. Nothing interesting is happening and teasing you, even if they have no clue or proof is better than being bored. Just don't let them get a rise out of you. That's my job." She said knowing he would get the double meaning. Dave laughed out loud at that comment. "There's that laugh I love to hear." Erin said.

"You are amazing. Thank you, I do feel better." Rossi said.

"That's what I'm here for. Do you think the storm will be over so you can get home tomorrow?" Strauss questioned.

"I'll be there no matter what; I have a hot date with a beautiful blonde." He said, then added. "Derek is done, I shouldn't be talking when he comes back in, he might figure it out. I'll send you a message before I go to bed, okay?"

"Okay, try to enjoy the rest of the evening and I'll be waiting for your message. I'm looking forward to tomorrow night, David." She said.

They both hung up just as Morgan came out of the bathroom. "Did you get your call made?" Derek asked.

"Yes, thank you." Dave answered looking at the younger man.

"Rossi, you know we are just giving you crap, because that's what we do right?" Seeing him nod Morgan continued, "All we want is for you to be happy, if you're in a new relationship and it's putting the extra pep in your step and smile on your face we've seen the last week or so, then we're all happy for you."

"Thanks." Dave said sliding his phone in his pocket. Sitting back down.

"Now will you answer one question for me?" Rossi nodded again. "How long have you and Strauss been seeing each other?"

"Strauss? Where the hell did that come from?" Dave asked trying not to protest too much.

"Come on, Rossi, it's me Derek. I notice things. Sunday night, you two spent most of the night together, not so subtle looks and she was still there when I left and I was the last to leave. Talk to me, I won't say anything if you don't want anything said."

Dave stared at him for a long time before whispering, "a couple weeks, but I visited her a couple times a week when she was in rehab. We are keeping it very quiet, it's against the rule and she's afraid of what the team will say and how they will react."

"Dave, if Strauss makes you happy, screw the rules. As far as the team, we just want you to be happy, besides we've all seen changes in her. She was actually part of the team Saturday. We've got your back. Trust us." Derek commented. "Does anyone else know?"

"We'll see, telling everyone isn't a decision I can make on my own." Dave said, "Yeah Aaron knows, he told Erin Sunday night."

"Well if Hotch knows you can be pretty sure Beth knows." Morgan laughed. Standing, he pulled Dave up, "Come on lover boy, let's go get a drink."

"I bet they're on me, right?" Dave chuckled.

"Of course," Derek said patting the older man on the back and heading out the door.

The team arrived back in Quantico early afternoon on Friday. David went to his office, closed the door, sat down opened his after report, and dialed her cell phone. She didn't answer, so he dialed her office number only to be told by her assistant she was in a meeting until 1 and then would be leaving for the day. She wasn't due back in the office.

"Damn," he said putting the phone down. Pulling out his cell, he typed a message, "Are we still on for the opera tonight?"

"I hope so, pick me up at 6?" was the reply he received.

"Yes." Was his only answer, finishing his report, Dave took it to Hotch. "Here's my report."

"Already, great, at least I'll get one done tonight." Aaron said opening it, "Do you have plans for the weekend?"

"I'm taking Erin to the opera tonight." He saw Hotch raise an eyebrow, "She told me you knew. Anyway opera tonight then we'll see what happens, may spend the rest of the weekend working on my book. What about you?"

"Beth is coming; we're taking Jack to a movie."

Dave headed to the door, "Have fun."

Grabbing his briefcase, Dave closed his office, and headed out. At the bottom of the stairs he saw Morgan sitting on Prentiss' desk, "heading out, Rossi?"

"Yes, have a good weekend, kids." He said passing them.

"You have a good one too, Rossi, don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Morgan said laughing.

Ignoring the younger man, Dave got on the elevator.

Erin left work early, went and got her hair done and a quick manicure. Katie her oldest met her at the salon for a little mother daughter time.

"Out with it mom, who's the guy?" Katie asked.

"What makes you think there's a guy?"

"You invited me for a girl's day, told me you had to be home by 5 and you're getting all glammed up." The younger Strauss commented.

"Okay, I have a date for the opera tonight. He's picking me up at 6 so I need to be home by 5 to get ready." Erin said.

"Name mom, I want a name? Who is he?" Katie questioned.

"No, not yet, it's to new." Katie knew not to push. So she let it drop.

As they were leaving, Katie asked, "Do you want me to come over and help you get ready?"

"So you can hang around and check him out, No, I can do it myself." Taking her daughters hands, "Honey, I know you're curious, you want the best for me, but this relationship is very new, I want to make sure it's going somewhere, before I introduce you kids to him and him to you. I promise, if it stays as good as it's been and we decide we want to make this work, you will meet him."

Dave arrived a little before 6, ringing the bell, Erin answered and invited him in, she needed to grab her wrap it was always cold in the Kennedy Center.

"Stunning, you're gorgeous." Dave said kissing her on the temple.

"Thank you, you look very handsome in your tux. I know the opera isn't really your idea of a great evening, but thank you in advance for taking me." She said.

Putting her hand through his arm, "I want to be with you, you like the opera, so we go to the opera. You don't smoke cigars, but you went with me. It's a give and take relationship, Erin, a partnership. Where's the fun for you, if we only do what I like? You'd be ready to get rid of me in no time, who knows you may decide this isn't for you anyway. It's part of the getting to know each other."

She thought a lot about what he said in the car. At the Kennedy Center, Dave escorted Erin up the stairs to their box seats. She knew he'd paid several hundred dollars for the tickets. The last time she'd taken Katie, seats not nearly as good were well over one hundred each.

"These are wonderful seats, David." She said taking her seat.

Rossi smiled, she'd have to learn if he was going to do something he did it all the way. "Only the best for the lady..." he whispered the last part, "…my lady."

During the first act, David Rossi spent most of his time watching Erin, watching her reactions, smiles, every move of her head. Sometime in the middle she reached over and took his hand holding onto it tightly.

At intermission Dave went to the bar to get the sparkling water he'd preordered. Handing Erin one, he placed his hand on the small of her back to guide her through the crowd to an open space where they could breathe.

Both were surprised when Andrew Shepherd and his wife walked up to them, "David, Erin?"

"Andy, Maggie, nice to see you." Erin said, Dave backed up a step trying to give her some space.

"I knew you liked the opera, Erin, but I would never have take Dave for a fan." Andrew teased. His wife elbowed him slightly.

"Andy…" Erin started.

Smiling at his protégé, "Erin, I'm just giving you shit. If you two want to go to the opera together, I don't care." Then it hit him, like a brick. "Oh… Dave is Erin the special lady from last week?" Erin didn't see him nod, but she felt his hand move to her waist. "When did this start?"

Dave watched Erin pale, he thought she might pass out, tightening his hold on her, "Andy, we're just exploring…" He stopped when he saw the director smile.

"Erin, Dave, I don't care if you two date, or whatever you're doing. I love you both and want you to be happy. If being together makes you happy, then be together."

"What about the fraternization policies?" Erin asked.

Again Andy Shepherd laughed, "Oh Erin, only you would worry and put an out of date rule before your heart. To hell with the fraternization policies. Do you have any idea how many couples there are in the bureau? No one understands an agent's life better than another agent or FBI employee. As long as it doesn't interfere with the job, enjoy, date, fall in love, have amazing sex, do what makes you both feel good. I don't care." He kissed her cheek.

Maggie piped up before he could go one. "Erin I need to visit the ladies room, would you like to join me?"

"Yes. Please." Both ladies left in a hurry.

Once they had gone, Shepherd turned his attention to the agent beside him. "Okay Rossi, spill."

Spill, what?" Dave asked raising an eyebrow.

"You, Erin, relationship, how, when?"

Leaning against the wall, Dave gave a condensed version of the past couple weeks.

"One more question and I'll leave you alone. "Have you two slept together?" Dave nodded, "And how was it?"

Unaware Erin was being asked the same questions in the ladies room, both giving the same answer, "AMAZING!"

Erin and Maggie returned, they talked for a few more minutes until the lights flashed indicating the second act was about to begin. Taking their seats Dave leaned in and whispered, "I'm sorry, if I'd have known they'd be here, I'd have chosen another night."

Placing her hand on his face, "It's not your fault. If we are going to go out in public, we're bound to run into people we know."

"I'll abide by whatever you want to do, but for the record, I'm proud to be seen out in public with the beautiful Erin Strauss on my arm."

When the opera was over, Maggie and Andy invited the couple out for dinner. Declining, they promised another time. Walking to the car, Dave kept a protective arm around Erin. Opening the door, he helped her in, then went to his side and got in.

"Thank you for a lovely evening, David." Erin said looking at him.

"Are you hungry, we could get some dinner?" Dave said.

Smiling, "I could eat something, I'm a bit hungry."

"Have you been to the F Street Bistro , The foods good and it shouldn't be crowded this time of night." He asked turning the car on, pulling out of the parking lot.

"Yes, I've been there, but not for a long time. Sounds good."

They had a nice quiet dinner, talking about their week, the opera and whatever came to mind. The held hands across the table, made eyes at each other and even played footsie under the table. Both felt like teenagers again. Dave finally moved to the chair next to Erin, leaned in and kissed her, soft, slow and with all the passion he felt. She could feel his desire with every move of his lips. Breaking the kiss, he heard her whisper, "I want you so badly, David."

"I'll get a room." He left and was back with a key to a luxury suite at the State Plaza Hotel, upstairs.

Once in the room, Erin, pounced on him, kissing him like a woman who'd hadn't been near a man in years. Frantically tearing at his tie and getting nowhere. Finally taking her hands in his, "Erin, sweetheart, slow down. We have all night." Reaching up he undid his tie, and took off his jacket.

She slowly unbuttoned his shirt, sliding it off his shoulders, placing kisses on his skin. Erin smiled when she felt him shiver; it thrilled her to know she was doing these things to him. She finished taking off his clothes, and took a step back, to just look at him and his body. Last time had been a frenzy, tonight she wanted to really see him, see his body. He had a great body for his age. Toned and firm, he had muscles, but not body builder muscles. She'd noticed the way his jeans fit, he wore them a great deal in the office.

Stepping toward him again, he pulled the pins from her hair, laying them on the table. He's decided last time they'd been together, he liked her hair down, he loved the way it felt on his skin. Next he unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor. In one fluid motion he snapped her strapless bra open and sent it flying.

They made love several time through the night, Dave woke, looked at the clock, 4:17, turning to look at the woman next to him, she was awake watching him. A little concerned, he couldn't read her expression, "Erin, what's wrong?"

She smiled, "What makes you think something wrong?"

"You're staring at me." He turned, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"I'd rather say I'm watching you sleep." She said laying her head against his shoulder. "It's fascinates me to watch you."

"Can I ask you a question?" Dave said closing his eyes. He wanted to ask her, but then he wasn't sure he wanted to now.

Erin saw the look on his face, she knew whatever it was he'd been thinking about it for a while. "You can ask me anything."

"When did you realize you wanted to try a relationship?" He asked nervously.

"You want me to be completely honest?" She saw him nod, "I think, I've always had a little bit of a crush on you, even when I want to choke you. You're astonishingly handsome, have a nice body, tall, dark, and Italian, David you're every woman's fantasy." She saw him give a weak smile, "But that's not what you want to know is it? I think it was the second or third time you visited me in rehab. I walked into the common room, you were standing by the window looking out, your hands in your pockets. You turned around and saw me, there was something in your eyes that day and the way you smiled, I knew I wanted to kiss those lips, touch your skin and see if I could build something with you." She kissed him, "now can I ask you something?"

"Sure." He said opening his eyes to look at her.

"Why did you visit me, and keep visiting, giving me support?" She questioned.

Rolling on his side, leaning on his elbow, "I knew something was wrong, before, I could see a difference in you. You may not believe it, but I've cared about you for a while. Anyway when I found out about your rehab, I knew you'd need a friend, some support and I wanted to be that friend, I was tired of all the animosity. So I talked to Andy, he told me where you were, then I talked to your therapist, she said, it was up to you, to come to a visit once and see what happened, if you told me you didn't want me there, then I wouldn't come back, but if you didn't I'd visit whenever I could. You didn't tell me to stay away so I didn't."

"Thank you, David." Nothing else was said as she straddled him and lust took over.

Erin woke at ten, Dave was not in bed. She looked to the bathroom and it was quiet also. Her heart dropped, did he sneak out, did he get called away, and looking around there was no note. She spotted his tux jacket hanging along with her dress in the closet. Sitting up, she heard the door open. He was doing something in the living area. Getting out of bed, she grabbed the robe off the door, and headed to find him.

"David, what are you doing?" She asked standing in the doorway.

"You were sleeping so well, I didn't want to wake you so I slipped out got a few things. I had breakfast delivered, went to the boutique in the lobby got us both something less formal to wear, and called the dog walker to make sure they got the message about Mudgie." He said handing her a bag.

"Thank you," looking into the bag.

"I hope I got the right sizes and I think they're your style." He said popping a strawberry into his mouth.

Erin moved to the table, he pulled out her chair. "David, what's a Mudgie?"

Laughing as he sat down, "He's my dog, a Chesapeake Retriever. He loves people."

When she was finished with breakfast, Erin stood reached out her hand to him, he took it, she lead him to the shower. Showering together was something she'd always wanted to try. "I've never taken a shower with someone, before she told him as she dried off."

"Never?" he asked, "You and Jack never…"

"No, Jack never wanted to do anything, remotely romantic you could say." She watched him comb his wet hair, before turning to look at her.

"Geez, Erin. There are so many things you need to experience." He said walking up behind her and grabbing her ass as she slide into the jeans he'd purchased for her. "Damn those look great on you. Do they fit okay?"

"Surprisingly, they do. Not to tight and not to lose, how did you know what size to get?" asking as she pulled the blouse over her head.

"I looked at your shoes and dress to get the size of those, then I asked the sales associate to help. She said jeans were harder to do. She asked me if someone in the store was about your size, so I found a lady, put my arm around her to tell them if you were smaller or larger, and they helped me pick out the size, and for the record, you are smaller than the clerk." He said, putting his own shirt on.

Erin walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Tell me more about what I need to experience, that I haven't."

Turning in her arms, he kissed her nose, "have you ever kissed in the rain?" She shook her head, "What about danced under a full moon, skinny dipped, made love in a hot tub, or flew Capri, Italy for the weekend. " Again she shook her head. "If you decide to stick we me kiddo and we'll do them all and more.