I awoke to the sounds of laughing in the living room and realize it's way past noon. At least it's Saturday I mumble to myself while rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The sun was bright and I momentarily think about covering back up under the blankets for the duration of the day.

'I'm sure she'll be up soon.' I hear Callie say approaching my bedroom door. I'm confused, was I expecting anyone today? She knocks lightly and opens the door slowly so the light streams in the crack.

'Viv? Are you up? Christian and Mia are here.' I bolt upright and gather the covers at my chin.

'Come in here and shut the door.' I whisper through clenched teeth and rake my fingers through my hair convincing it to lay down. Callie steps in and the door shuts with a click. I can hear more mumbles in the living room and my heart flutters knowing it's Christian.

Callie creeps over to the bed and perches herself on the edge.

'What up?' She's so oblivious it's annoying.

'Um, how about my super-hot billionaire date is in my living room and I'm in here half asleep and practically naked. I motion to underwear, I just cannot sleep with pyjamas on.

'He wants to take you out again VIv, it IS Valentine's day after all.' I grimace.

'Valentine's day is just a reason for everyone to expect hearts and flowers and end up eating discounted chocolate and crying yourself to sleep.' I crawl out of bed and shove my legs through two day old jeans that were crumpled at the foot of my bed. 'Besides, I thought we had plans?' I ask knowing we had made a no date pact after last years Valentines was a flop.

'I know, but Mia said we could catch up….she said he was asking about you.' I grin and throw on a plain grey v neck t shirt. Perhaps I was wrong….

'I dunno it's kinda weird isn't it? Like he shows no interest in seeing me again last night then suddenly he's in our apartment the next day? Seems odd.' I glance at myself in the mirror and try to rub off some of last nights eyeliner.

'Just go Vivienne. Seriously, you've got to get laid.' I frown and throw a pillow at her. She's such a jerk.

Entering the living room my eyes dart around trying not to lock with his. I can feel him staring and keep my eyes cast downward at the floor. Not showered isn't exactly how I wanted to spend my second date with Christian. I glance up and notice Mia has made herself at home, cozying up under a blanket on the couch.

'Morning, er, afternoon Vivienne! Hope we didn't wake you.' Mia chimes

'No, I should have been up hours ago.' I offer a small smile and finally my eyes glance over at Christian. He's wearing dark blue jeans and a green hoodie, I can't help but notice how much the colour brings out his eyes. 'It's nice to see you again.' I offer to Christian who has since taken a seat on the recliner adjacent his sister.

'I want to apologize for last night if I seemed distant. You were not who I was expecting to show up for our date and I want to make it up to you.'

'On Valentine's Day? Kind of setting yourself up for a big one, aren't you?' I see one side of his mouth turn into a crooked grin.

'I think I'm up for the challenge. Please, go, get changed I'll wait for you.'

'Actually, Mia and I were just going to do some retail therapy for all us dateless folks.' Callie grabs for her coats and Mia follows.

'Oh, okay. Christian, can you come back in about an hour? I really do need to shower.' I glance over at Callie mentally trying to get her to stay until I'm ready.

'I don't mind waiting for you.' Christian says and Callie shrugs ducking out of the apartment. Mia gives a warning look at her brother.

'You behave Christian.' Mia calls before shutting the door behind her and Callie.

It's quiet when they leave, too quiet. I fidget and try to think about something to talk about. Christian sits legs open, leaning back into the chair, watching me, my heart beat quickens.

'So…' I offer. 'What did you have in mind?'

'I need to make up for last night and that does not include disclosing the details. Please go get ready, I'll be here when you're done.' I blush thinking of him sitting out here while I'm going to be in the next room naked.

'What should I wear?'

'Something warm, it's flurrying.' He turns to look out of the window and I drink in his face. His jaw is so perfectly chiselled and the stubble from yesterday is still very much present. He's soooo attractive. Damn it.

'Okay, I'll be quick. Promise.' I coyly smile and excuse myself to the bathroom. Inside I take a deep full breath of air. O.M.G.

I shower quickly, shaving and washing everything to perfection. Perhaps I was a virgin, but that doesn't mean it'll never happen, right? Exiting the shower, I grab for my towel and remember I'll have to walk back to my room to get dressed. Shit….

I squeak the door open and his eyes are on me as soon as I'm in full view.

'Sorry I forgot my clothes. ' I scurry to my room and slam the door before I can make eye contact.

I put on a pair of jeans and a longer tunic with pretty criss-cross details on the chest. The turquoise colour of my top pairs great with my dirty blonde hair and green eyes. I AM attractive however being too picky with men has always been my downfall. I turn on the blow-dryer and try to quickly make myself presentable for the God sitting in my living room.

I don't hear him enter my room over the blow-dryer. Just as I click the off button I hear a squeak behind me. When I turn, he's sitting on my bed and looking at me with curiosity.

'I'm surprised you're still single, you are quite beautiful you know.' I blush

'I could say the same thing about you Grey.' I raise to leave the room but he catches me by the waist pulling me down beside him on the bed.

'You're not my type you know?' He says as if it's a normal thing to reveal.

'Excuse me? I straighten and put a few more inches between us.

'This, I, you know what…nevermind. Forget I said anything, please let's just enjoy today.' My apprehensiveness must have been showing because he goes on. 'Blondes. I'm not usually attracted to blondes Vivienne.'

I'm not sure what to think other than my very bruised ego was very much still intact.

'Oh.' I say very low, not looking at him.

'I'd like to kiss you, Vivienne. Properly, like I should have last night when you were expecting it.' He's got his hand on the side of my cheek before I can protest bringing me closer to him. Our eyes lock for just a moment before he glances down at my lips.

My loins are aching for something I know nothing about when his lips finally meet mine. They are hot and soft and when he pulls back the third time for air I can see he's feeling a little flushed as well. I pull him in again this time opening my mouth to his eager tongue. I allow a small moan to escape and he pulls back gaging my reaction.

'Let's slow this down a bit, hmmm? I think I covered the first date goodbye kiss.' I nod wanting him to kiss me again but he gets up motioning for me to follow him. 'Please, let's get out of your bedroom Vivienne. I am not known for my restraint.'

As I pass by him I notice a bulge straining the front of his jeans and momentarily wonder if I should pull him back down on top of me on the bed. Stop it Viv! You've known this man for less than 24 hours!

I can feel the sexual tension between us as we leave the apartment. He takes my hand and as soon as I feel the cold, winter air on my face I breathe a sigh of relief. Thank God! I can actually think out here, away from my bed. Away from him…..

'So Christian, where are we going?' I'm giddy now, like a school girl on their first date.

'So eager Miss. Rogers. Delayed gratification can be so satisfying.' I hear the sex in his voice and try to concentrate on my feet. I cannot let him have such an effect on me.

We walk for what seems like forever until I see we've reached Central Park. The gates are shut and I realize that the park is closed for the public today. He's still guiding me there though and I pause making him look back at me.

'What's the matter?' He's slightly annoyed I've stopped in the middle of traffic.

'I, I don't think we can go in there today. I read something about it being closed.' He grins again, this time letting it reach his eyes.

'I know, I'm the one who arranged it.'

As we reach the gate I notice a horse drawn carriage on the other side, a man jumps down and hurries over to let us in.

'Oh! Christian! Your taking me on a sleigh ride?' The flurries coat his copper hair and I have a hard time trying to think of a moment I'd been more surprised.

'I thought I owed you after last night. Honestly, I thought I'd be riding alone after my abrupt departure last night.'

We climb into the sleigh and tuck ourselves into the large plaid throw we found on the seat. Christian wraps his arm around me and I tuck myself into his side. He smells divine, distinctly Christian and I wonder how I can bottle some up for later. As the driver flicks the reins were off on a nice trot throughout the park. I peek up at Christian and meet his gaze. Embarrassed I laugh and break the stare.

'So why did you take off so quickly last night?'

'Straight to the point, well okay. I suppose we need to be very honest with each other, don't we?' I nod and pull back a bit worried about what he might say.

'Mia told me I was being set up with her friend, her brunette friend Molly.' What the hell is up with him and brunettes? I twist my hair self-consciously and try to gain insight.

'So, because I was blonde you blew me off?'

'It's more complicated than that. It's not important and I'd really like to focus on something else. Like how ravishing you are with pink cheeks in the snow.' I blush but worry about his secrecy. Why does he have to be so gorgeous? If this was any other man I'd have bolted a long time ago….

'So how is you move to New York coming?'

'Fine. Slow, but I hope to be completely settled by the end of the month.'

'And your family? Won't you miss them?' Perhaps I'm being too nosy but I find myself enthralled to find out every last detail about this man.

'Meh, I was adopted and have strong bonds with my family. I love my parents, siblings but it's not like we do Sunday dinners after church.'

'That sounds lonely.' I think of my own parents and how much I relied on them in my youth.

'Yes, it certainly can be.' I know were done with the personal questions when I hear his tone get sharp.

'What about your family?' He softens.

'My mom and dad are my everything. They've shown me what true love should look like and I aspire to live up to that every day. I have a brother too, he's younger than me and I always feel like I need to protect him.'

'You have a big heart.' He coos into my ear.

'I certainly try.'

'I hope you can help me.' He says it so low I don't even turn to look at him and as the second's tick on I think I imagined it. But it's ringing, over and over in my brain until we pull up to what looks like a warming shack in the park.

'Come on Vivienne, it's getting colder out.' He jumps down and I sturdy myself with his hand to jump out of the sleigh.

I hope you can help me…..