A/n: Hello to you and happy Tuesday! I can't thank you all enough for reading, reviewing, following and favoring my story. It means the world to me that this is being so well received. So know that I appreciate you! On to Chapter 3
Disclaimer: The season - Mother Nature, the characters - JKR, the plot - Oh look that's mine.
A gust of Autumn breeze went straight through Hermione's body as she stepped out of the front door of her building. Pulling the collar of her coat up a bit to protect against the chill, she walked down the stairs to the street meeting fellow pedestrians on their way to work. The book store was a few blocks away from her apartment. Walking in the front door she was met by Rachel Lowell, her assistant. Rachel was a bit taller than Hermione, with long dark brown curly hair, eyes that were blue like a cloudless summer sky. Her face had a slight sprinkling of freckles across her cheeks and nose, she was average size though her Mother would always say she was too thin. She had an easy demeanor but her tongue was sharp with wit and sarcasm that Hermione would sometimes laugh at or other times, she would shoot her dirty looks to keep her in check. They were best friends, for Hermione it was nice to have someone to girl talk with. They would get together for movie nights a couple of times a month or meet at various places that Hermione was visiting to write about in her blog. Rachel was a great friend.
"Good morning 'Mione... what do you think of the flowers." Rachel said pointing to the arrangement of flowers in Autumn colors next to the register.
"Morning Rache... Oh those are lovely, I love the colors!" Hermione said brightly with a smile that looked to mean more than just how pretty the flowers are. She turned on her heels and headed back to her office to put away her bag and coat. She emerged back to the check out area with that absent minded smile on her face, humming a soft tune to herself. Rachel just observed her. Watching as Hermione went to the flowers inhaling their scent deeply. Hermione spoke in a happy tone.
"Don't you just love flowers.. they just make you happy don't they?" Hermione chimed still smiling like a fool and picking back up her hummed tune.
Rachel looked at Hermione with a cocked eyebrow... Something is up... now looking at Hermione with squinty eyes, she started to quiz her.
"So, how was your weekend?" Asked Rachel.
"Oh, it was good... and yours?" Hermione replied exchanging the pleasantry.
"Just good? So nothing... eventful happened?" Rachel picking up on the scent that something happened... something that involved a man. She was extremely perceptive that way.
A slight blush showed on Hermione's cheeks as she recalled the last two days seeing Draco again. He looked good, and smelled divine, and sounded...yummy! He was always good looking but now he was... gorgeous! Hermione's mind was lost in thoughts of Draco as an empty headed smile was sprawled across her lips. Her eyes were distant playing back the weekend in her mind's eye. Rachel observed all the tell tale signs. Slamming a book on the counter she shrieked... "You spent the weekend with a man!"
Hermione jumped at the loud bang of the book meeting the counter frowning over at Rachel for scaring her and disturbing her thoughts.
"Don't look at me like that... it's all over your face." Rachel said excitedly.
"What? Nothing is 'written on my face', Rache." Hermione quipped.
"Bullshit you have a look of a 'starry eyed teenager'." Rachel pointed out.
Meeting her eyes, Hermione let out a big sigh and burst into laughter. Confused, Rachel pressed again.
"It's a guy right? I knew it! Talk 'Mione... I want details... Juicy ones!" Rachel said excitedly waiting for the gossip like a puppy waiting for a treat.
"Ok!" Hermione took a deep breath and started to relay the past two days with Draco. Starting with their surprised meeting at the coffee shop and ending with the spine tingling "big bad wolf" voice over. Hermione unconsciously was gushing while telling her all the details of how long it had been since she had last saw him, however she left out the details of their early days at Hogwarts.
Looking at Hermione suspiciously, an evil grin formed in the corner of her mouth as she asked... "So did you make him your famous Eggs Benedict?"
Hermione couldn't stop the blush on her cheeks she hung her head and nodded "Yes". Rachel's eyes widened and she shrieked again. "'Mione did you guys... " Rachel began to say as she was cut off.
"No!" Hermione said quickly and sharply.
"But that is your 'morning after meal'..."Rachel started to point out.
"I know in some cases... yes... however he's just a special 'friend'." She tried to reason.
"Mmm hmm.. a 'special friend'." Rachel said unconvinced.
Squinting her eyes and scrunching her face.. "Isn't there some books that needs putting away?" Hermione said sarcastically to end the inquisition. Rachel giving Hermione a smirk with a wicked look in her eyes started to sing as she went on to her work.
"'Mione and Draco sitting in a tree... K.I.S.S.I.N.G..."
Hermione just huffed while proceeding with her own work for the day. The hours seemed to breeze by, when noon time struck, the bell on the front door rang as Draco entered the store with a bag in hand. He was wearing a black business suit with starched white dress shirt and emerald green tie. His hair was combed in a neat gentleman's cut with side part. Noticing Rachel at the front desk he walked towards her. As he caught her eyes her mouth was agape as the alabaster skinned God walked towards her, aware of her expression she diverted her eyes to recover her dirty thoughts about the gorgeous stranger.
Clearing her throat she spoke.
"Hi there, how can I be of assistance?" She said with a smile.
"Hello, I'm looking for Hermione Granger, my name is Malfoy, Draco Malfoy." He smoothly spoke.
"Oh that's very James Bond of you, I'm Lowell, Rachel Lowell." She replied playfully wiggling her fingers between them.
Draco just gave her a smirk, "It's a pleasure Ms. Lowell, is Hermione available?" He inquired again.
"Sure, let me buzz her." Realizing that this was Draco... the Draco from the weekend, that had Hermione walking around like dumb struck fool. He was nowhere near what she had imagined, he looked dapper to a fault and oozed swagger. Lucky bitch! Rachel said in her head. Picking up the receiver to the phone she buzzed the back office where Hermione was working.
"'Mione... The wolf is here." She said with an evil grin winking at Draco. He looked at her with an eyebrow cocked.
"Be right up." Hermione replied.
Walking up between a set of book cases behind Draco, she caught Rachel eye, looking at her with a scrunched up face, pointing one finger at her like she was chastising a child. Draco realized as the look on Rachel's face changed, feeling that Hermione was behind him, as he slowly spun around, she quickly changed her expression to a smile.
"Draco, this is a surprise, what brings you by?" She said trying to hide the excitement in her voice at his presence.
"I just finished up a meeting in the area, so I thought I would swing by your favorite deli and bring you lunch." He said pleasantly with a sparkle in his eyes when he saw her.
Her eyes gleamed at his thoughtful gesture. "That is so very sweet, let's head back to the kitchenette." She said waving her hand in the direction she had just walked from. As he walked passed her, she shot a look at Rachel that signified a silent "Shut it!"
Rachel just smirked at Hermione, scratching one finger over the other in a "shame on you" gesture.
Draco handed Hermione the bag of food and she began to unpack it laying their lunch on a small cafe table in the kitchenette. On the other side of the tiny room was the sink as well as a few small appliances. Draco took off his jacket hanging it on the back of his chair, he unbuttoned his sleeve cuffs rolling them up to his elbows and loosed his tie a bit. He looked a bit awkward adjusting to the small furniture but made due as he grabbed a half of the overstuffed sandwich. Hermione took a seat opposite him, observing how he did not handle the sandwich as gracefully as he had eaten brunch with a knife and fork. Feeling her eyes on him he looked up to her and gave her a crooked smile saying. "Everything ok?"
Giggling, Hermione replied. "Wonderful! Thank you for lunch."
Smiling at her he handed her a small container of stone ground mustard. "Here try this on your sandwich, I know you like the yellow mustard but this is far better." He said.
Spreading some on her sandwich, she took a bite and made an audible "MMM" sound.."That is so much better." She agreed.
Raising her eyes to his face, she noticed a bit of mustard on the corner of his mouth.
"Mmm, lean over you have a little mustard on your face." She said winking at him. He leaned his body a bit closer so she could wipe his face.
"Look at me Granger, less than a week here and I've lost all my bloody table manners." He smiled giving her a thankful wink.
She let out a soft chuckle and proceeded to eat. They chatted about her store, the seasons, a few upcoming events. She asked if he would join her for dinner Friday.
"There is a new place opening up and I'd like to check it out, would you like to join me?" She asked.
"Like a date?" He questioned.
Hermione choked a bit, causing Draco to look at her with some concern. "You ok?'" He asked.. "I was just ..."He trailed.
Clearing her throat.. "Well no,... um... well... not really a date per say... I mean.." She looked confused.
"Relax Granger ... I was just messing with you. Yes, I'd like to meet you Friday night for dinner that is not a date." He said with a smirk. "Besides, call me old fashioned but I think it is up to the man to ask a lady for a date. Not to dismiss your whole 'girl power' thing." He said.
She lightly laughed "Girl power thing?" She said quizzically.
They looked at each other simultaneously breaking into a fit of laughter.
Hermione said. "I agree, it's nice to be asked out versus being the one to ask. Have you finished?" She continued standing to toss out the empty food containers.
"Merlin, yes! I'm going to have to walk back to the office I'm so full. How was it?" He asked.
"A wonderful surprise." She said with a smile cleaning up the rest of the trash. "Oh you have a bit of mustard on your shirt, I think I have stain remover under the sink." She made a move to look for it.
"I can't have anything nice." Draco said sarcastically. "Do worry Granger I have it." Draco pulled his wand out of his coat pocket to cast a quick "Scourgify" spell. He did notice Hermione white knuckling the bottle in her hand as she felt the energy in the room fluxgate with his spell. She turned quickly to hide the panic in her face, taking a beat to recover.
"There all done." He said already adjusting his sleeves and buttoning back the cuffs.
Letting out a silent sigh, clearing her throat she spoke. "I should go relive Rachel for her break, do you want to look around the shop for a few?" She offered not really wanting them to part company so soon.
Checking his pocket watch, he replied. "Sure, my next meeting is not until half past two." Smiling at Hermione.
They walked up to the front, Draco trailing behind a bit making like he was checking out the books but really he was eyeing Hermione. She's become more beautiful with time. She was still so warm and those eyes... those lips.. that body. Draco felt a twitch below his belt. Get a hold of yourself man! He internalized.
Walking up to the ladies at the front desk, meeting them with a small smile.
"Well then I shall take my leave." Rachel said "See you next time Mr. Wol... excuse me, Mr. Malfoy." She said shooting a knowing look over her shoulder. Hermione shot her a deadly glare. Rachel headed out the door for her break.
"She seems like a funny bird." Draco said turning his head in Hermione's direction giving her a million dollar smile.
"She's a regular riot." Hermione quipped.
Just then the bell rang and a voice echoed in the store. "Hey 'Mione, you here." A male voice called.
"At the front desk Mr. Martinelli." Hermione casted her voice over towards the door.
A small framed man with an excited walk came up to the desk. He was dressed in a grey Italian silk suit, the jacket a half size too small faking the appearance of bicep muscles. He wore a black turtleneck on the inside of the jacket and gold chain around his neck, a substantial gold pinky ring. His jet black hair was slicked back and his olive skin looked to be enhanced by chemical means. Mr. Samuel Martinelli, at least ten years her senior, was one of Hermione's best customers, aside from his stereotypical appearance he was very well versed in antique books as well as an array of subjects.
"'Mione how are you, Rache said my books arrived." He said then taking notice of Draco standing to the side of the counter. Draco eyed him intensely trying to sum him up and not appreciating his tone of familiarity with Hermione. "Hey.. a .. Mi.. Who's your friend." Mr. Martinelli quizzed giving Draco a once over.
"This is my dear friend, Draco Malfoy." She said with a coy smile. 'Dear friend'... dear Merlin.. She said in her head.
"Draco Malfoy... good to meet you. I'm Sammy Martinelli." The older man said extending a hand.
Draco still summing up Sammy in his head, firmly shook his hand giving him a nod. "Yeah, so." Sammy started, turning his attention back to Hermione. "You're coming to the Halloween Party, right? It's gonna be a blast!" Sammy said beaming.
"Yes, of course Mr. Martinelli." Hermione replied handing him a bag. "Would you mind if I extended the invite to a plus one?" She asked.
"Sure doll, who do you have in mind cause Rachel is already on the list, the two of you can dress up like Lady Godiva and we can have a little ménage..." Sammy was cut off.
"Um, no I'd like to bring Draco." She quickly stated noticing Draco's body tense at the semi lewd comment.
"Oh, yeah... That's fine. The more the merrier." Sammy said with a half smile. But, Rachel will still be there, right. I like that little spit fire." He said winking at Hermione.
"I'm sure she would not want to miss it. Thank you so much Mr. Martinelli." Hermione said sweetly.
"Well then doll, see you at the party." Sammy said then eyed Draco one last time. Draco's look was stoic.
Sammy tilted his head at Draco. "Drake..." He said dryly.
"Mr. Malfoy." Draco corrected as Sammy turned his back to them walking towards the door.
"Mr. Malfoy." Sammy said over his shoulder exiting the store.
"Granger what the hell was that?" asked Draco.
"That was one of my best clients." Hermione replied.
"No, no I mean the whole 'ménage' nonsense." He said with a slight concern.
"Malfoy, are you jealous?" Hermione said with a giggle and a wink.
Stepping back from the counter to give her a better look at himself, he replied sarcastically. "Um.. have you seen me?" With his arms waving up and down his body. Oh yes darling... I've definitely noticed you.. Hermione said in her head.
"I see your arrogance is still intact." She said laughing at him. Draco giving her a scowl then flashing a smile.
"When is the party?" He asked.
"Halloween night, it's a Saturday this year, thankfully." She sighed glad that the store was closed on Sundays. "You are required to dress up as a literary character, since the party is to benefit literacy initiatives in the community. " She said ending with a smile.
"So who are you going to dress up as?" Draco questioned.
"Hester Prin, from the Scarlett Letter." She replied.
He leaned over the counter closer to her, saying in a low tone. "Maybe you should go as Little Red Riding hood and I'll go as the Wolf." He ended with a soft growl and a wicked smirk. Hermione's eyes widened and dazzled at the thought.
Just then the front door bell rang, Draco stood upright, reaching to check his pocket watch again.
"Hey guys what did I miss?" Rachel said walking over to the counter.
"Mr. Martinelli came by to pick up his order, he also wanted to remind us about the party." Hermione said.
"Ugh... I know he's a good customer but he's a little creepy." Rachel said with a sneer on her face.
"On that note, ladies, I shall leave you. Granger, Friday night right?" Draco said.
"Yes, I'll call you later on the time." She said with a smile.
"Spit fire." He said in Rachel's direction with a wink and a nod.
"See you Wolf man." She smirked back then turning her head to meet Hermione's scowl.
When Draco was out of ear shot she spoke. "I can't tell you a bloody thing." Hermione quipped.
The night air was very cool as Hermione and Draco briskly walked back to her apartment. The streets were filled with folks walking to the different establishments in the area. They were lit by the row of buildings and street lamps along the pavement. Friday night's dinner was a total bust. The food was awful, the restaurant was dubbed the next best thing in Italian cuisine. It was more like the worst last resort, they did not stick around too long after being served lukewarm food that tasted bland. How do you make bland Italian food!
"Good thing this was not a date or I would say you bloody owe me one Granger." Draco said with smirk.
"That was a complete disaster." She chuckled. "They can't all be gems."
"Come to my place around two tomorrow I'll make you an authentic stuffed manicotti." Draco offered.
"Malfoy, you can cook? When did you learn how to use a stove." She teased.
"Granger, Muggle contraptions are not as complicated as some might fear. Besides Zabini's Grandmother taught me, she would always complain about how thin I used to be." Draco said.
"You know that offer is way too good to pass up. Watching you in a kitchen.. cooking. Salazar must be doing summersaults." She said with a chuckle. "I'll see you at two. Should I bring anything?" She offered.
Just your sexy self in those jeans... Draco thought to himself. Hermione made even more of an effort to look cute for their non date - date. She wore dark blue skinny jeans, grey suede booties, a cable knit wrap around sweater with a white scoop neck shirt on the inside, simple silver necklace all under a short hounds tooth pea coat. Draco was dressed casual in blue and white plaid button down shirt, black sports coat and dark denim relax fit jeans with well worn black boots.
"Just your appetite." He said with a smile.
Walking up to Hermione's building they both padded up the stairs. Hermione unlocked the apartment door, stripping off their jackets the headed straight for the kitchen.
"What would you like, there is a piece of the chicken pot pie from Thursday's lunch. Oh, I made the best stir fry Wednesday or a sandwich?" She asked Draco.
They were both famished after their disastrous dinner. After his surprise lunch on Monday, Hermione asked him to meet her at the store for lunch Thursday. She made him the most delicious chicken pot pie from scratch with flaky golden crust which he had two helpings of before heading back to work. Draco was filling the kettle with water for tea. The scene was out of a domestic fantasy.
"Merlin, the pot pie. I dreamt about it last night." said Draco. Hermione started laughing at his statement which in turn caused him to laugh out loud as well.
"Draco, it's stupid easy to make... Next time I'll show you." She said between catching her breath.
Taking the food out of the fridge. Draco walked by her to put the water on. Watching her bend back into the fridge he felt a familiar twitch below his belt. As Hermione straight up she held a little pink box. Draco moved around to the other side of the kitchen island as she placed the box between them.
"What's in the box?" Already sensing something delectable.
"It a slice of NY style cheesecake." She said wiggling her eyebrows at him.
" Just one slice? That's bloody greedy." He said teasing her.
"Well I figured we could share..."Hermione started to taunt him but he cut her off walking over to her side of the island, she turned and they both stood facing each other.
"Hermione." He said leaning closer to her. "I don't share."
Their eyes locked slowly leaning in to each other. Hermione jumped as the kettle's whistle began to blare from the hot steam.
Killing the moment she took a step back and offered "Earl grey?" She said with a small smile.
His eyes softening in intensity, taking a step back he said " Yes with a splash of milk." Ending with a small smile of his own.
A/n: Chapter 3 is a wrap! I know there is a lot of food mentioned in this story. I've always figured sharing a meal can be more than just nourishment for the body. It can be an intimate interaction where you let your guard down and are able to open up to talk. As always reviews are appreciated!
